2018 Will Be Your Year If You Overcome

January 14, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“2018 will be your year if you overcome procrastination.” – Tai Lopez

This Will Be Your Year

This will absolutely be your year if you overcome procrastination. I’ve seen it happen countless times – that moment when someone finally breaks free from the cycle of “I’ll do it tomorrow” and witnesses their life transform. Procrastination isn’t just about putting things off; it’s the invisible wall between you and everything you want. When you push through that wall, you’ll be amazed at how quickly your dreams start becoming reality.

The secret most people miss is that procrastination isn’t about laziness – it’s about fear. We delay because we’re afraid of failing, afraid of succeeding, afraid of change, or simply afraid of the discomfort that comes with doing hard things. But here’s the truth: those fears never completely disappear. The people who achieve great things aren’t fearless; they’ve just learned to take action despite their fears. They understand that courage isn’t the absence of fear – it’s feeling the fear and doing it anyway.

Small wins create massive momentum. Don’t try to overhaul your entire life in one day. Instead, focus on tiny victories. Complete one task you’ve been avoiding. Then another. Then another. Each small win releases dopamine in your brain, making the next action easier. Before long, taking action becomes your new normal. Your brain actually rewires itself to crave completion rather than avoidance. This is when the magic happens – when productivity becomes your default setting rather than something you have to force.

The most powerful shift happens in how you see yourself. When you consistently follow through on commitments to yourself, you develop unshakable self-trust. You start to think of yourself as someone who gets things done, someone reliable, someone capable. This new self-image ripples through every area of your life – your relationships, your career, your health. People notice this change in you and respond differently. Opportunities appear that weren’t there before, not because the world changed, but because you did.

Your future self is watching you right now, hoping you’ll make the decision that changes everything. Imagine looking back on this moment from December, seeing it as the turning point when you decided that enough was enough. The cost of procrastination isn’t just the opportunities you miss today – it’s the compounded loss of all the doors those opportunities would have opened tomorrow. Your life can completely transform in a year, but only if you start now. Not tomorrow. Not when you “feel ready.” Now. This moment. This decision. This is where your new life begins.

There’s a Difference Between Judging Yourself and Observing Yourself

January 13, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“There’s a difference between judging yourself and observing yourself. The former leads to self-doubt, the latter to self-improvement.” – Jerry Corsten

The Power of Self-Observation

When you catch yourself being harsh on your own thoughts and actions, pause for a moment. There’s a crucial difference between judging yourself and simply observing yourself. Judging comes with a sting – it’s when you think “I’m so stupid for making that mistake” or “I’ll never be good enough.” This kind of self-talk traps you in a cycle of negativity. But observation is different. It’s stepping back and noticing “Hmm, I made that mistake because I was rushing” or “I notice I get anxious in these situations.” This small shift in perspective can completely transform how you grow as a person.

Think about watching a child learn to ride a bike. You don’t yell at them when they fall – you notice what happened, offer support, and suggest adjustments. “Your balance was better that time, but try looking ahead instead of down at your feet.” We deserve to give ourselves that same compassionate attention. When you observe without judgment, you gather valuable information without the emotional baggage that makes change feel impossible.

I’ve worked with countless people who spent years stuck in patterns of harsh self-criticism, believing it was the only way to improve. But judgment actually blinds us to the truth. When you’re busy beating yourself up, you miss the subtle patterns and underlying causes of your behavior. It’s like trying to study something under a microscope while shaking the table – impossible to see clearly! Self-observation, on the other hand, creates the calm, clear space where true insights can emerge.

Try this simple practice: The next time you make a mistake or notice something about yourself you don’t like, take three deep breaths. Then ask, “What can I learn here?” rather than “What’s wrong with me?” This isn’t just positive thinking – it’s a practical approach that leads to actual solutions. When you observe that you procrastinate most when you’re afraid of doing something imperfectly, you can address the real issue: perfectionism. Judgment would only have told you that you’re “lazy” – a dead-end that offers no path forward.

The beautiful truth is that you are always more than your mistakes and limitations. Observation helps you see this bigger picture – that you’re a complex, evolving human with both strengths and weaknesses. This perspective brings a profound sense of freedom and possibility. You no longer need to be perfect to feel worthy. Instead, you can embrace your whole self while still working on meaningful change. This isn’t just self-improvement; it’s self-transformation. And it all begins with that gentle shift from harsh judgment to curious, compassionate observation of who you really are.

