Reinvention Tips

Lisa Lockwood Associate Producer?

2008-11-25T11:52:00.000-08:00

Now is one of those times I need to heed my own advice of ‘I can do this!’

So everyone reading this today should already know that I'm Lisa Lockwood, reinvention expert and author of Undercover Angel: From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team, right?
...If not, hello and welcome to my blog.
I am gearing up to try my hat on as, get this, an Associate Producer on a movie about my life!

For the first time ever, that's how reinventions usually begin, with firsts, I will be meeting with interested parties who want to claim their financial or expert stake in Undercover Angel-the movie. Now one thing I now for sure, there's a very good chance the title will change, ala Erin Brockovich, Antowne Fisher: Finding Fish and Chris Gardner's The Pursuit of Happyness. I want to put it out there that I am totally good with this!

Just like when I wrote my memoir, I realize the easy part is putting the story idea together, the tricky and most challenging part will be the marketing, raising capital, getting accomplished stars to commit to the project and having a great studio want to produce it. My intention is to release my desire of having Scarlett Johannson as the lead and Philip Seymour Hoffman opposite the lead to the universe. I'm not too picky and would be overjoyed to have any of the A-list production companies in Hollywood produce it.

So if anyone reading this feels inclined to pay-it-forward and pass my story along to their friends in the industry, it will be deeply appreciated.

If I can help you in any way, reach out to Lisa@LisaLockwood.com

Visit www.lisalockwood.com to obtain more information on Lisa Lockwood, reinvention expert, speaker and coach.

To watch the Undercover Angel-Video Book trailer, click here.

Lisa Lockwood is a Speaker, Author & Reinvention Expert
She can be reached at Lisa@LisaLockwood.com www.LisaLockwood.com

(This piece is copyrighted; please credit the author if you intend to use it.)

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Success Leaves Clues

2008-11-10T08:22:00.000-08:00

Downloadable Webinar Now Available in Mp3 hosted by Doppelit
Ends November 17

NOW YOU CAN REINVENT YOURSELF AND
TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
Top reinvention experts unite for a webinar to inspire, motivate and teach people
how to get what they set out to achieve

“Start every reinvention with the mindset ‘I can do this!’”

Lisa Lockwood, reinvention expert and author of Undercover Angel: From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team

For the first time ever, eight life change and reinvention experts are gathering to spread the word to the public that you can, in fact, take charge of your life and get what you want. Participants are already applying the tips and hints in their own lives.

This is an opportunity for all, whether a CEO of a top firm or someone stuck in a dead-end job, to learn key steps in moving forward successfully with life. What we truly hope to reveal is that success is possible in every aspect of life, from relationships to work, and family to personal achievement.

Discover and apply my Top 6 Reinvention Secrets! Despite my past, I went on to become a decorated soldier, the first female member of my prceinct's SWAT team, and an undercover detective. My interview is now downloadable along with the 7 additional experts.

We're ready to share how you can do it.

“Getting to Know the Real YOU” is presented by Doppelit and will runs thru-November 17. Visit www.lisalockwood.com to sign up and to obtain more information on Lisa Lockwood, reinvention expert and participating speaker.

Access to the calls is $97 and includes workbooks from each of the 8 presenters.
For $127, participants will receive a “reinvention toolkit” which includes various ebooks, audio MP3’s, courses and more.
This is a 100% guaranteed event. If you feel you did not benefit from the speakers’ messages, you can email Doppelit for a full refund.
You have nothing to lose.

The Reinvention Webinar Series is at your fingertips, click here to register now!

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2008-10-21T12:28:00.000-07:00

Lisa Featured November 3 8PM est

NOW YOU CAN REINVENT YOURSELF AND
TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
Top reinvention experts unite for tele-seminar to inspire, motivate and teach people
how to get what they set out to achieve

“Start every reinvention with the mindset ‘I can do this!’”

Lisa Lockwood, reinvention expert and author of Undercover Angel: From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team
Top reinvention experts ask, “May we invite success into your life?”
Who can say no to a question like that?

For the first time ever, eight motivation and reinvention experts are gathering to spread the word to the public that you can, in fact, take charge of your life and get what you want. In our fast-paced, success-driven society there are key elements needed to coming out on top. With this no hassle, 100% guaranteed or your money back event, participants will walk away with the tips and hints to finding success, regardless of the past.

“This is an opportunity for all, whether a CEO of a top firm or someone stuck in a dead-end job, to learn key steps in moving forward successfully with life,” says Lisa Lockwood, one of the eight speakers. “What we truly hope to reveal is that success is possible in every aspect of life, from relationships to work, and family to personal achievement.”

Lockwood’s portion of the tele-seminar features “The Top 6 Reinvention Secrets Revealed.” She speaks from experience, having overcome a childhood of poverty, an abusive marriage, and no support or encouragement for her law-enforcement career path. Despite her past, Lockwood went on to become a decorated soldier, the first female member of her SWAT team, and an undercover detective. Her inspirational segment airs November 3.

Other speakers include relationship experts, marketing moguls and best-selling authors. More importantly, they’ve all found common ground in discovering success in their own lives. Now they’re ready to share how you can do it.

“Getting to Know the Real YOU” will reveal secrets, such as:

How to set goals that make you an active participant in life rather than an observer
How to enhance your personal power using scientific methods of communication
The 6 mindsets that every successful person believes and how to make these beliefs your own
How to let go of excuses, regrets, fear and procrastination quickly and easily
Learning the skills to uncover the difference between fake and true gratitude

“Getting to Know the Real YOU” is presented by Doppelit and will run from October 15-November 17. Visit www.lisalockwood.com to sign up and to obtain more information on Lisa Lockwood, reinvention expert and participating speaker.

