So I’m sitting here once again, reading two conflicting articles that came out last week. One is another bleak reminder that boomer women are struggling to maintain a decent standard of living; the other touts boomer women as having the largest amount of wealth in the world and a key demographic for the next decade. So which is it; are we broke or are we wealthy?
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times and I’ll continue to say it until we all get it. Don’t let the world “should” on you, don’t let the world impose its ideas on you, don’t let the world impart its fears in you, and never, ever conform to society’s thoughts about you. Your job is to be aware, stay informed and take responsibility for yourself and your future.
Here are two important components to taking responsibility for your future:
- Learn To Overcome Your Circumstances – People are always blaming their circumstances. “No one ever gave me a break.” “I gave up my dreams to raise my family.” “I didn’t get the chance to go to school.” “My husband never supports anything I want to do.” Don’t be overcome by your circumstances. We live in a country that, although not perfect, gives every person the chance to overcome their past and rise above their current situation. But the ultimate responsibility is ours and realizing that is the all important fist step in living the lives we want.
- Pursue Your Dreams With Optimism And Passion – Choose not to be an “I always wanted to, but…” kind of woman. Too many women are wasting their over 40 years discussing life as though they’re a mist in a far off corner of the church, staring at their cold, stillness as friends and family bid them farewell. You hear it said in different ways: “I always wanted to go back to school and become a nurse, but…” “I always wanted my own catering business, but…” “I always wanted to. . .play piano; see a Broadway show; serve on a Board; spend more time with my family; start that foundation, but…” Failure only exists in the grave! Stop referring to your life as though it’s already ended. Take responsibility for your future by taking action today. Dig up of those dead weed seeds that have taken root in your mind and plant seeds of hope and expectation, and then cultivate the right actions that will turn your “buts” into achievements. The clock is ticking. Now get to it!
Sometimes we just need a kick in the pants like this. Time to “plant some seeds of hope and expectation” and get moving! Hope is not simply wishful thinking, it’s a motivator to take action. Thanks for this reminder.
Hope on Hope
Very beautifully said my friend. Thanks so much!!
This is such a motivating article/post! I will share this with my friends and read it again and again. I especially like: Failure only exists in the grave! Thank you for my morning boost!
Beautifully written and very motivating
Sondra, you know MY take on personal responsibility. It’s tattooed on my forehead!
And I find that to be the one shift I can help my “women 50+” clients make that most empowers them and leads them to the financial freedom they’re seeking. Great article! (And your readers are starting 10 years earlier …)
Thanks for the attitude turn around… we are all sentient beings, and sometimes what others say or do cause us to think “ouch!” But indeed, taking responsibility and wearing a can-do attitude, will get us past those inevitable potholes… THANK YOU for reminding us, once again, how to succeed!