Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Tips to Help Women Overcome Obstacles and Reach Their Dreams



By Samantha McMurtrie

So many women wish they could be more successful in their lives, yet, when I take them aside and ask them what would constitute specific success in their lives; they would stare at me blankly. Sure they might cover the obvious success strategies they would imagine they would need in order to be successful – but all too often they are not sure themselves of exactly what they are trying to achieve. Most women could tell me that they wanted to achieve abundance in wealth, health and happiness – yet in order to execute effective strategies to achieve these objectives, they would possibly land up walking away with mediocre results because their frame was too vague.

You see, if you don’t have very clear and specific goals in mind, then no matter what strategies you initiate in your life – you will be running around in circles. As a professional coach, it is my job to make sure that my clients’ goals and objectives are crystal clear before we even attempt to develop suitable success strategies in order to achieve what they are seeking. Often we are in a rush to reach our success, we bypass as many possible points so that we can get into action and start seeing immediate results. But if we don’t formulate a foundation for clarity and develop a plan to implement the right actions aligned with our definitive goals – we will sink before we can even swim!

The very first tip towards developing powerful and pertinent action steps therefore lies in becoming clear on what you want. It is not specific enough to say I want to become wealthy. Wealth to you may mean something very different to what wealthy means to someone else. How wealthy do you want to be, what do you want to earn, when do you want to become wealthy by…? These are all questions that need to be thought through before you get out there and play the game. Being vague will give you vague results. Get specific, measurable and clear so that you know exactly what to set out to achieve and then we can move onto creating success strategies that are right for you!

Once you are clear on what you want, the second tip I would implicate is to formulate goals that are tangible and do-able. So many women set such high expectations of themselves that they devise unrealistic action plans that they need to implement and they land up getting stuck in over-whelm. We often debilitate ourselves before we even begin. It is true that we all want to be superwomen; however, we also need to look at setting ourselves up to succeed and not to get imprisoned by the anxiety of our own expectations.

The rule of thumb as a coach is to encourage clients to set themselves up to carry out success strategies that are 20% out of your comfort zone. So if you feel that leaving your job and opening up your own business is 100% out of your comfort zone, then you need to look at other alternatives that you could do that would push you to get there, but not keep you trapped in helplessness. Perhaps you could start the company whilst you are still employed and work on it in the evenings and over the weekends, until such time as you feel that the move over would be more aligned with 20% out of your comfort zone.

Thirdly, the biggest tip I can give you as a coach to enhance effective success strategies is the following: see failure as feedback. If you are scared to do something out of fear of failure – then chances are you’ll never do it and you will never be able to face the failure, receive the feedback and move onto becoming a success. Failure is a success strategy in itself. The only way past failure is to go through it and learn so that you can then come out tops! If you can change your perspective on failure, I bet you would be ready and willing to try a lot more things in your life! Successful people welcome failure and use it as a stepping stone towards reaching their ultimate dreams.

So are you ready to define your goals clearly, get 20% out of your comfort zone, and welcome failure? If so, you have three success strategies that will help you overcome any obstacles, and shift you into creating and getting into action towards achieving your dream life!

Samantha McMurtrie is a dynamic woman who has the passion and commitment to seeing that everyone she encounters comes out with direction, purpose and an incredible drive for life! She is a learning facilitator and a qualified Professional Coach, a member of the ICF (International Coach Federation) & Comensa (Coaches and Mentors of South Africa). Samantha is one of the founders and members of Pretty Powerful, a vibrant company that optimises the power of the internet to provide women around the world with affordable, accessible and quality online coaching programs offering tools, success strategies, guidance and support to help women create the lives they want. Samantha is the author and coach of the successful Pretty Powerful 90-Day Life Makeover program that aims to help women become the best that they can be – mentally, emotionally, spiritually and skilfully. Pretty Powerful reflects Samantha’s vision to enthuse women around the world to learn, live and love POWERFULLY! Visit Success Strategies to become 100% clear, confident and excited about your life! Secrets of success.

Monday, January 18, 2010

What is the Secret?




E. Gordan

Everyone knows you are supposed to make time for networking, but wouldn't it be nice if your networking suddenly started to happen automatically?

On my flight back from Florida on Sunday night I sat next to the nicest guy - we literally talked for the entire flight. By the end he couldn't wait to buy my book for his wife. Yesterday at the bank I met someone who now wants to tell all her clients about my book and business, and today while waiting for an elevator, I met a woman who after our 2 minute exchange, said the same thing.

Attract the right people to you like bees to honey with these Chic Tips to improve your networking skills:


  • Expect to meet great people everywhere you go. Networking opportunities are everywhere. I once met a new client standing in line at the post office. She noticed the high heel label on my package and couldn't help but inquire. Be especially alert and curious during mundane activities or when things haven't gone as planned. Instead of getting frustrated when your flight is cancelled, think, maybe I am going to meet someone fabulous here.


  • Use humor and observations to break the ice. Show that you are a fun person to be around and that you are genuinely pleased to enjoy their company and your time together (even if it is just a few seconds). No matter what you do, everyone likes to do business with people they like and who they think like them. You don't even have to use words - a kind and lighthearted demeanor can be communicated entirely non-verbally with your eyes and your smile. So if you are more introverted let your face do the talking while you warm up.


  • Be interested and interesting. Mention facts or events you have heard or read about recently. Add your opinion and your personality to the conversation. Mine past experiences for stories that help define who you are as a person and what your life and your work is all about. Serve up small slices of your work life at a time without drowning them in minutia. Everyone's work and everyone's life can be fascinating when described that way.