Access to the calls is $97 and includes workbooks from each of the 8 presenters.
For $127, participants will receive a “reinvention toolkit” which includes various ebooks, audio MP3’s, courses and more.
You have nothing to lose.

click here to register now!

To watch the Undercover Angel-Video Book trailer, click here.

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“Getting to Know the Real YOU”

2008-10-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

Tele-seminar presented by Doppelit
October 15-November 17

NOW YOU CAN REINVENT YOURSELF AND
TRANSFORM YOUR LIFE
Top reinvention experts unite for tele-seminar to inspire, motivate and teach people
how to get what they set out to achieve

“Start every reinvention with the mindset ‘I can do this!’”

Other speakers include Peter Fogel, Deremiah, Alida Fehily, Allan J. Katz, Marcus Freudenmann, Joe Rubino, and Terri Lee Cadiente. The speakers come from a variety of backgrounds, including relationship experts, marketing moguls and best-selling authors. More importantly, they’ve all found common ground in discovering success in their own lives. Now they’re ready to share how you can do it.

“Getting to Know the Real YOU” will reveal secrets, such as:

How to set goals that make you an active participant in life rather than an observer
How to enhance your personal power using scientific methods of communication
The 6 mindsets that every successful person believes and how to make these beliefs your own
How to let go of excuses, regrets, fear and procrastination quickly and easily
Learning the skills to uncover the difference between fake and true gratitude

Access to the calls is $97 and includes workbooks from each of the 8 presenters.
For $127, participants will receive a “reinvention toolkit” which includes various ebooks, audio MP3’s, courses and more.
This is a 100% guaranteed event. If you feel you did not benefit from the speakers’ messages, you can email Doppelit for a full refund.
You have nothing to lose.

The Reinvention Teleseminar Series Begins October 15th, click here to register now!

To watch the Undercover Angel-Video Book trailer, click here.

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Reinvention Series Teleseminar Starts October 15th - Sign Up Now!

2008-09-22T10:56:00.000-07:00

Click the banner above now to register!

How many of you have stepped outside of your comfort zone and tried something you never thought you’d ever do? Congratulations to all of you thrill seekers! To those of you who didn’t, guess what? You have, but probably have forgotten about it.

Remember how I shared in my book, that in a million years, I never would have pictured myself driving a tractor trailer, let alone doing it in the military during Operation Desert Storm.! I was a girly-girl for Pete’s sake! What I’d like to challenge you with today is a fun exercise that I did with my two girls recently that made me and them realize how far we’ve come.

Chart your own Reinvention Tally sheet by listing experiences you thought you’d never do or have. Take a look at mine to use as an example:

SCUBA Diving
Skydiving
Hangliding
Hot-air ballooning
Para-sailing
Flying Trapeze
NASCAR driving
Marathon running
Swam with Dolphins
Drove a tractor-trailer
Gulf War Veteran
SWAT team member

Undercover Agent-various roles
Step-mom to three children
Fire-walking
Fire-eating
Board Breaking
Zip-lining
Author
Speaker
Reinvention Expert
Guest appeared on Nat’l TV programs
Interviewed on over 100 radio programs
Contacted by an Oprah Producer!

Start building your list and let me know how you’ve done. I can’t wait to share your wins!

To watch the Undercover Angel-Video Book trailer, click here.

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Reinvent Today!!!

2008-08-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

Reinvention and transformation are no longer just “buzz words” as we reorganize our lives in today’s economy. In fact, reinvention has become a must in light of the shrinking American dollar, the sinking real estate market, plunging automotive industry and corporate downsizing. The media is threatening more uncertainty for our economy that reflects similarities to “The Great Depression.” We’ve been bracing ourselves over the last year for the bottom to fall out so we can at least know that the worst is over. We’re all aware of how the ripple effect impacts every area of our lives. With that information, some of you have already taken steps to reinvent yourself. You’ve changed careers, started side jobs to either maintain your previous standard of living or are just barely keeping your head above water.

While touring with Undercover Angel, I’ve noticed a strong sense of urgency from people who wish to learn rapidly how to reinvent. I explained that we reinvent two ways; it’s either thrust upon us out of necessity and needed to have happened yesterday or it’s a conscious choice made with the luxury of having time on our side. Obviously the people who are inquiring about reinvention now fall into the category of reinvention via necessity. Remember it doesn’t matter by which means we reinvent, they both serve us and both results can be equally rewarding. So for those of you who are truly ready for your next reinvention here’s how to get started!

If you’re ready to expand your identity, which I think you are, you must answer my trademark qualifying question. If money were abundant, what would be the thing you would do that would propel from your bed every morning? To help you, your answer should give you a sense of elation and the butterflies in your stomach feeling simultaneously. Or to put it another way, the thing you see yourself doing should cause the dichotomy of blissful joy and nerve racking fear at the same time. You’re now thinking, “Oh great Lisa, that’s really not a feeling I want to have. Can’t I just get another mindless job until I get my finances in order and then pursue what I really want?” My answer, ‘Sure you can, but first you must sign a contract with yourself that you will do it by a reasonable date, say 2 years from now, and include the repercussion that if you do not fulfill it by contracts end you will be fined $5 million dollars.’ Then I will believe you.

