This is the 100th episode of this podcast.  I am incredibly grateful to each of you for listening!  Three years ago, I didn't know where this blue ocean strategy would lead to but I did know one thing: Women Marketers needed a voice and way to feel valued.  That still holds true perhaps even more today than 3 years ago.  I am passionate about helping you find the best resources, hear advice from experts so that you can Rock your careers and find balance.  This episode is going to be a little unique because when this debuts the world has changed- Covid-19 also known as the Coronavirus has shaken up the 2.5 trillion-dollar global meetings and event industry and I suspect each of us has been impacted by travel bans and postponed events. In this episode we are going to explore tactics to help our anxiety and fears and plan forward.  With that let's start the show!   How many of us have felt anxious recently by unknown factors?  If you are nodding your head you are not alone.  While we may not be able to control external forces, we can control how we respond to them.  In fact, this is our super power.  No one can change your thoughts that is fully in your control.  So, let's look at what we can do to find joy and reduce our anxiety.   Here are 11 actions you can take to help close the door to fear: Learn Something New! I try to challenge myself every day to learn something new. There are so many resources and places you can go to find information like YouTube for example. Let me know what you commit to learning, I would love to hear from you! Meditate. In episode 97, you will find an interview with Katie Krimitsos from the Women's Meditation Network.  Before that episode she has 50,000 downloads per episode and I suspect it might be much higher now! This week is an episode specifically about the Coronavirus. Exercise. regardless of your physical condition there are always actions you can take to help your mindset.  I have found that working out is one of the best ways to increase our endorphins and helps us to feel our best. Stay Hydrated. Yes, this is a thing! Especially today.  Every day you should drink half your body weight in ounces.  I try to set bottles of water on my desk so I can go through them during the day.  Every morning I start by drinking 16 ounces of a combo health and pre-work our drink mixed with water. Get enough sleep.  If you are like me this is a tough one.  I have I Insomnia and do a variety of things to try to get enough sleep from meditation to natural sleep aids.  When we are well rested we naturally feel better. Stay Connected.It is easy to not want to talk to friends and family when we feel anxious.  This is one of the most important times to reach out and check in.   Invite a Friend to Coffee.  We are social beings even if some of us are introverts.  It may surprise you that I am an introvert and extravert.  But I realize that seeing people lifts me up- and this will be the same for you. Stay Informed.This is the thing causing the most fear right now is all the different sources of information.  Check multiple sources-and beware of anything that seems to not be like the rest of the information.  Listen to a Play List.In episode 98 with Ria Story, she suggested having music as a go to when we feel overwhelmed.   One of my favorites is the Pitch Perfect sound track- all three are awesome although the track I go to in times of change is Flashlight with Jessie J-check it out at the end of this episode! Express Gratitude Daily. I have talked about this a lot on this show.  Living our lives with a grateful heart is one of the best ways to make us feel better and a random act of kindness has the same impact on your brain as exercise. Believe in the Possibilities.Even when all doors are closing a window will open when you least expect it.  Perhaps it is a soft voice in your head urging you to try something new and you didn't have time to do it before.  Take advantage of that moment and step out of your comfort zone. As always if I can help you with anything I talk about here reach out to me at Rock Your Trade Show.  Always remember you are not alone- together we can do anything - You Got This! If this episode was helpful, I would be so honored if you would share it with a friend or colleague now! Credits: Thanks as always to the amazing Christy Haussler from Team Podcast who edited this episode during Podfest! 

The exhibit industry has evolved to have more women in it however there is still gender pay gaps, and many of us feel alone which is why we need the Women in Exhibitions group.  Katina Rigall Zipay and Jen LaBruzza share how they first got involved with Women in Exhibitions and how the organization has evolved to offer mentoring and an in-person networking breakfast March 31st during the ExhibitorLive2020 show.  Find out the benefits of being involved with an organization that helps support women of all sides of the industry, supplier and client alike. Here is what you will learn in this episode: 1. Women who support women in their career.  The WIE group offers the opportunity to share best practices and more importantly take action. 2. In-Person Networking.  If you are going to be at ExhibitorLive be sure to come to the event-there will be a panel, networking and the opportunity to be on this podcast! 3. Get involved in an organization making a difference. This is your time to take action, make change and learn about the real wage gap that still exists, increasing your network and improving your management savvy. I hope you will join us at this event and discover how when we come together we can make a real difference together. If you would like to learn more about how to empower women in our industry, reach out to me, I would love to help you! Register for this breakfast event and have a chance to be featured on this podcast! Join the Women in Exhibitions LinkedIn Group! Thanks to Katina and Jen for sharing their stories and encouraging women in our industry to believe in ourselves and know we are a community together! Credits: Special thanks to Christy Haussler and team podcast for editing this podcast!

