–Ralph Waldo Emerson

Who are you? Why are you here? What are your beliefs about life? For many years, finding the answers to these questions has meant going within. But what does that mean?

There is a Power within each of us that will direct us to our perfect health, perfect relationships, perfect careers, and which can bring us prosperity of every kind. In order for us to have these things, we have to believe first that they are possible. Next, we must be willing to release the patterns in our lives that are creating conditions we say we do not want. We do this by going within and tapping the Inner Power that already knows what is best for us. If we are willing to turn our lives over to this greater Power within us, the Power that loves and sustains us, we can create more loving and prosperous lives.

We cannot allow what I call “Power Enemies” to erode our energy and cause all kinds of distractions in our lives they hold us hostage and keep us from experiencing an abundance life. 

These enemies are characterized as:

• No knowledge of who we are
• Keeping ourselves locked into what happen way back when
• Listening to others instead of what’s inside of us
• Staying in unhappy and unhealthy situations out of fear
• Stuck in excuses for our lack of movement towards something greater for ourselves

We have the choice to use our Power in any way. If we choose to live in the past and re-hash all of the negative situations and conditions that went on way back when, then we stay stuck where we are. If we make a conscious decision not to be victims of the past and go about creating new lives for ourselves, we are supported by this Power within, and new, happier experiences begin to unfold.  Also we sometimes contribute toward the creation of every condition in our lives, good or bad, with our thinking, feeling patterns. The thoughts we think create our feelings, and we then begin to live our lives in accordance with these feelings and beliefs. I like the analogy that author Louise Hay wrote in her book, “The Power is Within You”:

Imagine that your thoughts are like drops of water. One thought or one drop of water does not mean very much. As you repeat thoughts over and over, you first notice a stain on the carpet, then there is a little puddle, then a pond, and as these thoughts continue, they can become a lake, and finally an ocean. What kind of ocean are you creating? One that is polluted and toxic and unfit to swim in, or one that is crystal clear and blue and invites you to enjoy its refreshing waters?

We are meant to be wonderful and loving expressions of life. Life is waiting for you to open up to it–to feel worthy of the good it holds for you.  Life is here to support you. Trust the Power within you to be there for you.

Try tapping into your inner power by:

• Believing Anything Is Possible
• Getting still in a quiet space
• Asking yourself simple, profound questions that require you to look inside your heart
• Letting your intuition guide you
• Feeling the riches and abundance of life
• Seeing things with new eyes, hearing with new ears and experience new ways of thinking

You have everything you need within you to make your own choices, decisions, achieve your dreams and find your purpose.  Getting in touch with who you are and living an authentic live…that’s true for you is powerful. There’s nothing mystical about it ..you just have to keep your lamp burning, by putting oil in it.

-Muhammad Ali

I haven’t been an avid watcher of the 2008 Olympic Games but the swim matches have caught my attention a little.  Much as of the hype has been on twenty-three year old Michael Phelps’ 8^th gold medal history making wins, who  was diagnosed as a child with ADD (attention deficient disorder), according to a recent interview on Good Morning America with his mother.  Most of these athlete’s have a mountain moving story of obstacles they had to overcome to reach their goals. 

 Take for instance Dara Torres, whom the media keeps repeatedly emphasizing that she is forty-old years old, the oldest swimmer to compete and qualify for the Games.   I loved it when she made the statement, “the water doesn’t know how old you are“.  Torres had to have surgery to remove a bone spur that caused a partial rotator tear in her right shoulder.  Although she had to miss four weeks of training, it was said that she didn’t miss a beat during the Olympic trials.  

 A true Champion is defined as a valiant fighte, who understands the Universal Law of Cause and Effect.  This law generally means that you reap what you sow by putting in time, energy, and effort over and over again until you inevitably enjoy the results and rewards.  It doesn’t come with a disclaimer: give up at the first sign of injury, disappointment, defeat, fear.  It simply means give it all you GOT and SOME. 

 The CHAMP and the CHUMP

 Let me compare a few qualities of these two characters famously made by San Jose State College’s sprint coach Bud Winter, in his book titled ” So You Want To Be A Sprinter”.

 The “CHAMP” has the WILL TO SUCCEED.

