Motivational Mondays - What Is REAL Success?

What is Real Success?

Everyone wants success,

and yet they often don't know when they have it.

For most, it is the maddening chase toward

a better way of life or more of something.

More fame, power, recognition, money, or material stuff.

For some, it is the understanding of a loving partner,

the love of their child, or the people that they can count on

when life throws them a curve.

I am coming to believe that success

is not more material wealth,

but peace, happiness, contentment, and love.

Most of all love.

Real success is not to be sought after in the outer world,

but discovered in your inner world.

I am not condemning the stuff of life.

We all want the things that life offers.

But we don't need as much as we think we do.

Sooner or later you will discover that real success is friends,

strangers, and anyone who crosses our path.

It is kindness shared, support given and received,

listening, giving, and caring.

These will endure while your car rusts, your toys break,

and you tire of the temporary gratifications

that bring you what you think is real.

What matters is people.

What lasts is love.

What counts are true friends,

and if you treasure these you can count yourself a Success.

By: Tim Conner

Further Reading:

The Story of Your Life

5 Simple Ways to Enhance the Quality of Your Life in Just 20 Minutes a Day

First You Have to Believe

"Your belief determines your action
and your action determines your results,
but first you have to believe."


~Mark Victor Hansen

An American Idol BELIEVE ACHIEVE Story - Lil Rounds

This is our first season of American Idol's eight seasons. We're watching it envisioning our Miracle Mia on stage singing her heart out to a roaring crowd inspired by her great achievement and exceptional talent. Her story will inspired many to follow their dreams, to know no boundaries and to keep trekking when the going gets tough because that's our opportunity to show what we've got...what we're truly made of! This year, we're watching it for her, believing one day it will be her time to shine.

We're so amazed at the number of Inspirational contestants on the American Idol show. Each one is extremely talented, extraordinarily gifted, yet there are a few who do more than showcase their incredible vocals each week. Many sing with passion, straight from the heart and into ours. These individuals are living their dreams. And as each week rolls by, and they hear America has voted them into the next round, they're seeing their dreams unfold. So, along with Miracle Mia, we'll be dedicating our next posts to them and sharing why their journey has truly inspired us.


Meet Lil Rounds....

She's got a voice to be reckon with! Her love for life, music, her family and her dreams is what caught our attention. And certainly something she said in an interview before her performance:

"The day you let go of your dreams,
is the day you let go of your life."

Lil Rounds is a mother of 3 beautiful children. In 2008, she and her family literally had to start over after a devastating tornado destroyed all they had. With nowhere to turn, they stayed at an extended stay hotel. They managed to stick together as a family and work through trying times. And through these trying moments, she never let go of her dreams. Her perseverance and her belief in herself is what put her center stage of this year's American Idol show.

If Lil Rounds, can raise her 3 children, rebuild her life after a tornado and still hold on to her dreams and never let go....you can, too. Never let go. When life throws curve balls, keep swinging! If it builds a mountain, climb it. If it creates a river, swim across it. Just don't ever lose sight of your dreams. Because the day we let them go, is the day we let our lives go, too.

Lil Rounds is a prime inspirational example of how believing will lead to achieving, as long as we never lose sight, and always move closer to it. Enjoy her performance below as an American Idol Top 13.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve

"The day you let go of your dreams,
is the day you let go of your life."

~ Lil Rounds ~
American Idol Top13

If unable to view video, please Click Here.

Further Reading:
American Idol - Mia's Story
American Idol Danny Gokey's Inspiring Story

Motivational Mondays - Nothing To Fear

Nothing to Fear


There's nothing to fear --- you're as good as the best,

As strong as the mightiest, too.

You can win in every battle or test;

For there's no one just like you.

There's only one you in the world today;

So nobody else, you see,

Can do your work in as fine a way:

You're the only you there'll be !

So face the world, and all life is yours

To conquer and love and live:

And you'll find the happiness that endures

In just the measure you give;

There's nothing too good for you to possess,

Nor heights where you cannot go:

Your power is more than belief or guess ---

It is something you have to know.

