Dr. Nicole D. Bradford On Her Book 1 Step Is All It Takes
TODAY’S PURPOSE WOMAN is proud to celebrate and promote authors who are impacting the lives of others both on and off the paper. In our series, Powerhouse Authors, we highlight and chat with remarkable authors about their books and why they feel it is needed in today’s world.
We recently spoke with Dr. Nicole D. Bradford a published author, life coach, entrepreneur, and speaker with two decades of experience in the field of education. She energizes and equips others to take action and live audaciously authentic lives. Dr. Bradford enjoys traveling and encouraging others to tap into their younger self. She asks that we reflect to when we were younger, had a zest for life, and didn’t care who was around or what they thought. Unfortunately, so many of us lose our excitement for life as we transition into adulthood. Dr. Bradford is a very transparent coach/speaker that has overcome several challenges in her life, and she uses her challenges from witnessing domestic violence as a child, workplace labels/limitations, supervising while young, and desiring success and being labeled and disliked by peers and family members (both in-laws and outlaws). She stresses the importance of creating the life that you desire and take steps to move from pleasing others to doing what makes you genuinely happy. It is very important that we focus on removing the lies, labels and limitations that maybe placed on you by others so that you can live an Audaciously Authentic life.
As a first-generation college graduate and the youngest of six children, she began her career working with disenfranchised youth and setting up programs to ensure their success. Dr. Bradford has been fortunate to work as a Professor, Vice President of Student Services, Teacher, Assistant Principal, and Campus Principal.
Dr. Nicole is the owner and founder of Maintain the Flame and the author of 1 Step Is All It Takes and is currently writing her next book, “My Soul is NOT for Sale.” Dr. Nicole wrote 1 Step Is All It Takes to help readers take 1 step every day towards the life they have always dreamed of. The book provides personal challenges that allow readers to evaluate their lives and the situations they are currently dealing with so they can strategize and ensure their success. Several bible verses are included in the book to connect readers to the word of God, while directing them in the way in which He would have them go.
Below is our conversation with Smith about her book and why she feels it is essential in today’s world.
What inspired you to write 1 Step Is All It Takes?
In 2018, I lost my sister unexpectedly at the age of forty-eight years old. In addition to losing my sister in 2019 I became the caregiver for both of my parents who I lost within ten months of each other after they had been married for sixty-one years. The loss of those family members taught me the importance of life. My sister had recently retired and had been retired only a few short months before God decided to call her home. I was inspired to write the book to shed light on the fact that we may take each day for granted, but nothing is promised on this earth. I’m sure that my sister had plans for her retirement, and she was in the process of planning her fiftieth birthday party, which she was never able to attend.
1 Step Is All It Takes allows you to set aside the next thirty days and focus on yourself and your relationship with God as you work towards the goals and dreams that you have set for yourself.
Why is this book essential to society?
Society is dealing with so many challenges. Every day, we hear about mass shootings, the challenges of mental health, and unfortunately, we witness the negative effect that it is having on our youth. This book helps those individuals who may be stuck amid depression, self-doubt, or just immobility. It will reassure those in need the importance of realizing their potential and seeking what God/Life has in store for them.
Who did you write this book for, and what do you want them to take away from reading it?
This book was written for anyone who desires to seek change. Instead of seeking approval for others our families, friends, etc. focus on becoming who we were created to be. Although it is the most difficult task to obtain, 1 Step commits a person towards a forward motion initiated with only one foot. This forward motion causes the other foot to fall in line, which then causes a series of steps towards your next goal in life. Remember 1 Step is All it takes!!!!
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I pray that this book provides the encouragement needed, especially during these very difficult times. As the owner/founder of Maintain the Flame, it is important that you continue to focus on yourself and the life that God has designed for you. My prayer is that we don’t allow the negativity and issues of this world to allow us to change into someone that we are not. So, I leave everyone with eight tips that you can utilize:
M – Mindset (Focus on a positive mindset when life throw curve balls your way)
A – Action (Everyday set three goals that you plan to accomplish towards the life that you desire. Small steps make a big difference; even if they are different from what your “friends/family” may believe is best for you.)
I – Intentional (Be intentional about the life you live and live without regrets. Many may offer advice that they would never take from others- so please do what makes you happy.)
N – Nurturing (Take time to nurture yourself. We spend so much time focusing on others and their needs that we tend to neglect ourselves.)
T – Time (Time- stop being so focused on what next and live in the moment.)
A – Authentic (Live an Authentic life that you can be proud of. So many times, we attempt to fit in to make others happy.)
I – Integrity (Live a life full of integrity. There are too many individuals that lay aside their integrity and beliefs for their jobs, significant others, etc. Remember your integrity makes you who you are.)
N – Non-Negotiables (Identify what your non – negotiables are and stick to them. Don’t compromise who you are or your beliefs for anyone.)
I am an experienced educator, administrator, author, and public speaker who would love to share my experience and knowledge with you. Please contact me at www.maintaintheflame.net and use the code: TPW to receive a discount towards life coaching/future speaking engagements.
