Tag Archives: entrepreneur

Always go for the upgrade!

Upgrade! It seems to be a heavily used theme in today’s atmosphere. Doesn’t it? We are always to be upgrading our life, our gadgets, quite literally everything.

Please understand, I’m not writing about the most obvious upgrading or shall I be bold enough to state over-consumption? It’s not about tossing out something that functions perfectly for the latest and greatest thingy-ma-bob. In case you’re wondering the thingy-ma-bob is that one thing that promises to deliver way more ease and social status for the sum of what’s inside of your savings account.

So what on earth do I mean when I refer to upgrading?

Let’s first peek into what a quick Google search reveals. Upgrade is a verb which refers to raising (something) to a higher standard, in particular (equipment or machinery) by adding to or replacing components. Often, it’s about improving, updating, making better or bringing about reform.

So why am I focusing on this word? Am I about to pitch you the latest iPhone or software update? Nope.

I’m actually pitching the idea of adding VALUE to our lives through the concept of upgrading. Yes, upgrading but not in the most traditional sense as we humans are not a piece of equipment or machinery. To be clear, you are already enough.

As humans we often mistake believing that our worth comes from our performance.

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I believe we can help others upgrade their life by adding value to it. For example, if you are a health professional you can add value by helping increase one’s health through education. If you an educator you can increase value in your student’s lives by creating opportunities to grow in the direction that adds joy and contribution to their life experience. These are the types of upgrades we all desire.

As entrepreneurs how can we offer value to those we serve? If we have customers who are wanting to create better results, we’re listening intently to how we can improve the customer experience? Is there a way one of our products or services could make a greater impact? How do we express that? Are we engaging in a dialogue on how we can best serve them? Is there a transformational event we can suggest that a partner may engage to upgrade his or her life? You see, there are always ways to add value and create better business. The notion of always going for the upgrade has zero to do with competing against others. In reality it’s all about helping our fellow humans develop and grow into the greatest vision they hold for their selves.

Not an entrepreneur? No problem.

Let’s pretend you’re on a health journey, and, aren’t we all? How then, can you upgrade to make the adventure even more enjoyable? Take quick inventory. How do you sleep? Have you noticed what foods boost your energy? How about the foods that rob you from your energy? How can you upgrade your rest and nutrition? What about your physical fitness? Happiness and mental health? What about your water intake? These are just a few ideas to get you thinking about how to upgrade your health, thus adding value to your everyday life. We can always go for the upgrade– not in the sense to create overwhelm or perfection but rather self-appreciation and self-care.

Dr. Paige Hunter

Chime In!

How will you upgrade your own life or the life of another? If so, what upgrades do you plan on making or offering others to create more value in the world?

 

Wisdom and Sour Grapes

Whether you are an entrepreneur, wellness warrior or both, the factors of wisdom and sour grapes play a role in our lives. Allow me to explain. No one wants to play a fool; and no one wants to eat sour grapes.

Remember Aesop’s Fables?

Perhaps you remember this famous one. The story about the fox that tried in vain to snatch a cluster of grapes dangling from a vine just out of reach. The fox exerted himself jumping as high as he could and quickly concluded within a few attempts that “these grapes are sour, and if I had some I would not eat them.”

wisdom-and-sour-grapes

And now you know where the term “sour grapes” originated. How often do we in our business or health journey run into this concept?

Have you ever found yourself like the fox retreating from the grape arbor declaring sour grapes?

Have you ever worked with someone who claims sour grapes? If only we could remember that the far-to-reach are worth a strategic effort.

Like the fox in Aesop’s fable, we humans experience a clash about the knowledge that grapes are tasty except when we can’t reach them. Then we may radically change our attitude toward the grapes to defend our behavior.

Beware of Sour Grapes

Friend, sour grapes can show up like this. We may set out on a health journey that includes a strategy of good nutrition and moderate exercise. Within the first three days we don’t notice any significant changes. We we are extremely hungry, behold! A burger and fries appears right in front of us and we go for it! Then, somehow we question if our new plan was really even making a difference at all. That’s sour grapes.

wisdom-and-sour-grapes

In business it can look like this. We sign up for a weekend seminar that promotes goal setting, increasing sales and soaring profits. We attend. We even apply some things we have learned. Two months later we wonder why our influx of income isn’t greater? We begin to suspect the sincerity of those who led the seminar. Maybe everything they do is driven by greed. Beware of sour grapes.

