A traditional IRA is basically an account that allows you to set funds away for retirement and the money will grow tax deferred, meaning you won’t have to pay income taxes on it until you take it out.  In addition, you are able to deduct that investment from your income on your tax return.  It’s a pretty cool deal especially if you start saving when you are very young.

Take a look at this chart on Dave Ramsey’s website called Junior’s Clubhouse that shows not only the power of compound interest, but the power of starting early.  I was so excited to have found this chart. I suggest that you print it out and share it with all the young people that you know.

Secret of Compound Interest:

In the link above, basically the first person starts their IRA with $2000 at age 19 and stops at 26 (total investment is $16,000).  The second person waits till they are 27 and continues to save until they are 65 (total investment is $76,000). At age 65:

• the person who invest $16,000 has $2.2 million
• and person who invested $76,000 has $1.5 million

Why is this?  It’s because of the power of compound interest and starting early!

Those IRAs that my husband and I started at age 26, would be worth $28,000 today each at a 10% return.   This is just one terrific way to accumulate wealth.

There are 3 mistakes that I see people make with their IRA accounts:

• The first mistake is to simply not have one.  One of the big issues is see with many women is that they love to make money and they love to spend it.  Saving let alone investing is not a big agenda item.  If you are earning money and do not have a tax deferred retirement plan, I suggest going to your financial planner or your bank immediately and setting one up.  You can talk to the advisor about the appropriate type of IRA because there is also a Roth IRA which does not get a tax deduction, still grows tax deferred and the income comes out tax free.  The advisor can also help you select an appropriate investment vehicle for the IRA account.  Sometimes you can set these up with very little money and even add as little as $100 per month.  Just get started.
• The second mistake I see people making is not being diversified.  Again, get some advise on how to invest your money.  There are mutual funds and Exchange Traded Funds that operate like a mutual fund by giving you diversification.  The goal is to have variety of investments based on your age and risk tolerance.  In addition, you want to look at the investment cycles.  Right now, bonds have been on a 30 year bull cycle because of falling interest rates.  Investing in bonds at this time could actually be very risky because when interest rates go up, bonds can lose a lot of value.  So please get some advise from an expert and then re-balance your portfolio annually.
• The last mistake people make is with their beneficiaries.  Just this week, I was reviewing my Self Directed IRA account where I own real estate and a non publicly traded stock.  When I opened the account, the company was called Entrust.  A few years later, Entrust was taken over by Quest IRA.  To my surprise, Quest did not have my beneficiary designation on file.  It always makes me chuckle when I see something like this happening to me because I am a Certified Financial Planner and should know better, right?  So with all the consolidations and mergers, it’s really important to check out those beneficiary designations.  IRAs avoid probate and in many cases when structured appropriately, the tax benefits can roll over to the recipient at death.  If the beneficiary designation is not correct, it can have dreadful tax consequences.

So those are my 3 IRA tips:  Start one — Diversify — Update those Beneficiaries.

I will go deeper on these topics in future articles.  If you have any questions feel free to make a comment or schedule a complimentary consultation at www.talkwithkatana.com

During this Memorial Day weekend, we will be honoring others who have died serving their country.

I believe one of the best ways we can honor others every day of our life, is by honoring ourselves.  As we rush around trying to keep everyone in our lives taken care of, meeting deadlines, managing our to do lists and our careers, budgets and everything else, one big thing often gets left undone.   It happens to all of us, although unintended, and that is putting ourselves on the top of the list.

When we forget to care for ourselves, we end up becoming overwhelmed, worn out, drained, uninspired, and finally physically ill.  This doesn’t serve us, and it certainly doesn’t serve anyone else in our lives.  When we honor and respect ourselves, we are honoring and respecting everyone else in our lives.

In my December 12^th blog post which I did in honor of the Winter Solstice – the shortest day of the year – I shared a releasing and receiving fire ceremony.  I’m inviting you to do this again as we are nearing the Summer Solstice, June 20^th which is the longest day of the year.  This type of exercise will allow you to identify everything in your life that is no longer serving you and so you can make room for the things that you really want in your life.

