Category: Professional Development

Categories
Entrepreneurs Networking Professional Development

Network Marketing:  The Magic of Entrepreneurship for Women

First meeting of Women's issues support group meeting, group therapy concept

Ever since ‘becoming an entrepreneur’ in the early 80’s, I have never lost my admiration and appreciation for females choosing to ‘fly solo’.

Their determination, energy and unrelenting focus toward success are powerful indicators that never quitting has unlimited possibilities. Comparing traditional employment to building a network marketing business is, among other things, the difference between a defined/predictable paycheck and unlimited rewards.

Self-motivated women are the best example of overcoming obstacles, discounting naysayers and never giving up on their dreams.

Over the years, I have personally participated in networking marking. However, while no longer representing a specific company, I continue to support women in that arena through mentorship, purchases and belief.  I have witnessed women who went from the starting gate to across the stage recognition for their hard work. I have dear friends who have learned to balance home life with entrepreneurship, who have continued to believe in their company and risen to the top.

It is my belief that one of the cornerstones for success in network marketing is the strong and consistent emphasis on personal and professional development.

In most traditional work environments, the ‘job’ equals a ‘paycheck’. Stay the course, do what’s expected and benefit on pay day. While I can’t acknowledge through my own experiences, I question how much enlightenment is derived from a traditional ‘9 to 5’ job.

Women have always been traditionally eager to learn.

When you think of what it takes to be a mom, to making a household run smoothly, to meet the demands of community and family,  I’d venture to say ‘learning while doing’ are cornerstones have endured to create female success. Network Marketing is all about learning!  Whether it’s product knowledge, team work, self-confidence, building relationships, time management, learning and implementing are all key factors for success.

Community

I will never forget my first network marketing conference in ’96 (The People’s Network/TPN).  I was not a student of personal development. I did not know who Les Brown or Zig Zeigler were.  I had never before attended a rally. I became 100% hooked. I couldn’t wait to read, to learn and to build my team.  I couldn’t wait for the next conference and the one to follow. The opportunity to be with like minded individuals, to build an income without limits and to be motivated  and rewarded by my own efforts all had major appeal. I can only imagine that now, 20+ years later, what I’ve described continues to infuse women with the belief that they, too, can reach for their own unlimited success.

Business Models

Sure, there will always be skeptics.  Of course, people will continue to view the network marketing industry with distain and distrust.  True there are companies who have fallen short of promises and folded. Is that not the case, however, of some mainstream businesses in general? (Sears, Sport’s Authority, K-Mart, Blockbusters to name a few).  For example, as pillars of the network marketing industry, Amway, AVON and Mary Kay business models have stood the test of time because of their unwavering commitment to their representatives and to personal/professional development.

Women are natural nurturers.

We embrace, care and support others as part of our DNA.  What better way to demonstrate these attributes than through a system whose entire platform is based on support and teamwork?  If you represent a company that has demonstrated consistency, unwavering values and great products/services, than the only missing piece is your own determination and effort toward success.  Women have that drive. They reflect to their family, their team, their company and to their customers commitment and integrity. Reward comes with diligence.

I would not want to imply that network marketing is easy.  I don’t underestimate that as with any worthy endeavor – patience, perseverance and time are necessary for desired results. Reality is that for any woman to be successful she has to be willing to face trial and error, spend time and money and be committed to staying the course.  While, it may take months or even years to reach determined goals, history has proven by combining tenacity and focus one can unquestionably create winning outcomes. I wouldn’t bet against a woman who has that kind of drive and ambition!

Networking Marketing is a Business

It is in everyone’s best interest to take women in seriously.  Network marketing is a business.  It’s in the business of engaging, sharing and moving products and services through a time tested system.  Women who represent this model deserve respect. They deserve encouragement and support. The industry is the perfect vehicle for women and especially those who have families and the responsibilities that home life requires.  Network marketing offers flexibility. It offers long term opportunity.

While there are those who will discredit the industry, believe it is flawed or misrepresents itself, there are thousands of women who make it work, benefit from the model and are empowered in ways that traditional businesses don’t offer.

