By Chiquandra Cross

I recently had a conversation with a client. I was really bothered by her lackluster response when I recommended that she purchase a couple of books prior to the start of our coaching sessions.

I wanted her to read “The Shack,” because of a few recent conversations we had about her relationship with God and feeling somewhat out of sync with her church. I wanted her to read the success classic, “Think and Grow Rich” so that she would be able to understand the Law of Attraction and make a connection between desiring success and actually achieving success.

As a coach, I want all of my clients to experience the best lives that they can. It bothers me tremendously when people hem and haw about wanting to be successful and live a life they love, but they are unwilling to do any work to get there. You are responsible for your own personal and professional growth and development, PERIOD! If you are unwilling to invest in yourself, how can you expect someone else to invest in you?

Developing yourself personally and professionally is important in order for you to make improvements in the following areas:

 Identifying your strengths and weaknesses

 Decision making

 Work/Life Balance

 Transform negative thought and behavior patterns

 Build relationships

 Expand your networks

We both want her to be successful; the only difference is in the process. I understand that there is a systematic process to achieving success and it starts with will and determination; however, it does NOT stop there. You must be willing to commit to something, express that commitment with action and start your journey. Success is not going to show up on your doorstep, walk in, make itself at home and then sit around waiting on you to tap into it.

You can develop yourself personally and professionally by attending no or low cost networking events and seminars or signing up for continuing education credits at your local community college or university. You can also join local civic clubs, trade and professional associations and mastermind groups. The opportunities are endless and you will be amazed at what shows up for you when you show up for SUCCESS. If you view your own development through the eyes of an investor, you will soon appreciate and recognize the numerous opportunities that are available to you. Empower yourself to maximize your capacity by investing in yourself…the returns will be PRICELESS!!!!