Made For Great Podcast with Annena G.- Live Your Life by Design

Merry Christmas Made For Great Family!! In this final message of the year, I am wrapping up the series on finding the career that is a perfect match for you.  In this episode, I tell you how to put together all of the tips that I covered in part 1 and part 2 so you can focus on your potential career options.  Listen to the episode to hear the full message!   Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!!   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp  

Today's episode is Part 2 of the series about Finding the Right Career.  Check it out if you need help with figuring out the career that will provide fulfillment and is the perfect match for you!   Blessings,   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

It is not always easy finding the right career.  Sometimes we pick a profession, spend our time and resources to become it only to realize that we hate it.  In today’s message, I am sharing some tips on how to get on the right track whether you want to work in corporate or become an entrepreneur.  Check it out!   Blessings,   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

In today’s message, I discuss how God hard-wired each of us with special gifts and talents.  He gave us these abilities so we can help one another and make our world a better place to live.  He designed you to be the best at whatever he called you to do.  I know it may sound cliché but it is true. You have those gifts for a reason.  Having them is not random or an accident but for glorifying God by serving your fellow man. So, my question to you is, are you using them?   Blessings,   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

In today's message, I ask the question is success the right goal?  Should your focus be on achieving success for the sake of being successful or living your life through your God-given abilities? You decide.   Blessings, Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp    

The creative’s role and contribution are broader than entertainment.  They become apart of our lives through ideas and expressions in art, technology, and business.  Creatives mark history, impact the economy and can be found in every department of every company. Creative individuals influence our culture and in this episode, we want to say thank you.   Blessings, Annena G.   Music and Produced by BJ Kemp

Do you ever get ideas to create or invent something that you quickly dismiss as just as random thought? Do you ever come up with a solution to a problem that could make life easier not just for you but for other people, and never act on it? All of us get ideas that we dismiss because we believe that we can't bring them to life but what if you tried?  How could your life change if you had the courage to try? Check out the full episode to listen how your ideas can change your life when given a chance.   Blessings,   Annena G.   Music and Produced by BJ Kemp

Everyone has limits including the professionals that we look to for help.  When you are seeking an answer to a problem or are wanting a breakthrough in a certain area in your life, then you have to test the limits, including those set by others. The answer is out there you just have to be willing to go the distance to find it. Blessings, Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

Self-doubt and loathing is something that many people grapple with no matter their level of success.  It can be so prominent in a person’s mind that it can even overshadow God’s call on his or her life. If you suffer from doubt my hope that you will come to understand that God would not have called you to do something if he had not already given the tools you need to do the job. To listen to the full episode download it on your iPhone or Andriod device.     Blessings,   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

We all have memories that we are emotionally tied to because they mark significant changes in our lives.  However, if your mind is always thinking about those days of old or that time when your heart was broken, then you are missing out on all the good things that are happening right now in your life.  You are also blocking yourself from moving forward. When you have a bright future and so much potential, it is time to start looking ahead and not behind.   Blessings,   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

In this episode, I continue the important topic of eliminating stress in our lives by shifting how we think about one important truth that - WE ARE NOT IN CONTROL! I also share some fun and easy methods to help you manage your stress and stay healthy, so check it out! Thanks for listening!   Blessings, Annena G.   Music and Produced by BJ Kemp

We take on too much burden on ourselves by trying to hold on to, keep up, maintain and manage too many responsibilities in our daily lives, like we are superhuman. We have so many demands that we create prolonged stress in our bodies that is harmful to our health.  It is time to set things in order and put our health and well-being first by eliminating the stress! Check out Episode 59 - Release the Stress!   Blessings,   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp    

Depression is a serious disorder that affects 40 million people.  If you think that you may be depressed, please know that you are not alone and that there is help out there.  You don't have to live in darkness any longer and you can reclaim your joy.  I know because several years ago, I suffered from depression but I got help and got healed. Symptoms of depression: Feeling sad, empty, anxious Feeling helpless, worthless, guilt Irritability Less interest in activities Changes in appetite Depression Resources Link If you are feeling suicidal or having a psychiatric emergency - CALL 911 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-8255 National Network of Depression Centers   Blessings, Annena G.   Produced and Music by - BJ Kemp

