Product Description

Whatever your career goals…
Whatever your financial objectives…
Whatever your personal dreams…

You Can Do It!

This action-oriented, step-by-step guide helps you build the authentic self-confidence that comes from knowing who you are, what you want–and equips you to go get it.

With motivational expert Valorie Burton as your personal coach and a 28-day plan, Why Not You? provides the tools you need to …
·gain the assurance needed to transform your thinking
·focus on who you are, not what you do
·give yourself permission to be imperfect
·stop competing and comparing
·eliminate your confidence stealers
·learn how to achieve success by being authentic

Packed with unforgettable examples, pointers, and sparkplugs for ideas that work uniquely for you, Why Not You? reveals the secrets to building authentic personal confidence from the inside-out. Whatever your goal or your starting point, Valorie Burton equips you with proven experience to take the next steps to advance your career, finances, and relationships.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #214370 in Books
• Published on: 2007-03-20
• Released on: 2007-03-20
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781400073368
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Valorie Burton is the author of Listen to Your Life, What’s Really Holding You Back? and Rich Minds, Rich Rewards. A sought-after speaker and life coach, she runs Inspire, Inc., a media company that provides tools and information to inspire, teach, and empower individuals to live their best lives. She is also a regular columnist for CBN.com, BlackAmericaWeb.com and Heart & Soul Magazine. She and her husband live near Washington, D.C.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
An Introduction
to Authentic
Confidence
Why Not You?

