Progression is Key

"Progression is Key"

We all have dreams, but it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, and discipline to turn those visions into reality. A vision is an articulated express of a desired tomorrow, it's a quality of ambition. Visions are rarely ever fully formulated, they develop with time. If a leader has concentration but no priorities, he has excellence with no progression. But, when a leader harnesses his power focus, priorities, & concentration, then he has the potential to achieve great things. Half of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at. If you can identify you're weaknesses, then you can begin to work on strengthening them. Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by CHANGE! Put away those old feelings and worries of the past so that you can make progress & move forward in life. Also, spot and remove spirit drainers from your circle. Negativity is just as contagious as positivity is. If a blind man guides another blind man they will eventually both fall into a pit, therefore; surround yourself with those who uplift, motivate, and encourage you to make progress in life. You have got to decide you want to be the best before you can even begin to reach that goal! Arriving at one goal is the starting point to another, after tackling one goal set a higher standard for yourself. Life isn't about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself! By training & educating our minds, we are capable of transcending our instinctive behaviors. Strategic intelligence is the proactive way in which people think about and create the future for themselves. This means, if you can believe it....you can ACHIEVE it! We can't avoid every difficult situation in life, but we can modify the extent to which we suffer by how we chose to respond to those situations. Life doesn't get easier, you just get STRONGER! Remember, progression is key!!!!   

An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress. 

-Proverbs 13:17

Motivation, What's Your Excuse?

"Motivation, What's Your Excuse?"

When you want to succeed as bad as you breathe, THEN you will be successful! It doesn't mean much to simply wish for your dreams to come true. It takes tons of dedication, discipline and hard work to turn those dreams to realities. Taking action over and over again strengthens your will, nurtures the seed, and establishes a solid foundation for the new habit to grow. Taking action is being alive! It's taking the risk to go out and express your dreams. No matter what happens to you, failure is an inside job --you don't actually fail until you give up on yourself. If you want to fins success in this world, you should ALWAYS be looking to build on the common threads that you  share with others. To become successful, it is also important to clarify your goals. Goals thus enable you to chart a course to your destination--fulfilling your purpose. By keeping your goals top-of-mind, you allocate your time and energy to the courses of action that support achievement of your purpose and vision....rather than squandering these precious resources on less relevant activities.  In the absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily trivia until ultimately we become enslaved in it. Goals encourage us to focus. The trick to clarifying your goals is to set them high. A goal needs to be something that you have to stretch or go the "extra mile" to attain. Write down of print down goals and post them where you will see them everyday. Achieving smaller goals will help your confidence in setting and attain larger goals.  Remember, to go where you've never been, sometimes you have to do things you've never done! 

Oldie But Goodie: "God In Me" - Mary Mary

"God In Me"

Check out Mary Mary's throwback titled God In Me, which was the second single released for the Grammy Award winning gospel group's fourth studio album The Sound. This song describes how people perceive your blessings and look at them as everything except what they are- blessings. "She calls it a blessing, but you call it living", Mary Mary sings. It's the God in me!!! 

Never Give Up, Reach for Your Dreams

"Never Give Up, Reach for Your Dreams"

If you want to succeed in life, stop wishing for it and start working for it! Ask yourself if what you're doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow. A change in your mentality can ulitmately be a change in your life. Think outside the box, do not be afraid to reach for the stars! When people obey the rules, they're regular...when people break the rules, they're "creative". Never be afraid of something new, life gets boring when you stay within the limits of what you already know. I DARE YOU TO NOT JUST "GO ALONG WITH THE FLOW"! Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail!  If you are not different, you are not needed. Dedicate yourself daily to work towards a better tomorrow. The great dividing line between success and failure can be expressed in five words, "I do not have time".  Do not run from a challenge but instead run towards it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet. In order to get to a place you've never been, sometimes you have to do some things that you've never done. Face your shortcomings, success is found in overcoming yourself. Don't be controlled by weaknesses! Set goals and GO FOR YOURS! 

A Regular Guy with Football Dreams--Christian Hood

"A Regular Guy with Football Dreams--Christian Hood"

Check out the highlight film of Christian Hood who played wide receiver and defensive back for Andrean High School in Merrillville, Indiana. Below, Chris shares his trials and tribulations that he battled with his love for the game with hopes to motivate others to follow their dreams despite the obstacles you may face or the negative feedback that you may receive from peers. "If they don't know your dreams, then they can't shoot them down." 

