You Can Take It With You -- But Don't!
by Donna Maria

We've all heard the adage, "you can't take it with you," reminding us of the importance of enjoying life and its gifts while we are here since, when we go, we can't take them with us. While I agree with that statement to some extent as it applies to material possessions, I also believe that nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to our unique talents and gifts. You can't take a dollar bill with you when you pass on, but you can take with you all of the talents and gifts with which you were uniquely blessed. BUT you don't have to ... and you shouldn't!

Since you came into this world with gifts and talents that were not here before you arrived, and won't be here after you’re gone, why not take some time when business slows down over the holiday to examine how you are utilizing yours? Are you burying them beneath a mountain of future plans and unfulfilled dreams? If so, why? What can you do to ensure that your unique abilities are poured out to their fullest measure in your business to make the world a better place?

Every man, woman, boy and girl is endowed by the Creator with one-of-a-kind gifts that cannot be manifested on this earth, except by him or her. I was reminded of this in a profound way as I reviewed news clippings from the 2002 Kennedy Center Honors. For the past few decades, the Kennedy Center Honors have showered appreciation on distinguished American talent. In 2002, the honorees included James Earl Jones, who overcame an embarrassing stutter to perfect one of the most recognizable and sought after speaking voices in the world. Also honored was dancer Chita Rivera, an American born dancer of Puerto Rican ancestry who overcame prejudice and bigotry to sing and dance her way into starring roles in several award winning plays including "Kiss of The Spider Woman" and "West Side Story."

What if these gifted icons had allowed things like speech impairments and bigotry to cause them to hide their lights under a bushel? What a tragedy for all of us! They would have been without excuse, and neither are you. And neither am I. We have a responsibility to translate who we are into good for the benefit of all. Why not set aside some time over this holiday season to make sure you are using your business to do some good in the world?

As Lifestyle CEOs, we infuse our talents into a holiday meal with the same gusto that we use our personalities to develop a solid business model to propel us toward financial freedom on our own terms. You are your own best asset! Celebrate who you are and find ways to use your individuality and perspective to place the indelible mark of YOU into every aspect of your business!