What does success mean to you?  Loving relationships? Financial security? Fulfilling career? Making a difference?

For me, success has never been about money or what money can buy. Success is living authentically, aligning lifestyle to values, and creating a community of women who share my vision of making eyes shine bright with confidence and clarity.

How many eyes will shine because of me? Depends. Do I have a driving conviction to act on this vision or will self-doubt stifle my vision?

Fear Less – Live More

I believe in dreams, focused action, and that we each have a gift to share. It may be a view. A life experience. A gift of listening. Unfortunately, fear and lack of confidence often rears its ugly head and gets in the way of sharing our gifts with those who need it most.  If you don’t believe in yourself, who else will?

Having a belief in yourself and your convictions benefits everyone around you. Your conviction and enthusiasm is contagious. Belief will cause eyes to shine with joy, understanding, and hope. Just like Benjamin Zander.

The Gift of Deep Listening

Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic since 1979, uses his gift of music to help people open their minds to possibilities. Watch the humorous, touching, and eye opening TED conference video as Benjamin Zander explains the gift of listening and how it will transform not only your life but those around you.

“In the face of difficulty, we can despair, get angry, or choose possibility.” Benjamin Zander, Author, The Art of Possibility

“One of the most inspiring, practical, and uplifting books I have ever read. ” Christiane Northrup, M.D.

How many eyes will shine because of you?  Believe in yourself and be amazed at the transformation. You are a leader, whether you choose to be or not.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.   Marianne Williamson

You have a gift to share. Isn’t it time to let your light shine?

2008 is Leap Year!

It’s time for a leap of faith. Believe that this year is your year of accomplishment. This year you will:

L – Liberate yourself from self-sabotage;
E – Explore and open your mind to infinite possibilities;
A – Act on lifelong dreams; and
P – Peacefully embrace your life’s wisdom and leadership.

Free to Be Me

Life is far too short to wait one more minute. Forget new year’s resolutions. Commit to a new way of living. Today!

Our hands on WOW Workshop, Journey to Swan, helps you create a vision for your life so compelling, it is near impossible for you to fail. Once you understand who you are, what you want, and where you are going, decisions become clear. Action becomes simple.

Learn more at Journey to Swan WOW Workshop

• Cynthia Capers, Interim Dean, College of Education, University of Akron
• Laura Culp, CPA, MT, Director of Tax, Brockman, Coats, Gedelian & Co.
• Pat McKay, Owner, McKay Insurance Agency, Inc.
• Regina Shaw, John Dellagnese & Associates

These leaders openly shared with us the beliefs and path that molded their lives. As diverse as their backgrounds are, it is not surprising that they share a common outlook for achieving success. Each woman has chosen to:

• See life’s opportunities, not obstacles.
• Live a life of conscious choice, taking responsibility for their decisions.
• Live without regrets.
• Honor their mentors.
• Mentor others.

Masks, a life planning article I wrote some time back, captures the essence of the self-imposed silent pain and frustration we often carry within. Masks of perfection and professionalism not only keep others at arms length, those same masks often keep you from experiencing the life you want to live.

I hope the life lessons these women leaders chose to share will empower you to also see a life of opportunity, not obstacles.

Leading by example, Laura, Regina, Pat, and Cynthia have removed the masks of perfection and professionalism and allowed you to see the woman behind the mask.

Won’t you do the same?