Ria Story shares her journey from an incredibly abusive home to becoming a motivational speaker, author and expert on Women's Leadership in this podcast interview. She shares how "it's not what happens to you that matters most. It's who you become because of it." Ria has the mindset of "I am going to figure it out one step at a time". When she became a motivational speaker, Les Brown encouraged her to realize: "you have a story to tell and someone needs to tell that story." In this episode you will get ways to be resilient, how to be prepared for change and why "nothing fails like success".  Try one of Ria's 4 actions today! In her TEDx talk, Ria shares the acronym RISE and what it represents.  "Every single one of goes through adversity.  We are going to experience problems and pain. How to respond to adversity is what is important. R- Respond   Be proactive and respond positively. We don't have to let emotions dictate our response.  Choose our thoughts, actions and behaviors help us grow. We can choose our thoughts and attitudes.   I-Identify  Think about the next steps to go forward. Break down what it is you need to do into small actionable steps.  We need to be able to take action. S-Step Forward Consistently The journey of 1000 miles isn't just a single step.  It takes many steps to get there and you have to keep going. E-Experience Joy Joy-it is a choice we can make.  It can be a tough choice but it absolutely is a choice.  Joy can create emotional freedom.  How to Be Resilient: Be consistent with your actions. When you are going through a difficult situation-I know I should get up but I don't feel like it. There are going to be days when you don't feel like being positive. Commit to telling yourself 'I am going to do the things that are going to change my mindset.' Make a list. Figure out 3-5 things that helps you feel better.  It can be exercise, listening to music, taking a hot bath for example. Create Pre-Traumatic growth. Think about what would happen if we can grow ourselves and be prepared in advance for times we will experience adversity.  What we can grow before we get to hardship. What to Do In Times of Change: We all love change if it is our idea-but we don't like it if it is someone else's idea. It has to do with fear. We have fear of the unknown, loss of control or we won't like a new situation." "Nothing fails like success". It is human nature to keep doing what works and keep doing that and get complacent. Actions to do Today: Be disciplined about our behaviors. Even when we don't feel like doing something. Learn something new every day. Commit to 5 minutes.  Set small goals they are easier to keep.  Keep commitments we make to ourselves.  It builds personal integrity with ourselves Be of service to someone else.  Take small actions to lift up someone else it will make you feel better. As always, if I can be of any help in your journey, reach out to me, I love to provide support in your journey! Resource Recommendations: Book: Achieve-Maximize Your Potential with 7 Keys to Unlock Success and Significance Website: www.Riastory.com Podcast: Fearfully and Wonderfully Me LinkedIn Ria Story TEDx Talk Editing Credits: As always thanks to the amazing Christy Haussler and Team Podcast for editing this episode!    

Have you ever thought about how meditation can create transformational change in your work and personal life? In this interview with Katie Krimitsos, podcast host of The Women's Meditation Network, we talk about the decision Katie made to pivot from a successful business and how that decision created an even greater opportunity to impact women's lives.  We all face decisions and meditation is "a tool to pause…and listen to our inner voice…that sometimes gets pretty quiet because of all the noise we create in our lives".  The practice of meditation allows us to connect with our inner voice. This episode will help you find work-life balance and harmony.  Whether you meditate regularly or are new to the experience, Katie's meditations are designed to encourage women to find strength, courage and confidence.  Katie's podcast has over 50,000 downloads a month and there is a reason it is so popular- she helps us find peace. Be sure listen all the way to the end to get all the tips to transform your life and take-action! 5 Things to Know about Meditation: Mediation is the practice of pausing, so you can listen to what you really want. Meditation helps you navigate your way through life and to listen to the voice and trust what she says. When we pause, it helps us to take the steps of courage so we know what we want to do. There is a deeper why: "everyone wants to lead a life that is a purpose driven life"-Katie Krimitsos.  The only way to do that is to tune into to ourselves. Meditation is a tool to practice so we can create a life that we love. When we meditate, we are able to transform emotions and focus on the experience of what we want.  Katie's unique meditation podcast helps us to embrace who we are through meditation.  This episode connects us to a universal experience and allows each of us to feel like Katie really sees us.  Always remember-you are beautiful from the inside out! Let's Connect! If you have any questions about the topics we discussed on today's podcast, reach out to me, it is my honor to help you on your journey.  And if you want a community to support you, join our LinkedIn Group! Gratitude:  Katie was my business coach and was instrumental in the launch of this podcast and I am so grateful to her for being an inspiration and supporter of this show! Katie's Recommendations:  5 Simple Meditation Practice and 7 Day Meditation Challenge and Sleep Bundle.  Check out the Podcast Women's Meditation Network.  And if you are a podcaster-be sure to check out Podfest! Credits: As always, a big thanks to Christy Haussler with Team Podcast for editing the podcast.

