I often watch others and wonder what’s wrong with me.
Ever do this? You see someone achieve something and wonder why it comes so hard for you yourself?
Dig a little deeper. Dreams aren’t built in a day.
Skills are needed to build your confidence. From there you start setting realistic goals and maybe some dreamy ones too. Then each day take small purposeful steps towards your goals.
It’s a little overwhelming, isn’t it? But it’s totally obtainable for anyone. Including me.
a non builder builds a picket toolbox
Got the skills?
So do you have what it takes? And for the record, there are no NO answers allowed here.
I’ve always liked to tinker around with junk, but I also like to write and take pictures. So when I started my blog, I did ‘ok’. My early blog posts and photos left a lot to be desired. But I looked around me and saw what was possible. I rolled up my sleeves, and started studying and asking questions. I went online many late nights self educating. I learned the basics of building online and in real life and working with tools. Today, building, writing and photography have become passions. And all three skills are incredibly important on delivering a good DIY story or magazine shoot.
Admit you have what it takes. Even if you don’t know how to do something. Then go figure it out.
What’s right for you?
I use to watch others travel and marvel at their extreme luck. I’ve since wised up and now smile at their achievements. Anyone can hop on a plane and go somewhere. You just have to either earn the privilege through your work or pay and go yourself.
But there’s another factor in this part. Perhaps I’m not on that plane because it isn’t right for ME.
Everyone’s circumstances are different. Chances are, if you aren’t achieving what you thought you wanted, it’s because perhaps that isn’t the right path for you. You see, I don’t travel against the grain for long. If something doesn’t work out, it’s ok. I tried. Plan B officially goes into effect.
There’s a reason and a season for everything. So be patient and keep trying new things. That’s the best way to figure out what you were meant to do.
Take purposeful steps.
I tend to get overwhelmed easily. I have my income work, my passion work, my home to run, my son to raise, you get the idea. Some days, it’s all I can do to get the bare minimum done, never mind meet over achievement status! So some days it’s easier to stare at a computer screen rather than be truly productive.
But what I’ve been doing lately is writing down my daily goals, and some longer term ones too. For if you achieve those, your ultimate goals are just around the corner. No one has acres of time but we all have the same 24 hours. It’s what you DO with those 24 hours that counts.
Here’s a little test. While you carry on with your day, stop yourself with each task and ask, “Is this task or purchase taking me towards my goals?”
Make each thing you do have a purpose and you’ll soon be wondering how on earth you got so smart. 🙂
So, is this blog entry taking me where I ultimately desire to go?
YES. I wrote this post for me. Because I needed it.
I stall a million times a day. I don’t know why. Ok, I sort of do. And it’s not like I don’t get encouraged by others. But a friend had some fresh new wise words for me just the other day. Her 2 cents;
“Just keep taking purposeful steps towards your goal
and you’ll be ok.”
That advice was worth a million in my book. And I took it to heart from that day forward.
I’ve written my list. And everything I do today has a goal in mind for my son, myself and our future. And the power list may even include sitting in front of the tube and laughing at a funny movie from time to time. 🙂
Enjoy. Learn. And above all, do.
I’ve shared two sneak peeks over at FJI Facebook on what I’ve been working on. And they are both VERY one of a kind projects I’ve never done before. You don’t know unless you try. 🙂
So… what are your plans for today? 🙂
After reading this amazing blog post, that says, “RAH, RAH, you GO girl!” in my head, I am going to set realistic goals for projects in my home and yard. Then, I’m gunna’ take steps to make those dreams come true.
You are so talented, so amazing, I was stunned to hear you admit you need to push yourself, encourage yourself, and sometimes make yourself work towards goals. It seems like creating your Funky Junk comes so natural and so easy. I found myself thinking, “Well, if she could learn so much, maybe I can too…”
Thanks for the RAH, RAH!
mommamindy.blogspot.com
Thanks for all of your encouragement! I’ve read your section about “Growing Your Blog.” How do I get on your blog roll? Come see my son’s rustic room. I think you’ll really like it. Of course, there is quite a bit of Canadian in it!
