I was at work today, doing some research and I stumbled upon a blog post gem. The author captured a snippet of a conversation he had with a colleague about goals.

Colleague: ".......Everyone has goals and dreams."

Author: "What are your goals?"

C: "I want to be happy."

A: "That's great, we all do. Yet, being happy is not a goal----it's a condition that manifests itself because of some other situation or achievement in life."

I sat on that last line and evaluated my goal---short and long term. I am 'happy' to report that my goals are tangible; though conditional upon achievements. That being said, as I kept reading, my emotions got the best of me and I got a sudden surge of "Wake up and make stuff happen". I have always considered myself to be an ambitious person and as of late, I have been making moves, personally and professionally in an attempt to make said stuff happen. I am sure it was because I was in the last year of my twenties and that my internal clock was ticking (as far as timeline I set for accomplishments). Nevertheless in that moment I did another self-evaluation.

Each year (starting on/around my birthday) I add to my mantra. I started a few years ago as a way to keep myself focused on my goals,desires, needs, etc,  Currently it's 'LOVE, SWEAT, PEACE, REFLECT(ION), ACT(ION)' or LSPRA. My birthday was a week ago and I have yet to add anything new to my mantra.  Although merely words to the naked eye, to me, these words represent different aspects of what I am doing and who I am/trying to be. My goals.

For instance the word ACTION... I added this after a year of REFLECTION and deciding to use my findings/evaluations to create solutions and put some things into practice. You may have seen me post my little slogan "Wake.Pray.Sip.Slay." That's my way of promoting positive vibes in the universe and a reminder to myself to slay the day. I am passionate about my work and it has rewarded me greatly. (Ciera Haskins, Senior Associate----complete with a short commute [in NOVA], business cards, flex time, mahogany furniture, and a parking spot)....add a cup coffee and this lady can conquer life!

Perhaps this year my word should be "LIVE"---You know, intentional living. I have been trying to do better with that as well. Now with a better commute, my quality of life can improve. More time for me, my boys; more time to simply enjoy my life. It is time for me to thrive instead of merely surviving. What that means is that I have entered a new era. This is a a new chapter of my life and I shall act accordingly.....I am claiming my success, LIVING in my purpose, taking risks (calculated of course, because it's in my (family's) best interest. I am taking trips and impromptu photo shoots in DC; continuing to surround myself with like-minded folks and positive energy (My team is awesome by the way); cutting toxic people off. I am eating the cupcake and having two cups of coffee. I am praying and meditating; drinking water and Northern Neck Ginger Ale. I am taking time for myself (writing, exercising); making more time for my family.I am taking naps--cause this mama is tired. I am doing what I want, cause I'm a grown woman (in my Yonce voice). I am finding joy in life's moments, good, bad, indifferent. Mostly, I am loving me, unapologetically.

The exchange I read in that post ignited something in me---perhaps final confirmation of my latest endeavor. The universe speaks if you listen. People with goals succeed because they know where they are going. I know where I am going an where I am is directly aligned. I am 30 and thriving. I am embracing this new decade because the only way to go is up!

I sincerely hope that each of you reading this takes a few moments to focus or refocus on your goals. Think about where you want to go/be; how to attain it (be flexible); set milestones for reaching that goal. I promise it leads to better planning/productivity for life.  Live with intention. I will leave you with a quote from Tony Robbins "People are not lazy. They simply have impotent goals----that is, goals that do not inspire them."

*sprinkles inspiration*