A Single Mom's Roadmap for Personal Development

  Everyone wants to progress and attain a certain level of personal success. While stating your goals is a great start, there are supplementary characteristics that help you actually achieve those goals. One of the primary traits is that of determination. Being a determined single mom involves setting a goal and stopping at nothing to achieve it. It’s the motivating force between stating something and taking persistent action. Sure, obstacles may get in the way. However, determined individuals don’t let those small excuses prevent them from reaching their dreams. Determination is the blueprint for success. Without it, reaching your goals may be virtually impossible. Because this characteristic plays such a vital role in reaching new heights, it’s important to learn why it impacts success and how to cultivate it. A single mom’s journey comes with personal challenges. Some may come in the form of discouragement from outsiders while others could be circumstantial. The question is, do ...

It’s common to hear people talk about setting intentions and defining goals, but what’s the difference between them? When it comes to achieving personal and professional success, having a clear understanding of both is important. Understanding how they differ can help you focus your efforts and move closer to accomplishing your desired outcome. Let’s explore the differences between setting intentions and defining goals. Setting Intentions Setting an intention is a way to focus on what you want to achieve at any given moment. When setting an intention, it's important to choose something that resonates with who you are and what you want to create in life. An intention should be worded positively as if it has already been achieved. For example, instead of saying “I don’t want to be stressed out anymore," you might say “I am relaxed and at peace." Defining Goals Unlike intentions, which focus on being present in the moment, goals are future-oriented. Goals require action in ...

Self-advocacy is an important skill that allows women to communicate their needs effectively with others. This includes everyone from bosses to friends, relatives, and spouses.  When women master this skill, they can navigate life more easily with resilience, assertiveness, and confidence.  Here are a few examples of what it means to be your own self-advocate: Asking for a raise at work and providing legitimate evidence that supports your request.   Telling a friend you don’t eat seafood when they recommend it for dinner and suggesting the two of you come up with another idea that pleases everyone involved.   Asking a teacher if you can take a math test in a separate room or after class if you get test anxiety.   These are all very different examples; but they each communicate a vital part of self-advocacy which is understanding the value you bring to the table, communicating your preferences clearly, and recognizing what you need to feel in contr...

  Being an independent woman is a life skill that will empower you to take control of your life and rely on yourself to accomplish your dreams. The more independent you are, the more freedom you have to focus on what matters most to you and to attain your goals in ways that are important to you. Being an independent woman is not about being alone but it is about honoring your own needs and values over those of others. Independence is the foundation of your adult life. It’s the thing that allows you to make decisions for yourself, do things for yourself, and move through life without a constant feeling of self-doubt or regret. No one reaches the end of their lives regretting the adventurous things they did do. We do, however, often regret the things we didn’t have the courage or ability to do.  We all have that family member or friend who likes to constantly offer their free advice, or explanation as to why you should live your life a certain way.  Maybe your favorite aunt...

  Building your skills to have better conversations in your career or business helps you reach your goals and build relationships with others.    When women feel confident and comfortable they can easily converse with others. But when they are nervous and afraid, which happens all too often in business and work situations, it’s another story. The good news is women can learn different ways to start conversations that are effective. The key is to practice so you get better. Begin by keeping it simple. Have a follow up plan after the initial hello, how are you? Don’t use a clever ice breaker that could blow up on you. Leave the jokes or snappy stories out of the initial conversation as well.   Be yourself and don’t try to say something that isn’t natural to your personality. Give the person you're speaking to a compliment about something such as a project they just finished, a presentation they gave or how organized they are. Ask open-ended questions that require more ...

Women are breaking barriers, making impressive progress in various fields and shattering stereotypes. Despite these advancements, many women still struggle with their confidence and self-belief.  The Importance of Confidence Confidence is an important factor in shaping the success and well-being of an individual. The confidence levels of women are often influenced by societal expectations, personal experiences and cultural norms.  Confident women will be more likely to take risks, follow their goals, advocate for, and protect themselves; as well as being able to recover from setbacks. By relying on their inner confidence, women are better able to combat feelings of self-doubt, imposter syndrome and deflect any external criticisms that could potentially impede their growth.  The Need to Build Inner Strength The foundation upon which confidence is built is inner strength. A strong foundation requires courage, resilience, determination, and perseverance in the face of a...

Reinventing yourself means making significant changes to your life. It’s a challenging and intimidating process, but it’s worthwhile because it will bring about tremendous growth and fulfillment. When you reinvent yourself, you eventually become a new and improved version of yourself. Your reinvention may include changing your career, ending unhealthy relationships, adopting new habits, or finding a new sense of purpose or meaning in life. It’s about breaking out of your comfort zone and taking control of your life. Reinvention is a powerful concept, and it's something that many people strive for in their lives. Whether changing careers, starting a new hobby, or simply taking a different approach to life, the possibilities for reinvention are endless.  How Did I Get Here?  The process of reinvention is challenging but understanding how you got to this point will ensure that you make better decisions for the future. So here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you figur...