It’s a really powerful ceremony, especially if you can do it in a group with a bonfire.  Friday night was a full moon with a lunar eclipse, so it was a perfect time for a releasing and receiving ceremony.  When I mentioned it to my daughters Saturday morning, they eagerly joined me in this ritual.  I walked them through the process using the steps in my blog post (link).  I was thrilling to see how serious they were taking it.  I suggest reading my earlier post, this is what we did:

• We sat in a circle and wrote “What we wanted to release in our lives” – what was no longer serving us.
• Then we took out a fresh sheet of paper and wrote, “What we wanted to receive into our lives” – what we wanted more of in “I am” type of statements.
• We all gathered around the bonfire and read our “releasing statements” silently and then placed them in the fire.  No one wanted to read these aloud, but it can be very powerful.
• Then it was time to read our new powerful intentions and everyone wanted to share these.

The girls were so excited about this ceremony and thanked me.  One interesting note was that even though they found there was a lot of emotion while writing out the “releasing” statements, once the new “receiving statements” were written, the negative statements seemed to have lost their energy or power.

If you have young people in your lives try this ceremony with them. Ask them for ideas of what they can do with their new list if “I Am” statements.  Our group talked about creating vision type of boards with not only the worlds and statements but with pictures so they could hang them up and see them every day.  Brilliant!  I would love to hear your personal experience with this exercise.  I use my “I Am” statements every day after my morning meditation.  Please share your ideas once you try this yourself!

Me & Lizzy on the boat

I live on a lake and am surrounded by gardens at the end of a private road, so I have peace and serenity.  During the long winter months, I lead spiritual life purpose and adventure retreats to Costa Rica.  My husband and I even have a villa in Panama five weeks out of the year…again, surrounded by rain forest, ocean and serenity.

This was no accident.  My husband and I have worked very hard over the years to be able to live this lifestyle today.  We created our first financial plan in our 20s, began investing into our retirement plans, and have been very thoughtful about our relationship with money.

Through my husband’s career, he has provided the health insurance and his retirement, includes a pension plan.  These have been a foundational piece of our financial planning.  This gave me the opportunity to take more risks and become an entrepreneur.

I think owning a business is one of the best ways to create wealth.  It is not, however, for the faint of heart or for those with little or no funding.  Studies show that many women use their savings, even 401 (k) plans where they are hit with penalties and taxes or even their credit cards to fund their businesses.  To do this right, it will take planning, time and money to create a truly successful business.

Almost every successful entrepreneur has experienced all or most of these steps in creating a successful business:

• Worked very, very hard doing what others refuse to do to make it work.
• Stepped out of their comfort zone and take risks.
• Hired a consultant or coach who so they could “learn the system” saving years and years of trial and error.
• Experienced huge failures, lost money, made money, lost it again — but they did not give up, and they finally figured it out.

According to GoForFunding, many women entrepreneurs are an average age of 40-60 years old because they have had previous careers in other areas. Their primary goal is not monetary reward but rather personal satisfaction and community involvement. Many of them are educated and assemble into groups in order to pool business ideas and resources together. This is the idea behind our free Smart Women’s Coaching Community.  You don’t need to do this alone.  If you aren’t a member of our free community yet, you can join us now by visiting SmartWomensCoaching.com

Being an entrepreneur is very rewarding.  I believe it’s one of the best ways to actually get paid to do what you love while making a difference in the world.  The secret is:

• creating systems
• leveraging a team
• and creating a business that can run without you or at least virtually!

If you want to talk about your dream, feel free to schedule a complementary session with me at www.talkwithkatana.com     This is my passion, and my purpose in life so I’d love to hear from you!

Years ago, when I was a financial planner, I remember being told that I had enough ideas for our entire market group.  Thank goodness I had a coach that helped keep me focused and a system that included a team for making sure I did not get distracted.

Without a system, many entrepreneurs can get bogged down with multitasking, working on multiple projects and even wearing too many hats in the business.  If you are running into the situation where you are feeling overwhelmed, not earning what you should be, or losing confidence in yourself, it may be the perfect time to access your situation and simplify.  Here are three steps you can take immediately to begin this process:

Take an assessment to identify your strengths: 

One of the first things I do with my clients is to identify their unique abilities, strengths and passions.  You can take a formal assessment like the Kolbe A, or the Wealth Dynamics assessments.  They are both excellent options.   Another option is to simply a draw line down the paper and list all the things you are great at, love doing and get paid well for on one side of the page and then all the things that you dislike doing, that drain your energy and that you don’t get paid well for on the other side.

Focus on your strengths and delegate the rest: 

This sounds easy, but it’s very hard for many people.  It could simply be a matter of control or not wanting to spend money on things that you can do yourself.  The secret here is to see how much is it costing you to continue doing everything yourself.  Add up those hours and then see how much it would cost for someone else to this work, and then identify what you could do with that extra time.  The key is the 80/20 rule:  Spend 80% of your time on the things you love and are great at, and only 20% on the rest.

