Category Archives: Entrepreneur

6 Tips to Overcome Overwhelm this December

Poor December. It seems to be the month that gets a bad wrap. Somehow it’s become notorious for rushing, Falalalalaling (yes, that’s a word), the onslaught of cold and flu season, overindulgence in every sense of the word- not to mention the year drawing to a close.

You friend, may not 100% immune to overwhelm. However, I’ve got ten tips to help you insulate yourself from demanding schedules and the seasonal fuss.

1- Eat and drink for healthy merriment.

I refuse to play “food Nazi” role. I believe celebrations call for special foods and drink. This being established, let me level with you. If you are invited to a White Elephant gift exchange party, it’s highly likely there’s going to be a lot of sugar and processed foods (think melted cheese dip). And, seriously, since you’re so likable, you won’t just attend one party, you’ll attend four or more and probably host one of your own.

So here’s my point– enjoy a little party food; just go in prepared like a paratrooper not a party pooper. Go in having nourished your incredible machine with lots of servings of fiber and Vitamin C. Give your body a little digestion vacay by drinking some delicious protein shakes before joining your tribe. And by all means­– don’t forget the water. Push the water to flush out toxins. If you really want to be on top of the game, why not savor some love tea?

2- Communicate freely, listen deeply.

Often we’ll find ourselves in overwhelm because we aren’t sharing our intentions clearly with those we love. Take time to communicate what’s going on with you. Especially share where you feel you are having to skate around circumstances that are a bit tricky. Then say “ah” or “a-ah”.

Be that person; the one actually listens.

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Take some time to listen intently to those around you. What stories are they sharing? What is it they are overcoming? Are they stressed out? Peaceful? What can you learn? How can you affirm them? The process of listening is empowering. Make it something that helps you become more centered­– simply by staying present.

3- Make time each day for a “fill up”.

How do you get a “fill up?” Do you take a prayer walk? Do you snuggle with your favorite person or critter? Do you read something inspiring while sipping your favorite beverage?

During the hustle and bustle, take that special time for you. Running on fumes is no fun. Keep a full tank so you can continue humming along with joy and intention.

4- Ditch perfection and have a laugh instead.

This past Thanksgiving I tenderly handcrafted a scrumptious gluten free pumpkin pie with an irresistible ginger snap crust. It was the mother of all pumpkin pies!

When the timer chimed I asked my husband to take it out of the oven because I was busy prepping other food. Before he even opened the oven, he asked, “Why are you baking this at 450 degrees?” And then I knew. It was burned. Yep, 100 degrees over what it should have been. Lesson learned. Always double-check the temperature. Always. 🙂

I had a decision to make. Cry or laugh. I seized the opportunity to realize my humanness, yet again. My husband took pity on me and I got a big bear hug and we laughed together. Our “perfect“ Thanksgiving dinner could not be ruined by imperfection.

I’m telling on myself because I found that majoring on a minor thing can be overwhelming. It’s much healthier to have a good laugh and move on.

5- Play the Gratitude Sandwich Game

Think of the problem and solution being like two pieces of bread. Then sneak in some gratitude and there you have it. A sandwich to sustain your perspective. Time spent in developing countries with opportunities to volunteer or work has gifted beyond measure. I call this gift the “gratitude sandwich”.

Here’s how we play it. Slow Internet? No worries. I’m grateful to own a computer which means I’m literate. Life is good.

Bland dinner? Thank you God I have food to eat. I am not the statistic of being one in every eight people on Earth going to bed hungry each night.

Forgot to brush your teeth as you bolted out the door this morning? No worries. I give thanks. Your bad breath is better than no breath at all.

See, isn’t that better? Gratitude sandwiches seem to solve a lot of “problems.”

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls. -Aesop

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Gratitude

6- Prioritize and stick to it!

Having priorities is like having an oxygen tank when deep sea diving. It’s a life necessity. Think about your priorities. Are you giving your top five priorities  the time and attention needed to avoid feeling incongruent?

We’ve all seen or heard it. A public announcement is made during a wedding ceremony. For better or worse. And somehow within a few years something is unraveled and poof the relationship is dissolved.

Let’s not be the ones for example who say, “my priorities are God, family, work” and then be the one who turns into a workaholic forgetting to stand, sit and snuggle alongside our favorite human. Instead when we sense overwhelm coming on, let’s remember what matters most and stick to our guns (and no, that was not a subliminal push for the NRA, duct tape or crazy glue).

Talk to me in the comments below. Any tips you want to share in how you handle overwhelm. We want to know! Or, are you planning on using one of these six tips this December? If so, tell me about it.

Ever tried following your own advice? Here’s 3 tips to pull you through.