Waiting for your big break?  Hoping that the stars will align and bring you good fortune? Many people live by chance (aka “Luck”), just waiting, waiting, waiting and waiting (crickets) for something amazing to happen. The good news is that you do not have to wait on luck anymore (yay) because YOU have the power to change your  life right in the palms of your hands. Check out this week’s message - What’s Luck Got to do with it?   Blessings,   Annena G. Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

When you think of the term - "self-discipline"  do you associate it with forced behavior or an act of love? Normally, when you hear the words “self-discipline,” we associate it with feelings of dread because we think of it as a “forced behavior.”  Where we are making ourselves to do things that we don’t want to do or we are giving up things that we really want. However, if you stop viewing self-discipline as a form of punishment, but instead as an act of self-love, then you may find that doing those things that are usually forced will actually become a pleasure. You can hear more about self-discipline and self-love by listening to the episode.   Blessings, Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

If you are like most of us, you have dreams for your life…the career, the perfect spouse or the once in a lifetime business opportunity. You have dreamed about it, hoped for it and even prayed.  However, in all that wanting and waiting are you ready for it?  If the opportunity presented itself to you tomorrow, can you handle it? Too many people miss out on opportunities because they were not ready to receive them when they come around.  Don’t make that mistake! Want to hear more? Check out Episode 55 – Stay Ready for Opportunity!   Blessings, Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp  

We can’t stop bad things from happening.  We can’t avoid pain or loss.  Our lives can change without warning in ways that we don’t expect, as it did for me a few months ago. Recently, I experienced a health crisis that can potentially change my life forever.  Do I wish it never happened? Of Course! However, I know that I can’t go back in time and change what had happened so I made a decision about how I am going to live going forward. Check out the episode to hear what decision I made.  Thanks for listening!   Blessings Abound, Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

Happy One Year Anniversary - Made For Great Podcast! To all the Made For Great listeners, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support.  It has been a year of learning and growing. I look forward to continuing on this journey with you where we will create the lives that we love!! Yes! If you have any suggestions about show topics, please drop me an email at info@annenag.com.   Blessings, Annena G.   Produced and Music by Bj Kemp  

Sometimes we want to be successful so bad that we allow others to rearrange us and our work.  However, trying to be someone that you are not, will never lead to happiness.  Real success doesn't come by imitation, it comes by believing in your authentic self and relentlessly pursuing your dreams! Want to hear more?  Check out Episode 52 - Be Yourself!     Blessings! Annena G.   Produced and Music by Bj Kemp

Creativity is a force, a conduit or pathway to discovering our uniqueness.  It is how we solve problems and fix broken things.  It is how we innovate and build new bridges of human connection so we can reach one another. Creativity is not limited to people who consider themselves to be artists.  Creativity can be used in every area of life – in business, at home, and heck even in accounting! So if you don’t think of yourself as being creative, it is time for you to change your concept of yourself. Think about what would life look like if you were to step into your full potential and used your creativity? What problems will you solve? How can you impact the world? I challenge you to use your creativity and start changing the world around you. If you want to hear more, check out Episode 51 – Creativity!   Blessings, Annena G.   Produced and Music by Bj Kemp

Imagine what your life would look like if you didn’t give a flying flip about what other people thought of you. If it didn’t matter that your hair was braided, straight or curly when you went to work…oh the freedom! Think of what would happen if you were courageous enough to spark up a conversation with that cute guy that you see on the train every morning… (I see the smile forming on your face). What if you took a leap of faith and opened up that cupcake bar that you have dreamed about for the last 5 years? What would life look like?  How would your life be different? Courage is a quality that we need to move our lives forward, and all those examples take courage. Courage helps bring you closer to happiness, freedom and to the life you want… So, check out this week’s message – Why we need Courage!   Blessings, Annena G.   Produced and Music by Bj Kemp

