Transitions-Oakville, Burlington and Mississauga Real Estate Blog

good post....a positive attitude is a must in this enviroment!

Jo,

Nice post! Straight ahead is where it's at! That's why I hate playing the blame game in life...it makes us lose our focus and instead of looking straight ahead we look side to side, over our shoulders, and under rocks...very counterproductive! Thanks,   Fran

Jo, An amazing post, as always.  I try very hard to keep doubts and fears away but it is still a challange at times.  Somehow, though, I don't stand still and always believe I am moving forward.  Many things to think about here....

Great post! Lots to think about and a great perspective. Thanks for your insights!

Jump right in or you'll never know....woohoo Jo!

Kudos on the amazing and extremely factual post, Jo-Anne.  I'm bookmarking this as I'd like to revisit this again.  Really FANTASTIC post!!!

Way to GO, JO!  Your posts are phenomenal, CONGRATS on your feature!!

You can make a great argument that the words commitment and confidence are really one in the same.

Great post! Congrats on the feature, it was well deserved!

I have never analyzed it to the in-th degree that you have here. I did not know that the subconscious does not have negatives in it.

Good post and thanks for sharing it with us all. All the best.

Jo - Great post which really deserved to be featured!  I love your writing and inspiration!  "Risk leads to self confidence" --so true!

Jo- I needed the "uplifting" this morning and, as if you knew, you provided. Thank you!

Hi Jo,
Another word that I think of is "promise", a commitment is a promise to follow through.  Once you have total belief in your dream or goal and commit to it--you are on your way to fulfillment.  In a world full of fear and negativity, it is a daily (sometimes hourly) challenge.

I needed an uplift this morning ! Jo- your blogs are well, they just leave me speechless ! Way to go on being featured you soooo deserve it !

Good morning John,

Thank you!

Positivity is definitely very important for those of you in a poor housing market in particular.
It's so easy right now to become entrenched in the negativity, however it's paramount to seek out the positive aspects of this market and focus on them to the exclusion of any negative.

This will not only help you, it will also help your clients in a very uplifting and good way.

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Jo 

Fran, 
You've nailed it straight on. Our time here on earth is far too short to spend any part of it in counterproductive practices such as blame, worry and fear. 

The only thing to do is to forge ahead with the vision of our commitment firmly in view at all times.  A positive outcome has never been brought about by focusing on the negative.

Thanks for visiting this post and for your supportive comment! 

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Jo 

Good morning Carole ! 

You are a very positive force here on AR and in the outside world. All of your posts shine with the positive and productive aspects of life and the way to achieve more of such things in our individual lives.

Thank you for stopping by and for always being one of those who 'sees' and takes positive steps forward to right that which has gone awry.

((-:

Jo 

Hi Peter,

Thanks for stopping by this post and for your very nice comment...have a successful and fulfilling weekend,

Jo 

Sally,  
That's the only way to go !  Woo Hoo right back to you ..............   (((-:

Thanks for stopping by. 

Jo 

Fantastic post Jo- May we all learn from it, and make a commitment to do better in whatever it is  in the new year!

Wow, thanks for the insight.  What a great post!  Gina Gulliford, Long & Foster, Columbia, MD

Jo- I've found when I step past my fear of failure, incredible things happen. The "what ifs" never seem to actually occur and I'm left with a new confidence and an increased belief that my dreams will come true. Commitment is a huge part of that. It is continuing on when the going gets tough. Thanks for a thought provoking post.

Jo-Anne, I glanced at this yesterday but was too busy to really read it and understand so today I did and I whole-heartedly agree. We have to catch those negative thoughts quickly before they enter our sub-conscious. I have heard this before from Jack Canfield that the sub-conscious can not tell if it is positive or negative but will seek out to attact the thing you are thinking about. The scriptures teach "As A Man Thinketh in His Heart so is he."

Thanks for such a thoughtful, well written post.

Good morning Antoinette,

Thank you so much for your kindness and support. I'm very glad you were able to gain something through the reading of this post.

The best to you for a successful and satisfying weekend,

Jo 

Hi Carole,

Thanks so kindly for stopping by again !!!  (((-:

Jo 

Good morning Allen,  

Commitment to anything draws the feeling of confidence into your realm. One is the cause, the other is the effect.  Very astute observation, thank you for your insight.

Jo 

Melissa W.,

Thanks so kindly for your appreciative thoughts and words and for stopping by to read this post .
Best to you for a wonderful weekend and holiday season,

Jo 

I am reminded of the story of early explorers and conquerors who demonstrated their commitment when their boats landed on the shore of their soon to be counquered foe.  They would burn their boats!  They could not go back.  They could not return.  It was conquer or die.  That's commitment.