• Follows a goal oriented training plan.
• Accepts pre game nerves but keeps anxiety and worry to a minimum.
• Focuses on personal goals without letting distractions of what others are saying or doing.
• Shows poise and courage in a crisis.

 The “CHUMP” has the WILL TO FAIL.

• Fails to prepare themselves/and or equipment properly for competition.
• Gets injured or ill regularly especially just prior to the competition.
• Expects times to “just come” or come easily because ” I’ve been doing the training.
• Never trains or practice drills unless the conditions are perfect.

 Choose which character you want to emulate as you go after whatever it is you desire. Should you decide to be a gold medal winner, take note of their body language: feet firmly planted, body erect, shoulders back, head up, smiling, eyes aglow and one or both arms thrust triumphantly in the air.  Now is not the time to look timid.  Go for the Gold…Act like a Gold Medal Champion.

-Les Brown

 We are living in an unpredictable economy at the moment.  And if we continue to listen to the media, they would have us believe that we are facing the same fate of the Great Depression.  That alone is enough to keep you depressed and discourage with all the other personal stuff you’re combating on a daily basis.  If you are feeling discourage consider shifting your thoughts to what could be – not on what’s not currently working.  If you are the type of person who likes to keep up with current events, try counteracting the negative with a fresh view of new possibilities.  This is a creative time for CHANGE albeit political, professional or personal. 

 Sometimes we get so bogged down in our current reality that we forget that we encounter adversities everyday, yet we find a way to overcome them.  For instance you get sick – you go to the doctor or seek out a remedy; your car unexpectedly breaks down – you find a way to get it fixed; your boss berates you in front of the team – you learn to keep a cool head and confront the issue at a more appropriate time; gas and food prices are soaring – you experiment with ways to cut back on a few things without letting it completely disrupt your lifestyle. The point is… nothing should limit you from experiencing life to the fullest.  Stuff happens.  Don’t let the pain of one season be the judge of what your outcome will be.  Start planting seeds not weeds into your life.

 The words we use can be a detriment on our psyche and distort our vision of how we view the world.  You’ve often heard –our words create our thoughts, our thoughts create our actions.  Don’t let your words become a distraction to your imagination of endless possibilities. Words like won’t, can’t and should are “possibility killers”.  They cause you to retreat from a position of power, courage and achievement presuming defeat.  You have the power of choice – believe that “All Things Are Possible”.

 Consider this:

 ALL - a word that indicates no limitations, go for the gusto.

 THINGS - a word with a long-lost ancestral meaning of “time” – there’s an appointed time for  everything.

 ARE - a word that resonates hope.

 POSSIBLE - a word when spoken fulfills dreams. 

Don’t get side-tracked by the world and its troubles.  Let purpose drive you to your destiny and guide you to your strategy.  Do what you can –where you are.

-         Albert Schweitzer

How often do we think about the words we speak to ourselves and other’s around us? Our words have power and they impact our lives in a negative or positive way.  We get so caught up in the rhetoric of speaking the truth, that we don’t’ realize what’s truth for one person, may not be truth to another and especially how to speak the truth.

Some of you may remember this old story about a group of frogs, who went leaping through the forest one day when two of the frogs suddenly fell into a deep pit. All of the other frogs gathered around the hole to look down on their two fallen friends. They all began to sadly shake their heads and to croak out dismal warnings. “It’s too deep!” croaked one frog. Another croaked that there was no way that they would ever be able to get out of that pit alive.

The two fallen frogs began to continuously jump as they tried to get out of the pit, but the frogs that were watching kept croaking louder at them that they might as well stop because they were as good as dead and just wasting their time. One of the two frogs finally gave up and heeded the pessimistic advice of the frogs at the top. He quit jumping and literally “croaked” and died.

However, the other frog leaped even harder than ever and to the surprise of all the other frogs he jumped right out of the deep pit. The other frogs asked him, “Why did you keep leaping even though we yelled and croaked at you to stop?” It was then that the frog explained to them that he was deaf and he had thought they were cheering for him and yelling words of encouragement to him the entire time!

The moral of the story is…sometimes you have to turn a “deaf’s ear” to the people who don’t believe in you or support you in what you are striving to achieve.  Believe in yourself and take a leap of faith.

