Community Journal 48

Community Journal

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September-October 2015

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Creating Success by Doing You

Throw Off Excess Baggage

By Minister Eugenie Doualla Hebrews 12:1 tells us that if we are going to run our race, we must lay aside every weight, and run the race with patience.

PAGE 6

PAGES 4-5

Everyone Loves an Original

By Charlotte Jackson In the day of social media, it seems that too often we have few people willing to stand up and be authentic.

Connections Can Create Success

PAGE 6

PAGE 16 PAGE 14

In the Community…

Destiny Moscato at HEB • The Imani School Welcomes Actor Bill Duke • The Ensemble Theatre Black Tie Gala • J. Prince Basketball Game • d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Mary Susan Moore Medical Society Luncheon • TSU v. PVU Labor Day Classic • Greater Houston Black Chamber PAGES 8,10,12

Become What You Believe

By Pastor Alan

Self-Improvement for the Mind, Body and Soul

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher.

– Oprah Winfrey

September-October 2015 3

Journal Behind The

Publisher’s Message

MR. D-MARS

SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis

VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd

Creating Success by Doing You is the theme for this issue of the d-mars.com Community Journal. You have to sometimes do things your way, and go with your gut in order to create great change. Despite your beginnings, if you are true to doing things your way, in a positive way, then good results can happen. When you create success, you then have an obligation to pay it forward to your community.

ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla

Office Manager Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Dawn Paul

I came from the Fifth Ward area. Though things were tough starting off, I didn’t give up. I am known as MR. D-MARS by many, and connecting people is what I like to do. I know the importance of connections and how connections have opened doors. This month’s cover story will inspire you to achieve success, no matter where you start, and to help others along the way.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines

MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes

LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Angel Rosa

DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Minister Eugenie Doualla Charlotte Jackson Evangelist J.J. Simmons Linda Lindsay Pastor Alan d-mars.com News Provider

MR. D-MARS

Contents Connections Can Create Success.................................................................................................................................................................................... 4-5 Throw Off Excess Baggage....................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Everyone Loves an Original...................................................................................................................................................................................................6 Houston Businessman Steven Coleman............................................................................................................................................................................ 7 Your World Is Calling You........................................................................................................................................................................................................8 In the Community......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 8, 10, 12 Become What You Believe.....................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Be You and Do You...................................................................................................................................................................................................................14 Self-Improvement....................................................................................................................................................................................................................16

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4 September-October 2015

“I know the importance of connections. Connections can create success and open doors. Helping to connect people is what I do. Connecting people like Andre and Miranda Horn of Industrial Welding Academy to Furr High School can help provide opportunities to the young generation.”

– MR. D-MARS

Connections Can Create Success

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

Y

ou know Mr. Keith Davis aka MR. D-MARS, Publisher and CEO of d-mars.com.

For 16 years, d-mars.com under the leadership of MR. D-MARS, has been inspiring, informing and educating Houston and the surrounding areas with quality content and empowering events. He credits part of his success to the teachers, staff and trade classes taken at Furr High School.

MR. D-MARS makes it one of his top priorities to connect local high schools with trade schools, such as the Industrial Welding Academy, to show students that you can succeed and exceed expectations attending trade school.

MR. D-MARS grew up in north Houston in the Fifth Ward community.

Growing up, he witnessed the selfless

spirit of his mother, father and grandmother giving back and helping people in the community. This was something that stuck with him throughout his childhood and adult life. When Davis lost his mother to breast cancer at age 13, he resolved to dedicate his life to

showing the better side of the AfricanAmerican community. Though that loss was difficult, it motivated him to be a success and to be a positive influence to those around him. “On my journey towards a brighter future and a more positive environment, I was exposed to more

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positive images of Black people. I fell in love with Black people,” says MR. DMARS. Another contributing factor to MR. D-MARS’ motivation for success was attending Furr High School. In addition to being active in Future Business

September-October 2015 5

Leaders of America at Furr High School, MR. D-MARS taking advantage of trade courses like drafting, newspaper, typing and other like classes, allowed him to receive the necessary skills to be successful in media. MR. D-MARS never forgets Furr High School and the positive impact those trade classes made in his life. He recently made a visit to his old high school, now under the leadership of Principal Dr. Bertie Simmons.