  • Describe what you do in a way that anyone in any field can understand it - consider this your layman's version of your elevator pitch that you can use with those who may not be at all familiar with your field. Make it intriguing, so they can't help but ask to know more. If you're a drama queen don't overdo it, but if you tend to be more dry, add in an extra little special spice all your own to make yourself memorable and different. I help rich people stay out of jail, is a lot more intriguing than, I'm a tax accountant.


  • Choose your locations wisely. Different types of people hang out in different types of places. It is not random who you meet where. The types of people who take meetings at coffee shop chains are different than those meeting at the local bean house, as with those who meet at a private business club, the lobby at the Ritz, the parking lot at the Holiday Inn, an eclectic lounge, a gallery opening, the dog park, or the smoothie shop at the gym. Know what types of people you are looking to meet and make their hang outs, your hang outs.


  • Realize that you are always on. Be conscious of your appearance and who you are being, even when you are not technically working. If you happen to be dressed out of your normal character, make a joke of it - 'I can't believe you caught me with out my heels on,' is a favorite line of mine.

So don't be shy, be chic. Networking is one of best ways to grow a business. Don't sweat it if you don't feel like a pro yet. With your Chic Personality - everyone you meet will enjoy meeting you.


Elizabeth Gordon is the founder of Flourishing Business ®, an advisory firm for entrepreneurs. A visionary leader with a passion for helping others achieve their entrepreneurial dreams, Elizabeth advises, consults and coaches entrepreneurs and business leaders helping them to achieve their business goals.

Do 42

Today marks the 15th day of my 42 day cleansing fast. 42 is the amazing 42 day program for cleansing the mind, body and spirit. I made up in my mind that in order to get to the next level of my life, I had to do something that I had never done. 2010 was fastly approaching and I haven't made resolutions since I was about 20. I've always set goals to achieve in my new year, but this year I KNOW that I am entering into my season of abundance and prosperity.

My lifestyle has changed tremendously and its unbelievable the progress I have made from 2007, to now. In 2007, that's when the transformation begun. I was going through HELL and I had to re-evaluate my Life. WhenI took a close evaluation, I was living in fear, selfishness, lack of self-love, and I had no peace. I made a commitment that year to surrender my life to God and allow him to use me as he see fit. I read "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren and since then, I haven't been the same. I started walking the righteous path.

I was introduced to The 40 Day Miracle in 2008 and I told everybody else about it. I didn't need to do this because I definitely didn't need to lose weight. After, my first son was born, I was blessed to return to my pre-pregnancy weight. So I made every excuse and justification to NOT do 42. Well, I had another baby in 2009 and that baby left me sort of "fluffy," as my friend Professor Harris, Author of A2Z Inspirational Marketing says. I tried everything and I still had that pouch! OMG, I was not used to that! I knew then, I needed to do something outside of the norm to have the perfect body that I had before kids entered into my world. I also knew if I wanted a deeper understanding of life and how it's all connected, I needed to explore the foundation, which is God. So 42 was my answer.

I have only 27 days until I am completed. And so far, its been a challenge. It's not really that hard, but it has placed structure and discipline in my life. The most challenging aspect of the program is the food. Not being able to eat anything with sugar or salt is extremely hard to adjust especially when you are used to eating candy like a kid! Through this process I am also learning a lot about myself. I was a person that never tried foods out of the norm. Now I am open to eating different types of vegetables and friuts. I also learned that I loved to season my food with salt. Now I've replaced Lawry's with herbs and spices. I am learning the joy of happiness fills up a room. I am learning that happiness is a continuous feeling and not justa one-time or occasional experience. I am learning that everybody else is not really my concern. Because I am responsible for me and shaping my world. Most inportantly, I am learning that God is my best friend and he has my best interest at heart.

Do42.com it will change your life forever...

WHO is this woman that discovered "The Secret" and made it available for EVERYONE?

RHONDA BYRNE
Author, Creator, Executive Producer of The Secret

As the creator, author, and producer of The Secret in both the book and feature-length film versions, Rhonda Byrne’s intention is to empower all others to live a life of joy.

In late September 2004 Rhonda discovered an unfailing and unerring principle that permeates and underlies every single aspect of our lives. She was astonished that this life-transforming information was not widely known and practiced. In that moment she made it her life’s focus to share this knowledge with all people around the world, so that billions could powerfully transform and improve their lives.

Rhonda immediately began applying and studying this all-powerful knowledge, which was to become The Secret. She studied the work of the world’s finest minds – great thinkers, artists, scientists, inventors, discoverers, and philosophers - drawing from fields as divergent as quantum physics, metaphysics, psychology, and religion. She found again and again that the knowledge of this one principle had run like a golden thread through the lives and the teachings of all the prophets, seers, sages, and saviours in the world’s history, and through the lives of all truly great men and women. Without exception she saw that all they had accomplished or attained had been done in full accordance with this one most powerful principle.

Already a successful television and film producer, Rhonda began practicing what she learned, using the Secret to make the film The Secret – attracting the resources she needed to have the production be an effortless and joyful odyssey. And just over one year later, The Secret was released to the world.

The Secret reveals the most powerful law of the universe and explains how anyone can use this law to create unlimited happiness, love, health, and prosperity in their lives.

Millions have viewed The Secret film since its release in March 2006. Rhonda’s book The Secret, available as an audio-book and printed book, is a #1 New York Times bestseller and has more than 16 million copies in print in over 40 languages. Thank you letters in the hundreds of thousands have poured in to Rhonda and her team, all expressing deep gratitude for the sharing of The Secret. And according to Rhonda, this is just the beginning.

