Transformational Book Series – Our Picks
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8 Characteristics That Separate a Woman from a Girl
The transition from girlhood to becoming a woman doesn’t happen automatically or overnight; experiences, relationships, and challenges faced along the way shape each of us into unique individuals, and all of these factors help fashion a girl into a woman. While most females learn and grow on this journey, others do not. How a girl responds to the adversity along the way will determine if she matures or gets lost in an arrested development. Some females learn from their mistakes, seek wisdom from older adults, and take the challenges that come at them head on, but others do not.
In society today, age is often used as a marker for determining if a female is a girl or a woman, with that “standard” age being different around the world. However, we know that age does not equate to a girl suddenly being a woman simply by reaching that age set by society.
Here are 8 Characteristics that Differentiate a Woman from a Girl
1. They Know What They Want
Females who are truly women have a clear vision of what they want for their future. They know what they want in a partner, career, and life in general. For instance, women pursue a relationship with a man instead of chasing after dates with boys. Women stay the course in pursuit of their goals and dreams; girls often give up when the going gets tough.
2. They Are Decisive
Because women have a better idea of what they want, they tend to make decisions easier and more decisively. They go after career opportunities that interest them and are willing to commit to a partner. They aren’t afraid to make a decision because they have a clear idea of who they are and what they want.
3. They Plan Their Future
Women think long term—about their relationships, career, finances, living situation and more. They aren’t just winging it. Sure, they may not have it all figured out, but they have a good idea of where they want their life to go in the next five or ten years and they are laying the foundation to get there. On the other hand, girls who are yet to become women don’t have these plans and live moment to moment.
4. They Take Responsibility
Women have a lot of pressure on them – always, and let’s face it, we don’t always get it right. Being a woman means owning up to your mistakes and taking responsibility for your actions – even if you are in the wrong. Girls, however, tend to make excuses rather than take responsibility.
5. They Think About the Kind of Woman They Are Be-ing
Women reflect on their values and morals, what kind of person they are be-ing, and are always becoming. This includes what kind of partner, father, employee and friend they are and how that matches what they want. Women have put thought into their values and lead lives that reflect them. They mindfully use their time and do not allow others to mindlessly use it. Girls aren’t sure about their moral compass just yet and don’t steer their life with such intention. They allow others to mindlessly use their time without any thought about how they themselves – could mindfully use it.
6. They Practice Integrity
Women have integrity! They say what they mean, they show up when they said they would, and they follow through on their promises. Girls, on the other hand, who haven’t yet become women, are capricious and don’t always follow through – or even make the effort to always follow through.
7. They Are Emotionally Intelligent
Women are aware of their surroundings and environments, and know that it influences people in different ways. As such, women are equipped to stave off unwanted direction of anger towards them, that they know they have not warranted. They are in control of their emotions and know how to deter someone’s emotion – that is being projected onto them, from influencing their response or action. They avoid cattiness, and quickly steer disparaging and downward spiraling conversations to an upward more civil engagement – without causing obvious obstruction or further chaos to the process of the matter at hand.
As a woman, you try to talk it through instead of shutting down and using the “silent treatment” and also listen to hear instead of listen to respond. A woman takes time out to study her partner, and knows when to give him space without thinking it is all about her, and ensure he knows she is available should he need to talk. Girls do the opposite. They are unaware. They think mostly of themselves. They start drama and quickly escalate conversations into putrid arguments.
8. They Understand What it Means to Pursue Love
Women may be fearful of rejection, but they will still initiate conversation with a man, knowing that the reward can be greater than the risk. They understand what it takes to seek out and go after what they want, and they muster the courage to do so. Girls wait for opportunity to find them, and are often unprepared when it does come – often leading to an end – right after the beginning.
So, two females can wear the same clothing, go to the same job, and even date the same man; on the outside, they may look similar, but after taking a closer look, it can become clear that only one is really a woman, while the other is still functioning as a girl.
Disclaimer: Nothing wrong with being a girl! If you are a girl, enjoy every minute of being a girl. But there comes a time when you have to put away girlish things, and embody womanhood.
What other characteristic(s) can you add that separates a woman from a girl? Do tell in the comment section below .
