Confessions of a goal-digger

On my Facebook page I posted a question: "Do you wait until January 1st to set new goals or start now?" I loved the answers. Some were a few sentences long and others said, "NOW!".  If you are like me, you didn't grow up around goal-setters and people who spoke of having a vision. So when I became an Entrepreneur and learned setting goals and having a vision were important, it sounded like another language being spoken. But for years I had always read the words from the Bible that say to "write the vision and make it plain...for the vision is yet for an appointed time, it speaks of the end and will not lie; though it lingers, wait for it, it will surely come." Now I understood! 

Many times it was difficult to continue to write the goals down because I would look at the time and nothing would happen. So I would push them to the side and say, "I guess it wasn't meant to be". What was I thinking...lol! I realized we are programmed to go into "default" mode. You know how your printer or settings go back to default? That is what our brains do. So it takes a daily decision, sometimes minute by minute to choose to continue to do the work necessary. Some call it discipline. Because it will come to pass. Focus on what you want, not what you don't want. Sit down and just let your dreams expand. You have gifts and talents inside you of that the world needs. 

"I am not a product of my circumstances. I am a product of decisions." Stephen Covey

Start today. Maybe with a weekly goal, then move to 30 days, then stretch and do 90 days. Where would you like be spiritually? Maybe plan more time with your family. If you have kids, please include them. They have dreams too! Would you like to see an increase in your finances or where would you need to change to have healthier habits? Maybe get rid of some debt. Remember, you get to choose because you know yourself better than anyone else. Do it and make 2014 the best year yet! Better yet, make the end of 2013 the best yet ;) Peace

Back to life!

Well, to say that life has been up to it's usual, is an understatement...lol! My wonderful Step-dad, took ill in July and it just went down hill from there. I watched this strong yet quite soul of a man slowly vanish. But the lessons I learned through helping my mom after his death were priceless. Life goes on with or without you. His time was served, now what was I going to make of mine? Whose life would I leave an impression on?

I have to thank my 11 yr. old son because as of last night,  I wasn't going to continue my blog. As usual, out of the mouths of babes, he says "Mom, you can't, you have to help people". Oh Lord, really? That boy puts me in check quite often! 

So here I am. Grateful for the ups and the downs.  Can I just be transparent and say that I learn more from the downs than I do the ups. And boy have I had many in my life! Can't I get an amen? I hear ya!

Well here I go, continuing to walk in confidence! Yes, God confidence. Knowing that ALL is well. I can't just sit around and wait for the ship to come in. I must go get it! What is your "ship" peace, love, better health, lose some weight, financial freedom, a mate? It's time to untie that little rowboat, go out and get it. Are you with me? Peace

Happy Boss's Day!

So I woke up this morning to different post on Facebook about today being Boss's Day. I have to say I got a laugh at some of the post. But a few minutes later my mother-in-law called. I can say I am blessed to have a mother-in-law that I love and look forward to our conversations. For those of you who do not know my mother-in-law she is a spunky, energetic 81 year old who will tell you she has never had a boss. She became a hairdresser over 50 years ago! She has always believed no one will ever pay you what you are worth. She went on to tell me how she knew she didn't want a boss telling her she could only make a certain amount of money. When African American women that she knew were making only $15 a week, cleaning and cooking for someone else, she would make more in a day than her friends would in a week. She also believes in the Network Marketing Industry and chose to have her own business years ago and made a huge success of it.

She says that we in the U.S. have it so easy but take education and work for granted and realizes why many come from other countries and are able to take advantage of any and all opportunities to make a success of their lives. With today being Bosses day and I have no boss to thank. I thank my mother-in-law for confirming to me and my family that being your own boss is the best way to go only if you will do the work and then you will reap the rewards of being paid what you are worth. Oh and Happy Boss's day to me:) and any other of you who are THE BOSS!