Good morning Susan,

The subconscious can have negatives in it, however it does not recognize them as being negatives. Therein lays the problem.

Whatever you put into your subconscious mind, it uses to create. It is only a servant and a creator. If you are giving it things which you in your conscious mind would classify as 'negative', it takes them as 'neutral' building blocks to build whatever the thing is.

So for instance, if you are obsessing on the possibility of failing at something, you are giving those building blocks to your subconscious mind to work with. It will then create the very thing you are worried about, because you have allowed those thoughts/building blocks to enter your subconscious mind.

The subconscious mind is not a thinker, it is only a doer. Therefore it is very important to not stay frozen in fear worrying over the things you don't want to happen. Instead you need to stay active and focus on the things you do want to happen....think only in the positive realm and you will be giving your subconscious mind those building blocks to work for you in achieving your desires.

Thanks for visiting this post,

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Jo 

Jo-Anne,

I find visualization can be incredibly powerful.  I enjoyed reading this post about commitment.  Great job.

Do your research first.

Make a plan.

Do it.

No risk involved.

Just following a plan.

Carolin and Bob,

Thanks so kindly for stopping by and for your nice comment....have an awesome weekend!

Jo 

Hi Candy !

Thanks for visiting and for your appreciation.  The only way to move forward is to take risks and the more risks we take and are successful at, the more confidence we gain.  'Courage my love!' has always been one of my guiding principles.

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Jo 

Fear is an emotion that is there to trick you into coding negative thoughts into your subconscious mind. I am always working on this, sometime I turn fear into negative thoughts that slow me down.

Love this. I'm trying to find a great quote on commitment that really inspired me, but I'm having no luck. I will find it and share it. It is very famous, but I'm drawing a blank Thanks for the inspiration.

Once again you've proved it Jo-Anne.  You are one of the more inspired writers on here!

I needed this post very much today.

THANK YOU!!!!!!

Heather in Indy

Jo-Anne, the discussion on the subconscious mind is excellent and very true.  Because we don't understand how it functions, we often become victims to laws which were intended to help and prosper us.  Thanks for a great article.

Jo-Anne, You got me with this one, "Risk leads to self-confidence and no matter how many times a step forward might not work, without stepping forward it is guaranteed never to work." It reminds me of some things I have heard in the past... every no gets you one step closer to yes.... and... if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.... Thanks for the reminders and encouragement.

Hi Kris !

I'm very glad that you were able to find this post right when you needed it......AR is amazing that way, isn't it?

Thanks so much for your appreciation,

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Jo 

Good post..need to keep it handy for those not so positive days...thanks

Hello Cynthia,

You're so right. We seem to be surrounded at times by those situations/people who do their best to bring us down. I find that if we just keep giving back something positive, eventually the negative gets bored and disappears or gives up.

Thanks for visiting this post and I hope you're having a wonderful weekend,

Jo 

Melissa,  Thanks so much !

I'm always inspired when I visit your blogs so if I can give back even a small fraction of what you give to all of us, I'm more than pleased.

I hope your day is going better now and whatever was bringing you down has dissipated,

((-:

Jo 

Hi Dawn ! 

It's so nice to see you....I hope you're doing well and your Christmas preparations are going along smoothly.  Thank you so much for your kind words of support...I really appreciate them and you.

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Jo 

Hi Gina !

Thanks so much for your nice comment and for stopping by,

Jo 

I have very little tolerance for those that are not commited to what they are attempting to do.  This message needs to be hear all over.;

 

 Hi Jennifer!

Thank you for visiting this post. I agree with you completely...stepping out into the world is what makes life 'happen'.  ((-:

I like how you've put that ~' The "what ifs" never seem to actually occur and I'm left with a new confidence and an increased belief that my dreams will come true..."  ...you've hit the nail right on the head.

((-:

Jo 

Hello Missy,

 I really enjoyed reading your comment and it caused me to reflect on many other principles such as 'as within, so without', one of the 7 hermetic principles of life.

Our subconscious mind is there always waiting to serve us....you're so right about "catching those negative thoughts quickly before they enter our sub-conscious'.

 I haven't read The Secret, as I believe it is a summary of so many books of wisdom, starting with the bible as you've indicated here.

The basic laws of the universe are of such simplicity and yet seem to be so scarcely followed by humanity.
I believe it is because we are no longer taught them from the time of childhood, as was done in ancient times.