There is nothing to fear ---

you can and you will.

For you are the invincible you.

Set your foot on the highest hill ---

There's nothing you cannot do.

- Author Unknown

Positive Thought of the Day

"When one door of happiness closes,

another opens, but often we look so long

at the closed door that we do not see

the one that has been opened for us."

~Helen Keller

We've Been Tagged!! More About BELIEVE ACHIEVE Hugo!

Our wonderful friend, Angie, writer of In Pursuit of Fulfillment blog, just tagged us! This is a cool one with a neat twist. Instead of 25 random facts about Us, we're supposed to share fun facts about our spouse/significant other.

Today, I'd like for you to get to know Hugo! The other wonderful half of BELIEVE ACHIEVE. When I first began to write this, I had well over 35 facts about him and have narrowed it down to the ones I shared below. Hope everyone enjoys reading them!


1. Has more shoes than I do!
2. Wears no cologne and still smells sweet.
3. LOVES chocolate fudge brownie ice cream.
4. Knows the words to most of the High School Musical songs.
(Sings and dances with the kiddos and I)
5. Favorite quote "Just Do It!"
6. Only buys Nike Shocks (sneakers)
7. Loves me just as I am, morning breath and all!
8. Is my soul mate and best friend.
9. During the summer, only wears white t-shirts.
During the winter, anything and everything black.
10. Has spent more money on suits than my entire wardrobe.
11. Never hesitates to give me a massage if I need one or ask.
12. Is the Best BBQ-er on the planet!
13. Favorite shows are Two and Half Men and COPS.
14. Has so much family, sometimes I forget names.
15. Is the first in the family to marry outside his ethnicity.
16. Speaks Spanish fluently.
17. Would rather cuddle with the kids than hang out with the guys.
18. Knew he wanted to name his first son Noa, even before we became pregnant.
19. I have NEVER seen a gray hair on him!!
20. Never fails to make me laugh and smile. :-)
21. Has been to every single doctor's appt. for the kiddos.
22. "Tired" is not in his vocabulary.
23. Helps with the laundry as long as I sort it for him.
24. Enjoys watching American Idol with me.
25. Has enjoyed a pedicure at the salon with me. Super-sweet, isn't it? :-)


Now, it's your turn to share some fun facts about your spouse/significant other!
Here are the Rules:

**Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about your spouse/significant other. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about your spouse, too. Have Fun!!**

I had a good time doing this one! It was a wonderful gratitude and appreciation activity. I think it was the soul purpose of this tag. But, I still want to hear your random facts, too. I hope you have just as much fun as I did! Also, for the interest of time, I'm only tagging 6 friends.

Tag, you're it!! :-)

Giovanna at Imperfect Action
Mariah at Majestic Child
Dan & Deanna at Marketing Unscrambled
Arswino at Inspiration & Motivation Blog
Rej at KIDDOMIND (the BETTER side of me)
Shaw at Fill the Missing Link


I look forward to reading your posts!!

Many Blessings....
Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve


Further Reading:
Seven Things We'd Love to Share With You! (About Us)

BELIEVE in Yourself - Lead a Purpose Driven Life (Video)

Each one of us on this earth has it. The ablility to lead....and inspire.

Sometimes our work feels small and insignificant.
But remember, a small ripple can gain momentum....
and build a current that is insurmountable.

Begin with one small step.
Dont let others stand in your way.
Walk your own path.

Some may laugh. So what. Many Will follow.

Success....seems to be largely a matter
of HANGING ON after others have let go.
~William Feather

Fear keeps people small.
Run toward your fears. Embrace them.
On the other side of your greatest fears lives your greatest life. ~Robin Sharma

Get out of the stands. Get on the court. Play the game of life.
Take risks. Leap, and the net will appear.

Be positive. What you think, is who you become.

Dream. Dream big.
Feel it. Believe it. Achieve it.