Rhonda was born in Australia and began her career as a radio producer. Her creative leadership led to a series of number-one rated programs. Rhonda moved into television production, joining Australia’s Nine Network, where she worked with one of the country’s most highly respected directors, Peter Faiman.

In 1994, Rhonda formed her own production company, Prime Time Productions. Her company produced top-rated shows such as The World’s Greatest Commercials, Great Escapes, OZ Encounters, and Learners. Many of her shows won industry awards and were screened in major countries outside Australia. Rhonda’s experience, background, and skill in film and television production were instrumental in the creation of The Secret.

Rhonda has expanded her Australia-based film and television company, Prime Time Productions, and now works with her teams in Melbourne, Chicago, Austin, and Los Angeles to create new and exceptional films, books, and other tools and experiences that inspire, uplift, and transform lives.

In May of 2007, Rhonda Byrne was recognized as one of the world’s most influential people in TIME magazine’s "The TIME 100: The People Who Shape Our World", and shortly afterwards appeared in Forbes’ “The Celebrity 100” list. Rhonda currently lives outside of Los Angeles.

Living the Secret: It's about your thinking!


MONEY - RELATIONSHIPS - HEALTH

Money is magnetic energy. You are a magnet attracting to you all things, via the signal you are emitting through your thoughts and feelings. Discover how to become a powerful magnet for the creation of personal wealth.

Relationships can be completely transformed, no matter what it's like right now. Learn how to transform every single relationship you have in your life.

Concerned about your health? Explore ways to open yourself up and become a powerful magnet to wellness and health starting from wherever you are now.
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MONEY

Money is magnetic energy. You are a magnet attracting to you all things, via the signal you are emitting through your thoughts and feelings.

To become a powerful money magnet:

Money Be clear about the amount of money you want to receive. State it and intend it! Don’t think about how much you can earn, but how much you want to receive.

Fall in love with money. Most people do not love money, because they always feel that they don't have enough of it.

Visualize and imagine yourself spending all the money you want, as though you have it already.

Speak, act, and think from the mindset of being wealthy now. Eliminate thoughts and words of lack such as "I can't afford it", "It is too expensive".

Do not speak or think of the lack of money for a single second.

Be grateful for the money you have. Appreciate it as you touch it.

Make lists of all the things you will buy with an abundance of money.

Do whatever it takes for you to feel wealthy.

Affirm to yourself every day that you have an abundance of money, and that it comes to you effortlessly.

Appreciate all the riches around you, including the riches of others. Look for wealth wherever you go, and appreciate it.

Be certain that money is coming to you.

Love yourself and know that you are deserving and worthy of an abundance of money.

Remind yourself everyday that you are a money magnet, and ask yourself often during the day, am I attracting money now or pushing it away with my thoughts?

Always, always pay yourself first from your wage, then pay your creditors. In that single act, you are telling the Universe that you are worthy and deserving of more.

Repeat over and over every day, "I am a money magnet and money comes to me effortlessly and easily."

Write out a check to yourself for the sum of money you would like to have and carry it in your wallet. Look at it often.

Do whatever it takes to feel good. The emotions of joy and happiness are powerful money magnets. Be happy now!

Love yourself!
Wealth is a mindset. Money is literally attracted to you or repelled from you. It's all about how you think.

Rhonda Byrne

http://www.thesecret.tv/index.html

To be continued...



Written by: TNG


During the holiday, I was able to visit with my immediate family and friends. I also was able to see my older cousin Kendrick Snipe. We grew up together, got in trouble together (in some cases), and were roommates when we first moved to Atlanta. We just have always had a very strong bond, since childhood. When I saw him this past holiday season, I didn't know that he would change my life by giving me something to connect my ambitions and determination to reality. Not only did he help me see much more vividly, he connected my soul, spirit and body. And now every part of my being is moving in one direction. Everything is now in sync because of this gift that he gave me. I am on the same line, in the same paragraph, on the same page, in the same chapter of my book; which is my Life's Destiny.

What is so unique about how it all came about is interesting. About six months ago, we discussed the possibility of him helping and managing my projects. However, with his daily projects, family, and lifestyle he was unable to really help. That was fine, because he always gives me "big" cousin wisdom when it comes to managing business. He talked about a book called Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and told me that I should read it because it was very insightful. I heard him but didn't apply what he told me. So life goes on..la.la.la.la…In business, I wasn't seeing the expected results of my labor. I questioned and pondered what could it be? And the answer shouted clear from my soul: You need wisdom and more knowledge.


Through a church play, I met Diaha. I would always see her reading and because we both share that passion, we connected. She again reiterated this book and why I should read it. Finally, I purchased the book and started reading the book. From the day I picked up the book, my life and circumstances has changed. I received the understanding that my thoughts were vital and essential to achieving the success I was trying to achieve. Daily, I started renewing my mind. But, I still was having a hard time in some areas. In order to experience abundance and prosperity in every aspect of your life, you must understand abundance and prosperity in every aspect of life.


Well, the book was written during and after the Great Depression. How ironic for me to receive it during the Recession...Lets take it a step further. The 2009 Holiday season comes and Kendrick and I start to have a conversation that led from humor, to theory, to opinions, to logic, to philosophy. He kept saying, "Tawana, you must read The Secret. Once you read this book, it will definitely connect the dots to completion." He told me that he had an audio version, and because it was downloaded to his iPod, I could have his copy.

