Contagious Confidence Conferences

Everything is Contagious ... and we're hearing it everywhere!

2010-06-14T05:56:00.001-07:00

Just started reading "Crush It!" by Guy Vaynerchuck and in it he refers to Passion as Contagious. Not long ago I saw a McDonald's commercial that said something about the enthusiasm over a Shrek glass collection was contagious! Sports enthusiasts continue to talk about how atheletes have a sense of Contagious Confidence(tm). And the list could go on and on. It's true, everything we do, say, think, believe and how we behave is, in fact, contagious! What are you doing today that is rubbing off on someone else and are you giving them what you really want to get back?

New Conference in Jacksonville!

2010-05-24T07:33:00.000-07:00

Woo hoo and good morning!
It's been a while and part of that is from the "office consumption" that happens around conference time! Our conference on April 28th was a great success and there are still great things happening as a result. In fact, if you look on the Contagious Conferences page on Facebook, you will see that Kellie Lightbourne WON Mrs. Florida after our conference and it was in that very conference room that she overcame her fear and declared that she would indeed stay in the pageant and make a go of it. Boy, did she! WON the whole thing! Congratulations Kellie!

In addition, we have heard from many of you on the successes you have uncovered after the conference and we look forward to hearing more. Please share your successes and posts on our Contagious Conference Facebook Page!

Also, we have SUPERB news! The conference we conducted in Orlando in October 2009, is going to Jacksonville! In partnership with the University of North Florida Continuing Education division, we will be conducting the Balance: When You're In Charge, In Heels, and Out of Time Conference on October 12, 2010! Keep an eye out for this great information, great learning day, great partnership, and fabulous opportunity. We'll see you there!

Invisible Barriers that keep us from our own Authenticity

2010-03-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

Much like we imagine many of the obstacles in our own brain, I found this picture of what that sometimes feels like. In fact, it is a picture of the elephant pen at the Washington, D.C. Smithosonian Zoo. Pretty formidable holding cell and quite frankly not unlike how we envision the barriers and bars in our own life. So, if this is what it looks like in your brain at times, then I have a few questions:

1. Are those bars/barriers really as solid as we think they are? (I.e. I can't be me at the office. Really? Can you really NOT be you or is it fear that is as solid as these bars and a deeply held belief that others won't like the REAL you?)

2. Can you remove the barriers around you with a simple key or do you really need a hacksaw and a crane? hehe! This one is fun. What if you just had a simple key to open the door? This is what the CORE Profile is for many people. It makes change and removal quite simple actually.

3. Can others see the barriers or just you?

Just a few questions for you and food for thought. See you soon!

What is the CORE Profile?

2010-03-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

Each participant of Contagious Conferences receives a complimentary CORE Profile. This tool shows how you see yourself, how you actually behave and how you handle stress, but it's more than that - it also answers the "now what?" question.

When you complete the CORE profile you will receive a six page report and a one page profile sheet with all of your graphs. You migth think "how can three graphs really show me who I am and how I behave", but it's amazing. And, at no time is there information about your weaknesses or what "you're doing wrong". This informaiton, based on how you answered the questions is merely for your own self awareness and we can only know what we know.

You see, most of us walk around on auto-pilot in complete oblivioun about our own behavior - it's normal. But, once you can literally see on paper, what behaviors you use and when during times of stress, you are then able to effortlessly feel much more in control of your behavior. CORE gives you back the control that you think you've lost when you feel like "you're 'losing' IT!"

For more information on the CORE profile, click the title of this post above and go to our conference home page. From there you can complete the CORE profile and register for the conference as well. We'll see you soon!
Monica

There is difference between what you do and HOW you do it!

2010-03-15T13:40:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon!

Have you ever noticed that so many in leadership tell you WHAT to do, but when you want to know HOW to do it, there is less information? It happens a lot.

The truth is that telling someone WHAT to do is helpful, particularly if they didn't already know. However, telling someone HOW to do something in a way that they learn from you and are able to repeat the skills... is PROFITABLE.

Also, though, teaching someone how to do something often requires communication skills, patience, knowing of the steps yourself, and a desire to help someone grow. If you are an authentic leader, these things come easy. If you are under stress, or learning to lead by trial error, they may not.

Learn more about developing patience - in fact, learn to be fascintated, not frustrated...
Learn more about your own unique style of teaching someone HOW...
AND learn how to teach the how in a language or style that THEY will understand...
At the next Contagious Conference!

This conference will be held on April 28th, 2010 in Winter Park, Florida (just north of Orlando). The theme is AUthentic Engagement and EVERYONE receives a complimentary personality profile! To Register Today, go to http://www.contagiousconferences.com/contagious_conference_authentic_engagement.htm

Stay contagious!
Monica

Are you Engaged?

2010-03-09T09:35:00.000-08:00

We're not talking about marriage here, we're talking about being Engaged in what you are doing or working on and who you are working with? Authentically Engaged.

Are you in it? or are you making it look like you're in it - merely going through the motions and playing it safe?

Oddly enough, Top Gun was on this weekend and I happened to catch the part where Pete Mitchell (the young and handsome Tom Cruise) was trying to recover from losing Goose, his partner. The crew and his wingman kept saying "Maverick! Engage! Get Engaged!" meaning get your head back in the game and get in this. He couldn't do it at first, but then when others made it clear they needed him, he was able to find the strength and win the day! Of course, this is Hollywood, but how many times have you been disengaged and merely going through the motions of your day to day job?

Being engaged isn't always easy, but to do whatever your doing - well, it is a necessity and important. Learn the key to being engaged in life and work, at the Contagious Conference on April 28th, 2010 in Orlando. www.contagiousconference.com

What Does Authentic Engagement mean for a Leader?

2010-03-08T11:17:00.000-08:00

What does Authentic Engagement mean for a Leader?
March 8, 2010

Good morning and Happy Monday!
One of our Contagious Conference™ vendors asked me over the weekend just how we arrived at the theme for the upcoming conference of Authentic Engagement. It was a great conversation and the concept is one I thought you would enjoy this morning.
If you’ve ever heard me speak, you’ve probably heard me refer to Contagious Leadership™ and the fact that everything we do, see, say, think, believe, and behave is contagious. Well, so is your ability to be authentically engaged. And in fact, being a contagious leader means that you are able to Be You and Lead You, as well as Lead Others. .... read more

To “See” the entire transcript of today’s Monday Moment, click here.

To listen to today’s Monday Moment, click here or paste this link:
http://monicawofford.com/audio/Monday Moment030810-F.mp3 into your browser.

Monday Moment works on Tuesday, too!

2009-10-20T05:44:00.001-07:00

Need a boost on Tuesday? Try Monica's Monday Moment: http://ping.fm/pzzeJ
Sign up for your own at http:www.monicawofford.com

PHR and SPHR Credits NOW AVAILABLE for Conference!

2009-10-01T07:03:00.000-07:00

If you are in Human Resources and are applying and working on your PHR or SPHR designations, the Contagious Confidence Conference has now been approved (as of 9.30.09) for 6 hours of general credits toward both of these designations!!!

As a result, we have extended the Early Bird Deadline until Oct. 9 so that you can save the date and register at the lower rate!

Now you can get credit AND skills for your confidence, balance, and stress management!

Register today! www.contagiousconferences.com

2009-10-01T07:02:00.001-07:00

The Contagious Confidence Conf. has just been certified for 6 gen. credit hours through SHRM!!! Get credit AND skills! www.tinyurl.com/contconf

2009-09-29T07:25:00.001-07:00

Did you receive your Monday Moment? Just in case not, take a listen... http://tinyurl.com/MM092809

Could you use a little less guilt, a little more time a lot less stress

2009-09-27T13:59:00.000-07:00

It's true, we could all use a little less guilt, a little more time a lot less stress! Right?

Here are some key factors that will help:
1. Stop whining and take ACTION now!

I have been whining about feeling out of shape for years, but also complaining about having no time to exercise. I was creating guilt for myself and two days ago, said WHO NEEDS THAT and went out to start running. I can't quite run a whole mile yet, but determination will prevail and I feel like I can leap tall buildings when I'm done. Two days in and the guilt is exponentially less!

2. Recognize that you CAN do it all, IF you know what ALL that is.

Decide WHAT you WANT before you start saying you can't have it all categorically. The WHAT is doable and once you figure that out, you merely have to make a priority list of when you want it. Now, if you want it all at once, like right now, well then, that's a whole different blog, confernece, seminar, and discussion. We'll cover prioritizing at the next conference. Check it out: www.contagiousconferences.com

3. Get Seriously Focused on the things you don't like

They, whoever THEY are, say that what you focus on gets traction and gets bigger. Well, I'm going to turn that around a bit. If you ignore what you don't like about you and just let the guilt build up about it without taking a clear examination of how to change it, then it will also get bigger. You have to look at reality and then decide what to change and when to change it. How about... yep, maybe, perhaps... like NOW. :) Or maybe that's just me.

We Should Have Changed the Title!

2009-09-27T13:57:00.001-07:00

It's almost here... four weeks away to be exact, and three days left in the early bird special for the October 22 Contagious Confidence Conference for Women. Our theme this conference is: Balance: When in Charge, In Heels and Out of Time

However, in hindsight, I am thinking we should have changed the title to : Doing More in Less Time with Less Stress. In fact, in a conversation over email today with a book publisher who is looking at our Commander in Heels book, I recommended to her that we change the title to Being a Commander in Heels: How to be a Woman Who Does More in Less Time with Less Stress

Isn't it true that we could all use a little less guilt, a little more time a lot less stress?