Whatever your dreams are...go for it! You will inspire others.

Extend a hand. Care. Be kind.

When someone does something good, applaud!
You will make two people happy. ~Samuel Goldwyn

Be a positive role model.
Be the change you want to see in the world. ~Ghandi

Make a difference.

Now is the time to....lead a purpose driven life.

Believe in yourself.


Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve

See all the inspirational messages in this video.




Further Reading:
Believe in Yourself - Nick Vujicic

Positive Thought for the Day

"Success is every minute you live.

It's the process of living.

It's stopping for the moments of beauty,

of pleasure; the moments of peace.

Success is not a destination that you ever reach.

Success is the quality of the journey."

-Jennifer James

The Special YOU

One day a teacher asked her students to list the names of the other students in the room on two sheets of paper, leaving a space between each name. Then she told them to think of the nicest thing they could say about each of their classmates and write it down. It took the remainder of the class period to finish their assignment, and as the students left the room, each one handed in the papers.

That Saturday, the teacher wrote down the name of each student on a separate sheet of paper, and listed what everyone else had said about that individual. On Monday she gave each student his or her list. Before long, the entire class was smiling. "Really?" she heard whispered. "I never knew that I meant anything to anyone!" and, "I didn't know others liked me so much," were most of the comments.

No one ever mentioned those papers in class again. She never knew if they discussed them after class or with their parents, but it didn't matter. The exercise had accomplished its purpose. The students were happy with themselves and one another.

That group of students moved on. Several years later, one of the students was killed in Vietnam and his teacher attended the funeral of that special student. She had never seen a serviceman in a military coffin before. He looked so handsome, so mature. The church was packed with his friends. One by one those who loved him took a last walk by the coffin. The teacher was the last one to bless the coffin. As she stood there, one of the soldiers who acted as pallbearer came up to her. "Were you Mark's math teacher?" he asked. She nodded: "yes." Then he said: "Mark talked about you a lot."

After the funeral, most of Mark's former classmates went together to a luncheon. Mark's mother and father were there, obviously waiting to speak with his teacher. "We want to show you something," his father said, taking a wallet out of his pocket. "They found this on Mark when he was killed. We thought you might recognize it."

Opening the billfold, he carefully removed two worn pieces of notebook paper that had obviously been taped, folded and refolded many times. The teacher knew without looking that the papers were the ones on which she had listed all the good things each of Mark's classmates had said about him. "Thank you so much for doing that," Mark's mother said. "As you can see, Mark treasured it."

All of Mark's former class mates started to gather around. Charlie smiled rather sheepishly and said, "I still have my list. It's in the top drawer of my desk at home."

Chuck's wife said, "Chuck asked me to put his in our wedding album."

"I have mine too," Marilyn said. "It's in my diary."

Then Vicki, another classmate, reached into her pocketbook, took out her wallet and showed her worn and frazzled list to the group. "I carry this with me at all times, " Vicki said and without batting an eyelash, she continued: "I think we all saved our lists."

That's when the teacher finally sat down and cried.
She cried for Mark and for all his friends who would never see him again.


~ Author Unknown


Today and Everyday, tell the people you love and care for how special and important they are. And how life is more beautiful with them in it. Even if you think they already know, make an extra special effort each day to show how much you care. Remember, we reap what we sow.... what we put into the lives of others comes back into our own.

May Today and Everyday be as Special as You Are.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve

BELIEVE ACHIEVE - Transformation

Tighten your grip on your dreams

Reach within

Ask for guidance

Note your progress

Sing the truth of who you are every day

Focus more on what you want than on what you don't

Open yourself to new possibilities and opportunities

Release limiting beliefs

Move forward with faith

Align with your Higher Self

Trust the inspiration you receive

Indulge yourself while you're in this process

Ongoing support network

Nudge yourself out of your comfort zone

How will you transform yourself?