January 1, 2010 arrived. Kenderick and Tiffany (his wife) is known for hosting parties, cook-outs, and get-togethers at their house. We had a great time, eating, talking, watching funny movies and just being a loving family. But before I left, he ensured that I started listening to this "gift." How ironic for me to receive this “gift” on the first day of a new decade? He placed it in my hands and the rest is history.


To be continued......

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Chic Tips: Knowing who to Trust‏

As a Chic Entrepreneur you have an optimistic attitude and probably like think that everyone is a good, honest, capable and hardworking person - However you are also smart enough to know that is not always the case. A savvy business-lady is never so naïve as to forgo her due diligence.

Choosing who you do business with is just as important as what kind of business you do. Avoid getting burned by those not worthy of your time or talents - not to mention your business - with these Chic Tips

  • Make sure you meet all the parties involved. If you are hiring a company - ask to meet the person who will be doing the actual work. For a strategic alliance with another firm, you want to meet all the key players on their end.
  • Ask for references - it may seem a bit old hat in the socially networked world of today, but not everyone has a public persona online, if you'd like more information about someone you are thinking of doing business with, ask to speak to some of their other business associates. Have specific questions in mind to ask when you call such as did they meet deadlines, did they have strong work ethic, be specific about what you want to know.
  • Know your own ethical boundaries and be firmly rooted in them in all your business dealing.
  • Make ethics part of the conversation - don't assume everyone agrees on what is right and what is wrong.
  • Notice your first impression. If you don't feel comfortable with someone, you are never really going to be able to trust them 100%.
  • The eyes don't lie. Are they comfortable with eye contact or do they get shifty. Body language reveals many clues if someone is trying to deceive you.
  • Ask your intuition. Your intuition acts as a natural guidance system. The more comfortable you are in your own body, the better able you will be to hear the wisdom it is trying to share with you.
  • Recognize when you've trusted the wrong person and get out. Things changes and sometimes so do people. Be aware enough of what's going out to remove yourself from a bad situation as soon as you recognize it as such.

Trusted relationships are the fabric of society and the fabric of your successful business. You're too Chic to get burned by those whose integrity is not inline with yours. Learn to make good decisions about who you choose to trust, and see more people start to extend their trust to you.

Wishing you Chic Success,

Elizabeth

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Elizabeth Gordon is an advisor to entrepreneurs and business leaders. A pioneer in the feminine approach to business, she is the founder of Flourishing Business® an advisory firm for entrepreneurs and the author of 23-week Amazon bestseller, The Chic Entrepreneur: Put Your Business in Higher Heels. She is the co-creator of Your 48 Hour Day: The World's Simplest Time Solution and on the Board of Directors of Pink Payments, merchant services solutions for women. Elizabeth is a 2008 recipient of The Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 Under 40 Up & Comer Award for Atlanta's best and brightest professionals for her business achievements, civic involvement and impact.


The only place SUCCESS comes before WORK is the dictionary....

Your crown has been brought and paid for. All you must do is put it on your head.~James Baldwin

There is nothing you need that you do not already have.
There is nothing you need to know that you do not already know.
There is nothing you want that does not already exist.
There is nothing that exists that is too good for you.
There is nothing anyone has that you cannot have.
There is nothing more powerful, more intelligent, more sacred than you.
You are the stuff life is made of.
You are the esssence of life.
You have been chosen at this time, in this place to be among the living.
You come from a long line of successful living beings.
You are one of the king's kids.
Born into the world to inherit the kingdom.
You are equipped to handle anything.
You live by grace, built by love.
You are the cause and the reason of everything you see.
You are the one with the Source.
You are creative. You are alive.
What else could possibly matter?

Affirmation: Today I claim my Diving Inheritence. (Iyanla Vanzant ~ Daily Inspiration)

New Year Resolutions verses making a Commitment to CHANGE--->The real secret to being able to change is the willingness to do so. If you truly want to change, you will CHOOSE to do it and make a commitment to the process of it.

Friday, December 25, 2009

The Power of Love & Desire

Written By: TNG

Corporate Chics, LLC, Sisters Striving for Excellence, Inc. and Tawana Necole wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas!


Today I thought it would be a perfect day to blog about what has been on my mind concerning the POWER of love and the POWER of desire. I receive inspiration from many different avenues. Movies aren't only interesting, engaging, and intriguing, but because I am an artist in many different aspects, I love everything about that particular expression and the impression that it leaves on others. Of course the plot of the story line has to be extremely exceptional, but when you have great actors to pull of the story, that makes it even better.

I saw "Slum Dog Millionaire" about three months ago and I wanted to write about it right after I saw it, but I wanted it to simmer in my brain, so that I could write out of a place of love, and not emotion.

The movie depicts the journey of a kid that grew up in India. When I say he was dealt a terrible hand when it came to life, it's an understatement. Jamal (the main character)lived in poverty, his mother was murdered; forcing him into homelessness. His brother was the Judas of his life, but even though he experienced many misfortunes, his desire and love for this one chic, allowed him to win the game of life.

