Wow, it has been a minute since I have posted, but for good reason. New year means setting time aside to visualize what I want to happen in the new year. I did this, sort of an individual retreat, and was able to sit still for a moment and embrace what I want to happen fo rthe new year. Since I am in the business of helping others get to where they want to go, this is what I came up with:
Take ownership of the rest of your life!
Yes sir, nothing has changed with my message. The current economy and recession reinforces the need to have ownership of a dream or idea that belongs to you, not others: not your boss, not your significant other, not your kids--- but you!
Now is the time to embrace your dreams, map out a plan, and work your plan. I encourage you to make the first step: stop making your boss rich! It's time to invest and reinvest in YOU and YOUR dreams. ... Those lasting dreams... those dreams that will still be there way after the job has faded away. Yes, people retire and the job that seemed so important over the past 30 years becomes a distant memory. At the end of the day, no one remembers anything about what happened during their job tenure (good or bad) and all they are left with is a void in their life. Suddenly, they have to come up with something to do. What a chilling thought! People need to realize that the time to think about the rest of your life is when you're not thinking about it!
So, please, for this renewed year, promise that you will follow through on the dreams you own and invest the resources to make it happen.
Going Through Changes
We hear the word "Change" used so much that it is becoming almost cliche. But what can you do about it when it just seems inevitable. If you are like me, having a sense of control is a bit comforting because you have confidence in your ability to adapt. But what do you do when the change that takes place is not something that you can put your finger on externally but is an internal transition within your soul?
That's what I have been facing. Trying to find a way to define it, understand it, give it a name and tell it to go away. Not so. Rather, this change thing is just "there." Some have said it is a life change moment (nice way to say 'midlife crisis'). Granted, this change that I can't define is a little weird, but I ain't in no crisis! (bad english). Nevertheless, I have decided to just go with the flow. Not sure if I need to do anything which is often the first thing we think is needed. How about I try just being---- believing that wherever I am headed, it is a good thing and part of a natural transition for the next phase of my life. --------------- yes, I'll buy that.
That's what I have been facing. Trying to find a way to define it, understand it, give it a name and tell it to go away. Not so. Rather, this change thing is just "there." Some have said it is a life change moment (nice way to say 'midlife crisis'). Granted, this change that I can't define is a little weird, but I ain't in no crisis! (bad english). Nevertheless, I have decided to just go with the flow. Not sure if I need to do anything which is often the first thing we think is needed. How about I try just being---- believing that wherever I am headed, it is a good thing and part of a natural transition for the next phase of my life. --------------- yes, I'll buy that.
Redefine Yourself….
If you could think of one word that would define you, what would it be? Now take that word and redefine it. We are facing a time when we must redefine ourselves in anticipation of change. To redefine yourself means to take control of who you are and what you stand for in the midst of times when no one seems to have control or not sure of what they stand for.
Despite uncertainties, there are many things to be certain about: YOU! Don’t let your environment define who you are, define who you should be, define what you should do, define what you stand for. Don’t let the temperament of the times determine your destiny, determine your fate, determine your dreams, determine your value. We redefine ourselves so that we are equipped to face the challenges before us, not behind us. We redefine ourselves to ensure that we protect our greatest aspirations and dreams against the greatest thief of hope and opportunity: FEAR.
Make up in your mind that you won’t stop dreaming, stop aspiring to, stop believing for great things due to a change in environment. It is that dream and great ideal that keeps you alive; that keeps you living for the next day. Don’t let the temptation of current circumstances rob you of what you have to offer. Redefine who you are and be prepared for the opportunities that will rise out of uncertainty.
Despite uncertainties, there are many things to be certain about: YOU! Don’t let your environment define who you are, define who you should be, define what you should do, define what you stand for. Don’t let the temperament of the times determine your destiny, determine your fate, determine your dreams, determine your value. We redefine ourselves so that we are equipped to face the challenges before us, not behind us. We redefine ourselves to ensure that we protect our greatest aspirations and dreams against the greatest thief of hope and opportunity: FEAR.
