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Self empowerment is a topic near and dear to my heart and I recently wrote down my thoughts on how it affects us as we experience childhood and adulthood in my own opinion. Enjoy!
Each one of us is SO amazingly powerful inside, if we only REALIZE it. Do you think that Plato, Shakespeare, or Albert Einstein were any different than you and I? Take even our popular figures today, Jack Canfield, Tony Robbins, Oprah, Donald Trump…these are all just people like you and I.
The difference is that they have made a decision. They have decided to tap into their own infinite power by continuously challenging themselves, and living in alignment with their ultimate purpose. I firmly feel that if you don’t believe in yourself, no one is going to offer to do it for you. Any self-doubts, limitations, and fears you may harbor are only results of what society has molded us to believe.
There is a Buddhist Proverb that reads “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” This is so completely true. When you make up your mind to align with your life’s purpose and passions, you will discover the POWERFUL being that lies deep within you. As part of this journey, you will look to leaders and mentors along the way, and I promise you, they WILL appear.
How Our Power Is Slowly RIPPED Away From Us
Let’s take a look at how easy it is for society to mold us into ‘normality’ taking away our power one year at a time. Taking away our power that is, until we decide to TAKE A STAND, and TAKE IT BACK!
When we are little babies everything we do (which consists of eating, sleeping, and pooping) is “CUTE”, right? Every smile, every movement, all adorable and anything we do is acceptable.
When we become toddlers we begin first crawling and then walking, all the while exploring EVERYTHING we can get our HANDS ON, with absolutely No Fear, and still… we are “CUTE”.
Somewhere between the tender ages of 2 and 5 we begin to hear the words NO and DON’T quite often. “Don’t play with your food.” “Don’t climb on the swing, you might fall.” “Don’t touch that!” “No, no, no, don’t do that.” These words become engrained in us.
Then we hit grade school from ages 6-11 and spend our days trying to please the teacher and act how we are “supposed to” in school. We are very easily embarrassed, so we try to blend in, or we have a burning desire for attention, so we act out… but either way we want to have friends and be accepted by our peers. Our fearlessness begins to take a hit as we begin wondering what other people think of us.
Throughout middle school “fitting in” becomes #1 priority (And Kudos to anyone who made it through middle school without thinking this way). Hormones hit and our self image is greatly affected by the way other boys and girls see us. Add the media into that mix and you are LUCKY to escape middle school with a Positive Self-Image.
The Big Question…”What Do You Want To Be?”
Supposing you do, you get to high school where you are judged on your “success” in class, sports, and extracurricular activities. Suddenly, everyone wants to know “what are you going to do after high school?” The path you choose is met with different opinions and sometimes various sarcastic undertones depending on who you share your plans with. You are pushed to decide “what you want to be.” This question directly opposes what I once heard from a very wise teacher who said the better question would be, “what were you put here on Earth to do”?
This puts the emphasis of the question on individual gifts and talents, and how the person can best USE them to help others. This is essentially the question you want to ask yourself when aligning your life with your PURPOSE. It is a purpose-driven life that will allow you to reconnect with your INNER POWER.
Getting back to our graduating seniors, here… Often a path in higher education is looked upon favorably and you are the pride and joy of your parents when you finally choose a major. The unfortunate truth is, most people have been so BRAINWASHED that their #1 GOAL in LIFE is to fit in, and make a living by working the “safe” 9-5 J-O-B. Many people don’t even comprehend what life COULD be like if they never had to worry about MONEY or experience the FREEDOM that comes with BEING YOUR OWN BOSS.
Our promising, vibrant, college-bound high school graduates will now be spending thousands of dollars and 2+ years of their lives learning a profession that they “THINK” they will like. How many young adults entering college can REALLY say they have tried their future profession for more than a few hours or days? I’m betting the percentage is small.
Suffering From The J-O-B Blues?
Friends, I am speaking from experience here. This is exactly where I find myself three years after graduating with my Master’s degree, with a steady, reliable job that I landed just after graduating…wondering what the hell I’m doing! And I’m not alone! If I take a quick look at my 5 best friends, all college educated, 2 with Masters degrees, I will share with you that 2 of them ‘like’ their job, and NONE of them are happy with BOTH their job AND their compensation.