Dr. Simmons has a tough love approach to leadership, and she has been more than just a principal, but some would say the school’s rescuer. Furr High School has had its share of rough days. It was a school where fewer than half graduated, and it also had a high

suspension rate. Where many had given up on the school and the students, Dr. Simmons took the challenge. Though she had only planned to stay a few months, she has been there for well over a decade, with successful results. Furr High School is a different place today, with a decreased suspension and dropout rate and an increased graduation rate. Dr. Simmons’ goal is to continue to provide students with concerned teachers who will prepare them for academic excellence in a safe, trusting and caring community. Each student at Furr High School is valued as a unique and contributing member of the community.

Attending Furr High School made a great impression on MR. D-MARS,

and he has made it his mission to connect high schools like Furr High School to trade schools like Industrial Welding Academy (IWA), to heighten awareness about trade schools being a great option for those young people who do not opt for college after high school graduation.

MR. D-MARS holds a special place in his heart for IWA, one of Houston’s gems opening doors for the next generation to succeed with a skill trade, such as welding. Under the leadership of Andre and Miranda Horn, IWA, through a uniquely designed curriculum, is helping welders become their best. IWA’s Certified Welding Educators are credentialed by the American Welding Society, and the Horns, through IWA, are

providing a way for students to succeed and exceed expectations in the welding industry. Because the Horns know and understand that every high school graduate doesn’t elect for college after graduation, IWA is that excellent option after high school. MR. D-MARS connecting IWA to schools like Furr High School, is just one of the examples of him opening doors for others. Andre Horn says, “We appreciate what MR. D-MARS is doing, opening doors for us to connect with schools like Furr High School. We are dedicated to the philosophy that a student can earn a meaningful income based on their dedication to learn marketable skills at Industrial Welding Academy. We understand that college is not for everyone, so schools like ours are vital for the community and the young generation.”

Advantages to Trade Schools

“We appreciate what MR. D-MARS is doing, opening doors for us to connect with schools like Furr High School. We are dedicated to the philosophy that a student can earn a meaningful income based on their dedication to learn marketable skills at Industrial Welding Academy. We understand that college is not for everyone, so schools like ours are vital for the community and the young generation.”

– Andre Horn, Industrial Welding Academy

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Salaries for trade school graduates aren’t that much of a drop-off compared to a four-year degree. According to recent National Center for Educational Statistics, technical and trade school jobs have a median annual salary of $35,720, though this figure varies heavily based on the particular industry and the experience level of the worker. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov) predicted earnings for bachelor’s degree holders to be roughly $46,900, amounting to an annual difference of $11,180. This stat, of course, doesn’t factor in long term earnings growth.

However, because trade school only takes an average of two years to complete versus four, that amounts to an additional two years of income for the trade school graduate, or $71,440. Factor in another $70,000 in costs for the many students who take an extra year to graduate from college, and trade school grads can be over $140,000 ahead at the get-go, making up for over 12 years of difference in income (thesimpledollar.com).

MR. D-MARS has remained passionate to help his fellow man and the community. Connecting IWA to Furr High School is just one of the examples of his work connecting the community. While it’s great to be successful, MR. D-MARS reminds us that you cannot forget to pay it forward. For more on the publication, visit d-mars.com. To read more about Furr High School, please visit furrhs. org. To find out more about the Industrial Welding Academy, go to iwatrain ing.com.

6 September-October 2015

Throw Off Excess Baggage thousand ways every week to entangle us and get us into something that will prevent us from doing what we are supposed to be doing. They all seem like emergencies, and it seems we must be the one to handle them all.

If we want to do what God called us to do, we must stay focused, because the world we live in is filled with distractions and entanglements. Let me encourage you to keep your focus on the Lord, and be diligent to lay aside everything that might distract you or hold you back.

By Minister Eugenie Doualla

H

Contributing Writer

ebrews 12:1 tells us that if we are going to run our race, we must lay aside every weight, and run the race with patience.

Running our race with no hindrances means stripping for the contest.