Before I began writing books and speaking, I often studied authors and speakers who were doing what I wanted to do with my life. Their lives seemed somehow magical, as if they knew some special secrets that I didn’t. Of course, that wasn’t true.
I had within me everything I needed to begin living the purpose for
which I was created. But what these other authors and speakers had that I didn’t was confidence.
Perseverance. That belief in yourself and your potential for success— so much so that you refuse to give up when success doesn’t happen in your own timing.
I began asking myself, Valorie, why not you? Why don’t you fulfill your vision of inspiring others through your writing? Can you relate to that kind of internal questioning? Perhaps it’s a
similar area of life for you—a professional or business aspiration—or that conversation in your head may be about your weight, your dream of home ownership, your finances, or a successful relationship. Perhaps doubt or uncertainty results in your remaining quiet when you really want to
speak up.
I had my moment of insight about the importance of boldly and confidently stepping into God-given opportunities, and it came within just a couple of years—back in 2001—after I began asking, Why not me? Around five o’clock one Wednesday afternoon in October 2001, my phone rang as I was preparing to leave for a six-o’clock book signing at Black Images Books in Dallas. I lived in Dallas then; it was an exciting time. I was in the midst of a tour for my first book. Rich Minds, Rich Rewards had been self-published nearly two years earlier, but a major publisher had picked it up, and now their edition was on the shelves. I’d already been to Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles for interviews and book signings; now I was stopping back in Dallas for two days before heading out to Atlanta early the next morning.
When I answered my home-office line on the second ring, I recognized the voice on the other end immediately. “Hi, Valorie,” said Rosilyn. We’d met six weeks earlier at the Texas Trailblazer Award luncheon, which I was chairing. Rosilyn was one of two representatives sent when Sister Serita Jakes, my pastor’s wife—whom I’d invited to give the invocation—couldn’t make the lunch because of her travels. I’d enjoyed Rosilyn, and we’d emailed back and forth a couple of times, promising to get together for lunch sometime. We hadn’t managed to put a date on our calendars yet, so I thought this may be why she was calling.
It wasn’t.
“Listen,” she said. “Bishop Jakes is launching a new daily television show.”
“Oh, yes, I’ve heard about that,” I replied. “That’s really exciting.” Trying to contain my own excitement, I wondered, Is she going to ask if I want to be a guest on the show!? My first book had just been released, and I was overjoyed at the idea of being on Bishop Jakes’s television show. I’d been up late one night when, during a broadcast, I heard Paul Crouch, founder of Trinity Broadcasting Network, offer a yearlong timeslot to Bishop Jakes if he would provide a daily show for the viewers. Mind you, Rosilyn was still in midsentence, and already my mind had launched ahead to figuring out the reason for her call. Of course, if I would just be patient and listen, I’d
find out soon enough.
“We haven’t yet found a co-host for the program,” she continued. Maybe she wants me to recommend somebody? I thought before she had a chance to finish.
“I know you’re not a television person…,” she said, almost apologetically. No, she can’t be asking if I want to co-host a national television show? “But we’re here in the studio, and I prayed about it, and your name is the only name God dropped in my spirit.”
Did she just ask me…, I started to wonder.
“Would you be willing to serve as our co-host for the first few weeks while we figure out what direction to take?” Rosilyn finally asked.
“Wow. Um, yes,” I said. “I would love to.” I was excited and in a state of disbelief. After all, it isn’t every day that someone calls you out of the blue to ask you to host a national television program with someone you greatly admire and respect. Is this really happening?
She explained that I would need to come to the studio right away or at least by the next day and that I should bring an assortment of clothes.
Oh no, I thought, and then I had to explain that I was already on the way to a book signing that would start in an hour and that I was scheduled to leave before sunrise the next morning for a flight to Atlanta. I wouldn’t be back until the weekend!
But maybe…
I suggested, due to their schedule and my book tour, the only option was for me to rush over after my book signing.
“Could you?” Rosilyn asked.
That’s exactly what I kept asking myself as I packed my clothes and headed off for a whirlwind evening. Can I do this? I wondered as I finished the book signing at Black Images downtown and headed to the studio about twenty-five miles north.
It was going on nine o’clock, and when I arrived, there were about ten people there—producers, camera people, and ministry staff. They explained what was needed, a few ins and outs for five days worth of programming, and just one catch.
There was no script, and I wouldn’t be able to see the show I’d be referring to on-camera.
Oh.
I took a deep, quiet breath for composure. I was unsure, but there was no need to show it.
They sat me in a chair, aimed a camera at me, and “Three…two… one,” the director said as his fingers counted down. On “zero,” he pointed at me.
I prayed and then felt a sense of confidence rise within me. I’d spent the previous three months being interviewed weekly on KXAS-TV (NBC5) in Dallas, so I’d begun to get used to talking into a camera. I decided that experience must have been God’s preparation. To calm my nervousness, I did a reality check and took stock of the situation. I knew if I thought of this as a big deal—a show that would be seen daily around the country and in multiple foreign countries—I’d get nervous.
So I told myself, “You’re just talking to some people while they start their day by enjoying great biblical teaching from T. D. Jakes.” I reminded myself that television is experienced one person at a time. By thinking in these terms, I was able to find a peaceful place from which to speak.
I’ve since pursued my passion of inspiring others to live fulfilling lives, and along the way, I’ve gained tremendous confidence in God’s ability to carry out His purposes through each one of us. It’s our confidence in Him that bolsters our confidence and belief in ourselves. Knowing that God created you and wants to use you also means acknowledging that He accepts you as you are. Simultaneously, He’s offering you daily opportunities to grow into more of the person He created you to be. He accepts you, despite the criticisms, doubts, or insecurities you may impose on yourself and the obstacles you erect for yourself.
So why is the issue of overcoming doubt and building confidence one of the most important for you to address? Maybe because it impacts your: relationships, as in whether you stand up for yourself, set good boundaries, and choose mutually beneficial friendships; finances, since insecurity and self-doubt are leading contributors to overwhelming credit-card debt as people attempt to fill a void through overspending; ability to parent your children effectively; chosen career (or the career you don’t choose), including how quickly you advance and how much money you earn

In fact, to see the depth of the effects of lacking confidence, take this little self-quiz: Which of the following statements would you like to be able to say are true about you? Check the statements that are true for you now, and give yourself one point for each.

