Turn Obstacles into Opportunities: How a Woman and Her Scissors Sparked Million$

"When you reach an obstacle, turn it into an opportunity. You have the choice. You can overcome and be a winner or you can allow it to overcome you and be a loser." -Mary Kay Ash

Twenty-seven-year-old Sara got dressed in her new pair of white pants then decided she did not like the way she looked in them. She wanted to correct the visible lines and the see-through issue she was having.

She shopped for a body shaper to correct the problem, but found nothing suitable. In fact, she was horrified by the shapewear selection on the market. "They were thick—it was like wearing workout clothes,” said Sara. Her $98 pants hung in her closet unworn until she cut the feet off a pair of pantyhose allowing her to wear her pants with a pair of strappy shoes. According to Sara, “I didn’t see lines but the hose rolled up at my feet—and that’s how Spanx was born."
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Sara Blakely had turned an obstacle into a very profitable opportunity. Today, Spanx is not only a multi-million dollar company, it is a revolution. Their body shapers are worn by countless numbers of celebrities and were endorsed by Oprah Winfrey as one of her Favorite Things. 
Watch Spanx Video

Change the Way You See the Situation
When faced with an obstacle, for some, the natural tendency may be to give up. The key, however, is to see your obstacle as an opportunity. Ask yourself, “How can I turn this obstacle into an opportunity?” “Is this an opportunity for me to learn and grow? Create a new product? Start a new career?” Sara could have returned her pants to the store or left them hanging in her closet indefinitely. Instead, she chose to see her obstacle (not being able to wear her pants) as an opportunity to bring a new product to market.

Persistence Pay$
Even after recognizing an opportunity, you may continue to encounter obstacles on your way to bringing that opportunity to reality. By being persistent and continuing to see opportunities, you will overcome those obstacles. When Sara approached mill owners about her footless pantyhose idea, most of them sent her away. They thought it “made no sense, and would never sell.” She persisted and proved them wrong. Spanx is now celebrating their tenth year in business.
Also read: Believe in Yourself: The Little Engine That Knows it Will

For each obstacle you overcome, you will become stronger, more resilient. You will become more adept at recognizing and seizing opportunities. No longer will obstacles be an excuse for not achieving your goal or dream; they will become opportunities that take you to new avenues of success.

Share your thoughts. How have you turned obstacles into opportunities?

___________________________
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Real Leadership: Maya Angelou

"The honorary duty of a human being is to love.” –Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou

Dr. Angelou has proven to be a leader of character through her personal values, her profound body of work, the wisdom she imparts, and her humanitarian spirit.

Born in 1928, Dr. Angelou has earned prominence as a poet, educator, author, actress, producer, filmmaker, and civil rights activist. She has served on two presidential committees and is currently the Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University.

Through her seemingly endless array of talents and contributions, Dr. Angelou has abundantly imparted messages of love, tolerance, faith, courage, boldness, gratitude, respect, humility, and appreciation for life.

Works
Among her many works are the internationally-acclaimed I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (an autobiographical account of her youth), the poem Still I Rise, and her screenplay Georgia, which was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.
Read biography

Honors and Achievements
In 2011, Dr. Angelou was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “I try to be as kind and fair, and generous…and respectful, and courteous to every human being,” says Angelou.
Watch video

In 2008, she received the Lincoln Medal and in 2000 was awarded the Presidential Medal for the Arts. In 1975, she received the Ladies Home Journal Woman of the Year Award in communications.

She was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the National Commission on the Observance of International Woman's Year and by President Ford to the American Revolutionary Bicentennial Advisory Council. She is the recipient of numerous honorary degrees.

Dr. Angelou continues to build on her distinguished legacy and remains a powerful voice that lifts, educates, empowers, and inspires.

The Real Leadership Series is a monthly blog written by Christine Ferguson. Click here to visit the RLS site and read more blogs on real leaders, subscribe, or nominate a leader of character

Maya Angelou photo is the property of mayaangelou.com and Dwight Carter. No copyright infringement intended.

Believe in Yourself: The Little Engine That Knows it Will

"Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe."
–Gail Devers, U.S. Olympic Champion

As children, through stories such as The Little Engine That Could, we are taught to believe in ourselves and our abilities. Yet, since opening my first business fifteen years ago, I continue to speak with people who question their own abilities. My first company was a résumé writing service and I spent time interviewing clients to learn about their backgrounds and achievements.

Some clients felt they had limited abilities and little to offer potential employers. One such client had a goal of becoming a speech therapist. Besides pursuing an education in this field, she felt she had no real experience or qualifications.

During our session, I discovered she had been caring for her speech-impaired son for the last six years. As a result, she had acquired a wealth of information through her interactions with professional therapists and others who were assisting with her son’s care. With the help of these professionals, she cared for her son ultimately creating noticeable improvements in his condition.

She was pleased to learn her experience qualified as information she could provide on her résumé. So we did exactly that, thereby giving her the confidence and belief in her abilities she needed to begin her job search.

