The Monster Under Your Bed...

As a child, what scared you the most? Was it that gruesome movie series about the disfigured man with knives as fingers or the shadows on your wall at night that seemed to take shape in the eeriest of ways. Well this may surprise you (or not), but the things that actually scare people most are the things they can't even see...the monsters under the bed. The "monsters under the bed" is just a phrase I use to describe the fears that keep people from reaching their goals and dreams and yes, we all have dreams. Most writers dream of becoming authors, but publishing is their monster. Politicians dream of positive change (at least that's what I hope), but their monster is establishing supporters. A monster for all of us is the unknown - the unknown time, energy, money and protocol involved to do something. So bloggers I ask, what makes some people slayers of their fears? What makes them push forward and why are some just content? Are we slowly reaching the point where wealth and knowledge are just being recycled among the wealthy and knowledgeable? Speak!

FYI - For writers looking to conquer their fear of publishing, here's your chance. The first of a series of "How To" publishing seminars will take place in Memphis at the Cordova Library, Jan. 9th from 12-1:30pm.

Privacy...What's That?

Due to the recent media frenzy surrounding Tiger Woods, I felt it necessary to alter my post - just a little. (I couldn't resist. I had to jump on the topic!) Now, we all know there is a price for fame and while celebrities do what they can to dim the spotlight on their personal lives, companies are banking on the rest of the world to fully and freely relinquish their rights to privacy - and we do! Social media has taken the world by storm and even though most will stick to their, "everyone should just mind their own business," platforms, numbers don't lie - information is on a "need-to-know" basis and we need to know it! Bloggers, I pose these questions: Why are social media outlets that push virtual ranting and chitchat so interesting? Why do we divulge so much...even at the conscious expense of our own privacies? Are we vain, having fun, "networking" or just plain bored? Furthermore, should celebrities, who choose not to partake in "socially inviting" media, be scrutinized for not sharing certain details of their lives with the public? Exclusives in exchange for fame and patronage? Speak!

Professional: To Be or Not To Be...

I was watching this young lady on a popular Judge show the other day and I couldn't help but be taken back at what I saw! She claimed to be a professional and had built a case against her former employer for wrongful termination. The kicker, however, was that she was in court dressed very provocatively, speaking out of turn and displayed some very disruptive non-verbal behavior. Needless to say, her case was dismissed but I began to think to myself, "Is this what passes as professionalism these days?" At what point did the term professionalism become so loosely interpreted? Sure, I've come across people who truly understand what business etiquette means, but I have also seen far too many who have been robbed of that understanding. We need to get back to the basics and help our youth understand that there is a sense of pride that connects with the title of "Professional." It has to start with parents and it must continue with our educators, mentors, business owners and community leaders. We lead by example so let's make sure the next generation doesn't chew gum at an interview, roll their eyes at paying requests or reveal all their glory on a national court show! Anything you want to add? Speak!

Fashion: Friend or Foe?

Ok, I've read your ideas and the most constant topic of choice was choosing a versatile wardrobe! There's really not a simple way to put it....fashion is a science. Luckily though, it's not rocket science, just regular science. Your attire should express you and the image you want to relay. For me, my wardrobe has to "say" a lot of things. It has to say that I am professional yet fun and appropriate yet trendy. Now, how can I relay so many different things without looking like I got dressed blind-folded, during a power outage? Simple - experimentation and contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend a fortune! Simply take pieces from your closet and mix and match them. For example, ladies take that spaghetti-strapped pencil dress that's too sexy for the office and add a stylish jacket or cardigan and just like that you are a professional fashionista! Guys, don't feel left out. Here's one for you. Because of the many kinds of washes and fits, jeans are slowly taking a back seat to khakis on those casual work days. However, take those gently worn jeans and pair it with a white, crisp button-down shirt and a blazer and you've just created an alternative to casual khaki day! Remember, style is a big part of every dimension of our lives! Make a statement, but make it YOUR statement! Now, fashion....friend or foe?

Keep your topic ideas coming!

Chapter Ten Blast!

Wow, it's been a long, enlightening and nothing short of an amazing journey! If you've read the book or been following my posts, then you truly understand the evolution of a success enthusiast! A success enthusiast is one who is a fanatic about success. Fanatics don't abandon their goals and dreams, they evolve with them. Mental evolution explains how you can go from feelings of regret, anger, confusion, frustration and etc to feelings of hope, optimism, courage and peace. This type of progressive thinking is what separates success from its counterpart! This is what "No Box" is all about! Be encouraged that you are not alone and that mistakes are correctable. Forge your own way and believe in the "You" factor!

