This is a call to action for women.
I have worked for over 40 years in a large government organization.
What amazes me, when I hear statistics in relationship to gender and leadership is the underrepresentation and disproportionate number of women fulfilling key leadership positions I appreciate and understand the challenges women face, but I also believe that women are very able to fulfill the demands in these leadership roles.
Just as high performing athletes improve their performance with coaching-so to can you.
Personal coaching is a powerful strategy to empower women, giving them a competitive edge, motivation and inspiration to aspire to greater heights.
Before you can create the life that you are wishing, waiting and hoping for-the life of your dreams, you need to know more about yourself.
Knowing what you want is the starting point.
Creating a vision for your future is a vital first step.
To create a vision may sound airy fairy but do make the time to think about your dream life so you can start now, to shape your future.
Taking this action will give you clarity, a sense of purpose and direction which will help you take ownership of your life and, in effect, become a master plan for your future.
Understanding what matters most in your life is a simple prescription for lifelong fulfillment.
Your values are what make you unique.
They are your keys to what matters most and should never be underestimated.
Here is an example of an exercise used in a personal coaching session to discover your values.
Ask yourself this question- What is it that I value most in my life You may answer family, career, money etc.
If you did, I m going to ask you to delve deeper and explore your inner personal values.
Firstly, list as many values as you can for example love, security, happiness etc .
Secondly, arrange your values in order of importance not how you are currently experiencing them .
Thirdly, reflect on your current experience- are you living in true accordance with your values Now that you know what matters most to you, you are much clearer about what you are working for and what is happening and not happening in your life.
If your life or aspects of your life is not in alignment or congruent with your values you may for example be successful but feel dissatisfied, rich but feel lonely, busy but feel unfulfilled, tired and frustrated.
Knowledge is power.
There is no time like the present to take control of your life.
Having a clear understanding of your values will enable you to set a course to your dream life .
Decision-making is now easier than ever.
You now know what matters to you and are clear about where you are heading.
Every time you need to make a decision, you will be able to ask yourself- Does this matter to me Does this take me one step closer to my dreams Which choices will enable me to live in alignment with my values and move in the direction of my vision for my future Take the time to answer these questions.
This knowledge is personally empowering.
Many things in your life will become much clearer and simpler.
Identifying and knowing what you don t want can be just as important as knowing what you want.
Understanding the real reason why something is not part of your vision can be invaluable-saving you time, effort and energy in chasing something which is not in your master plan .
Make sure that the future you are creating is not bowing to the pressure of others.
Your vision does not include things you feel you ought to be doing to keep others happy or to fulfill an old version of what you should have achieved or be achieving in your life.
Yes, we are who we are, so make sure that you value who you are and all that you are and who you can be.
It is time to leave behind all the old influences of your childhood, family or current work environment.
Start constructing a vision that will bring you real success and happiness- a master plan for creating the life of your dreams and the life you deserve.
This is the first article in a series written to inspire and empower women.
- Claire Burns, Step Up Coaching www.gdlife.com.au 49 Create the l i fe of your dreams .
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Women in the Workplace 2011 International Women's Day luncheon March 17 The International Women's Day Luncheon will commence at 11 30am on Thursday March 17at the Frankston Arts Centre.
Lunch will be served at midday.
Speakers will be Jaqui Gordon and a local representative from the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Just prior to 1 00pm attendees will move into the theatre for a muscial performance of Breast Wishes.
Tickets 60 for a two course luncheon and the discounted musical production.
Bookings Frankston Arts Centre box office 9784 1060.
For more details see pg16 Next Women in the Workplace Lunch - May, Date and Venue to be advised Networking Women in the Workplace functions are a wonderful opportunity to meet other business women on the Peninsula so please bring your business cards to help with the networking opportunities.
To be included on the mailing list, you need to contact the Shire s Economic Development Corporate Unit on 5950 1842.
An invitation will be emailed or posted to you prior to the event.