Stand Up for Your Life: A Practical Step-By-Step Plan to Build Inner Confidence and Personal Power

by Cheryl Richardson

Book Overview

We all want to make a difference in the world. We want to know that our lives matter, that our presence on Earth has meaning and purpose. I can assure you that you have a Divine assignment -- an important mission to fulfill. The first step in discovering and fulfilling this mission is to take a leadership role in your life.
-- from Stand Up for Your Life
In this book I'll take you on a journey that will provide you with new "self-...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743226518
• ISBN13: 9780743226516
• Release Date: May 2003
• Publisher: Free Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

This one did it!

I've been reading self help books for 30 years but this one is the one that changed my life. the questions she asked helped me to find my answers. I had always tried to be what you (ALL of you!) wanted me to be. That is a lot of work, and it is dishonest. I've lost 50 pounds, reconnected with my husband and I have done the thing I wrote down in answer to the pivotal question (for me) in this book: "If you knew you were going to die tomorrow what is the one thing you'd regret never doing?" My answer, which shocked me, was "to sing". so, at the magic age of 50, I got up and belted out the blues, and I am having the time of my life! After 2 or 3 months of open mics, I have my 1st paying gig (together with a friend and my husband on guitars) in a couple of weeks! Why would a person hide a gift her whole life? Why are we so afraid? What are we so afraid of? This book taught me how to be fearless. Or at least to "act as if." Thank you, Cheryl!

Author delivers another excellent book that will help you!

Read another excellent book by Cheryl Richardson, authorof TAKE TIME FOR YOUR LIFE and LIFE MAKEOVERS--bothof which I enjoyed immensely . . . her latest is STAND UP FOR YOUR LIFE, and the subtitle says it all: DEVELOP THE COURAGE, CONFIDENCE, AND CHARACTER TO FULFILL YOUR GREATEST POTENTIAL.Richardson, a master certified coach, takes you through aninteractive training program that will help you transform internal obstacles such as self-doubt, conflict phobia and a feat of what others think into a new foundation of courage,confidence and self-esteem. I particularly liked her use of real life stories and examples(including her own) . . . also, the accompanying exerciseswere very insightful.There were many memorable passages; among them:We are all here for a very short, indeterminate amount of time. It's imperative that we use this time well by making our spiritual development a top priority. As you do, I can assure you that you will begin to understand and fulfill you unique purpose here on Earth. This commitment takes time, energy, and a willingness to open your heart and your mind to change. The first step is to realize that you are the force for change in your life. No one else can set your destiny, settle your grievances, heal you wounds, or tell you what to do. You must take full responsibility for an amazing gift that was bestowed upon you at birth--the power to create you life as a work of art.With this perspective in mind, you naturally begin to view each life experience through the lens of the question "How can I use this situation to serve my personal growth?" For example, when a driver cuts you off in traffic, you see it as a sign that you may need to slow down or not take things so personally, rather than view it as someone doing something to you. Or when you lose your job unexpectedly, you decide to reevaluate the direction of your life's work instead of seeing it as life handing you a raw deal. Of course it's important to allow yourself to experience and express all of the feelings that accompany these types of situations. The point is to move beyond blame and criticism to a more empowering position--one where you recognize that you have the creative power to use any situation to your advantage.Check out the list below for some ideas on how to shift your language:Old Words: New Words"I think": "I know""I'll try": "I will""Maybe": "Definitely""I'm not sure": "I'm positive""I guess": "I'll confirm that""I'm sorry": "I'm confident""I'm so stupid": "I need a break""It doesn't matter": "Here's what I want""We'll see": "I will"

Looking for Transformation

Cheryl Richardson's new book "Stand Up For Your Life" is great and offers very practical advice to support you in becoming aware of who you are and what you need to function as a satisfied human being. I find her suggestions infinitely helpful and practical. She invites the reader on a journey of self discovery and transformation, a life-long process that will not stop after you close the book but hopefully send you on an on-going path of satisfaction, awareness, self expression, joy and will allow you to contribute to the world around you.If you are interested in transformation I also recommend that you read "Working On Yourself Doesn't Work" by Ariel and Shya Kane. This is an extraordinary book which presents the possibility of transformation without endlessly working on yourself to improve yourself. Awareness and the seeing of what is, is enough to create a quantum shift and transformation. This is a novel idea and I started experiencing the shift simply out of reading the book. A must read if you've had enough of working on yourself!

A sensational follow-up

A friend of mine gave me "Take Time for Your Life," and I thought it was one of the best books I had ever read on finding and sustaining a real passion for life. When I heard about "Stand Up for Your Life," I immediately got a copy, and it is as incredible as her first book. So many books like these tend to be simplistic, but Cheryl's works are much deeper and she offers many specific examples of what one needs to do to live a more meaningful and happier life. Cheryl is obviously extremely intelligent, but she also seems very compassionate. I cannot recommend this book more highly.

Understanding Yourself, Understanding Character

For those looking for a hands-on guide to self-development and understanding, read "Stand Up For Your Life" by Cheryl Richardson. You'll experience a great improvement in your character and confidence. This is 5 star, highly recommended. It is important, if you're serious, to expand your potential and the benefits to you of this book by reading a book to truly understand the principles of character behind what Cheryl Richardson is telling you. I recommend Norman Thomas Remick's "West Point: Character, Leadership,...".