One of many wonderful surprise Christmas gifts from my older sister, Margie, was a small wooden container full of homemade cards with inspirational thoughts.  It’s labeled “Self Empowerment Tool Kit.”  Margie told me that she’d spotted it at a local consignment store and hoped I might  be able to use it in my coaching work. 

It seemed appropriate to share my favorites from the “tool kit” on this first day of 2012.  (I regret that I don’t know to whom to attribute the following words of wisdom.)

Keep your eyes on the prize

Set goals and know what you want, where you want to be, and how you will get there.  You will be empowered by every step you make towards your goals.

Stretch yourself beyond your comfort zone

Know your safety limits, but also dare to take risks.  Don’t be afraid to face your fears, and step out of your comfort zone.  If you always do what you’ve always done, you will always get what you’ve always got. 

Embrace change

The dragonfly represents change.  In order to grow, you must be wiling to change. Change will do you good.

Penny for your thoughts

Your thoughts and opinions matter.  Don’t be afraid to express yourself.  Talk about your fears, your needs, your ideas, and your dreams. 

Erase your mistakes

Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes you make.  Erase your mistakes but learn from them and do better the next time around.

 Tip up loose ends

Don’t leave things undone as things undone clutter the mind. Tie up loose ends, finish what you start and you will feel accomplished and empowered to move on to the next tasks. 

Spread your wings and live

You are capable of so much; spread your wings and live your life as if you were a butterly.  Explore, take time to smell the flowers and enjoy life!

I encourage you to live these out…and have an amazing year in 2012!