The Moment You Decide That You Don’t Want to Be Defined

January 13, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“The moment you decide that you don’t want to be defined by your past is the moment you give yourself the opportunity to recreate your life.” – Unknown

Breaking Free From Your Past

The moment you decide you don’t want to be defined by your past is truly magical. It’s like opening a door you never knew existed. Think about it – we all carry around stories about ourselves based on what’s happened before. “I’m bad at relationships” or “I always quit when things get tough” or “I’ll never be successful.” But these stories are just that – stories. When you finally say, “No, that’s not who I am anymore,” you give yourself permission to write a completely new chapter.

This shift doesn’t happen by ignoring your history. It’s actually about accepting everything that’s happened and then making a conscious choice that those events don’t control your next move. Your past shaped you, sure, but it doesn’t have to be a prison. I’ve seen people who were abused become the most compassionate counselors, and former addicts become incredible mentors. What changed? They stopped seeing their painful histories as sentences and started seeing them as starting points.

The trickiest part is that our brains love familiar patterns, even unhealthy ones. When you decide to break free from your past definition, your mind will fight back with thoughts like “Who are you kidding?” or “Remember the last time you tried to change?” This is normal! It’s just your brain trying to keep you safe in what’s familiar. The key is to notice these thoughts without believing them. Every time you act differently than your old patterns, you’re creating new neural pathways – literally rewiring your brain for a new future.

Taking this step means getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. If you’ve always been “the shy one,” speaking up will feel weird at first. If you’ve been “the person who can’t commit,” staying in a relationship when things get tough will feel strange. This discomfort isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong – it’s proof you’re growing! Think of it like working out – the muscle has to tear a little to get stronger. Your identity is the same way.

The beauty in all this is that you can start right now, today. You don’t need special permission or perfect circumstances. All you need is the willingness to see yourself through fresh eyes. Ask yourself: “Who would I be if I wasn’t defined by my past mistakes or traumas?” Then take one small action that aligns with that new vision. Maybe it’s apologizing to someone, or signing up for a class you’ve always wanted to take, or simply looking in the mirror and speaking kindly to yourself. These small actions build momentum. Before you know it, you’ll look back and realize you’ve become someone new – not because you erased your past, but because you refused to let it write your future.

When Two Interesting People Have a Conversation

January 8, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“When two interesting people have a conversation, they completely forget to talk about themselves.” – Ed Latimore

When Minds Meet: The Magic of Meaningful Conversations

When two interesting people have a conversation, they completely forget to talk about themselves. It’s like watching a dance where both people are so captivated by their partner that they stop checking their own moves in the mirror. Instead of waiting for their turn to speak, they actually listen—not with the polite nodding we often see, but with genuine curiosity. Their questions aren’t just social lubricant; they’re doorways into someone else’s world. And here’s the beautiful paradox: by forgetting ourselves in conversation, we often discover parts of ourselves we never knew existed.

This kind of conversation is rare in our “me-first” world. Most of us use talking as a way to broadcast our achievements or problems. We’ve got our phones out, half-listening while planning what impressive thing to say next. But truly interesting people don’t need to prove anything. They’ve already filled their own cup of self-worth, which means they can focus entirely on filling yours. The magic happens when two people approach each other this way—suddenly, the conversation becomes about exploring ideas together rather than two separate monologues happening in the same room.

Try this experiment tomorrow: Have one conversation where you make it your mission to learn something fascinating about the other person. Not surface stuff like their job title or where they vacationed, but what lights them up inside or what struggle has shaped them most. Watch what happens when you ask follow-up questions that show you’re really tracking with them. The energy shifts. Time slows down. And without trying to be interesting yourself, you suddenly become the most interesting person they’ve talked to all week.

This approach to conversation is actually ancient wisdom. Socrates never claimed to know much; he just asked great questions. The Dalai Lama spends more time asking about your life than talking about his. These wise souls understood that our egos create separation, but curiosity creates connection. When we drop our need to impress or promote ourselves, we create space for something much more valuable: authentic human connection. We move from transaction to transformation.