So what is my point? My point is…that it is Right Here, Right Now, at this situation of DISSATISFACTION and UNHAPPINESS that you need to make a DECISION. Are you going to continue living your life like this, giving away your INNER POWER to an unthankful boss, petty co-workers, a rigorous schedule, and minimal income!?! Or are you going to DO SOMETHING!
It’s Time To TAKE BACK YOUR INNER POWER!
The only way you are going to get back your INNER POWER is if you TAKE ACTION. Here are several techniques you can use to decide which direction to turn.
1.) BE GRATEFUL. Every day the media bombards us with negativity. Co-workers, family members, and friends are always blaming and complaining about everyone and everything in their lives. What they don’t understand is that they need to take 100% Responsibility for the life they have created. You can start to FEEL GREAT very easily… Be Grateful! Even if you can’t think of anything in your life to be grateful for, be grateful you have a computer to read this post on. Be grateful that you have eyes to see it and a healthy brain that comprehends it. There are so many things in our lives that we take advantage of every day. Start recognizing the little stuff and write down at least 5 things you are grateful for once a day. I promise you that developing an attitude of gratitude will be life-changing.
2.) MAP YOUR DREAM LIFE. Take a few moments to visualize what your dream life looks like. Think about every area of your life- Financial, Professional, Physical, Relationships, Community, Spiritual, Recreation, and Personal. Then write it out. Your dream life should not fit on one measly piece of paper…this is your future we’re talking about! Write out every detail of your house, your car, your perfect relationship, the trips you take, etc. When you get your dream life on paper, begin reviewing it every morning when you wake up and every evening when you go to bed. Try to read it several times throughout the day as well if you can. Rewrite it as often as you feel necessary as your goals change and grow.
3.) DISCOVER YOUR PURPOSE AND PASSIONS. Begin to think about what really lights your fire. What are your gifts and talents, and how do you see yourself sharing them with the world? In other words, what is your life’s PURPOSE? Make a list of everything you like to do. Go through your list and consider which things you would do if you were NOT PAID to do them. When you narrow those down use each one to complete this sentence: I would LOVE to _________________. When you find the right one, it will just click! By using this technique you will refine your life’s purpose and passions each time. It is OK if you don’t instantly figure out your true passion, just start THINKING about it and you will be on the RIGHT PATH!
4.) STEP OUTSIDE OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. You have probably heard this many times, as mentioned by our dear friend Zig Ziglar, “If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.” Good ‘ole Zig is right on the money. Your best thinking has gotten you to where you are today. Unless you change your thinking and your actions… your life will remain the same. Learn to love that little knot in your stomach when you get uncomfortable in a new experience…that means you are GROWING! Let go of self-limiting beliefs and fears! If you are always worried about what others think of you, guess what? They are too busy worrying about themselves to REALLY give you more than a few seconds of thought. So don’t worry about what others might think!
5.) BECOME KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT YOUR PASSIONS. Find mentors and gain knowledge about your passions. Turning your passions into your profession requires you to figure out a way to make money with them. The good news is, someone has probably already done it. That’s not bad! That means that at your fingertips are mentors that you can research and find out how they were successful. There are innumerable books, training series, DVD’s, CD’s, and information in every form you can imagine about your PASSIONS. Get knowledgeable about your passions, get creative, and figure out how YOU are going to create a lifestyle for you and your family where you NEVER HAVE TO WORK A DAY IN YOUR LIFE!
Truly my friends, these are five techniques that have changed my life. I urge you to take to heart the suggestions I have made in this post. Think about your childhood…not just vaguely, but specifically and reflect on the memories you have of being told you could or could not accomplish something. Shedding your self-limiting beliefs starts with figuring out where they came from.
I hope that you have enjoyed the contents of this post. I would love to know your thoughts about Taking Back Your Inner Power so please leave a comment below.
If you feel that your friends and followers would also enjoy or benefit from reading this please TWEET it or SHARE it on your Social Media accounts!
