Keep Going: T-Pain

          Like T-Pain or not this short, simple song speaks volumes.  I bet when T-Pain started pursuing his dream of being an artist in the fashion in which he went about it (auto-tune), he probably had a handful of supporters and triple the doubters and naysayers.  But he kept going and made his mark on the music industry and world.  With that said, YPs handle your business and “Keep Going” when you encounter a setback.  I recently lost my father and felt myself falling into a mini depression but I know I have to “Keep Going” on with my life even though a big part of me is missing.  Whether it’s someone telling you “no or you can’t do that” or losing a job or loved one YPs, you and I must ”Keep Going” in order to fulfill any and all of our dreams and goals.  “Keep Going” YPs and lookout for those unexpected BLESSINGS!!!

YPRuck, Young Professionals Writer

“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will.”
Vince Lombardi

Good day YPs and happy monday to all. Vince Lombardi is known not only for being a great football coach but also a great motivator. After reading his words, I totally agree with this quote above. Success comes to those who work hard to achieve it. Successful people aren’t always the smartest or the most skilled but, I guarantee one common trait successful people have is a strong work ethic. We’ve all heard the cliches but I believe it to be true that hard work does pay off. You can have all the knowledge and skill in the world but if you do not will yourself to make things happen you will not be successful. So make sure you are willing yourself to success fellow YPs. Chase after your success with hard work and perseverance.  Make it happen!

YPRichB, Young Professionals Writer

“If you believe your life will not encounter peaks and valleys then your mistaken, it is those whom rise from the valleys that achieve the most in life.”

- Nam P.

          Good day YP’s! I would like to introduce YPNam, and his great quote that he shared with YPBlogspot! In life, we all go through many up’s and down’s, whether it be from mistakes that we make, or outside factors that we have no control over. Even though these low points in our lives might seem like the end of the world, it is hardly the case.

          How you sustain, persevere, learn, and bounce back from your mistakes is the true test. Will you succumb and give up, or will you continue to push and use those setbacks as ways to improve and overcome? As humans, we all have our own issues and shortcomings, but the great thing is we have new chances, beginnings, and choices to make. No matter the circumstance, as YP’s, we will always to continue to pick up ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and become smarter and stronger in this game we call life!

YPJimH, Young Professionals Writer

Airplanes (Part 2):B.o.B. Feat. Eminem & Hayley Williams

 “pretend he procrastinated had no motivation
pretend he just made excuses that were so paper thin they could blow away with the wind
Marshall you’re never gonna make it makes no sense to play the game there ain’t no way that you’ll win”

[ Snippet from Eminem's verse.]

          Good morning YPs, I wanted to share a motivational song courtesy of B.o.B., Eminem & Haley Williams titled “Airplanes Part 2″ from B.o.B.’s debut album The Adventures of Bobby Ray in stores now.  In this song both B.o.B. and Eminem discuss the “What if…” factor regarding them pursuing their dreams.  How many of us just give up on our dreams or goals because we allow any and everything throw us off course?  Everyone is always waiting for the perfect circumstances but if you take any successful person or business and you’ll probably hear about many obstacles along their journey to ‘Successville’.  Success is a product of having a goal/dream and working hard to fulfill that goal or dream and it isn’t easy but anything is possible. 

          Eminem didn’t come from ideal circumstances and had every reason/excuse not to be successful.  But he didn’t allow his Read more »

“Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success”

- Napoleon Hill

          Good morning YP’s! Today is the 1st day back from a Memorial Day weekend, and I feel like I have to pick up my energy after a weekend of rest, relaxation, and good times. This quote from Napoleon Hill is a great motivation to start off the day because it talks about persistence, hard work, and not letting up. When you blend this combination together, you will always come away with success. Even though there may be factors that may hinder our progression, we have to keep doing what we have to do, to get to where we want to go…no matter what!

          For me, that means getting my iced coffee, getting my mind focused, writing everything I have to do today and crossing them off as I go! YP’s, never lose focus of your goals, and keep striving to meet them in spite of your mood, or any other factors. Let’s keep our eyes on the prize, and never let up!

YPJimH, Young Professionals Writer

          YPs, I have noticed that life is full of a bunch of talkers.  People who know what they may want/need/desire, but only know how to talk about it.  People who may even encounter what they ’say’ they want, but DO nothing that is required to keep it.  Think about all the people in life who say things like; I want to start my own business, I want to lose weight, I just want a good man/woman, if I had a good man/woman I’d be set, all I need is the opportunity!!!  I think about all that is said and think, ‘Do You Really Though?’

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“The freedom to be your best means nothing unless you are willing to do your best”

- Colin Powell

Happy Tuesday YP’s everywhere! This is a great quote from Colin Powell because it talks about realizing your potential. We all have the ability to do great things on this earth, but it is really up to us to make it happen. We all have countless opportunities and resources at our fingertips, but it does not mean anything if we fail to take advantage of them. Anyone of us can be successful if we work hard enough for what we want. Every day people are realizing their potential by doing their best, and making the right decisions.  Who is it to say that we cannot do the same? So the question is not, can we be successful? But rather, do you want to be successful?

YPJimH, Young Professionals Writer

“You are the CEO of your life”!