With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,
4 Reasons You Should Commit to Personal Growth & Development
Personal growth and development as the name suggests, is the way you improve and evolve in your personal life. Growth by nature is an evolving process. It is not something static that we can ‘master’ once and for all. We are constantly changing, constantly evolving, and so we need to learn how to channel this change, and move skillfully with it so that it can be guided to reward us with the things that we seek.
There are many techniques for personal growth, such as creative visualization, repeating affirmations, developing a positive mindset, and meditation. Personal growth also involves counseling, coaching, and reading. You can commit to personal growth in 4 of the 5 ALLY’s – spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Physical personal growth is not the same as growing old. We all grow in age physically, and this is automatic. Nothing we can do about it! But physical personal growth is about improving your physical to better reflect your target goal, for example losing the extra weight, and you can do this by exercising regularly and eating more healthy nutritious foods. The fifth Ally which is financially, will be greatly improved as a result of the development of the prerequisites – spiritual, mental, emotional, physical growth.
Personal growth can help you in all areas of your life. It can help improve your relationship with your spouse, children, family members, friends. It can help you at work. It can change your attitude towards work and therefore open new opportunities for advancement, and it can help you to have better business deals and make better decisions. Personal growth is a necessity! Without commitment to personal growth, you will remain stuck in the same position, situation for years to come which is a recipe for depression, anxiety, and unhappiness. And if these are not enough reasons to commit to personal growth and development, here are 4 additional reasons:
4 Reasons You Should Commit to Personal Growth & Development
1. Personal Growth Helps You to Discover Your Purpose
Your purpose help to give your life and goals meaning. When you commit to learning, you will discover your strengths, improve your skills, and find ways to make you happy. For example, you may discover you feel invigorated teaching others. With this in mind, you can find or create opportunities to express your purpose, whether it is teaching a lunchtime workshop at your office, an online workshop, or coordinating a new youth program within your community.
2. Personal Growth Helps You Gain Clarity & Focus
It is easy to feel adrift, especially if you are unhappy or frustrated with certain areas of your life. For example, if you are burdened by debt, you may lose sight of your goal to get out of debt. Commitment to learning helps you focus on the things you need to do to achieve your goals. If your goal is to get your financial house in order, focus your growth on resources that help you get out of debt and improve your financial security.
3. Personal Growth Helps You Become More Resilient
Life can change in an instant, and the more resilient you are, the faster you will be able to recover from challenges or setbacks you face. When life throws you a curve ball, a commitment to learning will help you deal with it effectively and even grow from it, because you will have developed confidence in your skills and expertise. You will feel empowered and in control over your actions and decisions.
4. Personal Growth Improves Your Attitude
Studies have shown that the more optimistic you are, the more successful you will be. Why? Because optimistic people feel their actions and habits will impact their success and as such continually seek out ways to keep them engaged in their interests, while aligning themselves with people and things that aid their efforts. Their sunny dispositions make them feel more in control of their lives, and the results they get from their pursuit will continue to have a positive effect on their body, mind, and spirit. Since they tend to be happier than their more negative peers, people like them and are drawn to them, and want to see them succeed.
What are some of the ways you invest in yourself? Do share with us in the comment section below.
With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,
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5 Ways to Tap Into The Power of Your Thoughts and Channel It To Serve You
Thoughts are powerful! And they become our actions! The very thoughts that are circulating through your psyche can help to manifest the life of your dreams, or deter you from pursuing your dreams because of fear. But most people don’t realize the inherent power of their thoughts. We go about our lives infused in one mindset or another, without the clear realization that whatever it is we think about or focus on consistently, we move towards. We are the product of our thoughts! Think, and you shall become, is a huge part of the manifestation of our destiny. As author Norman Vincent Peele emphasize in his book, The Power of Positive Thinking “Change your thoughts and change your world.” Not everyone believes in the fervent power of their thoughts. They brush it off while dwelling on the past or fearing the future, not quite understanding that the very things that they are thinking about, they are inching closer towards. And whether they believe it or not, it is happening. It’s kind of like the Law of Attraction, it’s happening the way it operates, whether one acknowledges it or not – it is affecting their life! And since this is the case, we must be intentional about channeling our thoughts to serve us. It does take practice and work, but it has been proven that it is totally possible, and the ultimate determinant of us achieving our goals and enjoying a high quality of life.
