RELEASE YOUR Amazon

Y O U R

G U I D E

T O

E M P O W E R M E N T

Amazon S H A R IË NG E LA

C IJ N TJ E

01 Vision

02 Goal Setting

03 Communication and Decision Making Skills

04 Job Application

05 Personal Finances

06 Self Esteem

It is said that girls with dreams become women with vision.

May we empower each other to carry out such vision — because it isn't enough to simply talk about equality. One must believe it. And it isn't enough to simply believe in it.

One must work at it. Let us work at it. Together. Starting now."

- Meghan Markle

Vision release your amazon

chapter 1

If you want to plan the future, you have to have a vision.

What is a vision?

Having a vision is having a practical guide for creating plans, setting goals and objectives, making decisions, and coordinating and evaluating the work on any project, large or small. A vision helps you to keep the focus and together, especially in stressful times.

Get your notebook and write down your answer to the following question: "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?"

Your best vision blossoms from your dreams, hopes, and aspirations. It will resonate with your values and ideals, and will generate energy and enthusiasm to help strengthen your commitment to explore the possibilities of your life.

How do you develop your vision?

The question sounds very simple, but it’s often the most difficult to answer.

Allowing yourself to explore your deepest desires can be very scary. It’s important to remind yourself that a life of fulfillment does not usually happen by chance, but by design.

It’s helpful to ask questions to help you discover the possibilities of what you want out of life.

Answer these 10 questions What really matters to you in life? Not what should matter, what does matter.

2. What would you like to have more of in your life?

3. Set aside money for a moment; what do you want in your career?

4. What are your secret passions and dreams?

5. What would bring more joy and happiness in your life?

6. What are your values? What issues do you care about?

7. What are your talents? What’s special about you?

8. What would you most like to accomplish?

9. What would legacy would you like to leave behind?

10. What qualities would you like to develop?

1.

How do you start?

Block off time in advance to reflect on the questions above. They represent the material for your vision statement. You don't have to imagine a “perfect” vision.

Any vision is better than no vision. Whatever you create is not set in stone. It can evolve with you over time.

So for now, simply create a “draft vision.” Look at it as a first draft. The goal of crafting your vision is to simply capture the things that are most important to you.

Take your time in crafting your vision. Return to the above questions repeatedly.

It won’t serve you to rush through this process with the goal of completing your vision quickly.

(It might take weeks, if not longer).

Instead, allow the questions to stay put in your mind. Ask these questions before you go to sleep. Keep a pen and pad by your bedside.

You don’t need to hurry to finish these answers. You just need them to come forward.

Your vision statement can be a sentence or two. For example, Oprah Winfrey’s vision is “To be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be.”

An example of a long vision statement Each day I uphold the values of-insert values- in all that I do. I am filled with passion when I -insert passions-. Each month I grow in the key areas of my life including -insert areas of focus-. I feel content and enriched each day because I capitalize on my natural strengths of -insert strengths- by doing -insert how you apply these strengths-.

Allow your vision to paint a mental picture of your life 5 to 20 years from now. Have it say what matters most to you, what you stand for and who you are committed to becoming.

Write it in the present tense so that it feels as if it exists right now.

How to Use Your Life Vision Once you have a draft of your personal vision statement, consider reviewing it: 1. At the start of the week.

2. Sunday night. Take a few minutes to connect with your vision to prime you for the week ahead.

3. When you feel lost or confused. When you’re distracted by 10,000 things, pause and review your vision.

4. When you feel a part of you questioning the purpose and meaning of your life. Remind yourself that you have created personal meaning. And return to your life vision statement.

You have to review it on a regular basis until it becomes a part of you.

Vision board A vision board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on what truly matters to you.

Literally, a vision board is any sort of board on which you display images that represent whatever you want to be, do or have in your life. Identify your vision and give it clarity. It is a collage of images, pictures, and affirmations of one's dreams, designed to serve like a source of inspiration and motivation.

Create your vision board in 6 steps 1. Get your list of goals you have to achieve this year.

2. Collect a bundle of old magazines with beautiful pictures.

3. Find pictures that represent your goals and inspire you.

4. Make a collage out of your photos.

5. Add motivational “affirmation words” that represent how you want to feel.

WHAT IF YOUR VISION BOARD CAME TRUE?

Take a few moments to contemplate your vision board every single day.

Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe.

- Oprah Winfrey

Goal Setting release your amazon

chapter 2

A goal properly set is halfway reached.

