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Tallahassee, FL—In our last installment, we discussed ways to overcome fears that hold you back from greatness. This month we move forward to the importance of self-examination.

In the jewelry industry, many sales associates have become so dependent on others that it stifles their ability to grow. Instead of being self-sufficient, they wait for orders before they act or examine a situation, which holds back both their personal growth and, ultimately, their careers.

Only you hold the power to make lasting change. Others can guide or give direction, but ultimately it is you who holds the keys to your own success. Have you ever witnessed a sales associate who attends an amazing seminar and comes back ready to rule the sales floor? Something within them has changed as they dominate the scene with their newfound skills. But fast-forward a month or two and what happens? They’ve resorted back to all their old bad habits.

Why does this happen? The answer is they did not have the ability to manage themselves or their newfound skills. In order to make lasting change, you must manage yourself and maintain your new skills.

Imagine what life would be like if you didn’t own a mirror. If you did not have the power to see yourself daily, you would likely become a mess. Your hair would be tangled, your clothes askew, and so forth. Sure, your manager could point these out to you, but could you really style your hair, adjust your clothes, or put on makeup properly without seeing a mirror? No. Could you imagine your manager (or even your hairdresser) trying to style your hair without you being able to see what he or she is doing? Their taste and style might be totally different than what you would like your hair to look like. So why do we just allow others to do the work for us that we should be doing ourselves?

Let me be clear that managers are to be respected. They are in that position for a reason. But they can’t do everything—it is up to the modern day sales associate to plug into this newfound power and take control of their own destiny.

Take time to look into the mirror of self-examination. The world is full of stresses and demands on our time that can lead us to disconnecting from ourselves. That is why it is important to take at least 15 minutes a day and open up your mind for self examination. Each day you should look closely at one specific area that you are turning corners in, and see it with clarity. With an intense focus and desire for success you will find the answers within to find lasting success. It is literally just like looking into a mirror daily.

As you open your mind to self-examination, what things do you see that need improvement or that hinder you from achieving greatness? Focus on these to work on finding the answers to make lasting change.

As you go through this process, I recommend having a mentor—like a store manager or well rooted sales associate—to give you extra insight to go with the knowledge you discover. Those who have found success before you have a wealth of knowledge that will free you to grow. But you must remember that it still always starts with you.

Finally, one caution—beware of vanity. Think of the American Idol contestants who think they can sing but in reality sound hideous. The next day, they are butt of every water-cooler joke. Make sure you examine yourself with honesty and see yourself with clarity. This is the key to giving yourself the proper make over needed for true change. More information is available in my book, Modern Day Selling, or in a series of seminars offered on the topic. See my website for more information.

In our next installment, we will discuss the benefits of serving your customers while selling them.