I have spent the last year traveling around the United States meeting with powerful women promoting the Project 19 Foundation.  The women that I have met during that time, I will never forget.

Whether they were Republican or Democrat, I saw one common denominator.  PASSION! Even though we could not agree on every issue, we fundamentally agreed that women were under-served in every sector.

I want to talk about the three “P”s that I believe every women must have to be successful.

Passion

Webster’s defines Passion as:

• a strong feeling or emotion
• rage: something that is desired intensely
• mania; an irrational but irresistible motive for a belief or action

No wonder that people think people that are “passionate” about a belief or a cause are “crazy” by definition we are!  As women, it is hard to contain that natural passion sometimes.  Whether we are on the campaign trail, helping our children, or arguing our point with a friend or spouse.  To be successful, we must master the rest of the “P’s”

Polish

Webster’s defines Polish as:

• a highly developed state of perfection; having a flawless or impeccable quality
• improve or perfect by pruning or polishing
• bring to a highly developed, finished, or refined state

A very dear friend of mine, Jan Goss, Founder of  the Austin School Of Protocol, has made it her mission to restore respect, create confidence in business people and cultivate civility in the marketplace.  Jan believes that the economic stimulus package for this country is simple: “Just outclass your competition!” How we treat other people directly affects the bottom line of our business.

I could not agree more.  As women, business owners and leaders, we must shine.  We must hone our people skills to perfection!

Purpose

Webster’s defines Purpose as:

• an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
• function: what something is used for
• reach a decision
• determination: the quality of being determined to do or achieve something; firmness of purpose.

When I look at purpose, I think that is the universal question: “Why am I here?  What is my purpose in life?”

Amy Dillon, Founder of Souled Out Ministries asked herself the very same question  two years ago.  As she lay in a hospital bed paralyzed with little hope for full function again, she knew her purpose was to take her story and encourage others.

I am happy to say from that tragedy a ministry was born. Amy is a very successful professional speaker. Her keynote is “What paralyzes you?”  She encourages women from all over the Nation that not even the “ultimate paralysis“ should hold you back from realizing your purpose in life!

What women, what stories!  I think about the legacy’s they are building and the lives they are changing. How blessed I am to have them pouring into my life.

My Challenge To You

1)  Find your PASSION. What is it you want to do with the rest of your life?
2)  POLISH UP! Competition is fierce! Learn how to outclass the completion, not destroy it!  The world might be a nicer place!
3)  Find your PURPOSE. The women I have told you about know their purpose!  They live it everyday and walk it out in public.  Sometimes that is hard.  I know first hand.

We have taken a lot of heat about the Project 19 mission.  “Advancing women in leadership roles.” Robin Ford and I both stand strong with our mission and purpose.

I pray each of you reading this blog will find that one thing that burns in your soul, keeps you motivated even on the tough days, and inspires you to be all that God has intended for you!

“A diamond is merely a lump of coal until put under pressure.”