Goals are individual experiences and accomplishments you strive for. A vision is the bigger picture. Your life’s vision defines who you want to be, what you want to be known for and the set of experiences and accomplishments you aim for.

Your vision helps define the goals by giving you a framework to evaluate those goals.

If you want the best chance of making your vision happen, you’ll need to do what you haven't done before. You need to build a system for yourself, where you review your vision and goals regularly and update your action plan for accomplishing those goals.

Your system should become a habit, something that you do no matter what, that you don’t have to think about or remind yourself about. Start with calendar reminders and task list items and build life planning time into your daily and weekly routines until it becomes habit.

Tell people about your goals in life, it’s free marketing.You never know who might be able to help you along the way.

Also, it serves as a purpose to hold you accountable.

General Goal Setting Tips Set both short- and long-term goals Set SMART goals Set goals that motivate you Write your goals down and put them in a place you can see Adjust your goals as necessary Recognize and reward yourself when you meet a goal

Examples of goals Exercise 1 hour a day, 5 days a week.

Improve Public Speaking Skills.

Improve Your Emotional Intelligence.

Start Networking.

Volunteer once a month.

Set SMART Goals Focus on executing your smaller goals to give you the best chance for success!

1.

Specific

– The goal should have a clear, highly-specific endpoint. If your goal is too

vague, it won’t be SMART (specify how you will use who, what, where and how).

2.

Measurable

- You need to be able to track your progress, so you can judge when a

goal will be met.

3.

Attainable

- Make sure your goals are within your ability to achieve, they have to be

achieved by your own hard work and dedication.

Relevant - how does your goals align with your vision?

5. Time based - set 1 or more dates- these are the “by

4.

whens” to guide your goal to

successful and timely completion (include deadlines, frequency and dates).

Specific and measured goals are the ultimate key to success. It doesn't matter whether your ultimate vision are financial or personal, using a structure such as the SMART goals - formula can help you succeed in whatever you set out to do.

An average person with average talents and ambition and average education, can outstrip the most brilliant genius in our society, if that person has clear, focused goals.

- Mary Kay Ash

Daily Planner

GOALS -

TO DO

! URGENT !

DON'T FORGET

NOTES

AM

NOON

PM

Communication and decision making release your amazon

chapter 3

Good communication is the bridge between confusion and clarity.

Communication seems simple, however many times when we try to establish communication with others, there is always a chance for a lack of understanding that might cause conflicts and frustrations in our personal or professional life.

In the time we currently live in, we are receiving and sending a large number of messages every day. Successful communication is far more than sharing information, it is also an understanding of the feelings behind this information. In our personal life, successful communication can help us understand people and situations that happen on a daily basis better. Developing communication skills can help us avoid conflicts, compromise and therefore help in better decision making. In our professional life, communication helps us succeed. Whether it's speaking with a client or a co-worker, you never fail to communicate and in order to reach your goals communication is a major key.

It is important to communicate clearly, and to overcommunicate.

The PIP approach as an introduction to your presentation One excellent approach while presenting is the

purpose,

importance, preview approach to presentation introductions.

purpose of the presentation, and then share why the presentation is important by reviewing implications and possible outcomes. Finally, give a preview of You first state the

the topics that will be discussed.

The PIP approach is a useful way to get audiences excited about the presentation, all the while helping them to focus on your message and the most important parts.

8 Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills: 1. Simplify and stay on message. Use simple, straightforward language.

2. Take time to respond. After you’ve listened (and understood) take time to “draft” in your head what you want to say.

3. Make sure you are understood. Don’t blame the other person for not understanding.

Instead, look for ways to clarify or rephrase what you are trying to say so it can be understood.

4. Develop your listening skills. The best communicators are almost always the best listeners.

Listen without judgment and don’t be distracted by thinking about what you want to say next. Then, respond, not react.

5. Body language is important. Studies show that 65% of all communication is non-verbal.

Watch for visual signs that your listener understands, agrees or disagrees with your message. And be aware that your body is sending signals, too.

6. Maintain eye contact. Whether speaking to a crowd or one-on-one, maintaining eye contact builds credibility and demonstrates you care about your listeners.

7. Respect your audience. Recognize your message is not just about you or what you want.

You should sincerely care about the needs and the unique perspectives of those to whom you are communicating. One of the best ways to show your respect is simply by paying attention to what they say.

8. Make communication a priority. Take classes, read books, magazine articles or learn from successful communicators around you. Seek a mentor or executive coach.

Every decision is easy once you make it. The important thing is to think carefully, make your decision, and then work to make your choice the right one.

