Being true to who I was created to be I knew there was a better way. I embraced the fact that I was created to be a teacher and having my own business was not something I was going to give up on. I was determined to find the exact combination of tools to help me design my financially secure business and sure enough I did it!

I am a very practical thinker. I have taken a lot of time to create a VERY SIMPLISTIC approach to life and that includes running my business. 

I am the kind of person who gets easily distracted and I often find my creative mind wandering to the next level of possibilities. In order to move my business up I had to find a way to boil my success down and make it very simple not only for me to grasp but so that I could also teach my clients how to achieve the success I have.

Very simply put here are the 6 components YOU MUST HAVE to create financial success.

1.   A VERY clearly defined niche

2.   A structured business model that promotes exclusivity

3.   A model that puts your one on one clients as your highest source of income

4.   Testimonials

5.   A VERY SIMPLE system that takes your clients from casual, to connected to committed

6.   A 6 figure mindset

There you have it, my recipe that I personally use to create financial freedom.

Here’s to Your Success!

No?

Good.

Misery loves company.

Projects are not the only things I collect.  Apparently, I have a penchant for Internet Browser Tabs.  They’re addicting.  I mean, sure, I tell myself that I leave them open as a reminder.  A 21st Century trail of breadcrumbs, leading me back to the land of unread articles and ignored interweb pals in desperate need of a witty reply.  But, that’s just an excuse.  I’m pretty sure I’m a Browser-Tab Hoarder.

Yeesh.

Another thing I like to collect, this one falling more on the plus side of my Mordant Habits, is To-Do Lists.  Short ones, long ones, day–week–month ones…I’ve got a bunch.  Just recently I set myself up with yet another Master To-Do List.  (Yes, there have been others.)  I’m really proud of this one.  It’s three columns wide—for my Tortuga Twins, Mordant World, and personal stuffage.  Then it breaks down into recurring tasks, weekly, and people I need to contact.  I take something from each of the columns and put them down on an index card.  Those items are the ones I’ll be working on for that specific day.  It appears a little convoluted, but it’s not that complicated…not really.  My brain seems to like it and I’m getting stuff done, (yes, this blog is on the list) and that’s what matters.

I could delve more into To-Do Theory, but that’s not what this blarticle is about.

(Please stop applauding.)

The reason I bring up such things as to-do lists & browser breadcrumbs is to share a bit of my own mental clutter and let you know I’m guilty of everything I’m chatting about here.  That is why I’m so knowledgeable on this subject—firsthand experience.  Mental clutter isn’t the topic either.  Then, why have I “wasted” 383 words (as of last sentence) talking about it?  Because those aspects of mental clutter are part of a long list of things that keep you from completing our work/finishing our projects/achieving our goals.  They get in your way, delay and trip you up, preventing you from being able to…Cross the Finish Line.

Btw, this is what this blarticle (blog + article—suck it, grammar geeks) is about.

Often insidious, sometimes distractions & excuses come cleverly disguised as work.

Busy is the new Lazy.

You heard me.  I believe that one of the things we do to keep from Crossing the Finish Line is busy work…or, more specifically Busywork.  You know, those day-to-day things we “have to” get done.  It may be some other project or a task you’ve been putting off.  It could even be something that, once you begin working on it, opens doors to various forms of distraction.

Social media anyone?  No?

When was the last time you “just checked” your Facebook for a minute…10 minutes…holy crap, where’d that hour go?!

Don’t beat yourself up too much—my good intentions have led me down this self-same road, as well.  The problem with Busywork is its ninja-like ability to sneak in under your distraction-detecting radar, keeping you sooo busy that you don’t have time to do the really important things—for your family, your dreams/goals, even the J-O-B.  Sinister & sneaky, Busywork is the Sith Lord of distractions.  You’re spinning your wheels, exhausted from all the quality work-time you’ve spent managing various “necessary” tasks.  Yet, at the end of the day, you’ve done nothing to further your goals, level up beyond your current circumstances, or enrich your quality of life.  You’re stuck—finish line in sight, but lacking both the drive & energy to sprint those final meters and cross.

Crossing the Finish Line is something we all struggle with from time to time.  You’ve done it; I’ve done it.  The good thing about all of us being in the trenches together is we can share our experiences, both positive and negative, and the wisdom harvested from them.  Below are four steps I use to help me get over the hurdles and across the finish line.

STEPS 2 HELP YOU CROSS THE FINISH LINE

MAKE A TO-DO LIST:  No, I’m not kidding.  This really works.  Not only is this good for you & me, but it’s grand for other highly successful people.

