Success

Women think differently about money than men. They tend to worry more about it and feel unsure about their ability to manage it. Could that be true? Women spend so much of their time raising a family, managing a home or building their careers that they fail to spend time understanding and planning for their financial future.

“I can’t make a commitment right now!” Everyone has either heard or said these words. Being afraid of commitment has its roots in the fear of the unknown. If you knew the outcome of every decision you made it would be easy. Then you could commit yourself with ease, right? Not really.

But setting goals and outlining your objectives is the first step to reaching goal achievement. But what does it take to make a commitment to a decision, an idea, a friend, a goal or a purpose? There are 5 foundational aspects to making a commitment.

It’s 10:00 a.m. on Monday morning and Jane Businesswoman sits in a boardroom full of men. Week in, week out, it’s the same old story. Mr. Bossman holds court, a few of the men contribute their thoughts and ideas, decisions are made, and Jane agrees with everything, saying little, if anything.

The smart woman knows that she can learn and be taught. But there are certain things only you can teach yourself. These are at the top of the list of 5 things you MUST teach yourself.

1. Learn how you learn best. Visual? Auditory? Accelerated? Do you require one-on-one contact or instruction? How does your mind work – in pictures or words? Knowing this will save you time and money later on as well as help you retain better what you’ve learned.

Mothers are our first example of real leadership. Mothers demonstrate the most important leadership skill, and that’s the ability to know what is most important. Mothers concern themselves with doing the right thing - not always doing things right. Mothers are great leaders. They are concerned with efficiency and effectiveness. If they weren’t, can you image the state of the household? Mothers learn quickly to prioritize, which means they have to separate what is important from what isn’t. Once they’ve determined what is important, they then put their energy into what is essential.

Every woman has her ‘must-haves.’ You must-have that certain hair brush. You must-have the exact style of dress. You must-have a specific keyboard. And you must-have a certain breakfast to start your day. But what about your business must-haves? When you look back at 2010, what did you miss? What must-haves were overlooked? The successful business woman needs specific must-haves to move her business beyond parameters set. She is smart to realize what she missed and what she should ask for. Here’s a list of the 2011 ‘Must-Haves’ for the successful business woman:

Dear Santa, I have been a good girl this year. I finished my projects on time. I put together a great team. I worked hard to fulfill my dream. Even though I am no longer 6, there are still a few things I would like to find under the tree for me this year.

• Information. I want to have what I need to know for my success and the success of everyone on my team. Please make it information that is useful and not full of junk.
• Attention. I want to attract the attention of people who will appreciate my message. Please bring them in time for more success.

2010 was a great year for women. We are on the edge of new financial power, becoming an economic force. We are improving society by influencing how women are viewed in the workplace. We are growing businesses at a rapid rate, redefining family roles, and exercising major leadership to make a difference in the world. We are a force to be reckoned with and it’s only getting better! Here’s my list of 2010 women who give each of us hope for making that difference:

Have you ever tried communicating with a person who is downright stubborn? They appear immune to all the usual methods of communication and persuasion. Their attitudes are more negative than most. And they seem to glean some pleasure in being this way. For example, your company contracts with a person who does your media and publicity. But every time you talk with him he is blunt, sarcastic, rolls his eyes (yes, I can hear that over the phone), exerts covert hostility and only gives information on a-need-to -know basis. Fire him? Not possible – it’s the boss’ nephew.

The days of ‘kissing’ your way to the top are gone. At least for smart women who know the consequences of doing it otherwise! 5 paths to achieving:

1. Give it away. Let someone else do it. What’s it? Whatever you want it to be. Make a list of ALL the tasks – work or home- that you hate, have not time for, or could care less about. Now, assign, hire out or delete each task. Sound too hard? Then the pain hasn’t gotten bad enough.