BELIEVE ACHIEVE - 5 Reasons Why Public Speaking Helps Your Personal Growth

Public speaking is probably one of the biggest secret fears known to man. There's something about speaking in public that makes us tense up, breathe irregularly (or breathe at all, lol), and makes us perspire like mad.
Why is public speaking so feared? And how can learning to speak in public create huge leaps in our personal growth?

Hugo and I just returned from the most incredible marketing seminar hosted by Craig and Giovanna Garcia of the Executive Development Center. We not only came home with countless "Million Dollar" tips to soar our business, but we also learned the importance of public speaking and how learning to do so can bring more into our lives. Here are our 5 reasons why you should add public speaking into your journey of self-discovery.

1. Get out of your comfort zone! Standing in front of an audience will surely get you out of your comfort zone, let alone speaking in front of one. But in order to expand ourselves, it's imperative to step out and try something new.

2. Relax and breathe. It's difficult to speak in general if we aren't breathing and relaxed. Speaking in public teaches us to breathe deeply and "go with the flow." This allows us to relax. Being relaxed allows us to not over think so much, because it's the over thinking which makes us nervous.

3. Overcome your fears. Because many people are simply terrified of speaking in public, more reason for us to just get up and do it! The first step to overcoming any fear is to expose ourselves to it. With practice and exposure, it gets much easier.

4. Speaking from the heart. When you have passion for what you speak and you speak from the heart, there is no need to fear how the audience will react. The heart only speaks one language and everyone understands it. You'll never fail when you speak from the heart.

5. It's Liberating! It truly is liberating! It gives you a great sense of accomplishment because you didn't let fear or your nervousness take control. You'll feel like you've taken over the world. You're unstoppable! :-)

We definitely encourage everyone to try it. Start off by doing introductions and sharing a little about yourself. And soon you'll be sharing your life adventures with ease. The first steps are always the most difficult, but none the less, baby steps are still steps in the right direction. It will surely help you in gaining more self-confidence, higher self-esteem and you'll be so proud of yourself. We'll be proud of you, too!

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~

BELIEVE ACHIEVE - Honor 2008 With A Farewell Toast

In a matter of hours, in different parts of the world, the year is drawing to a close. It's been a glorious and prosperous journey. A journey blessed with more love than we could have imagined, blooming new friendships and many more cherished memories. We've been showered with invaluable knowledge and rich wisdom, have discovered our passion and our purpose and are living an authentic life filled with pure happiness. It's truly been an incredible year, and we are ever so grateful for those who have guided and followed us through our journey.

At 11:59pm on December 31st, let's raise our glasses in honor of 2008 with a farewell toast. Let the wonderful memories of this journey fill our hearts with love and joy. Give thanks, gratitude and appreciation for the many blessings and the many more to come. Chronologically, we are at the end of the year, but our journey will continue on with new beginnings.

May 2009 be filled with more joy, more love and many new experiences. Happy New Year, our dear friends. We raise of glasses with you.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~

Positive Thought for the Day

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~PASSION~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Positive Thought and Affirmation

~~~~ The Future Belongs to Those ~~~~
~~~~~~~~ Who BELIEVE in the Beauty of Their Dreams ~~~~~~~~

Positive Thought and Affirmation

WE BECOME WHAT WE THINK ABOUT ALL DAY LONG

BELIEVE in the Beauty of Your Dreams Series - Tiger Woods

Professional golfer, Tiger Woods, was born in Cypress, California on December 30, 1975 to parents Earl and Kultida Woods. Actually born, Eldrick Woods, he received his nickname "Tiger" (now legally changed) from his father who named him after a soldier and friend of the same nickname. The two of them served in the U.S. Army together. His father was a retired lieutenant colonel.

