M
Dr. Karen's
MONDAY GREETING!
DAUGHTER OF BREAKTHROUGH
Letter from the Editor
After overcoming many trials and and mishaps, and continued successes and tribulations, I clearly heard God say; “You failures; I have learned how to fight for what is mine. There are some secrets to are My daughter of breakthrough.” obtaining what is before us. This month’s Difficulty in life and the pursuit of happiness issue is all about breaking through in many is real but; we have to know how to get areas of our lives (e.g. financially, mentally, through tough times. The question is; “how emotionally, etc.). do we obtain our blessings and quality of Start the year off right, with a clean slate by life while breaking through?” getting what is yours via breakthrough. I am a firm believer that we are automatically downloaded with what we need to move Dr. Karen S. Ratliff forward in life. I also believe, however, Editor In Chief, that sometimes we have to fight for what I Love Mondays with Dr. Karen rightfully belongs to us. By experience, research, trials and tribulations, pressures of life, mistakes
2
04 06 07 08 09 10 11 12
Breaking Out Of Debt! 7 tips to breakthrough your finances.
M
ILM January Challenge!
New book from Dr. Karen S. Ratliff!
Therapy talk Q&A with Chantelle Bittings, LCPC. Why therapy is important and our need for it.
10 Facts about Product Breakthrough in the Marketplace
Three Business Mistakes Made When Scaling Your Business. Why Your Words Matter In Shaping Your Life
Entrepreneur Interview with Brian Sewell about mortgages and starting a business.
Tips on Getting Your Breakthrough
3
Table of Contents
Monthly Videocast with Dr. Karen
M
7 TIPS TO REAKTHROUGH IN YOUR FINANCES!
BREAKING OUT OF DEBT!
Tip #2: Enforce Discipline.
Tip #1: Face Your Fears. Have you ever run away from your fears and they become stronger and greater? Running away only leads to more stress and time wasted. Face your fears today and overcome them. If you don’t overcome your fears, they will eventually overtake you. The first step to overcoming your fear is to identify what you are afraid of. If you have this book in your hands, you are probably looking for tips that will help you to decrease the amount of debt you are carrying, increase the amount of money you have saved, and create and implement a working budget. The very first tip that I recommend is for you to face the fear of being in debt head-on. Realize that the debt is present and you have the tools and strategies needed to decrease it. If you are afraid of being in so much debt that you will lose everything later, make sure you learn everything you can on how to spend, save, and balance your budget now. This book will start you off with tips that will guide you on ways to decrease your debt.
Another useful tip to decrease your debt is to discipline yourself. You need discipline to stay out of the stores, put your credit cards away, and stick to a plan. It is easy to pick up a credit or debit card and go buy a new pair of shoes that you don’t need. Figure out the reason(s) behind your spending habits. Are you bored or lonely? Getting back at your spouse for not showing you attention? Are you stressed out at work or home and find yourself at the mall relieving stress? Put your spending habit under control. Make yourself walk at the lake or talk to your friend to relieve stress rather than going to the mall. Put a stop to unnecessary spending by disciplining yourself and refocusing negative habits into positive ones.
Tip #3: Take Actions to Decrease Your Debt. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). We have faith that God will cancel debt and line up our finances. Where are the works? Are you doing your part? Expecting God to give you a new job? Have you sent out your resumés? Expecting God to pay off credit card debt? Are you still spending on the cards? Take action and do your part to decrease your debt.
Personal Financial Tip
It is easy to talk about how much debt we have and not having the right job, but stop right now and ask yourself, “What have I done this week that will help me accomplish my goal of decreasing my debt?” If you are sitting still, ask yourself why. Are you lacking motivation? Do you not know where to start? Ask yourself these questions to identify the best approach to taking action.
Tip #4: Be Willing to … Are you willing to sacrifice now in order to get ahead later? Be willing to downsize if you can’t afford your mortgage. Be willing to wear those jeans once more before you toss them in the trash. Be willing to take your lunch to work instead of eating out with your coworkers. Be willing to catch the bus or train to save money on transportation. Be willing to rent from the $1 DVD rental box rather than spending $20 at the movie theater. Be willing to buy groceries from the meat market down the street, as opposed to the expensive name-brand grocery store three miles away.
