The pressure of perfection is real...Are you waiting for the perfect time?  The perfect to finish that project, start that business or to sit down and begin writing that book.  Are you waiting for the perfect time to begin your new work-out plan, apply for school or perhaps to get up the nerve to leave that unhealthy relationship or friendship?

As I tell my clients often, there will never be a perfect time to do anything.  You will never have enough experience.  There will never be extra hours added to your day. You will never find yourself at the pinnacle place where all things line up.  The reality is, we are all a constant work in progress and will be until the day we take our last breath.

The good news, however, is that we have an opportunity each day to move in the direction of our purpose.  I am a firm believer that each of us was designed for a specific purpose and until we begin to tap into that purpose and begin to walk in it, we will always struggle with feelings of unfulfillment.   

Who is in your circle?  Who do you spend your time with?  Who do allow access to your heart, your mind and your dreams.  If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it is that those around you will either celebrate or sabotage your success. It's an unfortunate reality.  As a result it's important to assess the hearts of those around you on a regular basis and to pray for God to give you wisdom with your friendships and associations.  

There is a way to successfully maneuver through life without being paranoid or super suspicious, but it is important to stay alert and aware.  It can be a painful process but a much needed one.  I often remind the ladies, leaders and little girls I work with that the delete button on our phones, in our emails and with our social media contacts are there for a reason.  It's a good idea to frequently scroll through your contacts and if you determine the heart and intentions of those around you aren't quite right . . . DELETE.  You don't need to make massive announcements or provide excuses to those around you. Simply  muster up the confidence and courage to make some much needed cuts where needed with a simple press of the button. If you aren't willing to do it for yourself, do it for those who would be impacted by your bright future.  

​My husband loves the television program Antique Roadshow, where individuals bring in items often passed down by relatives or found in attics or at garage sales. 

During the Roadshow, experts from around the world assess the items and place a value on them based on their expanded knowledge of the item and it's origin.

It's always fascinating to see someone who brings something that others have told them is worthless or a piece of junk, only to find that it's value is actually beyond measure.  I've seen laughter and tears from guests who are overwhelmed with emotion at the value of their hidden treasure.

Every time I watch the show I am reminded of just how the rare treasures shown on television, mirror the value we each possess.  However, just as on the show, if we aren't careful, the opinion of others can cause us to easily overlook our value and worth and mistake it for trash instead of treasures.

Instead, we must shift our way of thinking and begin to see ourselves as the rare and priceless treasures we truly are.  God, the master craftsman, custom created us and knitted us together in our mother's womb.  He set us apart and provided each of us with individual gifts, talents and abilities. In His wisdom He placed us on earth for such a time as this for a particular purpose.

As a Confidence Coach I am a firm believer that Confidence is the Key to success. Whether you are young girl maneuvering through your adolescent years or an establish professional in the workforce,  your level of success can be directly linked with your level of Confidence. 

Now, I am not saying that those who lack true confidence can't find success, but the question becomes are they operating at the optimal level.  For those who wonder why Confidence counts or who can"t quite make the association, let me share 7 Key Benefits to Boosting Self-Confidence. 

#1 Performance – Confident people tend to be more motivated and energized and perform at a higher level of potential.

#2 Perspective – Confident people are typically more enthusiastic about life and their future and tend to have clearer vision which leads to better decisions.

#3 Positivity –  Confident people are usually more optimistic and positive towards life and their future.  They tend to practice positive self-talk and typically exude a positive energy and vibe towards others.   

#4 Peace –  Confident people tend to have less self-doubt, fear and anxiety and as a result more inner peace.

#5 Power – Confident people tend to take action, use their voice and stand up for themselves.  

I am sure you have heard the phrase "association brings about assimilation".  You may be thinking WHAT????  Basically, it means the more you hang around a person the more likely you are to act like them and take on their habits...good or bad.

I know you have seen it a time or two now that you think about it.  Whether at school or in the work place, people with like minds and like spirits tend to gravitate towards one another or take on the same traits.  

If you hang around gossipers, chances are, sooner or later you will become a gossiper.  If you hang around liars or thieves, sooner or later you will likely become a liar or a thief.  If you hang around people who are unfocused, unmotivated and unmoved, chances are sooner or later you will be labeled the same.

Now on the other hand, if you find yourself surrounded by positive people who uplift one another, chances are you will be a person who is not only uplifted, but finds yourself doing the same for others. ​If you find yourself among people who are highly motivated and focused on achieving success, chances are you too will become highly motivated and you will strive for success.  It's not rocket science, but tends to be true.

As I pose the question "What are you trying to get from others that only God can give", I have to pause for a moment reflecting back on times in my own life when I gave power or put pressure on the back of others to fulfill something in me, that only God could give.  

I know first hand what it's like to seek love, acceptance, support, affirmation and guidance from others, only to be let down or left high and dry.  I know about the disappointment and frustration aimed at those who were silent or absent in my time of need. I can totally relate to the disgust and anger when promises made by people have gone unfulfilled and left me further behind because I placed all my hope and trust in them to help pull me through.

Guess what I also know?  I know that I'm not the only one.  Many people struggle with this very thing.  Whether it is seeking the acceptance and approval of others; or trying to gain the love and appreciation from those closest to us.  It may show up in waiting for someone to push us or "help" us accomplish our goal or to step out towards our dreams.  What ever the case may be, people will never ever be able to provide the very thing that only God can.
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