Make up in your mind that you won’t stop dreaming, stop aspiring to, stop believing for great things due to a change in environment. It is that dream and great ideal that keeps you alive; that keeps you living for the next day. Don’t let the temptation of current circumstances rob you of what you have to offer. Redefine who you are and be prepared for the opportunities that will rise out of uncertainty.
Free Gift With Referrals to DestinyNotes!
Do you know 10 women who would be interested in receiving DestinyNotes? If so, send me their full name and email address with your name and mailing address, and I will send you a FREE Destiny Coffee Mug! Limited supply in stock!
Success Comes In Cycles...
Wham, bam! That's how it hit me!
There I was, having a great time brainstorming on my laptop, in Dream-mode (check out my book!), planning my next strategy for DestinyDreamsDecisions when it hit me like a ton of bricks. All of a sudden, I found myself in "Decision-mode! Now, for those who do not know, my book talks about using a 3D Lifecyle of Success process to reconnect to and stay focused on your dreams. Those three success cycles are: (1)Destiny, (2)Dreams and (3)Decisions.
I believe that when we compartmentalize our lives into three distinct cycles, we are better able to stay on track with our aspirations and ideas. In my workshops, I talk about how you are usually engaged in one cycle at a time, though there are instances where multiple cycles could cross. Even then, one cycle will be more dominate than the other. Well, Lo' and behold: A self-fulfilling prophecy! I recently experienced cross-cycles, that of which I am referring to as a defining moment.
I realized right then and there at my computer, while pecking away at my plans in "Dream-mode" that I needed to make a "DECISION" about my career. This decision would be a major one, and NEEDED to be made because it would have an impact on the work I was completing in the DREAM cycle.
This is not meant to be confusing, but the significance is this: It is best to ACT when an issue arises if it requires action. In my case, a lingering decision would not have been fruitful, but rather counter-productive. There are times when you know that a decision needs to be made. But, for some reason, whe have the tendency to put it off.
I truly believe that issues arise for a reason. However, it is so much easier to deal with them when you know that DECISIONS are just one phase of cycle that leads to success. We know what to expect. Therefore, we can be better prepared to address it and move forward.
I hope that you will begin to or continue to adopt the 3D Lifecyle Success system in your life.
Dr. Karen Hardy, EdD MBA
"The Possibility Professor"
Reclaiming My Brain!
I just finished reading the biography for the founder of Video Professor. You know, the guy who comes on television advertising tutorials for using your computer? What an inspiring story! To begin, as most would assume, the founder is not a real professor, but a former CEO of a computer manufacturing company. Back in the mid-80s he realized that many of his customers not only wanted computers, but also needed help in understanding how to use them. So, Video Professor was born.
This story inspired me for several reasons: First, it further energized my efforts in seeing my dreams come true. His story reminded me that dreams that you believe in take time to grow and prosper, so you have to stick with it long enough to appreciate it and see it through. The Video Professor realized amazing levels of success after 20 years of commitment, faith, and a desire to make a difference. Secondly, it confirmed a thought I had about a recent opportunity to move ahead in my 'day job.' While promotions are great, and making more money is a blessing, so is not having a promotion and making more money in a career. I am fortunate to have crossed the six-figure income bracket, but I am not certain that I want to do more work for more money---- for SOMEONE ELSE! I have decided (Decision-mode in my book!) to reclaim my brain. Finally, for me, enough IS enough!
If I am to spend additional hours at work, I rather spend those hours working on "MY" dream at home. If I truly believe in what I am doing [helping women stay focused on their dreams and execute a plan of action] then it's time to reclaim my brain--- it is time to pour that additional effort and energy into an opportunity that is deeply rooted in my soul and in my spirit. Think about it: How many chances will you get to follow-through on a dream that will not only help others prosper and be better all around-- and then have the blessing reciprocate to you?
Yes, there are some things that money just can't buy-- and that's the satisfaction of knowing that you and I can be the source of change and hope and fulfillment for so many others.
