Becoming a Self Defined Woman: A Self Defined Woman Has a Superior Commitment to Success!

Becoming a

SELF

Defined

Woman

By Cindy Stradling

CSP, CPC

Copyright © 2011 Cindy Stradling

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

ISBN: 978-1-4525-4120-4 (e) ISBN: 978-1-4525-4119-8 (sc)

Balboa Press rev. date: 11/11/2011

Contents

Meet Bethel

Introduction

Chapter I

SELF Shaping

Chapter 2

Passion

Chapter 3

Persistence

Chapter 4

Compassion

Chapter 5

Humour

Chapter 6

Faith

Chapter 7

Vision

Chapter 8

Generosity

Chapter 9

Integrity

Chapter 10

Authenticity

Chapter 11

Courage

Chapter 12

Inspiration

Chapter 13

Family

Chapter 14

Health

Chapter 15

Wonderment

Chapter 16

Friendship

Conclusion

In Appreciation:

To my family and friends for their honest feedback. To Bethel Stoddard for her creative graphics and generous contribution. To Amber Wingfield for her diligence in editing and great ideas

Meet Bethel

Bethel is the co-creation of author Cindy Stradling and Bethel Stoddard. When Cindy started to work with Bethel, she explained that she wanted a mascot that would represent A SELF Defined Woman. Bethel immediately got to work and started to create various options. After a few conversations, and a lot of diligent hard work our Bethel came to life. It was an exciting creation every step of the way and it was so appropriate to name her Bethel after her creator. You will become familiar with Bethel as you read the book and visit the website. We are confident you will grow to appreciate and love her as much as we do.

Becoming a SELF

Defined Woman

Introduction

For a few years, I’ve known that I wanted to write a second book. I had several false starts: I’d sit down and write what I thought I wanted to say, only to get blocked quickly. Then I’d stop and I’d have no idea of what would come next. I knew I could write well about sales techniques and tips. I also knew that this direction was not the one I wanted my second book to take. I wanted to create a more personal experience for my readers.

Despite my relative lack of direction, I stayed with writing, because I knew that when people hear an inner voice telling them to do something specific, they should simply follow that voice. Then one day recently, I had a telephone conversation with my Business/Life coach Lori. She asked how my book was coming along, and I told her that I was stuck. I confessed that I wasn’t sure exactly what I felt qualified to write about. I did know, however, that at that moment, what I wanted was to hang up the phone and meditate. I needed to work through the frustration I felt from being unable to move forward with the book project, and to work through the hard time I was having in simply being with myself.

I meditated for a full hour. When I was finished, I brewed a cup of herbal mint tea.

As I poured the steaming water into my mug, a thought popped into my head. Why don’t you ask people what they think you should write about? I instantly regained my energy, and with a rush of excitement I sat down to type a brief e-mail. I sent it to 25 people, requesting that they tell me, in five words or less, qualities they felt I demonstrated that I could share with and teach to others.

Once the e-mail was sent, I glanced through my notebook where I capture my daily thoughts and ideas. I turned to a page on which I’d written, a few months ago, an idea for a sales program. The idea seemed to come to life as I looked at my words. I felt energized and I began to feverishly expound on my idea. That day, within an hour, I created the outline for my new CONNECT sales program along with a draft of a marketing e-mail. I sent this draft to a few sales professionals I knew and asked for feedback on it. They all said I was onto something. I felt relieved—I was on a roll!

Within another few days I’d heard back from most of the people to whom I’d sent the e-mail about my book. I was moved and inspired by the wonderful things people said about me. Their feedback has created the foundation for this book.

During my period of non-writing, I was not achieving integrity with my commitments. When I was walking my talk, including meditating, exercising, eating well, and listening to others, I was able to write freely.

When I was not honouring these commitments I’d made to myself, I felt stuck in my writing. I see clearly now just how vital it is to honour your word to yourself. This is how the concept of Becoming a SELF Defined Woman was born. Through others’ comments and encouragement, I realized that I was already living life