As a businesswoman, a immigrant success coach and a mom of two beautiful boys I found myself thinking why I am working hard. What do I want to prove and to whom? I realized it was just my attitude toward life. I came to this country when I was 19 years old with very little money that I hid in my deep pocket in my blouse. I remember the first day of arrival to America. It was a humid summer evening, August 18, 1994. Boeing 767 from Moscow to New York landed at JFK airport and my new journey started. It was scary, challenging but I looked at it as my biggest life adventure. That is what I wanted growing up. I wanted to come to America. It was a dream of many russian girls and boys but only some of them were fortunate to come and create their future.
I wanted to create success. I wanted that American freedom everyone talked about but really did not understand it fully until ten years later when I started my own business and make a decision to change my life and the life of my family. I made many mistakes and I do not regret it. I became stronger and I am freely sharing my experiences so people can learn from them.
Recently my friend Nataly from Moscow came to visit us with her daughter and we stood in the kitchen preparing dinner for everyone and she looked at me and said, “Tatyana, you look the same but you changed so much, you have matured and not that shy girl in college” Yes life does not always give us sweet lemonade in a nice shiny glass. We have to make it.
I learned to be on my own and be too independent and then I realized it was a mistake. I needed mentors. I needed someone who can take me by my hand and guide me as a little child until I could stand firmly on the ground. I think it was an ego that was driving me to success. Well I learned it the hard way. I found mentors who showed me the path and were humble enough to deal with my impatience. One of them is Maria Porter, an amazing woman from England that became my best mentor and my friend. I have got a lot of wisdom and support from our family friend Walker Whittle, who is now 86 years old, and he surprises me with his social media talents and reading 3-5 books a month or even a week. He told me once “Tatyana, you will go far. You have ants in your pants” He was supporting me and my vision and it became a part of who I am today. I learned to gain knowledge from older people and listen to them because they got experience and knowledge that I do not have. They have got patience and understanding of life.
One thing that drove me to success in life and understanding who I am today is Stubborness. I never gave up. I had to learn to make the choices and deal with the consequences later. My good russian friend Sasha once told me that there were no bad or good choices. There are bad or good consequences. Life is a beautiful thing and we learn how to adapt like chameleons do.
As an immigrant in this country I learned to be grateful. I learned to contribute to american society to show my appreciatition to this country for allowing me to create my life and my success. I learned to be open to new oppportunities and make the right choices and associate with people who have more experience. I learned to be respectful of american culture and teach it to my kids while planting seeds of russian literature and art in my boys.
One thing that pushed me to create success in my business and my life is awareness of what this country is about and what really founded it. The immigrants founded this country and I am grateful to be one of the generations that can leave the mark for my children. I also became aware that I have no choice but create success in life to take care of my family here and back at home in Russia. It is my choice, and I cannot speak for everyone else.
I recently read about Nido Quebein who came to America with 50 dollars in his pocket and became the success story. How alike we are, immigrants in this country! He inspired many people sharing his journey to becoming the best of the best in every industry he touched. He became a great businessman, a wonderful speaker, an educator who touched hearts of many students and an awesome author. He talks about why immigrants become millionaires in his speaking presentations and his books. He empasized one thing that makes many immigrants successful- CHOICES.
I wish you a success beyond your imagination. I encourage to look at your life as adventure and find an opportunity every day to learn something new and meet new people, connect with them and learn from them.
Have a great week!
Tatyana Gann
(c) Copyright 2009 Tatyana Gann. All Rights Reserved.
Tatyana Gann is an immigrant success diva, author of upcoming “Smokin HOT PR” guide for biz owners an an online marketing mentor, a mom of two great boys and a french food and wine gourmand. To Learn More About Tatyana Gann connect with her on FaceBook or Twitter