Following advice can be invaluable

Entrepreneurs usually magnetize and form friendships with fellow entrepreneurs. Often times what happens is an interchange of sage advice, encouragement and celebration.

I’m very close to three entrepreneurs. Two work in different fields than me. They provide an incredible amount of perspective outside of my area of expertise. The other entrepreneur feels as comfortable as an old shoe. We share similar experiences, talk “shop” and challenge the other.

The mutual interchange between us is priceless. We ask advice, we share funny stories, we get feedback and encouragement from each other. We stand up for each other. We walk one another through storms and tragedies.

The best part about entrepreneurial interchanges is that we know we stand together- not alone.

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Whether you are an entrepreneur or not, this type of interaction is valuable. Ninety nine percent of us thrive, interact and respond with support. We show up to receive or give words of advice. When we honestly desire the best for each other, that advice is worth pure gold.

3 tips for following advice from Dr. Paige Hunter

So here’s a question for you. When you feel stuck, need to make a quick business decision, or wonder if what you said to a client was the right thing, please do this:

1) Imagine.

Yes! Imagine yourself having a conversation with one of your friends. Remember that advice you need? Good! Let’s continue.

 2) Talk to your imaginary friend.

This friend knows what type of entrepreneur you are. They understand your strengths, weakness, dream clients. They get you and your business.

3) Follow your own advice.

What do you think this fellow entrepreneur would tell you to do? Better yet, if the roles were reversed, what would you tell them to do? What advice would you give this friend had they brought up a similar situation?

There it is friend! You’ve struck gold. Most likely you reached a great answer by giving yourself your own best advice. Now you’ve got me wondering. What did you say? “Knock it off already”, “It’s time to change CPA’s!” Or is it? “Have you thought about how much time you are wasting on ineffective social media?” I’d really love to be a fly on the wall but I’m not nosy. 😉

When it’s all said and done, our imaginations can help us arrive at actionable advice for moving forward. Understand I’m not saying ditch those friends or go it alone. I’m inviting you to try something else just in case they opt out for a holiday hula in Hawaii or a whitewater expedition in Costa Rica.

In the comments below, chime in! Share with us what some good, solid advice you’ve given to yourself? Did you follow it? 🙂

 

The Truth about Entrepreneurs and Real Profits

“A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business.” ~Henry Ford

The words of Henry Ford share a profound lesson. Words I’ve taken to heart,  As an entrepreneur it resonates. Yes! THAT!

I believe business carries unlimited potential. Business holds the power to vastly improve lives.

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Don’t misunderstand. I don’t find a large bankroll offensive. Profits can pay the bills or take on philanthropic roles. But I’m going for lofty! I want to change the way we look at “profits.”

Most of us understand profits to be a margin of earnings or monetary surplus after the cost of raw materials, wages, rent and the like are covered. This friends, is the norm and while it’s a good thing, it can get better.

Here are a few examples of how we can expand the idea of profits.

Profits can make immediate impact of the lives of communities.

Blake Mycoskie founder of TOMS, set up an incredible company where profits are made and shared. It’s a simple yet powerful business model that addresses the needs of others. It began with shoes, then eyewear, now it’s launched into coffee.

Children and communities benefit from TOMS’ real profits worldwide. Consumers profit as well. They buy a product with a purpose and are giving at the same time. It’s a win-win.

Buy a pair of shoes, give a pair. Buy a pair of glasses, give vision. Buy a bag of coffee, provide clean drinking water for a week for one person. Make a purchase, make a difference. It’s cool. I’m buying my next pair of shoes at TOMS.

Profits provide long-term welfare benefits locally and globally.

Who’d a thunk it? Florence Nightingale, nurse and real profit creator?!

The internal philosophy she held in her heart brought forth more than the titled pioneer of modern nursing. It brought out a vision to build a school and elevate the medical field.

An entire movement followed. Today’s patients and hospitals around the world have benefitted from Ms. Nightingale’s efforts. Like many entrepreneurs, her passion was first and foremost to serve others.

She saw a problem. She offered a solution.

The Queen of England rewarded Nightingale’s wartime work by presenting her with an engraved brooch and a prize of $250,000 from the British government.

Driven by a mission, Ms. Nightingale used the money to fund the establishment of St. Thomas’ Hospital, and within it, the Nightingale Training School for Nurses.

Admirable? Yes! And the profits of her labor continue even today.

I’m a fan of entrepreneurs that raise up a movement to make a difference. This is what real profits generate. Improved lives.

Today, I’m encouraged to see how the face of entrepreneurship continues to morph. Many of today’s entrepreneurs want more than money, they want social capital flowing in their communities and their own lives.

