Someone once commented to me that the phrase, “inspirational empowerment” is a mouthful. I explained as I remembered when I had to motivate myself out of a career rut. I wanted to work for larger companies that offered more opportunities and a chance to make more money. At that time, I had no idea how to build a career, other than to change jobs. Today, we’re bombarded with self-help and self-empowerment information everywhere we look – self-help gurus and life coaches, magazines, the Internet, job sites. Everybody wants to help us do everything better and don’t mind telling us how.

Since there were very few recruiters knocking on my door at the time, I was inspired, (actually psyched) to empower myself by looking near and dear in my friendships and in my family. I began to borrow pieces of scenarios around me from friends, family and anywhere I could find inspiration. It wasn't readily easy.  But I was inspired by a family friend who had an excellent knowledge of computers, from my cousin who worked with foster children as a social worker. I loved her passion and dedication to the dysfunctional lives she encountered. And I loved how her heart melted when she spoke so passionately of some situation that made her weep. From my teachers, who had tremendous patience and tenacity in their teaching skills and from my family whose work ethic was deeply ingrained and very strong. From my bosses and supervisors, I observed how they networked and groomed their own careers by putting themselves out in the marketplaces, even though they had great jobs. I learned ambition, tenacity, integrity, dedication, resourcefulness and creativity.

The example from these individuals became my springboard to jumpstart my own passions about doing better for myself. I was inspired by everyone I encountered and I quickly learned how to emulate the positive behavior of my incognito mentors and soon their images became my own image in the mirror of my work life. Their examples made me aware of my own power.

And this is what I hope CWW Career-Wise Ways...Not Just a Job-But a Career! will do for you - Help you become aware of your own power, the key word being "power".

Inspiringly yours,

CWW Career-Wise Ways...!