The beautiful thing about forgetting yourself in conversation is that you never actually lose anything. In fact, you gain a broader perspective, fresh insights, and often a deeper friendship. You might find yourself driving home thinking not “Did I sound smart enough?” but “Wow, I never thought about life that way before.” This is the paradoxical gift of forgetting ourselves—we become more whole, not less. So tomorrow, try being less interesting and more interested. Your conversations—and your life—will never be the same.

Freedom Begins in the Mind. Release the Chains of past Conditioning

January 8, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“Freedom begins in the mind. Release the chains of past conditioning, one belief at a time. Let go of every thought that makes you feel small.”

The Path to Inner Freedom

Freedom truly does begin in our minds. Before we can change anything in our outer world, we need to recognize how our thoughts shape our reality. Many of us walk around with invisible mental chains – old beliefs from childhood, harsh self-criticism, or fears that were planted long ago. These thought patterns limit what we believe is possible. The good news? You can start breaking these chains right now, simply by becoming aware of them and questioning if they’re actually true.

Releasing your past conditioning happens one belief at a time. Think about it like cleaning out an overstuffed closet – you can’t do it all at once, but you can examine each item and ask, “Does this still serve me?” Maybe you grew up hearing you weren’t smart enough, or that certain dreams were impractical. These messages became part of your mental furniture, but they don’t have to stay there. Each time you notice a limiting belief, you have a choice to keep it or let it go.

Letting go of thoughts that make you feel small is probably the most powerful action you can take for personal growth. We all have that inner critic that whispers we’re not good enough, not worthy, or that we’ll fail. These thoughts aren’t facts – they’re just habits. When you catch yourself thinking something that diminishes you, try asking: “Would I say this to someone I love?” If not, why say it to yourself? Replace those thoughts with ones that acknowledge your strength and potential.

This inner work isn’t just about feeling better – it changes everything. When you stop believing the thoughts that limit you, you’ll naturally take different actions. You’ll speak up more, try new things, and set boundaries that honor your worth. People often wait for permission or perfect circumstances to make changes, but freedom comes when you realize you’ve been holding the key all along. Your mind created these limitations, and your mind can dissolve them.

Remember that this journey happens step by step, with patience and self-compassion. You didn’t develop your current thought patterns overnight, so changing them takes consistent practice. Notice your thoughts without judgment, question the ones that restrict you, and consciously choose more expansive beliefs. Some days will be easier than others, but each time you catch and release a limiting thought, you’re building new neural pathways. Your freedom is already within you – it just needs to be uncovered, one belief at a time.

If You’re Waiting for the Perfect Time

January 8, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“If you’re waiting for the perfect time, you’ll be waiting forever. Take action, make a move, and do something about it.”

The Art of Starting Before You’re Ready

The perfect moment is a myth, a shimmering mirage that keeps moving just beyond our reach. I’ve worked with countless people who spent years waiting for that magical alignment of circumstances—the right amount of money, the perfect skillset, or that elusive burst of confidence. But here’s the truth: the perfect time exists only in our imagination. Life doesn’t pause while we prepare. If you’re waiting for everything to line up perfectly, you’ll find yourself perpetually stuck at the starting line, watching opportunities drift away like leaves on a stream.

Action has a peculiar magic to it. When you take that first shaky step—even when you don’t feel ready—the universe often responds in kind. I call this the “movement principle.” Just as a bicycle becomes easier to balance once it’s in motion, your path becomes clearer once you’re moving along it. The solutions you need, the people who can help, the resources you require—these things rarely appear when you’re standing still. They emerge from the momentum of doing, of trying, of risking.

Fear disguises itself as practicality. It whispers, “Wait until you have more experience,” or “Save a little more money first,” or “Research just a bit longer.” These thoughts sound reasonable, don’t they? That’s why they’re so dangerous. Look closely at these thoughts next time they arise. Ask yourself: “Is this genuine wisdom speaking, or is this just fear wearing a mask?” Most often, you’ll find fear hiding behind sensible-sounding excuses. The antidote isn’t more planning—it’s action, however small.

Start with something tiny if the big leap feels too scary. Want to write a book? Write one paragraph today. Dream of running a marathon? Walk around the block after dinner. Hoping to change careers? Take a single online class. These small actions may seem insignificant, but they create ripples that grow into waves. Each small success builds confidence. Each tiny step creates momentum. Before you know it, you’re not just dipping your toes in the water—you’re swimming.