It all comes down to this, your personal power, drive, follow-through and persistence are the cornerstone characteristics they determine whether or not you are ready to pursue your passion to garner the rewards that you deserve. You design your lifes. You are accountable for everything that happens to you in your life. What do you want for yourself? A life by your design or someone elses? Drop me an email and let me know what you decide.

To watch the Undercover Angel-Video Book trailer, click here.

Lisa Lockwood is a Speaker, Author & Reinvention Expert
She can be reached at Lisa@LisaLockwood.com www.LisaLockwood.com

(Reprint Permission. You are welcome to reprint this blog article, however, please credit me with: Reprinted from www.lisalockwood.blogspot.com Lisa Lockwood’s Reinvention Blog.)

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10 Tips for Women to Get What They Deserve!

2008-07-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Are you a woman who has it all? Are you doing what you love? Do you have outstanding personal relationships, super careers, amass lively peer groups and feel fit healthy and confident? If you are, Congratulations! If you're not and you'd like to be, here are 10 ways to get everything you deserve!

Ask for what you want!

Toughen Up!

Stop Living in the Past!

Don't Make Excuses

Don't listen to people who tell you "It's Never Been Done Before"

Ditch your negative peer group and surround yourself with motivated people

Believe that you deserve what you are going for!

Stop thinking "It's too much work"

Tell yourself that you have what it takes

Don't be afraid of change

Ask for what you want!
Many women simply don't ask for what they want. Are you under the impression that it's not meant to be if you have to ask? Or do you believe proper etiquette prohibits you from asking and people should be able to know your needs? Frankly, it's all bunk. Whether you want the promotion, the man you're interested in to commit (hello Mr. Big) or the last piece of chocolate cake at the party, train yourself to speak up and ask for what you want.
Toughen Up!
How you react to other people's perception of you will make or break you. Accept that everyone has an opinion and choose not to let it affect you. Your emotional state is controlled by only you. Buck up, turn the other cheek and dismiss what doesn't feel good.
Stop Living in the Past!
Many women refuse to let go of their past. Do you take a negative event from your past and expect to get the same result in the future based on that experience? Only visit the past when reminiscing about positive experiences. Promise yourself to live in the now!
Don't Make Excuses
When it's time to go for what you want, do you tell yourself a story that prevents you to take a step ahead? Stories like "I know someone else who tried to do that and it didn't work out." Or, I'm too young, too old or just not smart enough to pursue that dream?" Start every new venture with the mindset, "Everything is possible."
Don't listen to people who tell you "It's Never Been Done Before"
Do you find that you often put your complete trust in the status quo? Do you believe if history, the public or the media says, "It can't be done," then think, why should I even try? The more you listen to it the more you'll believe in it. Remember, the largest rewards in life go to those who embrace the, "Never say never!" attitude.
Ditch your negative peer group and surround yourself with motivated people
Close friends and family members can sometimes make it difficult to venture into unknown territory. Even with the best intentions, they might influence you to remain in a place where they feel most comfortable. Remember, your peers are comfortable with your present, your mentors are comfortable with your future. Surround yourself with the people who want more from you.
Believe that you deserve what you are going for!
Are you one of those women who are often under the misconception that you haven't earned the right to have what you want? You tell yourself you're not deserving of the raise, the relationship or new dress because x, y and z. This is a sure-fire way to prevent you from getting exactly what you want. You are gifted with more talent and ability than you realize. Your job is to explore as many of those talents and abilities as possible in your lifetime and share them with the world! So, get working!
Stop thinking "It's too much work"
Do you tell yourself that the work involved is not worth your time and effort? This is nothing more than a protection strategy. Throw away the excuses, do the work and decide after you've achieved it if it was worth it!
Tell yourself that you have what it takes
Act as if you already have the skill, talent and know-how to pursue the thing you really want. How will you ever really know if you have what it takes until you try? Take immediate action, coupled with follow-through and the belief that you can achieve your outcome. Repeat the mantra, "I have what it takes!"
Don't be afraid of change
Reinvention, transformation and change happens with or without us. How you drive your life's car, whether riding the brake, coasting along or punching the gas, you have the sole power to move toward what you want at the pace you decide. You can either cause your change quickly or slowly live with effect of it. Decide today that you will punch your gas pedal and live at cause. Then celebrate, congratulate yourself and be grateful knowing you're living your life by your design!

Free Teleseminar:
Embrace Re-Invention: The Secret to Your Success!
7/22/08 at 8:00pm Eastern
(Attend via Phone or Webcast— it's your choice)
To attend this event, click this link now or
Phone-Number to Dial: 218-486-3695
Use Conference ID: 560878#

About the Author:
Lisa Lockwood endured welfare beginnings and an abusive marriage to become a decorated soldier in Desert Storm, a police officer, undercover narcotics detective and the first female SWAT team member on her department's team. She documents her tale in Undercover Angel: From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team, her memoir, which is gaining national recognition. Lisa currently travels across the U.S. and Canada for speaking and media appearances and holds workshops and individual life coaching sessions.

To watch the Undercover Angel-Video Book trailer, click here.

Reinvention-It's not easy but it's worth the effort!

2008-07-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

As I settle into my latest transformation, speaker, author, reinvention expert, it occurred to me that many of you still feel discouraged. Taking the next step toward and expanding your personal identity is not as easy as people, like me, portray it. I’ve heard feedback from you, “Sure, Lisa, it’s easier said than done,” or “Don’t you have to know how to act to use the tool ‘act as if?’” The answer to both questions is, “Yes!”