When you think of great leaders having a lasting impact, Anna Maria Chávez, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for the National Council on the Aging, has created transformational change for millions of girls and women around the world.  She was the CEO of the Girl Scouts and also one of the co-founding women, along with Sheryl Sandberg, and Condoleezza Rice to create the Ban Bossy Campaign.  Anna's servant leadership mindset started while growing up in Eloy Arizona, and she shares in this interview, how at the age of 12 years old, she decided to become a civil rights attorney.  Joining the Girl Scouts at a young age, helped Anna to learn leadership skills, and gave her the chance to give back to the community.  Listen to this discussion and learn about the influence our actions have on girls growing up, why having a mentor is so important, what it is like to be a "first of" leader and the challenges and benefits it can have on a community.   At the end of our discussion, Anna encourages each of us to take action and create a lasting impact on our future. 10 Transformational Leadership Insights: What You Do Creates an Impression: "We can't think about future leaders without thinking about the influence over girls and boys today. They are watching us…how leadership appears at the dais and the podium"- Anna Maria Chávez.  Everything you do is making an impression on young people around you.  We Need Diverse Leadership: "We need leaders from different perspectives"- Anna Maria Chávez. It is important to have different voices who collectively can come together and represent diversity. Share Resiliency with Others: Anna helped raise 2,000,000 girls as CEO of the Girl Scouts and also gave her son, a front row seat to witness resiliency in action. Anna's son had the chance to witness what leaders go through on a daily basis. Ban the Word Bossy: Anna shared an insider look at creating the Ban Bossy campaign that featured Beyoncé.  After receiving a call from Sheryl Sandberg, together with Condoleezza Rice, the three leaders established why it is so important to change the narrative for girls and how they are labeled.  Anna shares how something happens around 3rdor 4th grade when negative messages dampen girls' spirit.  They stop raising their hand to fit in. By banning the word bossy, it helped change how girls are perceived and how they in turn, perceive themselves. Everyone needs a Mentor who sees raw potential. Anna shares how mentors have helped her throughout her career. Great bosses give their time and are patient. Anna shares how she is still in contact with her first boss who has had a lasting impact on her career. Mentors teach important lessons. Anna shares how "leadership is never done. It is a muscle that you continue to build and every day".  Young girls need a path to live their true potential. Anna viewed the Girl Scouts as the largest prevention program to help girls know their dreams are worth of it.  While CEO, Anna gave girls hope, and told them "…you can do anything, become President or Secretary State…" and so much more. If we don't invest in girls and also in boys early, it has an impact when they reach retirement. Now we are seeing a continuum of issues, because we didn't invest in girls early on, it has an impact on women over 60. A women's economic security is impacted over her lifetime. Older adults want to be independent. Anna learned early on in her career, how people born with certain attributes, wanted to be able to do things for themselves and needed access to programs that could help them.  At the end of the interview, we discuss how 60% of women over the age of 60 years old, feel financial insecurity.  Here are steps you can do today to make sure you are prepared for retirement. 7 Actions You Can Take Today Start your financial planning now. Put something into retirement now, at any age, we should be planning for the future. Anna shares how a friend of hers says "Don't buy shoes, Buy Buildings."  Make sure your nest egg is large enough for your future needs. You are paying into an infrastructure. You need to pay attention to economic policies in the world.  Huge decisions are being made and everyone should make sure whoever you elect, represents your interests. Close the financial Pay-Gap. Men and Women are still not receiving equal pay– if you are the caregiver you have to cover expenses not only for yourself, but also for others you care for, and on average women make $300 less per month in retirement compared to men. Educate yourself. Raise the issues that are most important to elected officials. Don't be afraid to talk to other women. Ask for advice, and make a plan to create financial security. Get involved. Read as much you can, volunteer, get on the board of a non-profit, or support someone who is running for office. Be happy about your choices. Get passionate about things you care about. "We have a great future ahead of us"- Anna Maria Chávez It is with sincere gratitude I thank Anna for this incredible interview.  