Why Should You Start a Business?

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business, clarity, knowing your why, money, should you start a business, why, why should you start a business

You may have flirted with the idea of starting your own business, but never really took action. If you want to launch a successful business, you need to know why you want to become an entrepreneur. You may be sure of what you actually want to do, but have no clue as to why.

Why does it matter if you know your “why”? Because you need clarity. When you know why you are pursuing the entrepreneurial route, you will be able to do the following:

1. Clearly articulate why your business matters.

There are so many businesses these days. To be quite honest, it seems like McDonald’s is building another restaurant every week! The question is, why does your business even matter? Why does the world need your business? That’s a question you need to answer thoroughly. Don’t just respond with the normal fluff, “I help people”. There are tons of organizations that help people. Why do you stand out?  Now, don’t get discouraged like I did initially if you cannot come up with a good enough answer. Simply take the time you need to gain clarity and provide a solid response.

2. Identify your reference point for times when the “grits hits the fan”.

Let’s be honest. Every day is not roses, sunshine, and hot apple pie with vanilla bean ice cream (but it sure does sounds good, doesn’t it?). When you decide to go into business for yourself (get married, reach a goal, or do anything else for that matter), you have to expect that rainy days will come. Why? Because we all must go through seasons.

Everyone loves spring and summer, but what about fall and winter? When those gloomy days come, you need to be able to refer to why you got into this business in the first place. As mentioned in our previous post, don’t do just because it sounds good or because you’re living up to someone else’s expectations for your life. Know why you made your decision, and hold tight to your dream. Naysayers will be around almost every corner when you hit bumps in the road (sometimes even when things are going well, too). Knowing your “why” is going to help keep you motivated.

Some may think money is the best motivator there is. Trust me; it’s not for everyone—including me. I’m the type of person who is more motivated by doing things that align with my core values. If it doesn’t interest me, then money won’t change a thing.

You also need to consider that money may be slower some months than others. If money is your “why”, then how are you going to make it in those slow months?

I applaud you for wanting to try your hand at entrepreneurship. You are definitely brave! My challenge to you today is to identify your “why” in your business, and to comment below to share.

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Click here to learn ways to achieve the success you want and deserve.

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Goal Setting

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dos and dont's, goal setting, purpose

In this series, we’re talking about ten ways to successfully launch a business. One of the first things you need to do to launch a successful business is to identify your goals. Now, I’m not talking about goals that just sound awesome, but ones that are actually attainable AND awesome.

As you sit down to make your list of goals, there are some do’s and don’ts to consider.

1. Align your goals with your core values—not with someone else’s.

When I was younger, I lived to please my parents. I was one of those scaredy pants kids, you know? I was too afraid to color outside the lines—most of the time, anyways. I tried my best to do what was expected of me, and make my parents and everyone else happy.

Yet, something funny happened. The older I became, the more I realized how unhappy I was. I can remember being so frustrated one day that I told my husband, “There has to be more to life than this!” Sound familiar?

That’s when I decided to work on MY goals instead of working to fulfill the goals of people around me. I know what I value and I know my purpose—it’s helping others achieve their goals. As you build your business, make sure your goals are actually YOUR goals, and that they align with YOUR purpose. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

2. Break down your larger goal into smaller, succinct goals.

It can be quite overwhelming to look at the “big picture” sometimes. Once you’ve established your purpose and written down a few major goals, you should focus on the goal that is the most important to you at this time. Then, you need to create small goals that will help you achieve your larger goal.

For example, if you want to make $10,000 each month, you need to do some planning. If you only have one product to sell, how much do you need to charge for it? (Just make sure it is definitely worth the value!) Then, you will be able to determine how many people need to purchase your product for the month. You can even break this down into how many people you would like to make a purchase per week.

3. Make goals that are time stamped.

As I mentioned earlier, you don’t want “fluff” goals that just look good on paper. You want goals that are clear, concise, and have an expiration date. Why? If there is no deadline, then why do you need to be accountable? I don’t know about you, but I would procrastinate like nobody’s business without a deadline. Okay, so sometimes I still procrastinate with a deadline, but at least I get it done, right? What I’m trying to say is that deadlines force you to get the job done. You just need to make sure your deadline is firm.

