Archive for the 'Other Useful Articles' Category
By Brenda McCoy Hunter
As you probably know, this article is not about stocks, bonds or money. It is about building a better future and a better community. It is about developing social capital. It is about preparing to give-investing in yourself, giving what you have-to significant others, and recognizing that your deposits may go to causes and people outside of your life circle.
Investing in yourself is probably the simplest of these three challenges (of course, we should never confuse simple with easy). It means that you should use take time and use resources to refill, refuel, and refine those assets that you have already acquired or wish to acquire. It may mean adding on to or completing what you started long ago. Investing in yourself means that you understand that nothing stays the same.
Career plateauing (flat lining) is a term that I found and challenged people with several decades ago as I led career development sessions. It defines what happens when you stop pursuing a goal or challenge on the job. It leads to burnout and decline. The scary discovery was that this condition moved across other areas of your life as well-outside the job-physical, personal, spiritual and social areas were negatively impacted. The journey doesn’t end when the job stops. Growth is a natural part of living and there is no stage where you stop growing and learning and sharpening…going slower is acceptable. Two quotes that spurred me on earlier: Mark Twain’s: “The person who does not read good books is no better than the person who cannot read.” and from the children’s corner: “When you’re green, you’re growing; when you’re ripe, you’re rottening.” The books and literature you continue to read, the people you meet and experience, and the new activities in which you engage are all investments.
As you invest in yourself, you bring something to relationships and situations to share…Investing in others means giving and sharing. It didn’t appear controversial to me; but, I occasionally encounter someone who argues ‘what for’. So let me begin by sharing the statement that keeps me focused in the event that I forget my spiritual mandate: “If you don’t reach down and lift them up, the sheer weight of them will pull you down.” It is not an original statement, but one that challenges me on many levels. If you have disengaged from the work force, you may look at the activities that you wanted to get involved in but didn’t have the time. You may look at a neighborhood issue that needs the knowledge and leadership that you have acquired over the years. There may be an issue that needs to be addressed and you are now available to give time to it.
On the subject of diversifying, I will just reiterate that the world has changed. There are many reasons not to invest all your ‘eggs in one basket’. The greatest is that the basket may cease to be. You should not limit your relationships and giving to people in your age-group, neighborhood, congregation, social club… you get the picture. You never know who holds your card, will hold your hand or answer your call. f it they are in your space, it is probably for a reason; give unconditionally.
In closing this conversation, I want to be completely real about this call to giving and investing: You may not receive pay, acknowledgement or appreciation for your work and contributions. You may give and no one will notice right away; but, remember that it is ultimately not about you. Hopefully your stream is being constantly filled and your need for appreciation met from inside. You are your greatest asset!
Brenda McCoy Hunter is a public speaker, trainer and the author of Answering the Call: Six Steps to Leadership and Service. Her flagship seminar, “Creative Horizons” focuses on succession leadership and offers an opportunity for pre-retirees to plan for success after their present job ends. She can be reached at 615-319-1223 www.BHunterassociates.com
March 01 2010 | Business Strategies and Tips and Other Useful Articles and Power Boost: March 2010 | No Comments »
By Karyn L. Beach
My friend Timogi is an incredible woman. She is a poet, clothing designer, business woman and motivational speaker. She hosts what she calls Sistah Parties. At a Sistah Party , Timogi has a table filled with random kitschy knick knacks and two stacks of cards, one with quotes and one with questions. The women at the party each come up to the table and pick an item or a card and Timogi explains the significance and allow the women to discuss it. I love Sistah Parties and I’ve been to several. I never get bored because each party is different.
I attended a Sistah Party a few weeks ago and a woman got up and picked up what looked like a DNA molecule. She handed it to Timogi. Timogi looked at it and said, “Our DNA determines a lot of what makes us who we are. It determines our gender, our height and any number of things. But what we do with what our DNA has given us is up to us.” Then she went over to the woman who selected the molecule and handed it back to her. While she is holding it, Timogi said, “It’s in your hands .”
