KEYS TO A VIBRANT MARRIAGE

I was recently asked by a gentleman of how I keep it all together?Writing books ,speaking,husband ,daddy,mentor and whatever other hats that I wear.My answer was simple:I don't keep it all together.That's what keeps me seeking wisdom and knowledge on how to be keep my marriage alive and well.It is safe to say that just as you do not want to plateau in any other areas of your life,you better make sure you do not take your wife for granted.So how do you safeguard yourself from being complacent?First,make your wife priority.Next to God,my wife comes next.I have to consistently be aware of her needs emotionally and physically.Secondly,LISTEN TO YOUR WIFE!Do not try to be the answer man when she is speaking.She simply just wants you to listen to her.Then you speak.She will reward you in great ways.(Trust me).Thirdly,always date your wife.Once per month you pencil in time with her,from a movie to dinner to just a stroll in the park.It sounds mushy and corny,but YOU must be intentional in keeping the marriage vibrant.This has worked well for me.What has worked for you?


Sanford Ashley

GOAL GETTING

That's right..GOAL GETTING!!Not just setting them,but reaching and soaring above them.Many of you say every year that this year is going to be my year,and nothing happens.Have you ever wondered why?I truly believe that the root of goals not being hit is DOUBT.Doubt is that little seed that grows and festers in the heart.Once that starts to happen,your heart hardens and you simply become fearful of attempting anything.Well,TODAY YOU GET A BRAND NEW START!!Yes,YOU CAN LIVE A LIFE FULL OF GOAL ATTAINMENT.Let's look at it as a baseball game.

FIRST BASE: ERASE ALL DOUBT.Know that you can,and will win and reach your goals that are set.Get the vision in your mind of where you want to end up.See yourself winning.

SECOND BASE: SET THE PLAN.Set goals in various areas of your life.These are some areas to help you.

Relational and Spiritual

Physica land Business/Career

Financial and Community/Public Service

Use the SMART Matrix(Specific,Measurable,Attainable,Reachable,Timely).Anything you monitor will improve.

THIRD BASE:WORK YOUR PLAN.Get going!!Set one goal per area to start and get practical.Buy the mutual fund,start going for that morning jog,ask the young lady out,just do it.

HOME BASE:SCORE!!You achieve ONE goal,then that is great.Treat and reward yourself.Buy that new suit,go to see the team you have always wanted to see,take a weekend trip to the mountains.REWARD YOURSELF!!

Do not get disouraged if you fail.Get right back up,be courageous,and get going again.You will be amazed at what will happen.

Sanford Ashley

P.S Let me know how you are doing.

RELAX.....AND REFLECT

Happy Labor Day to all of those in the states, which is usually the swan song to summer.It is a great time to relax.Take in the last sights of the beach,fire up the grill with buddies until next summer(or your next tailgate party!!),preparation for school,etc.It is the perfect time not only to RELAX,but to reflect about how great your summer was,AND how GREAT YOUR FALL AND WINTER WILL BE.Slow down the pace.Take a minute to look at the progress you made during this year with your life and how close you are to meeting your goals."What goals?" some of you say?Well,next time we chat,I will discuss how to set some,and how to reward yourself for meeting them. Above all....RELAX !!




Sanford Ashley

ENJOYING THE JOURNEY

Well summer is just about gone.Time just seems to fly so quickly.I looked at my Saturday and said where did all the time go!Two trips(count them,two) to the supermarket,a haircut,phone calls,playing with both my boys,snippets of college football,etc.I am finally getting to talk with you men.One thing that I have learned is to enjoy your journey.Do not wait to get to that one point in life where you can relax,or feel you are now successful.ENJOY THE JOURNEY.SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY,NOT A DESTINATION.The late plane flights,the in-laws coming over,the cancelled date with the young lady you have been telling all your friends,about,etc.Don't worry.Life IS going to always get bigger and better for you if you just learn to enjoy the journey.Have a great holiday weekend.I will speak to you real soon.



Sanford Ashley