J. Cole on Life, Struggle & Success

"J. Cole on Life, Struggle & Success"

J. Cole reminisces on his life as he moved from a small North Carolina town to the big city and bright lights that are New York. Cole admits that with all his god given rap talent he thought that it was gonna be easy getting a record deal. But he was in for a rude awakening, it took him two years and a minimum wage paying job for him to realize that it wasn't just gonna happen like that; he had to stay patient & dedicated to work  his dreams into reality. 

Six MUST KNOW Words of Wisdom !

"Six MUST KNOW Words of Wisdom"

• Perception - Only in quiet waters things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world.

• Vision - Nobody trips over mountains.  It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble.  Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain. 

• Wisdom - Some of the best lessons we ever learn are learned from past mistakes.  The error of the past is the wisdom and success of the future. 

• Excellence - Find something that you're really interested in doing in your life.  Pursue it, set goals, and commit yourself to excellence.  Do the best you can.

• Goals - Though no one can go back and make a brand new start anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.

• Attitude - The best things in life are unexpected because there were no expectations.

Oldie But Goodie: "Everything Is Everything" - Lauryn Hill

"Everything Is Everything"

One of my favorites is "Everything Is Everything" -- the fourth single from recording artist Lauryn Hill's debut album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998). The song contains elements of R&B, hip hip, 60's soul, gospel and rap influences. During the recording sessions, Hill wanted to write a song about injustice and struggles amongst youth communities in inner city America. "After winter must come spring, change it comes eventually", Lauryn sings. You gotta love Lauryn!! 

Words of Wisdom: Michael Jordan ( G.O.A.T)

"Words of Wisdom: 

Michael Jordan"

In the video above, Michael Jordan shares his story of trials and tribulations that he chose to overcome in order to be successful. "Failure gave me strength, my pain was my motivation", Jordan says. A few words of wisdom he gives are as follows:

• Determination. Don't be afraid to try! Half of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at! A change in your mentality can change your life.We all have dreams, but in order to make dreams into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, & discipline. 
• Nothing to fear, but fear itself. The fear of failure isn't a fear of failure at all, it's the fear of criticism. You must learn to accept change. Accepting change shows a sign of maturity and allows you to experience a more fulfilling life. Opportunities are lost in the blink of an eye, but regret can last a lifetime. Winning starts inside you, long before it actually happens! 
• Take the chance! Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them! You will find that they don't have half the strength you think they have. Your life doesn't get better by chance, it gets better by change! Achievement demands disciple!
• Become legendary! Put old feelings and worries in the past so you can make progress and move forward in life. Every day we have at least one opportunity to help a friend, a loved one, or even a stranger. It's our responsibility to do as we can! 
• You miss every shot you don't take! Life opens up when you do! Be optimistic and positive in all that you do. Whatever you base your character and morals around determines the amount of success you'll have. If you really want something, and really work hard & take advantage of opportunities and never give up, you will find a way.
• What will be your shot? When inspiration strikes, GO WITH IT! Be the first to share with your friends and family, when, where and how you want. 
• Look at the bright side! Compassion is the desire that moves the individual self to expand the scar of its self concern to embrace the whole universal self , success is not final and failure is not fatal ; stand STRONG and be optimistic.
• The only person that can stop you is you! Only you can stop yourself from doing what it takes too accomplish your desires ; to overcome obstacles it takes persistence. You have to refuse to let ANYTHING stand in your way. Eliminate any conditions that has fear or negativity standing over you.
• Rise to the challenge. Be willing to do anything if by any means you can arouse your challenge accepting abilities you can again feel a surge in your motivation level. Work hard , choose wisely , grow from problems , and last but not least fight for your dream.
• Success is inside you ! Attitude , belief , commitment , tolerance , and realization teaches us definite purposes. Embrace your failure and perceive it as a lesson. Be your own motivation success isn't just inside you, success is you.
• Exercise your mind! To meet success, you have to plan for it. Even if it's just jotting down ideas on a napkin. Let the messages you have seen marinate in your mind & in your soul.

• Stay true to yourself there's no shortcuts to success. Always remain true to yourself , the moment you stop is the moment you submit to things others want you to do. Be yourself , encourage yourself , the circle of success is waiting!

To Achieve Your Dreams Remember AntiWeak ABC's

"To Achieve Your Dreams Remember AntiWeak ABC's"

Avoid negative sources, people, places, things and habits

Believe in yourself

Consider things from every angle

Don't give up and don't give in

Enjoy life today, yesterday is gone and tomorrow may never come 

Family and friends are hidden treasures, seek them and enjoy their riches

Give more than you planned to 

Hang on to your dreams

Ignore those people who try to discourage you

Just do it!

