Remarkability

May 16, 2013 By 2 Comments
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What is a Remarkable Act?

 

I would not have the answer for this question until a few days ago.

 

Monday, I went back to work and an hour into my day I bumped into one of my colleagues and she said, “Alpha, we have something in support for you!” I said nonchalantly, “Well, thank you!” not knowing exactly what that ‘something’ was about. Quickly she responded, “No, Alpha you have to come and see me. You have to read it.” So, I replied, “Sure, I will stop by sometime today after my meetings.”

 

A few hours passed and I made my way to her office. When I got there, she gave me what I thought was just an ordinary document – and I began to read it. What exactly was on that paper was something beautifully written, something I would never ever expected that my colleagues would do for me.  They wrote (or at least spearheaded by MLR) what they thought of me, as their colleague. On the bottom of that paper were a few signatures of my colleagues, which really at that point made me say, ‘Oh you guys did not have to this. But thank you!’ But then, I realized what MLR gave me was not just a piece of paper, but actually at least five pages filled with signatures of my colleagues petitioning me to stay where I am and continue to work with them.

 

At that point, tears began to fill my eyes and I caught myself crying (I held it back as much as I could because there were students in MLR’s office). I felt very very special to be thought of that way and to be regarded that way by my colleagues– but something even greater and even more remarkable than the words they used to describe me, came out of that moment. And it was them – my colleagues.

 

That moment truly defined what kind of people I work with. They did what was remarkable. They did what I thought was so amazing, I can not even thank them enough! It was the very act of them getting together and placing their signatures of confidence in the work that I do with them. It was them – and their very remarkable act of standing what they thought was right and how they are willing to support a colleague (me) in the work that we do as a TEAM.

 

I probably could have hugged MLR at that moment but I did not. I was just too overwhelmed or maybe too happy or maybe too inspired – I do not know, to tell you the truth. Whatever the reason or my state of mind at that time, I knew for sure what my colleagues did was something that will keep me inspired and work even harder with them because I know people like them, who are remarkable deserve a remarkable kind of leadership.

 

And that is the promise I take with me. Thank you everyone!

 

 

Alpha Sanford is the creator and editor of Aspire.Motivate.Succeed! a personal development website which aims to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life through its bi-weekly articles. She interviews and features inspiring individuals whose extraordinary work impact the lives of many people in the community. You can contact her via facebook, twitter, and email.  You can also join her FREE monthly newsletter where you will get tips to a more successful life. 

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Success Story: Kimberly Mitchell, Loving with Purpose

April 28, 2013 By 4 Comments
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It has been almost a year ago when Kimberly Mitchell sent me a copy of her book, Loving with Purpose. Since then, whenever I have the time I would take a few minutes and read through some of her sage advice on loving, living and starting to see things in a more purposeful way in dealing with people. In some fashion, I would say that her book has similarities with the book that I authored with the rest of the AMSDaily writers last July – the only huge difference is Kimberly’s book focuses solely on loving and maintain relationships with purpose.

Today, she shares with us her story – and one lucky reader shall receive a FREE copy of her book. Make sure to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the interview.

Please do visit Kimberly’s website at  http://www.lovingwithpurpose.com. She has a lot of information on her site which will definitely help you see love with purpose. You can also like her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/LovingwithPurpose. 

Here is Kimberly’s purposeful story:

 

Alpha: What inspired you to write your latest book?

Kimberly: I was at a crossroads in my life and decided to write again. I actually wrote most of my life, but never a book. Once I made the decision to write, I had to figure out what subject matter I wanted to take on. Then one night, when I went out to dinner, I saw an older gentleman escort his wife to the table by putting his hand on the small of her back. That’s when it hit me; I would write about chivalry! Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. The book took on a life of its own; covering topics from dating to blending, and more. I’m actually working on my second book now, along with blogging for others, offering presentations and speaking engagements.

Alpha: What have been the rewards and challenges of writing it?