I am reclaiming my brain! How about you?
Dr. Karen Hardy, EdD MBA
"The Possibility Professor"
One-Size Fits All
We often talk about how candidates squander power or criticize how they do not use the resources available to them to make change. Sure, President elect Obama will have a lot of power at his disposal, but the very notion that he commissioned each and every one of us to "OWN" our country's success was a gift in disquise. In addition to redistributing wealth, access to healthcare and other noted goals, he also redistributed "MOMENTUM" and a sense of empowerment right back to the people. He distributed an energy that was released to everyone across the globe. So that now, not only is he and Congress and the Senate responsible for change, but YOU are too! This is not a cliche. The power that he distributed through hope cannot be squandered by YOU. Take the energy. Take the momentum. Take your re-engerized spirit and start creating possibilities for yourself. Hey: One size fits all! Make it fit your life and create change that leads to your destiny.
Cast Your Vote!
Dr. Karen is out voting today!
Karen Hardy, Ed.D., MBA
"Specializing in Organizational Leadership,
and Human Resource Development"
http://www.drkarenspeaks.com
Visit my blog at
http://destinydreamsdecisions.blogspot.com
You Are a Good Woman!
When you are sitting at your desk, remind yourself that you are a good woman.
Really, you are! Even when others cannot see the value in what you bring to the table: You are a good woman. They may not accept or entertain your ideas, but know that you are still a good woman. You may make a small error on the job, or forget that one small detail that could make or break a project; but despite your imperfections, know that you are a good woman. As women, we do our best to be our best when others are looking and when others turn away. But regardless of the lack of recognition, the mention of our name, or the pat on the back, remember that you are a good woman...... and how do I know? because I am a good woman too!
Really, you are! Even when others cannot see the value in what you bring to the table: You are a good woman. They may not accept or entertain your ideas, but know that you are still a good woman. You may make a small error on the job, or forget that one small detail that could make or break a project; but despite your imperfections, know that you are a good woman. As women, we do our best to be our best when others are looking and when others turn away. But regardless of the lack of recognition, the mention of our name, or the pat on the back, remember that you are a good woman...... and how do I know? because I am a good woman too!
When You're Shutdown, Step It Up!
Does anyone remember the Federal Government shutdown of 1996? In January of that year, due to bad blood between Newt Gingrinch (Newty) and Bill Clinton, federal employees became pawns in a bitter dispute regarding the budget and were tossed around like stepchildren. For those who are short on memory: For nearly a month, feds were sent home to wait until a budget agreement was made.
I was one of those feds sent home. How depressing was that? Very! It was the first time in my life where I felt I had absolutely no control over my life or my destiny. Here I was, an intelligent and well-educated woman, sent home humbly, in the middle of the day by Newt and Bill. [whateva!]
As I crossed the parking lot to my then fancy Geo Metro [LOL!], I faced a sea of employees leaving adjacent buildings heading towards me: You know, the kind of crowds you see when there is a fire drill. I was stunned. Stunned even more when I accompanied a few other feds to the unemployment offices of the state government that day. Interestingly enough, no one at that office even knew that feds were 'furloughed.' While sitting at home for nearly 4 weeks, I remember feeling powerless and helpless. How could they do such a thing? Even more, I was angry. Not so much at the folks on Capitol Hill, but moreso with myself for getting comfortable with my future in someone else's hands.
It was that day where a fire built up inside me that made me promise to never get caught in a situation like this again. I didn't like the way I felt and wanted to keep it as a reminder of what it felt like to have your life wrapped up in another persons ability.
That was 1996. Fast forward 2008.
Same atmosphere, different event. The difference however is that for 12 years, my mindset changed from one of being a consumer to being a producer; to being one who creates intellectual capital rather being someone's human capital. A few years back, I read a report by Target Market news that African Americans are one of the largest consumers demographically. In other words, we are great at consumption, but not as effective at being producers. We consume more than we produce. We consume what others produce rather than produce the goods that others consume. From that day on, I decided that I wanted to be a producer of goods that others consume. That way I could have some say in all of this!
