Mid-week Motivation: Stop Comparing Yourself

Yes, I hate it when I do it that to myself. It's so annoying, utterly counter productive and just really makes me feel poorly about myself. As I change gears and position my focus elsewhere from my sad and pitiful feelings, I came across an awesome blog post on one of my favorite sites, Pick The Brain. I'm really digging this particular point it makes:

"1) Your own situation at hand

Are you constantly wondering, “Dang, I wish I was at the bar now” or “I sure wish I was watching the game now”?

Wish all you like, but what you’re actually doing is comparing your situation at hand with an unreachable state.

Continue with this comparison, and you’re just going to increase your boredom or even make you dread what you’re doing.

It simply cannot be helped if you stuck at work or well, just doing something else!

Think about it: If you’re washing the dishes, you’d definitely, without a doubt want to be somewhere else (unless you really love washing dishes).

Is there a point thinking about it? Not really.

Be present at your moment instead. Quiet your mind. Eliminate distractions. Get the work done and be on your way!"

For the full read, click here. Enjoy!

Mid-week Motivation: The Last Push

Oh, man! If I'm not feeling the pressure of the last two weeks of this quarter in my grad program! So much so that I can feel the pressure press upon my chest, the anxiety run through my mind as I try to grab at least 5 hours of sleep and scribble down items to-do on my never-ending list that has a tight deadline of September 19th (or else I'm screwed!). 

As I'm wishing for more hours in the day and kicking myself for procrastinating until the last hour, I must remind myself to keep pushing. I have to set it in my mind that I cannot fail and look for daily, hourly moments of motivation to keep swimming upstream. Whether I'm counting down the days dreaming of my upcoming 10-day trip to Puerto Rico on the 20th, finding moments of celebration by grabbing a drink for happy hour with classmates after finishing a project, I find moments of relief and even a boost of energy to get my shit done! 

So whatever it is that you need to finish, find motivation (it's around somewhere!) and quick moments of celebration to keep yourself going— and then get back to work til it's done! You know what to do after ;)

Have a great week!

Monday Motivation: Getting Back On Track

I love my friends. They know how to keep me on track. So, when I get texts and emails saying, "Where the hell are my Pumps and Lipstick posts?", I get the picture-- crystal clear. I can blame not having enough time during grueling and demanding, yet eye-opening grad school sessions at FIDM or training for a half-marathon or traveling here and there to be my reasons for not blogging as frequently, but I'm not. It's clearly poor time management on my part. And this can relate to many other practices and goals as well such as working out, spending more time with friends and family, reading more books, studying for the GRE, GMAT, EMT or any other lengthy tests out there in the world with long-ass acronyms. Instead of procrastinating and lying to myself by saying, "I'll do it later", I say, "No, bitch. Get it done now and figure out a plan to get it done more efficiently in the future." Be firm with yourself because you're the only person who can control your life and what you want to do with it. If you aren't, who will? Once you start doing what you're supposed to be doing, you'll be done and feel great about yourself for accomplishing it and crossing it off your 'To-Do' list-- just like how I feel right now :)

Happy Monday!

I thought this was so appropriate for this post and all my blogger friends.

Images via heartifb.com, vintagelawrence.com and justjule.blogspot.com

Monday Motivation: Surrounding Yourself with Inspiration

Over a year ago, I partnered with a new company and started my own business from home. It was extremely exciting in the beginning— as most things are— and as soon as the gates opened, I ran, ran, ran! I experienced many successes in my business. Although, with success, there are guaranteed obstacles that every person is will face. This can easily discourage a person from pursuing their goals because "it's too hard" or they get "tired" of the work. I know because I said and felt the same exact feelings of disappointment, low confidence, bla bla bla. Working from home, by myself, I needed inspiration to keep me going, to turn that frown upside down, and remind myself of my goals and why I pursued the business in the first place. So what did I do? Hung up inspirational quotes on every wall of my home so, that I could look anywhere and find uplifting motivation to press on. I also posted photos of vacation spots, cars, homes, and checks that I wanted to receive. Til this day, they're still posted on my walls— some have switched out because I had already received them!

I encourage you to do the same! Here are some inspirational quotes to give you an idea of what to hang around your home or office:

 

Happy Monday!