The power of love and desire is amazing and it is the SECRET to life. It is the simplest concept to grasp when it comes to getting in line with the Universe. The movie begins with Jamal as the guest on a very popular game show, "Who wants to be a Millionaire?" The writer DID THAT..Yoe ever heard Wanda from the Frank & Wanda morning show in Atlanta say, She Did that.... LOL...Ok..Ok, let's get serious!
Jamal's experiences assisted him in winning an abundance of money and his one true love. What is so amazing about the book turned flick, is the fact that he didn't want to really win the game. This was an attempt to reconnect with Latika (Rubina Ali). The money was just became a great incentive. That's the bases of the plot and story. AND that is why the moral and the movie is so intriguing. Experiences are usually a great testimony and ministry. Understand that your experiences, usually lead to encouragement and empowerment: the three essential components Corporate Chics is built upon.
Love is unconditional. The starting point in Napoleon Hill's book "Think and Grow Rich" is Desire. Wishes are desires with the ability to become Definite. Something is not a wish once you act upon it. DESIRE CAN BE TRANSLATED INTO REALITY. Jamal believed with his all that he would win back, his one true love. He chose a definite goal and placed all his energy, all his willpower, all his effort and did everything to back that goal. And it became a reality.

Have you ever heard of The Secret? Well, if you haven't, I love spreading knowledge and this is something you must know and understand in order to get anything you want in life. The Secret reveals the most powerful law in the universe. The knowledge of this law has run like a golden thread through the lives and the teachings of all the prophets, seers, sages and saviors in the world's history, and through the lives of all truly great men and women. All that they have ever accomplished or attained has been done in full accordance with this most powerful law. By applying the knowledge of this law, you can change every aspect of your life. This is the secret to prosperity, health, relationships and happiness. This is the secret to life."

There you go! The movie provides a significant philosophy and simple principle. Hope, faith, tolerance, and courage were the components, Jamal utilized to achieve his goal of becoming a millionare and winning his one true love. View the movie if you haven't seen it. If you believe 2010 is going to be your year, it is. And yes it's that simple...


Information is quotations found on www.secret.tv/

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Execumamas, I hear ya!: Entrepreneur - Fear = Excellence

Execumamas, I hear ya!: Entrepreneur - Fear = Excellence
BY: Akilah S. Richards

I told you guys that she harvested me. She is absolutely amazing and I am so honored to be in partnership with her.

The Core of All Our Problems is Right Here, We Just Have to Look in the Mirror

By: Guy Blews

You can read all the relationship advice you like, but it’s a waste of time unless you work on the core of the problem.

The core of the problem is you.

Not the you that you think you are, but the you that you have been ‘miseducated’ into being; the you that society wants you to be; the you that you never thought you would be. That is who you have to work on. That is the you that thinks reading a book or flicking through a magazine will give you the instant answer, the instant solution – unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way; and nor do you. Most of these books are too one dimensional to make much of a difference; most of the articles are too shallow to get to the core of the problem, they only address the superficial details.

Re-programming oneself is not an easy task, it requires a radical re-organization of old habits; both emotional habits and physical habits, but if you refuse to do this, then you have little hope of changing the path your life is on, the path that was chosen for you, or the path that you fell into by virtue of the people you were surrounded by; probably a path that you didn’t think about much; possibly a path you regret; a path you can change if you want to.

Although the task may not be easy, it is not complicated, it is based on simplicity, on refuting the ‘miseducation’ of the past and on seeing how the world really works, how humans truly behave, how situations usually play out. Essentially it requires honesty, with yourself and with those around you. Once you decide to strip your opinions down to the core, to the bare bones of right and wrong, then you can begin to work on building a solid foundation based on the truth you see not on the fairy tale you were sold.

Building a foundation on your own dreams and ideals is essential if you are ever going to be successful physically and emotionally – do not build a dream on the ideals that you were given or the stories you were told; it is only when you make opinions based on your own experiences and on what you actually see that you can begin to know who you are and how you truly feel. It is all very well to believe what you are told, but it doesn’t do you much good when you are told lies, exaggerations and falsehoods that don’t work out in real life; and after all, real life is where you live, not in a movie, a book or a pop song. There is no happily ever after in real life.

Allow me to generalize a little…

Most of us have been taught to always look for a solution to our problems outside of ourselves; we are guided towards thinking that an animal, a partner, friends or a child will make it all better, that God has a greater plan for us than the one we see, or that the Universe will lead us to a better place; we are rendered helpless by our belief that there is a greater force at work, an organizing energy that will work things out for us in the end just so long as we behave as we see correct, just so long as we do as we are told. This is a falsehood, a lie, a fairy tale that conveniently places the blame elsewhere, and inconveniently takes away our sense-of-self so that we are always cursing ourselves or thanking something else depending on how the situation goes. Living this way negates our core and shrouds our truth in misconceptions and impossibilities.

Whenever someone mentions God or the Universe as the omnipotent force in their lives I will always question them; I will point out the self-centered nature of their belief, (their importance becomes inordinately magnificent because God or the Universe cares about them so much as to interfere with their path on a moment by moment basis); I will argue that the second you place the responsibility of your life on an outside force then you immediately negate free will, for the moment something else has the final say, the moment there are ‘no coincidences’, is the moment that we are being controlled by that force down to the last millisecond otherwise nothing would work out as ‘it’ intended, therefore, these people deny free will as a possibility (even if they think they have it)… And usually, after a little bit of defensiveness, these people will argue themselves into saying something like, “No, I mean that God is inside me, he is energy…” – did you just say “he”??!! Did you just change your argument to suit your position right now??!! Did you just make no sense whatsoever??!! I hope you see my point – let go of the external beliefs and convenient scape goats and start looking at what is really in front of you.

