We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Bennett. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.
Hi Stephanie , we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
My confidence and positivity are two of my favorite traits, and they’ve been years in the making. Developing them is something I work on daily. I’ve perfected skills like maintaining a positive mindset, reading and reciting empowering affirmations, and keeping a gratitude journal.
A few years ago, I came across a picture on Pinterest that profoundly impacted me. It depicted a woman riding a bike with cars on either side of her. Despite the traffic around her, she was carefree, smiling, with flowers in her basket and her dress flowing. The caption read, “Stay in your own lane, there is no traffic here.”
This image taught me the power of focusing on my own path rather than comparing myself to others. By embracing this mindset, I started flourishing. I became more intentional about my day, from choosing my outfits to the way I present myself and how I make others feel. This shift in perspective has greatly boosted confidence and how I carry myself.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My story is a journey of transformation and growth. I started with a traditional path—going to college, getting married, and starting a family. For nearly 11 years, I had the privilege of staying home with my two daughters, a time for which I’m deeply grateful.
Two years ago, I faced a profound turning point when I made the difficult decision to end my marriage. This choice was incredibly challenging, but it marked a courageous step towards aligning my life with what truly mattered to me. It was a period of intense personal growth and bravery.
As I embarked on this new chapter, I realized that my part-time role as a realtor needed to evolve. I embraced a full-time commitment to my career, applying the lessons of grit and resilience I’d learned. This shift has led to remarkable growth both personally and professionally.
Today, I leverage my experiences to better serve my clients, support my family, and work alongside my wonderful husband. My journey has taught me the true meaning of perseverance and learning, which I now use to provide exceptional service and support to those I work with.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Communication Skills: Growing up, I was often told, “Stephanie, you could talk to a brick wall if it would talk back.” While it was meant humorously, it reflects my natural gift for communication. I’ve honed this skill over time, transforming it into a crucial asset in my business. By learning to listen actively to my clients and understand their unspoken needs, I’ve been able to turn my talkative nature into a powerful tool for effective negotiation and client advocacy.
Commitment to Learning: I have a deep passion for learning—whether through lectures, podcasts, or self-help books. This commitment has been immensely beneficial to my business. By continuously seeking new knowledge and perspectives, I’ve been able to adapt and innovate, which has positively influenced both my personal and professional life. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning helps in staying ahead and finding new ways to improve.
Resilience: Navigating personal and professional challenges has taught me the value of resilience. Overcoming obstacles and adapting to changes have strengthened my ability to persevere and maintain a positive outlook. This quality has been crucial in overcoming setbacks and continuing to move forward with confidence.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
A book that’s had a profound impact on me is The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy, which I read annually. The book illustrates how small, seemingly insignificant decisions can accumulate to produce significant results over time. For instance, daily habits like drinking a soda may seem harmless but can lead to substantial long-term effects, such as weight gain.
This concept has taught me to be intentional with my choices and avoid living on autopilot. It’s a reminder that every small decision contributes to my overall success, both personally and professionally. By focusing on consistent, positive actions, I can achieve meaningful progress and long-term goals.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.stephsellssummerville.com
- Instagram: stephsellssummerville
- Facebook: Steph Sells Summerville- Carolina One
Image Credits
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