4. Tell others about your goal.

Yeah, I know you don’t like to put yourself on the spot, and I know you don’t want too many people to know about your “super secret” details. Did you know the real reason most people feel like this is because most fear looking like a failure. I don’t like to look like I have egg on my face either, but I do know that telling others about your goal—especially the deadline—does the trick every time!

When I was writing my first book, what did I do? I went on Facebook and told everyone I would be publishing it January 2016. Was I scared? Heck yeah. But you know what? I made my deadline of finishing my draft, getting it to my editor, and am now just waiting on a few minor things before I can start pre-selling.

5. Make adjustments when needed.

If you’re flirting with the idea of launching a business, you need to know that goals are not written in stone.  As you embark on your journey, you may find that your goal needs to be refined or that you may need to revisit it at a later time. It’s okay. Regroup, make revisions, and press on!

Setting goals is an important and necessary step for every entrepreneur, and we all could use a cheerleader in the process. Do me a favor. Let me be your cheerleader. Share with me one goal you are currently or will soon be working on to help you launch a successful business!

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Click here to learn ways to achieve the success you want and deserve.

The Secret to Launching a Successful Business

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blog series, business, collaborate, excuses, focus, fun, goals, how to launch a successful business, launch, man in the mirror, Michael Jackson, mistakes, organization, plan, secret, secret to launching a business, secret to launching a successful business, strategies, success, successful, system, tips

Anyone can have a business, right? But what is it exactly that makes some people successful and others, not so much? I promise it’s not a secret potion made in some random factory, and it’s not even luck. There are actually quite a few things you must do. In this new blog series, we’re only going to talk about ten things you need to do to launch a successful business.

1. You need a clear goal.

How can you be successful if you don’t know what you want? You’ll just end up spinning your wheels, and unfortunately, remain in the same spot. Before doing anything else, take some time to truly find out what you want to accomplish.

2. Know your “why”. 

I hate to break it to you, but if you solely want to “get rich quick”, then you need a new reason to go into business. People can smell a money hound a mile away! Your “why” needs to benefit more than just you.

3. You need a plan of action.

Let’s say you live in Charlotte, NC, and you have to drive to Baltimore, MD. You’ve never driven there before. What are you going to do? Use a map–or your handy dandy GPS! The same is true with business. You must develop a plan that lists each step you need to take in order to arrive at your destination–a successful business of course!

4. You need to implement your plan.

What’s the use in having a plan if you’re not using it? Once you have narrowed down your action plan, you must use it. You may even find it beneficial to have an accountability partner or group to help you stay on track.

5. You must be willing to learn from your mistakes.

This is a biggie. I completely understand the urge to want everything to be “perfect” before you launch. The truth is, there is no “perfect launch”. You are going to make a million mistakes, but that’s okay as long as you learn from it. Your customers don’t want to see a perfect business owner. They want someone who is authentic and relatable.

6. You need an organization system.

It is pretty tough to start a business from the ground up. It truly helps if you can find a system to keep you organized. We’ll explore some ways to help you with this in a later post during this series.

7. You need to maintain focus.

I admit, this is tough. While you’re working your plan, you can run into so many other cool things along the way. Although it can be really hard to say ‘no’, trust me, you need to practice having tunnel vision.

8. You need to collaborate with others.

I know, I know. I didn’t like all of those group projects in school either, but I’ll tell you this: no one makes it to the top alone. Everyone needs help–including you. The sooner you start collaborating with like-minded people, the faster you’ll see results. Later in this series, we’ll discuss effective ways to collaborate with others.

9. You need to avoid making excuses.

Ouch! This is a tough one, but if you want to have a successful business, you can’t be so quick to blame others for your failures. Sometimes, we need to do like the great Michael Jackson suggested–take a look at “the Man in the Mirror”.

10. You need to have fun.

Seriously, if you want a successful business, you can’t walk around like you have a stick up your rear-end! It’s okay to be human–I promise! I’ll show you some ways to balance fun and business on your journey later in this series.