Blog title...

2009-09-26T07:47:00.001-07:00

have you seen the video that shows a difference between confidence and skill? http://ping.fm/W0c2p
We'll see you at the Contagious Confidence Conf. on 10.22.09

Confidence vs. Self Esteem

2009-09-26T07:07:00.002-07:00

Did you know there is a difference? Often we use the terms confidence and self esteem interchangeably and yet, they do not mean the same thing.

Confidence means you believe you can do something.
Self Esteem means you are worth the effort.

You can wake up in the morning and believe you CAN get your list accomplished, but not believe you are worth the effort in setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, and doing what you need to do to maintain a sense of balance and fulfillment, otherwise known as contentment. Yes, it is something you can have and that you deserve, I promise.

October 22 Event

2009-09-26T07:07:00.001-07:00

Ever feel like a professional juggler? There’s your list, your life, your family, your job, your bills, your friends… aaaaaaahhhh! Some days we can manage it and some days it gets a bit hairy! If you have ever said you need more hours in the day and more arms on your body to juggle all that you are doing, then you want to join us on October 22.

Join us at the Contagious Confidence Conference for Women at the Winter Park Civic Center on October 22, and here’s why:
- You will finally get to relieve the stress in your back, neck, and shoulders that comes from running around like crazy and feeling out of control
- You will learn new skills that are easy to implement and NOT another “To-do” that will help you immediately with your planning and your confidence
- You will be able to take a break, even if just for one day, to focus on you, enjoy being you, and spend time becoming even better, with little or no effort.

That’s right. There’s no smoke and mirrors here. No side gimmicks. No fluffy stuff – just plain old skills, with networking, food, and fun. You deserve this day for you and your schedule, your stress level, your friends, your family and most importantly YOU will be so glad you did.

Don’t delay. You’re worth it my friend. REGISTER NOW for the Contagious Confidence Conference and we’ll see you on Thursday, October 22.

2009-09-26T06:38:00.001-07:00

Did you happen to hear your Monday Moment? If not, here's a copy: http://ping.fm/FHFT1
Get your very own at www.monicawofford.com

2009-09-26T06:29:00.001-07:00

What Does Leadership Take? Reminding yourself that the learning you've done so far didn't happen over night and new learning won't either.

Goal Setting: Are you doing what YOU want or trying to please others?

2009-08-29T09:51:00.000-07:00

Ladies,
You have goals and you deserve to acheive them. In fact, for a good goal setting resource book, check out Creating Your Best Life. However, what few have ever been told about Balance or Goals, is that though you CAN have it all, you typically can't have it all at the same time. As well, it is important to assess whether those goals are something YOU really want or something others have told you you SHOULD have. We've got to stop "Shoulding" all over ourselves (one of my favorite lines!) and make sure that we are doing those things that are most important (versus urgent) for us over the long term life of our goals.

So, what are you chasing and is it YOUR rainbow or one someone told you that you SHOULD chase? Hmmmm... this is definitely going to be a topic of discussion at the next Contagious Confidence Conference!

Balance:When in Charge, In Heels, and Out of Time

2009-08-29T09:49:00.000-07:00

So, how do you balance all that you try to do? For women, this issue is often compounded by the multitude of roles that we play at home and at work. Typical women's leadership conferences share information on how to manage time and yet, the truth is we don't manage time, we manage tasks. This women's leadership conference: The Contagious Confidence Conference for Women, will focus on managing the tasks you want to include in your day, your week, and your life. This is not going to be a typical time management course! :)

Join us on Oct 22 for Balance: When You're In Charge, In Heels, and Out of Time!

2009-08-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

It's here! It's bigger and better! AND it's about balance!

Join us for our next Contagious Confidence Conference for Women on October 22, 2009!

If you are struggling with all the balls in the air that you're juggling...
If you are stressed out while trying to manage all the stuff you've put on your calendar...
If people marvel at all that you do and yet you don't feel like you do enough...

This is the conference for you! And... even better... there's no ginsu knives or gimmicks - just an entire day of learning and training on how better to manage the concept of balance and the tricks it plays with our head!

Register now and recieve $20 off the Early Bird pricing. Use Promo code: EEA20.

You can Balance: While You're In Charge, In Heels, and Out of Time!
See you there!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

2009-05-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

It was a wonderful Contagious Confidence Conference and it was made possible by all of our wonderful attendees, staff, and volunteers! Thank you for your support and for your participation.

During the day we spoke of leadership skills, where we are now and what we needed to work on, how confidence is key, how we get in our own way, how to develop your own description of what you do (really!) and how to modify your communication skills for each team member. We also worked on time management challenges, the impact of stress and the needs and pet peeves of many personality preferences.

It was a wonderful day of learning about ourselves and others, as well as how we can be better leaders of our own lives and the voices in our head, along with leading employees!

What did YOU learn yesterday?
Thank you so much for being a part of our 5th Contagious Confidence Conference. Stay tuned for details on our next event and we look forward to seeing you there!
Stay Contagious!

Michael J. Fox said Optimism is Contagious!

2009-05-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

In watching the first episode of Michael J. Fox, The Incurable Optimist, I was overjoyed to hear him talk about the sense of hope in times that most of us have not seen or experienced in our life time. Yet, what stood out the most for me is when he shared that Optimism and sense of hope is contagious!

Everything we do, optimistic or otherwise, is contagious. How you feel and what you say about the economy, your own abilities, your environment, and so much more is contagious. We need each other and "hope doesn't exist in a vaccuum". This topic and many more WILL be covered in our next conference on May 13th. The Contagious Confidence Conferences help you not only learn from other women in the session, but also to learn how you can be an even better you than you thought possible or had seen before.

If you could use a dose of incurable optimism, contagious enthusiasm about leadership, life, or the voices in your head, then make plans to join this women's leadership conference.

I'll see you there!
Monica

Why attend the Contagious Conference: Leading in Tough Times?

2009-05-02T05:52:00.000-07:00

Why should you send some of those you work with, spend a day away from work, even ask your boss for the time, or take time away from what you are doing to grow your own business to attend the May 13th Contagious Conference: Leading in Tough Times?

Here are a few of the top reasons:

You will learn how to effectively work with change (recently inspired by a participant who wanted more on this topic – thanks Renee!).
You will gain unique techniques for dealing with whiners, nags, negative neds and nellies who can suck the very life out of your day.
You will be able to boost your own confidence, which means you will be better able to ask others for help, develop teams, and admit when you don’t know the answer, without looking silly.
You will interact with others from the business community who may turn out to be your next job lead or your next customer.
You will get the chance to practice delivering coaching to an employee and selling your idea in a tough crowd.
You will gain the ability to actually identify what an employee’s problem is and the skills to address it effectively once and for all.
You will learn why micromanagement has value (and when to use it or not!).
You will get a MUCH better understanding of why you have stress and how to eliminate most of it and keep it from affecting you daily.

Those are at least the highlights. The Contagious Conference: Leading in Tough Times, is a full day training course. And oh, did I also mention, we have continental breakfast, lunch and dessert, and a cocktail hour after the class, as well as over 15 vendors with services you don’t have time to shop for when you ARE at work.

This is more than just a conference, this is a way for you to feel better about what you are doing, particularly if you have been promoted, but not prepared and what to know what to do when you have people reporting to you.

Join us on May 13th in Orlando at Leu Gardens. Limited spaces are still available and for more information, go to www.contagiousconferences.com. Can't wait to see you there!

What Women Want...

2009-05-01T09:54:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the movie What Women Want with Helen Hunt and Mel Gibson, in which he could literally "hear" her thoughts? eek! I'm not sure that is what women want but I do know we want a few other things...

We want to be understood
We want to be recognized for our talents
We want to be noticed for all that we do
We want to loved
We want to be accepted
We want to be seen as unique individuals
And often, we want to be seen as powerful, well respected and approved of people

You can be all of that! Some of these elements can come naturally, I suppose. Others of them require new skills, effort, and the development of communication that lets others know what we want.

These skills and more are what you will gain at our next Contagious Conference on Women's Leadership Skills: Leading in Tough Times. Join us on May 13th, 2009 in Orlando to get not only what you want, but what you deserve.

Women are wired to be fantastic leaders and yet we often fail to find that middle ground between being a leader without having to ride a broom or carrying a picket sign in promotion of feminism. We look forward to seeing you!

Stay Contagious!
Monica

A Comment from one of our fans... a man's point of view

2009-04-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

I received an email from one of our Contagious Community members regarding his point of view of women's leadership skills... he has some great ideas and is a proponent of us bringing rah-rah back to the conference. he-he... not that it ever left... it merely is a part of the conference, rather than the whole of it. :)

First, women frequently run into communication barriers in the business world because the men in their organizations rarely understand the female perspective. I have had huge success providing cross-gender communications training and it can be as simple for an organization as learning semantics. Because the fundamental essence of the human male is the need for independence, any male in a subordinate role to a female will view, "I need this on my desk by tomorrow" as a conflict confrontation. In his mind, he get's enough, "Honey, when are you going to take out the trash and mow the lawn?" at home. He naturally bristles when he hears it.However, if his female boss were to simply put it another way, "Roger, would you be willing to look at this?" or "Roger, I need your assistance with this and it must be done asap."The conflict with his need not to be told what to do is gone. In the second example, he becomes the knight, i.e. I need your assistance. Even gay men can't resist the call to chivalry. They feel needed, thus respected. Yes, I know this shallow and somewhat juvenial, but we're talking men here. I am the former Training and Development Manager for the State of xxxx (name deleted on purpose) where I once took these concepts to the Department of Motor Vehicles. The supervisors there in turn taught their front counter staff and low and behold there was a huge change in the public's perception of an agency they all hated to deal with. Now when a big burly man from this state walks in and stands before a small young female behind the counter, she says, "Sir before I can properly help you, would you be willing to fill out all the boxes on this form?" That simple phrase, "Would you be willing?" seems to work on most men. Try it if you are married.

