Written in 2007, Barbara Stanny’s book, Overcoming Underearning, has been getting a lot of attention lately.
So has the nascent organization, Underearners Anonymous.
Stanny’s plan of action to combat this recently identified malady features a 5-step program that will lead to ‘a richer life.’ The UA version uses the 12-step Alcoholics Anonymous model to help people uncover and conquer the blocks to living a full and prosperous life.
So why do we need yet another ’step’ program and what exactly is ‘underearning?’
Turns out that the crux of the problem is that many of us simply don’t know how to take care of ourselves.
We give away our time. We let fear or feelings of inferiority run us away from opportunities. We refuse to identify our big dreams because… well, why bother? … they’ll never materialize anyway.
Furthermore, we make ourselves small or hideout entirely, make trouble where there was none, drive ourselves (and others) crazy trying to prove what we should already know. That we are largely competent, accomplished, talented and quite nice people.
We simply get in our own way. So noted.
Now what?
Well, whether we turn to Stanny’s remedy or go the powerful 12-step route, we can start by viewing ‘underearning’ as having to do with far more than a money-making problem. That it has to do with an ‘under-living’ problem. A way of neglecting ourselves, self-sabotaging and, generally, living below the radar of our own enormous potential. And by admitting we might be among a surprising number of people who secretly suffer from these symptoms.
By examining this issue, even those who – on the surface – have status, earn nice salaries, enjoy lots of successful looking stuff and seem to have nothing to complain about can weed out the undercurrents of ‘underearning’ and begin to live an even richer life.
Piques my interest. Yours?
Joyce K. Reynolds is a nationally-known C-Suite Business Coach who has worked with CEOs and senior executives for over fifteen years in a wide variety of organizations. In her role as trusted adviser, Reynolds helps her clients recognize and use their current success as a basis for future growth. The focus is on identifying and developing effective methods of achieving change, redefinition and growth. The concept of taking personal responsibility is emphasized.
Reynolds’ B.S. degree in Sociology in combination with her successful, high-profile business background contribute benefits of broad workplace experience, profit-oriented marketing/creative expertise and highly developed strategic skills. Along with pertinent business experience and expertise, highly-developed communications, problem-solving and listening skills, keen intuitive awareness, Reynolds’
brings well-honed diplomatic talents.
Joyce K. Reynolds practice is devoted to encouraging solution-oriented, self-empowering, ethical behavior in the workplace. She provides useful insights on how to permanently enhance personal and organizational effectiveness, performance and growth in the workplace.
Ms. Reynolds brings the following talents and expertise:
. Business Coaching for CEO’s, senior executives, entrepreneurs and others seeking excellence, major shifts, improvement, balance
in all aspects of business/personal life;
. side-by-side communication, negotiation training and conflict-resolution;
. astute, potent, high-level organizational development and staff assessment;
. Board-of-Directors/executive management meeting facilitator;
. on- and off-site group Coaching, training and motivation;
. Title VII and cultural diversity corporate training credentials;
. extensive marketing and management experience in a wide variety of fields;
. creative, strategic and cross-promotional skills that are cutting-edge, broad-based and profit-oriented;
. non-fiction author/co-author/re-write specialist/editor;
. history of identifying growth opportunities for companies and guiding implementation of same;
. outstanding platform, communication and presentation skills;
. commanding on-air talent;
. excellent professional reputation and well-placed meaningful contacts nationally and internationally;
. potency, resourcefulness and motivating leadership skills.
Joyce K. Reynolds' prior professional profile includes:
. President/Exec. Producer - Retail Adv. Video Enterprises, Inc. (R.A.V.E.), N.Y., N.Y.;
. Sr. V.P./Marketing - Siegel & Gale, N.Y., N.Y. (Renamed: Sieglegale);
. V.P./Marketing - Payless ShoeSource (Volume Shoe Corp.) Topeka, Ks.;
. V.P./Advertising - John Wanamaker Department Stores, Phila., Pa.;
. Vice President - Kenrick Advertising, St. Louis, Mo.
A graduate of Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, B.S., Sociology, Ms. Reynolds has national and international speaking credits, particularly, as a result of her innovative work in the direct marketing area with R.A.V.E. Reynolds is the former talk-show host of business segment, On My Own, which she created to encourage balance, cooperation and ethical practices in the workplace. Her published books include: False Profits: Seeking Financial and Spiritual Deliverance in Multi-Level Marketing and Pyramid Schemes; and Introducing the Family Limited Partnership.