inspiration – Page 3 – Success Strategies

12 Common Financial Problems Women Face

Women and Challenges Faced

At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.
Frida Kahlo

Women often face unique financial challenges due to various societal, economic, and cultural factors. Lots of changes on the horizon albeit slow. Here are some common financial problems that women frequently encounter:

Gender pay gap: On average, women earn less than men for comparable work, which affects their overall financial health.
Career interruptions: Women are more likely to take time off work for caregiving responsibilities (children or elderly parents), impacting their earning potential and career advancement.
Longer life expectancy: Women generally live longer than men, requiring more savings for retirement and potentially facing years of managing finances alone.
Lower lifetime earnings: Due to pay gaps and career interruptions, women often accumulate less wealth over their lifetimes.
Underrepresentation in high-paying fields: Women are often underrepresented in STEM and other high-paying industries.
Financial literacy: There’s often a gap in financial education and confidence in managing complex financial matters.
Divorce financial impact: Women may face significant financial challenges following divorce, especially if they were not the primary earner.
Single parenthood: Single mothers often face additional financial strain managing household expenses on a single income.
Investment gap: Women tend to invest less and more conservatively than men, potentially leading to lower long-term wealth accumulation.
Healthcare costs: Women typically have higher healthcare expenses over their lifetime, including reproductive health costs.
Debt: Women, on average, carry more student loan debt and may take longer to pay it off due to lower earnings.
Entrepreneurship challenges: Women-owned businesses often face greater difficulties in securing funding and investments.

Can you align with one, two or a few? Any challenges missing that you can add? Please share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Empowering Women’s Ascent

We can endure much more than we think we can.
Frida Kahlo

Empowering Women’s Ascent. A great event for sisters, friends or colleagues to boost your self esteem, increase your knowledge, set goals, become assertive, practice self-care and more. The Writers Group of South Florida’s upcoming Women’s Empowerment event promises to be inspiring and an event not to be missed. It will be held at the West Regional Library Broward Boulevard, Plantation, Florida on Saturday, September 28.

Attendees will be inspired by thought provoking topics including:

Women in Leadership: Empowering Women to rise into leadership roles to reach their full potential
Learn the Challenges women face and the strategies to overcome
Breakthrough: Transitioning from Burnout to Balance helping driven women and busy moms transform their thinking and redefine balance in their lives
Achieving Financial Independence: Enabling women to gain control of their financial futures and becoming financially secure.

The event will be cemented by an exciting Panel Discussion with Founder, VP Records and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Patricia Chin (Miss Pat).

Other guest speakers include Dr. Susan Davis, Attorney Asiah Wolfolk Manning, The Sisters and yours truly, Dr. Shelly.

This empowerment event promises to be great. In South Florida? Plan to attend and if you’re not, we will revert with all the Deets post event.

10 Myths About Coaching

Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership (International Coaching Federation – ICF)

People often misunderstand what coaching is. It is often misinterpreted as only being needed by people who need to improve their on-the-job performance or when facing challenges. To provide clarity, here are some common myths about coaching:

Coaching is only for underperformers or people with problems
Coaches need to be experts in their client’s field
Coaching is the same as mentoring or consulting
Coaching is only for executives or high-level leaders
Coaching is a quick fix for complex issues
Good coaches always have the answers
Coaching is just giving advice
Coaching is only focused on professional development
You only need coaching when you’re facing a crisis
Coaching is an unnecessary expense

If any or a few of the above stands out to you, lets connect to demystify the myths. Connect to learn the value.

Cheers!

50 Things I’ve Learned In The Last 50 Years

50 Lessons At 50

Wisdom deepens with age, and at 50, it’s a treasure.

Here are 50 things I have learnt as I traversed a life dedicated to learning, community and personal growth of myself and others. The excess have been included as a gift for those who are more curious and may choose to adopt a nugget or two as you transition at ages 30, 40, 60 or above.

May you be inspired to achieve.