I say that to say this: Despite all of the economic turmoil and uncertainty, some things ought not change-- and that is your desire, drive and ability to create opportunities for yourself. The events taking place within the economy is another que for YOU to make up your mind and to get into DECISION-MODE. Now is the time to decide that from hereon, you are going to take control of your ability to develop and create wealth for yourself. Take it from me, everything you see and touch and utilize was developed and created by someone, and they are benefiting from it everyday.
It's time that you take the wheel and chart your course in life. Now has never been a better time to focus on what your contribution will be. It will enrich your life and sustain your spirit in the long run.
I was one of those feds sent home. How depressing was that? Very! It was the first time in my life where I felt I had absolutely no control over my life or my destiny. Here I was, an intelligent and well-educated woman, sent home humbly, in the middle of the day by Newt and Bill. [whateva!]
As I crossed the parking lot to my then fancy Geo Metro [LOL!], I faced a sea of employees leaving adjacent buildings heading towards me: You know, the kind of crowds you see when there is a fire drill. I was stunned. Stunned even more when I accompanied a few other feds to the unemployment offices of the state government that day. Interestingly enough, no one at that office even knew that feds were 'furloughed.' While sitting at home for nearly 4 weeks, I remember feeling powerless and helpless. How could they do such a thing? Even more, I was angry. Not so much at the folks on Capitol Hill, but moreso with myself for getting comfortable with my future in someone else's hands.
It was that day where a fire built up inside me that made me promise to never get caught in a situation like this again. I didn't like the way I felt and wanted to keep it as a reminder of what it felt like to have your life wrapped up in another persons ability.
That was 1996. Fast forward 2008.
Same atmosphere, different event. The difference however is that for 12 years, my mindset changed from one of being a consumer to being a producer; to being one who creates intellectual capital rather being someone's human capital. A few years back, I read a report by Target Market news that African Americans are one of the largest consumers demographically. In other words, we are great at consumption, but not as effective at being producers. We consume more than we produce. We consume what others produce rather than produce the goods that others consume. From that day on, I decided that I wanted to be a producer of goods that others consume. That way I could have some say in all of this!
I say that to say this: Despite all of the economic turmoil and uncertainty, some things ought not change-- and that is your desire, drive and ability to create opportunities for yourself. The events taking place within the economy is another que for YOU to make up your mind and to get into DECISION-MODE. Now is the time to decide that from hereon, you are going to take control of your ability to develop and create wealth for yourself. Take it from me, everything you see and touch and utilize was developed and created by someone, and they are benefiting from it everyday.
It's time that you take the wheel and chart your course in life. Now has never been a better time to focus on what your contribution will be. It will enrich your life and sustain your spirit in the long run.
During a Bad Economy, Hold on To your Dreams!
During a Bad Economy, Hold on To your Dreams!visit the DestinyDreamsDecisions Blog to read more.....
Wachovia Bank reported the greatest loss ever for a bank in one quarter. The newspapers are reporting hard times for 529 College Plans as well. With so many investments going bad, are there any good investments left? Hard to tell in this sea of financial meltdowns. However, if there was ever a silver lining in all of this, it is the fact that bad economic times force people to trim back their spending in areas that are not necessities. The exciting part is that trimming in one area means fattening up others. For example, people are spending less money in retail purchases but have sat down at their kitchen tables and put more money in savings. These tight times have also forced people to consider investing in intagible items, such as their ideas and dreams. While stock market and real estate investments have confirmed that there is a such thing as bottoming out, one investment that you can always count on is the investment you place within yourself-- your own dreams and ideas. People have tapped into and poured money into everything except their own dreams. These are the things that really sustain us doing hard times. Dreams and ideas have a way of energizing us, focusing us and affirming our potential to create great things. Dreams and ideas give us hope and empowerment when there seems to be a shortage of it. Building and holding on to our original ideas and creativities give us POWER of ownership and the opportunity to partake in a new FREE market that's not limited by your bank account, education or social status. One of the most overlooked and underestimated investments we have is our intellectual capital-- the POWER to create a product or service that originated within and by YOU. This is one investment that grows in value over time and becomes our safe haven when all else breaks loose. So, when the economy is bad, hold on to your dreams!!!! Push more. Build more. Expect more from your own internal ability to create your own opportunities. As Michael Steele said at the Republican National Convention, "Drill baby, Drill!"
