YOUR TURN

Think of a time when you thought grandmother had awfully big legs for a grandmother (the product seemed too good to be true), or her voice was awfully growly for a grandmother (there was something ‘funny’ about what job interviewer told you). Where was your intuition? What did you ignore?

When you find yourself looking back on a situation and saying, “I KNEW it wasn’t going to work out,” go back and process how you “knew” this and what cues you received (and how) and ignored. You were ignoring your intuition, your gut feelings, or instinct.

Some fears are innate (present in newborns, and present in all cultures on earth), and some fears are learned. One innate fear is fear of falling. This is startle reflex newborns show when they think they’re going to fall and flail their arms around.

Others are learned and may also be culture-bound. Texas children might fear sound of rattle snake. A Samoan might never had heard this sound and therefore wouldn’t know it was something to fear.

Intuition can be learned and honed throughout your lifetime. It’s an EQ competency that will help you live your life with more intelligence. Our intuition is a sure guide, once you know how it speaks to you.

ASK YOURSELF

1.What were you taught to fear that you later learned wasn’t something to fear? Who taught it to you and why do you think they did?

2.Are there any lessons in fear you learned that you might be better off UNlearning?

3.Is there something you were taught NOT to fear, that later harmed you and you now DO fear?

4.If you knew someone was afraid of dogs, how would you teach them that all dogs need not be feared?

5.How do we teach children to have good instincts about cars, so they don’t get run over?

Work on your intuition with a certified emotional intelligence coach. Learn to recognize when your hair stands on end, when you get goose bumps, when you blush, when your heart starts pounding, when you “know without knowing how you know” that something’s amiss.

Emotions guide us and we know them through physiological responses. That’s what Emotional Intelligence is all about – understanding our emotions, getting their message, and managing them. Learn to look under grandmother’s nighty when you see a bushy tail that’s not supposed to be there. Don’t ignore those signs. It could save you from being eaten up!

Indeed, one of my favourite films of all time is her movie, "Yentl," about a courageous, intelligent woman trying to fulfill her capabilities, in face of overwhelming odds.

"Yentl" was also movie in which Streisand became first woman ever to produce, direct, write and star in a major motion picture.

Streisand carved her own path, and broke mould.

She showed how a woman with unconventional looks can make it in a field where beauty is more important than brains.

So, if you believe that you are less than someone, because of your lack of education, looks, talent, background or ability, take courage from her achievements.

They are an inspiration not only for women, but for everyone.

Because all it take is a belief. The belief that you can do what it takes.

Don't wait for someone else to give you an opportunity to prove yourself. Stop depending on others for handouts.

Don't wait for right opportunity to fall in your lap. Because it never will.

All you need to carve your own path, is confidence and belief that you can succeed at anything you set out to do, no matter what odds.

So start today. Choose a mentor.

Learn from masters. Re-invent yourself.

Create your own opportunities and forge your own future.

Your belief in yourself, coupled with courage to see it through, is what will carry you from a life of mediocrity and under-achievement, into a world where you can be winner you aspire to be.