Got Results!

Today, marks the beginning of my second week focused on being healthy. This morning it was time to measure and see if the changes I had instituted resulted in a change in my measures. Good news! I had lost 4 lbs., loss 1 inch off my waist, and BMI was down by .9!  Needless, to say that got my day off to a great start.

I got results because I developed my targets, created a plan, worked the plan, and made modifications when appropriate. Having the right foods at home and the office prevented me from getting off track. When an emergency came up that made it impossible for me to workout as planned, I found another time and maintained my commitment to 3x week. Loved using my vegetable steamer and rice cooker. Snack bars from the Wellness Forum made me feel that I had a treat rather than reaching for a dessert. My water filter bottle has really helped me to hit my water target. First time ever!

I shared my results with Mary Kay and Jennifer, the two women who inspired me to make this commitment. Both were pleased and continued to offer words of encouragement. I am feeling energized because I know that I am "being my B.E.S.T." 

When you are "at your B.E.S.T.",  you do achieve results!

Preparation Pays Off

Preparation does indeed pay off. Having the foods that I needed to eat in my cupboards worked.
I was able to stay on track and meet my goals.

Yesterday, I was able to kick off my journey and meet my goals. My day got off to a good start exercising on my health rider, eating a bowl of organic cereal with almond milk and I snacked on fruit during the day (grapes and orange).  My filtered water bottle allowed me to drink 80 oz of filtered water! I was able to drop my bottle in my purse and throughout the day when I was off to meetings, my water bottle was right there with me.   A big healthy salad of organic veggies- romaine lettuce, broccoli, red peppers, sun sprouts, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, and cranraisins with fat free salad dressing and a baked potato with veggie shreds (lactose and cholesterol free) made up lunch.  I was surprised to find  that after eating my salad and potato, I was full! Dinner was raw veggies and a turkey sandwich. 

Today, I am continuing to be on track with my goals and was able to reach for a snack (chocolate fruit crunch- from Wellness foods) when I had to rush off to an engagement. Really pleased that I met my water goal. This has been such a challenge for me in the past. Already I have hit my 60 oz of filtered water- so will easily get to 80 maybe even 100 oz before the day is over.

Getting ready to sort through my recipes to ensure that  I am prepared for the holiday and have some new dishes that are healthy.

My interview with Jennifer who has lost 90 lbs reminded me that focusing on new food discoveries will make it easier to stay on course. So it's not about what I am giving up, rather it's about what I am gaining!  Join me on my wellness journey.

I'm serious- I choose to be healthy!

Get Serious-Choose to be Healthy!

I have chosen to get serious about being healthy so that I can "be my B.E.S.T." and realize my dreams. Today marks the beginning of  my wellness journey, embracing the principles espoused by the Wellness Forum (www.wellnessforum.com). Over the next month, my blog will focus on the choices that I am making and how these impact my lifestyle and health status.

Recognizing that there is much for me to change, I have decided to manage my change in increments.  Over the next thirty days, my focus is to eliminate dairy and oils, drink 64 oz of filtered water daily, start each day with breakfast, have lunch and dinner daily, one of which will include a
big green leafy salad, increase intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, eat only organic meats (minimize amount), and  have  only when it is a special occasion. With regard to exercise, I will ride my health rider 3 x per week, and walk 3 miles at least once a week. Every night, I will aim for at least 7hrs. of sleep.


DAY 1- Preparing for the journey
Today is all about preparation to make sure that I eliminate barriers and the likelihood for excuses.
First, I replaced my cupboards with all the foods that I need to eat. I stocked up on fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, Ezekiel organic breads, organic cereals, fat free balsamic salad dressings, whole grain and brown rice, potatoes, variety of canned beans and tomatoes, organic meats, foods from the Wellness Forum. I purchased a 20 oz water filter bottle to assist me in having access to filtered water where ever I am (no excuses) and a vegetable steamer which also includes a rice cooker.

I have selected a journal that can easily fit into my purse so that I can record my health stats, choices, discoveries, and lessons learned. Recorded my first measures- weight, bmi, waist, blood pressure.
Now in the process of creating my Week 1 meal plan.

Recognizing that I can't go it alone, I have sent up a special prayer for guidance and support. My husband has agreed to help monitor my behavior and encourage my successes.

I would love more partners on this journey. If you are interested in joining me, send me an email at palhicks@comf5.com.

Being healthy is up to ME. I choose to get serious!

Who are you inspiring?

Today, at her homegoing service, I paid tribute to a family friend and sorority sister, Lula Goolsby-Daye. Reflecting on her life, three characteristics emerged-excellence, impressive, and inspirational. The latter is the focus of this blog- inspirational. When you inspire, you cause another individual to take an action that they might otherwise not have taken.