If you want to continue exploring these secrets to launching a successful business, then follow me for an in-depth look at each of these ten topics. Don’t just stop there. Share the wealth of knowledge with your family and friends. Remember, sharing is caring! 🙂

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What You Ought to Know About “The Comparison Trap”

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blockers, comparing, comparison, comparison trap, dreams, goals, strength, success, successful, trap, why you shouldn't compare yourself to others

If you told me last year that I would be entering the entrepreneur life, I would have laughed at you hysterically–without shame. Why? Because I didn’t see myself as “entrepreneur material”. When I looked at other entrepreneurs, I didn’t seem smart enough, stylish enough, talented enough, and so many other things.

Does any of this sound familiar to you? Have you been holding back because you don’t think you have what it takes to be successful? I hate to break it to you this way, but you’ve fallen victim to the “comparison trap”. The comparison trap is a success blocker that has proven victorious over many, but your story can be different.

So, what do you need to remember when you realize you’ve fallen victim to the “comparison trap”?

1. Focus on your strengths.

Did you know you are poisoning your mind and future when you speak negatively about yourself? It’s great to admire certain things about others, but not at the expense of tearing yourself down. I challenge you to think about all of the wonderful strengths you have. Focus on how your strengths can lead you to achieve the success you want and deserve.

2. Remember, you only see the present day version of others.

It is incredibly unfair to compare your life to that successful person you admire so much. Why? Because you probably don’t even know how they got to where they are today! Even if you know a little “behind the scene” details, I guarantee you were not there for every moment of doubt, fear, and frustration that your beloved endured. So, cut yourself some slack. It took some serious work for them to reach their goal, and it will for you, too.

3. Successful people compare themselves to others, too!

Yes, it’s true. Every person on the face of this Earth–including every successful person you admire–has compared themselves to others. It’s human nature, I suppose. No one wants to feel like a failure–not even the great “gurus” of our time. It’s just not a great feeling. Yet, you need to understand that sometimes, you just need to shake off the dirt, and keep moving. Remember, it’s okay to identify areas in which you may need to improve; however, you should never believe there is something intrinsically wrong with you, and is in turn blocking you from success.

4. Comparing yourself to others can make you jealous and unhappy.

When you haven’t been as successful as you’d like, you can become jealous and unhappy. You may feel like everyone else just has this “thing” that you don’t. Trust me, you don’t want to spend your life as a sour lemon. Instead of being jealous and unhappy about others’ success, I challenge you to find out what it took for them to reach their goal. Then, decide which of their action steps you can implement into your life.

As I close this Success Blockers Series, I challenge you to think about what you’ve learned, and let me know how you plan to achieve your next goal. If you haven’t begun to make necessary adjustments to your life, then what are you waiting for? We have so many success blockers (or excuses) for why we haven’t gone after our dream. Remember, you hold the keys to your success. I know you can do it. Do you?

Click here to learn ways to achieve the success you want and deserve.

5 Ways to Fund Your Dream

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barter, budget, dreams, expenses, fund, funding, grant, how to fund your dream, how to pay for your dream, money, success

There’s nothing worse than having an incredible idea, and not being able to share it with the world because you lack the finances necessary to fund it. Trust me, I can definitely understand your pain. When my family’s income changed, it made it quite difficult to pursue writing and launching my first book, 11 Ways to Jumpstart Your Thinking: Change Your Mindset to Achieve the Success You Deserve.  Nevertheless, I learned to hope in spite of my situation.

After doing some research, I learned there are at least five different things I could do to help increase my chances of meeting my financial need to become a published author. Hopefully you can use some of these ideas, too!

1. Track your monthly expenses.

Hopefully, you already have a monthly budget. It’s also a good idea to track your expenses. You can do this electronically or use a special notebook. When you track your expenses, you’re able to see areas where you could decrease your spending. This will help free up some extra funds for your cause.

