Vision

Pushing Beyond the Hard Stuff: Embrace Resilience and Unleash Your Life by Design

Leave a Comment / Courage, Goal Setting, Mindset, Purpose, Resillience / By / / , , , , ,

Have you ever looked at someone living their dream life and wondered how they got there? What sets them apart from the rest?

The answer lies in their ability to push beyond the hard stuff and cultivate the right mindset. It's not just about luck or talent; it's about resilience, a growth mindset, mindfulness, confidence, and purpose.

Life is full of challenges, setbacks, and obstacles. But it's how we respond to them that defines our journey. Resilience is the key to bouncing back from adversity and moving forward stronger than before. When faced with a difficult situation, embrace the power of resilience and remind yourself that this is just a temporary setback. Shift your focus from the problem to the solution and take small steps towards overcoming it.

Transitioning from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset is another essential element in pursuing your dream life. A growth mindset is the belief that our abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. It's about seeing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than roadblocks. Embrace the idea that failure is not a reflection of your worth but a stepping stone towards success. Adopt a positive attitude towards learning and view setbacks as valuable lessons on your path to greatness.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool that helps us stay present and centered amidst the chaos of life. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in worries about the past or future, which can drain our energy and focus. Cultivate mindfulness by practicing meditation, deep breathing, or simply taking a few moments each day to appreciate the present moment. By training your mind to be fully present, you'll gain clarity, reduce stress, and make better decisions aligned with your goals.

Confidence plays a significant role in pursuing your dreams. Believe in yourself and your abilities, even when faced with self-doubt or criticism from others. Surround yourself with a supportive network of people who uplift and inspire you. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and use them as fuel to propel yourself forward. Remember, confidence is not about being perfect; it's about embracing your flaws and owning your unique strengths.

However, resilience, a growth mindset, and confidence alone are insufficient without a sense of purpose.

Discovering your purpose is about finding what truly fulfills you and aligning your actions with your values. Take time to reflect on your passions, interests, and what brings you joy. Set meaningful goals that excite you and give you a sense of direction. When your actions are driven by purpose, you'll find the motivation and determination to push beyond any obstacle that comes your way.

Life is a journey, and along the way, you will face countless trials and tribulations. But remember, it's in those difficult moments that the seeds of greatness are planted. Embrace the challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation. Believe in yourself, stay focused on your dreams, and never give up.

So, what are you waiting for? Start cultivating resilience, adopting a growth mindset, practicing mindfulness, building confidence, and pursuing your purpose. Push beyond the hard stuff, and watch as your dream life unfolds before your eyes. The power to create the life you desire is within you.

A gentle reminder that no one but YOU can create your life by design.  No one - it's all on you to make it happen and I promise you are beyond capable of doing it!

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Unearth Your Genius: A Journey to Finding Your Purpose, Mission, Vision, and Values

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Did anyone ever say to you "OMG, you are a genius!" or "How do you do that so easily?"

I'm sure the answer is yes, although we tend to brush off comments like that because they make us feel uncomfortable. Well, buckle up - because we are going to enter the uncomfortable zone of uncovering your GENIUS!

Today, we're setting sail on an exciting voyage that leads us to the treasure trove of our truest selves. We're embarking on a quest to find our inner genius.

Yes, you heard it right. You, me, everyone, we each possess a unique genius. To get geeky: It's an incredible amalgamation of our purpose, mission, vision, and values that form our personal genius when combined.

Many of us often find ourselves stuck in the monotony of life. Day in and day out, we sometimes feel lost, devoid of purpose or meaning. Yet, amidst this mundanity, there exists a spark within us, a whisper of greatness, waiting to be acknowledged, nurtured, and amplified. That whisper is your genius calling out to you. PS - learn to listen to it!

Now, the concept of a 'genius' might seem daunting. You may think, "Einstein was a genius, Picasso was a genius, but me?" Yes, absolutely, YOU! Genius doesn't only equate to mathematical equations or masterful artistry. It's much more personal and profound than that.

It’s about finding your unique way of seeing and bringing the world to life.

Firstly, let's clarify the meaning of 'genius.' It's that inherent capacity within you that allows you to create, influence, and contribute to the world in a way that only you can. Your genius is a blend of your talents, passions, values, and strengths. It is what gives you purpose, provides a mission, defines your vision, and aligns with your values.

Your genius isn't something to find in the external world; it's something to be discovered within. The journey to your genius is essentially the process of self-discovery and self-awareness.

So, how do we embark on this quest? Well, it starts with purpose.

Your Purpose is the magnetic North Star guiding you. It's the 'why' that drives us, the passion that fuels our heart, and the sense of fulfillment that quenches our soul. Purpose gives us direction; it aligns our actions and decisions.

Next comes the mission. Your mission is the 'what.' It’s the tangible manifestation of your purpose. If purpose is the destination, then the mission is the road map to getting there. Your mission statement could be as simple as "inspiring others through art" or as broad as "making the world a better place."

Your vision, on the other hand, is the 'how.' It is the strategy, the game plan that turns your mission into a reality. It's your unique approach to achieving your mission and fulfilling your purpose. Your vision is the creative part of your genius that navigates the course of your journey.

Lastly, your values are the ethical compass of your quest. They are the principles that guide your actions, the non-negotiables of your character. These fundamental beliefs lay the foundation of your integrity and authenticity.

Your genius is the harmonious symphony of your purpose, mission, vision, and values. It's the heart of your authenticity, the essence of your individuality, and the pinnacle of your potential.

