Every great brand needs a squad of brand cheerleaders. This is why companies spend millions of dollars on public relations and social media firms, and entertainers hire agents and publicists—and career-conscious professionals look for mentors and coaches to help spread the word about their brands. In fact, we all need people whom we can talk to about serious things in all areas of living, not just work—friends and business people, with shared interests and understandings. I am fortunate to have a strong support team—a personal “board of directors” who build me up in spirit and in word and deed. They are critical to my brand’s success.

Last week I needed support and I was blessed to have my closest friends and biggest fans rally around me. (You know who you are). Their heartfelt understanding and sage counsel helped me manage and work through a tough situation.

If you’ve been too busy to take the time to recruit or spend time with your brand cheerleaders, I’m asking you to consider the importance of doing so now. These are hard times and no one can be successful alone.

It makes incredibly good sense to have a seasoned professional “on the payroll” to strategize with you on business moves and hash out your personal and professional concerns. At this point, having a business coach is more commonplace than having a therapist. And for good reason.

Anyone who is aware of their personal brand knows that they have to invest in themselves to succeed.

I have coaches in almost every area of my personal and professional life. Today, David Goldsmith gives me the keys to running an effective business. My first coach Mariette Edwards still supports me in holding the empowerment of professionals as my mission. She knew long ago that to live that mission I had to become a keynote speaker. Back then, the idea of public speaking frightened me to death, but her confidence in me helped me push through my fear. She was instrumental in arranging my very first “Make A Name For Yourself” workshop for a group of 100 women in the film industry. I told her I wasn’t ready, and she said, “I know you’re not ready now. But you have eight weeks.” This is exactly the kind of pressure that makes great leaders out of mere mortals.

For the personal brand creator, finding a source of wise advice and people who have faith in you is like finding an anchor in rough seas.

After facilitating that first “Make A Name For Yourself” workshop, I wrote my first book with the same title. To launch it, I invited 20 influential friends and clients to a high tea at the Bel Air Hotel in Beverly Hills. I gave each woman an autographed copy of my book wrapped in beautiful paper and toasted them all for inspiring me and supporting me while I wrote it. The result? They felt honored and told all their friends to buy my book.

It’s not just about recruiting a squad of brand cheerleaders. It’s also about rewarding them and keeping them loyal to your brand. Think about what kind of event you can create and who in your target audience you could invite – whether it’s in person or virtual, make sure it reflects your personal brand and your mission. Consistency, clarity and authenticity are the keystone of any great brand and when practiced fully will solidify support when you need it most.

Connecting with your brand cheerleaders is like accessing a power higher than yourself.

At business school, they teach a class called “Organizational Behavior.” During this class, you learn that there are two different kinds of people in business: Clock Builders and Time Tellers.

To run — the world needs both kinds of people – those who create the vision (Clock Builders) and those that implement it (Time Tellers). Knowing which role you play best is essential to career fulfillment and happiness. 

I am, without a shred of doubt, a Clock Builder. Yet not long ago, I played the role of a Time Teller, and it took its toll on me.

I was living in Los Angeles riding the Internet wave and making millions. Big Fish was creating launch campaigns for television series like Lost, Desperate Housewives, Top Model, and Project Runway. We were the go-to agency for any major television event, including the Olympics and the Academy Awards.

It only took a few years of living on crushing deadlines for me to realize that I was building the wrong business. My unique talent was in creating world-class brands, yet most days I was stuck writing headlines for banner ads. I had lost my North Star – I was off mission and fulfilling someone else’s purpose — not mine.

Don’t strive for success — strive to create meaning when you reinvent yourself.

I know how tempting it can be to let your career happen to you. Money can be a powerful distraction. But in the end, you have to measure your career not by a monetary meaning of success, but by the difference you are making in the world.

If you’ve gotten off track and strayed away from your true calling, ask yourself these questions to determine if you’re in the wrong business.

___ Do you feel you’re not working in your passion?

___ Are you undervalued or under-utilized somehow?

___ Is the culture of your workplace not a good fit for you?

___ Do you tell your friends and family, “I’m in it for the paycheck?”

___ Does your boss put you down or pass you over for promotions?

___ Is your job a demoralizing experience?

___ Do you question your own abilities, capacities, or perceptions?

___ Do you feel like all you ever do is throw in the towel?

___ Are your suggestions met with a patronizing response?

___ Is there a lack of acceptance because you look or sound different?

___ Do you dread going to the office and wish you could dash it all?

If your answer was “Yes” to two or more questions, perhaps it’s time for you to redirect your career or business towards something you are passionate about – something that you can do that really matters.

