What Is Your “Signature Presence?”

Let’s explore this idea a little further. Cramer and Wasiak define your Signature Presence as the unique set of assets that make you stand out. If you have low self-esteem like a lot of amazing, stellar human beings, you may feel that you don’t have many assets, or that nothing makes you really stand out. Look again–this time through the eyes of those who love and adore you. Your spouse, your best friend, your mother or father, your cat or your dog–whoever it is that seems to see you as amazing and absolutely fabulous. Now write down what they see, or what they would say about you. When you get going on this, you’ll find it just goes on and on. Your assets include everything that is good, right and working about your body, mind and relationships–as well as your skills and abilities, talents, interests and passions. The world of self-appreciation is a vast and beautiful realm, that holds gifts beyond measure for you and everyone who knows you.

A Great Goodfinding Exercise

Since I wrote last month’s newsletter focusing on “Gratitude, Appreciation and Optimism,” I have been trying a new exercise I want to recommend to you. If you do this for at least 3 weeks, I think you will notice a big difference in how you feel about yourself and the world around you. Try this writing exercise for 10-30 minutes a day, 4-5 days a week, ideally in the morning:

1. Get comfortable in a private place, with a journal and your favorite morning beverage–and maybe some relaxing music.
2. Write about what you’re grateful for from your past. Think of all of the times you have felt peaceful, loved and joyful. Remember the fun you’ve had, and the times you’ve been inspired. And list the people you’re grateful for, and what they have meant to you.
3. Then shift your focus to the present, and write about what you appreciate about your body, mind and soul right now. Then think of what you appreciate about your home, your possessions, and your relationships.
4. Finally, write about what you’re looking forward to, and what you are optimistic about in your future. Stretch your imagination a little (or a lot, if you’re brave) here. Let yourself imagine that things will just get better and better for you, in many different ways. Picture good health for yourself and your loved ones, and see things working out in those areas where you have concerns.

It is very important that you write these thoughts down. The act of writing your ideas on paper (better than a word processor) slows down your brain and activates creative emotional processes that make it more likely that you will benefit in the present and future. Oh, and by the way–keep doing it! A lot of times, these exercises feel great at first, then the newness wears off and you might think it doesn’t work any more. This will always work–persistence pays!

Learn “Asset-Based Thinking”

Since you’re reading this newsletter, I know you will love this book: Change The Way You See Yourself by Kathryn Cramer and Hank Wasiak. The authors will take you on a journey into your own worth and value, emphasizing that you’ve got what it takes every step of the way.  These authors really get it, and they offer “it” to you in a very readable, fun and beautiful format. The book is full of pictures (actually more than text) that inspire and uplift you as you learn that you are amazing.

What they’re teaching can be summed up in their byline, Asset-Based Thinking. Their books and programs teach you to move from reactive to proactive, unleash your power, expand your influence and maximize your potential. They use terms like your signature presence. I love that. It is so refreshing and encouraging to me to see the success of such fine materials being made available to everyone. Your assets far outweigh your liabilities–learn to focus where the real value is, inside your very own self.