5 key lessons from women in leadership

Holding a leadership position is far from easy. It involves dedication, enthusiasm, flexibility, good communication and confidence. Effective leaders create more leaders and, in the process, provide blueprints for success.
Whether you’re a CEO or on your way to an executive position, there are important leadership lessons to be learned by watching the successful leaders who’ve come before you. We’ve highlighted five keys to success for women in leadership roles from five powerful women actively blazing trails in their respective fields.
1. Ursula Burns
Key: Have vision.
From intern to chairman and chief executive officer of Xerox Corporation, Ursula Burns has held various roles at Xerox, from corporate services to product development. However, it’s her vision not only for her career, but the success of the company, that has led her to spearhead the largest acquisition in Xerox history.
What’s your vision for your life and, ultimately, your career or business? No matter what you do, be sure to check in with yourself and make moves with your utmost vision in mind.
2. Mellody Hobson
Key: Take risks.
Mellody Hobson is the president of Chicago money-management firm Ariel Investments and sits on the board of Starbucks, Estée Lauder and DreamWorks Animation. “The biggest risk of all is not taking one,” says Hobson. The financial executive shared she had a breakthrough after pitching a financial literacy series with various celebrities for ABC. The network approved the series; however, Hobson admits she had no clue what she was doing. Nevertheless, she took the risk, stared fear in the face and executed the series. The takeaway: Don’t let fear stop you! Stare fear in the face and take risks. You’ll gain more than you could ever imagine.
3. Michelle Obama
Key: Inspire.
First Lady Michelle Obama was an inspiration long before she entered the White House alongside her well-known husband, Barack Obama. However, since entering the Oval Office, the Harvard Law School graduate has encouraged hundreds of children to eat healthier through her Let’s Move! Program, empowered young people from disadvantaged backgrounds via the Reach Higher Initiative and, most recently, championed young women achievers with Let Girls Learn. Obama leads by example, affects change and inspires as she goes. You, too, can be an inspiration by taking inventory of your immediate circles and determining how your open heart and mind can have an impact.
4. Sheryl Sandberg
Key: Done is better than perfect.
Facebook’s Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg has women all over the world saying, “Lean in.” She released "Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead," a book filled with career gems for professional women looking to achieve their career goals, in 2013. A seasoned executive, Sandberg urges women to take on leadership positions to break down personal and societal barriers. In "Lean In," she notes not to let imperfections hold you back and to just get things done. “Trying to do it all and expecting that it all can be done exactly right is a recipe for disappointment,” Sandberg writes. “Perfection is the enemy." Take a look at what you have to do and execute each step as you approach them. Don’t get fixated on the outcome; focus on completing the task at hand, and results will fall in place.
5. Oprah Winfrey
Key: Work hard.
Oprah Winfrey has a reported net worth of $3 billion. That’s a far stretch from her humble beginnings, which included abuse and a series of hardships. However, the media mogul always worked hard, getting her start in radio as a teen and landing her own TV show at 32. “The Oprah Winfrey Show” had a successful 25-year run and Winfrey now operates the Oprah Winfrey Network as chairwoman, CEO and CCO. Hard work can never be denied. Focus on doing your best now. “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment,” says Winfrey.


Source: TD JAKES

5 reasons its ok to cut some people off

You've heard it said, "Everything happens for a reason." This simple concept not only applies to love and career, but it also speaks to our everyday relationships. Each person that has come into our life, whether for a period of days or years, arrived along our path to serve a purpose.
Many times, we don't fully grasp when circumstances change and an individual no longer adds value to our lives. Most people have difficulty figuring out what to do once they realize this. While it may seem somewhat harsh or insensitive to break ties, it is perfectly fine, and in fact, very healthy to cut people off.
Here are a few simple signs that it’s time to let someone go.

1. When You Are No Longer Happy To See Or Be Around Them
If their presence becomes unsettling to your spirit, don’t ignore the signs. Your instincts only pick up on the truth and seek to guide you accordingly. There comes a time when things –– and people –– no longer bring you joy or happiness. It is a sign that there is a need for change, and you have to take the initiative to switch things up.