Until we confront who we are and what we actually experience, until we actually take responsibility for ourselves, our lives and our situation, then we are never going to progress as well as we should, we are never going to find balance or peace; we have to let go of the crutches we have been bred to believe in and we have to get to the core, to the essence of who we are. It is only then that we can reject the ‘miseducation’ and see what really happens around us rather than sugar coating life and letting our wishes complicate the truth.

Now the truth is not always pretty, but it’s here, and in order to create the best possible version of ourself we need to be open minded, we need to be able to re-shuffle what we were taught and re-think what we were told, we have to objective rather than subjective about our actions and reactions. What we were sold is not what really happens – what we see is what really happens; in order to see the truth we have to keep our eyes open, our ears alert and our minds active, we have to take into account our own actions and thoughts and we have to analyze the bigger picture as well as the smaller details; if we can do these things then we can begin to create a solid foundation and the basis for a strong core; if we can strip away the fluff and fantasy then we can find the core to ourselves and we can see the core of what is in front of us.

Avoidance is our biggest problem.

Because the truth is sometimes ugly, we have been programmed to hide from that truth, to deny that truth and to invent another truth that makes us all feel a little bit better about the cruel, mean, vicious world we actually inhabit. If we continue on this path of avoidance then we will never get to the core of the problem and we will continue to exist in lives that make no sense, lives that are riddled with disappointment and lives that follow the failed path of those that went before us.

The core of the problem is clear to see if we are prepared to be honest about life, about human nature, about the world. If we exist in reality, if we observe the workings of the world, if we are clear in our own minds about the way we truly are, then we can begin to learn from what we see, and hopefully when we read and when we teach we will do so with truth and honesty, we will make decisions based on sound principles and we will eradicate the core problem that creates so many repetitive problems.

(Do not blame your weight problem on outside forces – do something about it in a practical and sensible way. Do not blame others for your relationship issues – look at who you are and choose people that suit you better; learn to be alone and begin to grow. Do not expect the failed systems of the past to work in your favor – think for yourself and do what works for you. Remember, nobody cares about you as much as you do, so do something about you.)

If we can get to the core of the problem, if we accept the truth about human nature and the (often disastrous) role of nurture, if we have the strength of character to stand up to the ‘miseducation’, then we can create lives and loves that will last, situations built on integrity and not fantasy, relationships with real possibilities and children with a mind of their own.

Get to the core of the problem. You.

Guy Blews

Guy Blews is the author of ‘Marriage & How To Avoid It’ and is the instigator of Realistic Relationships. He has a blog at http://www.realisticrelationships.com/ and recently released his second book, ‘Realistic Relationships’ which gets to the core of the problem on every issue related to life, love and relationships.

Glass Half Full Or Half Empty

By Graeme Renwall

Have you mastered the power of positive thinking? While we seem to know intuitively that thinking positively will result in positive results, too often we fall into a downward spiral of negative thinking. While it’s impossible to think positively 100% of the time, that should be our goal. Here are some tips to maximize the amount of positive thinking that you do:

1. Be around positive-thinking people.

That old saying about birds of a feather is true. If you hang around positive-thinking people, their thinking will cause you to think positively. And if you associate with negative-thinking people, the opposite will happen. Whenever possible, avoid such negative people like the plague. If you can’t do that due to mandatory social situations, then don’t allow those people to drag you down into their sludge of negativity. Keep your head above it!

2. Control your outlook on life.

Too often we allow others’ negativity to impact our outlook on life. As a wise person once told me, “You can’t control others’ actions-only your reaction.” Sometimes it’s easy to allow negative-thinking people to drag us into their web of negativity. Forget about them! Those types of people will do nothing to reach your goals in life or make you happy. Instead, focus on maintaining a positive outlook on life.

3. Constantly reflect on your actions and attitudes.

Always be aware of whether you are thinking and acting positively. It’s so easy to slip back into our own negative behavior and perceptions. That’s why you must be constantly vigilant. Whenever you catch yourself thinking or acting negatively-change those actions or thoughts immediately. The longer you wait, the more ingrained they’ll become in your life.

4. Make daily affirmations a habit.

A daily affirmation is a carefully-created statement that one repeatedly repeats and writes down. The goal of daily affirmations is to combine them with positive thinking in order to achieve success in whatever activity the person becomes involved in. Various recent books with a focus on daily affirmations have helped to boost the public’s interest in them.

5. Set goals and strive to reach them.

Avoid setting goals that are impossible. Instead, set ones that are challenging but within your reach. Even if you only experience minor successes, this will give you confidence to set more challenging goals to meet. Regardless of the obstacles you encounter, always keep your eye on the prize!

6. Live life to the fullest.

Sometimes the day-to-day grind can be as fun as getting a root canal. It doesn’t have to be that way! Indeed, variety is the spice of life. Try new experiences in life. Take up a new hobby. Travel to an exotic country. Taste foods that you’ve never tried before. By experiencing the variety that life has to offer, you’ll wake up each morning and be ready to face the day.

While thinking positively 100% of the time is impossible, there’s always room for improvement. These tips will help you to constantly see that glass of water is half full in every aspect of life.



The Chic (Sheek) Entrepreneur

By: Elizabeth Gordon

A Chic Entrepreneur Succeeds Like a Woman - Don't feel like you have to subscribe to the tired old norms of business days past. We are entering a new era of business, one in which your perspective and abilities will be even more valued by the marketplace. You can define a new definition of success, one that fits you - your dreams, your values, your personality, and your desired lifestyle. It's time to tap into your inherent strengths as a woman and start playing the business game boldly and by your rules to maxmize your success and achieve your business goals.
Chic Success is about growing into the confident, savvy and skilled business leader in you. It's about being authentic, believing in yourself, taking risks and taking action.
There are tremendous opportunties in the marketplace today for a savvy woman to take charge of her business destiny.
Chic Success means being you at your business best. And you, Tawana, deserve nothing but the best.
Until next time, Stay Chic!