If you have any questions about these topics, and if I can help you on your journey, reach out to me and join our LinkedIn Group! Anna's Recommended Resource: NCOA.ORG is the oldest nonprofit advocating for adults aging. Credits:  As always, thanks to Christy Haussler and Team Podcast for editing this podcast. Biography Anna Maria Chávez is the Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer for the National Council on Aging, whose mission is to improve the lives of millions of older adults, especially those who are struggling. In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the nation's oldest service and advocacy organization dedicated to improving the health and economic security of older Americans. She ensures that NCOA's fiscal, operations, fundraising, marketing, consumer experience, advocacy, human capital, technology, programmatic and organizational culture strategies are effectively implemented across all segments of the organization. Anna led the NCOA operations team in achieving NCOA's 2020 social impact goal one year early in 2019. Anna was promoted into this role after serving as NCOA's Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President for External Affairs where she led the teams responsible for marketing and communications, fund development, strategic partnerships, public policy and advocacy and the National Institute for Senior Centers. Chávez developed the leadership skills growing up in Eloy, Arizona, that would propel her into a career of public service. Her desire to transform the world through servant leadership led her to Yale University, before pursuing a juris doctorate at the University of Arizona. She held numerous posts in President Bill Clinton's administration and later returned to Arizona to serve then-governor Janet Napolitano. Her success led to her appointment as CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, where she served from 2011-2016 as the first woman of color to lead the 104-year group with 2.7 million members in over 90 countries and 59 million alumnae in America. In 2016, Anna was named as one of the World's 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune magazine, cited for her vision and creativity in working to revitalize the Girl Scout brand for a new century and was named number 22 by Fast Company in its annual list of the most creative people in business. Anna is one of the world's top experts on women's leadership, youth development, and aging issues and draws from her 25 years of public service and nonprofit leadership. She brings a wealth of experience from previous legal, public policy, nonprofit management, and brand management positions in Arizona, Texas, Washington, DC, and New York City. Her keen insights and dynamic presentations have inspired thousands of individuals around the globe to lead authentically and has helped organizations work together more collaboratively and create dynamic impact. Anna has appeared on CBS News, NBC's The Today Show, FOX News Channel, CNBC's Squawk Box, CNN, Bloomberg Radio, NPR, and she's a contributing writer on Huffington Post.  

Are you looking for unique ways to engage your attendees at your next association event? In this interview with Michael Rosenberg, Managing Director MCI and Managing Director HCEA (Healthcare Exhibitor Association) he describes how his association helps attendees get the most out their conference experience.  Find out why it is so important to offer different strategies to encourage interaction at a conference beyond education.  We talked live about how successful HCEA was in creating many touch points for social interaction. Listen to this episode to get five power tips that will help you with your next event.   Top 5 Tips for Maximizing Attendee Engagement: Location: Choose a venue that is easy to access both from a transportation perspective but also every aspect at a hotel if you have a smaller conference. The Miami Convention and Visitor bureau worked for many years with HCEA to create a fantastic experience start to finish in the hotel. Get Social: Find ways that attendees can communicate at different touch points.  If you offer an app, make sure attendees are able to connect with each other inside the app. Trade Show Floor Integration: Michael shares how they had a "ted" talk meet the expert session in the center of the hall as well as meals served inside the hall to help encourage attendee-exhibitor interaction. Clear Communication: Engage the audience early in the excitement and make sure there are guides at the venue to help people find their way easily. Follow-up. One thing HCEA does really well is stay connected with the attendee more than most conferences. Looking to get involved?  Check out HCEAInnovate coming up at the end of March at the Exhibitor Show.  Don't miss the opportunity to network and maximize your results at an event you are planning. As always, if you have any questions about things we discussed on this show, or if I can help you in any way, reach out to me, I love hearing from you. A big thanks to Michael for being on the show today! Be sure to stay tuned next week, for a very exciting guest Anna Maria Chavez. Credits: Thanks to Christy Haussler from Team Podcast for editing this episode.