Yours In Love And Power,
Dream It…Believe It…Do It…
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October 5th, 2009 at 7:07 am
Amanda,
Great job!! This is loaded with great information. I can’t wait to follow you Amanda.
Debra
October 5th, 2009 at 8:09 am
Nice site – Congratulations! Looking forward to visiting daily …
Leslie Diamond´s last blog ..The Inner Game of VoiceOver
October 5th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Hi Amanda!!! I am so proud of you!!! You are really on your way. The blog looks absolutely great and great content too!!! I am so glad that we met some time ago and we can really watch each others progress! It is empowering isn’t it!!
To Our Massive Success!
Diane
Diane L Fisher´s last blog ..Cooking With Diane The Ingredients For Success and Good Chicken Salad
October 5th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Amanda-
Awesome blog post, I can tell you’ve put a lot of thought into “Taking Back Your Inner Power” and I am glad you’ve shared with us. Can’t wait to read your next post!
Nicholas
“The Master of Rapid Residual Recruiting”
http://www.AuthorityNetworker.com
October 5th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Fantastic post, Amanda! This is something that everyone needs to know in order to take back what is essentially their birthright. It’s time we all took a stand and became responsible for our own success and happiness!
Heather
Heather Taskovics´s last blog ..So You Want To Be An Entrepreneur! (Part 1: Figuring Out What You Want To Do)
October 5th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I love it! You are so full of understanding and it comes out with the information you pack in such a short blog! wow! Thank you! I appreciate you!
October 5th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
This post is very well done, it has a lot of good information. People of all ages can get really good value from this. Great Job.
Jim
October 5th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Thanks for sharing! Loved it!
October 5th, 2009 at 4:05 pm
Hello friends!
I wanted to say THANK YOU to each and everyone of you for sharing your thoughts with me! I’m glad that you have enjoyed the content in this post and I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming weeks, months, and years!
Feel Empowered!
Amanda
October 5th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Hi Amanda,
Congratulations on your blog! Your site looks wonderful with lot’s of enriching content. Thanks for sharing your post. It is so important that we realize our life’s purpose and live each day with passion. I look forward to learning more from your blog in the ensuing months!
Thanks,
Laura
Amanda Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 4:21 pm
Hey Laura! Thank you for the compliments and I couldn’t agree with you more! Appreciate you following!
Have an amazing week!
Amanda
October 5th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
The worst excuse I think I hear from people is that they have to work their jobs because they just can’t make any money following their passions. Do these people ever consider their happiness in that equation? It shouldn’t be just about money.
So many people are working jobs they hate. Even if its true that you can’t make money following your passion, chances are there is something closer to your passion, even if it pays less money, that would make you happier.
Does your big house really make you happy? Does your fancy car really make you happy as you sit in commuter traffic?
Our passions should always be our highest goals. Everything else we do should be directed toward allowing us to do more of our true passions.
Jason Kerchner´s last blog ..Applying the Law of Attraction the Napoleon Hill Way
Amanda Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 4:26 pm
Hey Jason!
A lesson that sadly but truly many people don’t learn. I love hearing from like-minded people like yourself because following your purpose and passions is something that is very close to my heart.
One thing that I also fully believe is that when you are living in alignment with your life’s purpose, the money will come (maybe not at first, but eventually) because you are applying all of your creativity to your ‘work’ which you now love. Whether it be in the form of speaking, writing, doing seminars, etc. there is money to be made while living out your passions.
Thanks for your thoughts Jason!
October 5th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
Amanda,
Your words are so true. The five steps you’ve given are basic, yet so easy to forget in our daily routine! You’ve shared from your heart and it shows!
The quick tips are good information, too, and easy to employ.
Thanks for sharing … you’re awesome!
October 5th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
Amanda,
What a killer post to kick your blog off. Thanks so much for sharing from your heart and giving some great insights.
I’ve got 2 small kids and I think much about what you wrote above about always telling them NO. You have to tell them NO but at the same time I don’t want to squelch their spirit.