Keep trying no matter how hard it seems, it will get easier

Love yourself first and most 

Make it happen!

Never lie, cheat, or steal, always strike a fair deal

Open your eyes and see things as they really are 

Practice makes perfect!

Quitters never win and winners never quit 

Read, study, and learn about everything important in your life 

Stop procrastinating!! 

Take control of your own destiny 

Understand yourself in order to better understand others 

Visualize it!

Want it more than anything!

Xcellerate your efforts 

You are unique of all God's creations nothing can replace you!

Zero in on your target and go for it!

Derrick Rose: The Long Awaited Return

"The Long Awaited Return" 

As the excitement for Chicago Bulls basketball grows in the heat of the playoff race fans can't help but to wonder "where is Derrick?". Rose has only been on the sidelines with the rest of his teammates twice out of forty-one home games that the Bulls have played--hopefully it was because he was still rehabbing. It has officially been a year since the MVP caliber point guard D. Rose has played on the court for the team. Reports by team doctors a while back said that Rose was at no greater risk to get injured any more than the rest other players on the team.  Although Derrick has been cleared to play by his team doctors months back, many think the real reason is beyond any physical limitation. Rose has to become confident in himself, in his abilities, & in his body before #TheReturn can actually come to fruition. Let's keep D.Rose in our prayers!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13 

Oldie But Goodie: "One Mic" - Nas

"One Mic"

Produced by: Nasir Jones & hip hop producer Chucky Thompson

"One Mic" is a song by hip hop rapper Nas, which was the third single on his fifth studio album released April 16, 2002 on Columbia Records. The song samples a portion of Phil Collin's song "In The Air Tonight". In "One Mic", Nas raps about his desire for simple life and the obstacles we face that tend to complicate life. He also speaks on his wish to make a difference, with just one mic.  When discussing the theme of the song in a Rolling Stone interview, Nas stated, "'One Mic' is just about the power. It's almost like Hip Hop is Dead in it's infant stages, saying how much this is a blessing to be out here, speaking about what's happening in the neighborhoods, having the whole world understand & relate." This song sends a strong message of becoming the change we wish to see. "You need some soul searching? The time is now!" 

Floyd Mayweather's Training Session!

"Floyd Mayweather's Training Session"

Check out Floyd Mayweather as he trains for his fight .vs. Guerrero which will go down May 4th. Make sure you order the fight from Showtime's ALL Access on Pay-Per-View, it's something you won't want to miss!! 

Poetry Contest Submission : " Who Are You? " - a poem written by Dejah Mcgrew-Stephens

Who Are You?

A world of destruction behind those eyes...

Whose tongue with words cut sharper than knives. 

But you shed a past of pain, darkness, and lies,

I wonder...who are you?

Father, mother, sister, brother...

Do I want to dig any further?

Who are you?

Child reborn unto the sand,

An untold story just began,

& simply want those to understand,

who are you?

Your apart of this world that was created.

A presence so powerful it was belated.

A knowledge so unknown that it seemed outdated...

But I know who you are,

You're a sense of imagination,

That produces a tone of gratification,

That makes me say "thank God we made it!" 

Poetry Contest Submission: "Black" - a poem written by Keisha A.

Black 

We are born into a world that automatically hate us.

We are black people.

Ancestors of Africans and grandchildren of rapists.

You see... they freed us physically, 

but left our minds in cages.

Racism no longer lives under white sheets,

 but instead in the hearts of black faces.

Divisions of hue separate us.

Beauty measured not by brains, not by heart, but by tones and textures.

Dark skinned little girls praying for lighter complexions.

Didn’t know then, but now I know better.

How can I expect God to deliver to me sins of the devil?

Brainwashed into thinking that I was wasn’t good enough,

 but that was before I discovered what beauty really was.

B. Beyond because you are beautiful beyond a complexion.

E. Every. Every time you look in the mirror love your reflection.

A. Amazing in every sense of the word.

U. Unified from the most precious things on earth.

T. Trust. Always trust and know your worth.

Y. You for you are black and beau-ti-ful.

And wherever you go I want you to know……

BLACK girls who are brown and who are light are still black and equal as one, but brown girls are

special because they get more kisses from the sun ;).

