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We never truly know the far-reaching effects of our impact.
I called to check on one of my sweet friends–a DBC, Inc. author–one I have the lucky honor of working with on her upcoming book. A few minutes into our conversation, she reminded me of something I had said to her in a meeting. She said, “I have three sticky notes on my computer from one of our first conversations. They have become my guiding compass. No joke. You said:
Then, she texted me the image of her sticky notes.
After she read them to me, I remembered the words vividly. And, after hearing how they had become a filter for her to fulfill her purpose and share her message with the world, my heart grew a few sizes. Who knew?
Isn’t this what any friend/coach longs to hear?! When someone takes something you said and uses it to help make important life decisions. Melt my everlivin’ heart!
I wonder if these questions might be helpful to even one of you.
What are those things in your life that you find most valuable–a top priority?
Let’s not make excuses that there isn’t any time. There IS time. And, we make time for those things that are important to us.
Again, I ask–what are your non-negotiables, and how are you making time for them? And, if you’re not, how will you?
Others might try to define your worth. They might also offer you a higher value if you do (fill in the blank).
We must determine our worth and not be swayed by the demands of others or society. Knowing your value is far more than a number–it is self-love at its finest. We’ve heard it a million times, and it’s still true–only when we love and appreciate ourselves will we honestly begin to serve others at our full capacity.
What is your brand? Who are you? What do you stand for?
Can you answer those questions in one sentence? Yes, narrow it down to a word or phrase. THAT is your brand.
Live it. Model it. Share it.
We can’t MAKE others believe our message, but we can season the world with it and make them thirsty for more.
These are just three statements I said in a conversation. And, honestly, I don’t know that I would have used them together as a filter for decisions until my friend brought it up in our follow-up conversation. We truly never know the impact of our interactions with others. Let’s be intentional to make them count.
I’m curious…do you find these questions applicable in your life?
If so, share by commenting or sharing on social media by tagging me and adding the hashtag #RealEdu.
Side Note: When I told my friend I was writing this blog, she asked if she could send a little testimonial. Below you will find what she sent. Completely unexpected and so sweet! Thank you, Dawn Harris. I’m grateful to have you in my life.
Having a coaching partner to help see us through our daily struggles is as essential to goal achievement as our goal itself. Finding someone who can help us “get back on the highway” when challenges begin taking us in a different direction than the one in which we should be headed can be just what we need. And, while we do have the ability to reach goals on our own, it is also true that many successful individuals have had someone beside them, coaching them all the way.
Often, Tara and I talk about effective strategies and setting boundaries so that the goals we set are goals we can reach. She once said to me that when we establish our non-negotiables, when we determine our worth, and when we focus on promoting our message, the path to our goal opens wide. This advice has helped me stay the course and find the confidence I need to say “no” to things I may not have said no to before.
You see, I have often felt as if I had to say “yes” to certain things because I thought that yes would advance me towards my goal. In some cases, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sometimes saying “yes” sets us back or pulls us away from our True North. These words Tara shared with me have become the compass that guides me towards my goals and have made navigating the complexities of goal attainment nothing more than rolling over little bumps in the road.
In fact, just last night, with the faint ding! of my phone, I got the exact kind of encouragement that I needed:
Tara Martin. 6:40 PM.
One of my favorite parts of my day is getting “coached” from T., and getting this message from her empowered and energized me even more!
Through our many conversations, Tara’s advice has helped transform how I see my goals: as achievable and REAL, all the way to the finish line!
– Dawn Harris @DHarrisEdS
In what ways are you influencing those you serve?
Be intentional.
The words you say today (positive or negative) might become a guiding compass for the recipient’s future decisions.
I am an educator who values the individuality and uniqueness of others. Writing the blog R.E.A.L. is an outlet for me to pay it forward by sharing ideas, influences, lessons learned and exposing a little vulnerability while encouraging others to maximize their R.E.A.L. potential, as well.