How She Learned to Change Her Opinion

The importance of a warm welcome. Guests remember, and respond to, a genuine, warm welcome and it makes more of an impact than you think.

When first investing in real estate I thought that a lot of money was needed to be successful. I started off with an investment group which failed miserably, then discovered a technique selling distressed properties which worked out better instead.

Rather than lying in front of the car and blaming it for running over you, get into the driver's seat and steer your direction. Earlier in my career, I recognized this about myself until I started leaning into it, asking to lead projects and taking more responsibility for the direction I wanted to head in.

I used to believe a leader's job was to have every answer and never let the room see doubt. Two decades in uniform taught me the opposite. Vulnerability is what earns the room, and belonging is what actually carries a team up the hill.

External validation used to be a hallmark for success. However, I came to realize that without my own approval of myself, life's victories were not as rewarding. I'm my only competition.

Earlier in my career, I sometimes viewed overlapping responsibilities as competition rather than collaboration. And then a mentor gave me some advice: Assume positive intent. This shifted my perspective, and I stopped asking whether someone was stepping into my lane and started asking what we could accomplish together. I learned that someone else's expertise doesn't diminish my value and often it strengthens the outcome.

I used to think that if I was good at something, I should keep doing it. Then I realized that staying where I was comfortable was keeping me from growing into more and giving more of what I had to offer.

An opinion, assumption, or perspective I've changed is the fact that it's okay to not be okay, it's okay to let others know that you're not okay. I was at the point where I just couldn't make bread out of stones anymore. I had to let my kids know that mommy is broke, mommy has to get up & go find a second source of income. I was in too much comfort but now being broke drove me to search for something additional.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is scary at times but your potential and determination will always help you reach your goals.

My favorite saying to myself "One should NEVER let someone else's fear guide your footsteps, at that point the path is no longer yours and yours alone!"

I can do it my way. That's what I had to start believing, that I didn't have to follow society's script on what we should want. I decided I can decide for myself. That one shift in perspective has changed my life! That decision to go against the grain has ushered in so much fun, joy, freedom and purpose.