Ms. Daye, over her lifespan inspired many individuals, some she knew and others she didn't. These individuals included students in her classes- high school and college; peers in her professional career, speech-language pathology; clients and their family members enrolled in her speech therapy sessions; community leaders; colleagues that taught with her at the college and university level.  Ms. Daye also inspired children and adults, who indirectly connected with her. I was among this group. When I was a child, Ms. Daye spoke at many church programs and community events. My mother would take me to hear her friend. Ms. Daye was articulate and everytime I heard her speak she was able to mesmerize her audience. Everyone in the audience appeared to be captivated by how she communicated her message. In fact, everyone seemed to hang onto every word she uttered. After one of her speeches, I told my mother that when I grew up I wanted to speak like Ms. Daye.

Because of her inspiration, I have a doctoral degree in speech-language pathology and have given over 300 presentations nationally. Today, was special for me because it was my time to speak publicly about Ms. Daye. I wanted to deliver my tribute in a way that she would be proud. Afterwards, when people came up to say the tribute was beautiful, it made me smile inside because they were speaking to Ms. Daye.

Who are you inspiring? Let Ms. Daye be a reminder to you of the importance of being an inspiration to others.  Let your light shine so that others will see your good works and want to do the same. Be an inspiration and continue the legacy!

Numbers Tell A Compelling Story

I have started and stopped many diets, purchased many pieces of exercise equipment,  subscribed to numerous health and fitness magazines, watched videos, dvds, and most recently became a Wii fitness fan. The struggle for me continues to be one of making the right choices consistently to be healthy.

This past year, one of my business clients shared with me that her organization was launching a new Wellness Program that included an initiative which included a plant based diet. I heard her but thought that wouldn't be of interest to me- after all, I love having meat as a part of my diet. A few months later, she once again brought up the Wellness Program and mentioned that employees were getting engaged and beginning to see progress. And again, I didn't engage in conversation about the program. Then a few months ago, while we were meeting and discussing an organizational issue that she could relate to recognition of the Wellness Program, the numbers presented from the employees engaged in the plant based diet initiative got my attention. One employee had lost 75 pounds, no longer on high blood pressure medicine and was able to complete job duties he had been unable to do before because of his weight. Another employee had lost 80 pounds and her husband 100 pounds. The husband was no longer reliant on his asthmatic medication and she had more energy and was more productive. Then there was another employee who had lost 50 pounds and no longer diabetic. These numbers were astounding but what really got my attention were the ultimate outcomes- lowered cholesterol, decreased blood glucose levels, decreased use of medications. These numbers tell a compelling story - that by making good diet choices a person can prevent some diseases and can also reverse them. The Wellness initiative was now worthy of a closer look.Wanting to know more led me to viewing the Forks and Knives video, read some of the research findings by Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn, review the China study and  many more articles packed with data (which I love). The findings consistently affirmed that diet and lifestyle habits can prevent most degenerative diseases and also have the power to stop or reverse them. That did it for me. I went from disinterested- to interested -to becoming a member of the Wellness Forum (Worthington, OH). My journey has begun with me enrolling in Wellness 101- four interactive sessions led by experienced and certified facilitators. Additionally, I get to participate in weekly workshops that cover a range of topics from cooking tips to cancer prevention.

Follow my blog as I chronicle this important journey to wellness. It's really up to me- I choose to "be my B.E.S.T." 

Finding My Purpose

We are here for a purpose and I believe that purpose has been predefined by a higher being. Finding my purpose has brought joy to my life. Life is not about me but rather it is about His works- "building work places, communities and people that make a difference." Achieving that outcome will result in a dream realized. My life's contribution is to use my gifts to assist others in working and living together in such a way that people, organizations, and communities are more productive, profitable, and peaceful.

Overtime, I have come to value:

• Everything starts with defining expected outcomes- hence, my passion for an outcomes focused business.
• Results cannot be achieved without a plan and that plan must be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and time bound. Strategic planning is essential to both personal and professional success.
• With adequate knowledge and skills you are able to achieve your optimal potential. Learning is a life-long process. Continuous improvement must be incorporated into everything that we do.
• Excellence is the desired output of all activity. Completion of activities is influenced by behaviors individuals engage in and these need to be defined and consistent. Best practices must be established so that excellence is achieved regardless of the individuals engaged in the activity.
• Stories are told in both words and numbers. If you look closely, numbers are indicators of our priorities, focus, and success. Numbers can be used to guide discoveries that ultimately facilitate continuous growth and development  and our ability to reach goals.
• We can only manage that which we measure. Measurement must be integrated into all that we do so that we can make adjustments when we need to and improve our ability to manage our most valuable resource-time. After all, we each have a limited amount of time to do our work and none of us knows what that amount of time is.

My purpose is to inspire and inform you to "be your B.E.S.T." so that you can live a life that impacts others!