Develop Winning Traits to Take You to the Top

"Develop Winning Traits to Take You

 to the Top"

• Focus. Identify a handful of key goals you'd like to achieve over the next 12 months. A goal is a dream with a deadline. Get a picture of who you are on the inside- strong, healthy, successful- so God can bring it to pass on the outside. The only way to get better is to surround yourself with better people. Major moves never come from minor thinking. Nothing can add more power to your life than concentrating all your energies on a limited set of targets. Only two things will consume you every day of your life: your goals and your obstacles. Read, study, and learn  about everything important in your life. Understand yourself in order to better understand others. Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of knowing you did your best to become the best you that you were capable of being. Achievement demands discipline. 

• Be Consistent. The best way to create change is by practicing new behavior regularly and frequently. Ask yourself, "What is the most important habit I need to develop (or eliminate) to reach my goal?" And then practice it regularly. Some succeed because they are destined to, while others succeed because they are determined to. Visualize your success then begin to work towards it! The distance between who you are and who you wish to become is separated only by your words and actions. Do your best, one shot at a time...then, move on. The only way to learn anything throughly is by starting at the bottom, (except when learning how to swim). You are not defeated when you lose, you are defeated when you quit. Develop the courage to move on, even when everyone around you is telling you its ok to give up. Be diligent. Don't quit because of hardships, discomfort, or uncertainty. 

• Keep Going. As you achieve each goal, add a new one. Once your new habit becomes an old one, focus on the next habit you want to develop to reach your goals. "Learning" always comes before "earning". Get a mentor, mentors can help you get to your destination faster. Find people you can learn from. Don't run away from a challenge, instead run towards it because the only way to escape fear is to trample it beneath your feet. Always try your best, even if you fail....Keep trying! God sees your work, your passion and persistence. Face your shortcomings. Success is found in overcoming yourself. Don't be controlled by weaknesses. 

• Be Accountable. Take ownership of your success by taking the responsibility to see it through completion. Practice loving everything and everyone all the time, but only hang in places and with people who lift you up. Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is A LOT of hard work and dedication. Decide what you desire to have out of life, and plan it. If you believe that you can do it, don't lose your passion! The pain of discipline is far less than the pain of regret. Take accountability. Believe and act as if it were impossible to fail! As much as you may be a dreamer, be a chaser! 

To be tested is good.

 The challenged life may be the best therapist.

Positivity is a way of life.

 Those who don't practice it won't understand this.

Oldie But Goodie: "Runaway Love" - Ludacris ft. Mary J Blige

"Runaway Love"

Produced by: Polow da Don

"Runaway Love" is the third single off Ludacris' fifth album entitled, Release Therapy. This is a very powerful track as Luda and Mary J. Blige team up to tell the stories of three pre-teen girls (Lisa, Nicole, & Erika) that face different demons and struggles that affect their childhoods in such a way that would make them want to "run away" to escape their problems. Each of the verses tells a different story for each one of the girls. This track goes to show to never judge a person, because you never know their story or what day to day struggles they have. Take a listen as Luda and Mary encourages the adolescent females to stay strong in the midst of their most difficult lessons. 

"Crunch Time" - J. Cole

"Crunch Time"

This is one of many of my favorite songs from J.Cole's latest EP entitled, "Yours Truly". In this track, Crunch Time, Cole tells the story of a young dude striving to overcome his struggles and make a living to be able to provide for himself and his family. Personally, I can relate to this song because there's those that say they will and then there's those who do as they say....to me this track is about locking down and taking care of business, doing whatever it takes to succeed and not just talking about it. "Looking for strength in this crunch time", raps Cole. Take a listen if you haven't already! If it ain't ANTI then it's WEAK! #BeInspired! 

"Mission" - Chucky5

"Mission"

Chucky has goals and he doesn't plan on stopping until he reaches them! Check out this Louisiana artist as he spits some hot bars in the newest video for his song titled "Mission". This is just a piece of what you can expect to hear from this GMC artist! 

"Testimony" - Tre' Stylz

"Testimony"

Visual By: @Bighomieent Produced By Josh Beatz

The infamous Tre' Stylz is back with yet another hit! In this track, Stylz' tells the story of  the different struggles faced when growing up in the violent city of Chicago, IL where the murder rate is outstandingly rising. This is the kind of music that inspires individuals to stand up and make a difference in the world. Your struggles ultimately become your message of hope to others. "When you dead you don't get a chance to think twice", he says as he encourages his peers to leave behind the street life. Check out the video above and #BeInspired! If it ain't ANTI then it's WEAK!