4
M
Be willing to cut your own grass, clean your own house, wash your own car, do your own hair, walk your own dog, paint your own nails, and put on your own makeup instead of paying someone else to do it for you. Doing things for yourself now can lead to a better financial situation later.
Tip #5: Be Willing to Say No.
Be willing to tell your family and friends no. If you are used to going out to eat with your friends every week, you may need to cut back from four times a month to once a month. If you are used to buying your children everything they want, practice right now; open your mouth and say no.
Saying yes when you really want to say no will not help your financial situation. Understand that you cannot please everyone. If you are honest with people and inform them of your financial situation up front, they should be willing to understand once you tell them you are unable to commit to something. A real friend will encourage and support you anyway.
Saying no does not have to be painful. Understand that soon you will be in a better financial situation to potentially say yes. Move forward with integrity. Let go of your fears and simply speak the truth. If you don’t know how to say no, let’s practice. “I wish I could, but I have other financial commitments at this time”; “Maybe next time when I have a couple of dollars to spare”; or “I have some financial obligations, and the budget is a bit tight right now; would you like to come over for a cup of coffee instead?”
Tip #6: Be Willing to Change.
If you are not able to adapt to drastic change quickly, start slow. Start with your spending habits. Instead of buying coffee every day, buy it only three times a week and slowly transition into making your own coffee to carry to work every day. Start putting away the loose change that you receive after breaking a bill instead of finding something to buy with the money; loose change can add up.
Tip #7: Know It’s Not Your Permanent Situation.
Know that seasons change all the time. You will not be in a financial disaster permanently. My pastor, John Hannah, often says, “It won’t be like this always.” When I hear him say it, I immediately see myself in a better situation. Peace immediately replaces the burden. Know that the current situation will get better with faith and works.
Change starts with you—you thinking change, believing change, and seeing change. Change is sometimes difficult to adapt to for many. Changing someone’s way of doing things may be a major barrier to overcome. Exercise change daily until you are where you would like to be financially.
ILM JANUARY PA RT N E R *Tired Of Not Living Your BEST Life!!! *Tired Of Getting DENIED When You Apply For Credit
www.opulentcreditbuilders.com cscott@opulentcreditbuilders.com 708-368-1252
Call Opulent Credit Builders To Help You Get Your Credit Back On Track.
5
M
Are you ready for your breakthrough?
Get It Today!
Available now! Click here to purchase an autographed copy www.ilovemondaysinc.com
In “Breakthrough, Sis,” Dr. Karen Ratliff offers insight on how to receive the promises of God. She provides practical words of wisdom, tips, tools, and resources to intentionally assist with the pursuit of freedom by breaking through trials, tribulations, and troubles. “Breakthrough, Sis,” will ignite a desire to become free from what is holding you back and to run towards what God has in store for you.
I
L O V E
M O N D AY S
ILM January Challenge
January Challenge
Join me for a 30-Day challenge on my “I Love Mondays w/Dr. Karen” closed Facebook Group. Starting January 6th, I will challenge us to breakthrough in our finances, health, confidence, spiritual goals, relationships, and personal goals. Let’s connect in that group and experience breakthrough in some challenges and obstacles.
6
M
Chantelle Bittings Therapy Talk Q&A
LCPC
2. How do we know that we need to seek counseling? Counseling is something that I hope we would begin to embrace as a regular form of selfcare. Life can be stressful for everyone at times. It is so important to be well mentally and emotionally. Counseling can help you to be more productive at work, better in your relationships and improve your stress management. However, counseling becomes necessary when your anxiety, depression or life stressors negatively impact your daily functioning. 3. What is the best way to find a licensed counselor? There are many websites to help you find a licensed counselor. You want to find someone
that you can best relate to and be comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings. One of my favorite sites is www.therapyforblackgirls.com.
4. What should we look for in a counselor? The top two qualifications should be someone who is licensed and relatable. Ultimately you must find a counselor who is a good fit for you. It’s ok to take your time and search for the right person to help you through this journey.
