Authorpreneur Dashboard – Bianca Arianne McCormick-Johnson
I'm G.O.O.D.
Self-Help
This book is inspired by the daily struggles people face throughout life. The lessons provided in this informational and inspirational piece will encourage good habits while disposing bad ones. They will also offer a systematic approach to eliminating or smoothing out the rough edges that appear to cause blockages and other distractions hindering one’s success. Part one, Trinity of Life, explains the three most influential factors shaping one’s life: faith, family, and friends. Faith, family, and friends correlate to the brain, heart, and spine. Faith is like a brain because it affects one’s thought process and decision making. Family is like a spine because it provides the backbone support one may need to fall back on. Friendship is a like a heart because it pumps blood through the many vessels in life that keep one feeling youthful, fascinating, and fabulous! Part two, Challenge of Change, gives a roadmap to success, while including the necessary changes one should make in order to build the foundation for success. Success can encompass many aspects of life, not just money. Success is simply a confirmation of order. Where there is no order, there is no success. Once one has made the appropriate adjustments to his or her attitude, career objectives, finances, acquaintances, and lifestyle; then success has been achieved. Consequently, the next time one says, “I’m good”, he or she will actually mean it.
Book Bubbles from I'm G.O.O.D.
More Money, More Options
I felt the need to touch on this subject after realizing some people avoid making more money in fear of running into more problems. It holds much truth that one can run into more problems with more money if not managed properly. Anything that is not managed properly (i.e. relationships, children, employees) can get totally out of control. I have seen money change people's lives more than it has destroyed them. People who understand the value in having more money do not see it that way. Money allows one to make qualitative purchases and save time. However, the true value in having more money is the ability to bless others with your abundance. That is the preferred option, I'd say. I believe that one who does not desire more money does not desire to help anyone. Helping others succeed is the best way to address environmental sustainability.
Work Smarter, Not Harder
I commend anyone who works hard to provide for his or her family. You are committed to sacrificing your time, energy, and health for your loved ones. If you love to work hard and are built for it, then this message is not for you. Nevertheless, if you desire a less strenuous and stressful job for equal or more pay, then you should consider a career change. I admonish you that the transition is not going to be an easy one because you are already consuming most of your day with work. You may have to sacrifice some of your sleep time just to either seek employment elsewhere or advance your skills through training and/or education. Either can be accomplished with a solid plan and the same commitment and drive you take to work with you everyday. Try it. Your family and health are counting on it.
Your Attitude Says A Lot About You
My personal experiences taught me how attitude can make or break you. It plays a significant role in the way you look and feel. Attitude shows in your facial expressions, moods, and appetite for life. If lethargy is taking on, it could be your attitude. If sickness it taking on, it could be your attitude. The cancerous woman with the million dollar smile has a bigger appetite for life than a broken down, complaining civilian with a high income. I realize that if you want to beat the odds of life, you have to change the way you look at it. If that doesn't work, you may have to change some things about yourself or within your surroundings.
Everybody Needs A Friend
My personal observations of seeing bridges burn in the midst of a fire encouraged me to write on this subject. People do not value friendships like they used to. When I was coming up, you could have a fight with one of your good friends one day and be back playing in the street the next day. Just as people in relationships fight, friends can fight as well. The only difference between a friendship and a relationship is that one is platonic and the other is intimate. If you love your friends the way you love your partner, then you can find it in your heart to forgive them as well. If you can grasp the concept that relationships can be temporary, but friends are forever, then maybe you'd start rethinking the word friendship. Remember, if he or she departs voluntarily or involuntarily, your friends will be there to comfort you.
Chapter 2: Family Fun, Feud, and Forgiveness
I had to make family one of the core aspects of life because people tend to lose sight of family values after big mama passes. Family is and forever will be one of the best gifts you will enjoy opening each day. You are going to have fun. You are going to fight. But you have to learn to forgive and move forward. There is nothing more disturbing than a family that can't get along. Regardless of how you became family, you need to fix whatever is broken and make it work. A funeral is not the substitute of a family reunion. If that is the only time your family comes together, then it needs some serious construction. Don't let bitterness, jealousy, envy, and resentment keep you from creating priceless memories and promoting togetherness.
