“Our greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?” Marianne Williamson

Personal Branding is about being authentically YOU. When you are true to yourself you will be successful. Successful Brand Builders consistently show up at the right time, in the right place and in the right way. Hone your brand identity (who you are), your branding focus (what you want) and your branding investment (what you do) by honoring yourself and others. Here’s how…

Thoughts Become Words

What do you consistently think about yourself? Successful branders know themselves well, they spend time on self-reflection, are clear about their boundaries and values, maintain high levels of integrity, are confident and cultivate a mental/emotional environment that supports their true self and their dreams. Ask yourself: Am I an optimist or pessimist? Do I maintain a can do attitude? Do I like myself? What do I tell myself about my abilities and aspirations? The best way to get clear on the answers to these questions is to write daily in a journal. Allow your thoughts to support you rather than work against you.

Words Become Actions

What you say to yourself inside your own mind shapes the language you use and the messages you send. When you speak to others, they are taking meaning from your words and forming opinions about you. Do you typically complain, judge, berate or curse when you speak? Is a conversation with you uplifting or draining for others? Are you knowledgeable about the issues that are important to you and those with whom you consistently communicate? The words you use and how you use them is a key factor in how others form opinions of you.

Actions Become Character

How you spend your time is how you spend your life. The accumulation of the actions we take on a daily basis inform our character. Who we are in the world (and how others see us) is based on what we do. Whether or not we are seen by others as organized, fit, energetic, helpful, funny, etc. is based on whether or not we are tidy, exercise, are active, provide support and amuse others. We can not say we are an athlete if we never get off the couch. We can not say we are honest if we consistently tell lies. Who we actually are (vs. who we think we are) and how others perceive us is based on what we DO.

Character Becomes Destiny

The thoughts, words and actions that you support on a consistent basis determine success or failure, happiness or despair as well as the quality of your life and the legacy you leave. Decide what attitude you will have, what language you will use, and what actions you will take to build the brand or character that you want. A clear and specific vision opens the door to success. Success creates the life you choose and provides the freedom to leave the world a better place than you found it. Building your personal brand allows you to create the environment in which you will thrive.

Author's Bio: 

Ruth Hegarty is passionate about helping professional and entrepreneurial women create authentic personal power and confidence in all that they do. As a certified professional coach and educator, she is adept at creating and customizing tools and programs to help even the most unsure women transform themselves into joyful and powerful creators. Ruth is founder of Leap of Confidence, a leader in women’s empowerment and an avid promoter of self-determination.

Download Ruth’s powerful free confidence building e-book at www.ruthhegarty.com/id36.html and receive a free subscription to her popular online newsletter, “IALAC News” (it stands for I Am Lovable And Capable), which brings a weekly dose of practical and powerful confidence to its readers.

As a formerly extremely shy underachiever, Ruth truly understands the personal demons that hold women back and, most importantly, how to shed those demons and become authentically our powerful brilliant selves. Learn more and contact Ruth at www.coachruth.com.