Second, you mentioned your Leadership Confrence for women wasn't going to be a rah rah session. In daily performing the leadership function, there is one factor which, is rarely a solid given in men and very iffy in women. Confidence. Not confidence built on a false sense of self-importance, but true confidence built on a strong self-esteem. The average CEO in this country stumbles along, at best, when it comes to making individual decisions. I think there is a great need for women to be praised and lifted up in the business world and told that when they bring their true selves to the table with all their natural compassion, their desire to serve, and their male mind boggling ability to mutitask, they bring an unbeatable force. Rah rah has its place and women need it today. When I was seventeen, I was conoeing down a long set of rapids on a whitewater river and was met by a sixtyfive year old women kayaking back up stream. There is nothing so inspirational, nothing so empowering, and few things more glorious than a women, with confidence and courage facing whatever life throws at her. Give em some rah rah.

Thanks much my friend and stay contagious!
Monica

Leadership for Women - in 2009???

2009-04-21T09:59:00.001-07:00

Why is it that in 2009, we are still having the conversation about skills or roles for men versus skills and roles for women? Well, part of the challenge is that we seek equality, instead of fairness. Another challenge is that we, women, seek to be treated the same, instead of in our own unique ways.

Leadership for Women is a skill development path that still needs to exist because until we recognize that we do not play by the same rules, nor need to, as men have for decades, we will continue to be battling against not only the system, but ourselves.

Women are and always will be different. We communicate differently, think differently, function differently, and lead differently. The Contagious Confidence Conference for Women, focused on Leading in Tough Times is a course that teach women to lead on their own terms and by their own rules, not those that we are told we must follow in order to seduce the boy's club.

Maybe in 2020, we'll be talking about how leadership can be a component of the activities for little girls, or actually see the advent of CEO Barbie. However, until then, ladies, we need to learn new rules, and new skills. June Cleaver will not ever run a board meeting, but you can..

Stay Contagious !
Monica

Thank you Laura and Beverly

2009-04-06T18:22:00.001-07:00

It sounds like you both had fun at the Fred Pryor Conference for Women in Tampa. Thank you so much for sharing the good news that the instructor read part of my article from the Tampa Bay Women Newspaper she found in the hotel lobby. The article was entitled "The Race for Your Business". How kind of you to share with the group that you knew the author - me! - and then to share your kind words about our very own Orlando Women's Leadership Conference coming up on May 13th. Thank you both for your kind words and for spreading the word!

I look forward to seeing you in May!
All my best and oh, stay contagious!
Monica
www.contagiousconferences.com

Will you help us spread the word?

2009-04-02T06:59:00.001-07:00

In a time when Seth Godin is writing about Tribes that we all can lead and MORE magazine is writing about women SHATTERING the glass ceiling, I am looking for your help in spreading the word about an event that combines the best of both.

On May 13th, 2009 in Orlando, we are conducting a Women’s Conference on Leading in Tough Times. It isn’t just about the times we are in, but about the skills women need to survive and thrive in them as leaders of organizations, businesses, lives, and the voices in their heads. This training conference will give women the skills to lead more effectively, eliminate the guilt in some of the choices we have to make, and lead without having to give up their femininity or who they are (or wish they could be!). It’s about teaching women to play by their own rules, not the ones of the boy’s club that we are told to follow. It’s about helping women recognize their own strengths and natural ability to lead. This isn’t a feminist thing or a reason to picket something, it’s merely a movement to help women rise to the positions of leadership in which they can excel, but may not know how to reach.

I am confident you know women who can benefit – maybe it’s even you! Would you be so kind to share this email and the attached registration form with the women in your world? We have even extended the early bird pricing so that there is still time to register at the lowest price possible. Please join us and invite your female friends to be a part of the movement. If we are going to shatter the glass ceiling, it will take all of us in this together. Will you help us spread the word?
Stay Contagious,
Monica
www.contagiousconferences.com

A different point of view...

2009-03-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

I received an email yesterday from one of our newsletter recipients on why women leaders don't succeed. His first email to me was that he had worked many women in leadership and he has never seen it worked. He also mentioned that there was ONE REASON for it and when he said that, I, of course, I said tell me more. Below is his perspective on why women leaders fail...

They try to be everything at one time.

I have never seen it work before.

A good wife, a good mother with small children, and a professional business women in upper management.

Some thing has to give.

I know from experience because I was a single dad with a 10 year old daughter, and no family close by.

I did solved the problem.

I would be in meeting out of town at our corporate headquarters, and the few women in upper management would start squirming at 4:30 PM.

How much longer will this meeting be going on.

Many times they were late, and I wanted to get finish that day so I could fly home the next day.

You can't be all things to all people.

It's always good to have an alternate point of view. Thanks for sharing my friend and thanks for being a member of the Contagious Community.

Stay Contagious,
Monica

Women and Leadership

2009-03-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

What we women bring to work is contagious! Even when we try to lead, we bring with us so much of the programs, stereotypes, and feelings that have filled our generation's gender with good stuff and bad.

Are you bringing guilt to the office over trying to do it all and not being able to?
Are you bringing feelings of inadequacy to the office when you still remember the dishwasher that hasn't been emptied, the kids that have to be fed later, and the clothes that need to be washed?
Are you just fine and confident that you are good leader at the office and yet wonder where your personal life went?

Are you able to separate who you are from what you do or haven't gotten to yet? We women often walk around looking for our invisible Wonder Woman jet that will allow us to get 500 things done if five minutes! It's true and many times we do it, but at what price. I don't have the magic answer, but I do have a few ideas. As the owner of an invisible jet, matching wrist bracelets and the cool Wonder Woman outfit and cape (okay, not really) I can tell you that women lead differently and sometimes, if given the chance, even better than they give themselves credit for.

Give up the guilt - even if you have to do it for lent and let's learn to lead together. Come together to our contagious community. In fact, join us at the Contagious COnfidence Conference for Women in Orlando on May 13th and let's see if we can shatter the flippin' glass ceiling and go out there with less guilt, less lack of confidence, and more power to lead than we ever thought possible.

Be there or be square. :) In fact, check it out: www.contagiousconferences.com.

I know you can do this! In fact, if I can do it... so can you!
Women, here's to your contagious leadership!
Monica

WOMEN: You CAN lead!

2009-03-19T09:48:00.000-07:00

Women make three choices in leadership:
- they take it on agressively and never look back, not worrying about being called a Big B Word
- they take it on and try to play by a bunch of men's rules or fit in or seduce the boy's club
- they don't take it on at all

As the nearly bald blonde exercise chic used to say: "STOP THE INSANITY!" There has got to be a better way. Can't a woman be a leader and still be feminine. Can't a leader be a woman and still be effective without being called a "witch"?

Are we ever going to get over the fact that just because a woman stands her ground, stands up for what she believes is right and conducts business as business - she is not to be called or seen as a bitch? Enough already.

Women, we are just as guilty on this front. We call other women this label. In fact, we do it sometimes before our male counterparts start slinging the mud. Are we being our own worst enemy here in proliferating the stereotype? Yes, we are and it's time we let go of it. Let's learn how to lead without worrying so much about the labels. Let's focus more on the skills insead of the stereotypes. Let's get promoted because we earned it and not because we were brave enough to bare cleavage or begged for job based on gender.

Women: you CAN learn to lead and the only rules you need to know are your own. You CAN lead and not be lumped into this overly feminine, nicey nice category. Boss's have to be bold and brave sometimes. Your gender doesn't have to prevent it, in fact with our ability to empathize, lift others up, and separate issues (that almost sounds like a bra commercial) we should be darn good at leading! I think it's time we got started doing what we should be good at.

Here's to your leadership, contagious or otherwise,
Monica

Leading as a Woman

2009-03-01T18:04:00.000-08:00

Women: How do we do it? We are expected to juggle a million balls in the air, but not allowed to act as if we have any...it sounds a bit direct, but it's true. We can do it all, but the moment we become more than a little firm in declaring our needs or declaring boundaries, we are called lovely words most of which begin with B, and none of which are BOSS. Leading as a Woman doesn't have to be so challenging, but we have to recognize what we are doing first.

We women seem to make one of three choices in becoming major leaders in business:

We reach for leadership and climb the latter, not caring how we look or what we're called
We reach for leadership in a demure and feminine way, careful of our image and the danger we run in being accused of having ridden our broom to work.
We choose not to reach for leadership because we don't want to risk our credibility or reputation.

In our next Contagious Confidence Conference for Women: Leading in Tough Times, we will include not only the fundamentals of leading in a difficult time and a difficult age filled with change, but also the skills we women require to lead in our own way. There will be no talk of riding a broom, worry over being called a big B word, and no rules for playing with the big boys or seducing someone to get ahead. We'll explore the danger in begging of power instead of earning it and refusing to take your power because of what someone might call you when you get it!