Instead of going to Starbucks five days per week, you could cut it down to once. I know, I know. You need your coffee. What about buying a bag of your favorite Starbucks coffee from your local grocery store to make at home instead? You would get to enjoy your treat and pinch a few pennies in the process. Just remember, you’re going to have to sacrifice somewhere if you want to find more money to fund your dream. No pain, no gain!

 

2. Consider working a part-time job.

This suggestion may not work for everyone, and it’s understandable. However, it’s worth using a part-time job to help fund your dream. This doesn’t mean you have to work there forever. Simply budget how much money you will need to fund your dream, and work as long as it takes to save that amount. Be careful not to use the money from this job for purposes other than your dream. That would be counterproductive.

3. Search for a grant.

This may take time to find the right grant, but you’d be surprised at how many organizations are willing to help entrepreneurs. You must, however, pay attention to the fine print. Some grants may require you to show data to track your progress. Others are geared specifically towards specific interests, ethnic groups, or gender.

Although there are many grants available for businesses, you must be careful to properly complete the application, and remember you are competing against several other businesses. This is not meant to discourage you, but I need you to be aware of the challenges so you can find ways to stand out on your application.

4. Offer your services. 

Everyone has at least one talent or skill. Why not use your talent to earn a little extra income to fund your dream? It would be ideal to use a skill in the same niche as your dream because you would be able to begin building relationships with your future fan base. For example, if you can’t afford to open your own daycare, why not begin working in the children’s ministry at your church? This will give you additional hands on experience, and you can be seen as the “go to” person when you are able to fund your dream! In the meantime, start advertising your babysitting services. It may not be much, but every penny helps!

5. Barter.

Don’t underestimate good old-fashioned bartering. How can bartering help fund your dream? Let’s say you are a photographer that needs help with getting a website. You could potentially barter services with someone who does web design. Provide a complimentary photo package worth the same value as the kind of website you want. The next time the web designer comes across a client who needs photography services, he could recommend you because of the awesome service you provided.

Although you may not be able to use every tip, find the one that works best for your situation. I challenge you to choose one of the tips listed above. After implementing it, comment below to let me know how you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to look outside the box for answers to funding your dream. Your dream doesn’t have to die with you. You can fund your dream, and have the success you deserve. I believe in you!

Click here to learn ways to achieve the success you want and deserve.

For more information on success blockers, see all of my posts in this series:

5 Secret Success Blockers

How to Get Started When You’re Clueless

How to Find Time to Do What You Want

When Should You Pursue Your Dream?

When Should You Pursue Your Dream?

Tags

action, brain dumping, dreams, hustle, negative, plan, positive, success, success blocker, talent, when should you go after your dream, when should you pursue your dream

I was talking to an incredibly talented person one day, and asked why he wasn’t pursuing his dream. He said, “Now’s not the right time.” This made me wonder why he would say such a thing. From personal experience, I understand that when someone makes this claim, there is usually an underlying reason. How do you find the real reason?

1. Brain dumping.

Sometimes you have to work hard to get to the root of the problem. One way to accomplish this is through conducting a brain dump. A brain dump is simply when someone writes down as much information as possible about any given topic. In my previous post, we conducted a brain dump so we could visualize everything that needed to be done by the end of the week. You can apply this same principle when deciding the ideal time to go after your dream.

How can you apply this technique? By writing down every reason you feel now is not a great time to chase your dream. Usually, this is not a difficult feat. Many people can identify several reasons why they feel their dream should be put on hold.

2. Turn a negative into a positive. 

In the words of the great Lauren Hill, I want you to “turn a negative into a positive picture.” Look at the list you generated during the brain dump. Your job is to challenge each reason you wrote down. This means you are to find a solution for each problem you listed. Life is about perception. You would be surprised at how many of your problems can be solved if you took the time to seek a solution. For example, if you feel you don’t have the expertise to go after your dream, read about how you can feel more confident here. If you don’t feel you have enough connections, come up with ways to increase your contacts.

3. Create an action plan.

This step applies to everyone–even those individuals who are seriously struggling with seeing the possibilities. If that’s you, I want you to sit and think about what your ideal circumstances would need to look like in order for you to go after your dream. Can you see and feel how different life would be? Good. Now, write an action plan which shows what steps you need to take to get your life to that ideal picture you envisioned. Don’t forget to actually implement what you write!