Learn to Prioritize: 

Every time you say yes to a new project without completing the one in front of you, you delay not only the outcome of the first project, but you begin to feel even more overwhelmed, and nothing gets done quickly.  The one word you will want to learn and keep using to keep you focused and on-task is the word “NO.”  Who can you say “no” to or what project or obligation can you put on pause until you finish other things?

If you have been struggling with these things for years, look to get help with them.  There are people who love doing the things that may drain your energy.  There are people like my partner, Michelle, who are just wired to know and understand systems.  It’s effortless to them.  The key to my own success has been to partner with what I call the “Back Stage” experts, so I can do the “Front Stage” work.  So identify if you are a Back Stage person or Front Stage person, and then get help so you can focus on your strengths.

If you want some help with this, feel free to schedule a complimentary consultation with me at www.talkwithkatana.com    I’ll be happy to get you started with the big picture, and then if you need help creating a a more efficient work environment, I’d suggest having a session with Michelle.  You can reach her at Michelle@smartwomenscoaching.com

Just know you don’t have to do this alone!

Let’s assume you have your fun list.  The question then becomes, how do you make time for all of this fun, especially when our lives are already so busy?

First of all, I want to emphasize the importance of including Fun into your life every day.  How often do you spend your day operating from a state of auto pilot, that you totally miss out on even the simple pleasures of life?

One of the easiest ways to “find more time for fun” is to simply learn how to be present or in the moment.  Science shows that we spend 95% of our time operating from our subconscious mind, or from a state of auto pilot, and only 5% in our conscious mind.  I remember driving my car while talking on the phone one time, only to find that I had missed my exit miles and miles back and I had no idea where I even was anymore.  I’ll bet you have had a similar experience.  I certainly wasn’t driving consciously.

Secret #1:  Spend more time in your Conscious State of Mind:

• By simply learning how to become conscious or present, you will expand time simply because you will be able to enjoy more of it.  For example, when you are walking, sitting in a meeting or or at your computer, simply notice your breathing and your body.  Notice what is going on around you.  Notice smells, sounds, and sights.  Stop day dreaming and stay in your body.  Starting your day out with meditation or yoga or a simple walk where  you are really conscious can really help you become more mindful for the rest of the day.

Secret #2:  Find ways to Combine Activities:

• When you look at your Fun List, identify ways to combine activities like fitness, family, friends, hobbies, travel, freedom and even work.  I call this system the Perfect Life Filter and here is an example:  I need to exercise and I love going to yoga, so I could invite my daughter or a friend to join me for yoga.  This way, I can spend time with my loved ones and also create time for self care.  One of my favorite ways I have combined my Fun List is by leading my Costa Rica Retreat which allows me to travel and experience adventure, yoga, nature, spirituality, fresh tropical fruits and to play with my friends and clients all in a tropical paradise.  How can you do this for yourself with your list?

Secret #3:  Take out your Calendar and Schedule It:

• Bestselling author, Harv Eker, has a story about filling up a big jar with these containers of water, sand and rocks.  If you don’t do the process in the right order, all three items won’t fit.  The secret is starting with the “big rocks”, then sand, and finally the water.  His analogy of the adding the Big Rocks first has to do with planning your most important events first and this is the time for self care, loved ones and fun.  I use a similar process in my Perfect Life Time System which is a time system I have used for 10 years made up of Perfect Days, Prep Days and Power Days.  In my system, I suggest planning all your Perfect Days first because these are the days that will keep you rejuvenated, healthy and happy.  They are the days you are focused on self care, family and fun.

So have Fun with this process.  Stay mindful, combine your fun activities and be sure to schedule your perfect days and big rocks!  Enjoy!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Last week, I had the pure pleasure of interviewing David Bedrick, author of Talking Back to Dr. Phil.  We talked about everything from weight, to anger and shame and ultimately we ended up talking about fun.  In fact, he ended the show with a fabulous tip about “your magic wand”.  I loved it, because we all do have one, we just fail to use it.  Maybe we simply have forgotten that we have one!  You can listen to the show by clicking here or subscribing to iTunes along with our 187,000 other subscribers!

Well I was so impressed with our interview, that I scheduled a private coaching session with him last week.  One of the things he asked me was, “If he had a magic wand and could grant any wish I wanted, what one thing would I ask for?”   This caught me off guard because I am always on the other side of the table.