Thanks so much for visiting this post and for your very insightful comment, ((-:

Jo 

 

 

 

Dan,

Fascinating !  I wasn't aware of that aspect of history. It certainly shows conviction to one's goal and a great amount of fearlessness.

Thanks for stopping by and for leaving such an intriguing comment,

((-:

Jo 

Jo-Anne- great post and perfect for reminding us that it is soon time for those New Year's Resolutions!

Hi Tracy,

Thanks for your positive words...greatly appreciated. 

I agree with you completely about the power of visualization....I use this for some aspects of my life and it brings great positive feelings and courage to my being.

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Jo 

Jo-Anne - to risk all is to gain everything another great post by an inspiring blogger

Lenn,  I really enjoy these snippet poems you post that are so jam packed with wisdom and excellent advice.

Thank you for stopping by this post and leaving such wonderful words for those who wish to achieve to follow...

((-:

Jo 

Hi David,

I'm glad you are able to recognize that fear is something that slows us down and that we must do what we can to keep fear at bay. I believe that with practice, we learn to banish fear very quickly as soon as  we begin to feel it's presence.

Thanks for visiting this post !

Jo 

Hi Karl !

 Thanks so much for your kind words of support.  I remember a quote by Goethe about commitment, perhaps this is the one you are thinking of? ~

"Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back-- Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now." ~Goethe

I love that one....it's my favourite.

((-:

Jo 

Hi Jason,

Thanks so much for visiting and for your supportive comment...greatly appreciated.

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Jo 

Hello Heather in Indy !

I'm so glad that you got something out of this post that was of some inspiration to you....thanks for stopping by to tell me so and I hope your day is going well.

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Jo 

Lola, 

Truer words have not been spoken than those you've left here in your comment with regards to the subconscious mind ~ "Because we don't understand how it functions, we often become victims to laws which were intended to help and prosper us."

How very right you are and how important it is for us to learn how the subconscious mind works and then put it to use helping us in our lives.

thanks so much for your kind words of appreciation,

Jo 

Hi Stephen !

How are things going with you these days? 

Thanks so much for visiting this post and for leaving such an insightful and thought-provoking comment.

I agree with your choices of monikers that are similar to the 'risk leading to confidence' part of my post.  I always think of Wayne Gretsky, the hockey player too, when he said 'I miss all of the shots I don't take.'

((-:

Jo 

Jo - That's a tall order, and one I struggle with. Thank you for a needed kick in the rear. I have bookmarked this terrific post.

Jo - Thank you so much. That is exactly the quote I was looking for. I used to have it written in a place where I saw it all the time and it was very inspiring. But somehow it was misplaced. And thanks to you I have it back again.  It is something that I believe everyone who has the intention of success should read over and over again.  Thank you for reading my mind.  :-)

Good morning Jeffery !

Thank you for visiting and for your nice comment. Have a great and successful day,

Jo 

Hi Gayle,

Anything worth doing is worth doing right....commitment will bring all of the right forces into play and lead towards success.

I believe that few people actually realize that in order to succeed, you must first commit. From there will come an outline of the steps you must take and seemingly out of now-where, help along the way.

thanks for reading and commenting on this post,

Jo 

Hi Barbara-Jo,

How right you are....it's the perfect time  to be thinking of our commitments for the coming year .

Thanks for visiting,

((-:

Jo 

Good morning Kathy !

Did you wake up to a fresh and sparkling blanket of whiteness too? It's so pretty out here this morning....

You're so right....nothing is gained without risk. 

Thanks so much for your nice words....greatly appreciated by yours truly.  (((-:

Jo 

Hi Tom P.,

I believe that most people struggle with it, myself included.

I write these things as much for reminders to myself as for anyone else. If they help someone else, then I'm very happy.

I guess we were never told anything was going to be easy.....there are things in place that are meant to help us though and I believe the subconscious mind is one of them.

thanks for visiting this post !

((-:

Jo 

Hi Karl,

Thanks for stopping by again !  I'm glad to hear that is the quote you're thinking of. I agree with you that it is very inspiring and should be kept nearby as we work towards our goals and dreams.

((-:

Jo 

Well said, Jo-Anne!  I recently learned the following, which sums it up pretty well:

There is no PASSION without COMMITMENT.

Not sure who said it, and I am paraphrasing anyway, but think about it...

Loretta,  I absolutely agree with you !

I know that once I commit to something, I become totally passionate about it without even trying.  It's amazing, isn't it?

Thanks so much for visiting this post and I hope you have a wonderful evening,

Jo 

Jo-Anne - about 4 inches of sparkling snow  and now freezing rain. Thanks for the feature.