Self-motivated women who believe in themselves are an asset to our economy. It serves all of us to pay attention, to encourage and to realize the huge contribution they continue to make in the world of commerce.

Read the original article here.

What are your experiences in network marketing?

Categories
Entrepreneurs Professional Development

Break Through Your Comfort Zone to Achieve Your Entrepreneurial Dreams

Strong female boxer knocking out her opponent with an uppercut while fighting in a boxing ring
Strong female boxer knocking out her opponent with an uppercut while fighting in a boxing ring

Young smiling business owner in workwear scrolling in smartphone, having drink and looking at you

You’ve dreamed of starting a business so you can “call the shots,” set your own schedule, and enjoy unlimited wealth-building potential.  If you’re like most Americans, however, one barrier is keeping you from turning your dream into a lucrative reality – your comfort zone.

In one ear, a voice whispers all the benefits that come from being your own boss.  In the other ear, a voice reminds you of how good you have it now working for someone else – a steady paycheck, paid vacations and health care benefits.

What the second voice neglects to point out is how much you’re missing in life by not embracing risk.  How do you snuff out this voice of “status quo” to move forward in life? What can you do to break free from your comfort zone to achieve greater success?

1.  Define your dream.  What do you want for your future?  Do you want more time to spend with family or greater freedom to travel the globe?  What would make life more fulfilling to you? The more specific your dream, the more likely you’ll be to attain it.

2.  Determine the right vehicle to make your dream a reality.  Read business opportunity magazines and books to see what kind of ventures interest you.  Talk with people you know who run home-based businesses. Find out why they chose their particular industries to help you in deciding what type of business you want for yourself.  Research what initial investment you need to make and the income potential you should expect. The more clearly you identify your target, the more confidence you’ll have in your ability to hit it, giving you the psychological boost you need to take the first step out of your comfort zone.

3.  Design a road map.  Once you have set your goal, what steps do you need to take to achieve it?

For example, suppose you’re a staff writer for a PR firm looking to start a home-based public relations writing business.  Where do you begin?

Start by putting your goal — your destination — down on paper. Next to your goal, write a deadline as to when you want to achieve it.  Then ask yourself what you need to do to reach your destination. How much money should you save? What research do you need to complete? What training or formal education should you acquire?

By writing down your goal and planning action steps to achieve it, you’ll increase your conviction and determination to break free from your comfort zone at whatever the cost.

4. Identify your hurdles and challenges.  What’s keeping you from stepping out of your comfort zone?   List your answers on paper. Then for each obstacle, brainstorm at least ten possible solutions.

For example, suppose one of your obstacles is the fear of criticism.  Ask yourself, “What can I do to overcome this barrier?” One solution is to repeat affirmations such as, “I like myself . . . I like myself” over and over until you are so confident in yourself that you no longer feel fettered by other people’s attitudes toward you.  Remember, don’t stop with one or two solutions – go for all ten. Usually your most creative ideas come in the last few.

When you pin-point the barriers that keep you in your comfort zone, you enhance your capability to overcome them.

5.  Find a mentor.  Before Roger Bannister broke the four-minute mile barrier in the 1950’s, the world thought it was an unachievable goal.  A few days after Bannister’s ground-breaking performance, several other runners broke the once “impossible” barrier. How could this happen?  Bannister’s accomplishment abolished the self-imposed limitations in the minds of the other milers as they saw first-hand that breaking four minutes was really possible.

This is the kind of impact a good mentor will have on you.  The accomplishments of this person will inspire you to achieve great things yourself.  You will gain practical wisdom on how to overcome barriers to success specific to your business.  A mentor will encourage and motivate you to move full-speed ahead toward your goals.

6.  Surround yourself with like-minded people.  Who you spend time with strongly influences whether or not you break out of your comfort zone.  People who don’t understand the entrepreneurial life (and don’t care to) will hold you back. These people say things like, “Why don’t you come back down to earth.”  Or, “You better keep your day job.”

Look for friends who know the ups and downs of running a home-based business and can offer the insight and encouragement you need to propel yourself out of your comfort zone toward your business dream.