Something did come up for me and it was “permission”.  We found out that I wanted “Permission to have more fun in my life.”  In fact, the rest of our call was all about how important “having fun” was at this point in my life. I have become so busy helping others, that I was ignoring that little girl inside of me who was calling out to play — to simply have more fun.  How simple — yet profound!  Is your little girl also calling out to you?

Ask yourself these questions:

• What would a little more fun do for you in your life?
• What would it even look like?
• How would your body feel if you were having more fun each day?

I love this quote:

“When you’re following your energy and doing what you want all the time, the distinction between work and play dissolves.”
~Shakti Gawain

Exercise:  Start a “Fun List”.

Do this by listing in your journal:

• all the things you love doing
• things you would would love to do daily, next year, some time in your life
• the most fun thing you ever did in your life and why it was so fun
• hobbies that make your heart sing
• things you loved doing when you were a kid
• things you lose track of time when you do them
• and the one thing that scares you the most, yet you know if you just did it, it would change your life forever

A moment of joy!

My friend, Colleen, and I just went for a spontaneous walk this weekend, and we were talking about fun.  We both agreed that one of the most fun things we ever did was “running away to Costa Rica” the day after Thanksgiving for 11 full days.  We simply left our families, our company, the dishes and the turkey carcass (I usually make turkey soup!).  We felt guilty (naughty) for a few minutes, and then we both agreed that it was  one of the most amazing things we have ever done in our lives.  We had no agenda, no watches, just time for complete pleasure, adventure and fun.

Now we can’t all take off to Costa Rica any time we want to, but we can make time for more little pockets of fun in our lives.  Think of ways you can make your work more fun.  Next week, we will talk about actually making the time for all of this!

Good luck and please let us hear from you.  Tell us “how you are creating more fun in your life!” What are you committed to?

Ruth is a six time bestselling author who helps individuals become thought leaders while bringing their messages to the world.  I was excited to have her back to the show to share her wisdom, because so many women I meet seem to have a book inside of them, but have no idea where to start.

Writing the book is an issue in itself.  Many people choose to write the book first, and then look for a publisher or simply self publish.  Each of these options can work, but you need to have a clear action plan.  Ruth recommends writing a comprehensive “Book Proposal” which includes a marketing plan and your platform, as well as book comparisons, endorsements, and sample chapters.

This is the process she has used to become a six time bestselling published author and she not only teaches this process, but actually takes individuals to the Book Expo each year to pitch their book proposals to publishers.  I did this in 2008 with two of my associates from Michigan who both ended up getting published.  Take a look at their books which have taken on a life of their own. 

• Elder Law attorneys, Andy and Danielle Mayoras, Trial and Heirs:  Famous Fortune Fights.  Notice the powerful branding.  They wanted to create a way for families to begin the conversation on estate planning while positioning themselves as the experts in this arena.  They have been extremely successful and were even featured in a PBS special.
  
• International leadership guru, Anne Doyle, Powering Up already had a huge platform, and used her book to take her leadership message to thousands of women around the world.

The book expo was a catalyst for all of this and an amazing experience meeting with agents, acquisition editors and seeing the publishing business up close. 

One of the things that Ruth talked about on the show was creating your soul centered brand and becoming an “Expert Celebrity”.  All of this has to do with your Platform and includes: 

• What is your expertise and credentials?
• How many people can you reach? 

Another one of my friends just received a publishing deal with Hay House, including an advance, and it looks like they have already asked her to write her next book.  One of her secrets is the huge platform she has created through her network, including the assurance that we will all help her promote her book when the time comes.  Publishers want to get their investment back when they give you an advance. 

If you missed the show last week, and want to listen, just click the link here to listen to the replay.  Don’t forget to Subscribe to Smart Women Talk through iTunes and access all 157 shows for free!

I am sooooo excited that Ruth has created a Free Video Series for us:  The Anatomy of a Book Proposal, click here to access it now! 

Ruth has also offered a complimentary consultation for those who want to talk to her personally or may even want to join her in NYC May 30-31.  Email her at Rklein@ruthklein.com and add Smart Women to the subject line to learn more.

When I first made the decision that I was going to leave the corporate world and build my own business I thought “How hard can it really be?  So many are doing it and making money.”  My reality was quickly shattered when I realized everything that had to go into this venture.  So when I found Katana and Smart Women’s Coaching® I was relieved.  Here was someone who could help me.

Some of you may know this story but in the beginning I was Katana’s client.  She was helping me build a business around training and efficiency, which is my specialty.  It only took about 4 sessions together to realize that we would make a bigger impact if we partnered our skills. 

