Be a Finisher

We all have some things which are undone. Take a peak into a carpenter’s workshop, a cartoonist’s scribble pad or a seamstress’s work space, you’ll find many project’s waiting to be finished.  The projects represent many stages:  first draft, 10th try or changed mind. There may be some that will never be completed. The problem comes when the majority of things are left undone. Unfinished projects like any unfinished business can produce anxiety and stress.  Individuals may feel incompetent or frustrated because nothing is working.

The challenge today is to finish the project that causes you to wince at this article. There is the one item that produces a “Dang, I really need to do it”, that is the item, project, story, class, degree, certification, financing, business plan, etc. that you need to finish. Outline a method/timeline for completing the task. If it is finishing a book, set aside time daily to write and work on the launch. A desire to return to school, go online today, and determine what is needed and devise a plan. Do something daily towards completion of whatever the item is. 

There is a tremendous amount of satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment that comes with completing anything. Additionally, the completion of one item produces energy and momentum for completing the next thing. People always talk about negative spirals or cycles, why not start some positive and success cycles. Finishing the unfinished tasks is a great start to cycles of success.

THE POWER OF WE

The truth is you need people to help you birth the dream even if it is an individual  business. For example , Steve Jobs , and two of his friends started Apple Computers; Sam Walton borrowed money from his father-in-law  to start Walmart; and Larry Page and Sergey Brin , college friends started Google. 

Take  a moment today to assess the people you may need to  connect with to birth your dream.  Whether your cousin who is an artist, the engineer neighbor or the Vice President of your local bank, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone who may have the missing piece. Step out of your comfort zone and begin to utilize the power of we. When I started my coaching business, I reached out to six (6) of my friends and asked them would they be my first group. They consented which gave me a beta group, allowed me to give shape to the process and and gain confidence, Their assistance was invaluable.

Too often  many of us  are lone rangers and happy about it. Many are quick to admit “I don’t do people,”. The reality is there are dreams that are solo  visions and some people will start businesses on their own. However,  too often the  “I can do this on my own” originates from a place of brokenness.

I am Unique

Positive affirmations are utilized to create the life that you desire. Many of us have told ourselves negative messages that have produced negative outcomes in our lives. By changing the way we think we can change our lives. Using these affirmations can propel you into the life of your dreams.

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THE NEXT LEVEL

Imagine standing in the lobby, waiting for the elevator to take you to another level.  The up arrow is lit, there is a beep and the door opens. You now have a decision to make. Will I move towards the door and take the elevator to the next level, wait for the next one or take the steps. You can look around and see if maybe there is an escalator. What is clear, is that you cannot get to where you are going if you stay where you are. If there are people on the elevator when the door opens, they are now looking at you to see what you will do.

Your dreams represents the next level. Where you are standing now, is outside of that elevator. You have not chosen the steps or looked for an escalator. You have decided the route you will take is the elevator. Now that the door is opened, what are you going to do? The people you are called to help are on the elevator, waiting for you to decide to move.

What is the current state of your dream.  What are you doing to birth it?  Doing nothing is not an acceptable response. Rome wasn’t built in a day. The Sears Tower which has 110 floors took 2000 people over 3 years to complete it. Your dream can be built, but you have to start somewhere.

Do something today towards your dream. Have you:

• Written it down
•  Designed a plan to produce it
• Created measurable goals
•  Selected the first steps you will need to accomplish it
• Acted upon one step

You can’t get the building if you don’t have a plan.  Just like you can’t make a cake if you don think about the ingredients, go to the store and get them and come back to begin the process. It is time to get it out of your head , onto the paper and into your life. Let’s start somewhere. Creativity and momentum happens when you start and are moving.

The Comfort Zone is Your Enemy

DANGER, COMFORT ZONE!  What  a contradiction. The comfort zone is considered a safe place. It is the space that we retreat to when threatened or frequently dwell in for ease and satisfaction.  It is defined as the temperature that is comfortable for most people.

Each of us has a comfort zone where we feel safe and in control. We are confident, self assured and without threat. The picture of a person on a cozy sofa or chair, warm, fuzzy blanket, pillow and hot chocolate screams comfort for us. However, when we picture a successful entrepreneur, it is quite the opposite.

Hence the comfort zone is really our enemy. It has been said that a ship in the harbor is safe but that was never the intent of the ship. Being comfortable is existing, not living because it limits your growth and success. We admit it is scary outside of it, but everything you desire is on the other side of your comfort zone. 

Change does not have to be drastic. For example, if you don’t know how to swim, you don’t jump out into the deep water and drown. However, you just begin walking into the shallow water, and wade a little while. Take  a swimming class, learn new strokes and before long, you can dive in and swim.

Intentionally, leave your comfort zone. Do something different every day. You will find that your comfort zone actually increases with experiences and learning new things. Look forward to the day when you are comfortable or at home in situations that would have terrified you! Now, go after the life you desire! Do not settle for less! Live.

DELAY NOT DENY

On the way to birthing your dream and building your business, there will be times when you will have to put off something that you desire now for where you are going.  We do not like fore someone to tell us no, and we certainly do not like to tell ourselves no.  However, the ability to deny yourself has great rewards.

Many times our inability to deny ourselves is rooted in past experiences and deprivation of basic needs. The person who did not have a lot of material things growing up may find themselves in debt spending money that do not have to buy things that they do not need. It is as if they are saying, I will never be without “_________”  again (fill in the blank). Deprivation is dangerous because it affects our choices and leads to emotional decision making. For example, we will eat everything we want, even if it is harmful to our bodies or we will buy homes that we cannot afford because we just want them without thinking about the consequences.

Millionaires manage their lifestyles and live below their means. For instance, it is reported that the majority of millionaires buy used American cars, not luxury models. They are able to buy whatever they want, but they want what they can afford or works for where they are going. It is important as we are moving towards our promises, we develop this mindset.

Identify and acknowledge the areas where you may have been deprived. Look for behaviors in your life where you have or are over compensating for those deficiencies. Choose to change your mind regarding the need to fill a void that no longer exists. You can not change your past therefore,   do not continue making choices from the past deficits. Begin making decisions based on thought and reasoning. Refuse to make emotional decisions. Your life will change, and you will find the things that were denied will be appreciated and balanced when acquired.

You Have What You Say

Did you know that you have the power to create the life you desire. As a painter creates a masterpiece with a brush  and paints, we are also creating a masterpiece with our words: our lives. As children we may have said “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”. That is not the truth! Words are action packed. We believe what the words are saying, consciously or subconsciously. For example, if as a child you were consistently told you could not do something, you may find as an adult, you still believe you are unable to accomplish the task. If you repeat to yourself that you cannot do it, you will actually believe yourself.  Your fiercest battle is not the “enemy” but the “inner me”. 

Begin telling yourself that you are remarkable and well able. Say to yourself you deserve great things and are destined for even greater things. Speak to your dream. Say what it will look “when” it’s completed not “if” it is accomplished. The more you speak well of or affirm yourself the greater your motivation to accomplish those things you speak. Your entire being lines up with what you are saying to create those things you speak.  Dreamers, create the life you desire  with the words that you speak!

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