That is the secret to a happy life.

We make thousands of decisions every day. Many are easy, but others are complex, stressful, or both. Because there are so many decisions and because they are literal forks in the road with dramatic impact on results, costs, time, feelings, and relationships, how you make decisions is extremely important. This is why decision-making is a top priority in order to make sure to reach your goals.

DECIDE approach Define the decision. You should realize that you need to make

Make it easier for yourself and use the 1.

a decision.

Establish the criteria.

Consider all your alternatives.

4. Identify the best alternative.

5. Develop and implement a plan of action.

6. Evaluate and monitor the outcome.

2.

3.

The DECIDE approach in practice

The first thing to do is to

define

the decision that needs to be made.

For Example: Should I go out on a weekday?

Next, you need to

establish

your different options.

For Example: I can stay up and go out. Or I can go to bed and go out on Friday.

As you explore options,

consider

the consequences of each choice.

For Example: If I go out and I stay up late, I'll be tired and in a bad mood tomorrow. If I go to bed now, I'll feel rested and have time to be completely focused at work.

Take time to

identify

what's important and valuable to you so you can make a choice that honors

your values and will bring you joy.

For Example: I really want to get that promotion and do well at work. If I go to bed now I'll get to focus at work and stay on track for a raise and a promotion without getting a warning for coming to work late.

After you analyze your options and weigh them against your values it's time to make a

decide

and

act.

For Example: I was going to go to bed but I went out anyway after my friends called.

Taking time to reflect on the results is an important final step of the decision-making process. This allows you to

evaluate

how your choice impacted your health and happiness and consider what

you would do differently in the future.

For Example: I missed my deadline today. I couldn't concentrate at work and I couldn't call in sick because my colleagues saw me partying. I won't go out on a weekday anymore.

I truly believe that women should be financially independent from their men. And let’s face it, money gives men the power to run the show. It gives men the power to define value. They define what’s sexy. And men define what’s feminine.

It’s ridiculous.

- Beyonce

Personal Financial Management release your amazon

chapter 4

People first, then money, then things.

What Is Personal Finance?

Personal finance is a term that covers managing your money as well as saving and investing. It encompasses budgeting, banking, insurance, mortgages, investments, retirement planning, and tax and estate planning.

Personal finance is about meeting personal financial goals, whether it’s having enough for short-term financial needs, planning for retirement, or saving for a rainy day. It all depends on your income, expenses, living requirements, and individual goals and desires—and coming up with a plan to fulfill those needs within your financial constraints. To make the most of your income and savings, it's important to become financially literate, so you can distinguish between good and bad advice and make smart decisions that concern your money.

Money looks better in the bank than on your feet If you want to control your spending and work towards your financial goals, you need a budget.

A personal or household budget is a summary that compares and tracks your income and expenses for a defined period, typically one month.

A budget will show you how much money you expect to bring in, then compare that to your required expenses— such as rent , tv and internet—and your miscellaneous spending, such as entertainment or eating out. View a budget as a tool for achieving your financial goals.

Let's start Budgeting!

1. Gather

Your

Financial

Paperwork.

Before

you

begin,

gather

up

all

your

financial

statements, including bank statements, recent utility bills, receipts from the last three months

and

mortgage

or

auto

loan

statements.

You

want

to

have

access

to

any

information about your income and expenses. With this information you have to create a monthly average of your costs.

2. Calculate your income. Use your net income. If you have a variable income, use the income from your lowest-earning month of the year.

3. Create a list of monthly expenses. Use your bank statements, receipts, and credit card statements from the last three months to identify all your spending.

4. Determine fixed and variable expenses. Fixed expenses are mandatory expenses that you pay the same amount for every time. Variable expenses will change from month to month.

5. Calculate your month's income and expenses. If you have more income than expenses, consider adopting the “50-30-20” budgeting philosophy. In a 50-30-20 budget, "needs," or essential expenses, should represent half of your budget, wants should make up another 30%, and savings and debt repayment should make up the final 20% of your budget. If your expenses are more than your income, that means you are overspending and need to make some changes.

Monthly

BUDGET ITEM

Month:

BUDGET

SPENT

PLAN

REMAINS

BUDGET

SPENT

PLAN

REMAINS

BUDGET

SPENT

PLAN

REMAINS

TOTAL: ITEM

TOTAL:

ITEM

TOTAL:

Job Application release your amazon

chapter 5

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

The majority of us need to work to make a living however holding down a job you enjoy does wonders for your health and wellbeing. Whether it’s paid or unpaid, working is vital for maintaining good health. Having a job can boost your selfesteem and confidence by giving you purpose, and it’s much easier to be happy when you feel your worth.