In this week's message I discuss the importance of Seeking Harmony. So, what is Harmony?  Harmony is living in agreement.  It is being unique as an individual but living in unity with other unique individuals. It is our connection with one another where we discover the best things that life has to offer.  It is where we find our strength, hope and joy. My prayer is that if you have been doing this thing called life on your own and disconnected, that you  plug-in and rejoin the family.  Get connected and live in Harmony!   Blessings Abound, Annena G.   Produced and Music by Bj Kemp

As you listen to today's message, my prayer is that you are fully aware that you are Covered by God's Grace!  In every area of your life. It is by God's grace that you are safe and whole.  His grace guides you and no matter what circumstance you find yourself in, you will be okay! I hope that in being aware of this truth, you will be able to walk in confidence, walk boldly and in freedom because God is covering you!   Blessings! Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

Today's message is inspired by an affirmation found in Louise Hay's book - Healing Your Body. Do you have a life that you love to look at? My hope is that if your answer is no or not quite, that you will think about how you can start creating a beautiful and fantastic life for yourself. After all, you have the power in your hands to co-create with God a life that you enjoy living.  So why waste it?   Enjoy listening!   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp   

Always remember that God's timing is perfect timing.  So, if your dreams and goals are not coming together as planned, you may want to consult God to see if it is time.   Be encouraged and blessing abound,   Annena G.   Music and Produced by BJ Kemp

Growing tired and weary because no matter how hard you try, you have not achieved your dream?  Ready to throw in the towel?  If you are contemplating quitting please ask yourself one question before you give up, ask - Have I done all that I can do?  My hope that as you listen to this message, you may reflect and find that there is another way because you never want to live with regret...so just keep going!   Enjoy!   Annena G.   Music and Produced by BJ Kemp      

As you listen to today’s message, I hope that you will be encouraged to let go of the past and forgive.  Reclaim your power and your right to live free from the shackles of yesterday.  Seek a life full of joy and love because you deserve it!   Be Encouraged!   Annena G.   Music and Produced by BJ Kemp  

To take a chance on your dreams is taking a chance on the life that you were made for.  My hope is as you listen to this message that you will be encouraged to challenge the self-limiting beliefs that have held you back for so long.  I pray that you will find your faith and learn to fly! You can do anything!   Be encouraged and blessing abound,   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

Ironically, I’m posting this Episode 42 – Look Up, a day late because I was in the hospital.  I use the word ironic because I recorded the actual episode a few weeks ago not knowing that the message would apply to me. I just went through a medical scare, a midnight hour event of my own. No perfectly healthy adult my age goes from running 3 miles to being admitted to the hospital. Something like this would normally challenge my faith, but God was with me through it all. I know that I'm a little vague on details now, but I have a feeling that I will be sharing more soon. In this message, I use the moon as a symbolic example of hope for people who need a visual reminder that there is hope for them in whatever situation they are going through. Just know that whatever your challenge, however, dark things may seem, know that you are not alone.  Hang on to your faith, you only need the amount the size of a mustard seed and believe that you will come out of the situation better than ever.  God will not leave you or forsake you.   Be encouraged!   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

My hope is that today’s message – I Never Lose, which was inspired by a quote from the great Nelson Mandela, will help you to think of your experiences as learning opportunities, especially when you don’t get the results that you want. By maintaining a positive perspective you can position yourself to use your experiences, both good and bad, to become better at whatever you desire.   Blessings Abound,   Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp  

As you listen to this episode – BE HAPPY, my hope is that you understand that you alone are in control of your emotions.  You can choose to be happy anytime you want, no matter the circumstances.  You simply decide and then it is so. So, why not live your best life and make the decision to BE HAPPY!  Heck, you can only win if you do.   Be encouraged and blessings abound.   Annena G.   Music and Produced by BJ Kemp

