“You are the most important person in your life.
If you are not willing to show respect to yourself,
it’s very hard for you to show respect to others.”
– Sylvie DiGiusto

11 days after giving birth to her daughter, Sylvie and her family moved from Germany to the United States to live her dream.

For Sylvie, her dream as a little child was to live in America. She’s living it now. She didn’t wait. She just did it.

Isn’t that awesome?!?

Today, Sylvie owns her own leadership and consulting business, speaks on stages, and helps leaders around the world build and grow their reputation.

I met Sylvie at the US National Speaker’s Conference. And I wanted to interview her because like me, she believes in putting life first and building a business that supports that life.

Here are the 3 takeaways for you to do what you love and live your dreams now.

1. Care For Yourself First

Before starting her own business, Sylvie was GREAT at helping others win. She was what she called a “second row” person. The second-row person is someone who helps others get into the “first row” and shine.

For example, Sylvie would help CEOs become successful at her own cost. Over time, she got drained, dissatisfied, and disappointed.

When people think of how important respect and care is in business and life, they don’t often think of showing themselves respect or care to themselves first.

They have either taken care of their company, their families, somebody close who has gotten ill. They have thought about everybody except themselves.

But when you’re on an airplane and the oxygen mask falls, you’re meant to put it on first. Because if you don’t, you could end up passed out on the ground. And if you are passed out, you can’t help anyone!

The takeaway here is to look at areas in your life where you are always giving, and ask yourself:

“How can I give this to myself too?”

2. Turn Obstacles and Excuses Into OPPORTUNITIES

We all know that successful people in any area of life have a different relationship to obstacles and challenges.

Sylvie is a testament to that. During the winter season in New York City, Sylvie found it easy to find an excuse not to go to the gym to work-out. Even though the gym was just across the street from where she lived!

She even confessed she thought of taking the cab across the street!

But instead of letting the weather stop her from her well-being routine, Sylvie got creative. She started walking up 77 floors of stairs rather than taking the elevator. She found another way.

What came out of that wasn’t just fitness and strength, but she also became a professional stair runner. And, Sylvie saved money on having to pay for a gym membership!

Every time you hit a road block or obstacle, whether that is in your business, career, health, wealth, relationships, or finances, answer this question at least 10 times:

“How else can I reach my goal?”

3. Parenthood Is Not A Limitation

The dilemma many people face in life: parenthood or professional success?  

This is a common challenge people face in their lives. They feel like they must pick one or the other. Which his understandable because both professional success (career or business) and parenthood are big commitments.

However, I’m big on non-sacrifice. I believe you can have both. And Sylvie is proof of that.

When Sylvie was focused on her corporate life, she did not see herself as a mom. But after becoming a parent, her whole attitude towards success and parenthood changed.

She found herself driven to set an example for her son and daughter. To model success for her children.

Because she realized her kids are mirroring her every day. She could get eaten up by her duties in her career, business, and at home—or focus on doing what she loves.

Sylvie chose the latter.

For me, family is a big thing. They are my gift. Not an obligation or an excuse. And if you have been following my previous posts, you’ll know that creating more business and more life came out of my desire to spend more time with my family, and less time “working.”

If you are thinking of starting a family or already have a family, I think a great daily practice is an attitude of gratitude. Every day, write down 3-5 blessings your family and kids give you.

Choose Gratitude Create Freedom

Steve Napolitan