The Mother’s Day Mantra

“Sooner or later we all quote our mothers.” –Bert Williams

For me that is, “Would you believe it?”

It is the preface of recounting something remarkable, good and something true: The things that to others might seem coincidental but to her are fulfilling little miracles. The stories are short, but the impact lasts long.

I love that phrase and have embraced the concept as part of my learned genetics, my inheritance. My mantra. I always look for ways I can use it in my own life. I intentionally open myself to surpassing the every day what-ifs in hopes it will drive me to call my mom and begin an anecdote with “would you believe it”.

Did you ever imagine your life would be as effective as it is right now? Did you ever dream you’d come this far? That you would have the support and the opportunities you have been given?

Your mom did. Moms are our greatest life, business and health coaches. Moms push us when we settle in quick sand rather than pursue success. The only thing moms desire of us is to never doubt our capabilities and never pass up the possibilities.

There is one day dedicated to celebrating moms. But for all those other days the greatest gift we can give our mothers is to never stop trying. Envision life as an intense workout. To quote Jillian Michaels, mother to millions in the health and fitness industry and to her own children, “Unless you puke, faint or die, keep going.” Take a break if you have to, but keep going.

Bleed. Sweat. Cry. Keep going.

Because you won’t believe what’s on the other side of your finish line.

We all have mothers that have helped us get where we are and maybe you are one of them too. Strangers, authors, family, co-workers, doctors, TV personalities, bosses, neighbors, featured stories in the local newspaper; These are the people that we encounter that challenge us to walk through the mud and come out with a miraculous “would you believe it” story.

Think of the children’s book, “I love you to the moon”. Often that gravitational defying, all-encompassing love can be masked in persistent and redundant motivational lectures. That love may aggravate us, but that love will get us to the moon, if only we have the audacity to shoot for the starts.

So, what “would you believe it” story will excite a mom this Mother’s Day?

A Bulging & Brawny Brain

It’s the most wonderful time of the year: The prequel to the New Year’s ball dropping, it’s the much anticipated revealing of how many urban dictionary words have made it to the big leagues: The Oxford Dictionary.

And, yet, even the picture-perfect new word of the year Selfie doesn’t adjust the wise words of football coach Vince Lombardi, “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary.” Oh Vine, what great timing to appear as a Pinterest quote full of sassy wisdom. Just in time to be on a waiting list for our resolution list.

I suppose Lombardi understood and experienced the glorious after effects of an intense, successful workout. When muscles acknowledge that you put in the work and effort.

Try to workout your brain; challenge yourself daily and stretch the boundaries with a curiosity of whom you can grow into. Embrace the new tasks that find their way in your to-do file. Not only does it signify the promise that your employer or your client has newfound trust in your capabilities, but it’s a great way for you to elevate a job into a career you are passionate about. Set yourself time related goals, track your progress on your smart phone and then beat your record.

Just as the 20 curling reps can tone your body, so can reps of mental exercise at work tone your outlook, creating a driven mindset to better yourself and the lives around you.  And so, Vine, we accept the underlying challenge, to workout our mind. We’ll stretch and we’ll push one more paper into a complete file. We’ll stick to our mental exercise regime to buff up, to achieve a bulging and brawny brain. Through this we’ll find glorious success in the repetitions of work.

And who knows, maybe we can capture a flexing Selfie of the moment, too!

Comparison is the Thief of Joy

In the world of business, people often put up a façade so people will see them a certain way. As humans, we tend to compare our mistakes with everyone else’s highlight reel. Others may very well be happy and prosperous, but there are struggles behind every success story. Obstacles make us grow and allow us to keep moving forward.

Recently we attended an event in San Francisco where some very unexpected conversations took place. I shared experiences with “ideal” professionals, and heard stories that were relatable, comforting, and authentic. Listening to people as they opened up and shared their struggles made me realize that I shouldn’t let comparison steal my joy.

While the success and triumphs of others can be a great inspiration to us, it is important not to lose sight of the hard work and struggles on the way to the top. With that in mind, you never know what kind of troubles someone might be having. Your kind gesture might be just what they need for inspiration.