6.  Always think positive.  If a boxer, during a match, allows any negative thoughts to enter his mind, he’s doomed for defeat.  Why? Negative thoughts undermine his confidence. Instead of thinking of what he needs to do to win, he begins to panic.  His fears become self-fulfilling prophecies, and within a few punches, he’s knocked out.

The same goes for entrepreneurs.  If you allow negative thoughts to prevail, you’ll undermine the confidence you need to break free from your comfort zone.  Even when you muster up enough courage to pursue your dream; fear, doubt, and worry will quickly shove you back.

Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations.  Never allow “I can’t” to spring up in your mind. Think “I can, and I will!”  Read books on personal development and attend seminars by top motivational speakers.  This way, you fill your mind with high-octane thoughts that will fuel your desire and enhance your ability to achieve great things outside your comfort zone.

7.  Commit for the long-haul.  Don’t take a “try and see” approach because when times get tough in the early stages – as they do in any start-up business – you’ll feel compelled to give up your dream to find a more stable “real job.”

Draft a contract to yourself.  State your goal and list the steps you need to take to get there.  Then commit, for a period of at least one year, to do the activities you need to do to succeed in your business.

When you make a long-term commitment, you’ll develop a strong belief in yourself.  Nothing will be able to hold you back from pursuing your dream.

Why stay in your comfort zone?  How can anyone be fulfilled in life by dwelling in a cocoon of mediocrity?  Take the first step toward your entrepreneurial dream, no matter what your fears.  Over time, the knots in your stomach will dissipate and you’ll see your dream materialize into a profitable reality.

Categories
Entrepreneurs Professional Development

Seven Traits of True Women Entrepreneurs

Woman opening her store with an open sign

Being an entrepreneur in today’s economy is tough, and women entrepreneurs don’t have it any easier than men. Some may say it is harder for women, but in either case, there isn’t going to be any easy successes anytime soon in the entrepreneurial world. What is it about the successful entrepreneur that is integral to that success? Do women entrepreneurs have common traits that help with success? Is it luck, is it the product, or is it something about that woman that meant she would probably be successful at anything she tried?

The woman entrepreneur will need a little bit of luck, but she will also need a lot of drive, faith, energy, and vision to reach her goal. Here are a few common traits of the successful female entrepreneur:

Drive. Failure is not an option for the committed entrepreneur. Bumps in the road will not set her back, but will only steel her resolve. She is on a mission and knows she will get to her goal.

Vision. The female entrepreneur is a big-picture person. She can see her successful business, what it looks like with all of its components. She can see her product on the shelves, her services in action. She is not only not afraid to dream big, but she views daydreams as achievable.

Autonomy. This woman likes to be in control and isn’t afraid to make decisions by herself. She is comfortable with being alone and has confidence in her intelligence. She is a take-charge person. This woman doesn’t wait for someone else to act and doesn’t second guess her choices.

Intuitive. The woman entrepreneur trusts her instincts about her product or service, the market, and her business management skills. She uses her instinct as well as her research and her knowledge to guide her business decisions. She knows that her instincts will be what sets her apart from her competitors and will ultimately lead to her success.

Distinctive. People remember this woman. She’s distinctive, her product or service is distinctive, and her company is distinctive. There is nothing ordinary here.

Planner. This woman not only devises and puts down on paper her business plan, she follows it. She doesn’t lose sight of her goals or her methods for reaching her goals. When she reaches a fork in the road, she might explore the alternate route and add it to her business plan, but she never forgets her vision. Her business plan is the written version of the vision she sees in her mind.

Risk-taker. Starting a business isn’t the first time this woman has thrown the dice. She isn’t afraid to bet everything on herself. She has been known to jump before.

True entrepreneurs are a rare breed. They lead their own business. They combine vision with realism. For the true female entrepreneur, the stakes may be high and the odds may be long, but there is no other option.  She’s 100% committed!

Does this resonate with you? What traits do YOU have?

