Monthly Archives: May 2014

Martina Navratilova on Limits

I think the key is for women not to set any limits — Martina Navratilova

I would say that not setting limits is the key for everyone. Can I do one more push-up? Can I fill my boss’ role? Can I do what I love, live the life I want to lead, and get paid fabulously well for it? Why not?OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I was freelancing when my two children were very young, and one of my clients was an organization where I could see myself in-house. I didn’t want to work the traditional 9-5, and I still wanted the flexibility to pursue creative projects (I was acting at the time), and I still expected to make six-figures. So that’s what happened. It’s not typical, but it can be done.

Where are you setting limits or making assumptions? There are no limits.

Winston Churchill on Action

I never worry about action, but only inaction – Winston Churchill

Inaction is a choice to do nothing. You do take an action by doing nothing – you watch possibilities pass by.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Maybe it feels less risky to do nothing. Well, you have minimized the risk from taking action. But you have increased any risks that come from the inaction. It can be risky to do nothing – inertia sets in, problems become larger, opportunities become more distant.

It’s easier to course correct than to get started. That’s why I love Churchill’s quote. With action, you’re in motion and you can tweak, adjust, refine as needed. With inaction, you have to amass the momentous energy to lift off and start from nothing.

What action can you take today?

Antoine de Saint-Exupery on Simplifying

Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away. — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Alison and Katie and lots of leavesI am preparing our weekend house for sale, and this requires a lot of decluttering. I’m sure you’ve experienced a big clean-out, where you finally notice how much stuff you’ve accumulated. It’s very cathartic to get rid of the non-essential, to proactively decide that you want to make space for something, to realize your circumstances have changed and you no longer need or want something. The feeling might not be one of perfection, but it is one of freedom.

What can you get rid of – in your home, in your wardrobe, in your daily routine, in your diet, in your work?

Ayn Rand on Permission v. Persistence

The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me — Ayn Rand

Do you wait for permission or do you just start and persist till you feel like doing otherwise?

In what area of life do you feel confident and creative? Maybe it’s in your volunteer role, where you have no problems coming up with ideas or raising your hand for the next project.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIn what area of life do you want more confidence? Maybe it’s your job, where you haven’t asked for that raise you feel you deserve.

How can you bring more of the strengths you already have in one area of your life to another? Pretend that your boss is the head of development. Script your raise request with the energy you propose new fundraising ideas. Draw parallels between your volunteer work and your paid work until you can see how similar they are and you feel more comfortable applying your confidence across the board.

Remind yourself that you are unstoppable.