How to Channel Your Thinking
We are all creatures of habit! We have very set ways of doing things and have conditioned ourselves to think, feel and behave a certain way through years (and sometimes decades) of practice. It is this type of habitual thought patterns that can set the stage for an empowering and fulfilling life, or help to play a hand in our resultant downfall over time.
If you’re serious about achieving your goals and accomplishing anything worth noting in life, then you have to leverage the power of your thoughts by channeling your thinking. And this may require you to do some mindset shifting and institute a new way of doing things as far as your thoughts, to bring about the change you seek. If the same ole’ same ole’ is not cutting it and is actually hindering you from progressing, then it’s time for that change to take place. As Albert Einstein once said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” We cannot expect to think, feel and behave the same way but garner different results. We have to do what’s necessary to create that change that is required for us to get to that next level.
As long as you can channel your thinking into the right direction, you can quite literally manifest your dreams. So what does it mean to channel your thoughts? Channeling your thoughts mean that you practice being present so you can always be aware of your thoughts and redirect it to a place where it can serve you – if it was not bringing forth thoughts that serve you.
Here Are Five (5) Ways You Can Channel Your Thoughts So They Serve You
1. Set Meaningful (SMART) Goals
When we set goals that mean a lot to us and are so very profound, it allows us to keep them front and center of our mind and makes it easier to refocus our attention when our thoughts stray. We have something that means a lot to us and will not allow us to be distracted for long. When we set goals that truly mean something to us beyond things like money, fame and prestige, we are better able to leverage the power of our thoughts to achieve those meaningful goals. The less superficial, the better the goals. If you set superficial goals you will very easily lose sight of them.
2. Create & Follow a Detailed Plan to Get to Your Goals
We can help to guide our thoughts in the right direction when we follow detailed plans. Whatever it is that you want in life, as long as you do the proper amount of planning for it, you can achieve it over time. It just won’t happen overnight. But it’s the right plan that will take you from Point A to Point B. Without a very detailed plan, and disciplined execution of that plan, it’s highly unlikely you will ever get to that goal or get to that goal in the time you determine you would. Again, if your goal is not very meaningful to you, and has substance, you will be more easily distracted. If they mean a lot to you, your thoughts will be more focused on them, and easily channeled when strayed.
3. Put Past & Present Hurt/Setback In Their Proper perspective
Deal with what you have to deal with, because having things throw us off our center is a part of the journey here on earth. But do not dwell there! Stay there long enough to mourn, grieve, and experience that pain, then deduct the lesson(s) from that experience so you can use it to advance you forward. The power to achieve anything lies in your focus. The more you can focus your thoughts on something, the more likely you’ll be able to achieve it. If you focus your mind on the wrong things, then you’ll have a harder time achieving anything in life.
4. Constantly Seek Ways to Add Value to Your Life
We can harness our thoughts to achieve wild success when we’re constantly seeking ways to add value. Life shouldn’t always be about a direct return on investment from your time spent on things. You have to look at the long-term implications of doing things the right way – today, even if it takes a considerable amount of time for that to materialize into real results. If you are constantly seeking out ways to add value to your life, the chances of your thoughts dwelling on things that do not serve you, will be zero/nil.
5. Ensure Your Mind, Body & Spirit are Always Amply Fed
We are most functional when we are balanced! Have you ever noticed after you go for a walk, run, or complete an exercise routine how entirely sharp you feel? Or when you travel away on vacation and get back how much more focused you are? When your mind, body, and spirit is catered to, focus becomes more natural, and having those meaningful goals will ensure you stay on course with your detailed plan and see them through to fruition more timely. You will find that it demands less thought channeling when you live a balanced life.
The right thoughts directed in the right direction can be powerful. But the wrong thoughts directed in the wrong direction can be fatal. Empower yourself by utilizing these 5 ways to tap and channel your thoughts so that they can serve you.