Central Florida: This One's For You and the future of your leadership may depend on your attendance. Be there or be square. (okay, that's old, but it's still true!)

See you on May 13, 2009! Leu Gardens, Orlando, FL
Register now at www.contagiousconferences.com

Contagious Conference- Leading in Tough Times - May 13, 2009

2009-02-27T10:45:00.001-08:00

Leading is a challenge even when times are good. It's worse when the confidence is down and it's even more difficult when times are a struggle. What do you do when time are tough AND your confidence is low? You attend the next Contagious Confidence Conference for Women: Leading in Tough Times on May 13, 2009 in Orlando.

Attention Central Florida Women: This one's for you! If you are a woman in a middle management to executive level position and you have ever wanted to become a more effective leader of both your life and your work, this conference is for you. We call it a conference, but it's really a training class, with vendor tables. This is the solution, quick fix, and skill buidling course you have been looking for because:
- not only will it be entertaining, you will learn readily applicable skills
-you can use NOW what you learn on that day
-you will have access to reference materials, coaches, and your workbook during and after the conference
-you get to spend a day working on you and learning almost effortlessly how to be leader, still be a woman, and not ride a broom to the office
- you get to focus on Women's leadership skills that do not require you to play by any men's rules, be a big B word, or seduce any boy's club

This and so much more! Registration opens on Monday, March 2 and I look forward to seeing you there. This one is a "can't miss!" Save the date, mark your calendar and reserve your seat.

Contagious Confidence Conference for Women: Leading in Tough Times
May 13, 2009
Leu Gardens, Maitland, FL (just north of Orlando)
Register online at contagiousconferences.com
Register by phone at 1-866-382-0121

Stay contagious!

Struggling to Survive with Confidence

2009-02-09T14:00:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we struggle, sometimes we strive, sometimes we thrive and then we combine efforts of all those we know who are doing the same. Ours and the efforts of others have a contagious effect. Your Confidence is also contagious and thus we have to be careful that we work on us, before we go sharing with others that same ole negativity that seems to flow in abundance right now... Here is another tip on how to stop struggling, stop surviving and may even help you thrive in the area of Contagious Confidence when it comes to your business...

2. Make a Mark
There is a significant difference between hanging out a shingle to say you own a business and creating a business that has a specific market, target customer, and differentiating factors. Making a mark means claiming that part of the market which is yours, and yours alone. Famed marketers and authors, Al Ries and Jack Trout, say that the best possible position to be in is “First to Market”, or the first one to do what you do. There are a plethora of people in the race to be first and someone may have beat you to it, but it can be argued that second best is to be the only one who does what you do for whom you do it. How do you practice medicine in a way that is uniquely different? How do you coach or train that is unique and different? How do you advise on finances in a way that is unlike anyone else?

When you can figure out how what you do is different from all the others out there who do something similar you will have made your mark and your contagious confidence will grow exponentially! :)

Stay contagious!

Surviving with Confidence

2009-02-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

Confidence isn't just a word, it's a feeling. If you are confident in you, then it means you believe you CAN do whatever it is YOU want to do. Are you confident? Those with a high sense of confidence are who will survive the downturn and end up thriving when things shift again.

As everything you do rubs off on and impacts others, we call it Contagious Confidence. It is truly catching and what we do is help you develop those skills really worth catching! Here is a tip on how YOU can develop your own sense of Contagious Confidence in your own business...

1. Hone Your Skills
If what you have been doing up until now is running your business by instincts or by trial and error, now is the time to actually develop those skills that may come naturally. Find a way to get a credential or two. Put some letters behind your name. Create a process or system out of how you “just do it”. Protect that process legally and develop it so that others could duplicate the effort. Running a business is different than whatever skill or talent that got you to start the business in the first place. Develop your skills in leadership, financial report reading, business management, and oh yes, customer service. Whether or not you have a process, or for that matter, answer your phone in a timely fashion is beginning to be one of the tiny things that will separate you from the others who are doing what you do.

More tips to follow... Stay Contagious!

Now Accepting Applications

2009-01-18T09:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome EMBARQ as a key sponsor of our upcoming Contagious Confidence Conference for Women!!

Would your organization benefit from greater exposure to the community of women in business?
We are now taking applications for additional sponsors for these powerful and well attended conferences. Contact Monica directly for more information if your company would like to become a sponsor or be present as a vendor with your very own table.

1-866-382-0121

Ask for Monica and we look forward to seeing you there!

Why Confidence?

2009-01-07T08:23:00.000-08:00

Sometimes, when I say I teach leaders how to elevate their own confidence and that of those they work with, people will look at me as if to say "why is that important?"

In truth, Confidence, and even Contagious Confidence is the glue that will keep you together or let you unravel and fall apart.

If you are confident in your skill and abilities, you can teach others.
If you are confident in your ability to survive, you will find resilience in any situation.
If you are confident in your direction, you will make faster progress.
If you are confident in you, that rubs off on others and they will want to know how you do it.

A lack of confidence will cause you:
- to doubt your own abilities, skills, gifts, and talents
- to move slower
- to be less productive
- to share with others an attitude that is not productive or helpful
- give others a reason to avoid spending time with you, for fear that the attitude will rub off

Contagious Confidence is not only important and valuable, it's critical to your success. Are you feeling confident today? If so, HIGH FIVE! If not, what's standing in your way and how can I help?

Stay Contagious!

What if?

2009-01-04T10:13:00.000-08:00

What if...
Women everywhere had the confidence to laugh at the magazines at the check out stand?
Women looked at the ceiling and didnt' see it as a limitation?
Women in your world always lifted you up without jealousy, envy or petty comments?
Women saw themselves as unique, instead of needing to be equal, or the same?
Women found a way to recognize that they are different, not difficult when dealing with the
opposite sex?
Women embraced their strengths and used them?
Women confidently walked into their world (office, home, life) and set out to achieve what
they wanted without letting anything hold them back?
Women had no fear of being held back?
Women saw their body as a gift, a temple, or maybe even just a healthy placeholder for their
big ole brain and beautiful spirit, instead of something worthy of daily criticism?
Women felt beautiful no matter what they wore?
Women believed they could lead beyond their own household?
Women felt as comfortable leading a team at an office, as they do in leading themselves?
Women embraced leadership as something they could do because they ARE women,
not in spite of that fact?

Are you ready for 2009?
WE are ready to bring more Contagious Confidence into your 2009!
Will you join us in reaching for those items above and in improving your own confidence?

Confidence During the Holidays

2008-11-29T07:26:00.000-08:00

Even when a Contagious Conference is not under way, confidence is still an issue that can affect us every day. If you are struggling with confidence during the holidays you are not alone and certainly not abnormal.

I just watched Bridget Jones Diary, the movie and had to giggle. How far from true is it? Don't we all long for the cindarella moment, particularly during the holidays? Don't we all struggle with family during this time? I think so, and if you find your mix of high confidence and high self esteem is not coming together as well as the batch of sugar cookies you see yourself making, try these remedies for a better feeling and better holiday...

1. Remember that family is the last to see a change
Family members still see you as who you used to be no matter how you have grown, changed, matured or worked on yourself. They have old programs and if you only see them on the holidays, those programs automatically play when you arrive on the scene. Take heart that most family means well and that those you have chosen as friends are more likely to see the progression you have made in life. Take what your family says and does with a grain of salt.

2. Doing what makes you happy is going to serve you better in the long run
We ALL have programs. It isn't just the family that operates from a series of "shoulds" and "oughtas". You have those messages, too and if you aren't aware of them, pay attention to the next time you feel down. Are these feelings rooted in some failed expectation or failed event that "was supposed to happen" during this time of year? Quite likely. Change or examine the program and your feelings are likely to change along with it.

3. Stay aware of stress and sleep
One of the leading causes of a rampant attack of the voices in your head saying something less than kind, is stress and a lack of sleep. I know that when I awoke at 4am on Friday to shop with the other silly people after thanksgiving, I found that by about 7pm I had done quite a number on myself about how I should have all the gifts bought by now, tree decorated by now, etc. Then it turned into I should be doing x in my business, should have x number of children, should, should, should... a lack of sleep and a good bit of stress, both common elements in this tmie of year will warp your rationale, make the monsters in your mind wake up and start talking and will rob you of your confidence and your sense of well being. Sometimes the best remedy is a good nap.

Keep your wits about you during this holiday season and remember that you are wonderful, a capable and confident being and someone who can do whatever you put your mind to. You have contagious confidence!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

2008-10-25T07:35:00.000-07:00

We did it! We successfully held the fourth Contagious Confidence Conference for Women (and Men!) and if you missed it - wow! We have heard feedback that this was the best one ever!

In fact, if you were there, you heard informaiton on the rules of communication, the importance of tonality, the real deal on the five love languages, the difference understanding your CORE score can make, the value of knowing yourself and communicating in a language that others understand and much more. Plus, there were door prizes, amazing vendors, and case studies that allowed all to practice skills they learned so that they could easily be used out in the real world.

Thank you for being a part of our 2007-2008 conference series. We are diligently working on the 2009-2010 schedule and look forward to seeing you then.

Stay Contagious and watch out for those confidence crushers. "You are cool' and "you are worth it!" if for no other reason than MONICA SAYS SO!

What Would You Do?

