Monday Morning Mantra - 12/20

Hi guys!

OK, it's not Monday, but I was out Christmas shopping, and I lost track of time.  Seriously, did Christmas come waaaaay too fast this year or is it just me?!  

This week's Mantra has nothing to do with hard work.  It's all about enjoying yourself!  Try it out!

Patty: Try to catch snowflakes on your tongue. It's fun.
Linus Van Pelt:  Mmm. Needs sugar.
 Lucy Van Pelt:  It's too early. I never eat December snowflakes. I always wait until January.
Linus Van Pelt:  They sure look ripe to me.

-- A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) 

 

Happy holidays!!!!    

This week, enjoy!  Taste the snowflakes!  :)

If you were on our email list, you would have gotten this Mantra on Monday right in your Inbox!  Click here to sign up!

Have a great week!

- Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/29

Hey there!

A good friend of mine is leaving tomorrow for the Dominican Republic.  I keep thinking about how she'll be on the beach while I'm in D.C. FREEZING!  

Anyhoo, here's our Mantra for the week from a very classy lady - Coco Chanel!

"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different."

-- Coco Chanel 

Sometimes we're afraid to be different or to go against the grain.  I love this quote because it emphasizes how being different indeed makes us special and unforgettable.  Don't be afraid to step out there and do your thing.  There's no one like you.  So show it. 

This week, be different.

 

Want to receive our Mantra in your Inbox every Monday?  Click here!

 

Have a great week!

 

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/22

Hey there!

I hope you're preparing for a relaxing Thanksgiving holiday!  I'm definitely excited about kicking back.  Remember, reflecting on all of your blessings and accomplishments is vital to keeping things in perspective.  Speaking of keeping things in perspective, check out our Mantra for the week below. 

"I don't dwell on success. Maybe that's one reason I'm successful." -- Calvin Klein

 

I know I'm constantly talking to you about success, but that's not necessarily what we should be dwelling on, is it?  We should really be focused on doing what makes us happy, making a difference, and living out our dreams.  I like what Calvin Klein says here because he isn't really concerned with success.  He's pursuing a passion, and success happened along the way. 


This week, don't strive for success.  Strive for happiness and fulfillment.

Check out my chapter on the real meaning of success in my new book, The Gloriously Simple Guide to Getting What You Want! 

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday morning?  Click here!

Have an awesome week and enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday!!!!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/15

Good morning, guys!

I am exhausted today from taking care of a sick baby and throwing myself into housework over the weekend.  I feel productive, but I'm definitely going to grab a cup of coffee! 

Anyhoo, here's our Mantra for the week:

"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." -- Albert Einstein

This week's Mantra is really about attitude.  Having the right attitude about your past, your present, and your future can greatly impact your ability to succeed.

This week, ask yourself whether or not you've had the right attitude about your past, present, and future.  Are you as positive as Einstein tells us we should be?

Check out my "yesterday, today, and tomorrow" strategy  in the new book, The Gloriously Simple Guide to Getting What You Want! 

Want to have our Mantras emailed to you every Monday?  Click here.

Have a great week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/01

I can't even believe it's been a month since I've posted to this blog!  I have been completely swamped with Generation Hope stuff - all good stuff though, I promise.  We are launching an organization and that takes... well... a lot of work!  So please forgive me for my absence!

This week's Mantra is on a topic that I speak and write about all of the time.  There are certain things that we think are impossible to achieve, and that way of thinking often holds us back from doing great things.  What if we completely change our way of thinking?
 

 

"It's kind of fun to do the impossible."

 

  --Walt Disney

 

I often think about how the Disney Company began with one man's dream.  It's amazing.  An entire empire has been built around what others probably thought was useless fantasizing.  This inspires me to dream big and to never listen to those who doubt my abilities.  Plus, seeing the impossible happen is fun!