With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,
15 Ways to Let Your Ideal Customers Know You Have Launched Your New Business
You have worked your butt off trying to get everything ready for your BIG launch, and now it’s go time! Now, the time has finally come for you to transition into the final phase of product/service to customer/client, and you are ready. This is where advertising/marketing comes in! Advertising/marketing is the means by which you position and communicate your products and/or services in a way so that potential customers will find, want, or recognize a need for what you have to offer. The key to good advertising is identifying your potential customers and your target market. We have come up with 15 ways to get everyone buzzing about your new business, and while there are definitely more ways to do this, these will work very well for your business launch.
These 15 advertising/marketing guide will assist you in determining when, where, what, and how to advertise and market your business. Of course you do not have to use them all at once. Try using them over time, and subsequently based on the result (or non result) you get, choose the forms of advertising that work best for your business. Also, in your communications through whichever methods you choose, maintain a clear and consistent message as well as a consistent company image – branding. Here are our 15 ways to let your ideal customers know you have launched your new business and it’s time for them to perform for your bank account:
1. Word-of-Mouth
Shout it from the roof top! Word-of-mouth advertising is not going anywhere. In fact, it is one of the best advertising method for new and small businesses, because: a) it is free, b) sincere, c) believable, and d) unsolicited. Be sure the “word” is favorable by building up a good reputation. Be professional, meet deadlines, keep appointments, and do not accept more work than you can deliver. Good business practices and friendliness will enhance your business and make people want to return – in addition to referring you to others. Building a reputation takes time however, so you will need to use other forms of advertising as well.
2. Business Cards
Whip out those beautiful, presentable business cards and let it rain! A professionally printed card is an asset to any business. Include your name, business name, address, phone number, social media links, products or services you provide, and an attractive logo – if you have one. Give cards to interested people you meet. They may not buy your product or service now, but may refer someone to you at a later time. So make an impression in that initial connection; something that they will take away and remember about you, such as “very professional”, “easy-going and sincere”, and/or “very personable.”
3. Letterhead and Envelopes
Let the communications begin! Printed letterheads used to be a must, but in today’s digital world has far less need. However, you should still have a small supply of stationery on hand; for a proposal, thank you letter, or any of many other uses. Also, you may want to send out a few letters along with your brochures to select officials who have the ability to impact your business positively, letting them know you are open for business, and welcome their feedback. Letterhead stationery is often necessary when purchasing materials and equipment from wholesalers and suppliers for your business as well. Letter heads are way more professional looking than no letterhead at all, and when done right, they can improve the perspective of your business.
4. Brochures
A brochure can be small, inexpensive, and attractive. Get advice from a printer. You may want to hire a graphic designer to help with the layout of artwork, text, and lettering. The level of sophistication in the design of your brochure is directly related to; who your customers and potential customers are, the industries they are in, and the positions your contacts hold. And although professional and polished should be the goal, it is worthless without substance, so spend time getting the text right – clearly and succinctly expressing what you do, how you do it, and why they should buy from you.
5. Direct Mail
Mailing brochures or letters to businesses or individuals is a great way to make potential customers aware of your business; especially when you’re just starting out. Periodical updates and notices throughout the year can also serve to remind them that you’re still there. Mailing can be expensive and should be weighed with the other options when you decide on your advertising campaign, but since you are a new launch, you want to use as many options as possible. Again while technology has provided other options, direct mail still hold value based on who your customers are, and how they prefer to be reached. Also, consider providing a prepaid response card in your direct mail, which would provide you with some insight as to: a) whether that customer likes to receive direct mail, b) whether they found it informative, and c) whether they have comments or suggestions. A grand idea if you can afford to, is to include a souvenir in your direct mail to them – such as a pen with your logo. This will no doubt increase your chances of getting a reply from them. So don’t discount this option in your initial launch phase. If nothing else, you could gain valuable feedback from those response cards you sent. Yes, we have technology and the good ole Internet, but there is nothing better than giving your potential customers something tangible to hold.
6. Bulletin Boards
Post professional-looking brochures, flyer’s, or business cards on public bulletin boards in restaurants, grocery stores, laundromats, apartment complexes, schools, or anywhere visible to your target market. It’s old school but still work in certain local regions. We know! We have used it and it works!
7. Newspapers
Contact local editors and tell them about your new service or product. An editor may want to do a feature story, especially about your grand opening. An article can be free advertising and may be more effective than a large, paid Ad. Be sure to thank the editor if he or she runs the story. Getting space in a newspaper may be easier if you can tie into the activities of a charitable organization, or a community activity. Include a black-and-white picture and news release.