Wonderful post Jo!! You are absolutely correct...commitment is the key to every success in life...business, personal and spiritual. I truly enjoyed reading this. God bless you!!

I really think that you captured it perfectly.  I am keeping the door open for new opportunities everyday.  When you face what you fear, your courage intensifies.  Thanks for keeping things positive.

Good morning Kathy,

I believe it snowed all night here...it's gorgeous out and the snowploughs and sand trucks are very busy.  You're very welcome for the feature, your book meme is exceedingly well done! 

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Jo 

Hello Jo,

Great post!! Very true, I have read The Law of Attraction and The Secret and they both speak of keeping the negative thoughts at bay and fill your head with only positive. Thanks for the reinforcement! 

Did you get hit with the snow storm or did it not make it that far? It wasn't to bad here we did get some snow but not as much as predicted thank goodness!!

Count down is on..... :) 

Hi Elizabeth,

Thank you! You're absolutely right about commitment being required in all aspects of our life....

Out of certainty comes commitment and everything falls into place from there.  ((-:

Jo 

Hi Gina,

Thank you for your incredible insight into the nature of facing our fears and of staying open in order to recognize new opportunities.

Thanks also for stopping by and reading this post and leaving such a kind comment,

((-:

Jo 

Jo-Anne - Awesome Post - Very Motivational !  - It's true we need to dwell on GOOD/Positivefor those to become our realities....seems to me children have it down this commitment concept - they are bubbly and positive, have very little fear, and are persistent in their quests by repetition.....LOL

where we lose some of that along the way of growing up in the school of life (hard Knocks) is sad!

Thanks for the reminder!

Book-marked for re-reading & sharing with my girls too!

Happy Holidays

Grace Safrin

Hi Trace !

Thanks for the nice comment.  ((-:

Yes, we got hammered here too.....lots of snow over the past few days and now some freezing rain too. The tree branches are glistening with frozen ice.   I declined going to dance class tonight and decided to stay home instead where it's nice and cosy.  I guess they really got it bad east and north east of here...the roads in many areas are impassable. 

I have so much to do yet to get ready for Christmas....you're right, the countdown is on.

((-:

Jo 

Jo-Anne-This is such a great reminder and a great inspirational tool!  Now is the time to put comittment into overdrive. I have been going and going..I have to put my plans into action if I want to have a better year next year.  

Hello Jo...have been" too tied up to Blog"the last two days....it was worth it coming back to your post!

I do know that positive thinking is the key to success but even so....there are days (many lately) when those little doubts and questions sort of sneak in (usually in the form of calories). When that happens I know that even though I still appear to be on top of it-on one level- I'm not. But, I'm pretty good at fooling myself, for a while anyway!

Congratulations on the feature! You definately have a way with words....

Hi Jo, What a great post. You put this forward in print with crystal clear conviction. I applaude you. Jo, you are truly a Mentor of mine, and I wish the World had a whole bunch of Jo Smiths; it would be such a better World. Thanks for everything you do for me; I an truly a better writer because of you, a better person, and I will never forget about one of Canada's greatest natural resources; Jo Smith Your friend Tom Braatz

Hi Grace !  Nice to see you.  Thanks so much for your words of kindness, appeciation and affirmation.

I really enjoy how you've framed the whole commitment concept using the example of children. I hadn't looked at it like that before and I see now you are so right. In this regard, it is when we begin to lose our innocence that we begin to fear more and it becomes harder to live in the moment and to freely commit to something.

You must be getting excited with Christmas on it's way and your girls soon going to be home.  My son Rob will be home on Thursday for the Christmas break. I'm really looking forward to him being here for a number of weeks.

I hope you have a wonderful day , and Jeff too !

((-:

Jo 

Good morning Midori !

Thanks for stopping by and for your lovely comment. You are a real go-getter and I would love to have you as my real estate trainer. The people in your office are very fortunate, indeed.

You're right; now is the time to firmly commit to an excellent 2008 and put into practice many new habits that will see it happen.  Thank you for your insight and motivation.

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Jo 

Hi Joan,

It's so nice to see you.....I've been very busy lately too and not much time for blogging or commenting. So many things going on this time of year and coupled with business, it doesn't leave much extra time.

You're one of the most positive and cheery people I know.....I have complete confidence that you will always see yourself through each trial that life hands you.  I'm always here for you....email or call me anytime. Friends are for sharing the pieces of our lives....the good and the more difficult parts as well.

Have you got lots of snow down there?

I really appreciate your positive words and thoughts...thanks so much !

