Do you remember the story of the Wizard of Oz?

The Scarecrow needed brains so the Wizard gave him a diploma and said "all smart people have diplomas, now you have one - go act like it".

The Lion needed courage so the Wizard gave him a medal and said "all brave people have medals, now you have one - go act like it".

The Tin Man needed a heart so the Wizard gave him a clock that made a rhythmic sound like a heartbeat and said, "go act like it".

In that story, each individual needed something they already had. All the Wizard did was give them permission to use that which they already possessed.

There are many occasions in our lives that we look to others to sanction our value or worth. For example, a doctor is not allowed to practice medicine until he or she is awarded a medical degree. Did that person suddenly acquire the skills to practice medicine when they were handed the diploma? Or did they possess them already through their diligent studies?

The same is true for everyday activities like driving. Did you possess the skills to drive before you received the license? Of course you did.

The Wizard of Oz, the University Diploma and the Driver's License are all examples of others giving us permission in our lives. Because these people sanction our ability, we are empowered to move steadily ahead toward the accomplishment of our goals.

Sadly, there are also examples of people who provide negative permission or negative programming in our lives. People who tell us it can't be done or that we're not good enough. Watch for these destructive people and be particularly aware of the most negative permission of all - your own negative self-talk.

Do you have self-esteem or other-person-esteem? Do you allow other people or other things to determine your worth? Sometimes we attach our worth to things or people like our job, spouse, friends, family, professional designation or degree.

When others paint pictures for us and we don't have enough confidence to paint our own picture, we follow the most charismatic person. Someone says, do it this way. Without goals and purpose, we say okay.

What is the most powerfully positive message you have been given? What is the most powerfully negative message you have ever been given? Have those messages had an effect on you? Have you let those messages define your self-esteem?

You have the power to be the CEO of you! Use it! Clear any messaging that inhibits your ability to be all that you are. Receive and dwell on the positive things about yourself, and recognize within your unique abilities and competencies. This year, work on what is most important for and about you, and you will determine your own value and your future.