2. When They Offer Nothing But Negativity
Attitude is everything. More so, we each have the power to speak things into existence. For those with a positive outlook, the fruits of our thoughts and actions reap positive rewards. Yet, for those who constantly complain or carry an attitude of ungratefulness, the atmosphere becomes filled with gloom and negativity. Individuals who always want to criticize other people show a sure sign of wasting valuable time and energy on the wrong things and, ultimately, are not deserving of yours.

3. When They Want (Or Take) More Than They Give
Relationships are an exchange. It takes two people mutually invested in making each other better, holding each other accountable and being of help when in need. Those who are always first at the table and walk away with the most before ever leaving anything for others must be forced to take their appetite elsewhere. Relationships should never be more of a burden than a blessing. When you start to feel used or taken advantage of, mentally or spiritually, cut it off quickly.

4. When You Can No Longer Trust Them
Everyone knows that trust is one of most essential factors in any form of relationship. Once it is compromised, things might never be the same. Trust can take years to build and a only a few moments to break. Those who claim a space in your circle must be people you find trustworthy, reliable and genuinely concerned about what is best for you. When the bond is broken or betrayal irreparably sets in, find the exit.

5. When They Are No Longer Supportive
You should always surround yourself with people who support you and your dreams. Though support comes in many forms, the common thread is authenticity and honesty. Those with a true desire to watch you win in life don’t care to offer endless pats on the back or overlook your weaknesses –– they actively push you to be the best version of yourself. Stay clear of those who bring you down rather than lift you up.
All things, including people and feelings, change. When they do change, it is only fair for all parties involved to move on. Every decision you make has a direct impact on your future. As a result, you should never feel guilty for making choices that are in your best interests. You must remember: It’s your life.

Source: TD JAKES

5 ways to overcome anxiety

Anxiety is the unwelcomed visitor many of us can do without. While nearly half of the world's population suffers from anxiety disorders, only a few seek help. This doesn't have to be you. If you are struggling with anxiety, put these methods to work today and regain control of you well-being.

1. Listen To Your Body
You are a whole being. This means everything is connected. Though anxiety may start in your mind, it can trigger very real physical symptoms like headaches, chest pain, an increased heart rate, dizziness, and numbness in the arms, hands and fingers. Often, physical symptoms can heighten your anxiety, making you worry more. Be still. Find a quite space and focus on your breath. Inhale slowly and deeply, pause, then exhale.

2. Examine Your Lifestyle
You may consider yourself healthy, but what if you are doing things that exacerbate your anxiety without even realizing it? Take a quick personal inventory: Do you maintain a healthy diet? How much caffeine or alcohol do you consume? Are you a smoker? Do you set aside time to regularly exercise or give yourself mental breaks? While these factors may not be the sole reasons you experience anxiety, neglecting to keep a healthy balance in these areas can be more harmful than we realize.

3. Don't Fight It
Waging war with our anxiety seems like a normal response, right? For anyone who has experienced bouts with anxiety, you know logical arguments with yourself don’t always help. When we fight it, it fights back. When we shame it, we inevitably shame ourselves and fuel the negative messages being replayed over and over in our minds. Instead of going to war with anxiety or running from it, sit with it when it comes. Calmly consider what might have triggered it and what your body and mind are trying to tell you.

4. Practice Gratitude
When we get anxious, it's easier to become negative. And it makes sense; anxiety is a response to perceived threats. So, when anxiety begins to creep in, develop a practice of focusing on what you are thankful for to counteract this swing. If the anxiety is work-related, name three things about your job you appreciate. Doing so will help you gain much needed perspective.

5. Talk It Out
Sadly, there is a stigma in our culture that seeking therapy means you are weak or mentally ill. However, this could not be further from the truth. Remember, countless people suffer from anxiety each day, and only a small fraction seeks help. You are not alone! A quick search online can provide a long list of trained professionals willing to help you work through your anxiety. Anxiety is a very real thing, but so is your ability to overcome it and learn how to live in fullness!

Source: T.D JAKES