After the Vision and Mission are established, it is time to Analyze the Current State.  To analyze one’s current state takes honesty and reflection. For example, if my current state is poor and I create a plan for a current state that is stable, then the plan will not work. It is important to take a deep look into where one is today.

As I mentioned in step one, I am writing this for my personal goals. When I honestly look at my current state it is struggling. I am fighting an uphill battle but I know that I will win once I reach the top of the hill, so I am focused on this hill. From a professional standpoint, if one is creating a strategic plan for professional goals, then one should focus on knowing where one wants to go, one’s competition, and one’s niche.

This stage is very important because from this stage is the rest of the plan built. I always judge myself harder and set high goals that are barely obtainable, so, I must involve others in this stage. I need to make sure that I am not judging myself too harshly or creating a plan for someone who is in a dire situation.

Now that the current state has been analyzed, it is time to move on to the third step: Setting Objectives.

Today I read something that impacted me. It was along the lines of one should create a strategic plan, not only for business but for personal goals as well. There were six steps, I will go through each one in a blog as I continue to plan one for my personal goals. The six steps were: Define a Vision and Mission, Analyze the Current State, Set Objectives, Develop a Plan, Implementation, and Review and Adapt. Today, I will discuss Defining a Vision and Mission.

When defining a vision and a mission, one has to be able to see it, even though it does not already exist. It has to be so real that once shared with others they should be able to see it as well. For example, I envision a successful photography company. I see this company as the primary income for myself and the co-founder. I see a small store, where there are photographs printed on five different size canvases. I see an attendant who welcomes consumers and answers phones to take online orders and inquiries, and I see myself speaking to those visitors informing them of the process and discussing their thoughts of the photograph. Were you able to see it as well? That is a vision. Now how do I turn that vision into reality?

The second task that must take place is creating a mission statement. This is the Why. Why this business, what do I have to offer that others are not offering? Most importantly, does my reason align with my values, if it does not, perhaps this business is not what I need. Luckily, my values align with my why. A mission statement should be clear, concise, and add value, to you and the customer. Once the Vision and Mission has been completed, it is time for step two: Analyzing the Current State.

People work because they have an end goal: retirement benefits, pay bills, sustainability, and many other reasons. What gives one the right to belittle someone for trying to live honestly, through working? Imagine a world, where people reciprocate the interactions that are imposed on them. How would the world be?

If one person yells, then the other one yells back, if no respect is given then none is received. To me, that would be a great place to live, because, people would not feel entitled to disrespect others or belittle them. So, what stops people from reciprocating the behavior that is bestowed on them, and what stops others from stepping in when they witness this behavior? FEAR!

Fear of losing a job and the security that one needs to survive. Fear of the person who is disrespecting, perhaps that person becomes violent, then what? If people are around and no one has stepped in, then what makes the victim believe that someone would save them instead of videotaping them and posting the incident on social media? As a people, we have to do better. I have never been one to disrespect a person even if I grow angry with them or get loud. Yelling has never resolved anything. It only raises blood pressure. In a world where there are mass shootings every day, one must search for understanding and speak with the intention of providing peace.

When situations seem like peace is unobtainable, then walk away. I have never been a fan of loud, rowdy people because to me that shows a person’s ignorance. I am not a fan of people who like to make other people’s lives harder because that shows ignorance. I am not a fan of people who do not strive for peace because that is ignorant. Are there not enough ignorant people in the world, what makes one think we need one more?

The nerve of people to show up to a place and destroy confidence, shatter nerves, and create tears or thoughts of failure. And some people wonder why certain situations happen to them. The nerve of a person, who creates doubt or causes someone to quit their job, when they are trying to just exist. If one is dissatisfied with the service one receives, there are outlets to express discontent.

I honestly, many times cannot understand the nerve of a person. Even though some things are not meant to be understood.

Continue to pray for the world and those in need of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional strength.

There are so many health fads that exist it is hard to keep up. Most diets fade in and out as if they are apparel. The truth of the matter is, that once one learns to love oneself, wanting the best comes easy. I used to struggle with loving myself and caring for myself but now, I realize that I am given only one body, thus, I better take care of it. I learned to love and be patient with myself. Through loving myself, I have managed to lose weight, without trying, gain healthier hair, and appreciate the way I look.

So, how did I do it?

First, I thought about my why. Why did I want to get healthier? Well, I noticed that my knees were beginning to ache and that I felt sluggish. Also, my appearance seemed sloppy, so it was time for a change. I decided that I would not overeat, not speak negatively about my appearance, not listen to criticism about my body image and that I would not try any diets.

Second, I stopped paying attention to the scale. I started focusing on doing what made me feel better, and walking did that. I walk at least three times a week and I stopped stressing. By not stressing, I was able to see my hair grow thicker and healthier. I was able to laugh at myself, and not take life too seriously, but most importantly I was able to focus on tasks that made me happy.

Third, I spoke positively about my journey. I found myself being pleased with the energy that I started having and how excited I was to see my body change. I shared how I was working out to dance videos (I love to dance), videos that assisted me to break free from the plateau that everyone hits and continued to walk. I spoke life over my health and received blessings.