In walks wisdom. But first, what is wisdom?  It is the the ability to discern what is true, right, or lasting. Wisdom expresses itself from experiences, sound judgment and/or actions.

Do this to avoid sour grapes.

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Identify what it is you really desire.

At this moment, what “specific fruit” do you want to enjoy? Ask yourself, is this heart’s desire worth creating a strategy?

Is it worth consistency so you may savor the sweetness of it?

Is it worth the time you spend to enjoy it?

If “yes” is the answer to the three questions, the we are well on our way to savoring sweet success; not sour grapes.

Our world is often a place of instant gratification. We quickly want what we want, when we want it.

We want to be thin ,and yet we want a box of donuts. We want a bigger bank account with not too much work involved, Ironic, no? Yet it’s human nature! It’s also human nature to blame. Let’s not be those people– you know, the ones that blame when little to no effort is made. Let’s not be like the spoiled-sport fox. Let’s rise above it. Let’s own our place in every decision we make. That friend, is the inner workings of wisdom.

Let’s inspect any areas where we or those whose paths we may have crossed, cried “sour grapes,” Take note. Was a specific strategy in place to seize the fruit? Was the strategy being followed consistently within a realistic time frame?

Chime In!

Have you ever felt foolish like the fox and called “sour grapes” to quickly? (Tell me, I’m not I the only one.) In the comments below, tell us, what wisdom did you gain?

Proper brainwashing and 3 Tips to transform your programming

Brainwashing may seem a bit strong. And, now that I have your attention, you and I are brainwashed. Seriously. Think of it as being programmed for success or failure much like a computer is programmed to run sequences. In the lighter sense and use of the word, brainwashing includes the changing or influence of our opinions, attitudes or behavior by specific methods. The brainwashing we have dictates much of WHAT we do, often times without the understanding of WHY we do it.

Here’s some examples of how brainwashing happens. Many of us hustle to get an education to get a job we don’t even love. Or, we find ourselves scarfing down a bag of potato chips. Replays of “no one can eat just one” has us well-trained. We may burst out singing perfect lyrics in a grocery store aisle to a well-worn ten-year old song. We’re moving through life as our culture, society and mass media suggests.We are performing on cue.

Do we stop to question. Do we wonder why we live the way we do?

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As an ambassador for health and entrepreneurship, I know first hand about resistance. I’ve been told that I need to go easy on Coca Cola and Nabisco. As much brainwashing that I had received about eating pre-packaged, canned goods, or fast food, it was my personal experience of poor health that forced me to question previous nutritional teachings- you know the ones I learned from the Jolly Green Giant, Ronald McDonald and Little Debbie.

My own mother (who was, and is still my biggest cheerleader) continually asked, “Honey, when are you going to get a real job?” Several close friends questioned why I would not go work for someone else. They’d ask, “Isn’t what you’re doing risky? Can you pay the bills? Aren’t you afraid you won’t be able to retire?” Then the revelation hit. As much as I had been brainwashed to get an education so I could get a good job, my personal experiences and yearning desires for freedom beckoned me into the entrepreneurial world. The reality I was seeing is that job security is only a perception. Experiences led me to the only decision I knew deep down that I must take. However, there was one problem. The brainwashing. Sure, I was strong, but I needed a plan to keep me moving in the direction of my dreams.

A Proper Brainwashing and 3 Tips to Transform Your Programming

Is it time to interrupt your personal programming to create a life you really want? Is it time to reconsider what others say you should be or do and step out in confidence? If so, I’d like to offer some advice that’s worked for me.

Decide

Your current results are a reflection of the total sum of decisions that you have consciously or unconsciously made. The same statement applies to me. However, something powerful can happen when we desire to forge a different path. Our ability to question the status quo or our current brain washing requires courage. We must decide to set the dial of our own programming, one that leads us to our desired result.

It’s a decision that has us much like salmon swimming upstream. Perhaps not the most comfortable decision to make, but the one that leads us to the most adventure of being alive.

A dead thing can go with the stream, but only a living thing can go against it. ~ G.K. Chesterson

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We get to decide to take the better path– the one that brings more purpose, health, and satisfaction. We get to decide how and what we will program our powerful brains with every day. Instead of being a receptor of information thrown at us, we can discern which voices to listen to, what books and blogs to read and how we to act on the information we receive. I’m rooting for a proper brainwashing!