Monday Motivation: Live In The Moment

Here are some quotes from some of the greats to help us stay present, in the moment, and enjoy life at this very second:

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.” 
― Maya Angelou

“Happiness, not in another place but this place...not for another hour, but this hour.” 
― Walt Whitman

“Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of.” 
― Benjamin Franklin

Hakuna Matata

"It means no worries, for the rest of your days!" Timon and Pumbaa had it right. Going to adopt their problem-free philosophy!

Happy Thursday!

Monday Motivation: Laugh More

It's Monday people-- the beginning of a new week and full of opportunities and adventures! None of that blue, depressing humdrum sayings like, "Boo it's Monday. I hate Mondays. Bring the weekend back. Is it Friday yet?"

Monday Motivation: Live in the Present Moment

One of the many quotes I have posted around my home is, "Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." (Buddah) I mounted this quote in particular because, like many, I tend to dwell in the past and worry about my future. Sometimes my mind gets filled with phrases like 'what if this happens', 'I should have done that' and 'I wish blank happened'. Feelings of anxiety, doubt and sadness shortly follow these negative thoughts. This is why I have that quote posted: to remember to be grateful for what I have at this present moment, to acknowledge that the past is done and over with and to be excited for the blessings that the future holds. By redirecting my thoughts, I put my mind at ease and recognize all the blessings in my life. For more helpful tips, check out a great site I stumbled upon here.

Happy Monday!

Monday Motivation: Karma

I'm a firm believer in Karma. I believe that what you put out in the world, whether positive or negative, you will receive the exact type of energy you exerted. The concept brings you back to science class, huh? If so, a lightbulb should have turned on for you.

Once I started to apply this concept, I began to put out more good— generosity, smiles, compliments, a helping hand...all of it. Afterwards, I started to receive a lot of gifts! Most were not wrapped with a bow on top, but in small ways that added to a huge sum— kind cards, free tickets, gift cards, free parking, a raise, $20 bill on the street with noone around, help from a stranger and many more.

When I let my anger take over and put out negativity...sh*t started getting real. Parking tickets, fees on fees on fees, arguments with loved ones, unnecessary drama, and more.

No need to pull a Blair Waldorf and engulf yourself in a sea of scheming to get revenge on the world. Karma will return whatever was put out in the universe. I guarantee it! So keep looking fabulous, honey and keep it pushin'!

Monday Motivation: Keep Yourself Going Forward

Keep it going!

In the beginning of setting a personal goal, I'm always super psyched outta-my mind and ready to take on the world [insert Rocky theme song here]. Whether its training for a half-marathon, eating extra healthy, or heck, even cutting down the number of reality shows I watch, I feel like the world is on my side, the birds are singing, the sun is shining and I'm more than excited to start said goal.

And then two weeks pass and I start to get tired. The flame has died down. I'd rather stay in bed. 'Getting over the hump' is what I call it.

It's not as hard as we think it is to keep the wheels on moving-- just a little procrastination mixed with laziness topped with a dollop of lack of encouragement. I find it easy to use tools to push through the 'motivation mud' and get back on track. Training your mind to keep the train moving by yourself is possible, but easier with something or someone to help you. One of the tools/tricks I use is reading motivating articles online. This time around I ended up at PicktheBrain.com. Take a peek at this straightforward article to get over the hump: How To Motivate Yourself. Hope you enjoy!

Have a wonderful Monday!


Photo via arcticcompass.blogspot.com

Friday Feature: SOL Spoken's Karega Bailey and Felicia Gangloff-Bailey

I find that power couples are rare. No really, I mean it. Rare. SOL Spoken's Karega Bailey and Felicia Gangloff-Bailey are a power couple-- for real. Hard work doesn't scare these D.C. newlyweds. The two California-raised individuals have strong backgrounds in education and music and the dynamic duo are nonstop working in the careers and passions. SOL Spoken, SOL meaning: source of light, was established in 2010 by Karega Bailey to combine the arts of poetry and song that positively motivates and inspires the community. They are amazing artists with incredible talent and drive where any member of the audience can truly experience and feel an amazing performance poetically, intellectually, and musically.

The married couple have an amazing style and flair that is true to themselves. They are unafraid of trying new styles and eras, mixing vibrant colors and patterns and can still put a unique stamp on any look.