Not until you have enough leverage on yourself will you truly be ready to expand who you are. You’re already equipped with the internal power to do, be and have what you want. The key to any movement forward is the desire to take the step. You’re activated to make a change in your life by two things; the pleasure you perceive you will receive from accomplishing something or the pain you receive from not doing or having what you want. When you’ve reached one of those thresholds you’ve given birth to your next reinvention. This is your moment. You’ll finally feel as if today is the day to do something different and actually take the step toward expanding who you are.

If anything is worth having, spending the time to train yourself to create new and improved habits outside of your comfort zone is a must. Therefore to answer your questions better, it’s not easy and it requires an effort on your part to do something different and challenging to have the success you want in your life.

To watch the Undercover Angel-Video Book trailer, click here.

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Undercover Angel Reinvention Excerpt

2008-06-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

Book Excerpt

A few months after wearing my little girl persona, I’d dolled myself up in short shorts, black stilettos and a slinky, purple tank top. My platinum blonde mane tussled wildly over my shoulders and stretched down to the small of my back. My lips were over-lined, a trick I’d picked up from the Miss Illinois pageant to give the illusion of a plumper mouth. Finally, my eyes—which could be my most valuable tool today—struggled to stay open as they lay heavily encrusted from the clumps of midnight-black mascara. Was all of this overkill? Not when this desperate rookie was at least smart enough to realize she’d be unwired, unvested and unarmed while escorting a snitch named Rocco into a Mafia–owned pawnshop with bags of “stolen” goods to sell.

My assignment was to infiltrate a Mafia-connected fencing operation on Chicago’s south side…

To watch the Undercover Angel-Video Book trailer, click here.

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Undercover Angel Reinvention Book Excerpt

2008-06-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

Book Excerpt

Soon after my first undercover operation, I noticed a new posting for one position on the SWAT team. By that time I’d been used regularly over the last two years as a role player for the team, and I thought the guys were getting used to me. Surely, they would be as excited as I if I were to apply. I told Commander Selleck that I wanted to apply for the open position and he said, “I thought you might” … To me, making the SWAT team equated to winning the lottery; especially if I achieved the honor as a woman, coupled with my low seniority.

I expected some slack from the men, but still felt hurt and betrayed. I’d been helping them train, socialized at lunch with them and even took off into the woods to relieve myself, trying to fit in. I was okay as their role player, but that was it. All they knew was an all-male team, and that’s exactly how they wanted to keep it. I knew the team leaders were looking for a level headed team player who had proven him- or herself effective through proactive police activity and dedication to the department. It was the team members that wanted to keep it a boy’s club. As much as I wanted to believe the guys would perceive me as an equal, the reality was that it wasn’t going to happen. If I was selected, it would be like starting all over again. Yet another time for me to prove myself in a man’s world…

“Feel like celebrating tonight?”

“Why?”

“I figured a new SWAT member would want to celebrate.”

My heart raced. “Oh my God, thank you Commander!”

“Don’t thank me, you earned it and the panel believed you deserved it.”

So, after all was said and done, I proved to be the person they were looking for and became the first woman on the SWAT team.

To watch the Undercover Angel-Video Book trailer, click here.

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Undercover Angel Reinvention Excerpt

2008-06-02T08:57:00.000-07:00

“If you came here because you want to wear a badge and carry a gun and arrest people, you can march right out that back door and go back where you came from. We’re not looking for police men and women who want to be John Wayne and brag to their buddies about how many fights they got into and how many times they got to pull their gun.”

There was that gun thing again. This time I knew full well I was choosing a career that may require me to kill or be killed. It was a far cry from the princess life I thought I’d lead. Again it felt like I was bartering for something that would give me freedom—freedom from Tony, that is.

Although I felt pulled toward becoming a police officer to make a difference, there was no denying that I banked on it being the self-esteem builder I was looking for to leave my emotionally and physically abusive husband. I categorize this reinvention as one chosen by both cause and effect of my circumstances. There’s nothing wrong with stepping into another place in your life because a situation dictates the reinvention. As I’ve said before, the important thing is making the most from the time you spend in your new space.

To watch the Undercover Angel-Video Book trailer, click here.

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Undercover Angel Reinvention Excerpt

2008-05-26T05:05:00.000-07:00

I’d done it! I was off to the Chicago Police Academy one week later. Mom was beside herself. I had caused her so much anxiety already with my Desert Storm experience. My actions were always the opposite of what she expected of me. If I didn’t know any better, I would have guessed that she and Tony were co-conspirators in a plot to hold me back from a life of independence.

Following in the tradition of my Air Force battle-dress camouflage, the private security uniform, and the oh-so-flattering blue dispatcher polyesters, I now proudly donned the infamous brown khakis and Navy-style cap for the police academy. Talk about self-imposed fashion masochism! Was this the same girl who competed for Miss Illinois? The academy was as severe as the military regarding women who attempted to look like women. Make-up and jewelry were not permitted, nor was hair allowed to hang outside the cap.

Yes, I'd done it again, reinvented into a police cadet...little did I know what that one choice would have in store me...stay tuned!

Remember to set aside a quiet Memorial DAy moment for our American Veterans and our current heroes serving our Great Country Today!

Undercover Angel Reinvention Excerpt

2008-05-19T11:49:00.000-07:00

Back Story:

It was my second year in the Air Force in the midst of Operation Desert Storm. My supervisors were sent to Kuwait and I remained behind-stateside and suddenly put in charge of retired military drivers and enlisted Airmen-like myself.