Laugh in the Face of Conformity

Tradition doesn’t always breed health or happiness. In fact, it can perpetuate stress and sadness. This is why I suggest we quit trying to be in the one-size-fits all and embrace what makes more sense.  We need to laugh in the face of conformity, reject archaic, non-serving practices that make us want to poke our eyes out.

It’s time to bust up the societal brainwashing that repeats, “this is the way it is, this is the way it will always be.” Heck NO! As the late business philosopher, Jim Rohn said, “don’t sign up for that class!” Transform previous programming with humor. If you’ve caught yourself uncomfortably conforming, it’s time to stop being the butt of the joke and try an alternative approach to life. Pun intended. 😉

Huddle Up

HuddleUp

As awkward as this advice may sound, form your own cult or join an existing one. Let me explain. I’m not urging you to join the type of cult that will get you in trouble, rather one that has goals similar to yours. One that cheers you on and vice versa. Are you forging a new health adventure to better wellness? Find a group of health-minded individuals. Are you an aspiring or seasoned entrepreneur? Connect with fellow entrepreneurs.

Being part of a community that can huddle up, dialogue and exchange wins, challenges and inspiration is perhaps one of the most fruitful practices when it comes to “properly brainwashing” our self for transformative success. If you happen to be looking for a community that focuses on improving health or developing as an entrepreneur, let’s connect. Perhaps we should be huddling up so you can better create the life you desire.

Chime In!

What ways do you properly brainwash yourself? Any particular podcasts, blogs or social media you follow to help you transform your life for the better? Do share! I want to know.

 

5 Reasons Not to Be an Entrepreneur

Personally I love being an entrepreneur.

I know, however, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. If fact, if all or most of the five reasons in this article resonate, skip being an entrepreneur altogether.

You see, each one of us brings something incredible to the world. The way we manifest our life work differs– sometimes it’s best done as an entrepreneur, and sometimes it is not. Read about the five reasons you may want to steer clear of the entrepreneurial career path.

1- Saying “No” isn’t part of your repertoire

While “yes” is THE super word we all want to hear, “no” is a much needed and exceptional word for taking control of how an entrepreneur spends precious time and energy. “No” is empowering to the entrepreneur but can be catastrophic to the employee especially when that “no” is directed at the boss.

The entrepreneur is the boss and therefore on many levels the word “no” serves as a great gift. This gift empowers the entrepreneur to strategically choose when or if to take on new projects, territory or team members. Saying “no” is, in reality saying “yes” to bigger priorities.

This isn’t a blanket statement that all entrepreneurs say “no” when they need to, in fact, I believe it is a skill that is acquired over time through learning. Aspiring entrepreneurs learn that “yes” leads to overwhelm.

Seasoned entrepreneurs have learned that “no” is about increasing impact.

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Saying “no” isn’t always easy. It’s human to want to please others. It can be a difficult pattern to break. If “no” isn’t in your current and future repertoire then run the other way, Forest! The entrepreneurial life will frustrate you more than “the song that never ends.”

2- You visualize hippies singing around a campfire singing Kumbaya when you think about personal development

campfire

Of course, employees grow. The point here is entrepreneurs are stretched in many areas because the choice to march the the beat of one’s own drum demands personal development. It is ongoing, lifelong because the only thing that is constant is change.

Employees are often caught up in maintaining the status quo so personal development isn’t a natural occurrence. Don’t hate me because I don’t believe this is always true. However, those I do know who get promoted within their company often do an outside job where personal development is where they create their cutting edge for advancing.

Still not too keen on embracing personal development? I suggest skipping out on being an entrepreneur. It will save you some sanity.

3- You rather belong to the more popular club

Belonging and community is in our DNA. On some level we want to be a part of a “club.” It’s part of our design.

Employees make up the largest, most popular club. Each with their own set of pros and cons, culture and mindset.

Being an entrepreneur isn’t for the faint of heart. It requires courage not to take most traveled path. At times, it may feel as though you are in a class all your own and in a club with little to no membership.

Eventually the entrepreneur tends to find other entrepreneurs where exchanges happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s for exchanging contact information for a good CPA or attorney, other times it’s to glean information about what each other is doing in the realm of social media or sales.