Real profits strengthen families, and allow entrepreneurs to design and live a life they love. Real profits incudes robust relationships with loved ones.

These entrepreneurs hustling for more than just money often fall into one of these categories: online business services, Home-Based entrepreneurs and then there’s “the Rents” (Momprepeneurs and Poppreneurs). These freedom-seekers choose a road less traveled to profit greatly on a monetary and social capital scale!

Somehow a ripple effect happens. The flexibility in one’s schedule and location can bring deep satisfaction. The ability to be productive yet also tend to one’s personal desires plays a role in “profit sharing” business and a balanced personal life.

Profits like this surpass the mighty dollar. These profits pay out lasting dividends because there’s a win on a personal level that ripples to the small communities that ripples into larger communities. Less stress, more options= greater profits.

The truth about entrepreneurs and real profits is quite simple. Money is made to carry out missions.

These missions can be geared specifically to one’s immediate or at large family. The point is the real profits bring about a positive impact.

Talk to me. On some level you are participating in “real profit” creation as either consumer or an entrepreneur. How are you doing this? How does it make you feel? Drop me your thoughts in the comment box below. I look forward to reading you!

7 Practices Healthy Entrepreneurs Apply to Achieve Balance & Results 

There are entrepreneurs whose work and life I deeply admire. It’s holistic in nature, as they’ve chosen to lead healthy and centered lives.

 

This article emerges from an accumulation of dialogues from Healthy entrepreneurs I deeply respect.

 

1- Relationships matter

Healthy entrepreneurs know relationships are crucial for balance and perspective. This doesn’t mean the love interest is always as perfect as a Tahitian holiday. It means the relationship matters enough to work at keeping the romance and friendship well in tact.

Children get included in the adventure. Making positive memories is key. Quality time is prioritized and seeds for inside jokes are planted for harvest in the years ahead.

Long-term friendships are viewed as an asset. Healthy entrepreneurs revel in having friends who bring levity to challenges and a swift kick in the pants when it’s most needed.

 

2- Good nutrition

In the busyness of business, the passion for productivity can easily lead astray the best intentions for self-care.

Healthy entrepreneurs know good nutrition can’t be skipped. Eating nutrient-dense foods and taking high quality supplementation are daily practices.

Don’t misunderstand, celebrations and vacations are enjoyed yet the daily mojo is an almost sacred habit.

7 habits of healthy entrepreneurs
 

3- Rest and relaxation

Even healthy entrepreneurs push the limits from time to time to reach goals. However, they make plans to rest the noggin’ and relax the body.

Sure, restorative sleep is coveted, but so is a break from the norm. Times of refreshing are what healthy entrepreneurs know and seek to prioritize.

Throughout the years a list has mounted of R&R practices. They vary. Some entrepreneurs take time to sit still. Others tell me they are in bed right at 10 pm, while others go for a bi-monthly massage or spend time in nature.

Whatever the form of rest and relaxation, it’s a solid practice for all health enthusiasts to follow.

Healthy Entrepreneurs rest
 

4- Practice forgiveness

In directed and non-directed research around healthy entrepreneurs there’s a common thread that’s surprised and delighted me.

Grudges aren’t a part of the healthy entrepreneur’s life.

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As they tell stories of unfairness or wrong doings, there’s a resounding theme of how grateful they are for the unfortunate incident people caused them.

Usually, they anchor it as a life lesson they’ve learned and appreciate how it’s brought them to where they are today with greater understanding.

This practice of forgiveness I’ve seen amongst many healthy entrepreneurs in a variety of cultures and religious practices.

 

5- Exercise body & mind

Healthy entrepreneurs are a unique breed. It’s not surprising that physical fitness is a priority along with further developing the mind through life-long learning.

What interests me most is HOW they do it. I find that time management is taken seriously by healthy entrepreneurs which explains why a workout is often coupled with learning. It’s a time to maximize the mind while maximizing the muscles.

It’s also not unusual to find healthy entrepreneurs exercising side-by-side exchanging business ideas or co-coaching one another. There’s an “iron sharpens iron” philosophy and it happens amongst people or by means of MP3s. No time is wasted while whittling the waistline.

Healthy Entrepreneurs excersize

 

6- Promote “Tag-Team” Wrestling interaction

Healthy entrepreneurs know life to be more meaningful when key players are given significant roles. They also understand they don’t have all the answers, so they are eager to play team.

Consequently, healthy entrepreneurs involve and empower those around them to shine. They take joy in watching others develop. They are quick to receive and give feedback so business is advanced.

 

7- Generosity

Healthy entrepreneurs understand the importance of giving. It’s the type of giving that includes financial contribution but often goes beyond it.

