Josh Hinds Motivation and Inspiration Journal

I’m often asked how I came to have such a positive outlook on things. First, let me assure you, I have my moments where my rose colored glasses are a bit dimmer then I’d like them to be.

That said, I do make a point to see the positive side of life whenever possible (and yes, I do believe, from my own life experience, and studying the lives of many others through the work I do that it’s a choice we make). Depending on what each individual person has gone through in their life, perhaps an easier choice then for some, but a choice none the less.

That said…

There are any number of things I do, and have done over the years to help me remain focused on the good things which life affords us, but if I had to key in on one thing that laid a foundation for my positive outlook, I believe I would have to point to how fortunate I was, from as early as I can remember, to have heard my mother say to me, “Josh, you have unique GOD given talents and gifts — but it’s up to you to explore those and develop them to the best of your ability.” Sometimes I heard it just like that, other times it took a different form, but the message, the powerful meaning of the message was always the same.

If you know my story you know that I’ve had my share of adversities and challenges. Friend, I can say without a doubt that having that important foundation in place — having fully accepted that I had unique talents, that I was not only capable of developing, but that I in-fact was expected to fully develop, helped me tremendously in having the fortitude to move past life’s challenges as they appeared, knowing that I had in me, or was capable of acquiring whatever skills I needed in order to accomplish my greater good.

If you were lucky to have had a similar such gift from people in your life, those who took the time to encourage you, take a moment to appreciate it in full. Not everyone is so lucky.

If you’re not fortunate to have had the type of positive influence I’ve outlined above, first, allow me to assure you, it’s true for you as well. If you’ve never heard it before, well congratulations, you have now, and as such you have the duty to fully develop your own gifts and talents — not partially, but to the absolute best of your ability. And don’t think you get a pass either, because you are just now being tasked with the idea of getting on with uncovering your talents.

The point isn’t when you find out — as much as that when you do, you get on with the most important task of doing what’s necessary to fully make use of those incredible gifts and talents which GOD has loaned to you. Friend, as you begin to fully develop your talents you will inevitably begin to experience a deep fulfillment for having done so. It’s quite the rush.

By the way, I understand that you may not subscribe to what I’m suggesting here – that’s fine. We’re all entitled to our own beliefs – I appreciate that we’re all individuals and have varying views. I’m not here to change your personal belief system, rather I’m sharing with you my own experience knowing full well that you can either agree or disagree — that said, I know what I believe and know what I’ve seen play out time, and time again, and yes, in case you’re wondering I have also seen it play out in the lives of those who starting out didn’t believe they had any special gifts in the least, yet in time as they went about being open to the idea, and working to develop them came to believe because the truth in the idea played out before their very eyes.

In summary, if what I’ve shared here with you is a new concept, that’s OK, but don’t put off the idea that you’ve got greatness in you and as you begin the ongoing journey of living out your greatness through your commitment to developing those truly special gifts and talents which were entrusted to you you will be better for it.

Also, be conscious of the opportunity, and when necessary create those opportunities, to encourage others by letting them know that they too have their own GOD given abilities, which they have been entrusted with to fully develop and share with the world. All sorts of powerful things happen when you encourage others in this way — and that I can tell you as it is something I’ve seen play out beyond my wildest dreams through the work I do — not the least of which is an incredible sense of fulfillment that you simply can’t put a price tag on.

It’s your life, LIVE BIG!

Josh Hinds

One thing is for certain, when you go the extra mile there’s always someone, somewhere who takes notice. The challenge is that it may appear that no one sees the extra effort you’re putting in, and in turn there’s a tendency to give up in frustration — which unfortunately undoes any good will you’ve built up to that point.

Admittedly, it’s not easy to stand your ground and keep on piling on the value — especially when it seems that there’s not a living soul who is taking notice.

If you can distinguish yourself from the people who give up, and stick to it you’ll reap the rewards of those who give their best no matter what — and in turn achieve results which are available only to those who can hang on through the challenge.

Always remember that you’ve got greatness in you — and that someone (whether you choose to believe it or not) is always taking notice!

One helpful idea is to track your own daily successes along the way. Doing so will allow you to see first hand that you’re making a real difference, and that you’re contributing in a big way.

It’s perfectly acceptable that until others step in and do so — that you create your own source of validation. Tracking your daily accomplishments will allow you to do just that.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

Btw. You can learn more about the speaking, training, and coaching I do at www.JoshHinds.com

Being forward thinking, and on focus with regards to the goals you have set for yourself, and the direction you want your life to move in is important — no doubt about it.

However, it’s also important to give ample time to the successes you’ve experienced along the way. And we’re not just talking about the monumental wins either. Even the smallest of right actions all add up. They all count, and are important!

The reason taking the time to  recount your past achievements is so important is because in doing so you’ll find it to be a terrific motivator for helping to move you forward on your goals.

When you feel good about the place and path you’re on, and the progress you’re making (and have made in the past) you will find it to be that much easier to stay the course and dedicate the necessary time to accomplishing what needs to be done to get you to the eventual outcome you’ve planned for.

Recounting your past achievements will become a welcome
reminder and source of validation that you’re making things
happen in your life!

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG!

Josh Hinds

Develop the habit of always being there and encouraging others. In doing so you will notice that more and more folks seem to magically appear and do the same for you.

In reality there’s no magic formula to it. Think about how you feel when you never seem to hear from someone unless they are in need of something. Do you find yourself with an overwhelming desire to help them?

