After 5: Springfield speaker embraces life changes in first book

An Oct. 9 invitation-only event at The Tower Club was the public celebration of a book three years in the making by local speaker and consultant Marlene Chism.

She published her book, "Success is a Given: Reading the Signs While Re-Inventing Your Life," to help others navigate life's changes and fulfill a personal goal.

"I've had it written for over three years," Chism says of the book, noting that fear of sharing too much of herself and being judged by readers kept her from publishing sooner. Chism says she ultimately decided to move forward to maintain her personal integrity.

Her Springfield celebration was a nod to friends who have helped her along the way. An electronic launch followed Dec. 10, with Chism working with Amazon.com and several joint venture partners. Chism doesn't yet know how many books have sold.

Reaching out to others isn't new for Chism. As sole proprietor of Springfield-based ICARE Presentations, Chism's work - primarily speaking engagements - is centered on improving communication and relationships everywhere.

The book is published through Chism's ICARE Publishing division and printed on demand by BookSurge, a subsidiary of Amazon.

It's not surprising that Chism's first book focuses on change, as it's a topic she knows well. A decade ago, she left her job of 21 years as a Kraft factory worker to launch a public-speaking career. Her only prior experience was in high school competitions, where she made it to the state level.

Chism, who has a communications degree with a minor in psychology from Drury University and a master's degree in human resources development from Webster University, blends her knowledge and insight with real-life examples - some of them serious, and some funny - to illustrate points throughout the book. Topics range from comfort zones, guilt and courage to power, beliefs, listening and choices, and the book shows how each relate to making - and surviving - changes.

The book also helps readers understand signs that indicate they're ready for change, and she explores what she calls the three life tragedies. No. 1 is knowing that you want something more, but you don't know what it is; No. 2 is knowing what you want but not believing that it's possible; and No. 3 is knowing what you want, believing that it's possible but being afraid or unwilling to do what it takes to achieve it.

"You have to know what you're willing to do. Are you willing to be uncomfortable (or) give up your 401(k) ... to make it happen?" Chism says.

Each chapter ends with "signposts" that summarize the author's thoughts on specific topics. From learning how to say no to dealing with power, the book covers a lot of ground.

In the epilogue chapter, titled "Happiness," Chism writes, "Success is as much the joy you feel on the journey as it is arriving at your destination."[[In-content Ad]]