It is an honor and a privilege to feature such a motivational couple, a personal inspiration of mine, and what is even better is to call them my friends.

Scroll down for shots of Karega and Felicia and get the scoop on SOL Spoken with an exclusive Friday Feature interview with Pumps and Lipstick:

Xiomara: What is your mission for establishing SOL Spoken?

Karega & Felicia: SOL spoken was established so that we could use the art of poetry and song to amplify our academic interest to impact humanity, particularly with the youth.

Xiomara: What are your backgrounds in music and writing?

Karega & Felicia: Felicia holds a degree in music education from Hampton University and is a classically trained pianist. Karega is a poet who uses his sociology and education background to address the needs of his students, his community and his people in general. Felicia is currently pursuing her PhD in Educational Psychology with a research interest on African American students, hip hop music, and achievement motivation at Howard University in Washington, DC.

Xiomara: Since the beginning of SOL Spoken, what are a few major accomplishments you have achieved?

Karega & Felicia: Well SOL Spoken is the brand identity for the art that we produce, but all of Karega’s oratory presentations and literature fall under SOL SPOKEN as well. Since its establishment in 2010,

• We’ve won the Love From the Soundstage Award for Best Collaboration 2011.
• Karega won the NUSPA ( National Underground Spoken Word Poetry Award) for best male poet of the year 2012.
• Us along with rapper/poet Common were selected to perform for Dr.Maya Angelou at the Maya Angelou Public Charter School annual fundraiser.
• We released a double album titled Surrender and completed a six city tour and we have been featured on a number of entertainment blogs and magazines.
• Launched our clothing line available on www.solspoken.com
• Filmed our first music documentary titled Surrender, based on our recent tour in California. 

Xiomara: Describe what someone would experience watching your performance?

Karega & Felicia: We have been told that our performances are powerful and dynamic. Show-goers often report that the passion we display in our work is heart-touching.  A SOL SPOKEN production is going to include poetry, vocal song inspired by hip hop, Roots Reggae, Negro Spirituals, Contemporary Gospel and live musicianship. It has often been recognized as 'Truth Music'.

Xiomara: What are your goals for SOL Spoken this year?

Karega & Felicia: This year, we will get a national distribution deal, make television appearances on major television networks and hold a scholarship banquet in which we provide scholarships to a number of deserving high school students.

Xiomara: What is your style influenced by? Music? Trends?

Karega & Felicia: As artists, our style is inspired by minimalism, comfort, and color. Minimalism referring to cost, we are not after the brand with the biggest most expensive name. We do not represent that. Comfort refers to our ability to perform freely, vibe with our people and when possible, our clothes contain messages that uphold our philosophy. Color refers to just that; color. We like to blend, compliment, contrast and invite new colors into a wardrobe. It is not at all about always matching.  

Xiomara: Got any style icons? If so, who and why?

Karega & Felicia: No style icons in particular, however, Felicia enjoys trends and style from the 70’s. It's her favorite era of fashion because of its burst of vibrant colors that can be paired with anything. Felicia is also admirable of anything edgy accompanied care free attitude and a dash of sexy.

Xiomara: Felicia, what are a few of your beauty regimens that are a must? 

Felicia: I wouldn’t say I have any particular regimens that are a must. I am an advocate of washing my face in the morning and before bed and all around keeping my face clean, that is essential. I’ve noticed lately, however, lipstick is a must! Especially for performances. MAC preferred and usually reds, pinks, purples, corals, oranges….you get the point. I love lipstick. Ruby Woo by MAC is definitely a favorite and most recently I have been rocking Schiap by NARS with Cherry Lip Liner from MAC.  Additionally, because of my fair complexion, I always make sure I am wearing a bronzer. Not something to heavy, but enough to give me a little tone. (Refined Golden, MAC Bronzer).

Xiomara: How has starting and growing SOL Spoken molded you into the person you are today? 10 years from now, where do you see yourselves in your careers?

Karega & Felicia: Since starting SOL SPOKEN, our belief in touching lives through art has been strengthened. We understand that there is much more work to be done and we have accepted the calling to serving. This means that soon we will have to launch a world tour and touch millions of lives with SOL SPOKEN. And in ten years our tours will be more than music, it will be inspiration tours in which we use our academic training Dr. Felicia G.Bailey Educational Psychology Ph. D and Karega Bailey, M.Ed.