Only a few years ago, my company was at the nexus of entertainment and interactive advertising. Many of the clients we had are still with us today, but the projects they bring are in the Clock Builder realm. And because of this, the work is vastly more rewarding and satisfying to me.

When you reinvent yourself, remember that it doesn’t matter how good the money is if you’re not living your true purpose.

I used to be so sure I knew the next right step. But, now there is so much uncertainty in business, politics, the environment, the economy, how to parent, the right way to eat — even a positive, self-directed person like myself can feel out of sorts and well, a bit insane. 

It’s a fact that one in four adults — approximately 57.7 million Americans — experience a mental health disorder in a given year. And I don’t have to tell you how scary it is to watch loved ones and co-workers stop being able to deal with the uncertainty.

When everyone is going mad, it’s so easy to go down the rabbit hole, too.

When you are on the receiving end of fear and dissatisfaction, it’s easy to feel that you’re the cause. You may even think that you can cure the anxiety. Forget it! Your job is to take care of yourself so you don’t lose it, too.

Here are five essential things you can do right now to stay on the other side of crazy:

Call The People Who Love You

Pick up the phone and call someone who gets you and tell the truth. Admit it — your boss is a maniac, your wife is depressed, your son has no direction. You are not perfect, but you are still standing strong. Good for you!

Get Out And Exercise

Healing of the body leads to healing of the mind. That’s why every single day you have to do something active, even if it’s just walking your dog for 30 minutes. Stop with the excuses all ready.

Say “Yes” To Opportunity

Don’t let insane people tell you can’t do it or make you feel you’re not good enough. Say “yes” and go for the promotion, attend networking events, give a speech, host a panel, take the job, and go get that guy. Stop putting your life on hold. You may be avoiding your destiny (and that’s crazy).

Stay Open and Find Perspective

The other night at the Dallas airport, I was feeling low. I said to a woman in front of me at the barbeque stand, “I’m not sure I want to go home.” She said, “Me neither.” I asked her why. She said, “My beautiful son was run over six weeks ago and is now a paraplegic.” As I hugged her, I realized my problems were very small.

Be Grateful, Thankful and Satisfied.

My sister and I play a game when we need to remind ourselves of how wonderful life really is. We ask each other these three questions: 1) “What are you grateful for in this moment?” 2) “What are you thankful for?” and 3) “What are you satisfied with?” The answers always clear the clouds away.

When the people we love and those we work for are cracking up, the only path to sanity is to keep working on ourselves.

What does it take to sustain a long, successful career in business? Being talented and smart is just the beginning. The key is to fearlessly evolve — reinventing yourself by altering your look and presentation style, honing your craft, choosing challenging projects and building upon your successes.

My second annual Big Fish Hall of Fame honors those who have made waves in the past 12 months. I’ve looked for celebrities and business leaders who have recast themselves organically into a different form. Who have changed themselves so much that they seem entirely new and more relevant than ever.

“And the nominees for Best Reinvention Artist goes to…”

Woody Allen

With Midnight In Paris and a powerful documentary about his life on PBS, Woody Allen became more relevant than ever this past year. In Asia, wearing Woody Allen glasses without lenses is a craze. We should all be so cool at 76-years-old.

Thom Beers

The man behind Deadliest Catch, Monster Garage, Ice Road Truckers and Storage Wars is on fire. He keeps reinventing the television genre that he created with one hit show after another while celebrating the raw, rugged work that happens everyday in America.

Victoria Beckham

From Posh Spice to David Beckham’s wife, V.B. has always been a trendsetter. Her fashion designs are in Vogue, and sold at Saks. This past year, her entrepreneurial skills were in the spotlight as she fearlessly extended her brand and brood.

Arianna Huffington

The founder of The Huffington Post has reinvented herself from Greek to American, a conservative to a liberal, a congressman’s wife to a gubernatorial candidate and today is ranked as one of the most influential women in media. Can you say “fearless?”

Steve Jobs

In his afterlife, the premiere purveyor of hip, different and desirable is an icon for a life well spent. His products continue to demonstrate a strong point-of-view and fearless advocacy for beauty and simplicity in a world, which mostly is anything but that.