 

Categories
Entrepreneurs Life Professional Development

Action Over Intention

Woman In Shopping Mall Using Mobile Phone

Do these statements sound familiar? “I meant to call you.” “I intended to finish the project before the weekend.” “I’m sorry I forgot your birthday.” I had every intention of being on time.” “I’ve been wanting to take a class, write a book or volunteer.” The truth is we all mean well. The reality is even the most sincere intention has no value without action. The world is full of dreamers. It lacks doers. Intentions are a barometer of what is possible. Actions are putting your intentions in motion. Action, not intention, creates results. The expression, “Action speaks louder than words” is familiar to all of us because it’s so true. Telling me you’re going to do something and not carrying it out is intention, not action.

We measure someone’s character not by what they say, but rather by what they do. Action, on the other hand, always brings results. Results are measurable. Our lives are shaped by what we do consistently. Think of those times you put your dreams into action. How did you feel? Many people don’t actually do what they know needs to be done. Every time you put momentum behind your plan you are already ahead of the crowd! We learn by doing. It’s easy to sit up and observe what’s happening. What’s difficult is getting up and taking action. The stronger your conviction, the stronger your action.

For any intention to become a reality it has to be launched into orbit. To get ahead you have to get started. While the majority of people have ideas; only a minority do something about them. Thinking about what you want to do or hoping something will happen, gets you nowhere. If you don’t make things happen, things will happen to you anyway -without your consent. What have you intended to follow through on? What have you told yourself you were going to do but neglected to implement? What keeps you from moving forward? Every action is a step that will increase your strength, your skill and your confidence.

Getting started has its own reward; action energizes. It strengthens one’s resolve to do more. Putting your thoughts into action requires focus and determination. Begin where you are and go where you want to be. Implement a plan and get started. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Do what you’d rather not do to prepare for what you want. Choose performance over promise; choose action over intention. There is no better time than right now.

What is your plan?

Categories
Life Professional Development

Happy New Year:  We All Need A 25 Hour Day!

Woman with clock over face on bright red background. Time concept

Why does time management continue to be an ongoing topic?  Why have literally hundreds of books and articles been written on the ‘how to’ of managing one’s time?  What will it take to finally come up with a working solution to the never ending struggle of getting everything we want to accomplish done in the time allotted? We all know the scenario – time for family, work, personal space, recreation, spirituality, community and so on.  We’ve all seen the pie graphically divided into pieces and regretfully acknowledged which pieces take up the greatest percentage of our lives and which need improvement. I suspect that were we to vote collectively, work would win hands down as to which part of the day consumes us the most.

As for me, there is no good news or revelation.  There’s nothing I’ve discovered to insure your success in having a balanced life or that you will stick to your priorities and feel better about the way your time is spent.  Of course, I can say to myself, “I’m determined to give more time to my family as they are my #1 priority.” Or, “No matter what, I’m exercising every day with no excuses.” The truth is, managing time is easy to say and difficult to achieve.  If it were easy, we wouldn’t need to dwell on finding solutions. Would an extra hour in the day really be the answer?  Not likely!

What can I possibly share with you to shed light on this topic?  Having tried a variety of different approaches over the years, the strategy that helps me the most is being  a ‘list person’. In order to complete what I want to accomplish daily, weekly and monthly, I write tasks down and check them off when finished.  My motto, “If you want something done, you have to do it or hire someone else!”  Not only does my list include everything related to work, I also identify work out days, time w/friends, family and time for myself By getting into the routine of writing commitments down, it quickly becomes obvious what is and isn’t getting done.

For me, this one step of writing plans down – ‘The List’ frees me up to focus what I need to.  You have to start somewhere. Otherwise, the circle never stops – no time – out of balance – stress – and everything else that gets in the way from being in control.  While we all could use an extra hour every day, the real issue is not more time, it’s time better spent. If you think making lists and delegating will help you be more productive, give either or both a try.  What have you got to lose when, in fact, you just might find the extra hour you so desperately need? It’s a New Year. Make finding that extra hour part of your resolutions. You never know the outcome unless you give it a try!

Categories
Life Professional Development

A Woman

31098878 - a happy young business woman

A Woman – Who Is She?

An extraordinary person with a story to tell,

On a journey and a mission only she can fulfill.

