Who Knew Personal Development Actually Works
First, a quick introduction:
Hi, my name is Tiana and I am a wife, a mother, an entrepreneur, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a marketer, an introvert, a professional, a realist, etc. I could go on and on, but I suppose that would be pretty boring, so I’ll stop there, as I’m sure that you’ll learn more about me as our relationship grows. For now, thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoy and/or gain value and insight from the content on my site.
So here goes...
Prior to about 6 months ago, I had no interest in reading “self-help” books. I’ve always enjoyed nonfiction, such as historical accounts of events, people and things, memoirs and biographies, but for some reason “self-help” did not peak my interest. Perhaps it’s the term “self-help” that’s off putting, maybe it’s because I think I know it all (which, unfortunately I do not). I’m not sure exactly what it was, but I remember when I would proudly declare to my friends (side eye included), “I don’t read ‘self-help’ books.” However, it seems that self-help has undergone a rebranding and we’re now calling it “personal development.” And let me say, I am 100% here for personal development! Not only am I reading the books, I’m reading the blogs, and listening to the podcasts and internet stalking the experts. I. Am. Here. For. This.
My life has changed so much since I’ve embraced personal development techniques. Not so much the external fixings of my life, but my outlook on how I show up in the world. So much so, that I need to share all the things I’m learning in this space, in hopes that it will help someone out there reading.
So, a little background:
I started my digital marketing business in January 2014, but I really didn’t do much with it other than help family and friends when they needed marketing assets and advice. In 2015 I was laid off from my job, and it sucked, but it also forced me to reinvest time and energy in my business, because I had to do something and at the time I was not feeling applying for jobs or going back into corporate America at all. I consider this a major turning point in my life. I had always thought (theoretically) that I could do anything I chose to pursue, but secretly I didn’t really know if I could actually convince people/businesses to give me money for a product they could not see or feel. I never considered myself a salesperson. But, I DID IT! And it was amazing! In three short months, I had accumulated six paying clients. Of course, I was barely charging them anything, but something was better than nothing at the time, and even better, I had proven to myself that I can be a business owner.
I was on a high. I had found my purpose and I was walking in it. Then, I got pregnant with my son (who is my second child). Don’t get me wrong, I am absolutely in love with my son, but at the time I was devastated. How was I going to grow my business, while pregnant (and randomly falling asleep in the middle of the day) or better yet, with a newborn and a four year old? So, I settled. The company that laid me off called me back and offered me a very well-paying full-time job, and I took it.
At first I was excited, I had a big fancy title and a big fancy salary, but as the days and the months dragged (and I mean dragged) along, I realized this was not what I wanted. I was NOT living my purpose. So, by the time my son was one, I decided it was time to get back to what I wanted in life and what makes me happy (outside of my family). I told my boss that I was going part-time (when I say told, I don’t mean in the neck rolling, lip smacking kind of way. We had a conversation).
Insert Courtney Sanders…
If you’re familiar, you know her as the Think & Grow Chick. I don’t know her. I’ve never met her. I’ve actually have yet to purchase any of her products (but Courtney, if you stumble upon this, I think you’re awesome… and I’m headed over to your site now (covers face in shame)). I clicked her ad on Facebook at the right time, and she sent me a series of emails over 3 days that further convince me that I was making the right decision and that by just writing my goals and my to do list daily I would be back on on my entrepreneurial path. As it turns out, she was right! Literally, in just four weeks of pounding the pavement, going to networking events, making cold calls, I had secured my first five-figure deal ever! And, personal development techniques had my heart forever.
So, with that said, I am not a personal development expert, I am not a personal success coach, and most importantly, I’m not a quit your job and get rich quick girl (no shade…), but I will share my personal development journey as I learn and grow in hopes that it will help and inspire whoever may be reading.
xo-Tiana
P.S. If you enjoyed what you read, or gleaned some insight/value, please share.