“After all, one day I was their equal and the next day I was their supervisor. This had to be a hard pill to swallow, considering my age (twenty-one) and gender. I remembered what I learned in basic training: “never make or accept an excuse.” This went over like a lead balloon. I felt like the Gestapo as I declined excuse after excuse over the next few weeks. The men didn’t recognize the new and improved, firm and authoritative Lisa. The grumbling began. They resented my power and made the smallest gestures to ensure I knew it; they snatched keys from my hand, gave me the evil eye and turned their backs on me as I relayed their assignments to them. I felt betrayed. They made it clear that they were OK working with me but not for me.

With the knowledge that men and women were sacrificing their lives defending our allies across the world, the last thing I wanted to concern myself with was how these men treated me. I pretended that our safe stateside base was in the middle of Desert Storm and no one was going to get in the way of completing our daily missions. I learned that change is first ridiculed, and then questioned, before it is ultimately accepted.

Par for the course, the men mocked my authority, questioned why I was chosen to lead them and tested me, before adapting to their new leader. It took nearly six weeks for them to accept my appointment and a few more weeks for them to socialize with me as they had before.I efficiently ran our unit as if my life depended on it. Less than a year later, I was nominated for and won the prestigious honor of Airman of the Year Worldwide for the Logistics Squadrons.”

Staying the course wasn’t always easy for me but I learned that remaining steadfast and persistent proved to be rewarding.

Reinvented Mothers

2008-05-12T07:21:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother’s Day-week!

I was one of those women, ala, Sex & the City’s Carrie Bradshaw, who really didn’t know if I ever wanted to be a “mom.” Zipping through life, enjoying the ride of personal discovery, career, dating and friends, I truly never put much thought into motherhood.

I also had a peer group on a similar track, even as we approached our early 30’s, we occasionally would brooch the topic, “Do you think you’ll ever have kids?” Unanimously it was a gray zone…no pressing urge, no biological clock. One thing was certain we wouldn’t date men with children. If we wanted to have kids we would choose it for ourselves, no “mom’s by default” for our group.

Funny enough, years later we realized that our steadfast declaration proved:
Women don’t always know they want and never say never.

A few short years later, we’ve all reinvented ourselves by choice- to not only dating men with children, but marrying them, thus becoming step-moms. Who’d have thunk?

Recently one of my friends, we’ll call her Samantha, said, “You know how they say mother’s are under-appreciated? I’d like to trump that statement with step-mother’s are under appreciated!”

We both had a fun chuckle as we lamented about our roles. We give, serve, love, tutor, schedule, carpool and sacrifice our personal time-you know….all the things good mother’s do. Then we discussed all the things our step-mother label didn’t give us; the freedom to discipline, direct and make major choices like which school, camp or extra-curricular activities the children should attend and partake.

But, alas, the reward of it all is realized when Mother’s Day arrives and we receive a card with the words, “Happy-Mother’s Day absent the word “step.” Because when it comes right down to it…we truly are moms by choice not default.

Decide to Reinvent This Week!

2008-05-04T18:58:00.000-07:00

Ever notice how we, generally, step up when life demands, not when we demand. We tend to reinvent ourselves at effect of a change in our environment rather than at cause or free will.

Knowing this, we put limits on ourselves, and never seem to have the time to accomplish what we truly desire in our lives.

The most difficult part of reinventing our lives is deciding what exactly we want to do, have or make happen.

To assist you with the process, slowly read the following prompts and notice what comes up for you.

Imagine feeling inspired every day you wake up

Imagine achieving perfect health & fitness

Imagine living your life's purpose & dreams

Imagine doing what you love and loving what you do in your career

Imagine finding your true passion in life

Imagine creating wealth for yourself instead of debt

Imagine being in a healthy and loving relationship

How do you feel now? Decide this week which area of your life demands your attention and commit to doing something, out of your comfort zone, to make a step in the direction of your next reinvention.

"Press on! A better fate awaits thee."
Victor Hugo

Lisa Lockwood is a Speaker, Author & Reinvention Expert
She can be reached at Lisa@LisaLockwood.com www.LisaLockwood.com

(This piece is copyrighted; please credit the author if you intend to use it.)

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Leaving Fear Behind

2008-04-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

Choosing to reinvent is not always going to be easy. As a matter-of-fact, it can feel downright daunting; depending on how far you plan on stretching out of your comfort zone.

I want you to think about how many times you have put off making a monumental decision, procrastinated or repressed an emotion because you were too fearful of the result? And think about after you’ve made the decision, how often did you discover that it was a lot easier than you imagined and even found it relieving? If you’re anything like me, you probably said, “Many times.” Yet we continue to do it.
In my memoir, Undercover Angel, I had many references for not taking swift action in areas I knew I needed to change. Looking back, every single fear I had turned out to be an unwarranted fear.

Knowing full well that nothing is ever as bad as we think, we still get stuck in our own immobilizing fear patterns.

I have a solution to this:

Consider making a list of the perceived fearful events in your lives. The events that you focused so much energy into that later proved to be a piece of cake or at the very least a mild inconvenience?

I believe having these references available for immediate access will reduce the amount of time we spend in indecision when making your next reinvention choice.

Sometimes all it takes is having a reference from our own lives immediately available to give us the courage we need to make our next step.

