The Six Essentials of Empowered Success

Stepping into the unexplored can require a level of courage. Letting go of old defined ways takes solid commitment. To allow a vision to unfold demands a steadfast self-belief.
All of which I discovered in the firehouses of FDNY.

Fewer than 30 women serve among the 12,000 firefighters in New York City, the first to achieve the distinction in the 117-year history of FDNY. Who are these women? - Determined trailblazers, certainly. - Bold risk-takers, absolutely. When given the opportunity to investigate the actions and attitudes of these women, I jumped at the chance. But, what I didn’t know at the time is that what I would encounter is an empowered approach to success: an openness to engage, experience and embrace life like never before.

If you want to find the courage to step outside your comfort zone and go for your highest vision – maybe do a bit of trailblazing in your own life - the first best thing you can do for yourself is to cultivate the essentials of empowered success:

Be willing to grow beyond the defined.
Each moment you have the opportunity to be more of who you are. Make a solid commitment to deepen your relationship with yourself and align with your truest nature. Instead of defining yourself with a list of negatives – what you don’t do, what you don’t like, any failings, anxieties and losses – you can begin to reflect toward the positives in who you are now, what you value most and what you desire to create.

Master the dialogue of your life.
It is up to us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. Know that every thought and feeling is empowering you. And, that every action is pulling you towards the ultimate fulfillment of your life vision.

Ignite the power of possibilities.
Clarity of intention is rooted in the depth by which we believe something is possible – or, impossible. Ignite the power from deep inside that's challenging you to lead a life by your own unique design. Then, say yes. Saying yes may take you to unexpected places, meeting new people, trying new skills and unanticipated positive outcomes.

Play with fresh curiosity.
Look towards every situation with fresh new eyes. Explore with a sense of wonder. Be inquisitive. Ask questions. And then listen deeply to hear the answers. Remember, new discovery can be sparked through the smallest of apertures – a chance meeting, an overheard conversation, by asking the right question at the right time or simply allowing ourselves to notice the unexpected.

Collaborate with sheer trust.
Real empowered success comes from a willingness to make an empowered choice. Say yes to new actions and allow yourself to experience new results. Find your way back to your creative, spontaneous self.

Embrace your creative brilliance.
Forge a genuine relationship between what you do and what you love. Your greatest, most empowered success can only come from being true to yourself, true to others and true to the life you live.