Sometimes people are unaware of their potential and abilities, particularly the abilities of the mind. Because of this unawareness, their abilities are underutilized. One way to build confidence and belief in yourself is to compile a list of your physical abilities (e.g., I work well with my hands) and your mental abilities (e.g., I have determination).

In the same way a résumé provides you with an inventory of your achievements, skills, and experience, this list will demonstrate what you have to offer. Like my client who was surprised to discover she had six years’ experience, you may be amazed at the abilities have to offer.

While The Little Engine That Could provides a valuable lesson in its "I think I can" message, you can further improve your confidence and transform your beliefs into reality by changing your language from “I think I can” to "I will!"

For more success strategies and tips, click here to download a signed copy of "8 Ways to Think Like a Winner."

___________________________
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Real Leadership: Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King Day is January 17, 2011

As one of history’s most recognizable and influential leaders, Martin Luther King, Jr. not only sought justice and equality for African Americans, he sought those same rights for those who received unfair treatment. He also dedicated himself to ending poverty.

In 1968, King’s I’ve Been to the Mountaintop speech (delivered the day before his assassination), urged citizens to withdraw their support from companies that exercised unfair hiring policies. This was part of his strategy to gain fair wages and proper working conditions for sanitation workers.

But long before his speech of April 3, 1968, King’s reputation as a leader of character was evident in his words, actions, and attitudes. In his fight for freedom and equality, King relied on nonviolent action and dissuaded his followers from using violent tactics.

King embodied indisputable courage working doggedly and tirelessly for the benefit of humanity. He led and influenced others through the conviction of his faith, the strength of his beliefs, the breadth of his knowledge, and the power of his words.

His dynamic I Have a Dream speech of 1963 is perhaps his most famous for its unique eloquence and passion, among other unforgettable elements. But in one of his finest speeches, The Drum Major Instinct, King explains with exquisite clarity, the essence of leadership:

If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s a new definition of greatness…[read entire speech…]

Among King’s attributes was his unpretentious ability to lead with humility and love, even under the gravest circumstances. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that,” said King.

In 1964 he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his longstanding activism against racial segregation and racial discrimination through nonviolent means.

Dr. King was indeed a remarkable leader. His legacy continues to inspire and his work and words will forever live in our hearts and minds.

What are some ways in which Dr. King inspires you?

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Taken from the Real Leadership Series, a monthly blog written by Christine Ferguson. Click here to visit the RLS site and read more blogs on real leaders.

Leadership and Life Lessons from Peyton Manning

"It’s really not about whose fault it is. It’s about how you handle it.” –Peyton Manning

In this NFL interview Peyton Manning, quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and four-time NFL MVP, answers questions about his team’s recent win and their uncharacteristic three-game losing streak.

Manning’s leadership style and philosophies, evident in this interview, are undoubtedly among the assets which make him one of the greatest NFL players.

Here are key points he makes during the interview:

Taking Responsibility
Minute 1:50: Deion Sanders states, “I like that you are a stand up guy.” Why? At recent press conferences Manning took responsibility for his team’s losses. “It doesn’t do any good to blame anybody. It’s really not about whose fault it is. It’s about how you handle it and how you fix it,” replied Manning. “I believe in accountability.”

Focusing on What’s Right
Minute 2:50: After three consecutive losses, Manning says he was asked if he was in a slump. His reply, “I guess maybe I was, but I’ve been on an eight-and-a-half year hidden streak,” referring to his winning NFL record. When faced with challenges our tendency is to focus on what’s not working and on what went wrong instead of focusing on what’s working and what we are capable of.

Being in the Now
Minute 4:48: Manning is asked his thoughts on two previous games in which he threw a total of eight interceptions. His response indicates he is focused on the present moment and on moving forward.

Learning from Adversity
Manning concluded the interview by saying the three consecutive losses were a test of faith and working through adversity. “How you handle it is the key,” he said. This is the stuff of which champions are made. It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond to it.

Whether or not you are a football fan you will appreciate Manning’s perspectives. To watch the entire NFL interview, click here.

What are some of your principles and philosophies for working through challenges?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
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What Will You Do For Your Fellowman in 2011?

"Be ashamed to die until you have won some victory for humanity." -Horace Mann

Whether it’s losing weight, making more money or quitting smoking, each New Year many individuals resolve to enhance their lives in some way. But what about enhancing the lives of others?

A man named Chris faced this question after he flat-lined in the hospital. His experience began when his physician advised him to undergo coronary bypass surgery within 72 hours. Chris obeyed his doctor’s orders. The morning after his surgery, Chris' doctors scrambled to revive him when he suffered sudden cardiac arrest.

What happened next was a fascinating journey to the other side. Chris recalls his experience on the Biography series I Survived…Beyond and Back. This compelling program explores survivors' encounter with death and "the ways in which it has changed their outlook on life forever."