“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.”
M. Scott Peck

Lisa Lockwood is a Speaker, Author and Reinvention Expert
She can be reached at Lisa@LisaLockwood.com www.LisaLockwood.com

(This piece is copyrighted; please credit the author if you intend to use it.)

"Act as if" you've done it before!

2008-04-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

One of the tools most important tools that I used throughout my life, “Act as if” was certainly not created by me. This sage advice had been used for thousands of years by people who were preparing to do something that they’ve never done before. “Acting as if” was, is and will continue to be one of the most important tools we can arm ourselves with to attain incredible success.

In my free success lesson newsletter, I give specific examples of when I took on various roles working undercover police operations that I had no experience in doing. Of course, I had the added incentive of acting as if my life depended on it because, frankly…it did. When the stakes are higher we can just about be or do anything we want. But I also used it when the stakes weren’t so high, like competing in a beauty pageant without training and it worked there as well.

Oprah herself used this skill when she was auditioning for her first job on television. Barbara Walters was one of Oprah’s mentors. So to prepare for the audition Oprah remembered how Barbara Walters sat, crossed her legs and propped her head upon her fist when she leaned toward a guest and used it.

Oprah “acted as if” she was Barbara Walters and nailed her audition…and the rest, well, we certainly know how great that worked for her.

As you prepare to venture into a new role for your life; starting a new career, becoming a mom for the first time, taking a dance class, joining a new club…whatever it is that you decide you want to pursue, start to “act as if” you’ve done it before. Confidence will inevitably follow. If you want to really get a fire under your behind, “act as if” your life depends on you achieving the goal.

Persist Until You Succeed!

2008-04-13T18:00:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday I was invited to be interviewed on Fox Business News Happy Hour in New York City. Later I found out that the program broadcasts live from “The Bull and Bear Pub” in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel…very cool.

I was interviewed at the bottom of the hour by Cody -the male half of the Rebecca Gomez & Cody Willard co-anchor team. Cody composed himself after some chuckling disbelief as he tried to imagine that I was once a SWAT cop he said, “I know persistence was one of the tools you used to accomplish so many goals in your life…in thirty seconds can you tell our audience how to be persistent?”

In essence, I answered, “When you keep your focus on your goal, your mind will assist you. It will look for new and creative ways to get your outcome. It’s your job to continually respond by acting upon those new ideas.”

Keeping in line with my goal of providing you with the knowledge, tools, support and hopefully, the inspiration you need to recreate your life, your career, your health and/or your relationships, I’d like you to be aware of the importance persistence is to the formula.

In, The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles, I was never more moved and inspired by his following words:

“God’s gift to you is more talent and ability than you could possibly use in your lifetime. Your gift to God is to develop as much of that talent and ability as you can in this lifetime.”

Having said that, when would now, be a good time to declare that you will persist until you succeed?

‘Til next time, consider taking action on an unaccomplished goal that you haven’t crossed off your to do list. Trust that you will generate new and creative ways to make it happen!

Lisa Lockwood is a Speaker, Author and Reinvention Expert
She can be reached at Lisa@LisaLockwood.com www.LisaLockwood.com

What would you say....

2008-04-07T19:28:00.000-07:00

I had the privelege of being interviewed on, "The Ladies Room with Lolis," today via telephone in Austin, TX. Turns out Lolis, an incredible leader in the women's club, also had an experience in the pageant world (a former Miss Ohio-USA).

After sharing my story with her listeners she closed the interview with this question, "Lisa, what would you say to someone who is listening today, who wants to reinvent themself but isn't sure into what?"

I love that question for two reasons. One, because I know the answer, ha ha and two because it's a super question that is asked by more people than I can count. It deserves as much air-time as air itself will allow.

I answered, "Think for a moment about who you'd like to become, take away the "how" that could actually happen. When you feel equally excited and fearful at the thought of transforming into that reinvention, (now I'm talking about the goosebump excitement and shivering fear combined kind of feeling) then you'll know you have your answer.

The next step is simple, write it down, put it into a journal, on your computer or even add it to your vision/dream board. Congratulate yourself for identifying your next reinvention and prepare yourself for the ride of your life.

The most difficult part of reinventing is deciding your next move. Once that decision is made you'll start to see that you will attract people, events and opportunities that coincide with your reinvention.

Lisa Lockwood is a Speaker, Author and Reinvention Expert
She can be reached at Lisa@LisaLockwood.com www.LisaLockwood.com

(This piece is copyrighted, do not copy with out permission from the author)

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Reinvention – A Second Chance To...

2008-03-31T06:32:00.000-07:00

..........Make A First Impression!

In her recent induction speech at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Madonna thanked an unlikely audience – her harshest critics. Their resistance propelled Madonna to three decades of platinum albums, pop icon status and worldwide recognition as the queen of reinvention. Madonna’s willingness to keep ahead of the times by constantly reinventing her image is extraordinary, yet completely attainable.
Reinvention is challenging and often overwhelming, but I like to think I make it easy for people to reinvent their personal and professional lives.

As a start, I'd like to encourage you, at the very least, to combine optimism with whatever reinvention your contemplating. View each bump in the road as an opportunity to grow.

I believe we are capable of achieving things far greater than we think!It is only our perceived limitations that prevent us from stepping into our next reinvention.

Remember that Reinvention is necessary for anyone seeking to heal past issues such as abuse, elevate their self esteem, resolve relationship issues or break through personal limitations and barriers.

The goal ultimate goal of Reinvention,is to embrace the change as a necessary part of our evolution. Once you do that, you are on the right path to a happy and fulfilling life.