You may be wondering, “When is the best time to put the pedal to the metal, and go get that dream of mine?” I would say, NOW. Life will present so many negative reasons for why you shouldn’t go after your dream. Nevertheless, I am positive that if you create a realistic action plan, you will be able to achieve the success you truly deserve. So, go ahead. Implement the strategies discussed, and connect with me to let me know how your journey is going!

To see a list of all 5 success blockers we will discuss this week, click here.

Click here to learn ways to achieve the success you want and deserve.

How to Find Time To Do What You Want

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checklist, how to find time, how to find time to do what you want, plan, planner, schedule, series, strategy, success blocker, time, time management

You ever scrolled through your social media feeds and wonder how your friends have the time to go on vacations or do anything besides work? It seems like your work is never done, and like you’ll never have time to do the things you really want to do. I promise you there is hope!

So how can your friends manage to find time for work and play? You may not like the answer, but you have to plan. Planning helps combat against this success blocker (lack of time). Let’s look at five things you can do as part of your planning process.

1. Identify everything you want to accomplish by the end of the week.

This step is also known as “brain dumping”. Brain dumping is simply when you write as much as you know about a certain topic. I know, I know. You may be thinking you don’t have time to do this activity. Trust me, you don’t have time not to! When you start off your week knowing everything you’d like to accomplish, it can totally change your perspective about your ability to achieve your goal. Don’t worry if your list seems endless. The next step will help you potentially eliminate some of the items (for this week at least).

 

2. Prioritize!

Circle the things on your list you feel are necessary so you can achieve your overall goal. This can be difficult for some, but I challenge you to make a concerted effort and eliminate non-essential tasks. If you’re like me, you may want to even use a color-coding system. You can use different colors for “Top Priority” tasks and “Maybe” tasks.

3. Jot down three to five things you can accomplish each day.

You may be thinking you are too free-spirited for that, but there are benefits to this process. Planning helps to establish a clear vision of what you want your week to look like. It also helps eliminate excessive stress, confusion, and wasted time. So, instead of surfing Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for hours on end, you can actually schedule in time where it would be more appropriate to be on social media. Just think about how this will help you to increase your productivity!

In the past, I struggled quite a bit with overextending myself. I used to put too many demands on myself for each day, and then I became upset when I didn’t achieve my intended goals. Fortunately, my years as a teacher taught me the value in planning out the entire week–heck, sometimes even the entire month! If I know the major goals I want to achieve by a certain time, I can create small, achievable tasks to get me to my end goal.

4. Implement your plan!

It doesn’t make sense to go through the trouble of creating a weekly schedule if you’re not going to use it. Sure, life gets in the way sometimes, and it can stop you from completing a task here and there. However, you have to make up your mind to follow through with your plan. If you notice changes need to made to your weekly planner, then make them accordingly. I would even suggest reaching out to someone who could serve you as an accountability partner. S/he could help remind you about items on your list.

5. Reflect!

Reflecting on what did and did not work is crucial to your success. This information helps you fine-tune current weekly expectations, and make changes for future endeavors. Reflection also helps you to point out specific talents and strengths you have. This can help you to maintain a positive perspective, and give you the momentum you need to finish up strong.

I’ve found success by implementing these five steps, and I know you can, too. You may create your weekly schedule electronically or by filling out a physical planner. Here’s the same editable planner  I use to help me stay on track throughout the week. I challenge you to fill it out using the strategies above. Then, connect with me to let me know about your progress!

Click here to learn ways to achieve the success you want and deserve.

See my previous posts in this success blockers series.

5 Secret Success Blockers

How to Get Started When You’re Clueless

How to Get Started When You’re Clueless

Tags

clueless, coach, google, how to start a business, investment, knowledge, mentor, notes, plan, research, start, strategies, success, success blocker, training

So, you finally figured out what you want to do in life. Congrats. Not many people can say they truly know what their calling is in life. Now, you’re probably thinking, “How the heck do I even get started?”

