Strategies and Tactics for Women by Dr. Shannon Reece

Performance Tip of the Week

When you look at your life, do you see a glass half empty or a glass half full?

Do you wait until the fourth Thursday in November each year to take pause, and reflect on the many ways your life is blessed?

Do you mentally and emotionally reside in the camp of the have’s or the have-not’s?

Experiencing true abundance in life is not about how much stuff you can accumulate over a lifetime. It’s about how fully you can pay it forward during your time on planet earth, and discover how, through giving, God shines priceless blessings right back on you.

Some days are easier than others to maintain an attitude of gratitude. I have my days of doubt and frustration just like you do. It’s how you choose to spend the majority of your time that defines you.

Abundance is a discipline of thought, motive, and mission. Remember you reap what you sow. If you believe that abundance needs to come wrapped in a big box with a shiny bow, then you are missing out on hundreds of precious, small, brown-paper-wrapped gifts that are right in front of you. Sometimes all you need to do is open your eyes.

I enjoy hearing about the things for which you are most grateful. Other people’s stories help me keep challenges in perspective, and my focus on the things that are most important in my life. So perhaps if I share my story with you, it will provide you a little inspiration too.

I wish I could tell you this year has been all sunshine and roses. What is has been is an adventure every step of the way, with many arduous climbs and a trek or two through deep valleys. Nothing unusual for entrepreneurship. Through it all, I still feel like I am coming out on top. And I will tell you why –

The Top 10 Reasons Why My Life Is Abundant

1 – I am healthy and strong. Despite the rare vocal cord condition I have, requiring bi-annual laser treatments to maintain my voice, I am thankful that I have good health. Every challenge just makes me stronger.

2 – I have what I need. It’s okay to strive for more — you can be certain that I have lofty goals for reaching women all around the world with my message. Though my life is not fancy, when it comes down to it, I view myself in the camp with the have’s.

3 – I have made some amazing peer connections this year. Networking can to take on a life of its own. For me, it has been a snowball effect this year, connecting me with more and more amazing women (and men) entrepreneurs. We will be combining forces, and leveraging the power of our businesses in 2012, and that is a huge blessing! I invite you to join the fun!

4 – I have a precious business partner. Okay, my business partner doesn’t do much around the office, but I am truly blessed by the company of my furry companion. Mia brings levity to the most serious moments, and keeps my life joyful with puppy kisses, and tranquil walks when I need them.

5 – God gives me the strength and courage to get back up. I have stumbled a few times this year, trying new things. I’ve even fallen flat on my face. But I can’t diminish the value of these experiences and the wealth of information I learned as a result. Every hardship makes me stronger, wiser, and more determined to push forward. I rest on the verse from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

6 – I am blessed by my clients. The men and women I have the privilege to work with, whether in business or golf, have taught me so much this year just by sharing their journey with me. No woman is an island, and when we put our heads together, there really is no limit as to what can be accomplished. Watching my clients shine in their performance arenas is a priceless gift to me.

7 – My support structure stands firm. I am thankful to be surrounded by an incredible support team of family, friends, and colleagues who are my champions. They encourage, challenge, cheer, and motivate me to dream bigger, reach higher, and shine brighter. As a result of my “team” I have been able to complete more great work this year than I had planned. (Thank you to you all!)

8 – I get to do what I love to do every day. For so much of my life, I was not able to say this. To be in a position to be serving my clients in big and small ways, to draw women out of their ruts, shells, and hiding places through my writing, and to wake up each day and get to do it again is the life of my dreams!

9 – I have learned so many new and interesting things! A big part of entrepreneurship is the steep learning curve. There are so many ways to market your business, streamline your systems, build your team, and reach new audiences, that you have to  spend a lot of time researching and learning. It’s hard work, but can be a lot of fun too. This year I rolled up my sleeves and added some new skills to my repertoire, that have only made me a better resource for my clients.

10 – YOU have been a blessing. This year, my Facebook Fan base, Twitter followers, and Blog readers have continued to grow strong. And I have had the pleasure of interacting with many of you on a more personal level. You have blessed me with your comments, questions, and requests, because it is only by you telling me what you want, that I may strive to deliver. So keep the information flow coming. I am here to serve you!

I hope my list in some way will inspire you to create your own. When we get busy, as we all do day in and day out, it’s important to take those regular pauses to reflect on all the wonderful blessings around us. Don’t wait until November each year, when your life can be enriched by a thankful Tuesday. Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you doing to cultivate an attitude of abundance in your life?