I thought I would write my last Blog for the year, reflecting on what I have learnt in 2015. I have had amazing mentors and influencers in my life this year. And, I have worked hard on hearing, understanding, and then implementing, what I have learnt. I have definitely pushed myself way out of my comfort zone. I have overcome obstacles that I never thought I could. And the learning curves that I have had, have been the steepest I have ever experienced. All in all, I am proud of what I have achieved, and how much I have grown as a person.
This has been an incredibly successful year, touring the US, and being interviewed on many talk shows, about my book. All with the help from my talented New York Publicist, Matt Dillon. I was featured in the Huffington Post, and was on two magazine covers. And just recently, my book is now available, in book stores. Wow! it’s amazing what a year can bring!
I also rode my bike 500km in 5 days through Thailand in 40+degree heat, with Business Blueprint and Hands Across the Water, with 40 other riders. Collectively raising over$300,000 for the Orphanage in Thailand, that was created after the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami. As much as my work has been challenging, and a struggle at times, nothing compares to how tough that bike ride was, mentally and physically. There were many times I wanted to give up, especially, on the first day when we rode 127km, and I was asking, what I have got myself into. I knew I had to keep going. The feeling of hearing the
children singing and cheering as we rode into the Orphanage, which was our finish line, was one of the highlights of my year. Because, it makes you realize, when you set a goal, you can achieve it. The children were so grateful and happy to see us, and it made it all worthwhile.
These were big goals that I set for 2015, and many times I thought I had bitten off more than I could chew. Some of them, came off, and some didn’t. But, what I learnt from another mentor of mine, Dale Beaumont from Business Blueprint, was to chunk your goals down into daily action steps, and just keep going. I stayed focused on my 90 day Action plan, and that’s how I worked towards my year. Dale, would often say, it’s not about perfection, but progress. That’s why it is so important to reflect on the year, and acknowledge how far you have come, and how much you have overcome.
I finished off the year at my last event, with another inspiring mentor Oprah Winfrey. I was so excited about hearing from Oprah. Just as I expected, she didn’t disappoint. After being a student of personal development for over 20 years, this is what I have learnt that works for me. When you are hearing a speaker share their wisdom, your goal, is to ask yourself, what can I get out of this? What is this person saying that can help me, in my life?. What is it, that I am hearing that is going to help me achieve my goals and dreams? I have
always done this, I have always looked for the line, the sentence or the key message, that I can use in MY life that can help me. And that is what I believe personal development is all about, it’s your personal responsibility, to listen for the message or advice or tip and implement that in your life for change.
One of the most profound poems in the world is “Invictus” Nelson Mandela read this every day in Jail, for 27 years. Oprah, read this every day of her childhood. I have this quote from the poem on my desk that I read every day. “I am the Master of my Fate, and I am the Captain of my Soul” I love this! Oprah, talked a lot about fulfilling your Purpose, being grateful for your life, and be a Force for Good!
Be grateful, that you are still here and you made it through 2015 alive, because many didn’t. Look towards 2016, with high hopes, and keep a high vibration. Write down your goals, and go after them! Push yourself out of your comfort zone regularly, and believe anything is possible!
Merry Christmas, and may 2016 be your best Year yet!!
Thank you
Angela Vassallo
Always remember – You are Second to None!! xx