Transforming yourself into the woman you were meant to be. Reaching your true potential.

Transformation can happen at any stage in life, for any reason. My self-reflection and transformation journey began the days leading up to my father’s passing. It wasn’t the first time I thought about my own mortality, but it was in this moment that it truly hit me. As I sat in my father’s small 10x10 room, watching nurse after nurse poke and prod him, taking his vitals, and giving us the news that we knew would eventually be delivered. He was in congestive heart failure and his kidneys were failing. Hospice gave him 48 hours and in that moment, it hit me like a ton of bricks. My life as I knew it would be forever changed. However, in the face of tragedy, it was in my hands to either sit and wallow in my sorrows or pick myself up and make my Dad proud. Well…I did both! In fact, it took me nine months to pick myself up, dust myself off, and transform.

Tragedy and sadness led me to my current happy place, thanks to my late father. I know that he would not want me to sit around and waste away. Life on this earth is short; so I know he would want me to grab the bull by the horns, wrestle it to the ground, and reach my true potential. So, that’s what I’m doing! In full disclosure, I am still on my transformation journey. I do not have all the answers, what I say now, may change a year from now. I may fail, but I’ll pick myself up and start again. I may hit a home run and succeed, then I’ll be able to share that success with my family, loved ones, my late father, and the community of strong, smart, supportive women.

Transformation 101:

Transformation can come in many forms; there is no one size fits all. It’s individual and personal. Nevertheless, whatever your transformation, take the risk. Do it! Do you have a new business idea but don’t know where to start? Did you just go through a divorce and need to start anew? On the same token, did you just lose a loved one and trying to overcome the tremendous grief? Maybe your journey is a personal transformation; you want to lose weight or eat healthier or run your first 5K? Whatever the transformation, it can come in all shapes and sizes, just like us wonderful, smart, witty, successful women!

 “Life is about taking risks. If you never take risks, then you’ll never know what you’re capable of.” – thegoodvibe.com

No successful journey ever came from a comfort zone and I’m here to say this statement is true. I know this from personal experience. During my tenure at my current employer, I have held three roles where my abilities were stretched and I was very uncomfortable. There was a lot of self-doubt. In fact, with each role, I remember going home, having discussion after discussion with my husband, and outlining (in great detail) how I was not qualified, or the aspects of the role that I felt I was unprepared for, and the many reasons I should not accept the role. Each time my husband would say, “No man would ever turn down an opportunity like this because they feel unqualified or unprepared”.   It’s true. In fact, in the book “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg, her research, including countless conversations and interviews, support my husband’s comments. In short – take risks and push yourself outside your comfort zone.

The road to transformation!

Some simple steps to consider on your road to transformation. Blossoming into the woman you want to be and reaching your full potential. 

1. Record the outcome:
   • What is the final outcome? What is your transformation? If you do not keep track of the final outcome and where you want to be in the end, then you’ll never get there. It’s like taking a road trip with no final destination. How do you know when you’ve reached your final destination if you never decided where that destination is?
   • Write it down, make a goal, and post it where it’s visible!
2. Take baby steps:
   • Change is gradual. There is rarely a straight line from point A to point B. There will be ups and downs, three steps forward and two steps back. Be prepared for challenges, failures and successes. Don’t give up, keep your head high, and take baby steps to your transformation.
3. Learn from others:
   • Make connections, talk to friends and family. Join a networking group, read articles, blogs and books. Take the advice given! It will save you time and possibly failures along the way. It’s like a Disney FastPass for transformation!
4. Be the outcome:
   • Act as if the outcome or transformation has taken place. According to a study, the brain cannot distinguish between imagination and reality. Essentially, dress the part, act the part, live the outcome, and it’s more likely to happen.
5. Be willing to be uncomfortable:
   • As mentioned previously, the transformation journey will push you outside your comfort zone, into a place that can make our skin crawl and cause anxiety. During these times, it is incredibly easy to slip back into old habits or where we are comfortable. Instead, embrace the awkward feelings, the fear and excitement and push through. Do not give up!
6. Be your own cheerleader:
   • Along your journey, take time to reflect how far you’ve come. Celebrate the baby steps and the success and failures along the way. Relish in the external support and praise you receive but be prepared for those who try to tear you down. Remember, this is your journey, no one else’s. Forget the naysayers and those who try to keep you from reaching your goals. Focus on you and celebrate your accomplishments!

Now that I’ve shared some personal insights and outlined some basic steps, I want to know more about your journey and how you’re reaching your true potential. Remember, whatever your transformation, it’s individual and personal. It will challenge you and be uncomfortable but TAKE THE RISK because the payoff will be tremendous! Leave a comment below, I’d love to hear about your journey and your methods to personal and professional transformation!