Have you ever attended an event that was flawless and made you feel special?  Kristen Farley and Stephanie Schwartz share a behind the scenes look at the details for Rock Your Trade Show's EmpowHer networking event.  They provide important insights including why you always need have a Plan B for every scenario in meetings and events.  Listen to how they complement each other in their roles from hotel arrangements to employee events and discover resources you can use for your next event. Have you ever attended an event that was flawless and made you feel special?  Kirsten Farley and Stephanie Schwartz share a behind the scenes look at the details for Rock Your Trade Show's EmpowHer networking event.  They provide important insights including why you always need have a Plan B for every scenario in meetings and events.  Listen to how they complement each other in their roles from hotel arrangements to employee events and get resources you can use for your next event. Stephanie Schwartz shares how she got started in the sports industry playing golf and working first in golf tournaments and has a background not only in events she also worked at an App company for meetings.  She shares how helpful her experiences have been to prepare her in her current role. Kristen Farley not only worked at conference centers previously she also worked at Disney and that experience helped her with the invaluable ability to always remain calm under pressure.  She has a knack for always knowing how to exceed attendee expectations and know their preferences.   Both Stephanie and Kristen share how they helped with the logistics in preparing for the first Rock Your Trade EmpowHer networking event along with the help from Trina Palm.  They discuss insider resources and even have a funny story about what not to do when you are speaking at a large event. For more tips about how to host an incredible event, reach out to me. I love hearing from you! A big thanks to the team for helping with our event and to our wonderful attendees who made EmpowHer a memorable networking experience. Credits: As always, a big thanks to Christy Haussler at Team Podcast for editing this episode.  

There are many traits that can lead to success and Hope Mueller, Vice President Program and Project Management at Horizon,shares how persistence helped to open doors throughout her life.  In this interview, Hope talks about her new book- "Hopey, From Commune to Corner Office" and her journey from poverty and violence to having a successful career and being a mother of 4 girls.  Hope's tenacity, grit and ability to stay positive amidst incredible adversity is incredibly inspiring. If you live in Chicago, you can meet Hope at our first Rock Your Trade Show power networking event happening this week! Register at using this link: tinyurl.com/RYTS2020 on January 6th when this episode debuts.  Registration closes today-don't miss the chance to network and get advice. Hope achieved success by having a positive approach and mindset.  She shares these insights you can use today.   Core Principles: Be comfortable with change.In her book, Hope faced constant change and she learned quickly how to adapt to any situation. Be solutions focused.There is always a solution. Persistence will Open Doors. "Just keep going, because someone will come and open the gate."-Hope Mueller.  Life Lessons: Overnight success takes 10 years.If you are clear on what you want to achieve and keep driving towards it you will arrive.  Be present in what you are doing.Hope uses this technique: "Be here now; Now be here" that she picked up from her time in the Commune.   By being fully present in the moment, you will find greater enjoyment in your life. Do what you are good at doing and lean into your strengths. Honor your time.  Set aside time and be fully present in those moments. Make time for what is important and stay focused.Hope is a successful leader, author, launched a charity, sits on a few boards, is a mother of four and just started her MBA.  She attributes her ability to balance so many demands by honoring the time she allocates to an activity. Finding a Mentor: Ask for whatever it is you want. People want to help. Most people will agree to meet with you because they want to share and make a difference. Decide on what is the value of meeting. Determine what you can learn from them. Have 3 questions prepared. Focus on listening first before speaking. Try Something New: Don't be afraid to try new things. The good stuff happens when you are outside of the comfort zone.Lean into your strengths.  Just go for it. Use your core transferable skill set and then when you have the opportunity-Go for it. Advice: "Find ways to honor your time.  You can be amazing.   Just go do that." Check out Hope's new book at www.Hopey.net. Her second book is coming out in May "COUNTING HOPE: CREATING THE PATH TO CONFIDENCE". As always, if you have any questions about today's episode, reach out to me at Rock Your Trade Show.  Join Hope and four other senior women leaders at our face-to-face event on January 9th.  Register today at www.tinyurl.com/RYTS2020. About Hope Mueller: Hope Mueller is an author, inspirational speaker, executive, and active non-profit volunteer who is passionate about career development and community service. Marked by the experiences on a hippie commune in her early years, Hope's unique childhood conceived her gift of creating order out of chaos. She lives with her husband in northern Illinois and actively parents her four daughters through the phases of their lives. Credits: Thanks as always to Christy Haussler at Team Podcast for editing this episode.

