Life isn’t easy, at every turn there seems to be things that let us down, push us down, or simply give us reason to believe that we are not worthy of our dreams. Firstly, I want to let you all know that you are not alone and at these times it is super-hard to stay positive.

I have contacted numerous women from all corners of the globe, who I have inspired me throughout various stages of my life. And I think (and still think) they will serve to inspire many more women around the world thanks to, their sense of humour, their amazing style or their uncanny ability to simply make women see things through different eyes. The thing is, when I suggested to these women that they be interviewed, some of them jumped at it, others backed away and laughed, others said they were flattered, but didn’t really feel that they were worthy of the ‘inspirational’ title. At times like these, I too find it hard to stay positive. How can we grow if we are not willing to share? And why are we as women so afraid of success or showing off our talents?

Take a look at the letter I received this week. It is from an inspirational woman I was keen and eager to interview…

So, the question I ask you (reader) is this: How can we get our ‘big break’ if we are not willing to put ourselves out there in the first place? And what is the difference between having an interview and chatting on Facebook? For one, at least the interview will make you think about the questions and define yourself a little by the answer. Two: It may even inspire you to get up and find the success that you’re after.

Aussie actress Naomi Watts was hailed as an overnight success and the next ‘big thing’ for her critically acclaimed dual role in 2001′s Mulholland Drive. The funny thing was, she was broke, depressed, and almost moved home to Australia after six long years waiting for her ‘overnight’ success to come. “The worst time was after I’d shot Mulholland Drive” Watts said, “I wasn’t wasn’t working, I didn’t have health insurance and one day I got this notice that I was being thrown out of my apartment because I was late on my rent for three months in a row.”

So what kept Naomi positive? “My good friend Nicole Kidman kept telling me, ‘You’re really talented. Don’t give up” she said. Moreover, Watts observes, her innate sense of defiance kept her from admitting that she was beaten. “I kept reminding myself that acting was the only thing that I loved to do,” she said. “I kept thinking, ‘You’re good, you’re good, you’re good.” And then something funny happened…. Mulholland Drive opened and other people agreed.

If you think that Naomi’s story is one just for the stars, try these tips for positive thinking, you never know what will come your way….

• Nice Words: Just like Naomi, write you own affirmation and put it where you can see it everyday. Don’t just think it, actually get up write it and put it in a place where you can see it!
• Be Grateful – When you wake up in the morning, start your day by thinking of at least five things that you are grateful for in your life. And again, at night before you go to sleep, think of another five things that you are grateful for. Grab a journal and write these things down. By remembering to see all of the good things in your life you will draw more good towards you and this will help you to shift out of negative thoughts.
• Take Your Own Advice – If a friend came to you for advice on the situation you are in, what would you suggest they do? Typically you already know what needs to be done to improve your life, you just need to start doing it. Write down your problem and then read it out loud and answer it as if you were giving advice to a friend.

• Remember the Gift of Time – In time the economy will recover and so will your financial situation. No matter how bleak your money matters might seem in the moment it will get better. Life is made up of small moments and each moment gives you the choice to see the good or the bad. Remember each moment in time is a gift with the potential for good things to come your way.
• Pop that Thought! – This might sound easier said than done, but stopping negative thoughts can actually change your life. But shifting your negativity can be hard, so visualise it, try putting your thought in a bubble and popping it
• Get Active – Go for a run, have a swim, use that energy up and you’ll feel a whole lot better.

Watts has stated that she wanted to become an actress since she watched the 1980 film Fame. Her ability to stay true to herself allowed her to reach that goal. A brilliant interview with Watts can be seen below from Inside the Actors Studio an American television show on the Bravo cable television channel, hosted by James Lipton.

View the full Inside the Actors Studio Interview with Naomi Watts article here.