Fourth, and finally, I learned to accept my body type and appreciate all that it does for me.

My business is not for everyone, so stay out of it.

If I need advice, I would ask for it, but I do not, so I do not.

You have a lot going on, so mind your own business.

Stay out of my business, because you are in the wrong business.

When I do, what I do, I do not need you checking on me.

If you are concerned about my business, then ask me, do not go to a third party.

If you do not like what I do, then do not do it.

Because what I do, when I do it, is my business.

Stay out of my business, because you are in the wrong business. 😊

This is for those people that are so concerned about what you are doing, that they neglect what they need to do!

Make sure you keep doing you, as long as it benefits you!

What makes us different from one another? Life experiences and the choices we make is what separates us from one another. When I was very young, I was sick all the time. I spent countless Thanksgiving, Christmas, birthdays, and New Year’s in the hospital. It was said that the hospital was my second home and I believed it, as I have more memories there than in my real home. I remember having an experience with God when He asked me if I wanted to be healed. I wanted that so badly. I answered yes. I received a healing that day.

Doctors and the State told me that I would not be alive much longer because I needed to be under the doctor’s care. They did not understand that I was under the Doctor’s care. I walked away that day and had another episode about six months later, then a year later, and then recently my current doctor told me, he is not doing anything and I seem healthy. That is right, I walked into that healing and never looked back.

I used to receive State benefits, such as money for being permanently ill. It was barely enough to survive, but I know others who enjoy that life, and that is great. Some people need the State benefits but I knew that life was not for me. I prayed that I remained healthy so I could get off this system. I worked until I received my current job where I am finally receiving a six-figure salary. That is right, I walked into this promise of God wanting more for me than I could ever imagine. I walked into every bad job, put up with every bad boss, learned from every good person and boss, and learned every lesson despite how it came about until I got here. I am glad that I bear some marks because they remind me of what I went through to get here.

Multiple times throughout my life, I have been told of others who have had encounters with the devil and they have wished that I too encountered them. Well, I have encountered them. The difference is how we handled them. While others were scared to death and now enjoy their company, but every now and then they find a way to stretch their hand up and call on God when the mass they chose becomes too chaotic. I chose to fight back. I looked the devil in the eye and called its bluff. I chose to protect what is mine and the people that I am able to save by providing them with the spiritual support needed to continue to call the devil out and wholeheartedly believe in God. I have defeated the devil numerous times and continue to choose to do so.

Some people believe we need to be super close, I believe that my circle needs to include people who have the goal of being received by Jesus Christ. How do I know that people have the same goal? By their actions, words, and lessons they have learned. So many people go through life, learning lessons but are convinced that God has turned His back or that He has neglected them, so they have no choice but to do whatever it is that they have to do. I believe that lessons have to be learned but God is always there to bless one even greater once one has learned.

For example, I had to learn that work is not my life. I suffered abuse that resulted in a mild heart attack. Now, look at me. I thank God for that lesson and the blessings that followed.

While no one is greater than the next, our experiences and choices separate us. And that separation may continue to grow until God tells me otherwise.

Continue to pray for everyone and walk into everything God has for you!

I started a new job last week, and God blessed me with an incredible opportunity! I have found where I belong, perhaps my permanent work home, and it feels good. The team is the same as they were over Zoom, which is a positive. We are all so excited for the future of this sector. The role I have is remote, so it was great to meet them in the office. I went to get my picture taken for my badge and felt okay about the photo. I could not wait to pick it up at the end of the day to show my family my official badge.

When I arrived at my mom’s house, she said, “It looks nice, Rhonda Bates.” I was thinking, who? I looked at the badge; it said Rhonda Bates, not Rhonda Gates. I laughed in embarrassment; I do not know why; then decided it would get fixed and pick it up the next time I would be in the office.

Now my name is Rhonda Bates, until I get my corrected new badge.

I have honestly felt dead for so long. I have felt that nothing matters, not because I did not want to stress about it but because if I am dead, then nothing should matter. Every time, I tried to care about something and share my feelings or thoughts they were brushed off like, no, it is not like that or you need to just relax. Well, it was like that and I did not need to relax, I needed to be revived. I needed a person to listen, to understand, and to acknowledge that what I was going through was valid, otherwise, let the people go. It is hard to come to life after death. It is hard to focus on life and acknowledge all of the things going right when it seems like so much is going wrong.

I have been out of work for the past two months looking for a job. I have not had any money for the past three months but God has made a way for my bills to remain paid with no disconnection notices. A little bit ago, a job called me out of the blue because of the impression I made on the hiring manager during an interview. I accepted the job, relieved that I would soon have income again to cover my expenses and go grocery shopping. Well, I was surprised to learn that I would be paid twice a month instead of every two weeks, which makes a difference. I received my first disconnection notice and said, Lord, you handle it. And He did.