Story source: www.themotivationdoctor.com

We honor great works of arts, paintings, writings, public buildings and spaces — they are the outcome of imagination, vision and genius.  But wise teachers have shown us that when we discover and use our gifts, we create masterpieces of our lives.  Even if it’s on a grand scope or a small, yet, limited influence, we can touch those around us.   We must trust that we can create our individual masterpieces.  Nothing resonates more than your own individuality– you become your own work of art when you understand who you are, and express it in a unique and authentic way.   In the business arena, it is known as branding.

Many times we walk around blind, unaware and unconscious of the work of art we truly are.  We have been endowed with the power of choices that reside within us, yet all the tools and colors that make us originals have been handed over to us by others.  Why not choose your own landscape, the background, the scheme of colors, the medium and your own brush strokes with consciousness and full awareness.   Create your life in way that when you stand back from the canvas and pause at it all, it is with great pride and joy in what’s shaping up to be a masterpiece.  Is that not the purpose of the Master who created you in the first place?

What lies between where you are now and what you want to create (your life’s masterpiece) is a seed that needs to be planted in rich soil.   Creating any thing takes time, love, understanding and patience’s with one else’s.   Like an artist, you can set out to create your own masterpiece.  There are many steps involved:

• Study the Subject – examine who you are and what makes you unique.

• Identify the Big Shapes - it may look like a puzzle in the beginning– organize and arrange the pieces until shape begins to take place.

• Underpaint the Canvas – create freely your image of how you see yourself — don’t worry about filling in the details, yet.

• Study the Color Values -  see the value of your masterpiece (YOU) the beauty of the image first, then work the colors in.

• Blocking in the Colors- carefully fill in the colors of your uniqueness as you see them, leaving nothing out.

• Adjusting Color and Value - make adjustments as you see them appear, don’t allow other’s to paint for you — a masterpiece is authentic.

• Finishing the Painting - Resist the temptation to finish it too soon, you may leave out some important shapes, colors and details.  Step back, get out of the way — there will be more work to do.

Start today in creating your life’s masterpiece for you and the people  whose life will be enriched by it.

- Mark Twain

I am often struck by the number of people who have extraordinary gifts and talents, but are afraid to expose them to the world.  How many extremely talented people do you know who are hiding their greatness?  All of us have something unique and special to offer.  Oftentimes we hold back and only scratch the surface of what we could be.  All of the symptoms of hiding are really the same in each of us.

It’s either something in our past, an incident that we felt shut the door to a promising future, or an erroneous message that we gave too much “air-time” to.  Many of you may be in a job or career that stifles your greatness. But for some unconscious reason, you have chosen to sit quietly and hope for the best.  Or maybe you have this great idea for a business and you’ve done all the ‘leg work’ to get it going – but fail to launch.

Remember as kids when you used to play the game ‘hide and go seek.’  The person hiding went to great lengths to be inconspicuous (ducking, dodging and shifting places) to be safe and not found.  However, the “seeker” takes great pride in their ability to launch into action.  The challenge to find what was hidden created adrenaline that lead them on a path to endless possibilities and discoveries – their greatness.  Think about it. It takes more effort to hide and stay small than to come out of hiding and do the work.

I had a problem with ‘failure to launch’ in the workplace before I made the transition to explore my greatness.  I clung to the safe positions.  You know, the ones that kept you hidden in a cubicle, never challenging your intellect, never requiring you to present an idea/project: the one’s that pigeonhole you.  The moment I made the transition to come out of hiding and step into a career that harnessed my greatness (helping other’s realize their greatness), it changed my life in ways I never imagined.

Hiding Behaviors

Ever wonder why your career or entrepreneurial venture seemed to ‘fail to launch’ to what you desired it to be?  The real truth is your behavior(s).  These are behaviors you may or may not be consciously aware of.  But if you really dig deep enough you will discover that you haven’t been much of a “seeker” in exercising your greatness. What you have been communicating and actually doing is playing “peek-a-boo” with yourself.  Instead of putting yourself out there and getting known in the workplace/marketplace, you do a little here and a little there.  I’m speaking to those who never seem to feel they are ready and to those who hide behind fear.