Employment promotes independence and personal achievement. You’re responsible for the role you do and make decisions every day. No matter what kind of work you’re engaged in, you are adding value and making a contribution to your workplace.

When you work, you’ll pick up new skills and grow as a person. You may gain more experience with on the job training, which could pave the way for other work opportunities or a future promotion. Maintaining a job in your field also ensures you stay updated with the latest trends in your industry.

Working can improve your financial situation and give you the freedom to live your life the way you choose to. The key is to find something you enjoy doing, and if it’s backed up by a happy and healthy working culture.

Looking for a job? Here are 10 Top Job Application Tips!

1. Have the

right documents

with you when you are applying. Scan your latest resume, have your

job reference list ready and the job posting/description ready to complete the job application properly.

Read

2.

the instructions

carefully.

Almost half of all job applicants don't follow the directions.

Take the time to read all the instructions and review the full application before you start to fill it out.

3. Check details for

accuracy.

Complete the application correctly. Check that you have written

down the right contact numbers and email address. Use correct spacing and capitalization.

4. Make sure your employment history is

correct.

Check the names of your former employers,

their addresses, your dates of employment and other employment details are all correct.

Fill in

5.

"refer

all the

to

details.

resume",

this

When asked for information, such as employment history, do not write comes

across

as

lazy.

Complete

the

details

on

the

application

as

requested. Make sure all the information you provide in your job application is consistent with the information in your resume.

6.

Take

time

to

answer the questions,

ensuring

you

are

giving

the

right

information

while

demonstrating why you are a good match for the job opportunity. Write your qualifications out in full. Describe your qualifications fully. Don't assume the employer knows what an acronym stands for.

7. Don't

leave out questions.

Complete all the required sections or your application may be

rejected. If a question does not apply to you, respond with "not applicable".

Always stick with the truth - you will have to defend your answers in the interview. By signing the job application you are verifying the information is accurate.

8.

Avoid

specifying salary requirements. Avoid stating a specific salary requirement, rather give a

range or write "open"or "negotiable". This can then be addressed in the interview more fully.

9.

Provide references

if requested. Have your reference list ready to include in your application.

Please keep in mind that references can make or break your application, so make sure that your references will only speak highly of you.

10.

Double check your application

for mistakes. Proofreading your job application carefully a

couple of times before you submit it. Spelling and other mistakes are likely to sabotage your chances. If you are completing an online application make sure to print out a copy so you know what information the employer has in the interview and for future reference.

Got an invitation? Here are 10 Top Job Interview Tips!

1.

Start by researching the company and your interviewers.

Understanding key information

about the company you’re interviewing with can help you go into your interview with confidence.

Use the company’s website, social media posts and recent press releases.

Practice your answers to common interview questions in writing.

2.

Prepare your answer to

the common question: “Tell me about yourself, and why are you interested in this role with our company?” The idea is to quickly communicate who you are and what value you will bring to the company and the role—it’s your personal elevator pitch.

Reread the job description.

3.

Print the job description out and begin underlining specific skills

the employer is looking for. Think about examples from your past and current work that align with these requirements.

Practice answering questions out loud.

4.

Actually practicing your answers out loud is an

incredibly effective way to prepare. Say them to yourself or ask a friend to help run through questions and answers. You’ll find you gain confidence as you get used to saying the words.

Be prepared with examples of your work.

5.

During the interview, you will likely be asked about

specific work you’ve completed in relation to the position. After reviewing the job description, think of work you’ve done in past jobs, that show you have experience and success doing the work they require.

Prepare smart questions for your interviewers.

6.

Employers

expect

you

to

ask

questions

during an interview. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your interviewers: Can you explain some of the day-to-day responsibilities this job entails?

How would you describe the characteristics of someone who would succeed in this role?

If I were in this position, how would my performance be measured? How often?

What departments does this teamwork with regularly?

What are the challenges you’re currently facing in your role?

Plan your interview attire before.

7.

can

ask

them

about

the

dress

code

If you’re speaking to a recruiter before the interview, you in

the

workplace

and

choose

your

outfit

accordingly.

Research the company to learn what’s appropriate.

8.

Bring copies of your resume, a notebook and pen.

Take at least three copies of your printed

resume in case of multiple interviewers. Highlight specific accomplishments on your copy that you can easily refer to and discuss. Bring a pen and a small notebook. Prepare to take notes, but not on your smartphone or another electronic device.