I found myself shaking the dirt off of me after being buried in my emotional grave. I have experienced God in ways, that were very familiar. He has held me close, allowed me to hide within His secret place, protected me, and has poured life into me day after day. I have stood outside and cried looking up at the heavens letting it all go. Sometimes, there is only one person who is able to completely and wholeheartedly understand me, and that person is God. I know He looks down on me and smile, because I feel it, I see it. It is one of those things that you and only you would know.

After shaking this dirt off and realizing that I have been revived, life has looked different. It is almost like I have been washed in the blood all over again. I am able to see clearer, think clearer, and understand more. I know that the job I have now is part of my revival. There are so many opportunities at this place that it will end up being my career and I will be successful according to me. I know that my life is about to look very different from how it did previously. I know that the way I speak to myself, others, and God will be different. I know that the way I thought before will be different, as I am focused and ready for what God has for me. It is my season.

I want to encourage everyone to fully trust God, and watch Him. Accept all that He has for you, as it may be your season as well. And if it is not your season yet, hang on because it is on its way. Continue to pray for the world and everyone in it as every day is becoming crazier but do not get distracted, because blessings are on their way. Speak hope, prosperity, life, and victory over your situation.

I spoke it and felt the chain loosen, then shortly after, I felt it fall. Thank you, Lord, for assisting me in disencumbering another chain.

How one views the world determines how one reacts. The view will also determine how far a person is willing to go to achieve one’s definition of greatness or success. A mind shift change is not a subject that I have given much thought to until I realized it is the current theme. To shift one’s mindset takes a lot of practice and conscious thought. I have shifted my mind to think and perceive the world differently in some areas. For example, I have realized that there are few times in which I need to be first at the light or rush to a destination, so I have chosen to take my time and enjoy the ride. After all, those places will still be there when I get there. I had to make a conscious decision to view my driving habits. After all, how much fun is it to get high blood pressure? LOL.

I have decided to view people in one of two ways. One, people will be people and do things that I cannot control, so do not waste energy on those people. Two, people are trying to be better, so allow them some grace but keep a distance because I do not need someone else’s problems to be mine. Either way, it was imperative for me to master this mindset change, because by worrying about these people, I was allowing them to physically kill me. The additional stress, lack of sleep, and all the other baggage that I carried were killing me because I willingly accepted other people’s problems as my own. Well, I discovered one day, that I will not openly or secretly bear other people’s problems and I am healthy today because of it. Not only did a mind shift happen with my driving habits, or the people I encounter, but also financially.

I have decided to view money differently. Money was never an obsession for me but I always wanted to be comfortable and not worry about it. This book that I am reading recommends obsessing over it and it will come, I believe that money is a means that is provided by the ultimate Provider, God the Father. I believe that financially I will be sound not from obsessing, but from doing what God calls me to do. Some people would sell their souls for money and wind up in hell later, I am not willing to go to hell for temporary gains. If heaven is the goal, then money needs to be viewed as a means to obtain the goods needed for survival. Thus, I have started looking into personal things I need to do to get better at saving money, such as buying items I do not need and investing that change where it can be multiplied.

My mindset shifted also when it comes to my relationship with God. I viewed the time I chose to spend with God as something that has to be done instead of being constant. Meaning, that instead of talking to God consistently throughout the day, I set a time in which I would come to Him. I am sure He appreciated the time, but I found that if I did not keep Him consistently in and on my mind, then I was more likely to slip. I have learned to speak to Him at all times, sometimes aloud and other times silently. Although I am not completely where I want to be in our relationship, it is getting better. While I have not mastered the complete shifting of how my mind thinks, I am on my way to a better, brighter future because of the steps already taken. This too will be another chain that will begin to slide from around my waist making me that much freer.

I often wait with anticipation for new opportunities or think about new opportunities that are available to me, but there is little preparation ever considered. Thank God, that He knows how to prepare me for the next endeavors I take. Recently, there have been many projects and goals that I want to do or reach. I start getting quotes, if they are needed then just try and go after it, but normally, there is something that stops me in my tracks. Money has been my most recent challenge!

For example, there was a water leak in my kitchen. I figured it would be covered by my home insurance, but nope. Something about normal wear and tear to the plumbing, so it is not covered but any damages would be. I started getting quotes from plumbers and they were telling me that because of the way my plumbing is arranged (old house), they would have to do a lot of additional work to even reach the plumbing.

After adding up the costs of just plumbing, I decided, I could get a new bathroom for almost the same price. So, I am going for a new bathroom. But I do not have the new bathroom items: sink, toilet, shower, bath, etc. because of money and bad planning. If I planned better, I am sure there would be less stress on how to get these types of projects and goals done. But the same is said about everyday life.

If one is prepared, then there are no surprises! That is the goal. I do not want to be surprised by broken pipes, being laid off, not having money for bills, or anything else, so I need to prepare for these things. Even though I am getting older and I wish I learned this earlier, it is never too late to learn. As I look at the long list of tasks that I want to accomplish over the next three months, I realize, I need to prepare. I need to gather all of the resources, put together a plan, and then execute it. I am sure I will be more successful and be prepared to take risks.