Tiger Woods is currently the No. 1 ranked Professional Golfer in the world, which tops his numerous career accomplishments and unprecedented career. In fact, he was also the youngest ever No. 1 golfer at the age of 21. It's been said, Woods knew how to swing a club before he could walk. His father, Earl Woods said, "When Tiger was 6 months old, he would sit in our garage, watching me hit balls into a net. He had been assimilating his golf swing. When he got out of the high chair, he had a golf swing." While children his age were busy playing with cars and building blocks, at age 2, he made a TV appearance on the Mike Douglas Show and putted against comedian and golfer, Bob Hope. And by the age of 5, he was featured in Golf Digest.

He has always said his parents were his true inspiration. And his childhood ambition was the beat his father, his mentor and coach, at the great game of golf one day. We're not sure if Tiger Woods ever accomplished this feat, but we are certain he has done so much more. His many career achievements include winning an incredible 65 PGA Tour Events, 14 professional major golf championships (4 of them Masters), named PGA Player of the Year a record nine times, and is called the world's most marketable athlete with his numerous endorsement deals with companies including Nike, Titleist, General Motors, American Express, etc. His greatest achievement has been starting the Tiger Woods Foundation with his father in 1996. Since it's inception, the foundation has inspire more than 10 million young people to BELIEVE in the beauty of their dreams to reach their goals and aspirations. Tiger Wood says, it's a place "where kids can achieve anything."

Tiger Woods is a prime inspirational example of someone who BELIEVED in the beauty of his dreams, followed his passion, worked hard to pursue them and ACHIEVED unbelievable success. Do a fist pump with us!! For Tiger Woods, his amazing achievements and for his extraordinary foundation inspiring our children.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve


Further Reading:
BELIEVE in the Beauty of Your Dreams Series:

Lance Armstrong
Michael Phelps
Michelle Kwan

BELIEVE in the Beauty of Your Dreams Series - Michelle Kwan

Considered one of the greatest figure skaters of all time, Michelle Kwan, is in fact the most decorated figure skater in U.S. history. She displays an unprecedented amount of trophies and medals with her 42 Championships, which include five World Championship titles, nine United States Figure Skating Championships, and two Olympic medals. Kwan currently holds the U.S. records for her eight consecutive U.S. Championship titles and twelve consecutive U.S. Championship medals, and is the only woman in the history of figure skating to reclaim the World title three times.

Michelle Kwan was born in Torrance, California in July of 1980. Her parents, Danny and Estella Kwan, were Chinese immigrants from Hong Kong. Her dreams of being the best figure skater in the world began at the age of five. Kwan had two older siblings who were her inspiration. Her brother Ron played ice hockey and sister Karen was a figure skater. Michelle Kwan began serious training when she was about eight years old. She and her sister Karen woke up every morning at 3am to practice skating before school and were back at the rink right after school, practicing three to four hours a day. Kwan's family, particulary her parents, made several sacrifices to support their daughters' dreams and exceptional talent on the ice. Kwan's father picked up extra hours at work and their mother took on a second job in order to pay for the increased skating-rink time and coaching fees. They all believed in Michelle's dream and worked hard along side her to pursue them.

Needless to say, Michelle BELIEVED in the beauty of her dreams. She worked hard to pursue them and has ACHIEVED incredible success. She's truly a role model and has inspired many young adults to BELIEVE in themselves, too. She's written many books including, "Michelle Kwan: Heart of a Champion" and "The Winning Attitude: What It Takes To Be a Champion." Kwan is also the national spokesperson for Children's Miracle Network "Champions Across America" and in 2006 was named a public diplomacy ambassador by Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice. She made her first overseas trip as the public diplomacy ambassador to China in 2007, speaking to young people and sports enthusiasts.

Michelle Kwan says, "....I’m the luckiest girl alive that I get to perform in front of thousands of people, doing what I love doing.” She truly has the "Heart of a Champion", and has in turn become, the Champion of Hearts.

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~

BELIEVE in the Beauty of Your Dreams Series - Lance Armstrong

"You've got to win in your mind before you win in your life."