It can be quite challenging and frustrating to figure out exactly the best way to become a model, an entrepreneur, or whatever your heart desires. Trust me, I know the feeling. You’re not alone. You would be amazed at how many people give up on a dream simply because they don’t know how to do it.

Luckily, you’re not quitter. I know this because you’re reading this blog. For that, I tip my hat to you. Because I believe in you, I’m going to give you two tips that have helped me figure out what to do when I’m clueless.

1.Research. The first thing you have to do when you don’t know what to do, is research. If you don’t know the specific job title, simply search jobs similar to what you want to do. For example, if you know you want to be a strategist of some sort, research “strategist”. You can then compare what various strategists do, and narrow down which appeals to you the most.

If you know what the specific job title is, you can simply Google for example “how to become a content strategist” or “tips on becoming a content strategist”. Different sites may have different tips. Cross-reference the information you find, and make sure it is from a credible source.

When you don’t know what to do, another great thing to research is successful people who are already in the field you’re pursuing. Look at their websites. Read their testimonials and read beyond the fluff. How specifically are they helping others? What services do they provide? How does the information you find align with what you envisioned for your new career?

2.Find a mentor or coach. When you’re clueless about how to get started in your new profession, it would be wise to find a mentor or coach. This person would provide valuable insights on what you should and should not do, as well as the order in which you should do things. Having a mentor or coach can cut out a lot of unnecessary trial and error moments, which would ultimately get you to your dream job faster.

You may be wondering if you should look for a paid mentor or coach. Is it really worth the money? Why should you consider paying hundreds of dollars to someone to guide you when you’re clueless? If you’ve done your research properly, you should know who is credible. Knowing their story to success should make it a no brainer to invest in someone who can teach you how to get to where you want to go. It’s also true that many people who are tired of being clueless will take themselves and their goal more seriously if they must make a monetary investment.

If you’re unable to invest in a paid coach or mentor, there is still hope! Read as many books as you can by the mentor or coach of your choice. Listen to their podcasts, watch them on YouTube or Periscope. You can also attend live or pre-recorded webinars by this person if they are available. Soak in as much free information as you can until you’re able to take the next step (investing in paid services).

As a side note, please remember to take excellent notes. Find the right organizational system that works for you. Consider having a notebook for marketing ideas, reflection, or inspirational quotes to keep you motivated. Review your notes frequently, and don’t forget to actually implement what you’ve learned!

Think about a dream you have that you haven’t started because you don’t know how to do it. I challenge you to implement the above strategies. What do you have to lose? Once you begin implementing these strategies, connect with me and let me know how things are working out for you. I can’t wait to hear your awesome success stories!

For more information about additional success blockers, check out my previous post here.

 Click here to learn ways to achieve the success you want and deserve.

5 Secret Success Blockers

Tags

challenges, dream chaser, dreams, knowledge, money, secret, success, success blocker, thinking, time

You’ve been wanting to chase after your dream for such a long time, but life keeps getting in the way. You tell yourself you’ll have your chance “one day”. In the meantime, you’re left to deal with the dissatisfaction your present circumstances bring.

Trust me, I know how daunting it can be to feel like your dream will never come to fruition. But what if I told you the real reason your dream hasn’t come to light is because of secret success blockers in your life?

What is a success blocker? It’s the rationale we give (and sometimes don’t give) for not going after our dream. It shapes how we think, believe, and even how we behave. Let’s explore five things people say to explain why they haven’t achieved their dream.

1. I don’t know how to do it. 

Lack of knowledge can definitely deter many people from achieving success. You may feel overwhelmed by how much you don’t know or by how much you feel you must do to achieve your dream. You don’t know where to start or you don’t know in what order you should complete anything. This can be very frustrating!

2. I don’t have time. 

This is one of the most common reasons people give for not going after their dream. With late work nights, early mornings, family obligations, and running errands, it’s no wonder so many people feel there aren’t enough hours in a day.