5 Reasons to Avoid Majoring in the Minors

Last night while watching my team lose its third straight game it was the look on my favorite player's face that said it all. He had been knocked down, was lying on the floor with a grimace, and seemingly waiting for the referee to make a call in his favor.  That one look reminded me that sometimes we all get diverted from our desired results by majoring in the minors.  

When you are majoring in the minors, you are focused on the minutia ("he hit me too hard"), what others are doing that isn't right or not working ("the referee should have called him on that"), and you get stuck in a place too long ("stay down versus jump right up"). It's so easy to let others draw us into majoring in the minors. Majoring in the minors prevents you from "being your B.E.S.T." and subsequently you don't achieve your desired outcomes. Winning and succeeding requires us to avoid majoring in the minors.

Here are 5 reasons why you want to avoid majoring in the minors.

#1 When you spend too much time focusing on what's not working, it becomes the center of your focus. Subsequently, you are no longer focused on your desired results. Do you spend 10 minutes obsessing over the mistake? or Do you recognize the mistake, move on, and focus on what you can do, need to do so that you can accomplish your goals? Move on!


 #2 When you get mired in the negative, your attitude becomes negative and you can't see solutions. Attitude does determine altitude. Once you begin to see things with a negative lens, your thinking becomes negative, and both (your views and thoughts) prevent you from seizing opportunities that are right in your view. Stay positive!

#3 When your energy is zapped, you can't be productive. Whining, complaining, and blaming zaps energy. You become dissatisfied. When you are dissatisfied and others are dissatisfied too, you don't have the energy you need to do what is necessary. Getting results requires lots of energy!

#4 Wasting time by spending more time than is necessary on the things that don't count versus spending time on the things that do count toward your goal. We have limited time and must use it wisely. Where we spend our time usually is an indicator of what we will achieve. Invest your time in what matters to you achieving your goals!

#5 Blaming others takes your focus away from you. You can't control what others do but you can control what you do. You do need to recognize how others behaviors are impacting you and then you have to switch the focus to you. What can you do to influence them? What can you do to avoid getting in the same situation again? Stay focused on you!


Getting results- it's up to YOU.  Avoid majoring in the minors!

A Student Being His B.E.S.T.

On Tuesday, my high school student intern arrived. Uncertain about what to expect, I was impressed right from the start. He was on time, dressed professionally- dress pants, shirt and tie, and had his cooler in hand in preparation for our nine hours together. Since this was our first meeting, I thought we might begin by introducing ourselves. Immediately we found connections: love of the beach, sun, and blue skies; both grew up in resort locations, only children, and pet owners. Among his list of potential colleges was my undergraduate alma mater. Now I began to look at him as a potential freshman on my college campus. Then in my true outcomes fashion, the conversation turned to focusing on the desired outcomes of the internship. After reviewing my outcomes for him (understanding the benefits of being in business, roles and responsibilities of a business owner and understanding my company's mission, structure, clients, services and products),  he added two: gaining a better understanding of the working world and some help in deciding his major. I liked that he had given thought to what he wanted from the experience. He was prepared and we were off to a great start.

Over our next twenty-three hours together, my student intern eagerly completed assignments, asked pertinent questions, provided meaningful feedback about OMG's products, thoughtfully engaged in conversations with my business partner and colleague, and showed me how to be more savvy when tweeting. His favorable impression on my business partner opened the door to a summer job opportunity. And I was on the phone with the Assistant Admissions Director trying to see how we could get him admitted to my alma mater.

As the experience came to a close, I asked him to make three video messages- one about the internship experience, one about the impact of the experience on his college decision, and one about the company's B.E.S.T. model. Through his video messages, it was apparent that he had a better understanding of the working world, knew that he was interested in business, had identified courses that he wanted to take when he got to college, and recognized that relationships are important if you want to be successful.

Just before leaving, he expressed his gratitude for the experience and then asked if I could make it to his graduation. While our desired outcomes had been realized, a new bond had been formed and on Sunday I look forward to being at his graduation, cheering him on and feeling a sense of pride in knowing that he will go forth and continue to "be his B.E.S.T."

It's Up To Us!