Learning each and every task necessary to publish my own book. The second challenge was telling my story, while protecting anyone in my life by hurting them. I wanted to make sure I was genuine, honest, and responsible.

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Alpha: What is the book’s core message?

The book is about a lot of things, but mainly it’s about a woman’s choices; her choices in dating or marriage, with her children, friends…even her finances! I talk about abuse, blending, discrimination, and religion, too. If there’s a choice for women to make, most likely she can find a section in the book covering that topic.

Alpha: What do readers need to know about you?

I am a woman with a purpose; to help women make better choices, while helping them realize their own self-worth.

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Alpha: Any advice to a struggling writer?

Make a table of contents BEFORE writing so you follow the flow as thoughts come to mind. Research, learn, and then write.

Alpha: Where do you see book publishing is heading?

Self-publishing and audio books. When you go with traditional, you still have to do most of the marketing, which is the hardest part of the work. I tried to go traditional, but after almost ninety proposal packages I gave up. Now, after doing all the work, I’m grateful for what I’ve accomplished. My only regret is that I can’t share my work with many of the bookstores because of nontraditional.

LwP bitmap

 

 

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To read other inspiring Success Stories, click here.

 

Alpha Sanford is the creator and editor of Aspire.Motivate.Succeed! a personal development website which aims to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life through its bi-weekly articles. She interviews and features inspiring individuals whose extraordinary work impact the lives of many people in the community. You can contact her via facebook, twitter, and email.  You can also join her FREE monthly newsletter where you will get tips to a more successful life. Emailamsdaily@yahoo.com with the heading NEWSLETTER to join. If you are already an amsdaily subscriber, you will not automatically receive these monthly newsletters unless you email her.

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Success Story: Stacey Shipman, Speaker and Coach

March 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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Stacey Shipman helps individuals increase personal and professional effectiveness by strengthening presentation skills. She provides speaking programs, workshops and services that focus on reducing speaking anxiety, presenting yourself with confidence and authority, connecting to your audience and clearly communicating your message.

 

Growing up, she was the quietest girl in class but she was able to prove that with training, persistence and motivation she is now considered as one of the best speakers, businesswomen and freelance writers in the South Shore!

 

Stacey was also named as one of the 40 under 40 by the South Shore STARS in 2011. She is a well respected community leader, author and has been featured in multiple newspapers and magazines in Massachusetts as an entrepreneur. You can check out her company at http://www.staceyshipman.com. You can also contact her  via email at stacey@staceyshipman.com, via Twitter: @staceyshipman and also by phone at 617-548-5877 for your professional and personal needs.

 

This is her story:

 

Alpha: Tell us the story of your company and why you started it?

 

Stacey: Originally I became self-employed to rid myself of corporate stress. When the stress didn’t go away I had to dig deep and figure out why. As I evolved, my work and business evolved. Although I won the Quietest Girl Award in 6th grade, today I have a career as a professional communicator -speaking and writing with a focus on helping others speak up with confidence. We all have a story to tell.

 

Alpha: Tell us about the biggest successes and failures in your business. What worked, what didn’t, and what did you learn?

 

Stacey: Success: After presenting a speech called Feel Your Best, I guided the audience through a relaxation exercise. After the program ended, one audience member approached me with tears in her eyes. She lives with chronic pain and for the fifteen minutes of that exercise, she didn’t have any pain. Work doesn’t get more satisfying than that.

 

Failure: Look, it sounds cliche, but the truth is, no matter how frustrated and stressed out I get wondering where the next gig ($$$) will come from, I wouldn’t give any of the experiences I’ve had back. I am where I am today and have a really strong message because of the ups and downs. Women often ask me, “How do I know I’m doing the right thing?” and I tell them, “You don’t. And you’ll never know if you never take a step.” I truly believe the only failure is not trying at all.

 

Alpha: What do you want to achieve in your company or in what you do:

 

the next week:

 

 

Stacey: I want to have the first draft of my book done. It’s about creating a bigger presence and impact by strengthening your presentation skills.