3. Now is not the right time. 

Now, this is different than the previous statement. These individuals have time to work on obtaining their dream; however, they feel their present circumstances do not provide the ideal environment to nurture their dream. Maybe there are personal issues going on that are just way too distracting right now or maybe the way their bank account is set up…you know the speech. This brings us to our next statement.

4. I don’t have enough money.

How many times have you heard someone say this? Although this may be true to a certain extent, I would argue that some people use this statement to mask a simple truth: they don’t really want to achieve what they’re talking about. I would also argue that sometimes people look at the “big picture” dollar amount instead of looking at the small steps they can take to accomplish their dream.

5. I’m not the best for the job.

It’s incredibly sad how so many people give up before even trying. They look at others who seem to have the best skills, expertise, and “knack” for what they’re doing. Then, they decide there’s no point in trying to compete. Comparing yourself to others is one of the worst things you can do, and it definitely blocks you from achieving success.

Are you guilty of saying any of these statements? I know I am. One day, however, I realized that the more “reasons” I gave for not chasing after my dream, the more it made sense to give up. It’s incredibly easy for the mind to think of all the reasons why something cannot work. Yet, I challenge you to think of all the reasons why your dream is possible.

Henry Ford once said, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right.” You may be a thought away from making your dream a reality. Today, I want you to write down five reasons you can achieve your dream. Then, create and execute a plan to ensure your dream comes to light. You’ve got this!

Click here to learn ways to achieve the success you want and deserve.

3 Things Basketball Taught Me About Life

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afraid, air ball, basketball, follow through, how basketball changed my life, life, positive, strategy, thoughts

Basketball is everything. It’s more than just a game. Basketball is life. I was introduced to basketball in elementary school, and grew up wanting to be just like MJ. Who didn’t? Although it’s been a while since my hands have touched good old “Spaulding”, I still remember the drills my coaches made me do. I can also remember how encouraging my coaches were when my teammates and I thought we couldn’t make it. You see, basketball taught me a lot about life. I won’t share everything today–just three things.

You may be struggling with reaching a certain goal. I completely empathize with you. We’ve all been there. However, don’t give up just yet. Take a look at how the greatest sport known to mankind can help you achieve the success you desperately want.

1. Take the shot.

The first thing basketball taught me is the importance of taking the shot. There’s nothing worse than an open player who passes the ball instead of taking the game winning shot. We’ve all seen it happen. A player gets choked up, and decides to forfeit the opportunity to be the difference the team needs. What a shame.

The same logic applies to everyday life. There’s a saying that you will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. How can you get to the next level if you’re too afraid to take the shot? I challenge you today to let go of fear, and to just do what needs to be done!

2. Follow Through.

In basketball, it is imperative that you follow through on each shot. You don’t want to miss the easy lay up because you failed to follow through at the end. Think about it this way. You take the time to get dressed, print off several business cards, go to a networking function, exchange cards with other business owners, but come home only to place your new cards in a dusty corner of your dresser.

You did everything right until the end. Networking doesn’t stop with just exchanging a business card. You have to pick up the phone, and actually call the people you met, build a relationship with them, and see how your services could benefit them (if at all).

3. Avoid the air ball. 

It’s not pretty, but I’m sure everyone who’s ever played knows what it feels like to make an air ball during a game. Let’s face it. It’s downright embarrassing. Well, so is engaging in negative thinking and speaking. Every time you speak badly about yourself, you are declaring something is wrong with you. How can anyone else value you if you don’t even value yourself? I call that making an air ball. If you are going to reach your goal, you have to learn how to engage in intentionally thinking positive thoughts. You also have to intentionally speak positively.

This week, I challenge you to apply the lessons I learned, and see how your life improves. I want you to think of something you’ve been too afraid to do, and plan to execute it fearlessly. Next, you need to follow through to ensure you achieve your goal. You may need to re-adjust your strategy, and that’s okay. Then, you need to avoid making those awful air balls. I want you to purposefully speak and think positive thoughts. Imagine what it will feel like to accomplish your goal. Envision your success to the point where you no longer question if it will happen–you know it will! Lastly, let me know how things change for you once you implement these strategies.

Click here to learn ways to achieve the success you want and deserve.