I can walk into a room full of strangers and introduce myself, be friendly, and feel comfortable.
I can successfully make a presentation in front of a group of people.
Fear doesn’t stop me from asking for what I want.
If I purchase something that proves faulty, I can return it to the store that has an unfriendly refund policy and ask for—and receive—a refund.
I don’t have to chase after success. Because I work hard and live my purpose, the right opportunities, people, and resources find their way to my path.
I always trust myself to finish what I start.
If I make a mistake, I never try to cover it up or explain it away with excuses in order to look good. I’m comfortable with being imperfect.
I have (or am moving toward) exactly what I want in my life.
I haven’t settled in any way.
I’m financially confident and have proven myself to be a good steward of money.
I can walk into a dinner party and feel confident about how I look. I don’t size up other attendees and compare my looks, clothes, jewelry, or other characteristics with theirs.

If you’re like most people, you weren’t able to truthfully check all ten statements, because doubts, fears, and insecurities creep into our lives in ways we often don’t even notice, let alone identify as a confidence issue.
I have written Why Not You? as a personal companion to help you confront these things and build your confidence over a twenty-eight-day period—a progressive plan to maintain or increase your confidence, boldness, and self-esteem throughout your life in order to live fully and freely, to realize your potential, ...

From AudioFile
Christian motivational expert and life coach Valorie Burton shares the secret to what she calls authentic confidence--self-confidence plus faith in God. Burton's well-paced, clearly articulated voice is easy on the ear, and she's a pleasantly encouraging companion. Her message, which frequently draws on her own stories and those of her clients, is delivered in a 28-day plan with short, focused sessions that encourage listeners to increase their self-confidence in practical ways. Each lesson has its own focus ("preparing with purpose" or "self-esteem stealers"). Each ends with a confidence prayer, a question to address in one's confidence journal, and a confidence-building activity. Burton conveys a genuine desire to help listeners avoid "downsizing their dreams" and to live "fully and freely." J.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

Review - Why Not You?
Why Not You? is a guide book for those of us who struggle with self-confidence. Burton gives real life examples of issues that many of us face. She gives step-by-step, biblically based instructions for overcoming whatever it might be that holds you back from experiencing freedom.

Readers will find Burton's writing to be thought provoking and her advice to be realistic. She helps the reader to set attainable goals while allowing them to hash out issues that they are struggling with in the fill-in-the-blank space provided within the book. Why Not You? challenges many of the lies we are fed by the media and modern culture such as, "You're only successful if you're rich."

Burton ends each chapter by bringing it all before the Lord, who we can each find our confidence in. If you struggle with self-confidence and are looking for a way to overcome, this book will lead you down the right path. Readers will finish the book with not only the tools to overcome self-doubt, but with a stronger understanding of their spiritual walk as well.

Review by:
Jill Hart, CWAHM.com

Why Not You?: Twenty-eight Days to Authentic Confidence
Excellent book! It has been a tremendous help to me in my quest for 100% confidence (not just partial confidence as she talks about in the book). I have been working to (consistently) implement some of the tools that she has suggested. Great book--it's as if she has been inside my mind because she expresses some of the exact emotions that I feel or have felt. Thank you, Valorie!

Life Coaching and Encouragement
If you're ready to move forward in life but feel like something's holding you back, here's the book for you.

Life coach Valorie Burton offers this action-oriented, step-by-step guide that reveals secrets to unlocking authentic confidence. Unlike self-help books that lead readers away from God, the author writes, "Authentic confidence is about what God can do through you, in you, and for you."

Each of the 28 short chapters is packed with Scripture and includes personal stories from Burton's life, as well as the hundreds of people she's counseled and surveyed over the years.

She'll help you identify the real source of your fears, learn to speak up, give yourself permission to be imperfect, and stop competing and comparing. After reading this book, you'll feel rejuvenated, ready to face the next phase of your life with the confidence you need to make your dreams a reality.

--Christian Women Online Book Buzz