Elizabeth Gordon

The Chic Entrepreneur c/o Flourishing Business, 1189 McLendon Ave #11, Atlanta, GA 30307, USA


ForMore about Elizabeth Gordon Click here!

Sunday, December 13, 2009

The rest of why I was M I A: The Judgment

Written By: TNG

SO I explained to you al that I would tell you why I was MIA for about 30 days. Last week I was explaining the logistics of a wonderful new business client, Fabulous Pooches, LLC. I also discussed the exclusive Speed Networking Event through my business partner and I: {Face/Forward}. Before the final execution of the event, I was involved with a play called: The Judgment. The play was written by Sharon Miller and Mr. Blacksheer.

I am part of the CEO Drama ministry at my church and I absolutely love being apart of such a wonderful group. I've grown over the last couple years in my spirituality/relationship with my Maker and each day I am on a consistent journey of maintaining that relationship. My passion involves acting but I singing and writing trumps any and everything that I place my hands on. However, the more I grow, the more I realize that winning souls is why I am here. I am unselfish when it comes to utilizing my talents in its proper course. Anyway, I can bring honor to my Lord and Savior, I do it.

The Judgment discusses the trip of college friends planning a trip to Europe, but they never make it. Being apart of such a wonderful project with great actors and actresses was not only rewarding, but purposeful. Click on the highlighted links to see the trailer for the play and The Letter written from Hell. I have the love of God running through and through my soul and I guarantee if you click on this link, it could possibly change your life!

Your heart is the gatekeeper to your soul...

Go and open the mansion of the soul; when you find the powers of heaven, you shall sit with them.
~The Book of Coming Forth by Day, translated by Dr. Maukaba KarengaWhere your treasure is there your heart shall be.
Your heart is a place of silence and communion.
Your heart houses the secrets of your soul; the path of your destiny.
Your heart covets your desires and places them strongly in your mind.
It is the key of all you want to be.
You must have faith in your heart and trust all that it says to you.
Never betray your own heart or you will find yourself lost.
Your heart is the gatekeeper to your soul.
It will never judge you, never doubt you, for your heart knows exactly who you are.
Keep your heart light from grief.
Let it guide you in all your ways.
When things are not as you know they should be, retreat quietly to the resources of your heart.
You make your heart a mystery when you fail to ask its advice.
When your heart is heavy about a matter, you believe others can lift you up.
If you really knew your heart you would never doubt its value to you.
God speaks to us through our hearts because all that God is, is love.



Affirmation: God is in the midst of me. Wherever I AM, God is.
(Iyanla Vanzant ~ Acts of Faith)

Monday, December 7, 2009

Face-Forward: A Collaborative Speed Networking Event

Written By: TNG
The concept behind this idea was derived from the movie Hitch. Yeah, yeah, yeah...Hitch. Do you remember in the movie when the women attended a Speed Dating event? Every 2-3 minutes, they met someone new; provided a brief background about themselves, and then moved to the next person. Well that's the concept of Speed Networking. Each entrepreneur or business will have 3 minutes (one minute and a half each) to introduce themselves or provide an elevator pitch.

SMH (shaking my head), so you don't know what an elevator pitch is, well the conecept derived from being in the right place at the right time. So let's say you are on the elevator and Donald Trump, Oprah, or someone of great capital or infleunce walks in. This is your opportunity to tell them about you and your brand. Hey, they may just be interested! So this is where the term "Elevator pitch" derived.

Be there on 12/10/09 @ 6:30pm. If you register early, you will receive complimentary Uptown Comedy Tickets. The giveaways are going to be bananas!

We have a massage giveaway, an in-house personal chef service which includes 1hour and a half meal preparation service on site dinner for two, free consulation on funding your business, and even a free webpage design!

All because we are in the business of helping others achieve their goals. Yes, its that simple!

Face Forward: The Beginning...

LinkedIn

Akilah Richards has sent you a message.

Date: 8/30/2009

Subject: RE: Join my network on LinkedIn

Thank you for visiting execumama.com, I'm happy I stumbled upon your information on Shepreneur, and we will certainly be in touch in the near future; count on it!

Best,

Akilah S. Richards
www.execumama.com
www.vozvisual.com

Ms. Akilah Richards,
_____________________________________________________________________________________

On Sun, Aug 30, 2009 at 7:37 PM, Tawana Gibbs

I actually took a look at your site and I love what you are doing! We will definitley be connecting and utilizing your services in the near future.

Also, thank you for taking the time to visit the site! I am extremely excited about this new venture. Corporate Chics is a professional and exclusive company that focuses on enhancing, promoting, and developing small businesses and Women Entrepreneurs. We are also a business and networking organization that outsources and provides memberships to our clientele. Our experienced consultants provide a source of vas knowledge for members looking to write a business plan, publish a book, start a non-profit, or start the business of their dreams.

Corporate Chics is a resource to many new and small businesses. If you are interested in becoming a member or receiving referrals for your business, let us know! We have over 500 contacts that may possibly need your service or product. With us, you have the opportunity to be a guest speaker for networking events and achieve the success a whole new level of success. We are only an email away!

____________________________________________________________________

Sent: Mon 8/31/09 5:38 PM
To: Tawana Gibbs (tawananecole@corporatechics.net)
Greetings, Tawana!

