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I’m writing this post late today as I spent the day with my family, eating and laughing. I’m off to dinner with my hubby in a few minutes too. My birthday is a day that I always treat myself on. Even when I worked for others, I took my birthday off and made it a priority to fill the day with all the things and people I love. I do hope that you do the same for yourself on your special day. You deserve it.
photo by: Paco CT
When it comes to business, we tend to focus on the “hard stuff”. We believe with the right idea, coupled with equipment, know-how and a little money, we will be a success.
We write business plans, take classes, invest in seminars, read books and magazines, and worry over and debate the nuts and bolts, the material resources and the fundamental idea, of our business.
It’s not the “hard stuff” that will make your dreams come true, those things you can easily acquire. Having an idea does not make you unique, nor does having the knowledge to execute it. It’s the quality of the person who’s turning the idea into reality, the “soft stuff”, that matters.
It’s about the hand that holds it, molds it and does something with it. You, and you alone, are the ultimate predictor of your success.
It’s time for you to rethink “what it takes”. You are an individual with unique circumstances and goals. Understand what your gifts are and determine what you want and need. Only then, after uncovering the squishy stuff, the soul of your business, will the “hard stuff” help you to fulfill your dreams.
photo by: ixographic
After a year and a half of writing this blog, it still seems odd to me that I share my most personal thoughts with world. See, I’ve always considered myself a private person, as I keep my feelings close to my chest, dealing them out only to those few, dear people closest to me. I’ve never really felt safe opening up to people, and I felt a sense of contentment with my story staying mine, alone.
When I first heard about blogging I couldn’t understand why anyone:
My reaction made perfect sense as I held the belief that an average person (like me) had no business broadcasting their thoughts, as they were insignificant, trivial and without value. I couldn’t imagine what kind of whackjob would actually care what I had to say.
I still struggle with this idea. Being open doesn’t come that naturally to me. In fact, when I first decided to write this blog, I thought I would write it under a pseudonym, like J.D. Salinger. I didn’t want you to know it was me. Then I came to understand that the web is a table for two, and that the connection I have with you is only made possible by sharing my Self and my story. Without it, I have no voice, and, duh, my voice is my greatest tool. Whether I like it or not, this blog is about me. And I need to get comfortable with that.
When I write now, I often need to remind myself to be more personal. I still work to silence the little fearful voice that screams “no one cares”.
What I’ve found so freeing about becoming more public is that in this little corner of the web, at the table I’ve set up, I draw people like you, and you have helped me create an environment where I feel safe to open up entirely and let my voice sing.
photo by: numstead
I wrote this post for my friend and fellow Innerpreneur, Tim Bursh. He blogs on Social Impact, Social Media and Community. I encourage you to read the article in it’s entirety.
Looking for more guidance than this? Read the whole article. The context around these 5 tips is what really matters.
photo credit: Andres Rueda
I’m in Paris, France and Barcelona, Spain for the next week, capitalizing on the business trip (aka enjoying the free hotel) my husband has been sent on. I’ve brought my computer, and before I left, I told myself I would work… because I feel guilty. Guilty for spending money I don’t have, guilty for the time away from my clients and business and guilty for taking a trip I feel I don’t deserve.
Despite the self-inflicted guilt, I could not help but seize the opportunity for adventure.
Tonight though, the guilt is heavy, clouding my thoughts and inhibiting my enjoyment. I’m staring at the screen right now, in our rented apartment in Paris, wondering why I have nothing intelligent to say about guilt. I feel like an ass writing of my guilty thoughts while experiencing a city many only dream of visiting. Whoops, isn’t that more self-inflicted guilt? I am certainly on fire tonight.
To add fuel to the fire, this article really has no point. I’m bringing nothing new to the subject. The best point I’ve got is: despite the guilt I feel about being here, it’s a lot better than the regret I’d feel at missing this opportunity. I prefer “I shouldn’t do it” to “I could have done it”. And I likely always will. For I am, without a doubt, a glutton for experience.
photo credit: graphistolage
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