By: Guest Blogger Michele Mattia
Inspirational Speaker, Best Selling Author and Life Design Coach
When I was young, I thought confidence could be earned with perfection. Now I know that you don’t earn it; you claim it. And you do that by loving the wacky, endlessly optimistic, enthusiastically uninhibited free spirit that is the essence of style, the quintessence of heart, and uniquely you. ~ Cecelie Berry
When I decided it was time for me to walk away from my successful technology consulting firm I owned for over a decade to start a new chapter that involved life coaching, I was met with less than supportive responses: Ugh, everyone says they’re a life coach these days; How do you think you’re going to make a living as a life coach when there are so many out there already; What makes you think your different from all of the other coaches out there?
First, I laugh whenever I hear sentences that begin with “everyone says” and “no one thinks.” There is no way that any of us know everyone on this planet and everyone would also fall under “no one”. Second, I was more than aware of how many people called themselves life coaches, career coaches, executive coaches, spiritual coaches, lifestyle coaches and on and on and on. I understood the stigma that was attached to the industry because it’s not really regulated; although, many people, like myself, believe in the importance of certification and fall under the education of ICF.
Yet with all of the negativity I was hearing and reading, I knew one thing to be true. I was unique! I owned my “WOW factor!” The way I view the world, align my thoughts, words and actions, and respond to moments is exclusive to me. My authentic self shares information differently than other individuals in the same field. This doesn’t mean that my creative vision and mission is better or worst than someone else’s. I celebrated being different. I honored who and what I was. What resulted was a very fast expansion into inspirational and empowerment speaking, becoming a published author, and hosting retreats.
These are exciting times! With a shift in the way we define work, career, jobs and entrepreneurship, there are LIMITLESS opportunities to create the lifestyle where we are living, doing and being what we love. A job is no longer defined by a 9 am – 5 pm workday, nor does it have to be Monday – Friday. When choosing a career path, we aren’t restricted to any one industry, geographic area or position. In fact, with the ever-evolving technology industry and the increased reliance and importance of social media in both the personal and professional sectors, regardless of where we are physically located, we have become each other’s next-door neighbors!
We are a global society! There are numerous opportunities to network, build relationships and even collaborate with 
an individual or a company. We might decide to have one job or develop a portfolio with two or more businesses or careers that integrate our full range of unique gifts and talents. The ability to create a dynamic life is a dream come true; yet all of this potential and possibility, combined with our dreaming big, can result in an overwhelming feeling of where to begin. It can feel that there are too many choices or have we not taken the time to dig in deep and discover the who we are, our work and life values, and what we truly need and want. Have we mastered our message?
What is your WOW factor?
1. What values are important to you and what do you find yourself talking about and/or sharing on a daily basis?
2. What are your passions in your personal and professional world and do they intersect?
We can tend to take for granted that we know these answers and can access them in an instance; however, because this connects to what comes naturally to us we don’t always realize their importance or impact. It’s essential to know what your objectives are, as well as acknowledging any challenges or blocks that have left you anchored to the past.
How do your present your WOW factor?
1. Research your opportunities. Prior to attending an event, workshop, meeting, or interview understand the mission and vision of the industry, company, hosts and/or facilitators. Often, this information is provided on websites and in publications.
2. Know your audience. Whether it is a large function or a one-on-one meeting, having background information strengthens your confidence and positions you to know what they need and how you and your WOW factor fits.
We are living in a time where authenticity, transparency, sincerity and honesty are imperative to success in all areas of our lives. By mastering your message and owning your WOW factor, you master your image and how you communicate. We know our authentic selves and those we want to attract. We have a clearer direction toward the realization of our goals and dreams. Our journey becomes filled with enthusiasm and exuberance.
Are you ready to claim, own and celebrate your WOW?
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For a great opportunity to learn more about connecting with and celebrating YOU, join me and Jennifer S. Wilkov for the Deliciously Fabulous YOU Retreat in New York City in May. Early commitment special pricing is available to honor the time you are dedicating to YOU. To learn more and to register, go to http://deliciouslyfabulousyouretreat.eventbrite.com
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Humanity’s misfortune is when we don’t realize the very gifts we are! We don’t serve the rest of the world or ourselves by playing small. Live your life big! Own your truth! We must embrace the knowing that we deserve to live a life we love, one that supports who and what we are. We need to be willing to say, ‘Yes! I choose me!’
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© 2011 Michele Mattia. All Rights Reserved.
Michele, a nationally recognized speaker on both tv and radio, is an Inspirational Speaker, Best Selling Author, Life Design Coach, New Thought Leader and Creative Strategist. During a silent retreat five years ago, she asked herself the question: “What would I do right now if I wasn’t worried about the “how”?” What manifested next was nothing short of extraordinary! Specializing in Life Design, Michele’s mission is to inspire, support and co-create all possibilities her clients and audiences are courageous enough to demand. She motivates others to claim their unique gifts and talents, while owning that they deserve to create a dynamic and delicious life. Michele believes we must embrace the knowing that we deserve to live a life we love, one that supports who and what we are. We need to be willing to say, “Yes! I choose me!” To learn more about Michele and receive Michele’s Daily Dash, an empowering eZine, go to www.MicheleMattia.com
