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Success Article: The Greatest Gift of All – The Gift of
Empowerment
By Joy Fisher-Sykes
During
the year, a variety of celebrations – birthdays, holidays, and other special
occasions – call for a gift of some kind. We sometimes work ourselves into a
frenzy trying to come up with the “perfect gift.” The “perfect gift” is one
that doesn’t wind up in the bottom of a drawer or a gift receipt because no one
in his/her right mind would return it (after all it’s perfect.) Or
have you ever received a gift and couldn’t wait for the return counter to open?
Why not
invest in a gift that has staying power – the gift of empowerment. The gift of
empowerment is a gift that keeps on giving, enabling one to enhance and further
his or her personal development and achievement. An empowering gift is one that
keeps on giving the whole year through and, if we’re lucky, beyond.
Here are
three empowering gift ideas:
The Gift of Change
§
Enjoy cuisine
of a culture other than your own. Learn about a culture other than your own.
Learn the customs and the cuisine, or purchase a piece of clothing which can
provide insight and an appreciation of others.
§
Realize no one
is perfect. Don’t beat yourself up about the past - remember the past doesn’t
define your future – only you can do that. See and accept only positive people
and thoughts in your life.
§
Change
someone’s life for the better; do a good deed. A good deed has multiple payoffs
for everyone. You can make life a little easier or enable others to accomplish
something they may not have been able to on their own. The size of a good deed
is not of importance – only that you did something for someone else. The payoff
for you – as the commercial says, “priceless.”
The Gift of Knowledge
§
Expand your
knowledge with books. Seeking new information expands our mind and can develop
our spirit. No time to read you say, books on tape (especially motivational
tapes) are a great way to squeeze in learning during the vast amount of time we
spend commuting, walking on the treadmill, or waiting at a doctor’s office.
§
Take a class at
an adult learning center or community college. This inexpensive option allows
you to further your knowledge and increase your potential.
§
Join
Toastmasters! It’s not just for public speakers. This dynamic international
organization empowers you to increase your communication and leadership skills
in a supportive environment. This is a must for anyone who interacts with
people – ever!
§
Subscribe to a
newspaper or magazine subscription such as a health, finance, or major
newspaper. Why not better your well-being, develop your financial portfolio or
learn more about current events that affect your life.
The Gift of Goal Setting
§
Set your first
goal – you will make time for self. Even fifteen minutes alone, in the bathtub
or shower, can provide you with the time you need to just think and find
yourself. Finding yourself means determining what do you want and what you
need. Who else knows you better and who else can give you what you need. Help
someone else find time - barter or give the gift of time via babysitting or
cooking a meal for another family (now they will have more time for themselves,
too).
§
Commit to a
healthful lifestyle. Diets are great for short term gain but often fail because
they are so difficult to stick with. Improve your health with a subscription to
a health magazine, buy or rent a video/DVD, join a gym or recreation center, or
purchase a piece of gym equipment. Remember it can only work if you take
action!
§
Set financial
goals – financial freedom is a worthwhile goal that can be achieved with
knowledge, planning and commitment. Whenever you find yourself in a buying
situation, ask yourself “Do I want this item or do I need this
item?” I find this a big help when deciding to make a purchase and not be a
slave to credit card payments. Also, pay by cash and not by credit card.
Start now!
§
De-clutter and
organize. That mess can make you feel overwhelmed, confused, and stressed.
Less truly is more. Commit to keeping only what brings you pleasure, love, or
need. Organize your home and office to enable you to find what’s there. This
in turn will save you time and money because you won’t be going out all the time
to buy what you already have.
I encourage you to
start today - share any or all of these gifts with yourself, family, friends, or
colleagues. Remember, the greatest gift of all is the gift that keeps on giving
– the gift is empowerment!
Suggested reading:
Adversity: Your Seed of
Greatness (Three Secrets to Using
Adversity to Become Great)
Connect the Dots! Your Roadmap for Success
Every Super Hero Needs Theme Music. What’s Yours?
Five Secrets to Creating a
"Goal" Medal Life
Five Secrets to
Creating a "Goal" Medal Life - Part 2
Take Time to Create a Life Balance Sheet for Success
It’s the Most Wonderful
Gift of the Year
Five Ways to Reduce
Environmental Stress (Part Two)
Set Yourself
Stress-Free
Set Yourself Free
Five Ways to Reduce
Environmental Stress (Part One)
10
Action Steps to Motivate Yourself to Great Accomplishments
Ten Techniques for
Motivating Others Through Chaos
Have You Appreciated Someone Today?
Goal Setting Secrets to Jumpstart Your Life
Want to learn how to empower others? Read
Appreciate to Motivate
or
Leadership Secrets for Challenging Times.
Our Teambuilding and
Coaching,
Life After Downsizing,
Leadership
Program,
and
Positive Attitude
programs can help you bring the best out of your employees.
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