Through out the month of February I have been observing Black History in a variety of ways- reading, sharing, reflecting, and celebrating. Pausing to celebrate Black History has led me to this important discovery- It is incumbent upon all of us to safeguard this rich heritage and build upon it to ensure that our children and their children have an even brighter future.
As I reflected upon some Black History facts, I discovered there were many facts that were new to me. For instance, did you know that Crispus Attucks was the first Black hero of the American Revolution? But even more significant is the fact that Attucks is a reminder that the African-American heritage is not only African but American and it is a heritage that begins with the beginning of America.
While reading about some of my favorite Black he/she-roes, I marveled at how they managed to dream big and with limited resources beat all odds to achieve their goals. There seemed to be a consistent theme- my he/she-roes were committed and did not give up; they didn't accept no and were creative in navigating around barriers; they exercised their faith in God; and they were able to galvanize others to support and join their cause. My he/she-roes were focused on a mission or purpose that was bigger than themselves.
A panelist on a Black History month webinar reminded participants that she was "proud to be Black." She just loved being Black. And as she said it, I echoed her sentiments. I too just love being Black. There is so much of who I am that is tied to me "being Black."  Loving and being proud of our Blackness does not mean that we should be singularly defined by our Blackness but it does mean that our Blackness should not to be denied or ignored. There is color!
I attended a Black History celebration. We enjoyed eating our soul food, had fun listening and singing our soul tunes, and sharing our Black History stories. We all have stories. It's important that we share and document them. My story was personal. You see in 1968, I met Rev. Joseph A. DeLaine. Through our conversations, I learned his story. In the late 1940's he was an AME Pastor, teacher, and principal in Clarendon County South Carolina. As a stalwart member of the NAACP, he led the fight to address racial inequities in the public schools. Hence Briggs v. Elliott  became known as the "Clarendon County case." In 1951, the three judge panel of the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decided the case in a split two to one vote "to equalize schools for the races."  In 1954, when Thurgood Marshall argued the Brown v. Board, included in this case was the Briggs v. Elliott.  In South Carolina,  many whites saw Rev. DeLaine as a "professional agitator." He lost his job, his house was burned to the ground,  and was the KKK chased him out of SC; he was never able to return. He passed in 1974 living then in Charlotte, NC.  In 2004, I was seated in the Rotunda of the US Capitol when Rev. DeLaine was awarded posthumously the "Congressional Gold Medal." We met in 1968 because he had located his long lost cousin, my mother. My grandmother and his father were brother and sister. Though our time together was short, I learned from him that when you stand, you can beat the odds against you. And many times one person standing can have a significant impact upon others. Standing can have far greater benefits than you can ever imagine!
As February comes to a close, it has been an enlightening month for me. As a person passionate about outcomes, my discoveries reminded me that it is important that we take action. Share your stories and inspire others. Dream big and do what is necessary to achieve your goals.  Be courageous, remain committed to your life's mission and stand. Leverage the past to secure a brighter future for your children and their children.  
The task before each of us is simple- It's Up to US! We CAN do it!!

My Tribute to Miss Kitty- In 2012, Work While You Can and Make a Difference!

Over the holiday I went to Florida looking forward to being with my family and experiencing the sunshine, blue skies, and the beach of my hometown, Daytona Beach. Upon arrival, my dear cousin, who was known as Miss Kitty to the community, was in the hospital. I headed straight to the hospital when my plane landed. You see I am an only child, with no biological children, and few remaining relatives. So first order was to check on her.
Cousin Keturah had always been there for me since birth: attending all my performances and cheering me on; taking me to get my driver's license; supporting my fundraisers; and after my mom's passing I could count on her to know just when to send me a card or give me a call to check in on me. And then there were the shoes. When she found out I loved shoes as much as she did, she began to shop and mail them to me. First there was a pair, then two, then six, and 12! Shoes now occupy all rooms in my house and my husband has had to build a shoe closet. Most recently she started adding to my hat collection. And then there were just other gifts that she thought reminded her of me.
When I entered her hospital room, she was alert and giving orders as she always had. But she wasn't up and moving like I was accustomed to. You see even though she was 86 years of age, she still ran the family-owned restaurant, WIMPYs, drove a convertible, and directed the youth dance ministry at her church. The results from the endoscopy exam were good and so we were hopeful that she would soon be up and out of the hospital. However, that was not to be and within a few days, she took a turn in the opposite direction. We were all there with her as she transitioned- just as she had been there for us. Nevertheless, it was difficult to say goodbye.
The next days were intense- notifying family members and friends, planning her wake and home going service, sharing with those who came to offer their sympathy. Because she loved hats, her daughter decided that we would all wear them for the service- the bigger and brighter the better. Now I didn't have to look far because I had a beautiful rose colored hat that she had given to me at my house. So I proudly wore it as a tribute and it was my reminder of her many gifts to me.
People came near and far to celebrate her life. And the stories were consistent, Miss Kitti had loved, shared, supported, encouraged, cheered, fed, mentored, given unselfishly time and time again  given of her time, talent, and treasure.
During the service, her Pastor reminded us that there was no need to cry for Miss Kitty because it was evident from her life that she had worked and given while it was daylight. He challenged us to do the same. So as I walked out of the church, thankful for the example that my cousin had set; I also left with a renewed commitment to work while it is day and make a difference in the lives of those I touch.
None of us knows when our daylight will end; so it is incumbent upon each of us to "be our B.E.S.T." each and every day.  My tribute to Miss Kitty is to challenge you to join me in working while we can in 2012 to make a difference in the lives of those we touch.