You gave me hope and insight with that post, thank you. Funny how the Universe always sends us what we need when we need it 🙂
You go, grrrl. You are truly an inspiration. It’s been fun to experience your ascendance! XOX
Donna, you are awesome. I remember clearly the night I found your blog. It was your pallet desk. I browsed through your blog all night and called my husband in to see too. I was drawn in by your style and by your writing. I even emailed you a nerdy email that night to tell you. Your blog is at the top of my list. I love it. I love you. I hope one day you will hop on a plane so I can meet you already! Thanks for sharing a little of your world with us.
Thank You for sharing this piece of yourself…And inspiring the rest of us to get moving!
~~HUGS~~
Love the blend of inspirational and practical in this post. If anyone knows something about achieving goals, it’s you my friend! Shared this link on Twitter so it can help lots of others.
I just read about you in another magazine this month! I felt a little honored to already be following your blog and then read about it in a magazine. I can’t imagine how you feel. How awesome!
Um, you did not write this post for just yourself. I needed to hear this, too! Thank you for the inspiring words of encouragement.
My fav:
“There’s a reason and a season for everything. So be patient and keep trying new things. That’s the best way to figure out what you were meant to do.”
What a great, inspiring post. WOW! We all need encouragement and I think you’ve given us all a bit of that today in this post. How neat that your son is going to be taking care of the gardens where you will be working yourself.
Have a wonderful weekend and keep on enjoying your life.
FlowerLady
WOW Donna, what an awesome post! I’m so happy for you, your son and all that you have achieved. You are such an inspiration. Maybe I need to change my title on my “To Do List” to “Daily Goals”.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Gail
I’ve had goal list for years! Some of them get fulfilled an some of them don’t, but I try not to stress of the don’ts. I always say where theres a will there is a way! I raised three children on my own for several years! I look back on that now and can’t figure out how I did it, but I did! I remember back to those days and the goals I had set for me and my children and most of them have come to pass! Life is wonderful, sometimes we experience bumps in the road, but the beauty is there we just have to set a goal to search for it!
tot
You my friend are an inspiration!
xo Susan
This is an awesome post Donna~ I just had this conversation last night with my almost 14 year old. He is going into HS this year, and he will be in Marching band, playing the Beratone.(SP) well anyhow, he has been playing trombone for the last several years, and in Marching band they switch you. He has been in mini boot camp let’s say for the past week. He was exhausted and frustrated when he came home because he is NOT getting it, like he wants to. HE WILL, I told him it takes time. He is very much an overachiever, so when things do not come NOW, he is upset. Really a hard trait to break, however, in one MONTH from now I told him we will readdress this convo. Sorry for writing a book, this post just struck a cord. Thank you. PS..I am proud of you being a single Mom and juggling what you do. I can respect that, as MY Mom raised myself and my sis on her own….ON a waitress job, not an easy gig, but she did it! For us:)
Thanks for this post, Donna. What a great reminder that we are all unique and have a unique path to take, one step at a time, one day at a time.
Great post! Thanks for the “push”. We should all have inspirational people like you in our lives.
What an encouraging post, Donna. I love knowing other people’s stories and what they go through to realize their dreams. For me, it seems like life gets in the way so much that it’s hard to know where I’m going. I’ve struggled with wondering what I’m meant to do for so long that I’ve decided to just float along doing things I love and see where it leads me.
Tricia
I have read your blog forever but this might be the first time I have left a comment…don’t know the reason for that really. This is the story of my life pretty much…I want to start a woman’s outdoor adventure group..renovate my little trailers. There are steps I need to take…really learn how to use the computer..buy a better camera ..just do it! Making my list as we speak…thanks for the encouraging words!
Donna, I like you, and I get you…..:)
Ok, you made me cry. Hard. It’s no secret that I have had a tough row to hoe my entire life to get to where I am today.
I often scratch my head and wonder “Why does it seem that things (IE success) come SO easy for everyone else but me.” (boo hoo, pity party for one)
I always say that I write my blog for me, to document my life, what I am/was doing, etc. But it is nice to sometimes get a “Woohoo” from someone else.
So woohoo my friend. Woohoo.
Donna your words always inspire! Like you I’m trying to take those steps to get me to where I want to be, even if some days I feel like I’m taking a step or two backwards. And I love seeing new camera equipment, it’s my favorite! Have a wonderful weekend and congratulations to your son on his new venture…and you too!