Have you been thinking about advancing your career in 2020?  Listen to this episode from 5 industry experts, Melanie Neal, Dawn Will, Ann Carter, Anne Trompeter and Marcia Deem who provide insights about staying relevant, how to get promoted, collaborating with procurement, networking and getting results for leadership.  If you want to accelerate your career in 2020, this is the episode for you. If you live in Chicago, join us January 9th for our first ever face-to-face speed networking event.  Melanie Neal will be one of the table leaders, along with Kathryn Becker, Hope Mueller, Kathy Relias and Lesly Marban.  You will discover how decisions are made behind the scenes from these leaders who share best practices for getting promoted.  Don't miss this opportunity to meet with these leaders and advance your career. Listen to the full episodes from this podcast: 64 How to Lead, Embrace Change and Stay Relevant with Melanie Neal  82 How to Lead and Create Career Growth for Your Team with Dawn Will  66 How to Embrace Opportunities and Lead a Global Purchasing Organization with Ann Carter  86 How to Make a Bold Move with Anne Trompeter 64 How to Take Risks and be an Industry All-Star with Marcia Deem If you want to accelerate your career, this is the episode to help you with actionable tips you can use today.  If you have an idea for a future interview, or would like more information about a topic we discuss, reach out to me, I love hearing from you! Gratitude: Thanks to Melanie Neal, Dawn Will, Ann Carter, Anne Trompeter, and Marcia Deem for sharing their insights. Credits: A big thanks as always to Christy Haussler at Team Podcast.

Do you have a challenge in your life and think it is too big to solve?  Maybe you want to change jobs but don't think the timing is right, or have a budget challenge for your program and think you have to eliminate shows that you know your company should attend.  Whatever your situation, using this phrase by Marie Forleo "Everything Is Figureoutable" will help you make it all work out. I have a saying when asked…can we do this?  "The Answer is always yes in trade shows" I usually follow that up by saying-budget and timing may impact the final result but we will make it happen.  This has been my mantra way before I was a student in Marie Forleo's B School and before reading her new book Everything is Figureoutable.  In her book, she walks the reader through an incredible journey of her life, and stories of people who have faced incredible odds only to come out the other side.  It is the end of the year if you are listening to this podcast when it is released and you may be looking forward afraid to make the change you dreamt of at the beginning of this year.  This is your time, we can do this together and I will walk you through some powerful advice from Marie's book that you can apply right now.    And – if you live in Chicago and want to really figure out your career-join us January 9th, at our first ever face to face event.  I have five incredible women leaders, Melanie Neal, Kathryn Becker, Hope Mueller, Lesly Marban and Kathy Relias.  These women are Vice Presidents, CMO's and have held leadership roles with HBA-Healthcare Businesswomen's Association.   You can register at Eventbrite and type in Rock Your Trade Show EmpowHer.  The ticket price will be donated to Dress for Success a wonderful empowering organization that helps women with business clothing for interviews.  Don't delay registration closes December 20th.   "The world needs that special gift that only you have"- Marie Forleo Have you been feeling frustrated or worried lately?  If you live anywhere other than a sunny location, December when this episode is airing, can feel like a mixture of hope, joy and even sadness.  Now more than ever, is the time to banish those thoughts, look at what is important and figure things out in a way that gives you joy.  I am going to start with something Marie shares at the end of her book and it is wisdom a palliative nurse shared about the 5 things people say at the end of their lives.  It won't come as a surprise.  It is four words: "I Wish I Had". Listening to those words-what comes to mind?  Do you start to feel doubt, or wonderment?  Either way-the words take on a strong meaning and carry with them weight of a life well lived or a life with regrets for not taking action. Here are four things to ask yourself: "What holds you back from going for your big dream or aspiration?" "Imagine death is imminent. Finish the following sentence at least twenty (more if needed).  I wish I had, I wish I had, I wish I had" If you believed to your core that everything really is figureoutable, what would you now do? Please complete the last challenge by hand-grab a journal turn off electronics. Your future self is going to write a letter to yourself:  I'd love you to let go of, I'd love you to start, I'd love you to remember. Pretty heavy stuff, right?  Okay now we can reverse engineer those things and get you to a place where all of the answers come to you easy breezy. In her book, Marie walks us through a process of realizing that once we remove the barriers that we have been allowing to sabotage our thinking, things become straight forward.  