Lakena Speaks

When you hear the phrase, “Invest in yourself,” do you imagine lots and lots of dollars leaving your life? You're not alone. Many people think of investment simply being about a financial transaction. But investing in you should be a nonnegotiable in each of our lives. You can't give to others, your family, friends, employers, employees, what you don't have to give. Too often we view as taking care of you FIRST as selfish...WRONG! In this episode I give several ways that you can begin today investing in yourself. Even better the ideas I offer cost you little to no money at all! I've even got a worksheet that will help on your journey to putting you first unapologetically!

Independence. Freedom. Words that are so often used that many people don’t stop and evaluate what does freedom or independence mean to them. Many people will say they want personal freedom, but their habits, work ethic and drive don’t match their talk. I am motivated to work hard on creating a life that I love and one of location and financial freedom. The 5 steps that I share in this episode I hope will encourage you to do what it takes in the shorter scheme of things so that you can enjoy the fruit of your labor of puttin’ in the work. Are you willing to do the work it takes to live the life you WANT? If so, then every day can look and feel like your very own holiday your very own “Independence Day”! Freedom isn’t free, but it’s so worth it!

This week I was off my game. I let my guard down and allowed someone else's drama to steal my gift! One minute I was fine, the next I was on the verge of tears and yelling. I couldn't focus for the rest of the day. I'm sure you've had moments like that. In this episode I want to remind you (and me) that you don't have control over other people, but you do have control on how you respond when people & things attempt to steal your gift of peace heads your way.  You have a great purpose that the world needs to know. In order to go after your dream, perform to your potential you will have to learn to guard your peace.

"I am so busy. Crazy busy! Extremely Busy!" Several years ago, that's what would have come from me if you asked how I was doing. I wore my "busy badge" like a medal of honor. The busier I was the better I felt about myself. But now...I've been set free! LOL Busy-ness is the enemy to being productive. Doing a bunch of stuff that really doesn't matter will not help anyone accomplish their goals, realize their dream or help them be a better person. Busy does not lead to success! This week I ask 5 questions to help you determine if you are busy or productive and if you find yourself in busy tips that will help you make your escape! There's also a free worksheet!

Have you ever worn clothing that tailor made? It fit you perfectly because it was specifically made just for you! It makes you not ever want to go back to buying clothes off the rack. Just like tailor made clothes, God has given you gifts and talents that are unique to you. Too often we spend time looking at other people's gifts that we miss just how perfect the ones we have are. In this week's episode I offer 3 steps that you can implement that will help you own the power of your gifts and create your tailor made success story. Make sure you download your free gift. If you enjoy doodling you're sure to love it!

"Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses." - George Washington Carver I've spoken to many women who want more out of their life and business, but when I ask them to reflect on why they haven't achieved the level of success that they desire I hear countless excuses. If you are feeling less than stellar about your execution of your goals in the first part of this year, I have fantastic news for you. You still have time left before the end of 2017 and your success is in your hands. You can take control and master execution instead of excuses. Today's episode explores the Parable of the Talents and will help you recommit and finish the second half of 2017 strong! Don't forget to download the worksheet and complete the personal challenge.

Do you find saying “no” hard? I certainly do at times. It’s such a little word, but man it can be one of the most difficult words to utter at times. I’ve found that women often have an even more difficult time saying no. Maybe it’s because we tend to me more nurturing or empathetic. We just can’t bear the thought that of hurting someone because we don’t give them a “yes.” When you say yes to the many requests, have you stopped to think about what you are saying “no” to in your own life? In this episode we’ll explore reasons why it is important for you the importance of NO.

I love a great superhero movie! So many people are drawn to those mighty figures because they have great potential, they find themselves in challenging situations that show them their abilities, and most are trying to learn who they are and how they want show up in the world. WAIT!! That sounds like my life! This week's episode I offer 5 steps to help you discover your inner superhero and reveal the great potential that is inside of you.