Let no one define what success means to you. Define it for yourself.
Afraid? Do it anyway. Fear will fade.
Life is just for living. Live it well.
Care for others.
Trust is important.
Try new things. Keep learning. It helps you grow.
Self-actualization stops at the top. When you get there, go higher or step back to something that you missed along the way.
Be there for your loved ones. If not, you’ll miss the best things in life.
Find meaning in the things that you do.
Place Work in the right place.
Spirituality is important.
Some people are beautiful. Others are just searching. They Maybe sad or even lonely. Don’t hold it against them.
When you’re at the top, stay true to who you are. You’ll see the same people on your way down.
Be cordial. It contributes to your success.
Smile often. It attracts.
Read. It’s an action.
Pray about everything.
Give thanks in all things.
Say thank you.
Stay curious. Ask Questions.
Find a mantra – a quote that drives you to achieve.
Believe that all things are possible because they are.
Get a dog.
Don’t understand something? Ask. You may help someone in the same situation as yourself.
Show up.
Get involved in your community.
Roll up your sleeves and work.
Go to the beach. Be mesmerized by the waves, the sea and its natural beauty.
Look up. Get inspired.
Dream it. Then work it. You’ll achieve it.
Embrace love. It’s beautiful.
Fight for what you want.
Don’t give up too easily.
Be smart. Know when it’s time to let go.
Move on when the time is right.
Try something new.
Get away often. Stress dissipates.
Travel the world.
Try a staycation.
Bask in beautiful memories.
Celebrate other’s success.
Mourn with those who mourn.
Appreciate depth.
Be yourself… always.
You’re never too old to try something new.
Take care of yourself.
Listen to your body. It speaks.
Save for a rainy day.
Age teaches wisdom but it also brings sighs when you watch others making the mistakes you did because they won’t listen. But remember everyone has to grow on their own path. Don’t be sad, they will learn and make their own U-turn.
Pray with others.
Listen to that still small voice.
Don’t let life pass you by. Stop and smell the roses.
Stay engaged. Learn.
Relax. Watch a movie.
Smell the rain. Embrace the sunshine.
Plan a trip with extended family.
Be there for someone who needs you.
Dress up for no reason.
Have dinner by yourself. Experience you.
Surprise a friend.
It’s time. Don’t put it off anymore.
Go for a walk. Ease stress.
Call a parent, grandparent or someone elderly.
Volunteer to help a neighbor.
Go on a solo retreat at least once in your lifetime. You’ll find out a lot about yourself.
Keep your eye on that goal.
Get an accountability partner or a coach if you need help.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Journal your thoughts. It’s great to look back and reflect on how far you have come. Besides, it helps build mental strength.
Keep your mouth shut. Share only what needs to be said.
You can count on me. Can others count on you?
Take accountability for your actions.
Stay focused on your future but don’t become so obsessed that you miss the journey.
Life is what you make it. Make it great.
You win some. You lose some. That’s life. Move on.
Celebrate.
Dance like nobody is watching.

Helpful Strategies For 30-Year-Olds Experiencing Life-Crisis …

By the age of twenty, you know you’re not going to be a rock star. By twenty-five, you know you’re not going to be a dentist or any kind of professional. And by thirty, darkness starts moving in- you wonder if you’re ever going to be fulfilled, let alone wealthy and successful. By thirty-five, you know, basically, what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life, and you become resigned to your fate…
Doug Couplan

Anthony felt like Doug’s quote when he cried out for help. It seems like doomsday to him. We began chatting with the goal to put some things in place because all is not lost.

For those turning age 30 and feel alone as if they’re fighting to achieve their dreams, this is the stage where you should be self-reflecting, skill evaluating, engaging in healthy habits and networking. Here each point is explained.

Self-Reflection:
- Reflect on your achievements and experiences so far.
- Identify personal and professional goals for the next decade.
Skill Enhancement:
- Assess your skillset and consider acquiring new skills.
- Explore educational opportunities or certifications that align with your career goals.
Healthy Habits:
- Establish and prioritize healthy lifestyle habits.
- Focus on physical and mental well-being to set a foundation for the future.
Networking:
- Build and strengthen professional networks.
- Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals in your field.

Are you age 30 and experiencing any of these signs? You may also have already turned 30 and have lots to share about your journey. Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Tips To Plan A Day trip

Sometimes you just need to getaway! To rejuvenate, chill, relax and spend some me time.

Here’s Samantha’s tips to plan that perfect Day Trip. Don’t delay. Do it soon. Life’s too short to live stressed out.

How to Plan a Day Trip

FWA Freedom To Read Books

As an author of several books in business, leadership, success and inspiration, I jump at author learning event opportunities.

