Why 2018 Must Be Different For You

Being stagnate is not what we are designed for. We are built to THRIVE. 

As the end of the year approaches, many of us are thinking about what we’d like to do different in the coming new year.

Some people ride the wave of the holidays before they begin to consider goals for the New Year. Others wait for the clock to hit midnight on January 1st to say, “Today we begin anew”.

The majority of us use the New Year to come up with resolutions – resolutions that, according to Forbes, 40% of Americans make, yet only 8% keep.

One of the problems with New Year’s resolutions is that they are often established without a foundation and without the pre-work necessary to make them sustainable.

What I mean is that, resolutions are rarely thought through – we say we want to do something but don’t strategize around it. Thus, we arrive January 1st ready to begin, but not equipped to sustain the desire. By week two of the New Year, we’ve fallen back to old habits or just dismiss the want all together.

But here’s why things need to be different in 2018: I’ve spoken to nearly 100 women in the past six months about their current career, next steps and their dreams and desires. I can personally tell you that more than 75 of these women have either: 1) reached an impasse in their career; 2) are severely underpaid; or 3) have the goal of doing something different but are a bit afraid of the risk.

I can also tell you that these women, despite their lack of growth, pay, and job satisfaction, are super comfortable with their “normal” or do not see themselves where they really want to go. This lack of vision is very prominent in the Latina community, because they do not see other Latinas in those higher positions.

Nearly all of the women I’ve spoken to are not embracing their passion, or feel like their work makes a difference in society.

Moreover, there was an overwhelming consensus from women who said they are constantly “processing work” instead of creating and innovating.

During our conversations, they have mentioned that they are surrounded by others in their community who are feeling the same.

I too see this not just in the Proud To Be Latina community, I see with my family, friends and colleagues. I’ve seen it with myself as well.

Being stagnate is not what we are designed for. We are built to THRIVE.

If you have not been thriving in your career, your business venture or in other aspects of your life, it is time for a SHIFT. It is time for change. It is time for a new plan.

What do you really want?

Why aren’t you doing that?

What are you waiting for?

Change is scary, uncertain, and difficult. It can trigger crippling fear and anxiety. But when change is well managed, well planned and well-structured it can be the spark that ignites happiness. We deserve to be happy.

When I started Proud To Be Latina I knew it’d be difficult, time consuming and would require me to put myself out there like I had never before. It took an entire year of planning and strategy before I finally launched.

The objective was to grow a sustainable business, not a popular business.

The idea however didn’t start the year before the launch – it has been buried in my heart and in the notebook I had filled six years prior. I was crippled by fear, the possibility of failure and the possibility of success. It took the death of my close friend for me to understand that my life can also end without me living out my dreams. Today, I couldn’t imagine my life without this work. I get up every day an hour earlier to solely focus on PTBL’s continued growth.

You are given one life – live the one you’ve imagined – live the one you desire. Nothing is ever promised – we continue to wait for the right time. The right time is now.

Our next step will require work, imperfection and struggle – but those are also the same three things we experience when we are not growing. It may just show up differently.

I’m not saying quit your job today and go crazy (well maybe I am). I’m saying that sitting down and really thinking about what is next for you is necessary.

It may not necessarily mean a new job, but it can mean learning a new skill, doing more volunteer work, taking a class, considering an advanced degree or certification, letting go of habits, things and people that no longer serve you, up-leveling your self-care, writing THAT book… you get it… endless possibilities. Turn that, “I’ve always wanted” to, “I am doing this”.

Envision where you are going, and get into the daily habit of creating that path. No one is going to create it for you. And you don’t need me to tell you to go after your desires.

I am very certain that heart your tells you every day, and the universe has given you many signs. Act on those signs.

In 2018, you’ll see the elevation of Proud To Be Latina - we are embracing the theme of “Designing Your Next” because we strongly believe the winds of change are gusting our way.

I invite you to join us on this year of change.

What will you do differently in 2018? Your elevation awaits – embrace it.

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JOIN US! P.S. Join us on December 2nd for the Essence of Power Workshop, on December 4th for the EmPower Hour and on December 16th for a Vision Board Party. All three events are designed to help you create the foundation for change sustainability. Be there. Click on the link to register.