Some tell me they want to volunteer and actually see how their money is being used for a cause they support. Others share by quietly mentoring a hungry protégé.

Many never speak a word of what they do. Somehow proud family or friends of the healthy entrepreneur divulge secrets like Wikileaks. They simply can’t hide how a non-profit organization no longer battles website woes or how schoolgirls in a small village have books they can learn to read all because of the generosity shared in time or money.

 

Talk to me,

Do you know any healthy entrepreneurs? Does this ring true? Share with me in the comments below.

Happiness, Success, and Motivation: 3 Tips for Designing a Fulfilled Life

This past weekend I participated in three hours of top notch personal and business training with the world-renown, Tony Robbins. The first 90 minutes was open to approximately 10,000 people. The second half was an exclusive luncheon where more in-depth training on designing a fulfilled life was awarded to a select few. I was grateful to be there and wanted to bring others along for a possible “fire walk” across coals.

Tony Robbins
Tony Robbins

Although the fire walk didn’t happen, I was fastidiously “smoking” notes so I could share this information with as many as I can.

Below are the three most meaty pieces of wisdom I gleaned from that special day. I’m sharing with you because I’m sure it will resonate.

Here’s three “Tony” tips for designing a fulfilled life:

Progress = Happiness

So true! Ever complete a big project and feel like happy dancing? How about reaching your goal weight? Getting the grocery shopping done so you can share a special meal with those you love? Progress is made and enjoyed on small and large scales. Let’s not underestimated this, shall we?

How are you going to increase your happiness today?

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Here’s my happiness increase plan for the day. The smalls. Unpack my suitcase. Juice my favorite recipe. Send out a special email announcing my first online course for Entrepreneurs. And now, for the bigs. Wait a minute. Hold ‘yer horses. That last one was big! It’s been a dream that’s now taking flight. Happy dance! Woot! Woot! AND it’s not just that, but the fact I’m getting three loads of laundry done! Yes!

Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure

That’s seriously good food for thought. How is that so many people hold positions where they make “big bank” but are bored silly or hate what they do? Has this been you or someone you know? Or how about that someone who leaves behind a high paying position to pursue what really fills them up and give them the chance to create what they crave? Perhaps they are hungry for more family time? Less commute? More creativity? Perhaps they wanted less stress? Whatever the reasons, they left a position that most would deem “successful” to avoid feeling a failure. Satisfaction was missing and a change was made.

Maybe you can relate to either end of this spectrum.

Ultimately, I wish you fulfillment while you succeed.

It’s comfort zones we need to avoid, isn’t it? When we desire something beyond the status quo we need to rise up and live completely, fully. This leads me to the next insight gained from Mr. Robbins when he was asked how he helps others overcome fear without experiencing the fire walk. He summarized it by addressing what motivates us.

Fear, Incentives, and Growth

There’s three types of motivation; fear, incentives and growth.

The most effective is growth.

Think about it, as a child you may have been threatened to wash the dishes or else a privilege would be revoked. The fear of losing a privilege created action. Dishes cleaned! It was the motivation we needed so we could play, watch cartoons, or watch movies at a friend’s house. This motivating fear was effective leverage. Long-term fear is not the best motivator, and yet clearly we understand that it can be practical.

Incentives provide a warm, fuzzy feeling type of motivation. I personally like incentives. As a kid I’d rush to make my bed just to hear the praises of my mother. As an adult, I’ve fallen in love with experiences and travel. I’ve been known to work harder for award trips to places like Bora Bora or Switzerland than earning an extra $400,000 (not that I am opposed to either).

When we discover what incentives motivate, we can support others in maximizing effectiveness in action. While incentives can be great for a season, there may come a time one is so saturated with “awards” like world travel that they hunger for something more, something deeper.

This type of motivation that drives us is growth! For the long-term and a deep sense of satisfaction, growth is considered the most effective motivation because it makes us FEEL ALIVE! I 100% whole-heartedly agree!

Don’t we feel the most alive when we can grow as a person and help others grow and transform their own lives?

It’s no wonder that great leaders are servants.

And those who are real standouts are sold out to the idea of serving others. They go beyond simple presentation of an idea or product. They want to leave the world a better place.

There you have it friends, insider wisdom from my lunch spent with Tony Robbins. I hope you find it beneficial. I know I did. Oh, by the way, I bet you are happier now, as you’ve made progress simply by reading this article. Celebrate it. And here’s to you having more fulfilling successes!

Join me in the conversation.

Share in the comments below what things most motivate you nowadays? Or dish out what progress you’ve made lately that brings happiness?

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