Stereotypes Alive and Kicking?

As I spoke with The Passion Professor and Ms Word in preparation for our show this Thursday, I started to think of all the still too-normal stereotypes that we have in our world:

• Your doctor(s) should always be White. 


• Need your nails done? Better be Asians.


• Want to know what's the most in-style music? Well, it'll be sure to be sung by a Black rap artist.

You think I'm playing? Watch any blockbuster big budget movie and you'll still see these roles well played... Heck, it still exists in commercials and anywhere in big media.

Part of the reason why its important that we call this out is so that we can realize that in this day and age we can do so much better than this!!! 

How?

Do not let race, culture, income, neighborhood or any other marker define who YOU are. Don't become anyone's clown or pawn. YOU choose what you want to be. YOU choose what your likes are. YOU choose what you identify with. YOU choose what makes you YOU.

YOU choose.

Who Died and Made You King?

Have you ever had people tell you what's best for you? Or tell you all the things that you should be doing?

Have you ever asked them who gives them the right to run YOUR life?!!!

Well, next time, you won't have to, as long as you remember these simple principles:

• YOU run this thing! - you and only you are responsible for what happens in your life. Truth is that life will throw you whatever it wants to throw at you, but you always have the ultimate choice of how you view your life. Who is anyone else to tell you whether what you're doing is right or wrong, as long as you choose for yourself what your life is?!


• Take "suggestions" with love - I've had to learn this one late in life. You know when people tell you "Why don't you do _________?". I now know how to have the courage to say "I know your comment comes from a place of love, but it's not for me. Thank you." It allows you to stand firm in your choice, and leaves no one diminished in the process.


• Accept people for where they are, right now, in their own journey - not everyone wants to be uber-successful, be true to themselves, or wants to live a life filled with love, empathy, freedom and success... And That's OK! Just as we ask people to accept us for who we are, we also need to accept that if people choose not to grow, learn, expand their lives that's ok too. 

It always astonishes me how so many "interest groups" tell people who are entrepreneurs or corporate workers, are LGBT or straight, are vegan or omnivores, are religious or atheist, that they think that they are right and "the other" is wrong. At the end of the day, we'd all be better off doing what makes US happy, and letting others do what makes them happy too.

What "Why don't you do _______?" can you going to let go of today? Please share, because this is something that all of us can get better at doing. :)

Find It, or Earn It?

My dear friend, colleague and PR Guru Sandra posted an article today about the world's wealthiest bachelors. Each one has a net worth of at least a few billion dollars. It got me thinking:

Would I rather marry rich, or be with a man who gets rich WHILE we're in a relationship?

I remember my own boyfriend Nawar telling me about the Michelle Obama story , which pretty much states that she's a strong woman who would make sure her man KNEW how powerful HE was, and is.  Whether its a true story or urban legend, it certainly inspired me!

I believe any man, with the right support, encouragement, and strong partner, can become a millionaire/billionaire. I choose to be that strong, empowered woman who consistently helps my may rise to the challenge of conquering the world, with me right there by his side...

What do you choose?

The 3 Hour Work Week?

I hear so much hype about people wanting to live a life without working... However, unless you're making millions, or are a trust fund child, good luck on finding happiness that way.

Here are some great solutions for what you can do until you win that lottery:

• Choose What You Love! - Although I put in many working hours, because I LOVE what I do, it's never work... I'm merely getting paid to put my joy into action. What's better than that?!


• Create Your Ideal Work Life - Are you more productive with music? Or do you like to have a great view for inspiration? Whatever it is that makes you happy and allows you to create results, make it happen! You don't need loads of money or need a promotion; get creative with your workspace, and create a workspace that can at least mimic your ideal work situation.
• STOP WAITING!!! - If you can't be happy now, you'll never be happy! Do not wait for more pay, that perfect job title, or that amazing project to come along to give you purpose at work. Create something that makes you want to get up in the morning, and gives you a sense of purpose... at work. The trick is to make that thing you create something that also gives value  to your workplace or your business.

Many people meet me and say how envious by the fact that I create my own schedule, and I do what I love day-in and day-out. My usual recommendation to them is forget about envy - create that same sense of freedom in your own life!

I know that up to 72% of North American corporate workers are unfulfilled and unmotivated at work. I'm looking to change that! 

Are there things in your way that prevent you from having freedom, joy, and creativity at your work? Share, and I can give you even more solutions. :)

Capsule #4: Dumbing Yourself Down?

Q: I feel like I "dumb myself down" so I don't outshine my partner. What should I do?


A's:

From Bruno Coelho (#TheRabbitWay):

How high will you fly in Life is determined by the wings of those you surround yourself with.

It all comes down to your standards and what are you willing to settle yourself for.

Instead of "dumbing yourself down" why don't you "lead them up"?

Above all else ask: what would LOVE do?


From Tash: You should never have to lower yourself to anyone else's standards. It means you lack self-love which demands that you always give yourself and others the best!

Be honest with your partner about how you're feeling, as they may not realize what's happening.

YOU make the choice to surround yourself with people who help you rise, and you help them to rise as well. If you can't provide value to others (which you can't if you're lowering your own standards), or others can't provide value to you, how are you ever going to be your best selves?