5. Outside of counseling (if any), what are some other ways to help cope with depression, stress, or anxiety? There are coping skills that complement therapy including proper diet, rest, and exercise. None of these are a substitution for working through your issues with a trained professional. 6. What does “breakthrough” mean to you? In my opinion, a breakthrough occurs when someone reaches a level of acceptance, accountability and revelation concerning a situation that they previously struggled with. 7. How long should it take for someone to “get over” life threatening situations? That of course varies for each person. There are some things that you may never “get over” however, you can learn to live through it. This is the purpose of counseling. Through counseling, one can learn to utilize the tools to live their best lives.
Chantelle Bittings, LCPC Therapy for Individuals, Families, & Couples www.cbittingstherapy.com
7
Expert Tip
1. As a licensed professional, please tell us the best way to get through difficult situations? The best way to get through a difficult situation is to give yourself time, accept help and seek support. Often, we want to just rush past the uncomfortable and painful moments in life. We just want to get past it and feel better. However, it takes time and we must do the work to get through the difficult moments.
M
10 Facts about Product Breakthrough in the Marketplace
Product breakthrough in the marketplace is an essential part of launching your business. Even if your business provides services, you should always have product to accompany it. The most important part of product breakthrough in the marketplace is innovation. How can you ensure that the product that you provide is needed and desired? Here are 10 facts about product breakthrough in the marketplace. 1. Your product is innovative: It is fun and creative. Ensure that people are drawn to your product over your competitors. Ask your circle for advice and feedback before you launch it. 2. Your product is easy to receive and use: If it is a hassle to receive (or takes a long time to receive it), customers will be willing to go somewhere else. For example, if you have downloadable spreadsheets, but have to go through three different platforms to receive it, customers will give up and go somewhere else. Make your product easy to retrieve and use. 3. Your product is necessary: Ask yourself if your product is meeting a need and in demand.
4. Your product is worth the buy: Be sure that your customer is satisfied with what you promised that your product would provide. 5. Ensure that your product does not fade: For example, don’t issue a “2019 Journal” if the journal can be used beyond 2019. 6. Create a marketing strategy: Get in front of those who are more likely interested in purchasing your product. 7. Keep your clients coming back: Sell subscriptions, include bundle packaging, and provide discounts for other products. 8. Use the worldwide web: Ensure that your product can be purchased online. 9. Reviews: Ask your customers to write a review and use it as a marketing tool. 10. Next level implementation: How can you improve your product? Assess your product by using feedback from your current customers and make any necessary changes. You can also ask your customers how your product may be improved.
Products in the Marketplace
ILM JANUARY PA RT N E R Xposeur Photography is devoted to quality customer service, a seamless booking process, and a sophisticated product that your family will cherish for years to come. We love people, value being present and believe being a part of your special occasions is a privilege! Our clients are family! Website : www.yourxposeur.com Email : cydni@yourxposeur.com IG: @yourxposeur TW: @yourxposeur FB: @yourxposeur Phone: 302.786.7673
8
M
THREE BUSINESS MISTAKES YOU MAKE WHEN SCALING YOUR BUSINESS
Scalability is one of the most important factors for entrepreneurs when moving to the next level of growth and increased finances. Check out these tips on increasing revenue while avoiding cost increases. 1. Not embracing change, huh? If you are where you were this time last year, you are probably in the same place with your business growth. I recommend that you make changes (minor or major) yearly. For example, if you are using the same technology, research to see if another platform is cheaper and more efficient. What other social media platforms can you use to expand your business. Make necessary changes at least yearly to ensure that you are making the changes necessary for scaling and growth. 2. Focus on simplicity: Just like you conduct a spring cleaning at home once a year, spring clean your business yearly as well. Some things may be just sitting there, taking up space, wasting time, and soaking up money for no reason. Evaluate all aspects of your business to ensure that you are not being careless in any area. Make sure every dollar counts and is accounted for.
3. Use data to inform your decisions: Look at trends, your finances, and your competitors to inform your decisions regarding your business. Don’t just assume that you know what is best for your business and your customer. Do some research and ask questions before you spend time and money thinking that your uninformed decisions are the best way to go.
WHY YOUR WORDS MATTER IN SHAPING YOUR LIFE
We also know that life and death is in the power of the tongue. We can speak things into existence. The problem is sometimes we speak death as well. If you say such things as “this is terrible,” “I look ugly,” “I hate that person,” or “I am going to fail this test;” the truth is it will manifest. You will begin to believe that you are ugly and manifest hatred for a person that you actually love. Because your words have power, it is imperative to watch what you say (when you are speaking negatively) and take authority with what you say (when speaking positively). For the month of January, I challenge you to speak life every day. Become who you say you are and say what you desire to see. I dare you!
