One Surprising Change

Can one small change really make a difference?  When I began my journey with Thirty One, I was working full-time and NEVER thought that direct sales would be for me.  I wanted the discounts.  I had been in business for myself before and loved it but I didn’t want to be that pushy sales person.

My why  has changed.  I realized that Thirty One is not just about the bags – it is about changing lives.  Those changes can include: financial freedom, self-confidence, a new career, friends or just learning how to set goals and DREAM.  No, this isn’t a recruiting message – unless you are looking for that.  This is about how one small change made a difference in my life, gave me confidence and helped me to start growing my business to reach my ultimate goals.

I am sure that some of you are thinking, “one small change” doesn’t make a difference. I am hear to tell you – it DOES!  When I first decided that I wanted Leadership with Thirty One and that I wanted to make this my full-time business – I had doubts, I made excuses for why I didn’t reach my goals, I had fears, I worried about what others would think, I wanted my team to like me and most of all what if I failed.  Can you tell that I lacked a little bit of self-confidence?

The change started gradually when I left National Conference in July 2013, I was humbled as I walked across the stage to be acknowledged as a NEW Director.  I still cry when I think of that night – tears of joy and accomplishment.  When I returned home, I still had some fears, doubts and of course those excuses that keep you from reaching for the stars – my next goal of Senior Director

Being part of a networking group (ETTM), helped me with my confidence.  They are an AMAZING group of business women who nudge, encourage and sometimes give you that SMACK on the head.  Then there is my Thirty One up-line who always seems to know what I need to hear, who also gives me a loving SMACK on the head.  Yes, these loving SMACKS have helped me in so many ways.  I prayed and asked for guidance, I asked other prayer warriors to pray for my business and I ACCEPTED the fact that if I work hard, follow God’s plan for me and the recommendations of others – I will be blessed beyond measure.

My small change was – to value myself more.  To not let fear and doubt determine who I am.  Yes, I may fail and I may not always reach MY goal but I know that doesn’t determine who I am.  I value who I am as a person, a mom, a wife, a daughter, a friend and a leader.  WOW, did I actually say that! I am not perfect. I know that I will stumble along this journey.  The bumps in the road are lessons and don’t determine who I am as a person.  The goal of valuing myself more is not an easy or me since I have always let others determine my self-worth. I began focusing my energy on reaching MY personal goals.

Although I fear the unknown sometimes, I have to go for it. No matter how many times I fall I will keep getting up to face those fears.   I’ve learned that while some climb the ladder by skipping a step, taking one step at a time is not a bad thing. At the end we both will make it to the top.

Stop and think about the successes you’ve had. You may be discounting the progress you’re making.  There’s one thing to keep in mind: Your success is a powerful and motivating story for those who are still finding their way.

Share your stories. We’d love to hear them. Why don’t you start by putting something in the comments?

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!