Welcome to Woman Leadership show. I'm Janet and in this episode, I will be sharing with you what are my fears.Fear about people dislike me or what mind a lot about what others think about me. When I was working in one of my ex company during my younger days, I used to be affected a lot by my ex boss and colleagues would think about what my boss said and if they like or dislike me. It affected me so much that my confidence and self esteem were low and I was afraid to speak up in group and to others about my opinion. Fear about losing status and money when I earned more at a more senior level. When I was mid 30s, I had a career, family and promoted few times and doubled my salary in 2 years. Despite having those, I felt a sense of loss and unhappy with my life. . It was not easy for me to quiet without a job and took a break. It could be the mid life crisis that I have experienced and I took a 5 months career break in 2010. I wanted the break because my late mum was initially diagnosed with lump on her breast but it was harmless and was removed. At that time, both of us thought it was cancer, that was the aha moment when I felt that I wanted to travel around the world with her as it was her wish. We went travelling to Europe and USA during the break and subsequently have travelled with her at least twice a year. It was the best decision I made and have created wonderful memories of us spending time together. As I am speaking, I really miss her. There is this quote by Dr Seuss that resonate with me, Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. 
Fear about not doing enough while I can for family and myself. I would think if I have done enough time for family, my late mum and for myself. To my best ability, I do my best to provide to be the best mum, wife, daughter and daughter in law. I think I could do more but there is limited time and so my priorities are limited to what I can do for them. My key takeaway is I have learnt over the years not to be affected by what others think of me just as when in my younger days. I cannot please everyone and no matter what I do , there will be haters. I am nto here to please them but to attract only those who are like minded and accept me as who am I without me pretending to be what they expect me to be. 2nd takeaway is that there is fear of losing what we have be it money, status, love ones but we have the option to choose when we plan and with support. I have savings hence I could quit and with the support of my hubby. The break was needed for me to continue to my next stage of career where I started to travel around in the region for work for number of years. 3rd takeaway is fear about not doing enough. We are not perfect, give ourselves pats on our shoulders every small and big successes. During one of the development program, I learnt to write down 5 successes per day and what I am grateful for. This exercise helped me to boost my confidence and celebrate every small wins whether for family or at work. I hope that through my sharing, it draws inspiration and personal reflection for you. I believe every woman can be a leader in your own way.  I look forward to seeing you in my next episode where I will be sharing with you tips and ways to realize your full potential as a leader on Woman Leadership