She shares personal stories and here are two that stood out to me: The first is from a mother who learns that her daughter, who was a competitive dancer and had scoliosis and could no longer dance.  I can relate to this because my own daughter has debilitating health issues that have altered the way she can play sports and even do activities with friends.  This mom came to realize that once she accepted the situation she could figure out the path her daughter could take for happiness which was above all else what mattered most * page 48 in the book Do you have a challenge with a loved one and think – there is no way I will make it through?  Check out page 48 in Marie's book, to find inspiration and see that in the valley is where we gain our greatest strength-you just have to open the window and let the message flow in to your heart. The second story Marie shares about her relationship with her husband and a trip they were trying to take.  They nearly miss their flight-and I could relate to this story on so many levels-from working to the last minute and getting caught in traffic, to missing the cut off to check a bag so she buys a carry on and stuffs as much as she could fit, to taking a bus at JFK and having only minutes to make it through security and get on the plane.  In the end-they made their trip to Spain through many hurdles and at each step of the way, decisions were made, persistence was there and a desire to find a way to make it happen.  If you travel-you won't want to miss her story in Chapter 9: Refuse to be Refused. Do you have a story about refusing to be refused-not allowing anything to stop you?  How did that feel?  In the moment, it was shear stress, but on the other side, you probably looked back and realized a little invincible right? I can remember years ago, there was an issue with getting a client's instrument to a show.  The night before-their featured product wasn't going to arrive and we were on the west coast, the instrument was in the mid-west.  I started to think-there has to be a way because…everything in trade shows is a yes-it can be done.  I asked the client if they had any instruments closer-the answer was yet-Colorado.  Great, next step-find a truck to drive it out to Anaheim. Check.  What I didn't know is there weather conditions that added to the mix.  The instrument arrived 15 minutes before the show opened.  I was told we would have to wait until after the show that night to bring it out because forklifts couldn't come on the floor.  At that moment, I could see the panic on the client's face because they had demos scheduled with VIP customers all day.  Instead of waiting until the end of the day, I got 6 men to lift the instrument and walk it on the floor-sort of like pallbearers- if you can imagine! Everything was figureoutable.  It started with refusing to be refused. Now if you are thinking to yourself, yes but-fill in the blank and therefore can't possibly do…this.  The answer is you can. 4 Tips to Help You Figure anything out from Marie's book: Define Your Dream-You know how much I love writing things down. And according to Marie-you are "42% more likely to succeed" by writing down your dream.  Here are two resources for you – Rachel Hollis Start today Journal and Chalene Johnson Push Journal.  Both will help you stay on track daily and achieve your dreams. Define what you want-make a list! Get Real about your Dream- Choose the one dream you want to achieve most Make a specific, measurable and actionable plan Start Before you Are Ready- So many of us self-sabotage and find reasons not to start-don't let this be you!! Remember the exercise we started with? Looking back on your life?  This is probably the most important advice above all else.  Chris Krimitsos just published a book-you can find it on Amazon-called Start Ugly.  It is a small little book that if you are stuck you should pick up and make it a plan to read it before the end of the year! Progress not Perfection-this is probably the thing I am most guilty about. Does this happen to you-procrastinate because it just isn't quite good enough-ask yourself is it 90% good?  Then it is good enough!  Here are some tips Marie advises to eliminate the temptation to wait for perfect: Take small steps – and ignore big drama Plan ahead for problems Expect and embrace self-doubt Ask What's the next right move Use the power of positive quitting Cultivate patience The Secret to Lasting Success-don't go it alone! Invest in figureoutable friends Be a figureoutable force for good work I hope these tips have helped to realize anything can be worked out-it takes a belief in yourself.  Always remember you are worth it. I love helping others which is why I am hosting our first face-to-face event.  Be sure to check it out at Eventbrite and as always if I can help you on your journey-reach out to me at rockyourtradeshow.com/let's talk. Credits: Thanks to Marie Forleo for writing this incredible book! Editing: Thanks to Christy Haussler at Team Podcast for editing this episode!