Kat 🙂
Beautifully written and very inspiring!
Wow! Awesome post!! I needed this too. For the past 6 months or so, I’ve thought “if I do just a little towards my goal, I’ll get there eventually”. Well, “life” seemed to take over along with fear of failure, which kept me procrastinating. Your post is like a wake up call. Thank you!!!!
Oh, by the way. I found your blog this spring when I was searching for ideas for my Ikea Gorm shelving. To make a long story short, I saw yours and fell in love. Next thing I know I’m spending 2 full days painting/distressing (I thought I was going to go crazy!), and putting it together (w/o my husband’s help!- Yay!) I love it!!! It started in my laundry room but 2 days ago I moved “Gorm” into my Art/Music room. It’s even better in there!
Anyway, I have 3 top favorite blogs in this world and you are 1 of the 3.
I especially love the way you write, the creative ideas and photos. 🙂
Kat from Texas
…then there’s me. I buy a house, pack everything up (including all of my crafty-blogmaterial-making supplies) Then the loan decides to take 6 months and we’re still not in our house(everything still packed up-no fun, new blog material.) THEN my camera breaks. no . pictures. enough said. GURR!
WOW, I really needed to read this, I’m getting the nudge I need everytime I turn around! Thankyou!
PS I’m a Canadian Donna too!! 🙂
I really like the advise you’ve given in this post. My problem though is figuring out what my ‘goal’ is. Maybe you should do a post on that!
This old Southern lady applauds you. You are an inspiration to all. Hope you and your son have a good weekend.
I never used to be a procrastinator – I’d come home from working all day and craft half the night. It brought joy to my soul. The older I get the more I procrastinate – not a good thing because my soul isn’t getting what it needs. I keep saying three more years and I can retire – THEN I’ll do……….well three more years and I may be six feet under. I’m starting my list tonight. Thanks for the nudge!
I love the scripture Ecclesiastes 3:1, to everything there is a season. So true. I am older now and I wish I had spent less time worrying about stuff and more playing with my children. I now do it with my grandchildren. You are very wise in your advice. Keep on doing what you are doing.
So inspiring! I follow several blogs and have just recently found yours, but I have to tell you that yours is my favorite. I love your story, your designs, your outlook on life….just amazing. I truly aspire to be more like you…..get em’ girl!
Through all of your trials and errors, through your sharing and giving, through your inspiring tutorials and projects…..WE have grown through YOU, Donna. That’s why we LUV you soooo! ♥
xoxo laurie
Great blog! Thanks so much for posting it. The timing is utterly perfect!
Donna~ this is wonderful. What an inspiring and really really important post. I so needed to read this!! 🙂 Thank you so much for writing this ~ I love it over here every time I come! 🙂 Hugs to you ~ Courtney
I linked up ~ thanks for hosting too! 🙂
Hi Donna!
Thankful that I opened your post and made the time to read your words from start to finish.
TODAY – I’m OVERWHELMED! Having one of those “OMG my first art show for my furniture refurbishing business is Saturday” days. The physical work of what I do is one thing, but the sleepless nights of trying to figure out how to put together a blog then link it to this and that is really draining me.
I thought I was smart, but the more I learn, the more I don’t know:) What the heck is a URL anyway:? And why are my pictures saved all over the place, and why do I always have to resize my pictures – ahhh!
This day too shall pass, and hopefully tomorrow one more question will be answered for both of us:)
Congratulations on all your successes and may you continue to prosper!
a hui hou,
shelly Andrade
Shizzle llc
Of course we can do it, we all have the ability to make our dreams come true!
The hardest step is always the first.
So THERE’S the new camera! Gotta love that you’re a Nikon girl. 🙂
XO,
Anne
Thank you.
I even wrote a little post about you on my blog.
http://creatianne.blogspot.com/2011/08/funky-junk-interiors-yes-you-do-have.html
Inspirational Donna!
These are the things I regularly tell my son. He’s 23 and searching for his path. Of course they’re things I often forget to tell myself! Thanks for reminding me of the importance of goal setting, purposeful steps and forward momentum!! 🙂
Victoria