Sometimes I sit in my den and stare out the window and daydream...or space out! At first, I used to think it was a waste of time, but I later come to realize that was my way of 'decompressing' and then, conversely, 'creating.'

There's a quote, 'Sit still and know that I am God'. I've come to truly appreciate that quote. Sometimes we run around in circles and get involved in this cause and that issue or that project and that group. It's great to get involved, to help, to create....even better if it serves a greater purpose, even if it is your own. But sometimes you find yourself spinning your wheels, getting riled up, excited, etc and then that little voice asks you, 'For what'? What good is this doing in the long run? Is this what I'm supposed to be doing? Am I making a difference? Is this my purpose?

And that's when you realize it's time to STOP. Have a moment of silence and realign yourself with your goals and purpose. Here are a few tips that should help you find some clarity.

IDENTIFY & DEFINE YOUR PURPOSE. I always knew what I wanted to do when I was younger, as a creator, there were many things! As you get older, and more in tune with yourself and your talent or abilities, you begin to zero-in and flow towards it; sometimes it finds you. It is important to clearly define your goals and your purpose.

CREATE A STRATEGY FOR LIVING YOUR PURPOSE. What are the attitudes, behavior or training you need to live on purpose? How will you go about living your purpose? What's your game plan? Once you create your roadmap, you will be able to navigate clearly-without getting lost-towards your purpose.

KNOW YOUR WORTH. Have you actually sat down and calculated how much you're worth? Attorneys know they can command any where from $100-$500+ PER HOUR!!! What is an hour of your time worth? If you're not sure, research what people who do what you do make, add your experience, years of practice, new skill set, education, etc....or just whatever you feel YOU are worth. Figure out what a week, a month or a years worth of your time is, the result may be staggering even for you. The trick is to BELIEVE you're worth it...and then ask for it!!

AVOID TIME THIEVES! Oowee! Friends, even family can steal your time. Unplanned projects that spring up or seem 'fun at the time', TV, internet-surfing, gossip, messing with a knucklehead:) 'kickin' it', dwelling on past issues, can all be time thieves. The more I've grown as a business woman, the more acutely aware of 'thieves' I've become. I find myself asking, 'How much money could I be making now?' 'What is the long term benefit of this activity? 'What purpose does/will this serve?' 'Will anyone care 5 years from now? 'Am I having fun?'

TRIM THE FAT. If you find certain activities, people or things no longer serve their purpose or are more of a liability than an asset, CUT IT OUT! Sounds severe, I know, but trust me if you fail or are unhappy, all of the 'fat' will be there to keep you company!
Where family or close friends are concerned, you don't want to seem harsh or cruel so you may choose to manage your time with them differently. Family and friends don't necessarily need to serve any purpose other than to share love and wisdom, and most will support you on your journey; BUT, if they don't.....

IDENTIFY, ALLOCATE & MANAGE YOUR RESOURCES. Once you've identified your purpose and goals, your strategy will outline what tools, expertise or training you need and whether or not a cost or time or anything else of value is involved. Manage all of these carefully. Make sure you know the path you're supposed to be on, ignorance is costly.

STAY ON TASK. Any life journey should be a balance of hard work and great times and if you're creative, you can achieve both at the same time! The important thing is to stay on task, or as my mom would say, 'stay on your square'. It' okay to take breaks or do nothing even, but then, get back on the train and keep it going!

The thing to remember is that you, your time, your skills, your knowledge, your education, even your heritage have value. Don't let anyone or anything-including yourself!- sell you short of your 'deluxe apartment in the sky'...you can take that anyway you want! A.