2008-09-23T08:04:00.000-07:00

I ran across a scenario that I wanted to pose to you and see what you would do. Let’s say you go to dinner at restaurant X. Your spouse, partner, or friend wants to go to dinner at restaurant Y. You have a heated debate about the choice. You point out the bad reviews Y has received. But you grudgingly yield and end up going to restaurant Y. The experience confirms your misgivings. Your reservation is lost and you have to wait 30 minutes. The service is slow, the drinks weak, and the food tastes like ripe garbage. You have two options during this painful experience.

Option A: critique the restaurant and smugly point out to your partner how wrong he or she was and how this debacle could have been avoided if only you had been listened to.
Option B: Shut up and eat the food. Mentally write it off and enjoy the evening.

Marshall Goldsmith points this out in his book “What Got You Here, Won’t Get you There” and he mentions the results he has seen with these two scenarios. 75% of his clients say they would choose Option A and critique the restaurant. Yet, they ALL agree that what the SHOULD do is Option B.

So often what we would do and what we know we SHOULD do are two different things.

If you find that in your relationships and communication, you are doing what you want instead of what you wish you would do or think you should, then join us at the Contagious Confidence™ Conference for Women (and men!) on October 23, 2008. With this conference, you will get confirmation of what is natural behavior, how to’s on what is beneficial behavior, and new skills that are effortlessly implemented, yet are going to dramatically improve your relationships (at home and at work) which means we will help you take the stress out of your daily communication and relationships.

Now, more than ever is the time to work on your professional and personal people skills. If your job or company decides to make drastic changes, what do you think will help you get your next job: your resume and experience, or your people skills? You know the answer and even maybe what you should do. Join us at the conference. We look forward to seeing you there.

Call us at 1-866-382-0121 or go to contagiousconferences.com and register to gain new skills.

“The key to being lucky is to be prepared when opportunity strikes.” Unknown author

And the Race is on!!!

2008-09-11T11:55:00.000-07:00

With sponsors such as The University of Phoenix, McCoy Federal Credit Union, Orlando Health/Winnie Palmer Hospital, Avery Wealth Management Solutions, EMBARQ, and the Seminole/Osceola/Orlando Woman newspapers - WHO WOULDN'T want to be a part of this upcoming CONTAGIOUS CONFIDENCE CONFERENCE FOR WOMEN!!!???

Here is the scoop - ladies, bring your spouse, your boss, or someone you wish listened to you more, talked with you in a way you like, and kept you from repeating yourself as often and let's work on COMMUNICATION AND RELATIONSHIPS!

Communication is contagious and we're going to learn how to do it better. Bring a friend and or a buddy and at noon we will invite them to return to the office or home... and then it's just us girls!

Sign up today at www.contagiousconferences.com!

We LOVE men!

2008-08-31T09:42:00.000-07:00

Recently we announced that registration is officially open for the Contagious Confidence Conference for Women and so far, we have received many calls from men, asking if they can attend.

You bet!

This conference, the fourth in the series is Relationship and Communication focused and that menas, ladies, that you can bring the men you communicate with the most. That means you can bring a spouse, a friend, a significant other or a boss with you. Men are invited to join us during the morning session in which we will work on communication and personality styles, as well as how to use that information to better your relationships. You will love it!

After this morning session, men are invited to stay for lunch (for an additional $25) and then head back to their own office or lives. The afternoon session from 1-4pm is just us girls, so spread the word. We like the men in our lives and this conference would not be complete without them.

We look forward to seeing you there and encourage you to go to www.contagiousconferences.com to register and learn even more! See you on October 23!

It's Here! It's Here!

2008-08-31T09:41:00.000-07:00

Hello and Happy Sunday!

If you have EVER had to repeat yourself to a colleague or loved one, keep reading…
If you have EVER had to scratch your head and wonder WHAT about what you just said was unclear, he-he, keep reading…
If you have EVER wanted to be able to communicate better or at least be UNDERSTOOD better… you get the idea…

It’s HERE! A solution to the communication and relationship breakdowns in your life is now available. Please join us at the:
Contagious Confidence Conference for Women: Relationships and Communication focus.

WHEN AND WHERE?
Thursday, October 23, 2008 at the Hilton Altamonte Springs Hotel
HOW AND HOW MUCH?
Go to contagiousconferences.com and click the BIG RED register now button (top right)
Tickets are $177 IF you register before September 1. $177 gives you one full day ticket and ONE HALF DAY ticket for your spouse, boss, or colleague that you wish to have a better relationship with or communicate with better.
WHAT’S NEW?
There will more interaction, more vendors, more of the stuff you like, a new speaker: Mr. Eric Schulman, and CHOCOLATE desert after lunch!
WHAT DO I DO?
Register today online or via phone (866-350-5323) or print your form and fax it to our office (407-877-8366)

That web address is contagiousconferences.com and the phone number is 1-866-350-5323.

Women Who Do Too Much

2008-08-11T06:08:00.001-07:00

Good morning!
Today I had the opportuntity to read a calendar that my dear girlfriend gave me last Christmas. It is a daily calendar for "Women Who Do Too Much" and today's note made me giggle as it stood out and set me straight for a wonderful day.

The calendar stated:
"Just for today, I will try to live through this day only and not tackle my whole life
problems at once."

Have you ever tried to tackle your whole life in one sitting or in one day or with one list? he-he. Maybe that's just me. If not, let's work on that together - today is just today and let's live for today and be confident about our ability to handle anything that comes our way today. In fact, let's be contagiously confident that we can handle anything that comes our way today.

Stay Contagious!

Confidence can be robbed from the best of us...

2008-07-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Yep, you guessed it. Even the "Contagious Lady" has rough days. Who knew?

You know, the more blogs I read, the more I learn about people and the personal stuff they share. Hmmm....for some I might say "that's a slight over share" and others I find it interesting getting to know them. And then again it occurred to me that my blog is a bit less personal than maybe it could be. Thus, I thought I would share...

I don't know about you, but this week has been a doozy. There have been personal issues, engagements that did not go through, issues with people I like and those I wish I had reconsidered liking (hee-hee) and more. Yet every day with most people, I have found myself putting on the ever popular game face. The truth is that this week has probably been one of the worst. I have doubted my self, doubted my business, and wondered if I had any real direction in my life at all. Of course, most of it could be solved by digging my way half way down a carton of Haagen Dasz, but realty is I had to use all the tools I teach and then some to keep my confidence in tact. Confidence can be robbed from even the best of us and maybe it's time I made it clear that I'm not perfect, either. ha! Who knew??

Hope your week was truly fabulous and that you gave the game face a break and revealed your humanity. Stay Contagious!

Whoo-Hoo! Not just for WaMu...

2008-06-19T19:14:00.001-07:00

Hello there,

Don't you say "Whoo-Hoo! I can't wait to go to work!" (or school, or the office, or the kids rooms, or whatever you do every day) every morning? Come on, sure you do. Well, let me rephrase that, I DO. But it took work to get there and it sure wasn't a result of free checking or overdraft protection or whatever the latest WaMu marketing perk is.

Contagious Confidence(tm) provides the guts that lead to the glory. It takes confidence, self-esteem, courage, charisma, and persistence, among others, to do what you love and make a living at it. You can do it and get to a place where you say whoo-who each and every day. No one said it was going to be easy and WaMu may make it look easy, but if you want free checking... go for it... if you want to wake up happy, being you each day... then let's start working on your internal confidence, your contagious confidence! (and that is not always a piece of cake, but you can do it.)

Here are some recommended readings for you that I have found helpful this week.

The On-Purpose Person - Kevin McCarthy
You Can Heal Your Life - Louise Hay
Think and Grow Rich - Napoleon Hill
Why You're Dumb, Sick, and Broke - Randy Gage

Stay Contagious and Confident!
Monica

Going to this conference is like...

2008-05-26T16:17:00.000-07:00

Conferences are not for everyone... but this one just might be for you. We talk about self-awareness, financial confidence, health and fitness, and relationships. In fact, going to the Contagious Confidence Conference for Women is like getting a degree in life leadership... complete with the initials to put behind your name. Colleagues scoffed at me when I said I could create an entire contagious community and now then they watched me do it.

If you are a woman who wants to learn how to better lead her life, her own finances, her body along with her self image and her relationships and you wouldn't mind having that extra credential attached to your name, then this might be the series of events that you want to attend. Upon completion of the four Contagious Confidence Conferences, you will become a CL, or certified Leader of your Life, which you might find will also impact your life. Join us for our next event in October of 2008 or visit www.contagiousconferences.com.

Stay Contagious !

Thirteen Shocking Maneuvers that Will Save Your Sanity

2008-05-21T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hello there,

It seems so many are "losing their mind" or just flat out "losing it" these days. Why are we all so on edge? hmmm... let's see... could be the 55 giant glass balls that we are all confidently trying to juggle. One person drops one and there is this domino effect - or rather, it becomes contagious. However, there are some ways that you can save your mind and save your sanity.

I must warn you, some of these maneuvers take a significant amount of contagious confidence to accomplish and carry out. However, when the voices in your head begin to run away with you, these are the very ways in which you can tell them to chill out and get your sanity, composure and confidence back.