This week, have fun making one of your "impossibles" come to life.  (There's a whole chapter in my new book, The Gloriously Simple Guide to Getting What You Want, on "The Imposssibles."  Check it out!) 

 

If you want our Mantras emailed to you, join our email list by clicking here!

 

Have an FUN week!

 

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 10/04

I just tweeted the following:  "if i'm not laughing, something's wrong.  enjoy what you do."  

I really mean that, my friends.  I try to find humor in any situation -- including my work.  Just because you're working hard to finish that project, make those good grades, or get that promotion doesn't mean you can't have fun.  We spend so much time working that we do ourselves (and those around us!) a disservice when we don't even crack a smile.

 

"If you could choose one characteristic that would get you through life, choose a sense of humor."

 

  -- Jennifer Jones 

 

I firmly believe that we should be able to laugh in any situation.  Laughter has healing powers.  It can immediately lift your spirits and the spirits of others.   

 

This week, try to laugh heartily every day - no matter what is happening around you.  See how great you feel at the end of the week.  

 

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday?  Sign up here!

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 09/27

Happy Monday, guys!

Computer issues have kept me from posting, and I've missed you!  I've been toiling away preparing for Generation Hope's first board meeting, which took place on Saturday, and was a true success!  I've also been booking some speaking engagements for 2011.  A lot is going on!

I thought this week's Mantra should focus on friendship since it's so important to our journeys.  I always love Oprah's pearls of wisdom. 

 

"Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down."

  -- Oprah Winfrey 

Our success in life is greatly influenced by the people we surround ourselves with.  Friends are such an important factor in our day-to-day mind set.    

This week, think about which of your friends will ride with you when the limo breaks down, and take steps to distance yourself from those who won't.  

Want to receive our Mantras in your Inbox every Monday?  Click here to sign up!

Have an outstanding week full of authentic friendship!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 08/23

Hey everyone!  

It's Mondaaaaaaaaaay!  This past weekend I celebrated my youngest daughter's first birthday with a nice barbecue in the park.  We invited family and friends, and although it was sweltering hot, we had a blast.  It was one of those special afternoons in which you feel surrounded by so much love.  

So I thought this week's Mantra could be about nurturing our relationships - making sure we're treating our loved ones the way they deserve to be treated.  We want to have successful relationships in addition to great careers, thriving businesses, etc., right?  

"Love comes when manipulation stops; when you think more about the other person than about his or her reactions to you. When you dare to reveal yourself fully. When you dare to be vulnerable."

 

  -- Dr. Joyce Brothers

 

Loving the right way - the way that Dr. Brothers talks about above - is so important as we strive to lead full lives.   

This week, think about your relationships with family and friends and ask yourself if you're loving openly and without manipulation. 

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday?  Click here!

 

Have an awesome week!

Nicole

Monday Mantra - 08/16

Hey there!

It's a brand new week, and a brand new opportunity to get what you want out of life!

You and I are overachievers, and we want to have all of the answers, but guess what - that's not humanly possible!  So this week's Mantra reminds us that not knowing everything is what makes life a journey:

"Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so.  You feel like running, but life is on a stroll.  This is how God does things."  -- Donald Miller

We're not supposed to have all of the answers.  If we did, life would be extremely boring.  :)

This week, take comfort in the fact that we're explorers - find things out as we go.  Don't stress yourself out about being in the dark at times.  Enjoy the "stroll."

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday?  Join hundreds of other people who are inspired by our Mantras each week by clicking here!

Have an outstanding week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 08/09

Welcome to a new week!

I hope you've been staying cool in these crazy hot days!  I can't believe I've only made it to the pool twice this summer!

I came up with this week's Mantra after of an awesome experience I had last week with a woman by the name of Kelly Bouchard, president of Bouchard International, a company dedicated to helping people create their own success stories and get the most out of life.  She took the time to speak with me, and she believed in me when she didn't have to.  It made me think of what an awesome gift that is.  We should all be doing something for someone else - constantly giving back.

"Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness, to pull another hand into the light."

  -- Norman B. Rice

 

You have the power to help someone else.  Use it.  An important part of achieving success is helping others achieve it as well. 

This week, reach out your hand to someone who needs your help, whether it's a friend, a co-worker, or a perfect stranger.

 

Check out how we're helping people with Generation Hope!

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday?  Click here!

Have an amazing week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 08/02

Good morning all!

It's another Monday, which means another opportunity to do great things for the week ahead!  Today I am dropping my oldest daughter off at basketball camp - an important part of working toward her hoop dreams!  This reminds me that none of us should be afraid to DREAM BIG!  So here's our Mantra for the week:

"Hitch your wagon to a star."

  --  Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

No dream is too big, far-fetched, or grand.  You can achieve anything you put your mind to.  Successful people believe in the impossible! 

This week, "hitch your wagon to a star" and have confidence in your wildest dreams!

Want to receive our Mantra in your Inbox every Monday?  Click here!

Have an incredible week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra 07/26 (Okay, this is really bad!)

I'm looking for the thief who is stealing my time!  Have you seen him!?  :)

Somehow this week completely slipped by me, and I can't believe I'm posting about our Mantra for the week on Thursday.  Yikes!  This is a good time to mention that if you're on our e-mail list, you'll receive our Mantras every Monday morning in your Inbox - no matter what!  (Sign up here)


Even though it's a bit late, our Mantra this week from J-Lo reminds us that our effort is directly proportionate to our returns:

"You get what you give. What you put into things is what you get out of them." --  Jennifer Lopez

We all want things in life, but few people are willing to work hard for them.  If you're frustrated about not getting very far in terms of reaching your dreams, could it be because you're not putting very much work in?  


I hope this Mantra gives your Friday a boost!  ;)

Have an awesome weekend!   Nicole

Monday (Tuesday) Morning Mantra - 07/19

Computer problems and not enough hours in the day prevented me from posting about our Mantra for the week yesterday.  So sorry!  Please find below our inspiration for the week from singer Taylor Swift, whom I really like (and so does my daughter!).

"No matter what happens in life, be good to people. Being good to people is a wonderful legacy to leave behind."

  --  Taylor Swift

There will be good days and there will be bad days, but no matter what's happening around you, be good to people.  Don't let your circumstances cause you to treat people poorly.  You will leave behind an amazing legacy when you shine brightly despite the darkest circumstances. 

This week, make an effort to treat people kindly no matter what. 

 

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday morning?  Click here!

 

Have a fantastic week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 07/12

Happy Monday!  

Monday marks a new opportunity to do great things.  You have a whole week ahead of you to make strides in reaching your goals.  How awesome is that?!  

So this week we're concentrating on living dangerously - okay not riding motorcycles without helmets or eating exotic foods.  We're talking about not playing it safe.  Check it out:

 

 "The person who goes farthest is generally the one who is willing to do and dare. The sure-thing boat never gets far from shore."  --  Dale Carnegie

 

Are you on the "sure-thing boat" when it comes to doing things in life?  Are you willing to dare and push the envelope?  The most fulfilling and rewarding experiences are those that you never thought possible. 

This week, identify something you never thought you'd be able to do and take the first step toward making it happen. "

 

Want to receive our Mantras in your Inbox every Monday?  Click here!

Take advantage of every day this week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 07/05

Happy Fourth of July!  Many of you are probably off of work today, but we all need some inspiration to get us through the rest of the week!  :)

Today's Mantra is from NBA-great Shaquille O'Neal who probably knows a thing or two about goal achievement and discipline!  

 

"Excellence is not a singular act, but a habit. You are what you repeatedly do." -- Shaquille O'Neal

 

We often live in denial about our habits.  We say we're a studious person, but we rarely study.  We say we're kind and loving, but we have a habit of yelling at people.  We say we're on our way to achieving our goal, but we don't work very hard at it each day.  Your daily actions say a lot about who you are. 