Here’s what hiding behaviors might look like:

• The Perpetual Student – “I’m almost there, I need more training, seminars, etc.” Always preparing, never doing.
• The Marketing/Branding Wimp – ” I’ll do a little and leave the rest to chance.”
• The ScaredyCat - “I don’t want to be in their face.” Doesn’t want to seem aggressive.
• The Procrastinator - ” I’ll do it tomorrow.” Waits till the last minute, next week, next month, next year…
• The She Who Would Be Everything – “I can do it all.” Wants to do everything, never committing to one thing and doing it well.

Reasons We Hide

We are afraid of all sorts of things.  If you ask most people what they are afraid of they’ll tell you, “nothing really.”  But if you engage them in thoughtful conversation, you’ll really find out the truth.  Some fears may seem trivial to others, but very real to the person who is experiencing them.  We hide our greatness for many reasons.  Reasons that keep us on the launching pad so long that we lose our flame for what we once hoped for: a promotion, career change, competitive salary, thriving business, and much more.  So why aren’t we being our greatest selves?

Some of those reasons may be…

1. Fear of becoming big and powerful in the world.
2. Fearing we might fail and how that is going to look to our colleagues, friends, family.
3. Afraid of being found out – we aren’t as smart as we appear to be.
4. Fear of looking or sounding stupid.
5. Listening to a spouse or family member(s) that may not be supportive.
6. Fear that our success will take us far from our comfort zone.
7. Fear of money (management, bad decisions).
8. Fear of making powerful connections and having influence.
9. Fear of what will people think?  How will they treat me?
10. Holding on to old worn out messages from the past.

Ask yourself this question: “What is it costing me to stay hidden in my career, business?”

—Jimmy Dean

Many of you probably know someone personally who has be affected by the downturn in the industries we work in today.  And, some of you may have deep concerns about your own fate in your company.  The state of our economy is proving everyday that it takes more than luck and hard work to succeed – it requires a plan.  Companies are making changes in the way they are doing business and cutting costs to efficiently stay afloat, and still provide quality products and service. They know they must still maintain a competitive edge with fewer resources and manpower.  But that’s just business. And like any viable business they must have a strategic plan to achieve their objectives.  And so should you.

So, what’s the fastest way you can take control of your career?  How can you steer yourself to the destination of your choice?  Consider thinking like a business and position yourself as a competitive product. There is massive competition today with new graduates looking for work, people who have lost jobs and those looking for a career change.  However, don’t let that thwart your aspirations of pursuing a new career or positioning yourself for the next level in your current career.

Here are five basic steps you can implement to treat your career like a business and give yourself a competitive edge:

Distinguish yourself as a competitive product

Outline those things that you do better than other people.  A good start is to seek others perception of you. Review your assets and liabilities, determine what differentiates you, and obtain customer feedback.

Research and evaluate your competition

Make it a goal to be your best while not only understanding yourself, but your competitors too.  Note that competition is the way of life for most businesses to stay alive. However, I believe it is about doing things differently and creating value that sustains a competitive advantage.  Embrace the fact that you must compete for what you want and do so in a positive and wise way.

Determine your goals and create a strategic plan

Your goals reflect what you want for yourself and how you expect to achieve what it is you want.  A clear strategic plan is like a roadmap-it helps you reach your destination efficiently and quickly.  As you pursue your defined aspirations, they will undoubtedly lead you to a greater sense of commitment and motivation.

Implement your strategic plan and monitor your progress

It is critical that you periodically review your strategic plan to ensure you are on the right track and making progress to your goals.  If you find that it is not working, make the necessary corrections right away.  Change your course immediately.  Do not procrastinate!

Stay focused, celebrate and reward your accomplishments

The three C’s to use to achieve your career aspirations are: commitment, courage and confidence.  You must be prepared to overcome your obstacles, yet focus on the positives along the way.  Be sure to encourage and reward yourself for your accomplishments toward your goals.

Even in this teetering workforce, you can still pursue the destination of your choice.  Put yourself in the driver’s seat and take control of your career.  Be proactive by following these five basic steps to achieve your aspirations.  You wouldn’t have those dreams if  they weren’t worth it, so invest in yourself.  Take charge of your career, your way!

I have never really been athletically inclined to play any type of sport.  I tried tennis a few times, but I really enjoyed playing volley ball in junior high school.  I rarely watch sports on television, except for the Super Bowl, and I usually root for the underdog team.  When it came down to golf; I used to wonder why anyone wanted to play such a boring game.  It seemed to be a lifeless game; swinging to hit a 1.62 ounce ball to God knows where.  It was a sport for the elite middle-aged white man; retired with nothing else to do.  This was my narrow-minded view back in the day – judging without understanding the fundamentals of the game.