 

the next year:

 

 

Stacey: I’d like to speak in schools – youth, college and teens – share my story as quietest girl and why I became the quietest girl, and how tools like yoga, meditation, writing helped build my confidence, reclaim my voice and make a difference in my community

 

I’d also like to get an essay published, I’m still identifying publications and drafting the essay.

 

the next 10 years:

 

Stacey: Honestly, I never think that far out because if you told me five years ago I’d be a speaker and writer for a career I would have laughed out loud. That said, my big goal has always been to write. Write articles, blogs, books and then share that information and inspiration with others. I’m on that path.

 

Alpha: What was your most inspiring moment doing what you do?

 

Stacey: See above when I mentioned the woman in pain. Also, I love getting emails from people who read my blogs, newsletters and articles telling me how helpful my words have been. Words are powerful. I wished more people shared their stories. I know from first hand experience how hard that is, though. You have to be ok with vulnerability.

 

Alpha: If you were to tell us what are the most important skills that you need in order to be successful in life- what are they?

 

Stacey: Resilience, perseverance, flexibility to adapt, strong support system, good health – if you’re not healthy mentally and physically, the rest won’t matter. Your health and having coping skills in place must come first.

 

Alpha: How would you define Success?

 

Stacey: Funny you ask. I wrote a blog post about it. The last line of the post sums it up: “If I’m helping people feel better personally or professionally, whether I’m paid or not, that is success.”

 

Don’t get me wrong, I prefer to get paid!

 

You can read the full blog post here: http://www.staceyshipman.com/2012/05/22/how-do-you-define-success/

 

Alpha: What are your favorite things?

 

Stacey:

 

Movie:

Footloose (the original version from the 80s) is the first movie that popped into my mind!

 

Book:

I don’t have a favorite book!

 

Place on earth:

Hanging in my backyard on a summer evening with my husband and our cats

 

Travel:

Italy and Costa Rica

 

Food:

Pizza and Syrian food

 

Drink:

Lately it’s the fruit smoothie’s I make: banana, berries or mango, and kale. believe it or not they are yummy!

 

Quote:

“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” – Chinese Proverb

 

To read other inspiring Success Stories, click here.

 

Alpha Sanford is the creator and editor of Aspire.Motivate.Succeed! a personal development website which aims to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life through its bi-weekly articles. She interviews and features inspiring individuals whose extraordinary work impact the lives of many people in the community. You can contact her via facebook, twitter, email or pinterest.

 

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On Benevolent Leadership and Nuns

March 26, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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by Alpha Sanford

 

A few Sundays ago we went to church and sat at our usual spot where we could see everybody who enters the door. Not long after we claimed our seats, two elderly women both unusually agile and alert for their age came through the entrance and we locked eyes. One of the women was just staring at us and I could not understand why she was doing that. Her look was not anything malicious at all but again it was somewhat odd given the length and the kind of concentration she had in her eyes. I suddenly began to think of my own grandmother – petite at 4’10 like them. And then they were right at our aisle, still the same woman staring at us as if she has not seen such people in all these years!

And that was when I realized she was actually looking and admiring at our daughter!

When they were very close to us, one of the women waved her hands at my daughter and gave the sweetest and sincerest, almost the holiest smile I had ever seen. She had that face that reminds me of Mother Teresa.

Then they both walked away – moving their heads straight through a few pews in front of us. As they walked, my husband and I noticed their headpiece – then it hit us. They are nuns!

The sanctity of their look and the clarity in their eyes moved me – then I found myself praying for them. Then, praying for all the priests and the nuns and all the members of the church who serve the people and who are our bridges to God. I found myself admiring their work and the way they give themselves to the community.

Then I asked myself at that moment: how could these people (the nuns) live so simply, happily and so dedicated to their mission in life? How could they do what they are called for in life wholeheartedly without the need to be recognized? How could as human as they are, do what they do?