9
Empowerment Corner
Shape your life by speaking things into existence. Once we have in our minds what our new/next should look like; we have to then speak it into manifestation. We have to speak our way out of bad situations. What I have is based on what I say. What I spoke years ago, I am now living in it. When I was a senior in high school, I told my friends; “I will be a professor when I grow up.” I spoke what I wanted to see. My world currently looks like the words that I spoke almost 20 years ago. In the future, I will be living in a world that my words are currently proclaiming; “I am the head and not the tail.” “I am the lender and not the borrower.” “I am blessed beyond measure. “I am a millionaire.” “I have consistent multiple streams of income.” What I have is based on what I say.
M
ENTREPRENEUR Q&A
Brian Sewell
Why did you decide to launch your business?
I got in the mortgage business because I love numbers and love people. Each situation is different and I love problem solving. How did you get started in the launch of your business? Started in the mortgage business 17 years ago, but how did I get started? I started working with builder, realtors and networking with various business owners. What were some barrier that you overcame in the beginning? Being new in the business. Some of the veterans in our business didn’t take me serious. What are your top three successful traits? I’m persistent, honest, and good with numbers.
Entrepreneur Interview
When did you know that it was time to launch out on your own?
Well I’ve owned my own mortgage company and now I’ve been a branch manager for over seven years. I love being able to give everyone a fair shake. A lot of times the little guy or not so perfect client gets overlooked and even taken advantage of. I’m here to help everyone but my heart beats a little harder for those that weren’t silver spooned. What advice would you give someone who is interested in launching their business? Go at it 100%! You will have fear at times but believe in God and in yourself. Don’t’ be afraid to fail. If you give it your best and you are willing to serve others, I believe that’s success in itself. What support does a new entrepreneur need in order to be successful? It depends on the business but I believe some years of experience in the given field. You don’t want to open a business without understanding all of the parts that it takes to make that business function effectively. In any team you need great people around you that you can trust. No man is superman.
Brian Sewell Branch Manager, NMLS #212085 The Sewell Team | 3311 Hobson Rd, Suite B | Woodridge, IL 60517 www.mytrustedprovider.com bsewell@ccmclending.com
10
The PodCast Check out this special podcast w/Dr. Karen
The VideoCast Click here to watch video!
M
Click here to listen via Apple Podcast Click here to listen via Soundcloud
ILM JANUARY PA RT N E R Secure Home and Automation, LLC www.securehomeandautomation.com 708-251-5069
Ensure that your home is secure! Don’t allow burglars to take advantage of unsecured homes. Call us for a free needs assessment today!
Connect with ILM with Dr. Karen!
facebook.com/ilovemondaysdrkaren @ilovemondaysdrkaren @ilovemondaysdrkaren ILoveMondaysinc.com Cover Design, Magazine Layout Design Young Dreams Publications/Media www.youngdreamsbig.com www.poshannouncements.com info@youngdreamsbig.com
Dr. Karen Ratliff is a native of Chicago, Illinois. As the founder of 365 Consulting Group, she assists individuals and corporations reach their desired visions, dreams, and goals. She is an author, motivational speaker, certified life coach, ghostwriter, and consultant. Her motto is “How May I Help You Win?” Dr. Ratliff was the writer for Jet Magazine “Cents and Sensibility” column. She is also a professor, course designer and curriculum developer. She is the trailblazer for the approval of a charter school located on the south-side of Chicago, where she now serves as the Board President. Most recently Dr. Karen became a 2018 recipient of the “40 under 40,” Young Women Professional League where she is recognized as a trailblazing professional under the age of 40. She loves Mondays because Monday is the day that sets the tone for the week. Don’t wait until Friday to get things done. Get it done early and chill the rest of the week.
PodCast
About the Editor in Chief
M
GETTING YOUR BREAKTHROUGH!!!