-John Addison


Cyclist, Lance Armstrong, was born in Plano, Texas on September 18, 1971. At the young age of 13, he began to compete in triathlons, which combine a 1,000 meter swim, 15-mile bike ride, and three-mile run. A professional triathlete at age 16, he won the national sprint-course triathlon twice, in 1989 and 1990. Lance was a great swimmer and fast runner, but cycling was Armstrong's favorite and strongest event. He decides to focus only on cycling competitions, and wins the U.S. Amateur Cycling Championship in 1991. He turns professional the following year and his decision to concentrate on cycling turns to great success in the following years.

But in 1996, Armstrong was hit with the stunning news that he had cancer. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer. The cancer had also spread to his brain and lungs. It's been reported he had less than a 50/50 chance of survival. Frightened, yet determined to beat his cancer, Armstrong began aggressive chemotherapy treatments.

Within months of his diagnosis, he uses his personal experience to raise awareness about cancer and it's struggles. Armstrong establishes the Lance Armstrong Foundation which provides education and advocacy for cancer patients, and funds cancer research. He's also been quoted speaking of his cancer being "....the best thing that happened to me,"

Armstrong makes a miraculous recovery and sets his focus back to his passion, cycling. Although, his professional comeback got off to a rocky start, with his new focus and outlook on life, along with continued training, a determined Armstrong becomes unstoppable.

In 1999, he qualifies for the Tour de France, cycling's most prestigious race covering over more than 2,000 miles. The day is a victory for everyone inspired by his comeback, to all cancer patients, and most importantly to himself. He wins the Tour de France and adds 6 more consecutive Tour de France titles to his list of great achievements.

Lance Armstrong is a prime inspirational example of someone who BELIEVED in the beauty of his dreams, followed his passion, never gave up and beat great odds, and ACHIEVED unbelievable success. He won in his mind and in life before he won at the race.

Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve


Further Reading:
BELIEVE in the Beauty of Your Dreams Series:

Michelle Kwan
Tiger Woods
Michael Phelps

BELIEVE in the Beauty of Your Dreams Series - Michael Jordan

"You've got to win in your mind before you win in your life."

-John Addison

Michael Jordan has an endless list of credentials displaying his countless achievements. The National Basketball Association has named him Most Valuable Player 5 times and the 1988 NBA Defensive Player of the Year. He holds the NBA record for most consecutive games scoring in double-digits, including 30 regular season games with 50 points or more and is the only 40 year old NBA player to ever score over 40 points. He's also a 2 time Olympic Gold Medalist where he won his last medal in the 1992 Summer Games with the original Dream Team, perhaps the greatest team ever assembled. Michael Jordan's list of accomplishments are immeasurable by any other athlete.

Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963 in Brooklyn, New York. When he was still a toddler, his parents, James and Delores Jordan, moved to Wilmington, North Carolina. He has 2 brothers and two sisters.

As a child, Jordan's first love was baseball. He pitched a one-hitter game and was voted MVP. As a youngster, he also played basketball and football. He attended Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina where he played basketball. During his sophomore year, Jordan was cut from the varsity team. This single event was a motivational turning point in his life. Instead of throwing in the towel and giving up after failing to make the team, Jordan used it to awaken his competitive desire to succeed. He'd practice for hours and hours on the court. "Whenever I was working out and got tired and figured I ought to stop, I'd close my eyes and see that list in the locker room without my name on it," Jordan said, "and that usually got me going again." His hard work, his desire, and his passion led him to eventually making the team. He even led the team to the state championship.

Michael Jordan since has become the most popular athlete in the United States, and is no doubt, the greatest player to ever play the game of basketball. He has single-handedly redefined basketball and no player in NBA history has achieved so much in any amount of time.

Michael Jordan is a prime inspirational example of someone who BELIEVED in the beauty of his dreams, worked hard to pursue them, never gave up and ACHIEVED unbelievable success. He won in his mind before he won on the court.

Many Blessings....

Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~

Positive Thought to Start Your Week

~~~~~ WHEREVER YOU GO , ~~~~~

~~~~~GO WITH ALL YOUR HEART. ~~~~~