1. Ask for help.. really... even it is hard and you feel like you might look silly, stupid, dumb, or less than absolutely strong and perfect. (trust me on this one)
2. Hire a coach for anything that you have been unable to work on for more than 24 months
3. Get Rest... plenty of rest, even when you don't have time and world says "go, go, go!". A ten minute nap qualifies as rest.. take one... or two..
4. Awfulize only at scheduled times and only for brief periods of time. Awfulizing is anything that begins with "Oh, my gosh, what if..."
5. Avoid the temptation to trust your first perception when you are stressed out
6. Realize and accept that not all people are as smart as you are in all areas (and encourage them to realize the same - yep that may mean they accept your shortcomings, too)
7. Give different (as opposed to difficult) people the benefit of the doubt more than once
8. Moderate your self-talk and say good things as often as you can - even when things look bleak
9. Remove yourself from negativity - walk away from the news in that doctor's waiting room, excuse yourself from conversations held by Eyeore him or herself!
10. Celebrate the very tiniest of accomplishments - you didn't buy that cookie at lunch, you let someone through in traffic - work with me here!
11. Confidently assert yourself and share your opinions, but leave the black witch hat and broom at home.
12. Spend your time being fascinated by life and what happens in it, instead of being frustrated by the multitude of things out of your control.
13. Lose the word "WHY" in your vocabulary and replace it with "Help me Understand" or "How" or "When" or "What's next" or "Next time"

and just for giggles... one more... to boost your contagious confidence and stay sane in a world that often times appears to have gone mad....

14. Walk around with a Chesire Cat sized grin on your face and when people ask you what you are so excited about... just mysteriously and with a bit of flair say "Oh... nothing". You will be amazed at how people will be attracted to that and how many times they will ask you to "go on... tell me!" .

So does this mean that people really do want to be happy after all? who knew?
Stay contagious!

Confident Type As need love, too!

2008-05-14T09:29:00.000-07:00

In my chiropractors office yesterday, I was surprised by a phrase that I didn't think applied to me. He said - "When was the last time you went to have a massage?" and I'm thinking... oh yeah, in my spare time, I'll get right on that in between bon-bons and shopping sprees. He must have seen the look on my face and then he said "Even confident Type A people need love, too. Take care of yourself."

Yep, busted. And I bet I am not the only woman who takes care of everything else and everyone else, but puts herself last. In fact, here I sat in the chiropractor's office with sprained shoulder and a possible hairline fracture from my favorite rambunctious horse and instead of stopping to heal, I was asking him how quickly he could make it better so that I could get back to working full speed. And I am the one who tells other women to take care of themselves. eek!

Confident and even more so, CONTAGIOUSLY CONFIDENT women tend to confidently lead the charge that the are tough, cool under pressure and able to do it all. well, yes, we confident women can do it all, but as a friend of mine says "just not all at the same time".

All of you who were at our last Contagious Confidence Conference (may 2, 2008), I ask you... what have you done for you lately... it will boost your confidence to give yourself some love, too.

Stay Contagious!

2008-05-13T14:40:00.000-07:00

I got a fun email today from one of our Contagious Conference attendees. She saw me sign an email I sent to her with "Stay Contagious!" and her comment back to me was that she never realized that kind of salutation could actually be a good thing! It was great!

In fact, you are contagious, whether you admit it or not. From the time you ride to work (whether you rode your broom in that day or not) to the time you get home, and even after you get home, your mood, your confidence level, your demeanor and pretty much everything you say and do rubs off on other people. Not sure you buy it... try hanging out with a child under six and see if they don't immediately pick up on things you do or say and then blurt them out later at the most inopportune moment. HA! Adults also pick up on things, they are just better at covering new behaviors than wee ones.

Stay Contagious!

What are you missing out on?

2008-05-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon and I began thinking... a scary proposition all by itself. :) Then I went out to ride my horses and halfway through a polo chuckka (the time period in which one plays polo) my horse decides she is done and I mean so done that she puts her head between her front legs and shimmies her bottom sharply to the right and dumps me on the ground right on the very right elbow that propels so much of the movement in my right hand. Okay, so that was fun... but more importantly what does that have to do with Contagious Confidence?

Well, a couple of things...
- with limited use of my right hand and arm, I am discovering that there are many things that I have never learned how to do with my left arm that I am actually able to do better that way. Yeah for all the lefties of the universe, I now know your feelings about living in a right handed person's world. (Who knew that even my makeup containers are designed for right handers!) It is contagious confidence that helped me to turn a bummer event into a positive experience that has brought me to this conclusion. What kinds of activities are you missing out on due to fear or a lack of Contagious Confidence?

- the second thing is this... whining is not my best skill and when one is injured the tendency in our culture is whine about it. Someone might say, "How are you?" and then the response might be "Oh, I'm injured and here's how it happened, here's what happened and so on..." Though people are attracted to drama, they are not attracted to whining and if what I did what was whine, then I might miss out on some great conversations. What are you missing out on by showing your need for approval through the art of whining? When we whine, we display a lack of confidence that is indeed contagious! Instead show a full blown confidence level by telling yourself that "all will be okay" no matter your circumstances, and when others ask you how you are doing, say something like "I'm getting better by the minute!" (cuz you are!)

Stay Contagiously Confident!
Monica

I love you... but...

2008-04-27T10:15:00.000-07:00

From the desk of Contagiously Confident Monica...

Think of the power of "I love you, but..." and it will help you remember to watch your use of the words But and However. Using either one will negate what you have said before that word.

More importantly, if you are contagiously confident about what you are saying, then there would be no need for a but or however. For example...

I think you are a great person... but just not right for me at this time. (you may think this person is great, but just not great for you... instead try this:)
I think you are a great person and at this time, I am not the right one for you to share it with.

You are a fine employee... but we are not able to keep you on staff as of today. (If they were so fine, you would find a way to keep them - bar none. Try this instead:)
You are a fine employee. I wish we could keep all of our fine employees. The budget just does not allow for it.

I liked your Contagious Conference last time, however, the money situation prevents me from going this time. (in this case, you are allowing the result that you did not like to cloud the feelings you have about that which you did like - the money situation. Instead try this:)
I liked your Contagious Conference last time. At this time, my money situation is such that I have to reserve funds for the essentials. Do you have a payment plan to make it easier for me right now?

The answer to that last one is yes - just ask! Those who exhibit contagious confidence, say things they are confident about, without the use of but or however and they Ask, Ask, Ask, Ask, Ask, Ask, Ask, and then ask again.

Confidence and Creativity: is there a Correlation?

2008-04-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Be careful: A lack of confidence can rob you of your creativity. A lack of confidence breeds negative thinking and negative moods, which literally block your ability to be creative. (As a side note, confidence is contagious and so is a lack of confidence! )

Here is one example:
You are on a tight budget, you see the economy as the worst it's ever been and you lose your confidence in your own ability to make your sales quota. This creates a lack of confidence about your ability to make it through the next few months. With all of your focus on this lack of confidence, you may bypass the ideas that could help you find new ways to make sales, new ways to save money, and new ways to achieve the same goals in times that you did not expect nor plan for. Creativity is one of the keys to success.

Here is another:
You reach your 40th birthday and instead of thinking of all the creative ways that you could celebrate, you get down, bummed and maybe even depressed about how you are now "old". Maybe you even lack confidence about your accomplishments to date or your ability to progress in your new age. (Hog wash, by the way) This lack of confidence takes away your ability to see all those things that you could do to celebrate, all those things that you could still achieve and contribute to. Without that creativity, your feelings only get worse.

It is not clear which came first - confidence affects creativity or creativity affects confidence, but the truth is they are connected. Perhaps this came to mind because tomorrow is my birthday and I am beginning to wonder if I have done enough or acheived enough for my age. Heck, instead of worrying about that, I am going to think of all the great things I have done, the great people I have met and find a way to celebrate with as many of them as possible tomorrow!

Have a great one and stay contagiously confident!

Do you overthink your confidence?

2008-03-31T17:05:00.000-07:00

Look what I found on one of my favorite horse blogs: http://www.leadchanges.blogspot.com/ . Horses are my personal therapy and help to keep me confident. After all if you are not confident on the back of a horse, they can smell fear and will likely run you under a tree!

"Heard this joke today: Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are going camping. They pitch their tent under the stars and go to sleep. Sometime in the middle of the night, Holmes wakes Watson up: "Watson, look up at the stars, and tell me what you see." Watson says, "I see millions of stars and even if a few of those have planets, it's quite likely there are some planets like Earth, and if there are a few planets like Earth out there, there might also be life." Holmes replied: "Watson, you idiot, somebody stole our tent." I like this joke because it pokes fun at how we can overthink things instead of stating the obvious and dealing with the "now".

How many times do we over think whether an event is for us, a piece of advice is just right, where we are in life, how we can fix our confidence and self esteem or what is wrong with our relationships? Not all in life is complicated, but a lack of confidence in your ability to make a decision will sure slow down how quickly the great things in life arrive at your door!

Real Simple Magazine - Solutions don't work unless you are going to bake your banker a cake!

2008-03-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Today I read Real Simple magazine and came across an article on Your Biggest Money Worries (http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/1,21861,1697911-1710778,00.html). It caught my attention because you can't walk out of your house these days without thinking about money and we will be teaching women how to have greater financial confidence on May 2. HOWEVER, the solutions mentioned for resolving your money issues in this popular magazine FLOORED me. They included things like:
- are you spending too much. spend less. (You think?)
- remove all but one credit card from your wallet. (okay, I'll give 'em that one)
- go get happy about something (Are you kidding?)
- make sure everything you buy is returnable. (okay, that does it!)

Not only are women looking for real financial solutions, they face a REAL problem and the solutions in Real Simple magazine are almost laughable. Sure, you can cut down on the Starbuck's and return that impulse buy, but here are some REAL facts that you also need to know to increase your financial confidence.