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Reinvention Tips

2008-03-25T10:03:00.000-07:00

“What do Madonna, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Tyra Banks have in common? Reinvention!

They’ve all had incredible success in one area of their lives, reinvented themselves by pursuing new successful careers that didn’t have anything to do with what they first set out to do.

Madonna went from pop singer to actor, film producer, clothing designer.
Arnold Schwarzenegger went from Mr. Universe to actor to Governor of California.
Tyra Banks went from Supermodel to television talk show host.

And let’s not forget my claim to fame; welfare kid, beauty queen, SWAT team member, author and speaker to Reinvention Expert.

So what’s stopping you from leaving behind what you’re doing now?

Oh I know what you’re thinking; I’ve missed the boat, my opportunity came and went, I’m not young enough, smart enough or strong enough to put my energies into pursuing a new reinvention.

We all have something burning inside of us that we want to go after. Some of us have achieved our dreams, but what happens when that dream is realized and it turns out to be anti-climatic? You find yourself going through the motions in that field knowing you’re not as fired up about it any longer.

You’re probably thinking, “Now what? I already invested so much time, money and maybe even education to fulfill my dream. This is who I am. People know me as the mother, the doctor, the teacher, etc. Do you expect me to drop everything and change my life’s course?”

The answer is, “Yes.” You don’t owe it to me, you owe it to yourself. It has been done before. As a matter of fact what if I told you, after raising five children, my aunt went back to school in her mid-fifties to become a nurse. She’s been an RN in a cancer unit now for over 10 years.

I challenge you to do one thing today. Think about this: If money wasn't a factor, what would you be doing with your life today?

“A life without reinvention is comparable to a life spent in purgatory!”
Lisa Lockwood

Undercover Angel From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team

2008-03-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

Figuring out what we want is the hardest thing we can do when we’re contemplating a reinvention. I’d like to give you an example of how and when I decided to make one of my latest reinventions, an excerpt from my memoir; Undercover Angel From Beauty Queen to SWAT team:

Nuzzled fireside on my cocoon-like futon, writing my list of goals and dreams for 2003 was no different than past Januarys. I had asked myself repeatedly over the last year, if money were abundant, what would I love to do in this life? After attending a series of life-balancing seminars in 2001 and 2002, I was beginning to get a clearer picture of what I truly wanted from my life. I wanted to travel the world helping people. I felt so comfortable offering a kind ear, giving advice, and opening the eyes of family, friends and colleagues…After seven years of law enforcement, I felt I had truly fulfilled all my police desires for excitement, challenge and growth.

I felt ready for a reinvention. I find that once we get the “money thing” out of the way, we’re free to explore absolutely anything our creative minds can dream up. Upon leaving law enforcement, I set one goal. That goal was to chronicle my life’s journey, chock full of reinventions, in book form. I wasn’t a writer per se and had no professional experience in book writing. I decided I would write a book and embarked into my new reinvention…Lisa Lockwood author.

More Reinvention Tips

2008-02-25T12:15:00.000-08:00

We’ve all heard of or known people who have ditched their successful careers, given up the stability of the life they’ve created and switched gears to go in a new direction and become something or someone else. It’s not easy nor is it safe, but it’s a way get back on track and pursue our unfulfilled dreams and potential. Sometimes it’s a reflection of how we’ve changed and what we now want or need.

Most of the time, people reinvent themselves because of their circumstances, making the reinvention a “must.” When we’re contemplating making a shift to pursue a goal or dream, we often categorize it as a “should.” But shouldn’t we classify our goals and dreams as “musts?” The answer is absolutely, positively YES!

Successful people are already using this strategy. We all have the capability to have success if we choose to apply the reinvention tool by choice. Whether we like Madonna or not, her successful music career is not her only highlight in life. Madonna’s unparalleled ability to reinvent herself over the last three decades places her in “a league of her own.”

Madonna was keenly aware of the necessity to keep current with music industry trends based on the rapidly changing demographics for pop culture. Even as Madonna enjoyed her phenomenal successes in music, she took unpopular risks as she navigated new reinvention ventures; actor, record producer, film producer, fashion designer, author, director, wife, mother and philanthropist. Not bad for a dancer, singer, songwriter, guitarist and percussionist.

Think about how quickly we reinvent ourselves during a crisis. We barely have time to think about it, let alone choose. It’s done. All other matters are no longer important. Imagine that you’re going about your life, showing up at work, taking care of the kids and the house and then WHAM, catastrophe strikes. All of sudden your world is literally turned upside down and your reinvention consumes your life. You surrender to your new role. You re-prioritize your life based on the external event.

Choosing to be at cause for a reinvention doesn’t rate very high for most people. We find we’re better at clean-up than we are at putting our energy and attention on creating what we truly want.

Take it from me; a welfare kid, waitress, beauty queen, battered woman, heavy equipment operator, Desert Storm veteran, police officer, undercover detective, SWAT team member, author, speaker, life coach, wife, and step-mom.

We are not what we do. We are the result of a compilation of the experiences in our lives. Every door opened to us and closed behind us represents an opportunity for reinvention.

Lisa Lockwood is a Speaker, Author and Reinvention Expert from Chicago.
She can be reached at Lisa@LisaLockwood.com www.LisaLockwood.com

(This piece is copyrighted, do not copy with out permission from the author)

Reinvention Tips

2008-02-21T12:00:00.000-08:00

Whether you reinvent yourself because of a major life change or want a quick and simple reinvention to accommodate one area of your life, I will show you exactly how to make the shift and get the best out of the new you!