She’s empowered, enlightened, enterprising.

A woman will not be denied.

She deserves her success.

And accepts her accomplishments with pride.

She’s entrepreneurial, enthusiastic, energetic.

A woman is all about sharing.

She connects. She collaborates.

She gives back.

A woman is exceptional, setting the pace.

She encourages.

She embraces.

And shares from her heart place.

A woman is confident and proud.

Endearing, re-known.

To be a Woman is to acknowledge yourself.

To know deep within your power, your worth.

A Woman sets the standard of excellence

In all that she is.

She’s an extraordinary person with a story to tell,

On a journey and a mission only she can fulfill.

She’s a “Universal Woman”

Uniquely her.

A gift, a treasure, a person who endures.

A woman

Who is she?

She is ever evolving

YOU and me!

Categories
Life Professional Development

Self Confidence

Do you have any idea how important, unique and special you are?  Do you realize there exists only one YOU? What would keep you for acknowledging your greatness?

Every time you share yourself and your ideas you bring value to others.  Ideas come in many forms. They can be as simple as a suggestion, create clarity out of confusion or give insight that is transformational.  Your ideas are a reflection of who you are, how you think, what you feel and what you’ve learned from your own experiences. When you can arrive at a place that YOU matter, that your ideas matter and that sharing is a way to build confidence, you become so much bigger than who you think you are!

Willingness to share on any level is powerful.  There is no way of assessing the impact you have on someone else by offering them your point of view.  Each of us is unique. You are unique. Your experiences are unique. Your perspectives are unique. No one has traveled your road, been faced with your specific challenges or possesses your knowledge.  You are the only person qualified to be you.

There are times, however, that you could doubt yourself.  You make a suggestion that someone else discounts. You share an idea you want to implement and the response is negative.  Suddenly, you feel self-conscious and unsure. It’s unrealistic to think that every time any of us have something to say our contribute will meet with unquestioned approval.  Because we each differ, it’s predictable that our points of view will also differ. The key is to recognize you don’t have to have others’ agreement for your ideas to matter or for your value to be questioned.  You ARE valuable. Resolve that no matter what, you possess the confidence to know you are just fine. No one and no circumstance can ever devalue you.

Just as it’s normal to be sensitive to another’s negativity, someone else’s response has nothing to do with you.  As long as there are people, there will always be differing points of view. All ideas matter. Whether someone agrees with you or not is irrelevant.  What someone thinks about you is none of your business! We can’t possibly know the thinking, circumstances and feelings of anyone but ourselves. All you can ever do is share with integrity, accept with compassion and go about your life in a way that best suits you.  Never let your reaction to others or their reaction to you diminish who you are.

You are the gift.  You and your ideas have value.  Some will be well received and others will lay dormant.  You and your ideas have value not only because they reflect who you are, but because they represent the gift you bring to others.  Choose your words with care. Eliminate drama in your life. Associate with positive, energized and supportive individuals. Share from an open heart.  Be eager to listen and to learn. Welcome feedback. Remember, you matter. You make a difference. You have no way of knowing when or where. Just know.

Categories
Life Professional Development

If Only

Does this sound familiar?  If only I had moved instead of staying stuck.  If only I had listened to the advice I’d been given instead of dismissing suggestions.  If only I had spent more time with my family. If only I had been less impulsive regarding an unsuitable relationship and given my decision more thought.  If only I had listened to the voice inside.

If only is our way of looking back with regret over things we did or didn’t do and wishing we had handled a situation differently resulting in a different outcome.  Living one’s life by continually revisiting if only is a waste of time, energy and thinking.  Instead of focusing on if only in our lives, it might serve us better to give our attention to that small, powerful voice inside that whispers answers to those of us willing to listen.

When I think of impulsive decisions I’ve made – eliminating careful thought in the name of spontaneity – there are many choices that drew me in the wrong direction.  Past partnerships that were disastrous, business decisions and investments that cost me both emotionally and financially and those times when I put career as a priority over family just to name a few.  Whatever the voice inside was trying to say, I was too busy to pay attention! Might that be true of you, too?

