Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a terrific seminar hosted by Kirk Duncan of 3 Key Elements called "Master Your Influence." A preview of this seminar was given by Ann Washburn at the ICEL meeting this past October and offered the attendees a discounted price to attend this seminar. Can I just say it pays to attend ICEL!

The seminar was well attended (740 attendees) and was three full days of information not only on body language, but on simple things that you can do to step up to the next level both professionally and personally. This information was easy to understand and apply in almost every situation. In fact the information was so simple it made you wonder why you hadn't thought of it yourself!

Mr. Duncan spoke about using vision boards in order to focus your thoughts and energies on a goal that you are keen on achieving. By using a vision board and putting it in a place that you will see every day and focusing on the actions, you're going to take steps to make this goal happen and you actually increase your chances of success. By using this focus, you are actively engaging your subconscious to help your conscious mind make better choices and decisions that would affect your success.

He spoke about the importance of networking and asking for help or letting others know about your needs. Someone you know may have what you're looking for and/or you may have something that they need. He also talked about allowing people to "help" when they can and not be stuck in the old dynamic of "I can do it myself." Mr. Duncan noted that when we allow others to help us, we are in turn helping them and allowing them to grow.

Yes, he spoke about body language as well - not just what other people's body language says to you but what your body language says to other people. I think the point that I took to heart, as a person that truly talks with her hands, is that a simple hand gesture could make someone feel less than appreciated or that what they are saying is not valued! Eye opening!

Finally, he spoke about keeping a journal in two different books. One to record negative thoughts and emotions so that they aren't taking up space in your head and causing you to be less than what you are meant to be and another to write down and keep track of all your successes! Sometimes we get so mired down in what we didn't do or accomplish, we forget what we have done or accomplished. It's nice to have a reminder of just how great we really are and to celebrate our accomplishments!

If I hadn't attended that ICEL meeting, I would have missed out on this incredible opportunity!