We recently connected with Dr. Teresa A. Smith, Aka Dr. TAS and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Teresa A. Smith,, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
This is an intriguing question that strikes a personal chord with me. During my childhood, I experienced bullying from both my peers and adults. While hurtful, this experience is unfortunately not uncommon. Such is the nature of human interactions.
However, I’ve found that embracing your true self and understanding your motivations helps you navigate the opinions of those who criticize or doubt you. When you reach self-acceptance and clarity about your identity and purpose, you start recognizing that the negativity from haters and nay-sayers often stems from their unmet needs or insecurities. Rather than personally attacking you, it’s a projection of their inner turmoil.
This realization helps you maintain a healthy perspective. You understand that the focus of their criticism isn’t truly about you—it’s a way for them to avoid confronting their internal issues. In light of this understanding, you learn to observe their negativity, acknowledge it, and continue moving forward.
Not investing excessive energy in responding to these critics is vital, as that inadvertently gives them power over your emotions and actions. By keeping your attention firmly fixed on your goals, purpose, and the genuine life you aim to lead, you build the resilience to persevere. When you focus on your authentic journey, you learn to let the negativity of others flow without dragging you down. This isn’t about ignoring or denying the negativity; it’s about acknowledging it while not allowing it to dictate your path.
Ultimately, as you embrace your purpose and remain true to yourself, you develop the ability to rise above the noise created by haters and nay-sayers. Your strength lies in your unwavering commitment to your growth and authenticity, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and grace.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Hey there, wonderful readers! I’m Dr. Teresa A. Smith, or as many of you know me, Dr. TAS. It’s truly a privilege to share my journey with you and shed light on what is the most exciting and unique aspect of my work.
What I do is all about transformation, empowerment, and resilience. But what excites me the most is the opportunity to empower individuals like you to chase after success with unwavering determination. I’ve built a brand that’s all about helping you discover your potential, overcome challenges, and truly thrive.
I wear many hats in my quest to inspire and guide individuals toward their path to success. As an author, I pour my heart and soul into books that provide practical wisdom and motivation. My debut publication, “Stronger: How Overcoming Life’s Adversities Can Push You Into Your Purpose,” was an incredible moment for me. It was a true honor to have it listed as number two on the list of 20 books Oprah should read in 2019. This recognition tells me that my words are making a difference in people’s lives, and that’s the most exciting part.
“From Bravery to Victory” and “Transformation” followed. I shared critical principles for staying focused during tough times and offered a roadmap for individuals to harness their strengths and reach their goals. But I’m not just about mental and emotional transformation; I’m passionate about healthy living too. My Amazon Best Seller, “Transform With TAS Healthy Recipes,” is a testament to my dedication to promoting a healthier lifestyle.
I’m not just about words on paper, though. I also host the “Transform with TAS Talk Show.” On this show, I introduce you to incredible guests who have conquered adversity and achieved remarkable success. We discuss their journeys, share invaluable life lessons, and delve into the art of cooking healthy meals that nourish both the body and mind. You can catch these empowering conversations on YouTube, and I guarantee you’ll leave feeling motivated to embark on your transformation journey.
And speaking of transformation, my latest book, “Transformation: The Bounce Back,” is a project that’s incredibly close to my heart. It’s a candid reflection of how a sudden illness made me realize I’d lost sight of my identity. But from that low point, I found the strength to reclaim control over my life. In these pages, I share the practical steps I took to bounce back, and I hope they resonate with you too.
In my radio contributions to “Conversations LIVE” and “Positive365.NET,” I advocate for self-improvement and personal growth. My “Talk with TAS” segment has reached millions worldwide, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to impact so many lives positively.