Not unlike other survivors, Chris’ encounter involved a life review process. In this process Chris is asked "What did you do for your fellowman?"

If faced with this question, how would you respond? Would you be proud of your response?

Narayanan Krishnan, an outstanding humanitarian honored as one of CNN's Heroes states, "What is the ultimate purpose of life? It’s to give. Start giving. Feel the joy of giving." Krishnan dedicates his life to feeding India’s homeless and believes his purpose is to help others.

Phrases such as: "the secret of living is giving," "givers gain," and "pay it forward," are constant reminders to help our fellowman. Riveting experiences such as those recounted on Beyond and Back and statements like the one made by Narayanan Krishnan are also reminders of the purpose of life.

This New Year and in the years ahead, as you plan how you will enhance your life, remember the purpose of life and decide how you will also enhance the life of your fellowman.

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
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Shaping Your Entrepreneurial Mind for Success

"If one asks for success and prepares for failure, he will get the situation he has prepared for." -Florence Scovel Shinn

As an entrepreneur you may already be equipped with How-To books for business plans, marketing plans, and sales strategies. There is no question this type of information is essential to your business. However, your biggest asset and your most important resource is the stuff between your ears.

In the book The Power of the Platform: Speakers on Life, I recap how an Oprah Winfrey audience member asked business tycoon Russell Simmons how to become a successful entrepreneur. Simmons replied that the man already had everything he needed because he had a brain.

Knock Down the Wall-of-Naysayers
For entrepreneurs like Simmons, how they use their minds can mean the difference between remarkable success and never realizing a dream. They believe in their vision despite obstacles and those who say it can’t be done. While you will undoubtedly receive some very sound advice, there are those whose advice stem from fear or those who sit on the sidelines of life never knowing what it is like to take calculated risks.

Years ago when I was faced with major business and personal decisions, I listened to naysayers and then lay in bed at night gripped with fear that I may be making some terrible mistake. Ultimately, I proceeded with my decisions because that was the only way I would know what my outcomes would be. Sometimes the outcomes were successful, other times they were not. When you knock down the wall-of-naysayers you will discover for yourself what is on the other side.

Examine Your Why
As you set out to achieve your goals and dreams, one way to exercise your mind is to ask yourself why your dream is important to you and why would it matter to others. I often speak on examining your why. Knowing your why and keeping it in the forefront of your mind drives you and helps you stay focused—losing focus can quickly take you off track.

A strong why (one that leads to great long-term success) is not built on greed, hubris, or selfishness. As Jim Collins author of the best-seller Good to Great puts it, “Leaders of great enduring companies possess a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will, more like Lincoln than Patton; they’re intent on building, contributing and creating something that will endure rather than furthering their own interests in fame, fortune or power.” When you determine your why as something that is meaningful and unselfish, not only does this strengthen your mind, it also strengthens your character.

Who Do You Need To Become?
Another question to ask, one that also strengthens your character and shapes your mind for success is, “Who do I need to become in order to get from where I am to where I want to be?” Who you are is not a matter of whether you are a writer, marketer, or IT professional. Rather, it is a matter of who you are on the inside. No matter how good you are at what you do, if you allow negative thoughts and behaviors to permeate your mind, you will be ill-equipped to move beyond setbacks.

From the time they were children through the years of building their multi-million dollar wine business, Ernest and Julio Gallo faced great business difficulties and several personal tragedies. Yet, they continued to push forward never giving up on themselves or their business. Pushing past challenges requires strength and resilience. What’s more, overcoming each challenge strengthens you for the next.

Managing Success
Some entrepreneurs prepare to recover from potential challenges by surrounding themselves with books, coaches, and mentors. However, you must also ask yourself, “Who do I need to become in order to manage success?” Those who manage success well are not complacent about their achievements. They know it is normal to be proud of successes and to celebrate them. Yet, they also know the more time they spend basking in their triumphs, the more time their competitors spend bringing new products to market or devising tactics to steal away their customers. So, with diligence and integrity, they plan and execute strategies for remaining competitive and being innovative.

Those who manage success effectively do not allow themselves to become greedy and arrogant. Greed and arrogance are surefire ways to ruin your business and your reputation. There is no shortage of empirical evidence against companies who, at their own hands, toppled their empires in the nefarious pursuit of more. For a comprehensive guide to managing business growth and sustainability read How The Mighty Fall, another Jim Collins book. In the meantime, ask yourself who you need to become to get from where you are to where you want to be and write down your responses and action steps.

As you traverse the sometimes unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, be patience as results may take time. Continue to shape and sharpen your mind for success by learning from others and from your mistakes. And when your critics are quick to point out how you stumbled, remember the inspiring words of Theodore Roosevelt, "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood…so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

What are some tools you use to prepare for entrepreneurial success?

Unleash your brilliance without boundaries,
Christine Ferguson

___________________________
Visit Christine Ferguson at:
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http://endleadershiphunger.org
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