How do we know when it’s time to reinvent ourselves?

There are two instances by which we reinvent ourselves;

a calculated choice (pursuing a dream)

“Forced” out of necessity by external factors (becoming a caregiver for an aged parent, victim of a crime, financially strapped, failing health)

Therefore, dependant on where we resonate emotionally, financially or physically at a particular time in our lives, a catalyst for reinvention is born.

Of the two instances in which we reinvent, people are more likely to reinvent themselves when they’re forced to out of necessity.

What I want to empower you with is the ability to choose reinvention vs. having reinvention thrust upon you. I want to give you the ability to take control of your reinvention in order to get the most from your lives. There will always be factors or surprises that take us away from our goals and dreams. It is how we deal with those factors that will permit us to get back on track sooner rather than later.

Lisa Lockwood is a Speaker, Author and Reinvention Expert from Chicago.
She can be reached at Lisa@LisaLockwood.com www.LisaLockwood.com

(this piece is copyrighted, do not copy with our permission from the author)

A Way for Women To Get a Step-Up at Work

2008-02-13T08:37:00.000-08:00

It’s Still Not Easy Being a Woman at Work!

Former Beauty Queen Turned SWAT Cop Shares 5 Things Women Should Never Do on the Job

Women have been in the workplace since the 1940s and since then have managed to infiltrate every male-only enclave. But even though tremendous progress has been made, men and women still have problems working together and women still have problems being taken seriously.

As a former beauty contest pageant contestant and undercover detective, I know the difficulties women encounter in traditionally male-dominated professions, and how women can overcome them.

Want a few secrets women can use to win men over at work and vice versa.
Never complain about cramps or PMS to a male coworker.
Never criticize a male coworker in the presence of another male coworker.
Never ask a man’s opinion about their hair color, hair cut or weight.
Play pranks on someone and ask men to help you with their planning.
Ask men to help you with problems even if you don’t actually need their help.
Be in the know about certain sports teams, standings and players.

CREDENTIALS: Lisa Lockwood is a veteran of the first Gulf War, former beauty pageant contestant and undercover detective. She is now a successful writer, speaker and life coach. Her latest book, UNDERCOVER ANGEL: From Beauty Queen to Swat Team … A True Story, chronicles her career as a police officer.

AVAILABILITY: Chicago, Midwest, and nationally by phone

CONTACT: Lisa Lockwood, (514) 620-4224 (IL); Lisa@LisaLockwood.com; www.LisaLockwood.com

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Getting Back on Track

2008-02-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

Yikes...another Monday!

Of course I jest at the feeling many people have toward the first day of a new work week. Having done shift work for years in the military, private security and police sectors, Mondays may as well have been any other day of the week.

I can relate, however, to the dread that wells up when a new work week has started and we're not particularly inspired or passionate about our job.

Just today, in my relentless pursuit to reach audiences near and far, I was feeling rather overwhelmed. It is possible to feel overwhelmed even if you are on track for your life's mission, vision and purpose.

So to get back on track, I opened my agenda and marked the word Focus on each day of the week. Under the word Focus, I wrote down the thing or task that I would spend the day concentrating on. Doing that small thing instantly permitted me to sigh a sense of relief.

Consider taking a moment to get a hold on prioritizing your week and committing to letting go of the non-essentials this week and see how you feel.

Victim to Victor

2008-02-04T07:22:00.000-08:00

I wrote my story, Undercover Angel From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team to inspire others by showing them a unique transformation: from a welfare kid into a beauty pageant contestant, a soldier to victim of domestic violence, SWAT cop to man-eater, and finally back into the skin in which I was meant to live: A loving, adventurous, nurturing, driven and passionate lady-who just happens to know how to storm a drug house at a moment's notice.

Happy February! As we delve into 2008, many of us are either charged up and moving forward with pursuing new goals or already feeling regret for getting off track so soon. It's not uncommon to get fired up and excited about making the same changes we promised to make in 2007. In the moment, we truly do believe that this will be the year to stcik with it.

What's missing in our make-up that causes us to repeat a pattern that we had full intent of changing?

I believe it's as basic as leverage. Holding ourselves accountable to the "thing" (reward or punishment)we promised we would do if we either; stayed on track or gotten off of the course.

When would now be a good time to hold ourselves accountable for an action or in-action?

This is the difference between a Victim and Victor! Who are you right now, today and what are you willing to do about it.

Yesterday cannot be revisited but today is a new beginning. Make it count!

All My Best, Lisa

Lisa Lockwood is a Speaker, Author and Life Coach from Chicago.
She can be reached at Lisa@LisaLockwood.com www.LisaLockwood.com

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2008-01-29T16:56:00.000-08:00

Yes, the real-life superhero, Moi, (chuckle) has long since hung up my tiara and gun belt with hopes of inspiring people through my writing, speaking and coaching. I hope my memoir serves as a reminder to readers that they too can get past a life destined for failure by remaining persistent and optimistic.

I wrote my story to inspire others by showing them a unique transformation: from a welfare kid into a beauty pageant contestant, a soldier to victim of domestic violence, SWAT cop to man-eater, and finally back into the skin in which I was meant to live: A loving, adventurous, nurturing, driven and passionate lady-who just happens to know how to storm a drug house at a moment's notice

Lisa Lockwood is a retired Police Officer from Chicago.
She can be reached at Lisa@LisaLockwood.com

(This piece is copyrighted and can be used by permission only)