Katana refers to this as Front Stage/Back Stage.  We both have our areas where our skills are strong and areas where our skills are a little lack.  So partnering really made sense.  In fact, this concept of Front Stage/Back Stage is the exact process she used to create a million dollar business that ran without her, so she could retire at 48 to create the Smart Women’s Coaching Programs®.

So when I hear the word Solo-preneur I want to laugh.  This word should not exist.  You can’t do it alone.  Let me repeat that…You cannot do it alone.  There is so much to do with marketing, branding, attracting clients, and all the social media to name a few.  Then there’s product creation and scheduling clients, teleseminars, Webinars….the list goes on.

And what about your mind-set?  Who is there for you when you feel overwhelmed and can’t go on?  Some of you may have spouses and friends that can help but they may not even understand what you’re going through.  Ahhhhh

I don’t want to scare anyone – in fact what I aim to do is encourage you.  Your decision to be an entrepreneur is an admirable one.  You have a dream and you’re going for it and that should be commended.  You’re an inspiration to others and building a path for future generations to follow in your footsteps.  Good for you!

You’re an inspiration to others and building a path for future generations to follow in your footsteps.

My point is that if you consider yourself a “solopreneur” then stop.   Find someone who compliments what you offer and build a partnership.  For many coaches and entrepreneurs they have an ongoing stream of ideas and dreams but no one to carry them out.  In that case you may need a VA or consider partnering with someone who has the skills that you lack.

You may be thinking ‘but I can’t afford that right now’, then I ask you to do this exercise:

1. Go through a typical day or week and keep track of what you’re doing.
2. Categorize the activities by “Tasks that I’m good at that make me money” and “Tasks that drain my energy and do not make me money”
3. Take the second draining category and multiply that time by what you charge.
4. This amount will tell you how much of your valuable time is wasted doing things that you do not enjoy and do not bring money into your business.

Example: 2 hours a day x 5 days a week = 10 hours a week wasted x $125 a hour = $1250 a week in wasted hours.  Do you think you can find someone to work for 10 hours for less than $1250 a week?

You may be surprised that there are people out there who enjoy doing the things that you don’t like.  And you may find that there are people out there who quiver at the thought of doing the things that you love.  That’s exactly what Katana and I found.  Some of the things that she enjoys doing, simply drains my energy thinking about them, let alone doing them.  In return I have taken over many of the tasks that drain her energy.  It’s a total win/win and we love it!

So reach out to others.  Find a network of people either locally or globally for support.  There are many Facebook groups and organizations that connect people.  To name just a few, check out the iCoach Network,  The Thrive Hive, and SheNowOrg.

And of course there’s Smart Women’s Coaching.  We love to promote and help others succeed so if you’re not currently receiving our ezines please sign up at smartwomenscoaching.com , be part of our Smart Women movement and share this with your friends.

Please do not give up your dreams.  In the very successful book Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill he says “Temporary defeat is not permanent failure.  It may only mean that your plan wasn’t sound.  Build other plans and start over again.”

When you’re done figuring out what doesn’t work the next logical step is figuring out what does.  Good luck to you and keep dreaming!

The Shift Network is hosting the Inspiring Women Summit 2013.  Click the link below to register and learn more.

As women, we are often expected to fill multiple roles: loving mother, career woman, supportive wife or partner and for many, a new role – that of a caregiver to aging parents or disabled loved ones.

For the last 25 years, I have helped clients create financial plans for their “golden years” and address issues of aging and remaining independent.

We all dread the idea of that “call in the night” – the one that means we must step into the “Designated Daughter” role, manage our parent’s or loved one’s lives and make tough decisions about their care, finances and welfare. But for many of us, that call will come, and it pays to have everything in place in advance.

I still remember when I got the phone call that my step father had fallen and was in the hospital at 86.  It was a blessing in disguise because we found out he had lung cancer and were able to sell his home and have a new home waiting for him and my mother in a retirement community where they could get more care.

During his last week with us, my step-father called me his miracle worker while he was in Hospice lying on his hospital bed in the middle of the living room.  You see, my mother was diagnosed with Dementia during the last month of his illness and because of the financial and estate planning we did 15 years before, not only did my mother have nothing to worry about financially, but his estate would be protected for his children after my mother’s death.  I am so grateful they were open to planning when options were plentiful and affordable.  You can do this same type of planning.  It’s a beautiful thing.

Here are five steps that you can take now to get prepared:

Step 1 – Get Organized

Before attempting to discuss financial, tax and estate planning issues with your loved ones, be sure to sit down with a financial adviser and get your own life plan in order.