Life rewards the movers, not the waiters. I’ve never met anyone who regretted taking action toward their dreams, even when they stumbled along the way. But I’ve met countless people who carry the heavy burden of “what if”—what if I had tried, what if I had started, what if I had believed in myself enough to begin? Don’t let that be your story. The clock is ticking. Your life is happening now, not in some imagined perfect future. Take that first step today, however imperfect it might be. Your future self will thank you for having the courage to begin.

Love Me the Way I Am or Leave

January 4, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“Love me the way I am or leave me alone.”

Love Me As I Am: The Power of Authenticity

When someone says “Love me the way I am or leave me alone,” they’re not being selfish—they’re expressing one of the deepest human needs: to be accepted for who they truly are. This simple phrase contains profound wisdom about self-worth, boundaries, and authentic relationships. The people who truly belong in your life won’t require you to shrink, pretend, or transform yourself to earn their approval.

Too many of us spend years contorting ourselves into shapes that others find pleasing. We laugh at jokes we don’t find funny, hide our quirks, downplay our strengths, and even adopt values that don’t resonate with our souls—all to keep people from walking away. But here’s the truth: living this way isn’t just exhausting, it’s soul-crushing. The energy you spend maintaining a facade could be directed toward actually living your life and pursuing your dreams.

The magic happens when you start showing up as your complete, unfiltered self. Yes, some people will drift away—and that’s okay. Those departures make room for relationships where you can breathe, where your authentic nature is not just tolerated but celebrated. Remember that you’re not asking for special treatment when you want to be accepted as you are; you’re simply requesting the basic respect every human deserves.

This doesn’t mean you should stop growing or avoid honest feedback. Personal evolution is beautiful and necessary. But there’s a profound difference between changing to please others and changing because something resonates with your own inner compass. True growth expands your authenticity rather than diminishing it. The right people will love both who you are today and who you’re becoming tomorrow.

So stand tall in your truth. Wear your personality, your dreams, your quirks, and your values like a comfortable old sweater. Some will admire it, others won’t—and that’s perfectly fine. Your only obligation is to be respectfully, unapologetically you. In the end, a half-version of yourself will only attract half-hearted love. But your whole self? That’s magnetic to the people who are meant to be in your story.

If You’re Lucky Enough to Find Someone Who Shines

January 3, 2018 By LLH Leave a Comment

“If you’re lucky enough to find someone who shines brightly enough to lead you out of the dark, make sure you let them know they’re loved.”

The Lighthouse in Our Lives

When you find someone who lights up your darkest days, it’s like stumbling upon a lighthouse when you’ve been lost at sea. These people are rare gifts in our lives. They show up when we’re drowning in our problems and somehow know exactly how to guide us back to shore. Maybe it’s your mom who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself, a friend who stuck around during your worst days, or a partner who sees the best in you even when you can’t. These lighthouse people deserve to know how much they matter.

Too often, we take these bright souls for granted. We assume they know how special they are or that our gratitude is somehow obvious. But here’s the truth: even the strongest lighthouses need fuel to keep shining. Your appreciation, your spoken gratitude, your “I love you” – these are the fuels that keep their light burning. Don’t fall into the trap of silence. The words unsaid today might be the ones you wish you’d spoken tomorrow.

The most powerful way to thank someone for their light is surprisingly simple – just tell them. It doesn’t need to be fancy or perfect. A text message saying “I was thinking about how much you’ve helped me” can change someone’s entire day. A handwritten note expressing what their support has meant to you might be something they treasure for years. Even a straightforward “I love you and I’m grateful for you” carries tremendous weight when it comes from the heart.

Remember that lighthouse people often don’t realize the impact they’ve had. While they’re busy lighting up your path, they might be fighting their own storms. Many of the strongest people struggle with feeling like they’re not doing enough or making a difference. Your acknowledgment isn’t just nice – it’s necessary. It confirms that their efforts matter, that their existence makes a difference. Sometimes, your gratitude might be exactly what they need to keep their own light burning.

Life gives us such limited time with the people who matter most. Don’t wait for special occasions or perfect moments to express your love. Make it a regular practice to tell your lighthouse people what they mean to you. Be specific about how they’ve helped you find your way. The beauty of gratitude is that it creates a cycle – when you acknowledge someone’s light, you become a bit of a lighthouse yourself. And in this world where darkness sometimes feels overwhelming, we could all use more light.