Have you spent enough time on life lessons, on knowing what you don't want? Are you ready and willing to move forward in your life to get what you do want? Last week's blog was on believing and connecting to your true self.
This week is about taking action, moving beyond concept, theory and procrastination. The best ideas, plans and world changing products do not serve this world when they are kept to yourself. Talking about it serves your ego; doing something about it honors the Divine in you.
Faith is about believing in yourself and your source of Divine Presence; foolishness is jumping off a cliff without a parachute hoping you'll land on a soft bush. Create a vision of where you want to be and have a plan (road map) of how you plan to get there. Make it simple and something that works for you.
Chunk it down. Take one small step at a time. People often try to light a big log with a match. Start off with the kindling. What would your kindling be for your most outrageous, juicy vision?
Do Something, anything. Every day do something towards your vision. You'll be surprised how fast the little things add up.
Honor yourself. Do not compare yourself to others for better or worse. It really serves no purpose except to deceive you from reality.
Your voice is important in this world. You are worthy!!!
Believe
Is it easier to believe in someone else than it is to believe in yourself? Is it easier to champion someone than it is to be that champion?
Most people are givers. You serve others in the role of a parent, partner, spouse, employee, employer or business owner. Balance is important! In order to be the best you can be in any role, receiving is just as important as giving. Receiving may be in the form of compliments, self-acknowledgment, listening, ease and flow, abundance, financial success or spiritual guidance.
Fear is one of the causes that lead us down the path to self doubt. I'm not good enough, I'm too old, I should have....., It's too late, I'll wait until I retire, I am not worthy. Sound familiar?
One of the best ways of breaking through fear is by making sure your connection to your body, mind and Spirit are the best they can be.
Be Healthy:
Think about this - when you are sick, how creative do your feel? How inspired are you? How motivated are you?
Have an Open Clear Mind:
When something is bothering you, how effective are you in concentrating on other areas of your life?
Have Faith
Maintain your connection to your source of Divine Presence at all times and not just in times of challenge and controversy. Live with the knowing that everything happens in it's perfect time and place. Be grateful!
Maintaining these connections at optimal levels builds confidence. With confidence comes the belief that all things are possible. Believing in yourself ignites your brilliance!!!
Most people are givers. You serve others in the role of a parent, partner, spouse, employee, employer or business owner. Balance is important! In order to be the best you can be in any role, receiving is just as important as giving. Receiving may be in the form of compliments, self-acknowledgment, listening, ease and flow, abundance, financial success or spiritual guidance.
Fear is one of the causes that lead us down the path to self doubt. I'm not good enough, I'm too old, I should have....., It's too late, I'll wait until I retire, I am not worthy. Sound familiar?
One of the best ways of breaking through fear is by making sure your connection to your body, mind and Spirit are the best they can be.
Be Healthy:
Think about this - when you are sick, how creative do your feel? How inspired are you? How motivated are you?
Have an Open Clear Mind:
When something is bothering you, how effective are you in concentrating on other areas of your life?
Have Faith
Maintain your connection to your source of Divine Presence at all times and not just in times of challenge and controversy. Live with the knowing that everything happens in it's perfect time and place. Be grateful!
Maintaining these connections at optimal levels builds confidence. With confidence comes the belief that all things are possible. Believing in yourself ignites your brilliance!!!
The Business Life of Birds
If you ever watched an eagle fly, it usually soars and only makes slight adjustments to maintain or change it's flight path; It's wings fully expanded as it effortlessly moves from point a to b. You hear a whoosh when they take off and they quietly perch after they land looking and observing-quiet, majestic and powerful.
On the other side of the aviary life are the crows. They fly from point a to b continuously flapping their wings and squawking throughout the whole flight. Even after their flight, they sit around squawking as if they were in a reality show!
Both birds serve a purpose in this world. Which one best represents you?
On the other side of the aviary life are the crows. They fly from point a to b continuously flapping their wings and squawking throughout the whole flight. Even after their flight, they sit around squawking as if they were in a reality show!
Both birds serve a purpose in this world. Which one best represents you?
