Each year, we make resolutions that are more task oriented than centered around the kind of life we want to live. We begin the year wanting to be thinner, to stop smoking, to get that promotion, et cetera and wonder why we become even more stressed along the way to achieving what we think we want. Perhaps what we truly want is to be healthy, instead of simply losing weight. To feel a sense of accomplishment and receive recognition, instead of the promotion that will only take us further away from our families. This year, allow me to challenge you to make resolutions of a different kind. Let this year’s resolutions encourage you to be kind to yourself, to make progress in quiet ways that although subtle, do not go unnoticed. Resolutions that will lead you to the life you truly want to live if practiced on a consistent basis, and those that empower in spite of past or current circumstances. It is important to refer back to this list from time to time as it is very easy to revert back to old habits. Keep this list close.

HABITS OF HIGHLY EMPOWERED WOMEN
By Khrys Vaughan

1. Know who you are and who you were created to be. You have a purpose and a future. Do not leave it up to others to determine what either of these will be for you.

2. Make a commitment to live beyond your past instead of being defined by it. Everyone makes mistakes and bad things happen to good people just like good things happen to bad people. Your past is one point in time. Concentrate more on where you want to go from here.

3. Find a cause greater than yourself and get involved. There is much suffering in the world today and many causes have been established as a result. But don’t overlook those in your own back yard. People are lonely and hurting even though others are around them. Help make life better for someone else.

4. Be committed to your own personal growth and development. Simply following the career plan your company gave you is not enough. You can do so and still be unqualified due to rapid changes in the marketplace. Plot your own path and follow it.

5. Honor your commitments and responsibilities. However, do not be afraid to delegate or ask for help. Your children are yours. Love them. Your husband is your husband. Love him. Yes there are five other things you could be doing at the moment, but should you? Do you really want to schedule the ones you love right out of your life?

6. Build integrity and character by honoring your word. Let your yes mean yes, and your no mean no. People may not like it but at least they will be able to count on you for knowing where you stand.

7. Build a network of support for all areas of your life. Have you dismissed offers of help – the friend that just loves to clean? Mentoring relationships for your career? Someone to watch the kids while you and hubby go on date night? Look for trustworthy people that just want to help and have your best interest in mind.

Life in itself is a process so remember to be kind to yourself during times when you feel you fall short. You are on a journey. Enjoy it to the best of your abilities and as sure as you live, do not ever give up. If you would like a copy of the list, just email us or join us for our next call for lively conversation and to explore each more in depth.

Her Startup helps female entrepreneurs launch their businesses and encourages them to give back by creating economic and financial opportunities for others. Founder, Khrys Vaughan, has over seven years Project Management and Business Development experience, and has worked with various Telecommunication companies since 1987. She serves as volunteer Web Coordinator for the Hampton Roads Civic Ballet and is a former Board Member of The Bread Ministry, an organization feeding 18,000 people each month. Khrys is married and mother to four children.

This article may be reprinted. Permission is granted on the condition that the article is reprinted without alteration of the text and the ‘About’ paragraph at the end remains intact.

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