Repeated Acts of Ambition~

 

 "We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, then, is not an act,

but a habit."
-Aristotle 

I'm certain that there are many who would disagree with me, but I have strong opinion regarding the statement..."Everything happens for a reason"

I don't believe that everything happens for some predestined reason.

I believe that our actions, and the actions of others are the reason that things happen.

I also believe that for every happening, we have the choice, ability & reasons to improve our lives from those experiences.

 

One of the most under-exercised abilities we have in life is

CHOICE.

 

There are many circumstances, influences, and events that will come in & out of our lives.

Life is not fair. We will not be dealt the same cards as our peers. Everyone will face their own advantages & disadvantages, but at the end of the day the choices we make will determine our journey, results, and our experience.

 

"First we form habits, then they form us.

Conquer your bad habits or they will conquer you."
-Rob Gilbert
 

Taking ownership of your habits will increase your powers of accomplishment one day at a time.

 

 "It's not that I'm so smart, 

it's just that I stay with problems longer"

-Einstein

 

I love this quote. Most of my accomplishments in life would've been viewed as seemingly impossible. In a life full of disadvantages, the daily discipline of executing the habits I knew would be necessary to accomplish my goals have resulted in my success. Many days I have been and still am faced with discouraging influences, hurdles or obstacles. 

My choice...to formulate the following daily practices to keep me examining & executing my chosen habits for success.

 

• Belief in myself 
• Increased self awareness
• A positive attitude & outlook
• personal ownership of my life
• reminding myself of my core goals & values in the face of emotional decisions
• Recognizing that fears are not excuses
• making the important decisions in advance
• the ability to say "no" to others & myself when faced with decisions that do not align with my goals
• exercising the value of time
• setting some of my influences
• not allowing the work required or time to accomplish something important to deter me

Feeling as though I was too late in the game for many years. Less than 2 years ago, at the age of 35, I finally gained the courage to pursue one of my dreams... Modeling.

 

With no experience, or guidance I had no clue on where to start. That would no longer be an excuse not to act. I practiced & still do daily...poses in front of the mirror, and would study the work of models in magazines that I liked. With my handy little self-timer camera, I  began taking my own photos & building my portfolio. Financially I did not have the resources to pay photographers to assist me, but I chose to focus on what I could do.

 

Waiting on opportunity was not an option. I would create my own opportunities. 

 

I don't believe that I am extremely beautiful, or have some given talent that many other women do not possess. I believe that I have simply had the courage & self discipline to put myself out there and stick with it longer. COUNTLESS days I have questioned if I am good enough, or if I am silly for thinking I can do this. That is when I go back and remind myself of my choices & chosen habits for success.

 

Below are 2 of my first Self Taken photos with the Self Timer on my Camera...and let me tell you that 10 seconds is not very long to set the camera and strike a pose!! hahaha

 

(This photo I was in my hotel room, and propped the camera on a book & the ironing board!! WHO KNEW!)

 

 

(This one my camera was propped on one of my dining chairs. The power of determination!)

 

Had I not stuck with it... I would not be celebrating some of these recent Publications:

•  Valentines 2012, featured in Maxim Magazine UK... http://www.maxim.co.uk/girls/international/28018/brenna_mckenna.html 
• June 2012 GLAM JAM (partial preview below)
• July 2012 Planet Muscle

 
Thank you for reading!! Wishing you the ability to practice the daily habits that will add value to your life & stay strong in pursuit of your goals.
 
Much Love,
Brenna