Unleashing your genius isn't a one-time event; it's an ongoing journey of personal evolution. It requires courage, perseverance, and self-acceptance. It calls for an unyielding belief in your potential and a relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

Remember, your genius is uniquely yours. It's as distinctive as your fingerprint, as personal as your reflection. It can't be replicated, replaced, or rivaled. Therein lies its power and its beauty.

When you master it, the magic happens.  It's attraction marketing at it's finest - people will be drawn to you, and repelled by you allowing the right people into your life.

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Do you have what it takes to be your own boss?

Leave a Comment / Culture, Entrepreneur, Featured, Must Read Blogs, Small Business, Uncategorized / By / / , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Are you sick and tired of working for someone else? Putting in long hard hours just to benefit the owner of the company and shareholders? Working the 9 to 5 grind week after week with no end in sight? Yup, we’ve been in your shoes. We know how it feels. Depending on the culture of the place you work at, you feel like just another cog in the wheel. So, are your finally ready to be your own boss and start your own company? GREAT!

The first thing you need to know about being your own boss is that it isn’t all rainbows, glitter, and unicorns. It is liberating and exciting, but it has its pros and cons just like anything else. Before you ride off into the sunset to start your own company, make sure you know what you’re in for.

Setting Your Own Schedule. I think this is one of the biggest draws to being your own boss. You have the freedom to create your own schedule. However, you may find that like so many other business owners, you are working longer hours than you anticipated. You still have the flexibility to determine when your day starts and ends, when you take vacations, and handle all your personal obligations.

Creative Freedom. You determine what your products and services will look liked, when they will be available, and how you want to deliver them. If something isn’t working, you have the power to revise those offerings to ones that customers may respond better to or terminate them if they no longer interest you in providing them anymore.

Creating Your Own Core Values. You get to set the tone for how your company is see. What’s most important. You can align it with your own personal values and infuse it into every aspect of the company.

Money. You don\’t draw a regular paycheck, not like you would if you were an employee of someone else. You get paid with what is left after expenses, taxes, etc. And you are solely responsible for generating your income. If your business idea flops or you don’t follow the right steps to create a successful business, you could lose your entire initial investment. BUT you also aren’t limited to what you can earn. If you work hard and set yourself up for success, it\’s possible to generate great wealth when you run your own enterprise.

Tax Benefits. Business owners can take advantage of a range of tax benefits despite paying higher Social Security and Medicare rates. They are allowed to accelerate or delay particular expenditures, hire family members and write off a greater variety of business expenses. These options can dramatically reduce the tax burden.

Health Benefits and Retirement. You’ll have to pay for your own health insurance unless you have a spouse who works at a company who provides them. If you are purchasing them yourself, you’ll find that you are paying higher premiums vs. what you paid as an employee. You’ll also be responsible for contributing to your own retirement account without any employer match.

Being your own boss can be both satisfying and terrifying. If you put in the hard work and dedication, you can achieve success in being your own boss. Just remember that it does come with its advantages and disadvantages – and you have to look at them all. The best way to make sure you start out on the right foot, is to have a mentor or coach, who can help you set yourself up for success and make sure you are ready to take the leap. Being your own boss can be far more rewarding than you can imagine.

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10 reasons businesses fail

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I’ve owned a few businesses in my day. Some have failed, some have been (and are) successful.

The failing part sucks – no doubt about it. You never enter a business thinking it’s going to not be there in a year or two – kind of like a marriage.  But it happens.

Here’s what I’ve learned from my own failed ventures and from the myriad of business owners I’ve worked with over the years.

  1. Business Partners. When they work it’s beautiful. When they don’t, it can be an ugly divorce in the making.  Just like a marriage, you need a partner who has the same core values, the same vision, yet you need to complement each other.  There must be trust, transparency, and all partners need to be on the same page when it comes to running the business.  Have a partnership agreement that details who is doing what and how everyone is getting compensated.  Trust me on this one.  Many businesses fail because the partnerships fail.
  2. Capital. You need money to survive.  Cash is still King.  If you are thinking of going out on your own, you need to have cash in the bank for at least a year and/or some VC money to infuse into the business.  Without capital, it’s hard to grow.
  3. 3 P’s. Policies, Process & Procedures.  You can’t wing it.  Have a process. Adjust as needed.
  4. Cabinet. Lawyer, Accountant, Tax Advisor & Insurance Broker.  Don’t ever skimp on these – Ever.  Don’t think DIY is a smart idea – it never is.
  5. Clear WHY. You have to be crystal clear on your vision – your WHY. What are you bringing to the market? Why should someone buy from you?  What is your unique value prop?
  6. It has to be a viable business. Not all great ideas are viable businesses. Do the market research and test.
  7. The need for perfection. Go to market. It will never be perfect.  Do 1-6 – that’s just smart business, but go to market even if things aren’t perfect.  Your website doesn’t have to be the grand vision you have – it can be 1 page.  You don’t need a staff of 100 – start with 1, etc.
  8. Hire the RIGHT people. They need to fit into your culture and see your vision. Resumes and skills are second to their core values.
  9. You need to change with the market.  Innovate or die.
  10. Ethical. Now you’ll say there are a ton of unethical business owners who are making millions.  True, but they won’t survive the long haul.  Besides, do you really want to be that person?  Do the right thing.  Karma is real.

My first business failed miserably and cost me dearly.  The reason was #1, #4, and #10 (on my partners’ end).  It was a mess.   If you are thinking about heading out on your own. Call me first – I can save you a ton of headaches!

Cheers to us Entrepreneurs!

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