Paying attention by acknowledging our intuition is a great practice to develop.  With living life at record speed as most of us do today and wanting answers yesterday instead of exhibiting patience, it’s no wonder that we don’t take the time necessary to listen to that voice that has our best interests at heart.  We no longer walk. We run. And, for me, there’s been a price to pay for not slowing down to make better choices.

Only when we find the quietness in our own minds can we begin to hear our inner teacher, so that we may receive some intuition. Only when we are ready to recognize and value the wisdom that we carry at the core of our being will we turn our attention inwards and ‘listen in’. Sit down, be quiet and listen in at some point today and you might be surprised at what you hear. Then do it again tomorrow. All you need to do is remember that you are the listener and not the noise.  What I am actually saying is that we need to be willing to let our intuition guide us and then be willing to follow that guidance directly and fearlessly.

Maybe now is the time to consider the possibilities?  Re-directing your actions inwardly and listening to what your heart shares can certainly move you toward eliminating if only in your life. You get to make choices that serve you best without worry or apprehension. You get to trust outcomes. You free yourself from uncertainty because you feel empowered by the core of your source and wisdom!  How free do you want to feel?

 

Categories
Branding Life Networking Professional Development

Be Memorable!

One of my favorite sayings is, “Why show up unless you want to be remembered?” I follow this with, “Leave positive, indelible imprints everywhere you go and in everything you do.”   In other words, be remembered for the right reasons.

There are actually two aspects to being memorable – how you dress and how you behave and in many ways they are  equally important.  Show up beautifully and professionally dressed with a bad attitude and you’ll be remembered but not for the right reason.  Have a great attitude and show up unkempt and it will be difficult for anyone to get past your appearance.  So, what is the answer to being remembered in favorable light?

I happened to catch a Dolly Parton interview not long ago and she shared rather openly the truth of how she always looks ‘impeccable’.  Dolly goes to bed with makeup (extreme, don’t you agree?) and with a wig by her nightstand.  Should an emergency force a quick exit, she wants to show up exactly the way she wants you to see her!  Well, I’m not suggesting any of us follow her lead, however, I am suggesting that how you show up in the world is exactly how you want others to see you.

For 29+ years I’ve had a signature style – I always wear cowboy boots.  Admittedly, it’s a bit different and always is a bit decisive, however, every day – yes even in warm weather – I wear cowboy boots.  Exceptions:  beach or at L.A. Fitness!  If Barbara Bush always wears her 3 strands of pearls, Larry King wears suspenders and Elton John his unusual glasses, I guess there’s a reason!  They have each created a singular style and it’s noticeable and expected.  How does this apply to you?  It is not too late to consider ‘creating’ a specific style.  Begin collecting scarves, unusual pins, unique color themes – anything that starts to create a change in your appearance.  Remember what I said earlier?  Why show if you don’t want to be remembered? Your appearance is the very first thing that creates a response.  Adding vibrant colors to your wardrobe, a consistent accessory or anything that sets you apart is a great way to attract others.  Appearance opens the door to conversation and connection.  Poor appearance is surely a door closer.

The same is true of your behavior.  Are you kind, generous, neat, punctual and a woman of her word?  Or are you moody, cheap, sloppy and perpetually late?  How you show up is how your life plays out.  How many times have you made excuses for a messy car to a passenger, apologized again for tardiness or split a dining check down the middle to the penny?  How many times have you made commitments and had to change the plans?  How reliable are you?

When it comes to being memorable, appearance AND behavior are the two factors that will either engage or turn off others.  It really doesn’t matter if you think you’ve ‘got it together’.  What matters is do others respond to you the way you want them to?  One could stay, “I expect others to accept me as I am” and I agree with you.  That being said, however, how you choose to represent yourself has a lot to do with self-respect.  When you feel positive, look positive and greet the world with a confident ‘YOU’ your confidence strengthens, your outcomes improve and you leave positive, indelible imprints everywhere you go and in everything you do.

Might this be worth a shift in your thinking and choices?  Only you can decide that for yourself.   As always, I welcome your feedback/comments.