9.

Make a great first impression and arrive 10–15 minutes early.

Map out your route to the

interview location so you can be sure to arrive on time. Don’t forget the little things, make sure your

nails

are

clean

and

tidy,

and

check

your

clothes

for

holes

and

loose

threads.

Display

confident body language and a smile throughout.

10.

Send a personalized thank you letter after the interview.

Ask for the business card of

each person you speak with during the interview process so that you can follow up individually with a separate thank you email. If you interviewed in the morning, send your follow-up emails the same day. If you interviewed in the afternoon, the next morning is fine. Make certain that each email is distinct from the others, using the notes you took during the conversations.

Bonus tips!

- Treat everyone you encounter with respect.

- Respond truthfully to the questions asked.

- Keep your answers concise and focused.

- Do not speak negatively about your previous employers.

Work from home CHECKLIST Make working from home work.

I get ready like I'm going to the office.

I plan my day ahead.

I Make a good cup of coffee I use productivity apps.

I limit social media use during work hours.

I listen to my work-from-home playlist.

I have set up my home office.

I ensure my work tools are working.

I stick to regular hours.

I take clear breaks.

I stretch in between meetings.

I align work schedules with family.

I send memes to my colleagues/friends I ask for help I am not hard on myself.

TEMPLATE RESUME

WORK EXPERIENCE ENTER TITLE enter employer | enter date

ENTER NAME HERE

enter scope of performance enter specifications enter duties

ENTER TITLE enter employer| enter date

ENTER FUNCTION HERE

enter scope of performance enter specifications enter duties

EDUCATION ENTER NAME COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY/SCHOOL

PROFILE The Amazon Society

enter degree/profile/master - enter date

- enter set of courses/ - enter minor - enter specifics - enter special recognition

ENTER NAME COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY/SCHOOL enter degree/profile/master

CORE COMPETENCIES - state your competencies

CONTACT INFORMATION Home number Cell number email address website address

- enter date - enter set of courses/ - enter minor - enter specifics - enter special recognition

Self Esteem release your amazon

chapter 6

You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.

Building self-esteem involves knowing who you are: identifying what you like, knowing what you want out of life, and developing an awareness of how your past experiences have shaped the person you are today. It requires paying attention to how you treat yourself .

Recognize how powerful your internal voice is and learn to rewire your brain by developing more effective thinking patterns. Act as your own cheerleader and be mindful that things such as diet, exercise, sleep, and setting realistic expectations all play a role in how you feel about yourself. Ensure that you take time out to nurture your spirit by doing things you enjoy.

Believe in your worth and care about your future. Loving yourself means treating yourself as well as you treat friends and loved ones. Celebrate your strengths and learn to accept compliments.

Let go of that inner voice that's holding you back and Release Your Amazon applying our selfcare tips in the pages to follow!

Self Care List

STAY IN

MEDITATE

EXERCISE

PURSUE A PASSION

WATCH THE SUNSET

VISUALIZE YOUR GOALS

R E L A X

THE LOW COST GUIDE TO SELF-CARE How to Treat Yourself on a Low Budget PAMPER YOURSELF AT HOME WITH THESE RELAXING TIPS

SCENTED CANDLES

Set the mood for your soothing night in by lighting your favorite scented candles. Place them all around your room to create a tranquil ambience.

YOUR FAVORITE TV SHOW

Turn on the TV or grab your laptop and binge watch your favorite TV series. Go for a light and romantic show to make you swoon or a comedy that'll have you laughing your socks off!

CUP OF TEA

Brew a cup of green tea, peppermint tea, or your favorite tea flavor. The warmth of the tea will help relax your nerves and muscles!

YOUR FAVORITE FACE MASK

Put on a favorite maskLeave on for 10 minutes or as long as you want.

FAVORITE MUSIC PLAYLIST

Play all of your favorite songs and sing along! If you want, you can even dance around your house with a sibling or a pet.

Author's Note release your amazon

Dear reader,

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to help you release the amazon you have inside. You're now equipped with the basic tools needed to start working towards living that life you've always wanted to live. It's important for us women to realize that there is no boundary to what we can achieve. Because women aren't simply born. We are forged through the challenges of life. With each challenge we grow, mentally and emotionally. We move forward with our head held high and a strength that can not be denied.

We are warriors.

We are all Amazon.

"Women need to know that they can become anything they want to be.

They just need to be prepared to release that amazon in them.

Both mentally and physically."

- Shariëngela Cijntje