Hello, Made For Great Family, My hope for today's message about MOMENTUM is that it will be just the push you need for you to jump out there and start executing your plan. Do not allow the lure of perfectionism and the need to have every little detail worked out, hinder your progress.  Get out there and go for it!  Gather MOMENTUM and leap to your destination.     As Always, Be Encouraged and Blessings Abound!   Annena G.   Produced and Music by  BJ Kemp

As you listen to this week's message about SHOWING GRATITUDE, I hope you that you will take inventory of all the ways that you are blessed. I promise you that if you lead each day with the words "Thank you" on your lips and gratitude in your heart, you will live a rich and full life.   Be Encouraged and Blessing Abound! Annena G.   Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

Hello Made For Great Family! Today's message is about complaining... Let's face it, no one likes to listen to someone complain...blah, blah, blah So why do it?  Especially, since it doesn't solve a thing. Next time you feel a complaint welling up, don't do it unless you plan to offer a solution. Here is an excerpt from the show:  "Complaining keeps you in a bad headspace.  It keeps negativity in the forefront on your mind.  It is stirring the pot bringing up everything that is sitting on the bottom, up to the surface for no reason, but just to be stirring."   Thanks for listening! Be encouraged and blessings abound!   Written by Annena G. Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

Hello Made For Great Family! I'm bringing you this message today as a reminder that Doing the Right Thing isn't always a choice between right and wrong, but a choice between serving yourself and serving others.   Here is an EXCERPT from the message: Doing the right thing preserves your integrity and if you had nothing else of value to stand on, your integrity is one thing that you want.  Because when you have integrity, your word will get you where you need to go when you have no money or transportation.  People will trust you, speak well of you and will stand by you. Why?  Because they know you have always done the right thing.   I hope this message brings you encouragement.   If you would like a free copy of my book - I AM VICTORY, click here! Be encouraged and Blessings Abound!   Written by - Annena G. Produced and Music by - BJ Kemp  

If you have ever received the advice to have a backup plan ready in case your dream doesn’t work out think twice before you follow it.  You are setting yourself up for failure because by taking that advice, you are watering a seed of doubt.   Excerpt: When you follow your dreams, essentially what you are doing is going to a higher level of existence.  You are reaching for the stars and taking your feet off the ground.  And because "dream work" is hard work, and because the stars are high, high up in the sky, no one ever reaches them on the first try.  They will leap and come back down.  Leap and come back down.   Key Point: “Dream Work” is hard work and falling is a part of the process, so expect it and when you fall, get back up. Extra: If you would like a free copy of my book I AM VICTORY, click here!   Written by Annena G. Produced and Music by BJ Kemp

It is a big world and we are all connected in some kind of way.  There is not a shortage of information... Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, the 6 o'clock news, youtube, ... However, all news is not good news and it surely doesn't add to your quality of life.  So, it is important to be selective about the information that you take in. Keypoint - be protective and selective of the information that you feed your brain.  If it doesn't benefit your life then don't waste your time on it.  Take in information that motivates and encourages you. Excerpt - The information that we receive is like food that you eat, but instead of it filling our bellies, it fills our minds. And the information that we regularly listen to shapes our perceptions, affects our moods and influences our actions.   Written by Annena G. Music and Produced by BJ Kemp

Your voice is the most important voice that you hear every day.  Make sure you are building yourself up and training your brain for success.  It is critical that your voice is aligned with your vision. Here is an excerpt from the show:  "Success talk is about building yourself up.   So, if you are going to find success in your dream, your career, as a family man, as a wife, a mother, or as a friend, you must find that success in yourself as a person. Your voice should be one of reason, full of love, encouragement and in alignment with your destiny.  Your thoughts of self should be of self-acceptance of your freedom just to be."   Key Point:  Your voice represents your self-image.  Pay attention to what you are telling yourself and keep it positive and nurturing because it affects your ability to be successful.   NEWS FLASH - My new book I AM VICTORY will be released this month, so check back to learn how to get a free copy.   Written by - Annena G. Music and Produced by - BJ Kemp  