WOW…
So many times, we let our gender, our race, or our socioeconomic background define us. When we do that, we fail to realize that our destinies, the paths we choose and the choices we make, are really in our hands. It truly is up to us.
In 2010, the only thing that can stop us is us. I am an African-American woman, I recognize that those two factors play a role in who I am and how I experience this world. Yet, those things for me are filters. They are lens that help shape my perceptions.
They are not obstacles. They are not barriers. They will not stop me.
I don’t know you personally but I know that you have your struggles, your demons, and your complicated pasts. However you got to where you are, the rest is now up to you. It’s in your hands .
Karyn L. Beach is a life coach, corporate trainer and editor of the P3 Power Boost.
March 01 2010 | Inspiring Stories / Poetry and Other Useful Articles and Power Boost: March 2010 | 1 Comment »
By Rev. Diannia Baty
There is a sticky spider web of untruth and perception about being a spiritual leader and I want to correct it hopefully once and for all. There are many misconceptions about spiritual leaders, life coaches, ministers, therapists
and anyone else who is leading, counseling and assisting others to improve their lives. The biggest one I find is that we are perceived as having no problems or emotions that are negative. We are supposed to instantly heal any situation and move on like Pollyanna ignoring anything at all that has blocked our path in any way and be totally blissful every moment of the day. Are you kidding me?
I would like to know where in what book does it say that? I would also like to know where it came from and I think I have the answer. Many of us in these types of chosen paths put forth a misconception that life is perfect for us and I am here to tell you that it is not true. In fact if you have had a life where you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, had perfect parents and an idyllic life with no problems and issues, then you are not really qualified to give real advice and counsel to others. If your advice comes from reading books and going to classes and getting a degree and nothing else then what you are offering to others is not authentic. If you are telling others that you never have an issue to overcome then you are not being real.
I would never go to a marriage counselor if they had never been married. I would never go to a life coach who had never overcome difficulties in their own lives. I think you are getting the picture.
Life experience is what it is all about. The more bad stuff someone else has overcome and risen above, the better and that includes those who are helping others to do the same. We all have days of frustration, anger, disappointment and sadness. It is the human condition and life is just that way. Some of us find our own way out of it. Some of us take longer than others to move ahead. Some of us leapfrog ahead and move on. The only way out of any given situation is through it.
Yesterday I received a call from a young woman who is a leader in her field and a life coach and she was having some problems and needed spiritual counsel. During our conversation she told me that she had shared her feelings with someone who gave her some guff about it. It seems this person thought that she should never have such issues at all because she is a life coach. I repeat are you kidding me?
I have had ministers and members of the clergy come to me for assistance and guidance for their problems all the time. One pastor was so overcome with family problems that he was considering leaving his church. He told me that he had to be very careful who he talked to because his congregation would go right for the jugular if they saw any sign of weakness. I explained to him that I felt it was false thinking to believe this. I said that if he had done his job well with the teachings of compassion and love that his church members would rally around him and to give them a chance to show him what they were made of. I encouraged him to take a leap of faith and share his sorrow and anxiety with them.
The following Sunday he did just that within the guidelines of his sermon, he went for it. He called me later and told me it was stunning what happened. There was such an outpouring of love that it overwhelmed him. He became more real to all of them as he revealed his humanity with all its twists and turns. What he thought was a weakness turned out to be strength. There was no judgment from anyone as they rallied around him to help. He had taught them well and today he is still leading his congregation.
Some time ago one of the members of my class told me that she envied me being so calm and peaceful all the time. I immediately corrected her impression of me. I told her that I also went through the gamut of emotions and thoughts that everyone else does. She was taken aback. I explained to her that being a strong spiritual person did not automatically mean that you never had any problems to overcome. I explained to her that the difference is that most of the time you just move on quicker and more powerfully using spiritual practices to get back to the place of peace and joy. I reminded her that every spiritual person regardless of title has issues to overcome. Jesus, our greatest spiritual teacher of all time went through periods of doubt, sadness, anger and disappointment. He had help and guidance from God and he always went to the right source for assistance. He did not go it alone ever.