Fast forward to the present…I am a black woman, not quite middle-aged yet and learning how to play a game I deemed boring. Never, in a million years, would I have imagined myself lugging golf clubs in the heat of the summer trying to “tee” off with a decent shot.  I pray for an accurate swing; I can barely see the green, but I know it’s there.  And the objective is to get there with the minimum amount of strokes as possible.  That’s the way I see it; I’m still learning the game.

After leaving the driving range on a Monday afternoon, I thought about how practicing my swing relates to one being in a career transition.  Sounds crazy, yeah!  Some days I can’t seem to make contact with the ball and some days I don’t feel like I know where I’m aiming.   I’ve worked with clients who were at a crossroads in their career.  Either something has happened to them, something is about to happen or they need to make something happen for themselves.

A career transition could mean different things to different people.  A person might want a new career, a new job, a promotion, or learn to negotiate for more money. The most prevalent type of career transition is among people who are faced with a layoff and are asking, “what’s next for me”.  If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are a few basics to help you “tee off” with a good swing in managing your career transition.

The Fundamentals of a Good Swing

A good golf swing requires you having a secure grip with both left and right hands on the club, while allowing some flexibility in the wrist.   This coordinated effort creates unity between the club and the player.  As a player in the pursuit for a fulfilling career, you need to have a firm grip on where you are now…and where you desire to be in the next 3-6 months or a year.  Once you are able to describe and get clear about what you want  in your new or current career; it will create the synergy you need to implement an action plan.

Second, you need to form a correct stance and posture with reference to the ball so you can establish a stable center of balance for the swing.  As you begin to focus on your career target, position yourself by balancing your career success with the following in mind:

√     Be Self Managing

√     Keep On Learning

√     Build Networks

√     Keep Yourself Curr

√     Find A Mentor

Having a good balance will help you stabilize yoursef when your swing is a little off under pressure.  Know where you stand by knowing what you have to offer and market your value.  Stay centered by having the right temperament; no crying and cursing about a bad stroke.

Third, a good swing is based on timing which means bringing the clubface precisely and efficiently into contact with ball.  Whether you are currently working and wanting to make a change, or out of work and looking for a new job, you’ll need to use your time and resources wisely.  Establish a routine and fine-tune your plan; get in the swing of doing something that brings you closer to your target.  Can you imagine a professional golfer practicing once a week for the Masters?  That would be disastrous for his/her career.

And the final fundamental of a good swing is footwork.  Your feet have to feel alive and take part in the process. The knee action is controlled by the footwork.  If your right knee is stuck, you can’t turn your body so that you will bring your arms and hands into position for making a satisfactory shot.  Don’t allow yourself to get stuck by not being open to new possibilities.

Be willing to take on the challenge.  I’ve experienced several transitions in my career, but the one where I felt alive was the one that challenged me the most.  I had to give it everything I had, and then some.  When I felt stuck, I’d take a breather, come back and reposition myself for another strike at my target.  That persistent footwork took me on a fulfilling and satisfy career path.

A good “tee off” in a career transition is not about having a lot of power in your swing.  It is a systematic and organized way you approach your target through scheduled activities that will inevitably land you on the Green – your desired destination.

“There is but one cause of failure and that is man’s [or woman’s] lack of faith in his true self”.

—William James

How often have you wished you were like someone else or could do what they are doing?  More often, we only see the outward appearance of someone who seems to have it all together. I have been guilty of this myself, at times.

One day, I attended an empowerment workshop for women and there was a woman I admired who was one of the presenters. We met two months prior when we both were speakers at another women’s conference. I remember sharing with her how I wanted to go to the next level in my business and asked for her advice.

I also told her how much I admired her style, confidence and business insight. Surprisingly, she shared with me that she used to be uncomfortable with herself and tried to emulate others, but later realized that it was okay to be herself. And it’s very comfortable now.

This attitude of “I am enough” echoes a state of serenity of mind and peace with one’s self. I unquestionably believe that the integrity of a person is walking in your own truth, being complete and undivided in who you are. If we can strive to let ourselves know that “I am enough –not perfect, because perfect still won’t be enough.