Daniel Radcliffe

After playing Harry Potter for what seems like Daniel Radcliffe’s entire life, the actor switched gears last year to take the lead in How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying on Broadway. Now that’s a magical transformation.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Over 20 years have gone by since the Red Hot Chili Peppers signed with Warner Bros. Records. This year they will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I’m With You, the band’s 10th album is so fresh, my 12-year-old loves it.

Britney Spears

“Turnaround” doesn’t even begin to describe how the pop princess has come back after her meltdown in 2007. With “Femme Fatale,” her sixth chart-topping album, she received the MTV Video Vanguard Award at the VMAs. At 30, she’s hotter than ever.

Richard Turley

As Creative Director of Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Richard Turley has dramatically redefined what a business publication should look like. Replacing photos of old white men with provocative images and cartoon-style scribbling, he’s designed the ultimate comeback story.

Meryl Streep

On last month’s cover of Vogue she looked like the very definition of a natural woman. Never trendy or caught up in Hollywood’s thirst for youth, she teaches all of us how to pour yourself into your work fully with courage, integrity and authenticity.

The fearlessness of these reinvention artists holds a key lesson for each of us. It’s not easy to achieve success, and it’s a heck of a lot harder to sustain it. Only by continuing to evolve can you keep your brand fresh and others interested.

Now, I invite you to vote for a winner or chime in with your own nominees. I’d love to hear who you think should be honored in this year’s Big Fish Hall of Fame.

It takes guts to reinvent yourself — that’s where star power and staying power collide.

I’m feeling that itch again. I’ve never liked standing still too long. That’s not the way to move forward. Best selling author Michael Port agrees. When I asked him, “What is the single biggest challenge facing you in 2012?” He answered, “Staying interested.” Bingo! That’s the feeling. That’s the itch. 

It takes courage to stay interested – to be interesting – to live an interesting life. You have to reinvent yourself over and over.

Before you get bored, completely burned out, done with the B.S. and so full of anxiety you can’t sleep, take a healthy dose of my 12-month prescription for fearlessly doing this year differently than the past.

January: Own Your Truth

People who are rising to the top in business tell their truth and live their lives with conviction. This is the month to own your past, recognize old patterns, exhibit faith and show compassion for yourself and others.

February: Quiet Your Inner Judge

Let go of good and bad, right and wrong, black and white and the person you think you should be. Ask yourself, “Is what I’m obsessing about really important?” This question could save your business and your life.

March: Make Your Own Luck

Build a relevant brand to help you stand out and attract opportunities. Being solidly grounded in who you are—without apology – you’ll become the Lady Gaga-Steve Jobs-Oprah-Ellen-Einstein of your world.

April: Become A Rainmaker

Instead of hiding behind email, go to a conference and connect with prospective partners, clients or employers. Confidently tell them why you’d be an asset to their business. Remember, you’ve got to get out to get in.

May: Declare Your Specialty

Being a generalist is very old news. Narrow your focus and carve out a niche that attracts opportunities and higher fees. This month, turn your skills into your area of expertise.

June: Leave A Bad Work Situation

When the culture or situation isn’t the right fit. Leave with grace and without burning bridges. Avoid getting into the blame game, or lost in details and gossip. Let go of resentment. You deserve to be happy!

July: Travel To Find Yourself

Want to be more inspired at work? Travel. To experience a career rebirth, you have to leave the office. Make your journey an expedition to the soul and you’ll discover who you really are, and what you want to do next.

August: Get Your Swagger Back

Every morning think back to when you aced a presentation, won a project, received an honor or captured a major piece of business. Now, stand tall, speak with authority and smile big from that place of strength.

September: Tell Your Greatest Story

Making a strong impression starts with being authentic – not by performing or being emotionally manipulative. Proudly share your mission and your accomplishments in a way that serves others and you will instill confidence.

October: Get Off The Hamster Wheel

If you’re feeling overworked, let the season inspire you to shed some leaves. Be willing to let go of whatever is not working. Stop going round and round with projects or people that will never materialize or monetize.

November: Bust The Myths About You

Let’s face it, you’re branded the minute you walk through the door. If you’ve been viewed negatively, change perceptions by showing up in your essence and focusing on the unique qualities that make you valuable.

December: Make Peace With The Past

Self-doubt will always stop you from moving forward. You could be drudging up the muck of your childhood, a bad break-up or a co-worker that went negative on you. Look at it as a gift and stay in the present.