- Unknown Author

Morning YP’s! Very simple quote, but very powerful in the same breathe. I like this quote because it says that YOU are the only person who is in charge of your life. Granted, there are factors that are out of our control, but at the same time we can control what we think, what we choose to do with our time, our attitude,  and the amount of effort we choose to put in. Whatever your goal may be, you can either choose to make it happen, or not. There are no excuses and no one to blame. You are the CEO of your life, let’s all take the necessary steps to make sure our life is a success!

YPJimH, Young Professionals Writer

“Doesn’t matter whether the glass is half full or half empty.  The most important thing to keep in mind, YOU HAVE A GLASS!”

Di Fillhart

          YPs, we all have ups and we all have downs.  Through both extremes, your mindset is what’s important.  People get caught up in what they have or don’t have way too often.  The focus needs to be on THE LIFE YOU HAVE!  What people fail to realize is that, as long as you are alive, you have the ability to change your situation.  So do not get caught up in your misfortunes, get caught up in knowing that it’s never as bad as it seems.  Progression is in all of us and we should work towards it, at all costs.  I feel that my glass has been EMPTY, on several occasions.  However, I’ve never thrown in the towel and have always found something to REFILL MY GLASS.  YPs don’t ever give up.  You have the power to do better, SO DO BETTER!!!  YPs Stand Up!!!

YPDSing, YoungProfessionals Writer

          Competition is a funny thing.  Some people thrive when competing while others do horribly under the pressure of trying to win.   There probably are a number of reasons for that dynamic but I personally believe competition is always a good thing.  I’ve always been a somewhat of a self-starter but I tend to think I work better with or against people because I want to win.  However, I think the most important thing in competition is to not get caught up in the wins and losses.  I like to win but I don’t hate to lose if that makes any sense.  The reason being is that I learn a lesson from either situation.  For me competing at my highest level is just as important as winning.  I can deal with not winning but I cannot deal with not giving 100% effort.  I’ve always felt like more of a failure not giving my all as opposed to just losing.  Healthy competition should bring out the best in all of us. 

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“Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination. “

- Unknown Author

YPs, sometimes we take the backseat in life because we feel we do not have the platform, financial backing, etc., to make a difference.  That mentality has got to be thrown out the window.  We can all be leaders in our own rights.  Stand tall for what you believe in and lead by example.  We all have people who look up to us and take what we say and do very seriously.  Do not downplay your impact because you are not a celebrity or person of power.  Take the time to speak to a young person to share some insight.  Make it a point to get involved in activities with others that you might not encounter on a daily basis.  Your presence in certain forums is sometimes enough to ignite change, in some form or fashion.  YPs, please do not run from the chance to make a difference.  You too have a voice!!!  YPs Stand Up!!!

YPDSing, YoungProfessionals Writer

          “So a man was stranded in the ocean, and he had faith that GOD would     save him.  A ship big ship came along and tried to save the man.  He said, “no thanks GOD is gonna save me.”  Then another ship came along and tried to save him again.  Again he said, “no thanks I’m waiting on GOD to save me.”  So after one more ship coming along and the man passing on their rescue attempts, HE DROWNED.  Once the man reached heaven, he asked “GOD, why didn’t you come to rescue me???”  GOD said, “I SENT YOU THREE BIG BOATS YA DUMMY!!!”

          This is a paraphrased joke from the movie ‘In Pursuit of Happyness.’  When I first heard the joke, I thought it was funny and clever.  A few minutes later I began to put it into perspective.  The joke actually held a deeper meaning to me.  It was a clever way to share the point that many people look over many opportunities and blessings.  People spend much of their lives WAITING!!!  People wait on that special person to notice them.  They wait for that perfect job to call them.  People wait on far fetched dreams of hitting the lottery or finding large sums of money.  The problem is, that most people have the opportunities to get everything that they desire; they just do not take advantage of all their opportunities. 

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          Today I like to share with you guys a YP/future YP making her mark on the world.  This morning Mom Dukes sent me an email about Katie Washington being Notre Dame’s first Black valedictorian.  This young lady’s family has set a standard of education and success.  Her father is a doctor, her mother is a nurse, her brother is completing his residency at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, her sister is a nurse and she has another brother who’s a Navy veteran working for BP.  This is a prime example of parents positioning their children to be successful by setting the example and then providing an environment that’s conducive to being successful.  I have posted some highlights/achievements of Katie’s impressive yet unfinished resume as well as a link to a great article.  Enjoy YPs and share this story.

YPRuck, Young Professionals Writer

Katie Washington, a biological sciences major from Gary, Ind., has been named valedictorian of the 2010 University of Read more »

Dear Female YoungProfessionals:

          The role of women has drastically changed throughout the years.  Outside of being a devoted mother and wife, THERE ARE NO ROLES!!!  Women have come a long way in becoming powerful and influential figures in the world.  They now have established themselves amongst the elite in every field.  Women however, do face a lot of scrutiny and must overcome many obstacles, along the way to success.  To be successful, ‘female youngprofessionals’ must make up their minds, to overcome any stereotypes and be prepared to work harder than anyone else.  There will be many doubters along the way.  PAY THEM NO MIND!!!
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Dear Male Young Professionals:

          Capitalizing on each and every opportunity thrown your way, SHOULD BE YOUR MAIN FOCUS!!! You have been blessed to be put on this earth, with an abundance of chances to do great things.  The key is finding and maintaining the focus to get things done.  There are many distracting obstacles placed in front of you, but you must overcome and continue on the path to productivity.  You must first identify what is important to you in your life.  What do you want out of life?  What is your plan to get there?  How can you make an impact on others, on your way there?
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