The year 2011 was a very interesting year for me on a lot of different levels. I began the year with the intent to be laser focused on the mission of Inspired Sistah and taking the organization to another level. I had a nice, neat plan of attack and was in forward motion to make it happen. Well, life happened and a lot of things occurred differently than how I imagined them, but the education I received from "Life University" is worth sharing:
1. They that be with you are more than they that be against you.
A huge lesson that I had to learn was that not everyone will embrace my message. And that's really actually okay because I'm not called to serve everyone. But as a person who is passionate about my message, it was a bitter pill to swallow. However, in conjunction with that, I've also come to understand that there are more that are for me than against me.
2. Let Folks Go.
This has been a very painful lesson for me because I have been forced to release people who I really like, but they are in a different space than I am and want different things. I've learned that if I'm their option, they can't be my priority...Simple.
3. Listen to your gut.
As women, we've been gifted with intuition. Call it your "gut," a "hunch," that "still, small Voice,” whatever. The fact of the matter is that oftentimes, God gives us a warning or admonition about a situation long before the bottom falls out. LISTEN!
4. Don't allow anyone to discount your greatness.
There may be people who have watched you grow and evolve who still want to remember "when..." They may try to hold you to that old standard and have a difficult time embracing the new standard. Well, that's their problem, not yours. Continue to grow, abound and soar and don't let anyone discount your greatness.
5. Don't allow your purpose to get muddled in the details.
More likely than not, your purpose is an ever-changing entity with a lot of moving parts. Because of that, it's easy to get lost in the minutia. If you're not careful, your vision can become clouded in the fine print. Don't allow that to happen. Staying focused on your "why" will help keep you grounded and encouraged.
6. Even when you count up the cost, you still may not fully understand the true price of greatness.
On the ladder of success, it is not uncommon to look at someone in awe whom you deem as being a few rings higher up on the ladder. But what I've come to understand is that positions of influence come at a great cost. And even if you think you understand that cost, you may not even have a clue!
7. Take no prisoners!
At certain seasons of your journey, there may be individuals that present themselves as helpers, supporters or benefactors. They may be a tremendous blessing to you for a season, but when their season is up, release them to continue on to their destiny. Do not hold them hostage to your dream. Because once they become prisoners, they will no longer be a blessing, but unwilling participants that weigh the vision down.
8. Everybody ain't ready.
You'll meet a lot of people who say that they want to go to the next level. Or give a false perception of themselves as though they operate at a certain level of excellence. But the truth of the matter is that they're really not ready to make the type of sacrifices or commitment it takes to ascend to and sustain greatness. Don’t judge them. Just keep it moving.
9. You’ve got to have a plan. Passion is not enough.
It's important that you write your vision and make it plain so that you can have a blueprint for your success. Having passion with no plan will only sustain you for a short amount of time. Properly preparing for your passion gives greater credence and sustainability to your purpose.
10. Consistency is the key. Slow and steady wins the race.
To create a lasting legacy, you must commit to consistent, diligent effort. You can't hit and miss and expect lasting results. Before large infrastructures can be built, a firm, sturdy foundation must be laid in order to support its weight. So it is when you're cultivating your purpose, you must be willing to stick with it even when you're tired, discouraged and disillusioned because the moment that you slack may be the moment right before your breakthrough.
I’m sure there are countless others that I have failed to list, but these were the top ten pressing on my heart. Like everyone else, I’m excited about what 2012 has to offer. That excitement is fueled by expectation and the wisdom I’ve gained from 2011. It’s been good, but I’m looking forward to even better!
New Year’s Blessings,
Tangie
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