It took me a long time to finally arrive at a place to know that my creator is there always and had never left me because I am one with God and the universe. It was the way I was created to be even if at an earlier time in my life I did not know this. I am also one with every single person. Many times in the past when I thought God had abandoned me it was in fact me who had exited stage left…not God.
I do not have infinite energy to do everything. I get tired. I do not have all the answers and I will be learning as I study and teach. It is a never-ending journey. The minute I have arrived and think I am a bag of chips and then some I had better start all over because the universe will show me that I am not all that. I strive hard to remain strong and not allow my ego to overcome me. It is a daily struggle and learning process. I share openly with all of you my life, struggles and upsets. I also share the victory, triumphs and joys.
Every so often I get caught up in the spider web of life experience and I also struggle to get free and I always get free.
Just as the saying goes, I put my pants on one leg at a time.
I am human. I burp. I eat too much sometimes. I get gas. I snore. The occasional swear word may cross my lips. I leave my bed unmade most of the time unless company is coming. I forget an appointment. My dog, Hector has to remind me to feed him when I get caught up in writing. I get frustrated and angry at the hate and ugliness in this world. I cry when I see an animal or a child mistreated on a television show. The commercials to promote their cause tear at my heart. There is nothing I love better than a great burger and fries but I eat it sparingly. My skin is dry but my hair and nails are great. My stomach is not flat and never will be. I detest panty hose and will do anything to get out of wearing them. My eyesight is poor without my glasses.
Some of my body parts are moving south as I get older and I am okay with it. I may let my car get to four thousand miles before an oil change instead of the recommended three. I may even scratch myself in public if I can get away without being seen. When I go see a movie I drop popcorn everywhere. I am human. I repeat I am human.
So I am not perfect, never said I was but one thing is for sure. One thing that I am clear about is that I am a spiritual being having a human experience not the other way around. Every time I think I am not too good at this human stuff I remind myself that I am real good at this spiritual stuff and that is what sustains me.
This is just something to think about!
You can see more of Diannia’s work at www.makeachoicenow.com and at www.myspiritletters.com . You can contact her directly at ladydiannia@makeachoicenow.com
March 01 2010 | Other Useful Articles and Power Boost: March 2010 and Your Spiritual Self | No Comments »
Professional
Kim Jacobs is the Telly® Award Winning Talk Show Host of Daily Balance with Kim Jacobs . Kim interviews fascinating celebrities, entrepreneurs, athletes, and viewers just like YOU! She records her show in front of a live studio audience and features a live band on the show. Kim is an international seminar speaker and has 14 years of professional experience teaching life balancing methods to corporations and their employees, churches and other organizations. Her goal is to empower individuals to take control of their lives and to live with balance and purpose. She came up with the concept of Daily Balance, because she is a mother of 5 children 12 years old and younger, a Pastor’s wife (The Rock Worship Center), and the founder of a non-profit organization. Kim believes that you should “Live Full and Die Empty.”
Kim is a member of the Cabarrus County Chamber of Commerce, the Les Brown’s Speakers’ Network, The National Speakers Association, the E-Women Network and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Daily Balance with Kim Jacobs was the winner of the 2009 Telly® Award. Kim has also been named Cambridge Who’s Who Professional of the Year in the field of Life Coaching.
A vivacious self-starter, Kim is the founder and CEO of Kim Jacobs Unlimited, Inc., a seminar and production company. She also co-founded a 501c3 non-profit organization in 1995 (Young Inspiration, Inc.), which focuses on helping disadvantaged teenagers reach their maximum potential. For more than 10 years, she was a top performer in the pharmaceutical industry. Kim is a graduate of James Madison University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Communication. In 1997, Kim received her Master of Business Administration in Business Management from Southeastern University.
Kim is a paradigm for today’s woman.
Personal
Kim is the wife of Frank Jacobs, who is a Vice President for a Pharmaceutical Company. She is also the mother of 5 Children: Frankie, Ivan, Gabriel, Jeremiah and Jayla. She enjoys serving as the field trip mom, going to the movies and spending quality time with her family.