Step 2 – Initiate “The Discovery Conversation” with Your Loved Ones

One way to initiate this conversation is to ask them what they would do if something happened to you. Do they know the names and contact information of your advisors? Do they know your doctors? Do they know where to find documents such as your will, or medical forms? This may help lead the conversation into what your role would be for them. Are you needed as a caregiver, a trustee, or a personal representative? Who else might be involved? Knowing this up front will help you plan for your own future.

Step 3 – Start Planning as Early as Possible

Don’t wait until the unexpected happens. It’s never too early to start planning for the unexpected. Meeting with an attorney, financial planner and insurance agent to create the proper planning may be all it takes to make sure your needs are met. Planning early when your have the most options makes sense – being proactive rather than reactive.

Step 4 – Consider Purchasing Long Term Care Insurance

Start the conversation when your parents or loved ones are young and healthy and then suggest that they apply for long term care insurance as early as possible. We are living much longer and the need for healthcare and related services is exploding. In fact, seriously consider purchasing your own policy now while you are still healthy and the premiums are affordable!

Step 5 – Create a Team of Trusted Advisors

This is not the time for-do-it-yourself-planning. Find a “key adviser” who is an elder-care expert and have them manage the team with you based on your loved ones goals, values and objectives. The final product should enable your loved ones to maintain their dignity, lifestyle and assets. It should also meet the needs of the caregiver. The end result: everyone involved should be able to sleep better at night knowing all concerns have been addressed and that a team and a plan is in place to meet the unexpected.

———————————————————

We have a wonderful event taking place that will help start this process.  It’s appropriately titled:

“Caring for your aging parents:

How to prepare for the call in the night.”  

Please visit http://www.designateddaughter.com/events/ for more information and to register for the event.
The live panel discussion is April 18th and Registration Ends on Tuesday, April 10th – so save your spot now!

March is National Women’s History Month and Smart Women’s Coaching® has spent each day this month honoring inspirational women who have paved the way 

for the rest of us.  We’ve been posting them to our Facebook page and Twitter.  Unfortunately, there are only 31 days in March and obviously more than 31 amazing women in history, so we won’t be able to cover everyone.  We welcome you to add to the list by commenting below though.

There are no criteria to be on the list – except that they’re all women and they’ve all done something to open the doors for other women to pass through.  Now, not every inspirational woman opened a specific career path for you but they all do have something in common and that is they didn’t give up.  They likely took on a male dominated field and broke down the door to make their presence known.

Let’s take Sally Ride for example.  Some of you may remember that Sally Ride was the first female astronaut who traveled to space on the Challenger in 1983.  Sally may not have inspired a lot of girls to join the NASA program, but the fact that she took on a very male dominated field and won showed commitment, confidence, and a belief that she had what it took to travel in space.  That alone is incredibly inspirational and I admire that.

Personally, I am inspired by those who don’t give up and never stop believing in themselves.  One of my favorite stories is J.K. Rowling who was a divorced singled mother on welfare struggling to get by while writing a novel.  She sold “a few” books about a wizard, maybe you’ve heard of them, and became the first novelist billionaire.

Another story of perseverance is Kathryn Stockett.  If you’re not sure who that is she is the author of the incredibly successful book “The Help” which spent over 30 weeks on the New York Times best-seller list and turned into a successful movie that earned a few awards.  Kathryn says she received like 60 rejection letters before someone agreed to take on her story.  How many would you have received before giving up?

And probably one of the women I truly look to for inspiration is Oprah Winfrey.  I don’t necessarily admire her for having a television show;   I admire her for her drive.  Did you know that she was fired from one of her first jobs because they told her she was “unfit for TV”?  You know that manager is probably kicking himself today.  She had a childhood that most may not recover from but she persevered and it has paid off.  She always believed in herself and what she had to offer the world and never stopped trying.

Whenever I feel like I’m so close to succeeding but not sure if I can do it I ask myself…WWOD – What Would Oprah Do?  It always reminds me that if you believe in yourself others will too.

It’s not difficult to find a woman out there who inspires you and provides you with the motivation and drive to move towards your goal.  She doesn’t have to be famous; she could be as close to home as a family member or friend.  The important thing is you have someone to look to when you question your own path.

So here’s what I ask of you:

• Share a story below of someone who inspires you and honor them.
• Strive to become that woman for someone else.
• Make sure your path is leaving doors wide open to the next generation of amazing girls.
• Share this article.