In those days that the Bible was written, runners had to condition their bodies for a race, just as athletes do today. But at the time of the race, they stripped off their clothing, wearing only a loincloth, so that when they ran, there was nothing to hinder them. They also oiled their bodies with fine oils.

In the same way, we need to be welloiled or anointed with the Holy Spirit if we want to win our race. We also need to remove anything from our lives that hinder us as we run the race

set before us.

There are many different hindrances to running a race well and developing our full potential. Having too many commitments is one that keeps us from developing our potential. Letting other people control us keeps us from devel-

oping our full potential. Getting overly involved in someone else’s goals and vision, or becoming entangled in someone else’s problem, instead of keeping our eyes on our own goals will also keep us from fulfilling our potential.

I find that the devil comes up with a

Everyone Loves an Original well as anyone you come into contact with. Life is about relationships. Relationships must be built on trust.

There have been times along this journey that it would have been easy to compromise my values and not work as hard, taking the easy road, but it would be hard in the long run if I couldn’t look myself in the mirror

By Charlotte Jackson or not have the respect of my chilContributing Writer dren. To have the love and respect of your family, your friends and your n the day of social media, community, far outweighs any mateit seems that too often we rial possessions or financial gain. have few people willing to I work on the campus of a local stand up and be authentic. community college. Every day, I see If someone in the spotlight young people who have been hurt and were to shave their head a who have had someone try to smash certain way, dress in a particular style their dreams. I work with older peoor voice an opinion, it is just minutes ple who were held back due to their before many follow along. However, race, their educational and economic wouldn’t you rather follow or support conditions. I see too many people someone who thinks for himself/her- daily that have been held down for self and can justify why they live their being themselves, and so now they life the way they do? try to present themselves in a differIt was in my seventh grade physical ent light. However, at the end of the science class that I had a teacher who day, they are still hurting. It truly challenged me to think outside of the grieves my heart to see people lacking box and take a stand. In my life, I the self-confidence to just be themhave faced challenges when speaking selves. Can we just make a commitup for what I believe in. However, life ment starting today, to just be who is way too short to have to keep a re- God created us to be? Also, let’s not cord of lies or people you need to im- forget to allow others to be who they press. Wake up and thank God that are called to be. Everyone loves an you are alive. Decide today to make original, so why not be the best that a positive impact on those you love, as you can be?

I

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Today’s Prayer: Lord Almighty, we come before Your throne of grace as You said in Matthew 11:28 (GWT), “Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” We give You all our loads and crowns, so that we can receive the peace we need to run the race set before us. We want to finish the race to hear You say, “Well done my faithful servant.” In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray, amen!”

In my daily reading of God’s Word, I also refer to the teachings and writings of other ministers. This submission was inspired by Joyce Meyer (www.joyce meyer.org).

September-October 2015 7

Houston Businessman Steven Coleman Sets a New Standard for the Beauty Industry

By Dawn Paul

S

Associate Editor

teven Coleman is from the small town of Beaumont, TX, but this small town boy took his big dreams and made them into reality and created one of the most successful beauty businesses in the Houston area, coleCOLORS Art Defining Beauty. He is sought after locally, nationally and internationally, having worked with notables, such as Keri Hilson and Victoria Osteen. Coleman credits his Beaumont roots for helping make him the man and businessman he is today. Taking a risk, stepping out on faith and trusting his instincts and talents, he took the beauty industry head on, doing it his way and has now set a new standard for the beauty industry.

A graduate of University of Houston, he was a microbiologist at Baylor College of Medicine and MD Anderson before he delved into the beauty business. After being laid off by both employers, he decided to follow his passion. Starting off on his journey was not easy, especially with no knowledge of the art. However, he worked his way up from stocking at MAC Cosmetics to 4 ½ years later, being one of the most sought after makeup artists around the