So, what’s new in my world? The transformation journey never ends, and I’m continually working on fresh content and projects to inspire and empower you. So, if you’re ready to break free from the chains of self-doubt and are eager to embrace transformation and success, I’m here for you. Let’s embark on this journey together. Let’s shatter barriers, overcome obstacles, and reach new heights. I’m Dr. TAS, and I can’t wait to be a part of your transformation story.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
It’s remarkable to reflect on the qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have shaped my journey thus far. First and foremost, the power of imagination has been an incredible force driving my growth. The book “When I Grow Up” taught me that imagining a brighter future can be a powerful motivator for personal transformation. Imagination fuels innovation and helps us overcome challenges by allowing us to see beyond our current circumstances. My advice to those starting their journey is never to underestimate the transformative potential of their imagination. Cultivate it, let it roam freely, and use it to envision your desired life.
Secondly, resilience has been an unwavering companion throughout my journey. Life presents obstacles and setbacks, but the ability to bounce back propels us forward. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth has been instrumental in my development. For those embarking on their journey, I encourage you to view difficulties as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Cultivate resilience by maintaining a positive attitude, learning from setbacks, and understanding that every setback is an opportunity for a comeback.
Lastly, recognizing that I have the agency to choose my path has been a guiding principle. The book emphasized that my future is not defined by circumstances but by my aspirations. This lesson underscores the importance of self-determination and the power of making intentional choices. To those at the beginning of their journey, remember that you have the capacity to shape your destiny. Cultivate self-awareness, set clear goals, and take consistent actions aligned with your vision.
In terms of advice, I would suggest nurturing these qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge by:
1. Cultivating Imagination: Set aside time for creative exercises like journaling, brainstorming, or daydreaming. Engage in activities that challenge you to think outside the box and envision possibilities beyond your current reality.
2. Building Resilience: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Practice self-care, develop a robust support system, and seek out inspirational stories of individuals who have overcome adversity.
3. Exercising Agency: Reflect on your goals and aspirations. Break them into actionable steps and make deliberate choices aligning with your vision. Practice decision-making and take ownership of your path.
Remember, your journey is uniquely yours, and every step you take contributes to your growth and transformation. Stay curious, remain open to learning, and never underestimate the power of your potential. Like that little girl in the mirror, you can close your eyes, count to three, and become the person you aspire to be.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
As a young girl, I received a gift that would profoundly shape my life: a book titled “When I Grow Up” by Jean Bethel. This charming book follows a little girl’s journey who ponders her future while gazing into a mirror with the question, “What will I be when I grow up?” This innocent yet imaginative exercise allowed her to explore various professions, from nurse and cowgirl to stewardess and ballerina. This book held a special place in my heart, transcending its pages to open the door to a world of dreams and endless possibilities.
Growing up in rural North Carolina, I encountered my fair share of challenges. Yet, within the pages of “When I Grow Up,” I found a beacon of hope and a message of resilience that I yearned for. The simple notion that by closing my eyes and counting to three, I could transform into anything I wished was a ray of hope illuminating the darkest corners of my life.
One of the most treasured lessons I gleaned from this book was the incredible power of imagination. It revealed that I could momentarily escape my complicated reality by dreaming of a brighter future. It taught me that imagination was a source of solace and a tool for healing and transformation, allowing me to visualize a life beyond the pain I had endured.
The stories within the book etched an enduring impression in my heart by underscoring the significance of knowledge and compassion in helping others. The nurse’s ability to diagnose and treat Dick’s illness symbolized that I could overcome obstacles and positively impact the world with education and unwavering determination.
However, the most profound lesson was the empowering belief that I held the agency to chart my life path. “When I Grow Up” instilled in me the unwavering conviction that I could be anything I aspired to be, irrespective of my past or the challenges that loomed. It served as a reminder that my future was not tethered to my circumstances but was shaped by the vivid dreams and aspirations within me.
In the face of the trauma of sexual abuse, this book emerged as a wellspring of strength and motivation. It whispered that I possessed the resilience to rise above my painful past and construct a future brimming with hope and boundless opportunities. “When I Grow Up” became a guiding light, leading me through the darkest of times, and its invaluable lessons continue to resonate within me, even to this day. It instilled in me the belief that, just like that little girl in the mirror, I could close my eyes, count to three, and transform into the person I aspired to become.
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Image Credits
WIZPRO Imagineering