We are human beings and there is nothing anyone can say or do or feel that we cannot feel in ourselves. For, “I am enough”. See yourself as the epitome of authenticity coming from the standpoint of being enough. You are a complete human being contributing to the world by giving your own brand, wisdom and ingenuity to those who are waiting for it.

Much of the challenge for being authentic stems from our institutions, such as schools and the workplace. How many of you can recall being taught to be yourself, besides maybe from your parent(s)? We mainly conformed to do what we were told to do. So, now we struggle and hide within ourselves, feeling like we are not enough.

Have you ever been to a used car lot and they had a sign on a car that read, “As Is”? What do you think that means? I’m not perfect. I am enough. I am my own brand (Toyota, Mercedes, Ford, etc.) and I can make a contribution, even if it’s only a small one. Getting to this point is work, but attainable.

Here are a few ‘jewels’ for the road of authenticity:

• Living your values is a key component to authenticity. Examine them periodically for their validity in today’s environment. Wellness, for example, is no longer a benefit – it is essential to a quality of life for you and your family.

• Are you in the habit of taking on more than you can deliver or making promises you know you cannot keep? Think back on what promises you made, to whom, and see if you can fulfill some of these.

• Are there times in your life when you see yourself being forced to put on a show to make an impression on others? Agree to stop right now, once and for all. Tell yourself “ I am enough ”. And mean it!

• Are there any areas in your life where you lack consistency without intending to? For example, are you kind to some people and not others? What does this insight tell you?

• Are you forced to live in disharmony with who you are and what you do? Have you silenced the voice that whispers to your heart? Decide today to reconnect with yourself, your passions and your values.

Most importantly, just be you. You are enough. Free yourself from living for someone else’s approval, for others opinions , or for your own insatiable desire to be someone else. Flow in the beauty of– I Am Enough.

 
Unfortunately, for many different reasons people get sidetracked or never even get started taking the actions that would help them discover their uniqueness. Here are some suggested strategies to help move forward and stay on the path of discovering your gifts.

1. Make yourself a priority. Understand what’s important to you. To do that, you have to make yourself important in your life. Spend less time worrying about what everyone else thinks you should do. That’s what got you confused in the first place.

 
2. Build a reserve of money, time and space. This doesn’t mean you have to be rich to live your dreams. However, if you’re always lacking in money, time and space, you’re creating extra pressure for yourself. Having some reserves gives you the freedom to play and make different choices.

3. Have a daily practice that keeps you connected with your gifts. A daily practice allows you to develop the skill and discipline to listen to yourself. Learn to look inward for answers. Consider journaling, meditation or other practices that help you tune out the world and hear your own whispers.

4. Ask others for input on what you can’t see in yourself. Sometimes it’s hardest to see your own gifts. People may overlook or dismiss your strengths and talents. Chances are your friends and family can provide clues about what’s special and great in you.

5. Don’t think too much. It’s time to get out of your head and into your heart and body-they have intelligence to share. You can’t always think your way to the answers. When you are engaged in activities, pay attention to your feelings or your body. Are you energized? Do you lose track of time? Don’t miss these valuable clues.

6. Get a fan club. Discovering your gifts doesn’t have to be a solitary endeavor. Exercise the choice you have about who to spend time with. Why not surround yourself with positive and supportive people?

7. Befriend your inner critic. Keep reminding yourself that knowing and using your gifts is not about being right or wrong or perfect. Discovering your gifts is an ongoing process of learning. Expect resistance, learn from your inner critic, and keep taking action.

8. Maintain a sense of humor. It is important to have a sense of lightness and fun to welcome new ideas and opportunities. Don’t be too serious. Take delight in unwrapping your gifts.

9. Shine the light on beliefs. Don’t underestimate the power of belief. What do you believe about yourself and the world that could be hindering your progress? Replace beliefs that don’t serve you. Consider creating an “old belief graveyard” and “new belief birth ward.”

10. Don’t step off a cliff, just take one small step toward the edge. The process of discovering your gifts requires action. The focus is not on arriving somewhere, but on being on the journey and learning. A desire to make changes in your life may come with a deeper understanding of your gifts.

However, you don’t have to make drastic changes overnight. What’s one small step you can take to move in the direction of your gifts?

Source: http/: www.advancingwomen.com