Again, I am so excited to find a fellow champion in the cause of Women's Empowerment. We have an audacious task ahead of us, and I embrace the challenges as much as I accept the rewards. Women like us have a responsibility to raise awareness in women, young minority women in particular, that they can live their fullest lives though resources, connections, commitment, and networking. I am very much looking forward to seeing the ways that Corporate Chics and Execumama can spread some sunshine all up and through Atlanta, and the world :)

Also, I caught your article in Shepreneur, and found it very informative. Great stuff! I was fortunate enough to cover the Shaun Robinson article in the most recent issue, and I thorougly enjoyed working with the Shepreneur staff.

Please send me details on membership information as I am definitely looking to expand my public speaking repertoire, and of course opportunities to network. Also, may I request that Execumama.com be added to the Corporate Chics "Resources" page?


Warm regards,

Akilah S. Richards, Writer & Entrepreneur

www.execumama.com
www.vozvisual.com

Contact Me LinkedinFacebookTwitter
Define, Design, & Live your FULLEST version of WOMAN! Some chic who looks like my mom
____________________________________________________________________

SO we meet at a restaurant and Connect like it's nothing! We discussed kids, entrepreneurship, our love for writing, entrrepreneurship, our journey, entrepreneurship, our books, and entrepreneurship!

____________________________________________________

Date: Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:56:15 -0400
Subject: Comin' out da gate, Shaawty!
From: arichards@vozvisual.com
To: tawananecole@corporatechics.net

Tawana,

Can I just reiterate how super-excited I am about Execumama Enterprises and Corporate Chics doing business together?! I tell you, I had to really work hard not to float out of my seat and into the clouds with all the great ideas birthed from our brief conversation today! God is good; life is good; and we are en route to abundance by way of utilizing our gifts to inspire/assist others!

So, as the email subject implies, I'm ready to roll! I think your idea of doing a speed-dating format for a networking event, coupled with my idea of putting businesses in a room together with the promise of service bartering is a great marriage. I want to move forward, Tawana. Yep, already!! I met with my Logistics Dept. (aka Kris...lol!) and I'd like for Corporate Chics and Execumama Enterprises to do our first event in mid-January. What do you think?

Let's schedule another meeting for some time next week. If you're okay with the idea of planning something for January, I can draft an agreement for us to review/finalize, and sign so that we can get planning underway. I'm really hoping you don't think I'm jumping the gun here, but I got a really good feel of you today, and I trust you, so when I feel that way, I move, period.

Looking forward to your feedback!
____________________________________________________________________
On Thu, Sep 10, 2009 at 7:08 PM, Tawana Gibbs <tawananecole@corporatechics.net> wrote:

Lets make it happen! Draw up the contract and let's start planning and we can even have conference calls if we are unable to meet personally. I am ready just as you are and everything I wanted to say about you, you have confirmed it. So let's get, get, get it!
____________________________________________________________________
and Now Look what has happened less than 2 months later when two power, extraordinary, beautifu;, ambitious women come together!
____________________________________________________________________

Come be a part of modern networking!

More than a mere strolling chat, Face/Forward's speed networking format offers professionals a GUARANTEE of information exchange with everyone in the room.

Hors d'oeuvres & drink specials compliment the tone of the night!


Stock up on business cards, get your 3-minute pitch ready, and prepare to do more than mingle at Atlanta's swanky hot spot, Mist Lounge. Whether your business is burgeoning or booming, come present your Face to the Atlanta business community, and propel your business Forward.




Registration required to confirm your seat.

Bring your business cards to win a jazzy swag bag!

www.face-forward.com










Fabulous Pooches, LLC

Written By: TNG

Corporate Chics represent exquisite, classy, and sophisticated women who inspire through experiences, encouragement, and empowerment. We are a consulting and marketing company that focuses on enhancing, promoting, and developing small businesses and Women Entrepreneurs. Our recent client: Fabulous Pooches, LLC.

Not only does she have had an innovative idea, but her work is phenomenal! Peggy Johnson, CEO of Fabulous Pooches, has created an innovative idea for pet lovers and anyone involved in the pet industry. She has recognized that this is an untapped market and wanted to create a brand that will be here for years to come.


During the holidays, eating and stuffing ourselves is so easy to do. But who is usually right there waiting to get the leftovers? Our pets! So while we are piling on the pounds, so are our pets. Can you believe that our pets are now becoming overweight? They’re over 78 million dogs and 88 million cat owners in America. The product that Corporate Chics is helping this new business offer is a new and wonderful way to have fun and burn calories.


The Cardio Fun CD is a workout CD with fun upbeat music, for people and their pets. You can exercise, play in the park with Frisbees, host doggie parties & doggie fashion shows. Not only will it be on disc but people will also be able to download the music to their iPods and mp3 players. The CD is just the first of many products by Fabulous Pooches, LLC.


Introducing Fabulous Pooches!


Corporate Chics Book

Written By: TNG

Corporate Chics, the book is NOT a start-up business book! It's not a book, describing how to climb the corporate ladder! It's a book about a young woman who journalizes her life through Instant Messaging with her co-workers. The issues that the novel explores, requires every woman to pick up this book. The message is powerful and TRUST me when I say it's entertaining. Listen to the excerpt attached to this blog. Tell your girlfriends about it. It makes a great book club discussion. And it fits perfectly into a stocking as a stocking stuffer. Don't wait until books are on back order to get your copy. Corporate Chics, the novel is unlike anything you've read!

Excerpt