To live deeply and stay interested in business, reinvent yourself. Courageously make 2012 the year to be fearlessly you!

Diane Arbus once said, “A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know.” Six months ago, my sister sent me an old photograph that contained a myriad of secrets.

The picture is shot in Hot Springs, California where we are living in an Airstream trailer. I am 5-years-old and I’m holding a white poodle puppy. My little sister Wendy is seated next to me. We are wearing matching red pants. My grandmother is smoking a cigarette in a housecoat. A white haired woman I don’t recognize stands behind us with clenched fists.

At the time, my grandmother, like my mother is an alcoholic. I’m terrified and hungry. Yet despite the situation, I try to act happy for the camera. Later in business, I will use this survival skill to receive promotions and keep clients loyal. It will serve me well – until it doesn’t.

Everyone is talking about being authentic. But what does it mean? What does authenticity even look like?

For years I hid these secrets. I pretended that my mother was dead. I wore the mask of someone who had it all together and held all the answers. I was desperate not to be like her. I didn’t want to carry the sins of my mother. So I covered them up with beautiful clothes and built a business based on cultivating an ideal brand image.

Eventually, I would come to view my past as a gift. I would reunite with my mother and see all the goodness in her that is in me. I would own that I am scared of things that feel out of my control and stop apologizing for my need to have everything in its place.

It took a long time, but I have learned that it’s okay not to agree with everyone. It hurt at first, but it got easier to say “no” when people were taking advantage of me. If I felt like being in a bitchy mood or crying like a child, I could do it without beating myself up. This was being me, authentically.

How do you honor who you are and show up authentically when you’re just trying to hold on to what you’ve got?

It’s not easy being certain about yourself in an uncertain world. But if you keep denying the truth about you and you don’t own the beauty of your uniqueness, you’ll never feel whole.

So… if museums bore you, don’t go. If you like to drink whiskey over wine, then ask for it. Stop camping if you hate it. If Christmas isn’t your thing, don’t celebrate it. If you have a friend that’s driving you crazy, don’t call her. Just be you, really you.

Consciously be aware of how things make you feel and gravitate towards what and who makes you feel good. You’ll find that some relationships are strengthened by your authenticity. Others are weakened. Not everyone will love the real you. What matters is that you do.

I am the little girl in the picture – there’s no denying it. I survived my childhood and because of it (not in spite of it), I am thriving as an adult. People who are rising to the top in business tell their truth and live their lives with conviction. They are own their past, let go of old patterns, exhibit faith and show compassion for themselves and others.

Many of my friends who are tuned in to universal shifts say that there is a new paradigm happening. And as a result, those that exhibit fear, put on false personas or hide behind masks of the martyr, worker bee, people pleaser, jerk, tough cookie, creep – fill in the blank – are finding themselves out of step with the transformation taking place.

In an Age of Transparency, authenticity is the only answer. It’s the fuel to forgive what was and move with grace into what’s next.

My family and I celebrated New Years’ Eve in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. After an evening of eating tacos, shooting tequila and watching fireworks with good friends, I went to bed thinking about my annual New Years’ Day ritual of writing down my accomplishments and setting goals for the new year. 

The next morning I woke up, opened my journal and got to work. It all flowed effortlessly until I came to the goal setting section. Try as I may, I couldn’t determine revenue targets or project the number of products we’d sell. Frankly, the whole exercise seemed forced.

Maybe my apprehension was due to the fact that I will mark my company’s 20th Anniversary this year or maybe it’s because I’ll be celebrating a big birthday myself, but for the very first time, I resisted writing down any goals.

After all, New Years Day 2012 was supposed to be the end of the world. Yet, there we were seemingly unchanged. The expression, “Man plans and God laughs” came to mind.

Letting go, I vowed to be open to the possibilities. Something told me that if I stayed committed to my mission, honed my message and became more visible, I would have a stellar year.

Creating more abundance and attracting opportunities happens when you live your life on purpose.

Yes, it can be a productive exercise to put in writing that you want to earn X amount of dollars or attract a certain client. But let’s face it; creating expectations with that kind of specificity is like premeditating disappointment. My advice is to resist the temptation and do the following instead:

1. Uncover your mission and set your intention

2. Write down your dream on paper

3. Learn how to authentically express your desire

4. Craft a marketing plan that builds your brand

5. Get out of your office and in front of decision makers

Dreams come true when you take responsibility for the things you want. Begin today by talking about your mission (the “why” behind what you do) with people who you know will be supportive and those that need what you offer. The more you put your dreams out there, the more powerfully they will be brought back to you in reality.