Then I began to tell myself that they are truly not just God’s sent but they are benevolent leaders. They exhibit the characteristics of benevolent leadership. They work hard; they have solid integrity; they fulfill their mission and they work for the goodness of people. They do everything they can – even pray for all souls dead or living. They are indeed remarkable – just like any benevolent leaders that we know from history.

As we left the church, I had in my mind an idea of how I must lead my life or my organization. I thought of Mother Teresa and I held in my heart and in my mind a more important lesson than the homily for the day: lead with benevolence.

 

 

Alpha Sanford is the creator and editor of Aspire.Motivate.Succeed! a personal development website which aims to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life through its bi-weekly articles. She interviews and features inspiring individuals whose extraordinary work impact the lives of many people in the community. You can contact her via facebook, twitter, email or pinterest.

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The Five Enemies of Success

February 12, 2013 By 2 Comments
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Photo of Hannah Young

By Alpha M. Sanford

 

All right, you have visions of being successful. You know you are getting there or at least you feel that you are almost close to attaining your goal, but let us be real. Sometimes you just feel like “blah” – like you almost think you are a failure or nothing means anything to you anymore and that feeling is debilitating to say the least. I am saying this because I am very familiar with this type of feeling.  It is natural and I feel it – sometimes. You and I are just humans, and so do most successful people. And it is okay to feel this way “sometimes” as long as you recognize that this kind of feeling is only temporary and will surely pass by.

Here are some things that defeat your success and if you acknowledge these feelings, you can slowly turn these negative emotions into something positive  and you will surely get back to where you were.

1. Self-Doubt – Questions such as “Am I good enough?” “Am I doing the right thing?” “Can I really lead?” really present some deeper reflections. But too much digging into yourself and being over analytical of what you can or can do is not healthy. Stop asking these questions and instead tell yourself, “I did what I can. I know I did! If it is not yet good enough for some then too bad my conscience is clear and I can sleep well tonight” and you will feel much better.

 

2. Lack of Confidence – Sometimes your lack of confidence stem from other people’s feedback or criticisms. You may not have the control knob for people’s thoughts about you or what you do, but you can still control what you feel inside. Remember it is not the people  around  you who will eventually make you feel good – it is you and what you do.

 

Believe that there are many naysayers and there will always be. In the real world, you have to ask 10 people and at least 7 out of the ten will be against you or what you do. But, hey – it is not them – it is you and your passion that fuels your confidence.

 

3. Giving Up on the first sight of a Challenge – anticipating an issue is one thing but experiencing your first challenge is another. The key to dealing with challenges is to accept the circumstances as they are. Know that this is just a bump along your journey that you need to overcome in full force and then problem solve! Not a good thing to do? Just giving up and letting the problem eat you alive!

 

4. Inconsistent – In school if you are absent for no legitimate reasons for at least six days within a term you will definitely fail. To be successful, 80% of it depends on showing up and delivering what you promise on a consistent basis. In the world of blogging, one of my pet peeves when I go through my feeds are posts with introductions such as; “I am sorry I have not posted for a while…I have been busy!” Oh, yes – and so do many of us! Practically speaking, you have to be consistent and if you can’t then rethink your priorities. Don’t overpromise and under deliver. Just be consistent. (except when there are calamities – in that case, it is acceptable)

 

 

5. Being Dull and Bored – These are all the opposite of being excited and being happy! I remember sitting down with some thought leaders at work and one of the big thinkers kept on asking us, “are you still having fun? I just want to make sure we all are!”  It was refreshing to be reminded that despite some hard core and serious documents in front of us someone is still trying to remind us that we have to have fun, or else it is not worth it. If you feel bored  – it is okay – but do not let it define your day. Liven it up and get your energy back to excitement by simply walking, or looking at some of your happy pictures! It will always make your day better.

 

Alpha Sanford is the creator and editor of Aspire.Motivate.Succeed! a personal development website which aims to inspire and motivate people from all walks of life through its bi-weekly articles. She interviews and features inspiring individuals whose extraordinary work impact the lives of many people in the community. You can contact her via facebook, twitter, email or pinterest.

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