As a member of the Florida writers association, this was no exception.

This year’s festival was filled with tons of learnings as Readers and Writers came together at FWA’s annual Sunshine State Book Festival held at #UF Gainesville, Hilton University of Florida Conference Center Gainesville

Met many new authors doing Big things! Discussions included Pulitzer Prize winner – Jack Davis on writing and publishing. Engaging panel discussion on Freedom to Read vs banned books, children’s book live presentations and more.

As my favorite quote says, writers write, readers read, together they are one.

Seek them out. Buy their books. Write reviews. Get consumed in reading no matter the genre.

Cheers!

Me? A Business? That’s Crazy!

The only way to do great work is to love what you do
Steve Jobs

We all walk around with our heads low. Reading, being distracted by the the gadget–the iPhone. Competitors copy. Employers stipulate policies for and against. Regulators step in because the unscrupulous also fell for it, devising schemes that trick the unsuspecting.

Isn’t it Crazy To Think You Can Start A Business? Yet again one that will succeed? Sure, you can. Let’s take Steve Jobs for instance. He started a business doing things he liked. Things he was passionate about. Plain and Simple. He started while he was down on his luck. Then voila! With work, consistency and the right attitude, it grew.

Big Idea

So, what’s your Big Idea? If you’re passionate about it, go for it! Stay focused. Be consistent and you will achieve success for sure.

Happy crazy business building!

Future Thinking …

Focus on the Future

If you want the present to be different from the past, study the past.
Baruch Spinoza

The question was asked “Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?” Here I share.

To shape the future, it requires focus to navigate the journey ahead. Looking back on the past is important to assess how far you have come. To be more clear, it is important to keep score. Looking back on the past year(s) help you to analyze your successes as well as those areas requiring possible improvement. At times there may be the need to make a u-turn.

It’s like sitting an exam. You reflect on the theoretical steps applied combined with the practical to gain the learning. Then sit the exam and receive a pass or ‘fail’. You then analyze next steps. You may need to resit the exam or some persons may choose to do a total revamp to make that giant leap towards achieving their goal.

Here’s hoping you will understand the need to look back to get ahead.

Cheers!

12 Warning Signs You Might Need A Coach

The 12 warning signs you might need a coach a stellar Rachel Turner share. A list you would be mad to miss:

You feel stuck.
You feel stuck in your personal or professional life, unable to move forward.
Lack of clarity.
You’re unsure about your goals or next steps in life.
Recurring negative patterns.
You notice repeating negative patterns in your behavior or relationships.
Balance issues.
You’re struggling to balance work, life, and personal commitments.
Decision paralysis.
Making decisions feels overwhelming or impossible.
Low confidence.
You often doubt yourself and your abilities.
Communication challenges.
You find it difficult to communicate effectively in personal or professional settings.
Leadership struggles.
You’re in a leadership role but feel out of your depth.
Chronic stress.
Managing stress has become increasingly challenging.
Transitioning phases.
You’re going through a significant life or career transition.
Seeking growth.
You’re eager for personal or professional growth but don’t know where to start.
Lack of accountability.
You find it hard to hold yourself accountable.

Here’s what a coach can do:

✨ Provide clarity in your chaos.
✨ Offer unbiased feedback.
✨ Help you identify and break negative patterns.
✨ Guide you through life’s transitions.
✨ Boost your decision-making skills.
✨ Elevate your leadership abilities.

Because sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your goals is you.

11 Things You Must Delete From Your Life In Silent

2023 Holiday Gift Guide For Book Lovers …

Give the gift of insight, inspiration, and growth this holiday season! Delve into the world of leadership, self-discovery, inspiration and professional development with these curated books. Perfect for friends, family, or colleagues seeking to elevate their leadership skills and embark on a transformative journey. Click the Gift Guide, choose a book that sparks growth and ignites the potential within your loved ones this festive season!

Each Book link takes you directly to Amazon where you can buy, beautifully gift wrap and place under your well-lit sparkling Christmas tree. Voila! They’re thrilled!

holiday-gift-guide Download

Hope this guide has inspired your gift giving. E-books are perfect for last minute book shoppers. Grab copies for the perfect New Year’s gift. Oh, don’t forget to get a copy of my just released book RedLight: When God Says No which completes the GreenLight trilogy.

Can’t decide which to get? Let’s Connect!

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