When Being Bitchy is Appropriate

The first time was with my mechanic. While I know that the automobile dealerships and mechanics industry is perfect fodder for a W5 report - actually getting my car repaired by someone I can trust is extremely difficult. What should have been a simple fix turned into a thousand dollars and my engine is still making the same noise.I don't recommend being a bitch all the time, in fact, it's a tool we should only use when all other communication strategies have been exhausted.Standing up for myself and letting the dealership know that their service and approach was completely unacceptable was necessary. And sadly - it took me becoming bitchy in order to get what I needed done.Caution needs to be applied when deciding whether to become bitchy or not. Have you tried all other communication strategies?When I was beginning the automotive repair 'project' of mine - I went directly to the top. I spoke clearly and articulated what I was looking for, when I needed it and what my understanding of the financials would be. I asked questions, showed respect and sought the dealerships perspective. I always remained calm. This is a cornerstone of effective bitchyness, never 'freak out', never shout and never cry.Just be very clear in what your expectations are and what you will and won't accept.I knew that I wasn't going to immediately find a mechanic I trust, but armed with my recent experience I now know what I have to do to get the result I want.Perhaps if enough of us demand the same level of integrity and service from our mechanics and other suppliers as we do for ourselves, we can make some positive change in the world.And we won't have to be bitchy more than necessary.

Success Aint For Sissies

You knew that when you started your business is wasn't going to be all gumdrops and butterflies. But I bet you didn't think it was going to be so challenging at times either. Seems our corporate counterparts have it easy. They don't have to do EVERYTHING, the money doesn't come out of their own bank accounts, and they rarely have to sell the work, do the work, and chase the money. But instead of bemoaning them or lower your desires for success, re-ignite your passion.
Obstacles are those things, people or situations that come up that seem to stop us from moving towards our dreams. Some big, some small, they pop up when you least expect it and when you really don’t need them. But obstacles are blessings in disguise.
I recently watched The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch found on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HqdnjgkExY
Randy Pausch, a professor at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) in Pennsylvania, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and given a few months to live. As a tradition at CMU, professors are often asked to present their ‘last lecture’ under the premise that if you had one last lecture to present before you die what would you talk about. Sadly, Randy’s plight was real and so as the father of 3 young children, he decided that he would leave behind a legacy and presented his last lecture, called ‘Achieving Your Childhood Dreams.” Within his lecture you will find many solid principles for living life to the fullest, but two things resonated for me.
1) Experience is what you get when you don’t get what you want
2) Brick walls are there for a reason, and the reason is so that we can prove how much we want what is on the other side
Obstacles, roadblocks, brick walls are always going to be there. But, they help you to solidify your plan, prioritize your dreams, uncover your true values, reinforce your vision and, with the creative energy of the Universe, find alternative ways of reaching your goal. Based on my experience and the hundreds of conversations I have had about them, the alternative always proved to be better than the original plan. Sometimes we don’t think big enough for ourselves or trust enough in the laws of a higher power – but if you truly believe in what you are working for, and adopt a single-minded focus that you will be successful – whatever it takes and no matter how long - then you will fulfill your dreams.

Standing Up For You

In 2008 women still earn less than men do for performing the same work. Approximately twenty cents less per dollar according to a Chatelaine magazine report, March 2008. While I'm not disagreeing that there are still many gender based discriminations that exist for working women today, I do believe that it has more to do with our own internal beliefs and very little to do with men, human resource managers or some archaic conspiracy.Self worth is a sensitive topic for many women. Those that do reach beyond typical limitations and find success for themselves and their businesses are often viewed by others at having 'no self-worth issues.' And indeed, many successful business women don't have issues with their own self worth. And yet women collectively become jealous and resentful towards the successful ones, instead of embracing her success and learning from her.Some women, and all truly successful women entrepreneurs, know that the fact that they woke up this morning, breathing, grants them deserving of existence.I believe every person should have this core belief, and that by saying it clearly perhaps something will ignite in your own mind as you read this. You deserve to exist. You are worthy of existence. If you woke up this morning, consider it a miracle and be thankful for the day you have been given. For this simple act, this tiny miracle grants you permission to live, to experience life, joy and love.Take a stand for you and your life!