Integrity
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”
-- Martin Luther King
-- Martin Luther King
Lessons from an Antiquarian Book and Print Seller
This past weekend I met some very talented and interesting people. I was fascinated by one person in particular who was the owner of an antiquarian book and print shop. The items in her shop dated from the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries and she knew the facts and stories behind all the pieces, hundreds, if not thousands of them. She told me that it started as a hobby and grew from there. She also mentioned that she didn't limit herself to the physical store. She had an internet business and participated in fairs and shows throughout the West Coast. She could not rely on the walk in business alone.
My friend Don said something interesting as we walked by other businesses that were closed or were closing and shutting their doors for good. He said that if an antiquarian book store can make it in this economy, other businesses should be able to do the same.
He was right. She didn't just know her business, she knew it extremely well and conveyed passion every time she spoke. She also looked for other ways to sell the products in her niche and connect with those that were interested.
Are you a reflection of the antiquarian book store owner or the shop owner closing its doors?
My friend Don said something interesting as we walked by other businesses that were closed or were closing and shutting their doors for good. He said that if an antiquarian book store can make it in this economy, other businesses should be able to do the same.
He was right. She didn't just know her business, she knew it extremely well and conveyed passion every time she spoke. She also looked for other ways to sell the products in her niche and connect with those that were interested.
Are you a reflection of the antiquarian book store owner or the shop owner closing its doors?
One Voice
As a leader in your business and life, are you fully expressing what really matters most to you in your life?
Sometimes we do not realize the exponential power that one voice has and the positive impact it can have on other lives, the world and our own life. Think about the amount of people you come into contact with on a daily basis. If you positively influence them and in turn, they influence others, you begin to share your message to the world.
It's easy to get caught up in blaming others for our lack, the economy, our health and education crisis but what are you doing to positively contribute to it's success in helping to change?
If all of us shared our voice in an inspirational way, imagine the impact it will have on this world. Are you sharing what matters most to you in this world?
Sometimes we do not realize the exponential power that one voice has and the positive impact it can have on other lives, the world and our own life. Think about the amount of people you come into contact with on a daily basis. If you positively influence them and in turn, they influence others, you begin to share your message to the world.
It's easy to get caught up in blaming others for our lack, the economy, our health and education crisis but what are you doing to positively contribute to it's success in helping to change?
If all of us shared our voice in an inspirational way, imagine the impact it will have on this world. Are you sharing what matters most to you in this world?
Who are you?
What would happen if you no longer could identify with your past? What if all the degrees, certificates, accolades, certifications and experiences became obsolete? How would you describe yourself to someone? Would the description of yourself be a reflection of who you have become or an image of who you were?
We often bring our past into the present to bring credibility to who we are and what we do. What can you provide to your existing and potential customers that is fresh, new and relevant to the current economy, their industry and your expertise?
How often do you hear someone who tells you the story that happened when they were a little kid about how many miles they had to walk to school through the snow and over mountains? What was your reaction? Although it may have been true, it usually isn't relevant to the current times now that we have bicycles, buses and modern transportation.
What is your story? What are your current beliefs, processes and programs? Are you so invested in your beliefs that you are unstoppable?
Living in the now is more than just the new age phrase of the day. It is a necessity that becomes your distinctive value that sets you apart from the those who try to copy your genius. The only obstacle stopping you from tapping into your brilliance is you resting on the laurels of your past success.
So, who are you?
We often bring our past into the present to bring credibility to who we are and what we do. What can you provide to your existing and potential customers that is fresh, new and relevant to the current economy, their industry and your expertise?
How often do you hear someone who tells you the story that happened when they were a little kid about how many miles they had to walk to school through the snow and over mountains? What was your reaction? Although it may have been true, it usually isn't relevant to the current times now that we have bicycles, buses and modern transportation.
What is your story? What are your current beliefs, processes and programs? Are you so invested in your beliefs that you are unstoppable?
Living in the now is more than just the new age phrase of the day. It is a necessity that becomes your distinctive value that sets you apart from the those who try to copy your genius. The only obstacle stopping you from tapping into your brilliance is you resting on the laurels of your past success.
So, who are you?