8. Classified Ads
Placing Ads in local newspapers and shoppers guides are appropriate for many businesses. You’d be very surprised by who still reads these, many times passing along what they have seen to family members and friends. This will cost a bit of money, but you should also have an option of 1/4 page, 1/2 page etc. instead of a full page Ad. If you are a local brick and mortar business, try to work out a cost with them so you do not have to miss out on what could be your biggest opportunity to make a huge splash – a bigger impact.
9. Portfolio
Of course if you’re just launching you would not have past projects to use for a portfolio; however, we are listing it here because it is one of the most valuable and vital tool in a business owners’ arsenal, and we want you to start building your portfolio as soon as you’ve signed up your first clients. You could also think about a giveaway, where a few customers receive a different good or service you provide in exchange for a review, and also so you’ll have that to start building your portfolio. Be sure to put some effort into building a collection of your best work. You may want to include a resume and list the advantages or special features of your business. Include those letters/reviews from satisfied customers, and be prepared to suggest those past customers as references. In addition to your website, you can also setup your portfolio on your social media sites using several different features.
10. Shows or Displays
Displaying some of your work in a public library or bank may be appropriate depending on your type of business. Along with your display, be sure to also have business cards available for people to take as well. Ensure the display is secure so you do not lose valuable merchandise.
11. Other Businesses
It is never too early to begin aligning with businesses that complement yours. Seek out to make those strategic alliances and work at advertising in their business and vice versa. Cooperative advertising usually benefits both businesses – immensely.
12. Directories
There are countless directories online to choose from, but the ones that matter most are the ones your customers use. If you don’t know, ask people who fit your ideal customer type, what their favorite search engine is, and how they find businesses they need. You may also find the top directories have a spot for the customer to review your company. Welcome it, and use the service to your advantage by asking your customers to review you. Believe it or not this will help you to trend higher on the search engines, and don’t forget to link your website to that directory page. Many times these directories will allow you to post a picture. If you don’t have a storefront then post your logo and make sure your information stays current.
13. Local Radio and Television Stations
This can be quite intimidating especially if you’re introverted and haven’t done any interviews before, but it is definitely an avenue you want to take advantage of. You can leave this for a later date, and use smaller platforms in the meantime such as Podcasts that align with your business niche. Some radio stations have local talk shows where you can be on air instead of on television – out of view, while still getting your business out there. When you are ready, call up the directors to see if they are interested in discussing your business, or a topic relative to your business industry. You can also purchase radio or television Ad time, which can prove expensive, but worth researching to know the pricing in your area – especially when it can be tied into some news feature or special event. There are many radio stations out there — especially now that there are web-based stations — so do your homework and position yourself effectively.
14. Local Organizations
Joining local organizations such as your Chamber of Commerce, provide a good opportunity to network and make valuable contacts. People like doing business with people they know! By participating in community activities, you increase the visibility of yourself, and subsequently your business. Remember, you are your business! Back then you could have a storefront with employees and no one even knowing who the business owner is – unless they do some research, and they did well! Today though, if you are not Google, Microsoft, Ford, or one of those big companies, you have to get yourself out there not just representing your business but being your business. We are in the age of Know. Like. Trust. Do business with. – in that order.
15. Networking
A network is a collection of acquaintances and business peers you depend on for information, services, support, and access. Network relationships are based on mutual and professional respect for the other’s ability to help when needed – as needed. There are many networking groups in most cities, but you will need a modest budget to attend their events to network effectively. Not every networking group is as valuable as another, so you need to do some homework to see what community is best for you. Learn as much as you can about potential customer habits, what types of events they attend. You may also want to craft a rich elevator pitch that represents your business and defines your products/services in 30 seconds or less. Also, always be on the lookout for collaborative partners where a mutually beneficial relationship can be forged to provide you both with value-added services for your respective customers. Remember that conducting research can pay-off immensely.
So there you have it! 15 ways to let your ideal customers know you have launched your new business.
Happy launching, and cheers to your business success🍷
With love, gratitude, and empowered attitude,