Categories
Entrepreneurs Life Professional Development

10 Ways to Empower Your Soul

90312767 - 2018, silhouette of a woman standing in the sun, blue sky

In 1999, a friend gave me a gift – the following booklet on empowering one’s soul. I recently came across it and thought you, too, would appreciate this simple wisdom.. Sometimes, even the basic lessons of life can have the most profound effect. Consider beginning today to enhance and enrich your life and the lives of those you touch. May 2018 reap limitless rewards and well-being.

Ten Ways to Empower Your Soul

One: Simplify! Simplify! Overcome by clutter? Overweight? Mind and senses on overload? Uncomplicate your life by remembering this simple adage: “Less is more.” Drop the unnecessary and nonessential. Avoid gossip, useless clutter, overindulgence. Cultivate cheerfulness, neatness and a positive attitude. Dress simply, eat simply and practice simplicity in thought, speech and action. Simplify, simplify as you seek a higher purpose in life.

TWO: Choose a Direction. Racing from one commitment to another, overscheduling, trying out one self-improvement method after another, can leave you tired, confused and unsure of what to do next. It’s time to decide what’s important. Slow down! Let your mind become clear as you refocus your intentions. Make conscious choices. Always choose the best possible option. Be unwavering as you choose a direction for your spiritual and worldly life and let life’s distractions pass you by.

THREE: Transcend the Ordinary. If your life lacks spontaneity and surprise, your zest for life has probably fizzled. Unleash the power of your imagination! Walk down a different street. Transform frustration by cultivating patience and kindness. Smile at a stranger. Experience the world with a beginner’s mind. Remember that life is a gift and enjoy each moment.

FOUR: See the Light. Do you feel like you’re existing rather than living? On the brink of boredom? Expand your inner and outer vision to look for beauty and delight in yourself and the world. Choose to be cheerful. Practice being positive. Share your energy by reaching out to help others. Respect and love yourself, your companions and your world. Let your inner self shine and radiate light.

FIVE: Meditate. Mind full of scattered thoughts? Feeling disconnected from your self? Meditation is the answer. Give yourself a few minutes each day to sit quietly. Calm the body and mind. Take notice as you become less affected by the turmoil of life. Through meditation you can return again and again to the center of your being. Meditation gives you the best of life. Love your practice. Doesn’t your spiritual life deserve a few minutes every day?

SIX: Be Fearless. When you’re full of anxiety and fear, be bold! Watch your emotions and breathe deeply as you release tension, anxiety and fear and let them float away. Without condemning yourself or others, correct your misstates and move on. Life in the present moment rather than in past of future thoughts. Avoid procrastination – do what needs to be done at the moment it needs to be done. Become fearless and happy.

SEVEN: Wake Up! If you’re walking blindly through life and have tunnel vision, it’s time to wake up! Our habits deplete or enhance vital, creative energy. Start now to cultivate good habits. Practice breath awareness daily. Take a brisk walk to invigorate body and mind. Set aside time for relaxation. Stretch. Laugh with your loved ones. Learn to see every moment as a chance for new and refreshing opportunities.

EIGHT: Eat for Life. We live in an overfed and under-exercised society. A simple, balanced diet keeps us healthy. Choose whole foods. Prepare them with love. Eat slowly. Chew food thoroughly. Take time to taste the food you’re eating. Whenever possible, eat your main meal at noon and a light meal for dinner. Don’t eat between 7 pm and 7 am. Give thanks for your food and your life.

NINE: Keep Good Company. Just as good food makes you healthy, good company makes you cheerful and uplifts your spirit. The greatest blessing on the spiritual path is the company o fellow aspirants. Cultivate the friendship of those you aspire to emulate. Keep good company to become good company.

TEN: Be Flexible. Backaches, headaches and indigestion can be signs of being stressed out and uptight. Don’t sweat little things. Compromise when possible. Exercise your body – consider yoga, dance, hiking, bike riding, swimming. Exercise your mind – read, reflect, expand. Watch your life change.

I’d love to know which of the 10 ways spoke to you. How will you empower your soul in 2018?