[END]

For more on the dynamic duo, visit www.solspoken.com for upcoming event dates, blog, and shop SOL Spoken tees and sweatshirts. Stream amazing performances on your computer or mobile via SOL Spoken's YouTube channel. And be sure to stalk them via Twitter and Facebook!




Photos courtesy of Karega Bailey and Felicia Gangloff-Bailey.

Monday Motivation: Success

Want to know why most goals are not usually met by the majority of people? Because they believe that success is a straight, upward road. It's not. You're going to be tested by the universe to figure out how badly you really want that goal. It is guaranteed that you'll hit some bumps in the road, experience setbacks, and hear negative opinions of others that may make you question your quest. 

The key to success? From what I've learned from my extremely successful personal and business mentors: perseverance. Many, many, many individuals simply give up at the first sight of an obstacle. "Oh, it's too hard. I can't do it. I'm tired. Blah, blah, blah." I call bull shit. The real answer to quitters' reasons is that they don't want it bad enough and can live without it. 

So tell me-- how bad to you want success in your life?

Happy Monday y'all! 

Monday Motivation: Stay True to Yourself

A long time ago, my dad told me, "Don't let people rent space in your head." This single comment made a huge impact in many ways. Think for yourself. What does your gut tell you? Follow your heart. All harp the same tone of staying true to yourself. So, when so-and-so says your idea is stupid, never mind them. Don't let other's doubts kill your dream! What do they know anyway? If you believe in yourself, then you're halfway there. Next time someone disregards a goal of yours, tell them (with a smile), "Tigers can't be bothered by the opinions of sheep!"

Monday Motivation: Smile

The key item you should wear every day is a smile. You have a lot more to smile about than you may think. Happy Monday! Don't forget to flash your pearly whites! :)

Motivation Monday: Thoughts and Emotions

Ever notice the type of mood you're in when you're thinking negatively about a person, situation or even about yourself? How about when you're thinking positively about an upcoming trip, your job or business or about your favorite team winning the game? It's a totally different vibe, right? Our thoughts control our current emotional state. Go ahead and play the 'Blame Game' and pin the reason why you're in a bad mood because of someone or something that happened to you, but in the end, it's all in your head. Marinate on it and see how things unfold throughout your day. Stay on the plus side! :) 

Mini Bio: Xiomara

                           

A couple months ago, I was looking at my blog for areas to update. I concluded that my 'About' page was a little...blah. Sure, a picture can say 1,000 words and a short blurb about myself provided another dimension, but it wasn't enough. I wanted to do something different and creative that would really represent myself. 

During that time, I came across an amazing music video that my friend, Jessica Linehan, owner of Bobbi J, was featured in. Coincidentally, our friend, Alisia Perez, actually directed, cut and edited the video herself. After the video had ended, I knew that I wanted to create a 'mini bio' for my 'About' page and I wanted Alisia to direct it. 

So here it is! Click 'Play' and enjoy.

Monday Motivation: Gratitude

Thanksgiving just passed. We all ate a week's worth of food in one day and are currently at the point of hating ourselves for doing so. We also reflected on what we are thankful for in our lives. It's tradition in my family to go around the table and express our gratitude before eating our Thanksgiving meal(s). My question is, why just reflect one day out of the year? Why not every day? Instead of complaining about the lack in our lives or complain about how things went wrong, why not cherish what's present and within our reach and celebrate things going right! Challenge yourself to sit and think of ten things that you're grateful for...right now! In fact, write it down. And do it again tomorrow, the next day and the day after that. Thank yourself into a happier you.

Happy Monday!

Motivation Monday featuring Charles Lightfoot

Optimist / Pessimist

I believe that one 'attracts' the people you bring into your life. Whatever the outcome, good or bad, we always learn from the people we meet. I'm happy to have met individuals who are full of life, live with passion, optimistic, have a hunger for more and are true to themselves. I met Oakland Firefighter and Entrepreneur, Mr. Charles Lightfoot, last year in a previous business venture, and have learned so much from him as business partner and as a personal motivational mentor. It's an honor to call him a friend and to feature him on this week's Motivation Monday post.

So click the 'Play' button and get your mind right:

Style and Grace

Biggie had it right.

Motivation Monday: Believe

All things are possible when you believe. Happy Monday!