TOP 1%er INTERVIEW SERIES
The goal of the “Top 1%er” interview series is to break down the qualities of people who excel and to show that you can be successful and achieve personal greatness from any starting point in your life. The interview series will look at people from all different careers and industries. Some names will be familiar and others may not. The purpose is to understand and borrow from the “best practices” of winners to develop a roadmap to your TOP 1%. We will share a new story every two weeks.
This week’s guest is Caroline Miller, an internationally-known coach, best-selling author, and speaker on the topic of goal accomplishment and its connection with happiness. She is recognized as a leader on this research and how it can be applied to one’s life for maximum transformation and growth. Caroline has been a pioneer for over two decades with her ground-breaking work in the areas of change and goal accomplishment. She is regularly featured on television and radio programs around the world. Her latest book, Creating Your Best Life, is one of my favorites.
* * *
Caroline Miller is an inspiring woman who has continually redefined the word “limits” to create a meaningful life. We spoke earlier this month about Living in Your Top 1% and the qualities that help people excel. She believes it is essential to take risks that are commensurate with what you want to bring into your life.
ALISSA FINERMAN: 1. What’s the most important strength you possess that helps you to be successful in your role?
CAROLINE MILLER: I think I inspire people because I’m hopeful in a very grounding way. I help others create hope and optimism for their future and what’s possible. I also have high energy which helps my clients move forward. One of my core strengths is that I am intensely curious about what drives people and I always like to learn.
2. Tell me about some of the daily thoughts that inspire you to keep going?
CM: Throughout the day I express gratitude and find it helpful to wear bright clothes because it enhances my energy and zest. Another important ritual I follow is to work with good people that I like.
3. How do you use the concept of small steps in your life?
CM: Small steps are key to success. I tend to be a big thinker so I need to manage myself to find the next clear small step which is often a change in my thinking and/or behavior. For example, when I was writing my most recent book, a few of the smaller/essential steps I took were to: have an accountability writing partner to tell how many pages or words I would write each day and to remove distractions such as not looking at emails during the day. “You can’t hit a target you can’t see.”
4. What role do goals play in your life?
CM: Goal setting plays a big role in my life. One or two times a year, I get quiet and take a look at my goals and ask, “Is it time to redirect my goals?” I favor writing my goals on a yellow legal pad because the physical act of writing helps me to focus. Goals are dynamic and you need to constantly reassess to balance the different parts of your life such as health vs. work. Throughout the year, I continually check in with the goals I’ve committed to and make sure I am on the best path to attain them. I also have a mastermind group that meets monthly with people who are supportive and positive.
5. What keeps you motivated each day?
CM: I’m a learner at heart and the fact that there is always more to learn keeps me going. I love what I do and make an effort to partner with people/clients to help them create energy and passion for the life they want to lead. It’s very fulfilling to help others clarify a path forward and then move into action. That inspires me!
6. What are some of the toughest challenges you have overcome?
CM: 25 years ago I dealt with an eating disorder. Ultimately, there was nowhere to go but up. This reality check helps you understand the value of life. Another challenge was balancing motherhood with being an entrepreneur and working from home. I effectively broke through the stereotypes and misconceptions about what’s possible and what’s expected when you are the mother of three kids. Balancing your own needs and creating a life while caring for your family is never easy but it is doable.
7. What do the top performers do differently to excel?
CM: The top performers take risks commensurate with what they want to achieve. The two are directly proportionate. They have grit and resilience. Everyone has setbacks. The difference is the people who get back up again and again. It’s this fierceness and dedication to purpose that helps one be resilient. Another interesting factor is the choices we make and the environment we put ourselves in together with the role models we select. Many of these qualities are readily available to all of us; we just need to make the choice.
To learn more about Caroline, please visit www.CarolineMiller.com.
The “Top 1%er” interview series is presented by Alissa Finerman, an Executive Coach and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, speaker and author of Living in YOUR Top 1%. She works with managers, C-suite executives and teams to leverage strengths, shift beliefs and achieve meaningful goals. Alissa has an MBA from the Wharton School and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley. She has worked with Ross Stores, Petco, BNP Paribas, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, Brookfield Property Partners, Neutrogena, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Dress for Success. To learn more about coaching with Alissa, please visit her website and follow her on Facebook
Leave a Reply