Even when you do help them, are you left with a feeling of unease? Wondering why they never seem to be around when you could use them, or when times are good? Admit it, right or wrong, we’ve all felt this way to some degree or another.

Build the goodwill before you need to tap into it…

If you will always remember that you must put in the time and build up goodwill with others long before you find yourself in need you will be way ahead of the game.

Those who wait until they have a need to ever reach out to those around all to often find themselves surprised when there’s a shortage of people willing to lend a helping hand.

Put the time in to develop win, win relationships with other people long before you need to ask for any help yourself and you will find that someone is always there to pick you up in your time of need.

Think of it like gardening. To reap a great harvest you have to let the vegetables grow. If you pick the vegetables before they’re ripe you’ll be in trouble. The same is true for not tending to and cultivating the personal and professional relationships in your life.

If you will spend time creating value in the lives of those around you, you won’t have to worry whether or not there will be anyone there for you when you can use a helping hand.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. If you’d like to have me speak to your group – details are at www.JoshHinds.com

Here’s an inspirational affirmation you repeat to yourself when you need a bit of a positive boost…

“I will stop several times throughout the day to rethink what’s truly important to me. I will reconnect with the reasons I’ve set the goals I have. I will give serious thought to the path I’m on and look over my plan for achieving what is important to me.

Wherever needed I will adjust my plan and commit to seeing it through. I am as capable of living my definition of success as anyone. Whatever skills I may lack I am more than capable of learning. I can attract whatever is needed to get me to the place I want to be in life.

I accept that I’m not guaranteed anything in life, but rather I am given the opportunity to go after what I believe to be a worthy pursuit. Because there is no guaranty of success I will appreciate it all the more when I’ve achieved what I have set out to accomplish.

Through hard work, keeping my end result in mind, and applying ample stick-to-it-ness I will succeed!”

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. Interested in having me speak to your group? Details at www.JoshHinds.com

As you move through your day remain open to those things which give you a sense of joy and fulfillment. Write them down as you experience them, realizing that they may very well be worthy of more of your time.

When you spend time in pursuit of the things you are passionate about life moves more easily than when you are working on things which don’t give you this same sense of fulfillment. While it’s vital to seek out and dedicate time to your passions be sure to give your absolute best in whatever task you find yourself in.

When you become a person who is known to give your best in any & every undertaking it never goes unnoticed. Opportunity seeks to find that special breed of person who treats even the most seemingly menial things with the same enthusiasm they would more monumental undertakings.

Whether we realize it or not those with opportunities to share always exist and they’re always actively looking for people who give their best in all they do. Strive to be that person and you will be the beneficiary of many incredible rewards.

Keep clearly in mind that how you treat the little things often determines how many chances you will get to do the bigger things which in turn leads to greater rewards in life.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. Get details on having me inspire your group by visiting JoshHinds.com.

Make a point to introduce a little laughter into your day. Much like taking a vitamin, it’ll do wonders for promoting more joy and happiness in your life.

Instead of just waiting to laugh, be proactive about it — partake in things that will actually cause you to smile more, or even burst out in laughter. A few ideas might include: watch or listen to a comedy. Think back on a humorous event that makes you smile.

The point is, take a moment to just experience a bit of laughter. It has the power to literally change your current state or outlook.

Don’t believe me? The next time you’re feeling down, see for yourself how impossible it is to stay in a sad state when you’re experiencing something that truly takes your mind off what’s bothering you and makes you laugh. It might not be a permanent fix, but often all you need is relief in the current moment.

And that’s worth considering isn’t it?

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. If you enjoyed the ideas above be sure to join our free motivation newsletter — Let’s talk Motivation!

To achieve more, be a person of action. Throughout your day keep in mind the old saying, “all else fails without action”. As you put forth effort on the things you deem to be most worthwhile, you will find that your inner belief system grows.

The beliefs you hold about yourself determine the goals you are able to manifest in your life. Dream big, for when you do, truly you will see that your life becomes one filled with rich life experiences.

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

PS. Be sure to join our FREE motivation newsletter – Let’s Talk Motivation!

Here’s a positive affirmation you can use when you find yourself needing a bit of inspiration…

“Through ongoing commitment to my own personal and professional development I am becoming the type of person other seek out and wish to do business with.

At the end of each day I reflect on my progress to make sure I did the little things — those items which when performed show that I go above and beyond simply what’s expected.

Anyone can do what’s expected, but those who are serious about getting ahead look for opportunities to serve others at a greater level. Doing the latter are the things that make me stand out favorably among others in the marketplace. Every day I am moving closer towards the goals I have set.

I am as worthy as anyone of achieving success. With each step forward I am moving confidently in the directions of my dreams and attracting those into my life who can help me get there.”

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

* Josh is the author of Why Perfect Timing is a Myth: Tips for Staying Inspired and Motivated Day in and Day out! Grab your copy at http://www.getmotivation.com/successpack/

Here’s a positive affirmation you can use to help move you through your day.

“Every day I look for opportunities to encourage and build up others. When I help other people to perform to the best of their abilities that is exactly more of what I attract into my own life.

I look for the positive attributes in others whenever possible and pass along praise for a job well done when it is deserved. In doing so I am developing the habit of good leadership.

I keep clearly in mind the saying, you can’t lift up and encourage someone else without building up yourself in the process.”

– It’s your life, LIVE BIG! Josh Hinds

* To order a copy of my motivational audio CD – Why Perfect Timing is a Myth! go to http://www.getmotivation.com/successpack/