country and internationally. Where many want to start off at the top, Coleman saw it as invaluable to work his way up. Starting where he did at MAC Cosmetics allowed him to learn the business. He wouldn’t have the knowledge he has today without those humble beginnings. Coleman says, “Post layoff from both employers, I started in the makeup industry with no knowledge of the art. To supplement my unemployment pay, I went to MAC to inquire about stocking and 4 ½ years later, I was confident and knowledgeable to get into the beauty industry.” That knowledge allowed Coleman to create coleCOLORS Art Defining Beauty. coleCOLORS Art Defining Beauty is this makeup mogul’s full-service make company, serving clients with masterful, unique and unmatched makeup looks for any occasion. Never being one to settle, he launched a line of bold, vibrant and long-lasting lipsticks and lip glosses that continues to meet and exceed sales expectations and expanding once again, launching Mr. & Mrs. by coleCOLORS, his much anticipated skincare line for men and women. “I produced the skincare line, so that my clients would have a product that they could trust and know first-hand the benefits,” says Coleman. As a former scientist and being very knowledgeable of the products and their ingre-

dients, Coleman’s clients can have confidence in the fact that he took the time to make a quality product that would benefit their skin.

Where some beauty brands are about just making a sale, Coleman stands out from the competition, in that he understands and cares about the personal experience that each male and female cli-

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ent should have in regards to skincare.

This line is for all skin types, and is not just for the African-American consumer. Mr. & Mrs. by coleCOLORS is a skin care product that cares, treats, restores and rejuvenates the skin. Coleman does not cater to only the AfricanAmerican consumer when it comes to makeup, and that same mindset stands when it comes to Mr. & Mrs. by coleCOLORS. Coleman knows that maintenance of the skin is far more important than makeup. Coleman expresses, “Though I am a makeup artist, I like clients to know that I am concerned about their skin. Well-kept skin makes makeup look better.” Because Coleman is one that always pays attention to detail, not only is the product itself superb, but the packaging is appealing and fantastic. Reputation is everything, and in an industry all about beauty, Coleman’s Mr. & Mrs. by coleCOLORS is giving the consumer what they want and deserve when it comes to skincare. With Mr. & Mrs. by ColeCOLORS being a new product and already showing signs of great demand, Coleman’s long-term plan for this skincare line is to be sold in retail stores and spas. To find out more about coleCOLORS Art Defining Beauty and Mr. & Mrs. by ColeCOLORS, please visit www.colecolors. com and mkt.com/steven-coleman.

8 September-October 2015

Your World Is Calling You

By Evangelist J.J. Simmons

W

Contributing Writer

e are living in a world today that is always in the need of the next best thing. We as a society always seem to be looking for the next best tech gadget, car or the next best anything. The world is in demand for everything. It truly amazes me how every 5 years there is a hot new athlete or superstar. Reading my article, hopefully you will know that your world is calling you, and you must mani-

fest the world waiting for you.

After preaching a sermon in Beaumont, TX, a lady bought a CD of mine.

After listening to it, she expressed to me that what I had preached, she had never learned in her 40 plus years of being in church. She was completely amazed at what she had heard. I was extremely honored that this particular sermon spoke to her, and that God had used me as a channel to bring her knowledge in an area of her life that she had needed. More importantly, I was thankful that I had enough courage to launch my ministry.

Another time in Beaumont, TX, while ministering, I ran into a young man who wanted to purchase my CD, but was short on cash. After giving it to him for the money he had, I later received a phone call from this young man. Crying, he told me that the sermon on the CD was a blessing to him. He shared with me that after wrestling with some-

thing for the last 3 years, he was looking for an answer to his problem. I was humbled, because if I hadn’t preached that particular sermon and shared the Word

In the Community…

that God provided me, he would still be looking for the answer to this problem.

A few years ago in New Orleans, a woman purchased my CD. She shared with me days after listening to the CD that she was hesitant about purchasing it, because it was a Christian CD. She thought I was someone who was trying to make money off of God. This woman expressed to me that this particular message from God helped deliver her from a stronghold.

I am thankful that I have been used by God to be a blessing to others. I want to encourage you and let you know that there is a world out there that only you can touch. You can be a blessing to others. The world needs you. You may be the answer to the questions the world has.

I pray that you answer the question, because only you can.

For more wisdom, please visit my website at www.jjsimmons.org.