Let go of the herd mentality of making resolutions and setting specific goals. You’ll create more abundance than you could have ever imagined.

If you’re wondering how you can alter your workplace behavior to thrive in the New Year — Kiss up to the boss? Lay low? Aggressively jockey for position? — I have some surprising (and comforting) advice for you. Be yourself.

This is the year to quit hiding your differences and start embracing them. It’s the ones who are unforgettable and indispensible that get ahead. Blend in too well and you could seem expendable. 

If you’re entering the New Year holding your breath, it’s time to exhale. To move up, you have to let go.

Here are five ways to fearlessly get ahead in 2012 (without being a ruthless ass or a pathetic workaholic).

1. Let go of your fears.

Think about the toll your fears took on you last year. What did they keep you from achieving? Did a colleague get a promotion instead of you because you were afraid to put yourself in the hot seat? Did you lose a client because you didn’t speak up when you knew they were going down the wrong path? Did you fail to increase your business because you played down your ambition and assertiveness? Make this the year to take credit for your work and accomplishments and fearlessly negotiate compensation.

2. Unleash the marketable parts of your personality.

I hear all the time from top executives that their employees are not bringing new ideas to the table. They’ve gotten comfortable and have lost their desire to innovate. Comfort is the blinking yellow light we often drive right through. If you are highly creative or a great problem solver make sure you really make these traits work for you. Don’t just come to work every day, head for your office, and play it safe.

3. Pick a boundary. Resolve to push it this year.

If you’ve been hiding a part of yourself just to fit in—whether it’s your flair for the dramatic, your offbeat sense of humor, or your uncanny ability to get people to open up to you—you should take a hard look at what you’re giving up to fit into the accepted mold and make 2012 the year you break out of it. Sure it may seem scary to make bold moves, but leaders appreciate any innovation that will get business moving right now.

4. Speak the language of benefits.

Last week I was in a brainstorming meeting with clients. One of the managers was trying to get his point across, but no one was relating. He turned beet red and said, “None of you are listening to me!” How could we? Only he knew what he was talking about. It doesn’t matter how clever your ideas are if those in power don’t “get” what you want to do. It’s your job to find a common language that resonates with them. You have to explain with visual words and concrete examples how your idea will benefit the business.

5. Go for the BIG SCARY IDEA that will make you different. Stretch yourself.

If you handle your career like one of those reality show contestants who go under the radar to stay in the game longer — eventually you’ll get kicked off the island. You have to be the one who’s playing to win. To do this, keep growing, stretching, and reinventing yourself.

This is the year to do something that’s truly scary and utterly cool. Become fearless by setting your intention each day and finding something that brings you back to what’s positively different about you.

Get a promotion by being you. Once you embrace your authenticity, you’ll be amazed at where it can take you.

As an executive at Turner I had the power to hire and fire agencies and consultants. I would hammer them on cost and then swell up with pride. It was a game to me and I felt like the better I played it, the more I’d be valued. That was the lie I told myself. In reality, they were doing great work for me and in turn I was discounting them.

If you have the attitude that your vendors are lucky to be working for you or they should be kowtowing to your every whim, now is the time to change your ways. Why? For two reasons: 1) they are your link to the outside world and, 2) they could be your ticket to stardom.

There’s an old adage in the agency business: “You’re only as good as your client.” Be a good client and you’ll get great work that builds your personal brand.

Here are five things you can do right now to get the best out of your creative partners courtesy of Rick Heffner, owner of Fuszion Design.

1) Write A Solid Brief

Make sure it contains a project description, objectives, target audience, unique selling proposition, key benefits of your product/service, support of claims, look and feel, brand personality and a realistic budget and timeline.

2) Search For The Right Partner

Don’t hire someone because they’ll give you a deal. Conduct a proper search and make sure that the outside partner that you choose is well suited for the project and that your work styles are a good match.

3) Stick To The Timeline

If your vendor doesn’t have all the necessary assets (logos, photos, charts, graphs, copy, etc.), they can’t possibly begin your project or meet your deadlines. It’s like cooking Chinese food — you have to prep everything before you put the fire under the pot.

