Five tips on planning a powerful life
As South Africa marks Women's Month, Trish Taylor - our successful and dynamic boss here at East Coast Radio - has shared some insight on how to plan a powerful life, based on her presentation at our 'Powerful Me' Ladies Breakfast.
As South Africa marks Women's Month, Trish Taylor - our successful and dynamic boss here at East Coast Radio - has shared some insight on how to plan a powerful life, based on her presentation at our 'Powerful Me' Ladies Breakfast.
Trish writes:
Let me begin by stating upfront that I don’t have all the answers and am still a work in progress, but I have tasted success and have learnt a few key lessons that I would like to share.
If one unpacks the meaning of success in the Oxford English dictionary, this is what it states:
Power ‘ful (n): Control and influence of self, others, situations and events
Tip 1: True power is not derived from a title
Becoming a powerful individual is a decision, not a position.
Individuals that access ‘power’ because of their job title act from a place of compromised self-esteem. True power is a disposition of authentic intent. Conversely individuals that believe they have no power because they don’t possess a fancy title are equally coming from a low self-esteem base and use this as an excuse not to empower themselves.
Irrespective of rank and file, every single person can make a decision to access their innate power and become a leader in their life. No more excuses.
Tip 2: Live a strategic life
According to Nick Binedell, Dean of Gibs Business School; “For business or personal success, your vision needs to be stronger than your memory.”
Successful people have a clear vision for their lives. A vague vision leads to vague goals, vague actions and ultimately a vague life. Who wants that?
The Big Five is a book written by John Strelecky where he interviews a highly successful billionaire who has achieved on a personal and business level. According to the billionaire, life is like going on safari to Africa; a successful trip is when you have seen and experienced the Big Five. So in crafting a vision, one needs to nominate five key areas of one’s life and write a vision statement for each.
For example: Constant pursuit of personal growth or: A meaningful and fulfilling relationship with my partner, family and friends.
This is step one, step two is crafting specific goals and actions in rigorous pursuit of these vision statements.
Tip 3: Discipline
I believe that discipline is the bridge between dreams and fulfilment. There seems to be a negative connotation associated with the word discipline – but it’s an important word.
Having a disciplined approach to life allows for a HD focussed journey.
Tip 4: Be systematic
Following on from discipline, being systematic in the way one goes about pursuing goals is not only crucial but it’s smart. Otherwise, goals become a random hit and miss with no clear path of execution.
“Systems permit ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things – predictably” – Michael Gerber
Tip 5: Be happy and have fun
People that are happy are more effective, productive and creative. Happiness also fuels one’s self-esteem.
It’s important to know what makes one happy and pursue those things. Life becomes busy and is often clogged with responsibilities, chores and hectic daily routines. It’s important to pause and ask one’s self: what are the little and big things that fill my soul and make me really happy? When last did I participate in these kinds of activities?
Life is too short not to be playful, fun and to be genuinely happy.
- Trish Taylor
About Trish
Trish Taylor has been head of East Coast Radio for the past 10 years. She is a marketing graduate and has been in the media industry for 19 years. Having completed her studies, Trish started her career at the SABC in 1992. After two years working for the state broadcaster, she was elected onto the SABC’s fast tracked management programme, and spent two years studying part time at the Graduate School of Business.
In 1996, East Coast Radio became independent from the state broadcaster, and Trish was approached by the new consortium to head up the commercial division of the company. She started as the Sales Manager in 1996.
Trish was then appointed a Director of East Coast Radio in 1999, at the age of 29. She held the position of Sales and Marketing Director for three years, before being promoted to CEO of East Coast Radio at the age of 32. In her first year as CEO, East Coast Radio grew its revenue by 30% year on year, and audiences grew by 25%.
Trish has won a string of awards - from being the winner of the Nedbank Women in Business award (KZN) to most recently – The Woman Of Excellence Award, in the Old Mutual/Durban Chamber - Women of KZN.
On a personal level, Trish is a sports enthusiast, having competed in many endurance sports over the years, including nine Comrades Marathons. One of her greatest sporting achievements is being placed 27th overall in the ladies' race of the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon. She has also competed the gruelling Iron Man SA event which is an endurance triathlon.