“Just Do It”

The one thing that most successful people have in common is that they have learned how to connect their gifts and talents to their passions.

The truth is, we are all born with our own unique gifts. The life path that works for one person may not be the one that works for you. Have you taken the time to ask yourself, 'What is going to make me happy and fulfilled?" Whatever you choose to pursue, you must have a strategy first. A great example is the heights my good friend Michele Thornton has achieved on her journey. Michele has shared her life lessons to help other women find their intrinsic skills. Throughout her book, “Stratechic” (http://stratechic.com), Michele reminds us that “If you don’t set expectations, nothing will happen!” Her book is a must read for any woman who is serious about developing a plan and strategy to achieve success.

Get out of your own way

Throughout our lives, we are often groomed to pursue the dreams and ideals of those who raised and influenced us. Some of us get caught up in impressing others with prestigious titles and expensive material goods, yet still feel unfulfilled, or, as my friend Sheri Riley explains, “spending 100% of your time on 10% of who you truly are.” Sheri has developed a transformational program, specifically designed for high-achievers, to help them learn how to get out of their own way and truly live their greatest lives by removing the elements that keep them hostage to their own success. If you haven’t picked up her book, “Exponential Living" (http://sheririley.com), please do. It will change your life.

If you are a mother looking to do extraordinary things for your children as well as for yourself, I encourage you to subscribe to LaToyia Dennis’ Motivated Mom blog (http://www.motivatedmom.org/). LaToyia shares incredible messaging and resources to guide women to create strategies for success, to live healthy lives of purpose and to work towards becoming financially free.

Understand your gifts and talents

I must admit I struggled to understand what my true gifts and talents were. As a young child, I wanted to be a singer like my mom, but I wasn’t blessed with the gift of song. In fact, when I sing my husband jokingly says I sound like Kermit the Frog on crack. I still sing in the privacy of my home because it makes me happy, but I know that my singing voice is not the gift that I am meant to share with others.

My gifts are my ability to grasp information quickly, to build long-term relationships built on integrity and an innate skill to take charge and make things happen when no one else can. I combined these gifts with the vision I had for a dream job in Corporate America. I put in the work, built the relationships and reached my goal.

Don’t look back

Once you have assessed the things you do well, what makes you happy and who fuels your passion, you will need to determine how to use them to achieve the vision you have for your life. Remember that you cannot change the past. Do not focus on prior mistakes and hold on to those experiences as baggage. Learn to forgive yourself, the people or circumstances that have held you down. Keep it moving, stay focused and don’t look back.

Failure Not An Option

I'd like to touch on the importance of perseverance. I don’t know anyone who has not failed or struggled on their journey to success. What I can tell you is that when you have a vision or a passion burning in your soul and you find yourself faced with one obstacle after another, you are most definitely headed towards greatness. Entertainers Steve Harvey, Jim Carrey and Tyler Perry were homeless. Mega businessman Richard Branson, now one of the richest men in the U.K., has dyslexia. Harry Potter series author J.K. Rowling was penniless, depressed and suicidal before selling more than 400 million books. She has been quoted saying, “You sort of start thinking anything's possible if you've got enough nerve.”

Sheri, Michele and LaToyia and all the celebrities I mentioned above are the epitome of taking their personal journeys to success. My hope is that my words have somehow inspired and motivated you to take the necessary steps to pursue your dreams.

Be sure to visit my website to subscribe to my mailing list - www.dorindawalker.com – and follow me on Facebook @dorindajwalker and on Instagram and Twitter @dorindawalker