January 31 2010 | Cover Story Interviews and Other Useful Articles and Power Boost: February 2010 | No Comments »
By Liz Gamble
Since women are now holding jobs in the marketplace as CEOs’ and presidents, it is necessary to equip women with the tools of dealing with their money with confidence and pride. Men have been always done that. Of course there is no gender in the money itself, but who is holding it makes a big difference. Men and women are different in their lives, their money and just about everything else in life.
Women are multi-taskers at their core, who are still getting underpaid for the work both in the corporate setting and at home. One big reason for this is because a woman finds it hard to say NO when someone either asks her to do something, or asks her for money. A boss will take advantage of this fact and have her working 60 hours a week on a 40 hour a week salary. And she won’t ask for a raise for added work she is doing. Both of these compromises come from the fact that men have not offered her full authority and women have not asked for it. This is even true in the home where the wife/mother works 24/7 yet is getting a small allowance from the husband. She is an equal partner, the house finances and what they are designated for, and the amount for spending, should all be shared knowledge between the two partners.
Women owe it to themselves and their families to take control of their money and to quit undervaluing their worth. It is time for women to understand who they are and their value, and to know that they are equal workers in life. There are some certain characteristics that are prevalent in people who have money. If you are a woman reading this and are serious about getting control over your funds and in your money in general, then take a few minutes to evaluate your lifestyle and see where you stand.
They most important key in establishing yourself is living in a sense of balance and harmony. Harmony is a musical word and it means that all the parts are working together to form the melody. This is the way your life should be - balanced in all areas so that your everyday life is harmonious and without stress or strain. To achieve this you will need to look into all the roles you play - wife, mother, employee, friend, family member, etc. Check and see that the areas are in balance and with each other. Most will find that one or two areas are demanding more of your attention and energy. This kind of overload needs to be adjusted and put back on the level with the rest.
If you are deficient in one area, see what is available for you to correct that - a class, more time alone, maybe something as simple as having a cleaning lady come in once a week to reduce that stress. Adjust your life because when your life is in balance you will make the good decisions that you need to in order to keep your world working well. You’ll find it’s not difficult to stay in that good place, making good decisions, if you are satisfied and settled in all areas of your life.
Another important key is to walk with courage, or at least fake it till you make it. There is no reason to live in fear. You have the world at your finger tips nowadays, and if you investigate anything that you don’t know about, that will keep your fear level down. The old adage is, "What’s the worst that could happen if I ask? They’ll say No." So get rid of that fear of not asking for what you really want and need for your life. Many of you women are single and raising a family, so your confidence level is what will carry you AND your children, so don’t hold back!
The last characteristic to check is your generosity level. This is so important because it keeps the flow of giving and receiving going in YOUR life. It doesn’t matter if you’re a stay-at-home Mom or a corporate executive, give what you have. If you make the paycheck, give out of that. If you know that your next door neighbor really likes chocolate chip cookies and you know how to make them - Do it! If you can drive the kids to soccer practice while you let the other moms have an hour to themselves - Do it! Whatever well you can give out of to keep the flow going - Do it! A great idea is to have a Garage Sale. You can either give the proceeds or some of the items to someone who needs them, and you’ll get a clean house. The kids can get involved in the action and you can have refreshments out for your neighbors and make it a fun time for everyone! Lots of people get in the flow of this one.
Incorporating generosity into your daily routine is fun and it keeps you thinking creatively, not to mention lets you feel good inside while you are doing something for someone else.
These are the most important keys in finding your confidence and gaining your equilibrium to allow harmony into your life. Once harmony is back, it will only be a matter of consulting or fact-finding when you need to make the right decisions for yourself. Remember that if you are making the right decisions for yourself, they will be the right decisions for all those around you.
The most important thing to remember is, IT IS OK TO SAY NO! Just because you have the money doesn’t mean that you have to give it away, or cosign, even if they are family. Yes that’s right, even if they are family! ‘No’ is a sentence all by itself and sometimes it is exactly what that person needs to hear. Don’t be afraid, taking care of yourself is the best idea you’ve ever had.
January 31 2010 | Other Useful Articles and Power Boost: February 2010 and Women and Money! | No Comments »
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