Experience Breakthrough by Shifting Your Mindset. We must transform our mindset before breakthrough can occur. We have to know that we are able to breakout and breakthrough. We can think on negative things and continue to stay in that negative space, but the only way to move into a better space, is to shift to a positive one. However, many of us are afraid to even think better because it will require us to change. But once we know better, we have to do better. Our mindset should shift to those things that are good. If we grew up living from paycheck to paycheck, we believe that is the only way to live. We think that is the norm and its okay. However, when we come to the realization that life has more in store for us (e.g. living prosperous and wealthy); we should mentally shift in the direction of wealth versus continuing to think through the paycheck-to-paycheck mentality. We can’t be afraid to change our mindset from a norm that no longer works for us. Shift your mindset to bigger, better, and brighter things.
Breaking Through
Experience Breakthrough by Writing the Vision. We are often confused about the definition of the term “vision” and sometimes we are confused about if visions and goals are the same. Even though both work hand and hand, they are two different concepts. A vision is having the ability to see. It is the big picture. It is something that may take time to obtain and requires small action steps in order to achieve it. For example,
12
purchasing a home, starting a new business, and changing careers are all visions that require action steps in order to accomplish. You should always carry vision. Vision should always be in front of you and you should always be working towards it (what you see). Vision should be created for every area of your life (e.g. physical, financial, spiritual, social, etc.). It is hard to breakthrough from many situations because we lack vision and don’t know who we are. Not knowing who we are, what we were created to be, and why we are on the earth, can damage us throughout our journey in life. If we know our purpose in the earth, we can work daily towards fulfillment in life because we are doing what we are called to do. You can sometimes identify your purpose by acknowledging your passion. I am passionate about assisting visionaries implement their vision and goals by providing strategy, resources, and support. When I am doing that, I am fulfilled. I feel accomplished and I have a sense of satisfaction. Write out your vision and move forward! Experience Breakthrough by Changing Your Circle. Who is in your tribe? A tribe is a social division in a traditional society consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties, with a common culture and dialect, typically having a recognized leader. A tribe is needed because it is created to assist with lifting up and pushing us forward in
many aspects. A tribe should be diverse and resourceful. It should consist of friends, life coaches, counselors, mentors, mentees, family members, and associates. A tribe is simply a community of people that are for us and willing to encourage, support, and assist whenever necessary.
M
A professional counselor is a person that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to accomplish mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. Counselors work with clients on strategies to overcome obstacles and personal challenges that they face.
It is okay to be advised by a counselor. There is a serious stigma in many communities that frown upon counseling. If professional counselors assist in breakthrough and healing, why is it negative backlash to see one? It is okay to seek counseling, even if it is to just make sure that you are mentally stable.
A tribe should consist of at least 5-7 people that you can count on for answers, resources, and/or support. Do they uplift you? Do they encourage you? Do they want to see you free and living a better life? While looking at your current tribe, you may need to disconnect to reconnect. Disconnect from people who causes pain and hurt and reconnect with those who desire to Experience Breakthrough by Forgiving. help you grow spiritually and naturally. Take Forgiveness is not a feeling; it is a choice. some time this month to evaluate your circle. Regardless of what anyone has done to you, you cannot repay by punishing them. I know Experience Breakthrough by Ending Things. this is difficult for many, especially for me, but Understandably, there are a lot of emotions we cannot do wrong to those who wronged us. that come with ending things. Because of the Everyone wants to know how to move on from unknown in front of us, we are sometimes tough situations. People act out, hurt others, but anxious about the next journey/person that God the truth is the only way to really move on and has for us. Ensure that you celebrate endings. break through is to start with forgiveness. Be glad that things are ending, knowing that you are about to experience better and greater. Whether you are learning to forgive yourself Also, end things quickly. As soon as you receive for years of repeated cycles that you’ve confirmation to move, move. Don’t wait around allowed, or forgiving the ones you loved for and don’t waste time. repeatedly disappointing you; there will be a time that you will have to forgive in order to Experience Breakthrough by Seeking receive your breakthrough. In that moment, you Professional Help. Life throws us many have a choice, suffer defeat and remain in the unforeseen tragedies. While I believe that current situation, or rise above the heartbreak God can do all things, including delivering and failure and move forward in life. us in an instant, sometimes we need to seek additional counseling. Professional counselors are necessary to assist with breakthrough.
13