((-:

Jo 

Jo-This is so beautifully written. I've never read anything of yours that consisted of anything less.  Jo, I know that one day we're all going to find you on the best seller's list at Barnes and Noble.  I can't help, but tell you that every time I read your blogs.  There are so many people incapacitated by fear.  I have felt it in my own being and it's not a place that I like to visit often, but when I do the realization that ironically there are positives that can come from fear. It just depends on how one internalizes that fear.  My choice is to take the positive from it and get the fire burning deep within my soul and press forward with desire. 

Ah yes Jo-Anne - I can relate to your anticipation of seeing your son soon- the children coming home -this to me is the best part of the Holidays - to cherish stories they share of their evolving young lives - and to share past memories so dear!

have a blessed holiday :)

Grace

Hi Tom B.,

Thanks kindly for being a constant friend to me...I appreciate you greatly.

I read your beautiful post this morning , however I've been on the go all day and haven't had time yet to write a worthy comment....I did have a chance to feature it in the Inspiration group though....

you're a very wise and considerate man and it shines through in all of your writings.

I see you got hit by all the snow too.... 

((-:

Jo 

Jo,

It must be getting cold up your way.  Congratulations on the feature!  You write with such feeling, Jo.  You convey emotion to the soul. "...where there is the shadow of a doubt, there is room for failure."    That's wonderful.  And where there is the least glimmer of hope, there is room for redemption and success.

Mike in Tucson

Good morning Julie,

You are amongst the very wisest and most compassionate women I know....your whole comment is exceptionally beautiful and filled with wisdom and guidance.  I really enjoy your take on fear and I am saving this quote of yours to re-read when I need to remind myself to face fears and take away with me the lesson and the newly polished piece of my soul.

 "....ironically there are positives that can come from fear. It just depends on how one internalizes that fear.  My choice is to take the positive from it and get the fire burning deep within my soul and press forward with desire."

Your quote above reminded me of this one, which is amongst my all time favourites:

Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator: " What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset."

I believe we must always be like the little shadows and we must always lose ourselves in the sunset....only then will we be alive.

Thank you so much for visiting this post,   ((-:

Jo 

 

Hi Grace,  I agree that the best part of the  holidays is the children coming home.....they remind us of what Christmas and life is really all about.  Plus, it gives me a good reason to bake !

Best wishes to you and Jeff for a blessed holiday season too,

((-:

Jo 

Good morning, Mike !

Thanks so much for visiting ...((-:

It is getting colder now and we've been hit with lots of snow and ice the past week. Unusual for this time of year. They are attributing it to global warming which is messing with so many weather patterns right now.

I love your positive spin on my post.... "And where there is the least glimmer of hope, there is room for redemption and success."

I agree with you wholeheartedly....sometimes it only takes commitment and love to turn something completely around.

Thank you for your kind thoughts and support....I feel very blessed to have you amongst my group of treasured friends,

Jo 

Joanne, this is an excellent post, but shoot, I guess you already know that, seeing it was featured and all.  =)  The power to succeed is totally within us, but sadly, so is the power to fail.  If people would only see that and not allow themselves the latter.  Congratulations on the feature!

Hi Maggie,

Thanks so much for stopping by and for your supportive words !  

I try to always focus on the positive and it serves me well once I put my mind to it.  The trick is often getting your mind into that state, however once you do, the rest comes easy.

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Jo 

 

Jo - What a terrific post! I have always been a positive thinker and know it is why I have made it as far as I have in life. Negativity can just wear you out and make your life miserable. Unfortunatley there is always too much floating around us. Commitment certainly is the foundation for change.

Hi Bill,

Thank you !  I'm very drawn to positive people and love to be around them. You're right about commitment being the foundation for change.....like that old saying goes 'be the change that you seek in the world'.

All the best of the season to you and in the coming year,

Jo 

I am new to Active Rain - and - while looking through some blogs - I found yours -and the  extra link to the " Power of Committment".   I needed this ! -  as I am in my 10th year - and by far the most frustrating year to date - I have managed to become so discouraged - so - thank you ! - I will be reading this many times - as encouragement to  keep going !.

Marilyn Kerr

Hi Joanne, this morning I read your commitment post, and it was very insightful that passion comes from commitment.  Once we commit to doing something, or someone, truly commit, then passion and problem solving and focus all fall into place.  I was meant to read this this morning, thanks for sharing!!!

Thank you Marilyn!

I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Jo

hi Hilary!

Thanks for stopping by. ((-;

I really enjoyed your statement:

"Once we commit to doing something, or someone, truly commit, then passion and problem solving and focus all fall into place."

Very wise words from a very wise woman.

Jo