Wow - ten chapters in ten months! Now, I want to know what's on your mind! Make your comments and your topic could be the next blog topic!

Chapter Nine Blast!

When you really want something, whether it's a new job, a new relationship or that long awaited "YES" to your friend request, it's hard to just sit back and wait for things to happen....isn't it? Well, did you know that acquiring patience could give you a whole different perspective on that dreaded "waiting game?" Being positive and productive behind the scenes ensures that everything on stage ends in your favor. Remember, patience is not idleness so use every moment to add something to yourself that you didn't have before. As long as you see progress towards your endeavor, you are on the right track! I can remember times when I allowed my haste and self-indulgent thoughts to lead me totally away from my goals. This is a no-no. (It took me a while, but I've accepted that singing in the shower is not the same as singing on a mic. Sorry American Idol!) Great things require great sacrifices. Be patient, work diligently and don't be distracted by the attractive fork in the road! Do you have a story of how patience or impatience helped or hurt you? Share!

Chapter Eight Blast!

This is by far my favorite chapter! In Chapter Eight, I bring readers into my very unbalanced world. I discuss how my career was simmering on the back-burner while I took more than enough time to partake in social extras. I share a funny dating story and how I thought my love life needed a fast-forward button. I even share how a good friend finally helped me to realize the importance of "getting naked." You see, the thing about life that I've learned is that we will never be able to totally avoid all the distractions that may bind us and bring our focus levels down, but we can learn to recognize and handle these things. That's what matters! When unproductive spells or restlessness threaten your goals, are you able to identify and manage the situation? Can you mix some down time in with your vigorous day schedule? If you can't, the weight of your world will eventually overtake you. Find ways to incorporate balance and make that system work for you. Make equilibrium a part of your daily regime because without it, you are basically walking a tight rope without a net. Do you have balance? How do you find time to do the things you need to do and the things you like to do? Share!

Chapter Seven Blast!

Being professional is so much more than the clothes we wear and the work we produce. It's about learning to master our moods, engaging in effective two-way communication and being accountable and corrective for our mistakes. It's about understanding that work is not the place to be embroiled in feuds or to create inappropriate social attachments. Basically, it's about acknowledging the fact that there is a time and a place for everything! As professionals, we play a huge role in ensuring that our work environments are productive and free-flowing. Being able to separate "work" and state is key in that objective. Now, the next time you see an opportunity to involve yourself in an emotion-fueled conversation or sweep a mistake under the rug, what will you do? The stage is set and the spotlight is on....so play your part!

Chapter Six Blast!

We all, at some point, have imagined ourselves enjoying great success and we should! All great things start in the mind. However, our minds sometimes cleverly omit the details associated with acquiring that success. The next time you picture yourself behind the desk of that chic office with that amazing view, also try to visualize a strategy to help you advance. Then, physically make your "power move." One effective way to make a power move is socializing. That's right - professional socializing or networking. Mixing and mingling with different people gives you the opportunity to spotlight your assets and acquire a myriad of resources. Be social savvy and understand that an occasional embarrassing moment or two (if you're like me) is possible, but not detrimental. Remember, there is value in relationship-building and there is power in networking. Now, make your move!

Chapter Five Blast!

While gazing at amazing wonders, like a sky scraping building or a beautiful sloping mountain, do you sometimes find yourself looking from the bottom up? Why? We do this so we can see the structure in all its splendor without missing a single detail. When dealing with life and career, we sometimes move in the same fashion - from the bottom up, and this type of movement is important in the grand scheme of things. It allows us to gather those necessary details that help shape us into successful, professionally appealing individuals. When you begin your quest, build on a sturdy foundation. Make plans and pride yourself on good work ethics and having a good attitude. Consistently apply positive actions and move to the next level of your career. Remember, whether you're looking for a job, changing careers or trying to get promoted, it's important to understand the reality of "Bottom Up." The bottom is not a place of shame, rather it's the beginning of something great and people will begin to take notice of the wonder that is YOU!

Chapter Four Blast!

The next time you find yourself standing in front of a mirror, ask yourself "Who am I?" Think you could answer? It's really not as easy as it sounds. The fact of the matter is we really don't know ourselves as well as we think. Consider this: What are your hobbies, your dreams, your passions? What do you find most relaxing? Who do you consider to be positive influences and motivators in your life? What events have helped shape your perspective about succeeding through adversity? These are some of the things that help us discover who we are and also bring balance, direction and a sense of purpose to our lives. Use the mirror to truly self-reflect and make work-related setbacks a thing of the past. Reaffirm your professional power. I challenge you to find the connection between passion and occupation. Then Organize, Analyze, Devise and Execute the perfect plan to meet your goals!