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photos’

The Imani School Welcomes Actor Bill Duke

The Ensemble Theatre Black Tie Gala

J. Prince Basketball Game

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September-October 2015  9

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10 September-October 2015

In the Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photos’

d-mars.com Top 30 Influential Women of Houston

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September-October 2015  11

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12 September-October 2015

In the Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photos’

Destiny Moscato at HEB

Mary Susan Moore Medical Society Luncheon

TSU v. PVU Labor Day Classic

Greater Houston Black Chamber

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September-October 2015  13

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14 September-October 2015

Become What You Believe

By Pastor Alan

A

Contributing Writer

ccording to the Population Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, the world population as of July 1, 2015, was an estimated 7.3 billion. Out of these 7.3 billion people, no one has the same DNA, fingerprints or voice, among other unique qualities. The specificity that makes us so special is spectacularly spellbinding to say the least.

Isn’t it amazing that with such unique individual qualities given to us by our Creator, most of us settle for the standards that society has scripted? We allow ourselves to be arrested by the average, contained by the common and shackled by the standards of society.

We settle for being monotonous, like suits on a rack, when God has created us with tailor-made ingenuity. God never intended for us to be carbon copies. He

designed us to be unprecedented originals. Why is it then so difficult for most of us to take advantage of our own special qualities? We listen to everyone else but our own hearts. An ancient proverb reads, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Out of our heart flows all of our aspirations, beliefs, consciousness, decisions, efforts, failures and success. In the Gospel of Matthew (9:27-30), two blind men cried out to Jesus wanting His mercy. Jesus questioned their belief, and because they believed, He restored their sight. In contemporary terms, Jesus said, “Become what you believe.”

It doesn’t matter if we grew up in a single family household. It doesn’t matter if we grew up beneath the poverty line. It doesn’t matter if we didn’t finish school and earn a college degree.

It doesn’t matter if we are in what appears to be a dead end job right now. It doesn’t matter if no one thinks we can change our current circumstances. If we have faith, we can start today and become what we believe.

You want to finish school after dropping out years ago? Believe it! You want to start your own business and be your own boss? Believe it! You want to be an actress or an actor? Believe it! You want to become a professional athlete? Believe it! You want to leave your unfulfilling six figure job in corporate America

Be You and Do You

C

By Linda Lindsay

Contributing Writer

oco Chanel said, “An interior is the natural projection of the soul.”

Fall in love with life inside your luxurious home. As you step into your space, the designs of your furnishings will captivate a lifestyle.

Here are some quick and easy tips:

to volunteer your time with a nonprofit?

Believe it!

Whatever your heart is telling you to do, do it and do it to the best of your ability. Those two men in Matthew were blind, but could see better than those with sight. When our hearts are right, we can see things others can’t see. When our hearts are right, we can receive things others will not receive.

When our hearts are right, we will become what others never thought we had the ability to become.

This is our season to become what we believe, not what other people believe

about us. It’s time to be a better father, mother, brother or sister, a better boss or employee, a better friend, a better mentor, a better student or a better teacher.

Be the best you can be. Forget about trying to fit in, and you’ll find the perfect fit. Be comfortable in the knowledge of knowing no one else has your DNA, fingerprint or voice. Therefore, let your voice be heard, and leave your print on society. Become what you believe today!

Pastor Alan is the Pastor at Mount Corinth Church located at 4901 Providence Street, Houston, Texas 77020.

with cooking magazines or books. Place a marquee sign that plays off of the café theme.

Lighting

The Kitchen

The Bedroom

Choose kitchen furniture that has character. Start with the barstools.

Open your pantry doors and display your coffee focused décor, instead of hiding it away. Purchase a fancy espresso machine with specialty coffee beans. Add a bit of charisma with a painting from a local artist or print that displays different types of coffees and pastries. Add a stand-up board or paint a wall with black marker paint. Surround yourself

Use unique, inviting and very dramatic mirrors. Place stacks of books that you have read or are going to read throughout the space. Everyone wants to feel like their bedroom is truly a reflection of themselves. It should be a place where you feel comfortable, safe and inspired.

Take your bedroom to another level with creative elements from artwork, design features and light fixtures.

Furnishings You should consider a sofa that within one minute, can turn into a comfortable place of rest. Also, consider using a chest coffee table that will provide extra storage in the home. It will be a great place to stash stacks of magazines and untidy throws, if you should receive an impromptu knock at the door from visitors.