Chapter 1: Faith - Either You Have It or You Don't
I could not help but touch on this topic because I see so many followers and so few leaders. People are being influenced by the wrong behaviors. I say behaviors because people have good and bad traits. Nevertheless, they are judged by the behavior they exhibit the most. Many times, celebrities portray their alter egos on stage or in the spotlight. Unfortunately, that is who many of us come to know them as. On the one hand, I believe people should look inside themselves to find out who they are before looking into the life of a celebrity. It's a personal responsibility. On the other hand, celebrities should be mindful of the people they influence and consider displaying more positive traits. It's a social responsibility.
Chapter 8: Lifestyle - Ain't Nobody Got Time for F
My own battle and observation of so many people trying to get back in shape inspired me to touch on this topic. Weight is a sensitive topic for many people because it interferes with their confidence. As most of us know, it is easier to put on weight than it is to get it off. But you have to start somewhere without making excuses. I know it is easier said than done, but it starts with a commitment, not an excuse.
Chapter 7: Acquaintances - Who Stays
The fact that you must move on from some people inspired me to touch on this topic. Every relationship you build is not meant to last forever. Some relationships are just not conducive to your journey to success. Those will eventually weaken on its own because the two of you will become detached. The one who holds on to a dead bond is wasting valuable time. You don't have time to waste when chasing your dreams. The other person will either find a way he or she can help or step back and let you do your thing. Too many people never move forward in life because they let people get in the way. If you really want to help them, motivate them by helping yourself. The wise ones will take notes and offer support.
Chapter 6: Finances - Overflow, Low Flow, or No Fl
I thought it was necessary to write on this topic because money can be a huge distraction in our lives. It can draw wedges between family members and friends and put dents in mutual relationships. Oftentimes, the need for money can cause us to make bad decisions with no recourse. If the deciding factor is questionable, then the answer should be obvious. Remember, all money is not good money. Thus, if receipt of money for a given purpose compromises your name, then it should not be accepted.
Chapter 5: Career - Move Up or Move On
I felt compelled to share this information because I have had quite a few jobs that I did not stay on. It is not uncommon for one to have had many jobs, but it can also make a negative statement about that person. Employers seek applicants who want longevity in a company, in an effort to reduce turnover. The hiring process is tedious and costly. Hence, a shorter resume can be more appealing than a longer one, if the concentrated area of experience is within that short list. Use the hate for your first job as motivation to acquire a better one, instead of job hopping. If you are good at cash handling, take it to the bank, and enjoy your Sundays and holidays off.
Chapter 4: Attitude - Positive vs. Negative
Battles with my own attitude inspired me to touch on this topic. A bad attitude can block blessings, stir up dissension, and ruin relationships. Sometimes, one may not realize that he or she has a bad attitude because after a while, it just comes naturally. I was so used to snapping off and blowing fuses every time something did not go my way that I saw no harm in my actions. I felt as though my frustration and discontentment with life justified my behavior. When told I had a bad attitude, I did not like hearing it, but it did make me think about the validity of the accusation. Hence, I decided to do a self-assessment of my behavior. The assessment part was feasible, but the transitional change was a bit challenging. If you admit that you have a bad attitude and are willing to change it, you are a work in progress. However, if you accept your negative behavior but want others to see you in a positive light when it fits, you are fake. If you are going to reject the need for change yet put on a facade, do not deliver your package of poison without a warning label.
Chapter 3: Friends - How Many of Us Have Them?
My close friendships inspired me to include this piece. I do not have as many tight bonds as I once had before, but the ones I do possess are extremely valuable. A good friendship will get you through some tough times. I know this from experience. Sometimes, a friend might show more love than a relative. I believe healthy friendships are much like healthy relationships. Consequently, I take all mine seriously because you never miss a good thing until it's gone. If you have good friends, treat them like gold because they may be worth more in the future.
Chapter 2: Family - Can't Live With Them, Can't Li
I find it disturbing that some family members just can't seem to get along. You tend to find out how important your family is when faced with a disaster or crisis. My family and I survived the devastating Hurricane Katrina. That was one event in history I would never want to relive. After four days of lost connection, I nearly had a nervous breakdown because I could not talk to my family members to see if they were safe. If all it takes is a few words to put a dent in your relationship or cause you to disconnect from your family member all together, your bond needs some serious healing. Work on strengthening your relationships by encouraging one another, instead of tearing each other down.
Chapter 1: Faith - Either You Have It or You Don't
It took me some time to dissect this word and interpret its meaning because my faith has been shaken up quite a few times in life. You cannot possibly decipher the reasoning behind some of the misfortunes that happen in your life, unless you have faith. But in order to acquire it, you must first understand the meaning of it. Having faith does not necessarily make life easier, but it does make it more manageable.
