Do you ever wonder how you got to where you are in life? Do you ever think it could have been different?

We are definitely a product of our environment, of our upbringing and our genetics. But those factors do not ultimately influence the type of person we become.

Yes friends, lovers, education and experiences further shape us too. At the end of the day I think there are two greater influences at work.

Influence #1: Your destiny

Ok, before I completely lose you and you think I’m smoking pot while writing this, please let me explain.

I do believe that you have a unique reason for being on this Earth. Call it what you want – your calling, your destiny, your true purpose.

Acknowledge that if you’re feeling unhappy, limited or caged in right now, then it’s the universe’s way of telling you that you’re meant to be doing something else.

The thing is, the universe can only give you so many signs or provide you with those “Aha!” moments so many times, that after a while, you need to recognize these signs and act on them.

If on the other hand you feel energized, scared on a daily basis – like you’re constantly pushing yourself and battling non-believers – then you’re probably on the right track.

As Heather White put it so eloquently in our enlightening talk yesterday, “Natalie, you’re trying to change the world, that’s going to be tough at times.”

Too right! I dream big, I want great things, I want to empower you to take action in your own life and business. I want to lead this movement where you step up and become the remarkable person you are.

Influence #2: Your Mindset

Chris Brogan just wrote a blog post, “You are so stupid,” and I totally agree. I had just had the same thought myself.

Yes “thoughts” – those negative ones that creep up more often then you realize and try to derail your best efforts to be the linchpin.

Somewhere along the way, about the time we left our childhood, we decided to hire a full time person in our life (well in our mind). He/she is called “The Inner Critic.”

You gave the IC the power to tell you you’re not good enough, you’re not going to be a success, you can’t have it all, you can’t be the beautiful, happy, grounded, free person you are.

I think this was the lousiest hire we’ve made. Why didn’t we hire Mr or Mrs Incredible instead?

You know, the one who tells you that you are amazing every morning when you wake up. That you are more than capable of changing the world today with small, actionable steps. That things can be different, better, and that you can change your situation at any time. It just requires you take action.

You need to step into your power.

I have to be honest. When I first heard that term being bandied around during the recent Shine Conference, I laughed. How silly, I thought, stepping into my power. It sounded like some kind of self-help talk.

Then I realized it was exactly what I had to do. If not now, then when? Never?

Most likely. Ever hear people say “Oh I’d love to try that some day!” Or better yet “I wish I could do that one day”? I aim to ban that language from my vocabulary. I think it was language invented by the Inner Critic to hold me back.

I usually ask those people “Why not now? What’s stopping you? If you really want to be doing it you will move heaven and Earth to make it happen”.

What they’re really saying is, that sounds like a cool thing but I’m not really prepared to put in the effort to make that happen because it seems like hard work.

I admit I’m guilty of doing this, too. I get emails every day from women around the world that really make my day. They’re usually amazed that I live the life I do, that I travel to different countries and go on adventures and run my business.

Perhaps you think I have it altogether. Well I certainly don’t. I do however know what I want and where I’m going.

It hasn’t always been that way but I think that’s part of life’s journey. If you knew from age 1 you were meant to be an astronaut, how boring would life be? You wouldn’t try for anything else.

If there’s one thing I love to do, it’s to try new things. I’m an odd creature in that I love change. I like adventure. I don’t like things, I don’t want stuff. I crave experiences.

I am most alive when I’m helping others, showing them the way, being useful, making an impact. Also when I’m dancing, playing Ultimate Frisbee or tennis or swimming in the ocean… or when I’m singing to the stereo blasting away, bathing in an outdoor shower or playing with dogs and laughing.

Your time is now. Just do it.

Nike had a point when they picked their slogan “Just do it.” Could it be any more in your face obvious? Nope. Nothing ever came from talking about building a great business, being the best piano player or becoming the best cupcake maker ever.

Everything came from taking action though. The first action you can take is to silence your inner critic. Seriously, tell IC to just shut up and bugger off. Then get on with living your very best life.Just Do It

Be yourself. But be your very best self.

It’s time for you to join the Make Yourself Movement.

No matter how scary or hard it may seem, I’m right here with you, along the way, feeling the same things you feel, pushing through it and realizing that it is actually not that scary after all.

Even better, the rewards are that you just get better at taking action, as a result you gain momentum and when you’re living on purpose, doing what you’re put on this Earth to do… well things just start happening for you, and you are living in the present and it’s truly a gift.

That’s why I was so excited when Nike approached me and identified me as one of the most influential women bloggers and asked me to be part of their Nike Women Make Yourself Movement.

It couldn’t have come at a better time as I gain this momentum to lead the Suitcase Entrepreneur movement. I’m one of just 20 wonderful women that Nike believes represent their Nike Make Yourself Movement.

I’m ready. Are you?