The Women of USANA: Inspiring Stories of Success

written by Patrick Kibbie
Did you know that women make up 82 percent of the network marketing industry? Are you surprised?
If you look at the way the business model is set up, you shouldn’t be. Women are uniquely suited to network marketing and bring with them natural skills that give them a distinct advantage:

Juggling Life

“If you want something done, ask a busy woman,” said successful direct seller Susanne Cunningham. Women are known for their ability to multi-task, often running a household, earning an income, caring for family, and much, much more. And to build a successful home-based business, you must be adept at focusing on more than one task at a time.

Expert Opinion

Personal recommendations sell products, and women are experts in sharing their opinions — whether about a restaurant, boutique, or the new gym they joined. And when buying new products, women love to find out all the information they can, especially what other women think.

“I started using the products and was so happy with the results that I was talking to nearly everyone I met about USANA,” said Justina Rudez.

Enthusiastic to Learn

We’ve all heard the story of the lost couple; the husband is stubborn while the wife is the one willing to ask for directions. That is because women have a willingness to learn and are excited about learning new things to increase their knowledge and expertise.

“USANA is a wonderful opportunity because of the personal development that is involved,” said Erika Hilliard, whose home-based business has allowed her to connect with people all over the world. “Once you obtain a different view of yourself and your future, you realize you can make great decisions and can also take pride in watching your business grow.”

The Solution of Balance

Who wouldn’t want the ability to work from home — part-time or full — with the allure of flexible hours?
“I’ve found it inspiring to watch so many stay-at-home moms grow as people and as professionals,” said Sandra Moody. “These businesswomen have achieved improved health and gained financial freedom, and they also enjoy great work schedules that allow them to travel and have wonderful experiences with their families.”

If you want to learn more about some of USANA’s most dynamic women by receiving a *free copy, email me at erika@hilliardgroup.net *Non-USANA people only please;)

Who are you listening to?

As I listened to a wonderful Podcast today from Marianne Williamson on "You've Got Talent". I decided I would speak on this for my first blog and share how I relate to Susan Boyle and compare it to starting our Home Business. If you haven't seen or heard of her, you might want to watch the Youtube video that has been viewed by millions around the world. Please take a moment and watch, then continue reading! Click to see Susan


I just watched again and got emotional! Why you might ask? Because so many of us, like Susan Boyle have the potential to change our lives but some may never experience the wonderful freedom when you make the decision to go against the grain. We had allowed so many in our life to be the so-called "Judges" to determine if we would "make it" or how we should live our life, what we should believe, where we should go to school and where we should live. Who were our judges? Bosses, friends, teachers, neighbors, co-workers, parents, pastors and the list goes on and on. Is it wrong to take the counsel? Absolutely not! One thing we learned years ago that set the course for where we are today is "take no advice from someone who is not where I am striving to be, do or have."

We were told to go to college, get a "good paying" job with benefits and work there for the rest of our lives. But when we decided to go against the grain, we were ridiculed, laughed at, talked about and "judged". I too was naive to all the things to fear in the Network Marketing Industry. Just as Susan was naive to the feelings of those looking at her from the audience. But as Susan Boyle walked out on the stage, not realizing she didn't have "the look" or have "it", that didn't stop her from opening her mouth and changing how every judge (doubter) saw her. Now as we have the life and future we have obtained not from a job, many have changed the way they see us and the Home Based Business Industry.

When I lost my job, I made the decision with my husband not to get another "good job" or go back to school. I didn't think to myself, what will my friends think, or what if this doesn't work? I knew that if I didn't change what I was doing, my life would continue to remain the same. Susan never stopped to ask herself, "am I pretty enough or smart enough or do I have what it takes? Just as was stated in the podcast, everyone made fun of her before she opened her mouth. When that happened everything changed! When we stepped out on faith and trusted God everything changed. Our health, finances and marriage changed. Our lives, our children's lives and those we have come in contact with have been forever enriched and changed forever.

Was it worth it? Yes! Did we lose friends? Yes! We have gained more friends, better health, more financial and time freedom in the past six years than we ever achieved in our lifetime prior to starting a home based business. Whose your Simon Cowell? Who are you taking counseling from? We must realize that God created us for greatness! To live any less than is a slap in the face to your creator. And if no one applauds you when you walk out on the stage of change, God and the angels will be applauding!


To your success!
Erika