Today's message is an excerpt from my upcoming E-book, I AM VICTORY, which is about the mindset needed to reach your dreams.  In the book, I outline some weapons and tools to help you fight through the obstacles on the journey to success. The message is from the chapter on Endurance. When you are fighting to achieve your dream and the life you desire, you are going to pull out every weapon in your arsenal to win.  However, too often people overlook the weapon of endurance.  You can be the fastest, smartest, and most skilled at what you do but if you can't endure through the rough patches in the road, you will lose.  Build your endurance muscle to get the victory! Excerpt:  "Achieving the life of your dreams is not easy work, you have to grind.  You have to work for it, be consistent and push.  You have to stretch yourself, learn and grow.  However, when fighting for that life or dream, we often overlook a very important weapon in our arsenal which is endurance.  When I looked up the word endurance it was described using words like strength and power.  Endurance is the ability to outlast the inconveniences, problems, and challenges we face.  Endurance is like a muscle that you must build up."   Key Point:  To reach your dreams, you must endure the pain, hardships, and trials.   As always, be encouraged and blessings abound! Written By Annena G. Produced and Music By Billy Ray

What do you base your value on? Your attitude about yourself, including your sense of value and self-worth effects every area of your life.  Today's message is a reminder to you that the most important opinion about you should be your own.   Excerpt:  "The way you feel about yourself influences your words and actions. The way you feel about yourself will determine how high or how far you will go in this life.  If you have big dreams for your life, you must have a bigger sense of self-worth and value to get you there.  You have to believe that you are worth the sacrifice, the sacrifices that you must make to get to the top."   Key Point:  You are made with love and for a purpose.  The best parts of you are the things that are below the surface.   As always, be encouraged and blessings abound! Written By Annena G. Produced and Music By Billy Ray

This episode is all about you and why we need you to Shine your Light! So, what does it mean to Shine Your Light? I believe it means to walk in your truth and be unapologetic about it. When you shine, you have the power to influence others.  You have the power to change the environment around you and to make a difference.   Key Point of today's message - Do not ever dim your light to accommodate anyone, but instead you shine and let others adjust their eyes to your brightness.   Excerpt - ..."When you DECIDE to be your true authentic self and shine you are using your power.  You will influence people and sway them into action and not the other way around. You will influence people to become better versions of themselves, you give them hope and perspective because you are a compelling force."   As always, be encouraged and blessings abound!   Written by Annena G. Music and Produced by Billy Ray  

  When I first saw the Austin Hatch story on TV, I knew I had to write a podcast episode about it.  I was so touched by Austin's outlook on life and his belief in himself, that I wanted to share it with you. Who is Austin Hatch? Austin Hatch is 2 x plane crash survivor, who faced tremendous loss at an early age.  Austin lost his mother, brother and sister in a plane crash when he was 8 years old and then his father an step-mother in a 2nd plane crash when he was 16.  Austin survived the 2nd plane crash but with near-fatal injuries, so severe that the doctors believe that Austin would be bedridden for the rest of his life. What makes Austin's story so inspirational and what can we learn from it? Key point - Believe in Yourself Austin's belief was so strong that he worked himself out of a wheelchair to fulfill his life-long dream to play basketball for the University of Michigan.   Here is an excerpt from the episode: Because in spite of everything that he had been through, 2 plane crashes, losing his family, Austin was determined to not only go forward to make the best out of his life, he was determined to fulfill his dream.   As always, be encouraged and blessings abound! Written by Annena G. Produced and Music by Billy Ray

