Focus

I realize that I have to focus on the things in my life that I can control and not live by my past. I need to focus on my circle of influence in order to set my path in a more positive direction than focus on my circle of concern. I can not dwell on the things that have happened in my past in which I could not control nor change. Something I will try to do to be more proactive is to make small commitments and keep them. Be a light, not a judge, be a model, not a critic. Be part of the solution, not part of the problem. These are words we as people should live by.
To stop and think about what people would say about you at your own funeral is a good way to really look at the person you are and where you are headed on your life's path. It makes you think about how you treat others and why you do the things you do.
We do not develop our own self awareness we let other people and circumstances shape our lives. I personally find myself letting this happen. I am constantly trying to do things that will make my parents proud and take notice of my accomplishments. I became pregnant at 17 and have always felt as though I disappointed my parents. Even though it has been a difficult road I believe that has made me the strong, independent, caring person I am today. I have come to realize that I have been trying to undo a wrong that has never really been a wrong. My daughter is now 19 and I am 37. Giving birth to her has made me what I am today and what I strive for in the future. I have to stop trying to make my family see that I have achieved great things. I have to look at myself and not worry about what others think and focus on where I am headed. I need to begin with the end in mind and re-write my script.
I have come to realize that I fall in the categories of being family and money centered. Which takes me back to where I worry too much about establishing my personal worth through my family. I also center my life around money, or lack there of. I have little to no net worth therefore struggle to achieve satisfaction of financial security and physical survival. By writing a personal mission statement I hope to become primarily centered that will lead me to a life of contentment:

I must put first things first. I need to work in my personal time management. Focus on things I can change and say no to the things that will not create positive results in my life. I need to know my desired results, establish the guidelines to achieve the results that I desire, identify the resources I may need to acquire the results, take accountability for getting the results done and realize that the consequences, good or bad, are my responsibility.

Pamela Renee Schneider

2009-My studies from "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People"-Stephen R. Covey