Become a Transformational Leader of Your Own Life
General Colin Powell's referral to Barrack Obama as being "transformational" is the perfect coincidence following a conversation I had with a minister this past weekend. During the celebration of an ordination ceremony, I had the chance to share the 3D workshop with a new network of community leaders. This minister asked about the purpose of the workshops, but more importantly about my studies in Leadership. She specifically wanted a brief explanation of what leadership is. What a great question! Every Leadership Scholar is elated about how the topic has become front and center during the recent presidential race. There has never been a better platform to distinguish between leadership styles. General Powell's description of Obama as "transformational" is an opportunity I cannot pass up. So, to maximize the moment, here are a few definitions of leadership styles and why "transformational" leadership is the style that Powell points to as "I think we need a transformational figure." In a nutshell, here is a short and sweet definition of "Transformational Leadership" from the website changing minds..com:
"The basic assumptions about a transformational leader is that people will follow a person who inspires them. A person with vision and passion can achieve great things. The way to get things done is by injecting enthusiasm and energy. Working for a Transformational Leader can be a wonderful and uplifting experience. They put passion and energy into everything. They care about you and want you to succeed."
Overall, there is a time and place for every leadership style. Ask yourself these questions:
"The basic assumptions about a transformational leader is that people will follow a person who inspires them. A person with vision and passion can achieve great things. The way to get things done is by injecting enthusiasm and energy. Working for a Transformational Leader can be a wonderful and uplifting experience. They put passion and energy into everything. They care about you and want you to succeed."
Overall, there is a time and place for every leadership style. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is it time that you became a transformational leader of your own life?
- Are you enthused and energized by your passions, ideas or dreams?
- Do you have a vision and passion--- the keys to achieving great things?
If you haven't thought about these questions, maybe it is time. Transformational leadership is not limited to Presidential candidates. It is a role we all can play.
Succeed At Changing Your Life....
[I love sharing the feedback my customers and workshop participatns give me!- Dr. Karen :D"I found Destiny, Dreams & Decisions to be one of the most motivating books I've ever read. Dr. Hardy has lived what she preaches and explains how to succeed at changing your life in easy to understand steps. I highly recommend her book."
--James Lewis
Actor, Voiceover Talent, Model
Chapter 10: Going from Inspiration to Affirmation
“I handed out all but one of my books to the women who work for me and my former boss. They were all thrilled. I am so thrilled with your book that I was reading it to my husband as we drove to work this morning. I love the chapter on inspiration and jumping. My former boss and I talked about that chapter for a half-hour this morning. Your exercises and text challenge all women to take control of their lives and make a difference--even me... the writing is so powerful."
Dr. Karen Bowser
Highmark Insurance Company
Pittsburgh, PA
Dr. Karen Bowser
Highmark Insurance Company
Pittsburgh, PA
Get the Book!
When I do workshops across the area, people end up buying another book for the person that WASN'T there! "Yes, Dr. Hardy please sign my book and make it out to my sister who should've been here!" I hear it all the time. Got Destiny? Read the book! visit http://www.drkarenspeaks.com/ to purchase it.
Table of Contents:
Let's Warm Up!
The Impact of Your Purpose
Let's Talk About Your Destiny
7 Key Points About Your Destiny
Consider the Source
Let's Talk About Your Dreams
Why Not You?
Time to Make a Decision!
Going from Inspiration to Affirmation
Mission Statements: Write What You See
Setting Strategic Goals
Dream Options
15-Steps to Small Business Ownership
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