At one time or another everyone has an "Everest" in their lives.  An "Everest" is a life-long dream or goal that is so big (like the mountain, at least in your mind), it seems impossible to achieve.  However, do not despair because even though you may have failed at fulfilling your dream in the past, today is a new day and you can still conquer that mountain.  The key is to change the way you think and get rid of any and all doubt.  Discover your power by doing the following: Key Point #1 - Believe you can do it (most critical of all). Key Point #2 - Don't worry about "How" you are going to do it (at first). Key Point #3 - Focus on doing one thing at a time and doing it well.   Here is an excerpt from the show: Everyone has their own reason why they take on the mountain, maybe for the thrill or it is a life-long dream but I believe the core of each reason is - because it is possible.  They know that there is something inside them greater, much greater than the monstrous Everest.  That somewhere inside lies the ability to push beyond any self-defined limitations.     “The Message” - No matter how big your dream, YOU CAN DO IT!   Recommended Reading: Psycho-Cybernetics: Updated and Expanded by Maxwell Maltz   Extras: If you want some inspiration by learning about people who conquered the REAL Mount Everest check out this site. This site has some beautiful pics of Mount Everest.   As always, be encouraged and blessings abound! Written by Annena G. Produced and Music by Billy Ray

How would you rate your commitment level to your dream?   We all want to live our dreams but what separates the achievers from the dreamers is their level of dedication.  In this episode, we explore the mindset of a person who is determined to rise to the top by looking at how Olympic level athletes train. Here is an excerpt from the show: Olympic level athletes are no different than you and I.  But they take the pursuit of their dream to a whole different level.  An Olympian has caught hold of their dream, locked it in and have dedicated their lives to training for that moment when they will be called an Olympian.   The Message - You have everything it takes to be the best at what you want to do in life.     Written by Annena G. Produced and Music by Billy Ray

Do you live in or outside of the crowd?   In this episode, we explore why you should forget what the crowd is doing and embrace your uniqueness.   Here is an excerpt from the show: Be bold and put on your own shoes and walk in them.  And when you start walking, Take the road less traveled and avoid the crowded highway.  And don’t worry about the crowd because the truth is that everyone else secretly desires to have that same freedom that you have because you go against the grain, but in truth, they are not brave enough to BE themselves.    Written by Annena G. Produced and Music by Billy Ray

What do you do when you lose something important to you?  How do you pick up the pieces? In this episode, we explore how to shift your perspective after life changes in a way that you don't want and how to move on with hope in your heart. Here is an excerpt from the message: In your own situation of loss, if you trust God and let Him take you where He wants you to go.  He will put you on the path to your destiny and place you, where you never thought was possible.  He will heal you.  He will give you beauty for ashes and grow you up and out of the old situation and grow you into your true and real self.   Written by Annena G. Music and Produced by Billy Ray

Hello MFG Family! Our senses and intuition feed us vital information to help us navigate through life.  They can help keep us out of trouble and lead us towards opportunity. If you often find yourself in situations that you regret because you didn't listen to your gut or you ignored your senses, then it is time to start paying attention. Tap into all the tools that you have been given and start operating at full capacity. Rise to your greatness!       Written By Annena G. Produced and Music By Billy Ray

Hello Made For Great Family! Will you live your life like the caterpillar or the butterfly? What will it take for you to find your wings and fly? Today's message is about how you must do the life-changing work and transform in order to reach your full potential!   Written By - Annena G. Music and Produced By - Billy Ray

Hello Made For Great Family! Are you aware of the conditions of your heart? Today's message is about the importance of protecting your heart from seeds of negativity, so you will have a fruitful and abundant life!   Written by - Annena G. Produced and Music by - Billy Ray  

Hello Family! How are you living your life? A.  Open and sharing your God-given gifts with the world or B. Closed - and keeping all your special attributes to yourself   Just a note - your beauty, gifts, and talents were given to you so you can touch those around you.   Written By - Annena G. Music and Produced By - Billy Ray

Hello Family! It is time to DECIDE to live a rich and full life!  No more waiting for someone to discover you or for them to do the work for you.  It is time to stop making excuses and become accountable to yourself.  The only motivation that you should need to live your best life is - because You Deserve the Best!   Written By - Annena G. Music and Produced By - Billy Ray