This week, ask yourself if your daily habits are in line with the person you want to be and the goals you're trying the achieve.  

 

Want to receive our Mantras in your Inbox every Monday?  Click here!  

Have an outstanding week!  

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 06/21

Good morning, guys!

I hope you had a great Father's day celebrating the dads in your life!  I feel really blessed to be able to celebrate my father, my husband, and my father-in-law - all of whom are great examples for my girls!  :)

I found the following quote from Melissa Etheridge when reading Good Housekeeping.  She is talking about a realization she had after her breast cancer diagnosis.  I think it's a great way to live life.

"I [realized] there are only two things in our reality, love and fear.  I try to make my choices out of love."

 

  -- Melissa Etheridge

 

Do you often feel like you're making decisions in life out of fear?  I wonder if your choices are truly satisfying.  Are you staying at your boring job because you're afraid to apply for something new?  Are you afraid of being alone so you're stuck in an unloving relationship?  Are you afraid of telling a friend how you really feel even though your honesty might help him? 

This week, make decisions out of love not fear.  

 

Do you want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each Monday morning?  Click here to sign up!

Have an amazing week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 06/07

Good morning all!

Wow, to say that this weekend was great would be an understatement.  I celebrated the release of my new book on Saturday, and although I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off the whole day, it was a special evening.  I'm so thankful for all of the love and support I have!

One of the best feelings in the world is having the freedom to be yourself.  I've been basking in that feeling lately so I thought our Mantra this week should be all about that:

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."  -- Dr. Seuss

I love this quote because it's all about feeling comfortable in your own skin and letting your wonderful personality shine! 

This week, don't let your fears about what other people think keep you from being who you are.  

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each Monday morning?  Click here!

Have an awesome week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 05/24

Good Monday to you!

This week's Mantra is for all of you out there who have a goal or a dream, but you aren't pursuing it:

"A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do. " -- Bob Dylan

Success really isn't about money.  It's about doing the things in life that make you the most fulfilled.  If you aspire to be successful, pursue your passion!  For me, that's writing and speaking - inspiring people - and it's my new nonprofit organization, Generation Hope.  What is it for you?

This week, make sure you're doing what you want to do in life - not what you're "supposed to be doing" or what others tell you to do.   

Want to receive our Mantras in your Inbox every Monday?  Click here!  

Have an outstanding week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 05/17

Hey there! 

Last week, I went to Texas to serve as a keynote for a teen parents conference, and one of the things I talked to the participants about is our hesitancy to work toward a goal because we haven't forgiven ourselves for things we may have done in the past.  I've come to realize that NO ONE is perfect -- even the most successful people who seem to have it all.  Mary Mary's quote puts a new perspective on the "dirt" from our past:

"(We) need a little bit of dirt to grow." -- Mary Mary


This week, don't get down on yourself about past mistakes or imperfections. Those things will help you blossom into the person you are destined to be!

Check out another blog entry on the myth of perfection by clicking here.

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday morning to get you ready for your week?  Click here!

Have an amazing week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 05/10

Good morning!

What an awesome weekend!  I had a great time celebrating the grand opening of the Youth Dreamers Center in Baltimore on Saturday (this is an amazing organization by the way!), got together with some of my married girlfriends for great discussions and food that evening, and then spent the day with my mom on Sunday walking through a nature preserve (I know, I know). 

However, I was saddened this morning by news that the amazing actress, Lena Horne, has passed away at age 92.  She lived an amazing, full life so I thought we could be inspired this week by her words of wisdom on being a top-knotch professional:

"Always be smarter than the people who hire you.." -- Lena Horne

This week, make sure you're staying sharp at work. Do you know the latest industry trends? Do you conduct research on your customers? Can you name the major players in your field?



Want to receive our weekly Mantras in your inbox each Monday?  Click here.
 
Have an outstanding week!
 
Nicole