Lifelines
Who Wants to be a Millionaire- is a popular game show where a contestant has to answer questions. If they get stuck, they can get help with the aid of lifelines. The three lifelines are:
a. Ask the audience.
b. Double dip.
c. Ask the expert.
What if we were to use this concept for your business to help you move forward? Your choices would be:
a. Ask your customers. (Find out what their needs are; what is working; what they would like to see in the future)
b. Have a do over. (Revisit something you have done and make it better)
c. Ask an expert. (Include someone as part of your virtual team who has the expertise you need to make the difference)
Which one would you choose as your lifeline?
Sometimes businesses wait until it is too late, become reactionary and need a lifeline to survive. The key is to be proactive and to keep looking ahead, especially when things are going good. Whether you are an owner, manager or employee, reinvention should not occur out of necessity, but instead, out of inspiration.
a. Ask the audience.
b. Double dip.
c. Ask the expert.
What if we were to use this concept for your business to help you move forward? Your choices would be:
a. Ask your customers. (Find out what their needs are; what is working; what they would like to see in the future)
b. Have a do over. (Revisit something you have done and make it better)
c. Ask an expert. (Include someone as part of your virtual team who has the expertise you need to make the difference)
Which one would you choose as your lifeline?
Sometimes businesses wait until it is too late, become reactionary and need a lifeline to survive. The key is to be proactive and to keep looking ahead, especially when things are going good. Whether you are an owner, manager or employee, reinvention should not occur out of necessity, but instead, out of inspiration.
Meaningful Connections
How would you categorize the connections that you make with people on a regular basis for your business?
Is it ...
a. For the sale?
b. To increase the amount of customers/patients/clients you have?
c. To have a positive impact on each person and the world?
d. To share what you are passionate about?
e. To provide an experience to remember?
f. To increase your business to get by?
G. A combination of the above?
There is no right or wrong answer.
However, think about this: If you lost everything today, which one of those connections would be there to give you support?
If you are going to take the time and energy to make a connection, why not make it meaningful- however you choose to define it. It doesn't have to be just a numbers game!
Is it ...
a. For the sale?
b. To increase the amount of customers/patients/clients you have?
c. To have a positive impact on each person and the world?
d. To share what you are passionate about?
e. To provide an experience to remember?
f. To increase your business to get by?
G. A combination of the above?
There is no right or wrong answer.
However, think about this: If you lost everything today, which one of those connections would be there to give you support?
If you are going to take the time and energy to make a connection, why not make it meaningful- however you choose to define it. It doesn't have to be just a numbers game!
Could It Be?
When you see someone dressed in a suit and tie what impression do you get? When you pass someone in a dirty tee shirt with holes and battered shorts what are you thinking? When you see someone driving a Lexus, Mercedes or Porche what thoughts go through your mind? If someone from an old rusty sedan waves at you do you acknowledge them?
Could it be that the person in the suit and tie spent their last dollar on clothes for a job interview? Could it be the organic gardener in the tattered clothes who just passed you delivered the veggies to the store you buy from? Could it be the family who scrimped and saved to put their kids through college decided to splurge on their first new car? Could it be a wave from a complete stranger that wanted to make someone's day?
From the Business View - You never know who is a decision maker. Treat everyone with respect and kindness.
From the Humanistic View - Everyone has a story and history. Accept them for who they are and not what you judge them to be.
From a Spiritual View - Welcome and acknowledge everyone as spiritual beings without the filters of your own preferences. There really is no separation.
How can you make a positive difference in someone's life today?
Could it be that the person in the suit and tie spent their last dollar on clothes for a job interview? Could it be the organic gardener in the tattered clothes who just passed you delivered the veggies to the store you buy from? Could it be the family who scrimped and saved to put their kids through college decided to splurge on their first new car? Could it be a wave from a complete stranger that wanted to make someone's day?
From the Business View - You never know who is a decision maker. Treat everyone with respect and kindness.
From the Humanistic View - Everyone has a story and history. Accept them for who they are and not what you judge them to be.
From a Spiritual View - Welcome and acknowledge everyone as spiritual beings without the filters of your own preferences. There really is no separation.
How can you make a positive difference in someone's life today?
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