Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
- Steve Jobs
I believe that each person has the potential to transform the lives of others. Often, we can change the life of someone else without even knowing it and those who do so are the true change-makers. Now, I’ll introduce you to four people who have transformed my life, helped me redefine “success,” and nudged me toward the path I need to take to get there.
–> Redefining Courage: From Living Authentically to Giving Wholeheartedly
Brené Brown, Ph.D.
Authenticity is a daily practice. Living authentically means cultivating the courage to be emotionally honest, to set boundaries, and to allow ourselves to be vulnerable; exercising the compassion that comes from knowing that we are all made of light and darkness, strength and struggle; and nurturing the connection and sense of belonging that can only happen when we let go of who we are supposed to be and embrace who we are. Authenticity demands wholehearted living and loving—even when it’s hard, even when it hurts, and especially when we are wrestling with the shame and fear of ‘not being enough.’ Mindfully practicing authenticity during our most soul-searching struggles is how we invite grace, joy, and gratitude into our lives.”
- Brené Brown, Ph.D.
When I first read this quote, I remember feeling as if someone was inside my head, someone who knew exactly what I needed to hear at that very moment. Of course, as a psychology student, I had read countless times about being authentic and about the concept of authenticity but still, it never really seemed to click. Somehow, I related to this quote, and it became a guidepost along my journey of self-discovery.
Through Brené Brown’s book, I thought It Was Just me (but it isn’t): Telling the Truth about Perfection, Inadequacy, and Power, and her blog, “Ordinary Courage,” I have gained the knowledge that allows me to make the conscious choices that reflect my decision to choose authenticity.
Some examples of choosing authenticity:
- Learn to say no. Stand up for yourself even if doing so means the consequences may not be so great.
- Remind yourself that you hold the key to your dreams. Own your dreams! No one else can decide how your life should be lived.
- Choose to protect your character rather than your image. You can’t control how others view you, but you can control how you view yourself.
What I admire most about Brené Brown is her unique ability to combine her passions with her profession. She is a mom, researcher, writer, and activist, and she certainly doesn’t fit into the typical box fashioned for any of these careers—and Brené is more than happy with that. You can read her full story here.
Follow Brené on Twitter!
Jackie Waldman
We all have something to give, no matter what. That’s the courage-the courage to step out of our own lives, even when we think we can’t, and step into the life of someone else. When we find the courage to give to someone else, sharing what we love to do and making a difference for someone else, that’s when we can begin to live joyfully, no matter what.”
- Jackie Waldman
I am grateful to know Jackie. In fact, Jackie is even more caring than any story can possibly portray. She volunteers her time to help select the recipients of CCC’s college scholarship program.
And why is Jackie so unbelievable? Here’s a little snippet…
Jackie’s Story (read the full text on her Web site):
Jackie was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 1991. Afterward, she went through a period of depression before deciding that she could make a difference in others’ lives.
“She thought about how she was treating herself and those she loved, and she realized that true survival was not whether her legs worked. ‘True survival was about how we treat each other—about love and acts of kindness, no matter what.’ Suddenly, her pity party ended…Eager to share the power of giving, she decided to compile a book of true stories to inspire others to have the courage to give. Her first book, The Courage to Give, tells 30 stories of people who have had something happen to them physically and/or emotionally, yet when they started helping others, their lives changed miraculously.”
Jackie is also on Oprah’s Angel Network and writes an article called, Begin with Yourself. I love how Jackie discusses volunteering as something that must begin within rather than being an activity that is purely extrinsic. In short, she is an utterly remarkable woman, who is changing the world through her own experience with MS—her words, her books, and most importantly, her actions.
–> Creating a Life You Love: From Creating the Space to Grow to Awakening Your Inner Muse
Aby Garvey
When it comes to space and creating a sense of calm, Aby Garvey dominates the domain. I “met” Aby a couple of years ago, and she has really helped me simplify my life—and get more done at the same time. The most important lesson I’ve learned thus far is to prioritize. It’s an ongoing process, which is much more valuable than just “organizing stuff.” Re-prioritizing my life has allowed me to create the space I need to grow and explore new areas in my life. Without creating space, that kind of exploration is almost impossible.
But I’m even more inspired by what Aby has created in the past several years: an online community unlike any other. Through her online workshops, individuals create bonds that transform their inner lives and resolve their external clutter. The workshops are true transformation classes, which essentially is the process of unraveling the layers of your life that may have created those piles you’ve placed so neatly (or not) on your desk. Aby’s classes are wonderful experiences, and it is a true joy when I’m able to participate in them.
I could devote an entire series of posts to Aby but for now, I’ll leave you with a link that will take you to Simplify 101. That way, you’ll have the chance to begin your own discovery of Aby and Simplify 101.
Follow Aby on Twitter!
Jennifer Lee
I found Jenn via The Next Chapter: Wreck This Journal. She was an A+ wrecker, so I spent some time on her Web site. Soon enough, I was simply in awe. One statement I found on her site really spoke to me: “walking the talk.” In short, it was a huge wake-up call. In one night, I reflected more deeply about my life than ever before. Jenn utilizes creative methods to explore and nourish the inner you, and the approach is wonderful for people like me who tend to get stuck in their analytical left-brain mode. Engaging the right brain is quite powerful and really can add incredible balance to your life.
Notably, Jenn found success through unconventional methods. It’s inspiring to know that there are countless incredible people in the world who simply did not decide at age three what they were going to do in life. Sometimes “growing up” is a long and winding road, but that’s called evolving as a person. And personally, that long, winding road sounds a lot more interesting than a straight path from A to B!
More about Jenn:
“Jennifer Lee is the founder of Artizen Coaching. As a certified coach, artist, writer and yogini, she inspires you to awaken your inner muse and to live life in full color…. By incorporating creative elements like visualization, movement, collage and book arts, she helps you tap into your greatest potential and live your most authentic, full life. Jennifer is known for her creative, compassionate, collaborative and intuitive style as well as for being focused on accountability and delivering results.”
You can read more about Jenn’s personal journey on her Web site and blog!
Follow Jenn on Twitter!
Future Directions
Unconventional Success is quite an interesting topic – full of inspiration! We began this little mini-series with the 3 Essential Ingredients for Creating Unconventional Success. And now, we have looked at 10 individuals who have redefined the path to success (see Part One for the first six individuals). These posts establish a strong foundation for better understanding unconventional success.
We’ll return back to this topic in a couple of weeks and explore how to use this foundation to start thinking about the “what” – what do you want to create, what are your dreams? Then, it’s on to ingredient two of creating unconventional success: redefining the “how” to get what you want!
Get excited! Remember, nothing is required other than a willingness to reach deep inside yourself to find the strength you need to follow your dreams.
Create Unconventional Success
-> 3 Essential Ingredients for Creating Unconventional Success
-> 10 Inspirational People Who Have Redefined the Road to Success (Part One)
-> 10 Inspirational People Who Have Redefined the Road to Success (Part Two)
At so many points in our lives and especially mine at this point in time, I find myself “not knowing” much more than usual. I’m in a period of transition after some time spent really grounding myself away from my 
