What I Learned In A Year

I can vividly reminisce about sitting at home December 12th a year ago. I was drinking my morning coffee with my Laird Hamilton super-food, and signing up another client for weekly calls. Somehow, the loss of my parents, a divorce, sicknesses and betrayals of all sorts, turned into a passion to help others.

It has become my mission to take what I learn through life experiences and education, and guide individuals with tips, technics and tricks to achieve positive thoughts, to alter thoughts and to live the best life possible. I was an optimistic, almost 50-year-old business woman and mom who knew a great deal about people and changing thoughts, but not a whole lot about starting a business.

It was not going to be a cinch to accomplish my business goals, as there are many, but I am grateful for the opportunity to keep pushing forward!

The first-year journey has been fascinating and I thought I would share with you what I have come to learn; points I believe that can benefit any individual seeking life to the fullest.

Do Things That Are Uncomfortable

It can be challenging to have a call or event after a long day, especially if you are trying to make time for your 3 kids as a single mom. That being said, you never know what one more chat might teach you, what professional break you may get or what any interaction can turn into. You never know who might just meet.

Do something uncomfortable to test yourself and to continually learn.

Whether that is appearing at a schmoozing event, creating riveting presentations, doing a TV interview, making a call from far away or posting crazy photos on social media; always be ready for anything. Push outside your limits to help grow a business and achieve specific results.

Its Not About 9 – 5

Monday – Friday? Don’t think so.

As a business owner who wants to distinguish themselves from others, commit to clients and also grow as a boss and a business, willing to work anytime or anyplace is a must.

Personally, I love to travel. I enjoy mornings. I can do my calls from anywhere in the world and can try and adjust the schedule to what I prefer. I also enjoy work on the weekends as it is a much less frantic and demanding time with the kids. I get my laptop out, look out the window and create beautiful thoughts and solutions for myself and my clients.

Teach Yourself All The Time

When I started Fascinatinglives, I was familiar with social media benefits, PowerPoint presentations, technology, and public speaking but was not proficient by any means. After speaking with various business professionals, taking some courses and reading reading reading, I learned how to improve many of those skills.

I ask way more questions. I am learning to handle the negative, in fact, I crave the negative ever since I realized I can ask myself what I learned from it.

Hands on experience this past year with all aspects of my business has definitely been the best way to learn and get real life results and situational experience. This will continue to lead to improved business skills and client relationships.

Crave Constructive Criticism

I am not perfect so why ignore that? I need to be aware of my faults and give them the attention the deserve. I want to see all situations and issues presented right in front of me.

Whenever I have completed a few calls or a talk, I like to find out how I am doing or how can I improve. I also love to ask people what they need and I certainly don’t shy away from asking for people’s advice!

It is amazing the wealth of information to be had in the feedback! If I don’t ask for criticism, I would not learn to adapt as quickly as I can to many different circumstances.

Don’t Shy Away From Negative Comments or People

They are always there, aren’t they? It can be good if people have something to say about you even if you find out it is negative or that they are just negative in general. They are talking about you. They are giving you attention!

It is MY choice on how I handle these issues. I choose to eliminate those people or factors AFTER I have learned from what has been said.

Most of us loathe undesirable comments. Being told that you’ve failed to meet expectations or that you’ve done something incorrect can be a somber blow to our self-worth. I’m learning that these are actually some of the keys to accomplishments in life.

Negative feedback and people, in my opinion, are incredible chances to show your competence for learning and growth. Why? Because we can act on it; make it lead to valuable lessons learned and take risks from it. Afterall, if they are talking about me, they must care enough to comment or have that opinion….right?

My acceptance will only lead to an upward path for my career as a result.

Love What You Do

When I have free time, I love reading or listening to podcasts about mindfulness, fitness or nutrition. I LOVE IT! Not only will I benefit but the people and environment around me will as well.

It is amazing that from so many challenging, sad and draining years in my life, I have chosen to turn it into a business and learn from it and love it all. I am grateful now for what I have been through as it has brought me to where I am today, loving what I do.

If the job is enjoyed, there are many benefits to be had; health, mood, sleep, relationships etc.…. It makes every day enjoyable. If spending 40 plus hours a week at fascinatinglives is a natural for the business to succeed, loving it is an absolute necessity. It will not seem like work or a job anymore, it’s a natural passion I desire.

Be Relentless!

Don’t get me wrong it is still terrifying and sometimes even lonely. Reaping the rewards from the efforts and hard work may take more time then anticipated, it may even not always seem worth it at times but keep it up!

Just do it!

There is always a light at the end of a tunnel and it is up to you to find it and shine it!

I am one year closer to making me dreams come true.