4) Don’t Over Analyze, Go With Your Gut

Your mother-in-law is not your art director. If you get too many people involved in decision-making, you’ll likely end up with something unremarkable. Great ideas don’t come from a hodgepodge of opinions — they come from instincts and insights.

5) Communicate Disappointments Respectfully

If something doesn’t go well, don’t be passive/aggressive. Instead, pick up the phone and communicate how you feel using the “sandwich method.” First say something complementary, then sandwich in your criticism, then say something positive again. Like a sandwich, it leaves people with a much better taste in their mouth.

Don’t try to control or intimidate outside partners. You’ll tarnish your personal brand and never get the results you want.

Last week one of my clients made the same mistake I used to make years ago.  He called me to haggle over a small charge.  Our contract clearly stated that he owed me the money, but he wanted to dispute it nonetheless. He claimed it would make him feel better if he could shave off my overtime. I told him that it was his call. He ended up paying my bill minus the charge. I wonder if he thinks he won that round or if his boss patted him on the back for saving the company a few bucks. Either way, his personal brand is tarnished in my book.

Make a vow not to play small with your agencies, vendors and consultants. One day you may need them for a recommendation — and reputations tend to linger.

Sometimes I feel so different it hurts. On one hand I know it’s a good thing to think differently, dress differently, and be raised differently. It sets me apart and in a crowded marketplace, and that’s a plus. But, when I’m swimming in the opposite direction, I just want to climb out of my head and into my heart and find comfort there. I’m flying solo in so many circumstances – transcending every fear to find a place within me that can turn on compatibility and find connection – I often feel lost upon landing.

Fear. It keeps us from telling the truth to our clients, picking up the telephone (instead we hide behind email), and actually calling a prospect we are dying to work with or asking for the money we are worth. We don’t want to ruffle feathers, upset the apple cart or worse, be seen as weird. We desire to fit in, be liked or even loved. Performing for applause that only comes in the form of a late payment. We want to change, finally be ourselves, but how?

If you’re a fish out of water like me, you attract attention because you’re different from the people around you. You are perceived as someone who doesn’t fit in; you’re outside the norm, some may feel that you’re too controversial. You’re considered ahead of your time, maybe even an iconoclast. Whatever you are, you don’t run with the pack; instead, you march to the beat of your own drum.

If I’ve just described you, count your blessings. You are indeed fortunate. Your natural characteristics are what will—and likely, already have—set you apart in a positive way. You may not feel very positive about those differences right now because you’ve been busy trying to wish them away or cover them up. The truth is, if you stand out not because you’re different, but because you’re solidly grounded in who you are—with no apologies – you’ll be the Lady Gaga-Steve Jobs-Oprah-Ellen-Einstein of your world. And how great would that be? Marinade in that thought for a minute – feels good doesn’t it?

If you can get out of the despair of being the only one like you, you’ll find that people will gravitate toward you because of your energy, confidence, and flair. But before any of that happens, you need to come to terms with being a fish out of water—and a Fearless Fish, at that!

None of us comes into this world with a handbook to guide us in developing our personalities. We simply jump into life and do the best we can. But what if you feel different—that you somehow don’t fit in with the norm, that you aren’t truly recognized and accepted for who you are? Trying to retrofit yourself into society and work life can be daunting, burning you out before you’ve even had a chance to shine.

If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that acting out of fear and living according to other people’s needs will pigeonhole you into being someone you’re not; and that’s not what life is about. Our job is to be open to the possibilities and see how far we can go. Life is a journey, so why not make the most of it? So, let’s begin the journey of celebrating your distinctiveness.

It is a lifelong process to get to know and accept ourselves as someone who is different.

One of my closest friends recently said to me, “What if I’ve come this far and I still don’t know who I am?’’ As much as we want to quickly understand ourselves, there are no shortcuts to the truth. We’re deep and multifaceted, and we’re changing all the time. But at our core—in our souls—we are stable, vibrant beings with philosophies, values, and perspectives that travel with us throughout our lives.

Open up to your authentic self. Sounds scary, huh? ‘‘The real me?’’ Sometimes we’re not quite sure who that is. When we’re used to feeling distant from the group, we tend to submerge our true selves in an effort to be accepted. The real movers and shakers in this world live their lives with conviction; they rarely hide who they are. They accept that they were born different or landed in circumstances that make them different, and they embrace the opportunity to stand out from the pack. We all have that same opportunity.

If you’re different, you already attract attention. The good news is, attracting attention may be the best thing that ever happened to you!