If belonging to the bigger club they most everyone else is a part, perhaps you should skip out on entrepreneurship. However, if you have patience to forge a club of your own or persistence to find the tribe that runs with your same vibe, you may just be fit to be an entrepreneur.

4- Adventure scares you

Every successful entrepreneur I’ve ever met holds a high tolerance for adventure. Let me explain.

I’ve yet to meet one that doesn’t travel or hasn’t traveled. It seems that the makeup of the person, mindset and purpose calls them into some sort of travel. Sometimes the entrepreneur travels for pleasure other times, for business either way it increases adventure.

What’s high risk to many, the entrepreneur perceives as freedom and adventure.

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The mere responsibility of creating and running a business that supports one’s personal expenses isn’t quite the adventure for everyone. If you’d rather avoid this, no worries, the important thing is to know your limitations.

5- You’re more comfortable with someone else calling all the shots

One word– control. It’s how you see it.

At some point in time most entrepreneurs have probably been called “bossypants” or “controlling.”  They like to call their own shots, assume risks, forge new paths, and cause their mothers concern. On the other hand, employees tend to play by a certain set of rules, follow a path that is designed for them and receive and act on orders given by a superior. Again, each path holds its own set of pros and cons.

It is simply wise to know where you are most comfortable. Rather call your own shots? Or, are you more comfortable with someone else calling all the shots?

An entrepreneur likes the control and adventure of being in the driver seat. Most employees rather avoid off-roading and enjoy the ride instead.

Chime In!

What sayest thou? Entrepreneur or employee? Why have you chosen this path? Share with us in the comments below.

Dr. Paige Hunter, Business & Health Coach

The fine art of listening: Please, hear me out!

Have you ever found yourself distracted from listening? Perhaps some precarious things happened.

Maybe you can relate to this. Some neighborhood kids came by to see if you want to enroll your pooch in the “Doggie Day Spa.” It’s not until later that you realize you said yes to much more than a simple bath and brush out. The rush to get back to completing a task kept you from the art of listening. Instead you’re enjoying some post modern art on your pooch.

Shih Tzu with purple mohawk, 2 years old, sitting in front of white background

Next time those entrepreneurial kids come knocking at your door and Rover is stinky, you’ll make sure to listen closely to what each spa package offers.

Perhaps you can identify with this one. At the Dry Cleaners you realize that your favorite duds have shrunk three sizes. As you flashback to an odd conversation including hot water and stain removers, you realize something went wildly awry in the listening and communication department.

In search of being my best human self, a better entrepreneur, friend and family member, I’ve been stewing over the ways in which we can improve our listening skills. We’ve all experienced something like this because we’re human and yet I think this topic is worthwhile.

Just recently I was humbled as I became lost en route to an important appointment. Yes, I was busted for not listening as I should. Despite being given great directions, I thought to myself, no worries. I’ll simply rely on the GPS for a friendly fallback. Doh!  Well guess what? This place was off the grid. Because I hadn’t listened intently, I found myself driving around in circles in frustration. Of course, now I’m turning it into fodder because if my human frailty can assist you in anyway, I’m happy to assist!

Listening is much deeper than hearing.

The best business happens when the needs, wants and desires are met– when customers feel heard. The same holds true in our relationships.

Listening is about staying alert to what’s going on and to what matters not only to us, but those we serve.

Listening requires processing. Sometimes that processing includes the emotions of those to whom we are listening and those to whom we are communicating.

Communication train wrecks occur when we’re in a hurry to be heard instead of hearing out what’s happening. Often they are linked to what I call the “tyranny of urgency.” We get ourselves in a hurry to accomplish so much that we miss out on crucial conversations and observations that had we paused long enough– we would have gleaned valuable information to propel a mutual agenda forward.

The way to ground ourselves when we feel we need to speed up is to actually slow down and process how we are showing up.

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To increase our artistry in listening, let’s ask ourselves the following questions:

  • Do I listen to others the way I want to be listened to?
  • Am I marketing an idea or am I helping someone overcome a specific problem?
  • Am I adding value in this communication interchange?

Listening is a gift we give. Being heard is what we most crave. Most of us are done with being a number. We want interaction that’s not superficial. We desire to be understood.

Chime in. We’re all ears! 😉

Art of Listening- Dr. Paige Hunter

In the comments below please share the last time you were the recipient or giver in the art of listening? What was it like to be heard or to listen to someone intently? What did this experience do for you and /or your fellow human? Tell us about it!

 

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