76% of women are eventually widowed
80% of these women were not poor when their husbands were alive.
70% of the USs elderly poor people are women
The savings rate of a single woman is 1.5% vs 2.1% for single men
In the first year after a divorce a woman's standard of living drops an average of 73%.

Now, you could say that these are due to salary differences or time away from work, but the real issue seems to be that women don't know as much about money and making it work for them in general, as their male counterparts do. Women are usually not taught money issues as children. They are instead taught how to keep a clean home, cook a good meal and take care of a family. Right or wrong, those skills do not impress a banker, unless you are going to bake him or her a cake. If you don't know your own credit score, your own bank balance, and for that matter, if you don't HAVE your own credit and own bank account, that will eat away at your CONFIDENCE in a serious way. Learn that stuf today. Your future, your retirement and your very survival through tough times such as these depends on it.

Top Ten Ways to Boost Your Confidence

2008-03-23T09:27:00.001-07:00

The Top Ways to Boost Your Confidence

1. Spend time with optimistic, upbeat people
2. Go to Contagious Confidence events (filled with upbeat people looking for you) (http://www.contagiousconferences.com/)
3. Attempt to take less things personally (great link: http://www.queenofrejection.com/)
4. Be Fascinated with things, instead of Frustrated
5. Spend less time with the eyeores of your office or life
6. Learn the difference between confidence and self esteem
7. Ask others for help when you are unable to solve a problem yourself
8. Gain a greater sense of self awareness of what is really important to you
9. Take control over your own finances, health and fitness, and voices in your head
10. Realize that no matter what you are facing and the problems you may have, they are not representative of WHO you are, but rather just WHERE you are at the moment.

BONUS: Try not to engage your emotions into a problem too quickly. Once they are engaged, the situation becoms emotional and you lose all ability to be logical, rational, or objective. (For example: a piece of bad news that you take personally and begin to FEEL as if it were a personal attack leads to an inability to think about the bearer of bad news, the origin of the news, and the real impact of the news on you.)

Stay Contagoiusly Confident!
Monica

Keep your chin up...

2008-03-20T08:21:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of talk about the economy, the real estate market, the money situation, the media, the news, the doom and gloom mentality... it can be real tough to wake up in the morning and think we are okay.

Keep in mind as you walk through your day -
- you don't have to get sucked in to all the negativity
- things may be tight and tough, but you will perservere and make it through this
- your finances are not about WHO you are, but merely a representation of WHERE you are.

Money gives you options. Money can give you power (in some cases). Money scares the heck out of people and many women, in particular, do not know how to talk about it or what to do with it, yet we are the ones who control most it, according to all the stats that you see.

If money scares you or intimidates you or you simply wish to learn more about it and how to make more of it, as well as what to do with it, when you have it... click here to register for our upcoming Contagious Confidence Conference for Women - Financial Focus.

http://www.contagiousconferences.com/pages/Contagious_Confidence_Conference_Financial_Focus

If you are unable to open that link, go to www.contagiousconferences.com and click on Conferences, then on Financial Focus. There you will see the power of this event and its information. You will find that this might be the best investment in your own financial future!

Keep your chin up and get all the information you can. What your attitude is about what is going on is completely up to you!

Monica

And now... for the rest of the story....

2008-03-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

Here is the rest of the list of how businesswomen differ from businessmen. This list came from SirSpeedy Printing Center originally, but was shared iwth me by a participant at our most recent Contagious Conference. For the other items, see the post from 3/12. Enjoy!

He makes wise judgments; she reveals her prejudices.

He's a man of the world; she's "been around".

He isn't afraid to say what he thinks; she's opinionated.

He exercises authority; she's tyrannical.

He's discreet; she's secretive.

He's a stern taskmaster; she's difficult to work for.

So unfortunately true for much of our workplaces, but there are those out there who see the difference and embrace it. Do you? Stay Contagious!

How Business Women are Different from Business Men

2008-03-12T10:22:00.000-07:00

As I just got a glimpse in the mirror of my super big hair today, I had to chuckle as no one will likely mistake what state I originally came from - Texas! That also made me think of the times when people have told me that Texan women have a way of communicating, a sense of bold confidence if you will, and that led me to think on the fact that WOMEN period have a way of communicating that is often different from men.

In fact, Sylvia from McCoy Federal Credit Union, a participant in our last conference, was gracious enough to share something with me that she had been given years ago. It is a listing of the ways that businesswomen differ from businessmen and it is worth a read. Here are some examples:

A businessman is aggressive, a business woman is pushy.

He is careful about details; she's picky.

He loses his temper because he's so involved in his job; she's __ itchy.

He's depressed (or hung over), so everyone tiptoes past his office; she's moody, so it must be her "time of the month".

He follows through; she doesn't know when to quit.

He's firm; she's stubborn...

I'll share more soon, but keep in mind how you may be perceived simply becuase of these differences. Are these true for your office?

Confidence and Glamour - not the same thing

2008-03-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

For most of us, our confidence is associated with what we look like.
Well, just in case you are wondering, that is bologna and Romeo
(the horse in this picture) doesn't care what I look like. He just
cares whether or not I hang on and whether I bring him carrots!

The same is true with most of the people you hang out with. Most are not concerned with what you look like and for that matter most don't know what you believe YOU are SUPPOSED to look like. Confidence and glamour are not the same thing. Confidence is internal and glamour is external - usually only until you hit some humidity! (sorry, it's a Florida thing - bad hair days come often with the humidity we face.)

Be careful of the inconsistency in associating what you look like (Glamour) with what you feel like and believe about yourself (Confidence). You have control over both, but keep in mind which one is more important. We all can maintain our confidence even on those days of poor humidity, no makeup and hair on top of our head. Ha!

An Amazing Conference!

2008-03-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

If you were there... you remember the potato bar....
If you were there... you remember Wendy Chant's great information!
If you were there.... you remember putting together another puzzle...
If you were there... you remember Monica helping you to "get out of your head" and talking about Our Pink World.

If you were not at the Contagious Confidence Conference for women on February 29, 2008, you missed a great conference focused on Health and Fitness and you liking you no matter what you look like.

A participant recently told me that she now sees "what she looks like as separate from who SHE IS" WOW!!! Just because you don't have a magazine cover body, doesn't mean you aren't a great person or have stellar qualities. That is what Contagious Confidence will do for you!

What was the point you walked away with? What do you remember? Stay tuned for more contagious confidence happenings and sightings.... :) And remember... you're cool, you ROCK, and you are you!

Stay Contagious!

Confidence in the Media

2008-01-22T10:22:00.000-08:00

Confidence and a need for it, is all over the media right now.

Today, a reporter mentioned than one of our political candidates had "Contagious Confidence".

Not long ago, Subway commercials used a "loss of self esteem" as a condiment that came with the #2 on the competitor's menu!

The IBM commercials during both championship football games on Sunday mentioned a need to stop talking and start doing. Hmmm... My favorite one in the series was the Buzzword Bingo that employees began to play when the CEO spoke of Value Add and Empowered Employees. One girl in the commercial even yelled out "bingo!" in the middle of the large company meeting. Afterall if the buzz words are a flyin' and no one knows what you are talking about then it can erode confidence. At least making BINGO out of those words gives someone something to celebrate!

Should we begin a game of Confidence Bingo and see how many squares you get when the choices are confidence related? Might be fun! What would you put in the Bingo squares of a confidence bingo game? Should we list things to look out for in your day that could erode confidence? Perhaps the center square could say "dirty look", or "cold shoulder", with a corner that has "eyeore colleague" and another box that says "family issue" or "rejected suggestion". Heck, if the rest of your day is a bummer, maybe we could at least have something simple to celebrate. BINGO! Let me know your thoughts...

Game Face or Great Face?

2008-01-14T06:50:00.001-08:00

Mornin!
Today is Monday and let's take a look at how the day began. For some of you Monday began last night when you had the "go to work blues". Is that how you started your week? For others it may have started this morning. You looked in the mirror and said "I'm COOL!" right? Hope so. :)
If instead, you did as I did - woke up in a great mood, made coffee, spilt it all over the bathroom, then watched my foundation bottle roll off the counter onto the tile flooor breaking into thousands of tiny glass pieces and then said "WOW". (or something like that!) Is that what today is going to look like? eek! Then I started to put the game face on and fake it. Then I realized WHOA! Today could be good for the rest of the day even if the first 45 minutes were not so hot. So I took the game face off, checked my attitude, and moved on looking ahead to great things. As my husband said, "At least you got all the bad stuff out of the way early." (which I didn't think was too funny at the time!) Maybe he is right. Even the Contagious Confidence lady has these kind of mornings. I hope your Monday began better, you are getting to do what you love and that your attitude remains positively contagious and confident for the rest of the day!

What built your confidence...

2008-01-13T15:21:00.001-08:00

There is no greater confidence builder than watching your 4 year old pony who has only been trained for a few months, play in his first polo game with YOU as the rider. Okay, well insert ME in those YOU places as I think I am the only one in our community who plays polo. He-he. Though I could be wrong and hey, if I am let me know! :)

There are probably other things that build confidence, but that was a biggee for me this weekend! What built your confidence this weekend? Hope it was a contagiously confident one!

The Twelve Days of... well.. work with me here!