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Try displaying pillar candles in every room to allow you to create a mood for serenity, meditation and prayer daily.

Selecting the proper lighting is so important. Everyone wants their home to be comfortable and inviting. Take this to another level with creative elements from artwork, photography, design features and light fixtures. Making each space unique and inviting allows for a strong sense of play in each space.

Floor Plan Using an open floor plan gives the home a very open and airy feel, which is only amplified by stunning windows that climb up the sides of the space. Allow for sunlight throughout the day.

In the evening, imagine turning the lights down low, warming your hands around a mug of coffee or tea and looking out at the stars.

Surround yourself with reminders of what to do for your inner soul. Use bright colors and simple shapes to create an atmosphere that is both welcoming and warm. Throwing in some elements of modern furnishings will allow for a splash of refreshing energy. Most of all, have fun with your design choices, allowing you to create a better you to feed your soul.

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16 September-October 2015

Self-Improvement for the Mind, Body and Soul

By Dawn Paul

Associate Editor

T

here are many themes every month throughout the year that celebrate historical events, history-makers and raise awareness on health issues. Did you know that September is Self-Improvement Month? You are probably asking yourself, “Is there really a Self-Improvement Month?” If so, you are probably not alone. Just as it seems there are several themes each month, we have a SelfImprovement Month. However, when you actually sit back and think about it, there is something we all can improve or make better in our lives. Maybe you have had a checklist of areas in your life that you need to accomplish to make for a better you, but you have been procrastinating. Well, now that it’s SelfImprovement month, this is the perfect time to get those tasks done. We can all do things to improve the mind, body and soul.

What is Self-Improvement Month? It is just what it says. Self-Improvement Month is the time reserved to encourage us to take some time to improve ourselves, set goals and help us get on the path to better ourselves. When it comes to self-improvement, it is not always easy. Many times we are subjec-

tive, and that’s expected, because it is sometimes hard to do a self-examination or self-assessment. Looking yourself in the mirror and taking a good hard look at yourself on areas you can better yourself in can be a difficult task.

Truthfully, there is always something that we can improve about ourselves, whether it be in the area of health, relationships or career.

Below are some tips (www.mbacrystalball.com) that may help you this month get on that road to being a better you.

Appreciate the difference between important and urgent tasks The two are synchronous and often used interchangeably, but are vastly different when it comes down to viewing life with a slightly long-term perspective.

Master the art of changing habits Usually the most important thing that distinguishes the successful/unsuccessful or the dreamers/doers is the set of habits they follow. We overestimate the influence of willpower, it being a very finite resource. Instead, it makes far more sense to establish rituals and systems to get some serious work done.

It just so happens that getting started itself is more often than not more difficult than executing the task itself.

Exercise A good exercise regime lifts your mood, releases happy chemicals and keeps you prepared for the daily challenges in life.

Jump out of the comfort zone The openness of a person to new experiences is a likely indicator of the future growth trajectory, and a few studies have shown that slightly higher stress levels associated with a little discomfort result in an optimal anxiety that is best for our performance.

Help whenever you can Because even if we think along minutely selfish lines, it pays dividends.

Team work is not just a corporate buzzword, the concept of help and exchange has been prevalent right from the time of barter.

Excel at what you do It is perfectly fine that you have a whole range of passions and interest areas (and it is a sign of well-rounded persona), but pick up one of these and get progressively better at it.

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Be mindful In this age of interconnectedness, fast-food and high-speed Internet, the simple pleasures of life often get overlooked. Walk on the grass. Look at the stars. Plan a family get-together. Try to live, not just exist.

Manage the pangs of regret, guilt and fear The complex trio-of-emotions has roots in the time continuum, and the downsides of letting the past/future meddle with your present is one of the most recycled sagas in human history that should be avoided through discipline and acceptance.

Surround yourself with good souls You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. Spend more time with people that have positive energy and that are like-minded.

Travel Because your existence takes on new shapes as you start viewing this world through different lenses, soak in diverse cultures. Solo traveling experiences to non-touristy locations can give unusually fresh perspectives.

Happy Self-Improvement Month!

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