Great job,
Aaron
Aaron Wyssmann´s last blog ..Killer Business Coaching Contest: How to Win a 30 Minute FREE Coaching Session…
October 6th, 2009 at 6:22 am
I’ve told you this before Amanda, I could tell from the very beginning that you were a teacher… You have a very clear and concise way of explaining things and this is no different.
I love your 5 steps you outlined here. I truly believe in #4. I have always said to “get comfortable being uncomfortable”, and you really put that forward here!
Great job here Amanda!
Glenn
Amanda Reply:
October 7th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Hey Glenn and Aaron!
Thank you for your thoughts about my post! Aaron, I’m sure you have to amazing children who are going to do GREAT things one day! Glenn, I appreciate the compliment! Being uncomfortable is the surest way to know you are growing!
Thank you again gentlemen!
October 6th, 2009 at 10:38 am
Woweee…YES! What a great post! Your passion is shining through. Thanks so much for sharing it with us and reminding us to live a bigger life!
My passion remains my highest goal and I am staying true to it, even though the money isn’t coming in yet. I can’t even imagine a life without helping people overcome their struggles anymore. I was numb for long enough.
I am blessed.
Kim Pottle´s last blog ..How to Be Your Own Hero
October 6th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Amanda,
Congrats on the blog LAUNCH!
You’re headed straight to the TOP!
This post is right on the money…
once you take back your inner power
so many AMAZING things start to manifest.
Keep sharing the VALUE girl!
Eric Goldstein´s last blog ..Are You Playing BIG In Life? If Not, WHY?
October 6th, 2009 at 10:35 pm
Great Post…I love how you are empowering people to take back their own power and take control over their life.
I will definently share. Keep it up!
October 7th, 2009 at 10:18 am
great job Amanda!!
you are Making your Dream a Reality!!
You are walking your Talk….
Best to you !!
Pat McKeon LPU
NYC
October 7th, 2009 at 11:24 am
That was an incredibly inspirational and empowering post, Amanda.
You are truly pointing out some key components that are SO crucial for success. And it all starts with alignment, but as you mentioned, passion is the driving force.
I would like to extend my gratitude to your insights. Keep up the wonderful work.
Eirik Ringstad.
Eirik Ringstad´s last blog ..Is There A Purpose With Opposites?
October 8th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
Amanda:
Their is a lot of positive creativity in your mind and heart and it poured out generously by opening up your innerself to us. You will succeed because you have examined yourself carefully and with finite detail. The course is obvious and charted; Amanda by following your innerself you are the true winner!
October 11th, 2009 at 8:30 am
Hey Amanda,
I couldn’t agree more with all you’ve said here….in fact I have been thinking
and writing about the same topic this weekend. Connecting to our inner selves
and listening to our inner voices is so important. The more people who can do
this the better off we will all be. Here’s to living the life we dream of!.
Thanks for sharing your vision.
You’re well on your way to creating your dream life!
Keep up the great work.
Hugs,
Buff
BUFF ELTING´s last blog ..The Law of Success by Napoleon Hill
October 12th, 2009 at 7:07 pm
Great Blog Amanda. Nice on the eyes, and very good content. I would say you are definitely headed in the right direction. Just keep doing what you are doing and you will have more success than you know what to do with.
October 13th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Great info.Along with what you write and tell, people should all read Think and Grow Rich By Napoleon Hill. The second book next to the bible to found their paths in life.Look forward to more blogs.I also love The Ultimate Gift.
October 13th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Amanda, I just have to say that I enjoyed how AUTHENTIC this post was. It’s nice to read information that reminds you to be TRUE to your purpose and be WHO YOU ARE. We often get lost in a maze of following others, only to realize that all of our true power comes from within.
Your friend in prosperity,
David Wood
David Wood´s last blog ..How I Got More Than 157 Video Testimonials In Less Than A Week
October 15th, 2009 at 3:43 am
Hey great post Amanda. The power of you is one of the things I definitely believe in and advocate. I posted a video on you tube a few weeks ago that compliments this post http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVRUs-J5emI
Thanks for sharing this.