2008-01-07T06:21:00.000-08:00

I know the holidays are over, but sing along with me to the twelve days of Christmas…

“5 Champaign Toasts…, 4 missed workouts, 3 take-out meals, 2 pecan pies…. and a worn out self image” Ha! I think that might be more like it after the festivities of choice have died down and we all go back to work in clothes that used to fit quite nicely or in our “thin pants”. Don’t fret – so we indulged a bit. It’s fixable and doesn’t require a New Year’s resolution. More importantly, in all the work that I have done with the CORE profile, I am beginning to understand WHY we do this to ourselves. The psychology behind it is amazing.

Take a walk down any toy store aisle and look at the girl’s toys. They are pink usually and almost all centered around making little girls look pretty, keeping a good kitchen, cooking a good family meal, or taking care of a household. The boys aisle on the other hand is about power, take over, and battles. Neither is right or wrong, but think of the programming at such a young age. If what you learned was that you had to be pretty, keep a good kitchen, and feed your family or yourself well, then NO WONDER we feel guilt when we are too busy to do it all. Too busy to cook? Then we run to a Micky D’s to grab dinner for our family… at least they had a balanced meal – fries ARE a food group. Too busy to exercise? Then we buy things that hold it in and keep it flat… at least we are keeping up appearances. But then there’s the guilt. If you are relating to this stuff, in any way nodding your head, then I want you to attend the next Contagious Confidence Conference for Women. This one is the Heath and Fitness focus and the programming I have just mentioned is just the icing on the cake (so to speak) of what you will learn to apply.

Plus, Wendy Chant will be there to give you eating guidance, exercise guidance, and real life stuff that will finally help you to Crack the Fat Loss Code. She is the nutrition expert and McGraw Hill must also think so as her book Crack the Fat Loss Code is expected to be a best seller and get this… it is going to be released on the day of our conference – Feb. 29. Don’t miss this. Go to www.contagiousconferences.com and sign up today! Plus, sign up before Feb. 1 and save $50 bucks!!!

Think about how this will improve your life and the lives of those you love! Join us on Feb. 29 for some astounding information and an entertaining conference that will revamp that worn out self image in our new little song I shared above – see you soon!

Happy New Year and all that jazz!

2008-01-03T07:19:00.000-08:00

So far this year, and it's only the 3rd day, I have heard much of the same thing from many women. So, I did a little experiment. When I asked women how their New Year was going so far, 45% of them said:
"Well, I've put on a few holiday pounds, that's for sure!"
and 55% of them said:
"You know, I didn't get half the stuff done that I had planned to do!"

Yikes, why do we do that to ourselves? Whether you have put on a few pounds from the ever abundant flow of candy and cakes this holiday season or you didn't conquer the avalanche list of things to do, it's all okay. Look at it this way. You woke up, it is likely a beautiful day where you are, and you have yet another year to look forward to. Starting the day eroding your confidence by saying what all you don't like is not a good confidence builder. Focus on the things you are glad about and maybe even grateful for. Besides, the pounds you can address (See our next conference date on the bottom left of this blog!) and the things to do will be there another day!

You deserve a high five today, so give yourself one!
Stay Contagious!

Even perfect women need confidence

2007-11-26T14:12:00.000-08:00

I bumped into a woman today who gave me a compliment on my shoes. She continued to go on and say that I looked very put together and I began to predict that I was going to be asked to sell Mary Kay. (not a bad thing mind you... just an approach I had seen done this way - :)

She went on to introduce herself and ask what I did for a living. When I mentioned to her that I conducted and designed customized corporate training and also provided confidence building women's seminars, she looked at me and said "of course you have confidence.. .look at you. How could you not be confident." I had to smile and then said "hold on chickee... beauty and perfection are in the eye of the beholder. I know size two women who feel fat and gorgeous models who don't like where they are in life, as well as powerhouse corporate women who are harboring a lot of guilt over family life." Perfect has persepctive and confidence comes from how accurate your perspective is. Even perceived to be perfect women need confidence.

Great Confidence Building Movie

2007-11-21T09:08:00.000-08:00

If you have not seen Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium and you need a pick me up that speaks to believing in yourself - go see it! Once you have seen it, know that I wish I could each of you a "block of wood" to show you how much you are believed in! You have a special gift to share with so many and it is a privilege to be one of the lucky ones who gets to watch you grow!

Today is the Day!

2007-11-13T08:28:00.000-08:00

Today is the day that you remain confident no matter what. It is also the day that you confidently choose what issues you will take on from others and what ones you will just let them keep for themselves!
Enjoy your day!
Contagiously yours,
M

Contagious Confidence Conference for Women - Health and Fitness Focus!

2007-11-09T07:00:00.001-08:00

It's here! It's here! The second in this series of four Contagious Confidence Conferences has been announced! This conference will focus on the Health and Fitness portion of our lives that so many of us don't make time for. The day will feature not only Monica Wofford, as she presents information on stress management and making time to take care of you, as well as her own weight loss struggles and attempts at permanent exercise programs - it will also give you a chance to hear from Wendy Chant, founder and owner of Nutrition Boot Camp and Forever Fit.

This woman is a former body builder, marathon runner, well-educated nutritionalist, and a realist. I asked her if we could still serve Chocolate and yummy food at this conference and she said "Yep! and I'll even teach the how to eat that stuff and STILL be healthy!" I can't wait and want to see you there. Mark your calendar for Februrary 29, 2008 and register today at http://www.contagiousconferences.com/!

The History of the Clothespins

2007-11-09T06:52:00.000-08:00

At our recent conference in November, so many of you asked me where the heck did the clothespins come from and what do they mean?

Our graphic artists at Accent Design (www.goaccent.com), Mary Lynne and Betsy, came up with that one for the original CD set we created under the name Contagious Confidence (http://www.monicawofford.com/Products.html). The subtitle of this CD series is Learn how to Stand Proud in Any Crowd and the clothespin logo seemed to fit as one clothespin was a different color from the other and wore a hat. Mary Lynne and Betsy are the same graphic artists who create much of the material you see for the Boston Red Sox, so they are the pros in this area and I trust their judgement implicity.

Since that logos inception, it has grown in popularity and women have told me they identify with it. It's a little quirky, kind of fun, and has a uniqueness about it. I even had one woman tell me she identified with it as a symbol of "womenhood" because women are the ones who usually use clothespins in the kitchen and laundry room. It has become our symbol of fun concepts, unique people, and the focus on women for our Contagious Conferences. For each conference in the series the third clothespin changes color - red for the Foundational course, blue for the health and fitness course, green for finance and yellow for relationships/communication. Enjoy!

The Contagious Confidence Conference for Women is HERE!

2007-08-22T19:24:00.000-07:00

Join us for a day you will remember and a day that will change the way you look at your life.

The Contagious Confidence Conference for Women is here!
Date: November 6, 2007
Time: 9-4pm, registration at 8:15am
Location: Sheraton Orlando North

Lunch, workbook and certificates included in your registration.
Find out more by going to www.contagiousconferences.com

See you there...

How Did You Wake Up this Morning?

2006-04-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, how you woke up this morning and how you wake up tomorrow will rub off on other people. It's contagious folks - all of it. What you do, what you think, and what you say. Often the most important part of what you say is coming from inside your head; those thoughts. Do you have voices in your head? Check them for positivity and accuracy. As my friend Larry Wilson, founder of Wilson Learning says, most of us graduated from MSU (otherwise known as Making Stuff Up). Is what you are whining about really that bad or are you making up a catastrophe that really could be seen as an opportunity? Control those voices and you dramatically impact your confidence!

Lead Your Life and Your Customers with Contagious Confidence

2006-04-14T17:09:00.000-07:00

You're in the middle of a conversation with an employee who has traveled outside the bounds of acceptable performance and you are sharing the guidelines yet again. In fact, you are listing those times when this employee has been late, has breeched professional conduct standards or has spread unnecessary gossip and then you hear the words, “Well, what about Suzie? She did the same thing” and you freeze. What do you say? How do you convey credibility and keep the conversation on track?
The words are “that is outside the scope of this conversation.” Simple, poignant and not stifling. The rude response would not gain you any respect and possibly start a conflict; the passive response would not get you forward in the conversation and would stifle progress where you stood; the phrase above simply paints a box around the conversation that you can define and stick within. You may have to repeat it, but a series of repetitions nonetheless would not squash the spirit of the one who hears them. Contagious Confidence means you maintain yours and avoid taking away it away from others. Everything you do rubs off on others, including your confidence and the way you portray it. In disciplinary conversations, the behavior is the issue, theirs and not others’, yet yours does not go unnoticed and must maintain a sense of credibility and professionalism. Stay Contagious!

You Are What You Believe You Are...

2006-04-03T16:17:00.000-07:00

Ralph Waldo Emerson said “You are what you think about all day long” Brian Tracy delights us all with “You are the average of the five people you hang out with the most”. That seems to lead us to the fact that the thoughts you and those you hang out with all day long are of paramount importance.
Think about it, you are what you think about. Are your thoughts leading you to greater confidence, stronger momentum, and better performance? If not, whose responsibility do you think it is to change the way you are thinking?
Confidence is not merely a product of thinking, though. It is what you think about. It is what you worry about, fear and focus on. You bring it all to light when you focus on what you are afraid will happen. In fact, maybe we should modify Emerson’s thought to “You are what you worry about.” If you are to be the best leader of your own life, you have to be the best steward of your own thoughts and many of them are from the school of MSU. (Larry Wilson, of Play to Win, tells readers that most of us graduated from MSU with honors.) MSU stands for Making Stuff Up. What are you making up in your mind today and is it hurting your confidence level or helping your ability to have Contagious Confidence?