“I have always lived my life by making lists: Lists of people to call, lists of ideas, lists of companies to set up, lists of people who can make things happen.  Each day I work through these lists, and it is that sequence of calls that propels me forward.” ~Sir Richard Branson~

Jot down the “to-do” you want to work on for that day and number each task accordingly.  Begin a task and finish it.  Try not moving on until you’re done or have “hit a wall” (need someone else to “do their part” before you can take up the reins again).  *Tip: Let’s not live or die by this order—if you’re on #3, but you’re moved to knock out #7 or can do it with alacrity, feel free to make that Quantum Leap.) 

TURN OFF YOUR “DISTRACTIONS”:  Facebook, television, video games…your phone—turn them all O-F-F!  There’s nothing more hindering than being pulled out of your flow by a buddy with an oh-so message for you or the ping-ping-ping siren call of new emails.  Set aside your creative time for being creative.  The world and its catastrophes will be there when you plug back into the Matrix an hour or three later.  Meanwhile, your Real Life, the life you are meant to have if only you would whatever it takes to make it your own, is waiting for you to crank up the power and go get it.

MAKE IT A GAME:  The only person you’re really in competition with is yourself.  Why not use this attitude to your advantage?  Find a way to have fun with even the most mundane tasks.  How?  Try setting various deadlines and rewards for finishing early.  (You have a week to complete your task.  For every day before your deadline you finish, give yourself a little sumthin’-sumthin’.) 

People like to be scared.  That’s why rollercoasters and horror flicks do such a big business.  Why not discover enjoyment in facing those things that challenge you?  I was a touch fretful when going to invite singer/artist Afua Richardson to guest on The Other Side of LIVE!  I’d never met her before and I wasn’t sure how she’d take this motivational blonde guy with the Tony Stark goatee.  (*Spoiler Alert* — I can be shy sometimes.)  I decided to walk my talk and Fail Forward.  Though nervous, I sought her out and asked her to be on the show.  She said “Yes,” and I even managed to vlog the moment.  It was scary.  It was outside my comfort zone.  It was fun and I’m sooo glad I did it!  As long as I kept it a game, I was able to play through all my doubts and negative self-chatter.  In the end, I both lined up a guest for TOSOL and deposited some serious cred into my self-esteem account.  You can, too!  Just make it a game and remember…

“Have fun dammit!”  ~Cindy Lu~

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE:  Don’t forget your Why!  Instead of looking at all the crap you have to go through to get to where you’re going, stay focused on the accomplishment and its benefit.  While working as a painter’s apprentice, I hand to walk a narrow ledge to get from one painting site to another.  I was fine as long as I kept my eyes on where I was going, my destination, my goal…not on my feet and where I was walking.  Relaying this story to writer/aerialist Allison Williams, she told me that this was true for aerial performers of all varieties—especially the tightrope walkers.

Your Why (your reason for doing those crazy-wonderful things you do) is what keeps you going when all about you is chaos.  When the doubts creep in and you’re not sure you’ve made the right choice in pursuing your dream, your Why will keep you Crossing the Finish Line when others are quitting the race before they’ve even worked up a sweat.  Your Why is the “reason for the season,” folks.  It is, literally, why you began running your race in the first place.  Keep your eye on the prize and your feet will land where they’re supposed to land.  And, you, my friends will Cross the Finish Line, accomplishing every fantastic thing you set your mind to do.

“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” ~W. Clement Stone~

I attended a presentation that Liz offered in New Hope, PA. The topic touched me to my core, since it was as if she and I were sitting face-to-face exploring the nature of creativity. She waxed both philosophical and practical about the ways in which our ideas come. One particular concept that latched hold was that while those of us who write, sing, dance, paint, draw, and design may believe that it is we who are creating, we are really the servants of the creation.  Our artistry comes through us and not from us. I often state emphatically that “my writing writes me.” It uses me as a vehicle and voice to find its expression in the world. In spiritual terms, I sometimes say that I am God’s Typist, and as 13th century ‘ecstatic’ Sufi poet Rumi refers to it—a “hollow reed.”

I find inspiration EVERYWHERE! It can be while cleaning a closet, sweating at the gym, in conversation with a friend, driving on a highway, reading someone else’s words, writing my own, floating deep in dreamland, or meditating. It arrives in unexpected ways and from unanticipated sources. I welcome it from wherever it has traveled to make its way to my door. According to wikipedia, “Inspiration refers to an unconscious burst of creativity in a literary, musical, or other artistic endeavor. Literally, the word means ‘breathed upon’.” I like the idea of being breathed by the Divine. 

I was listening to the radio in the car last week and Rod Stewart burst forth with “Every Picture Tells A Story.” He grabbed me and took me on his worldwide whirlwind that was far grittier and less poetic than Liz’s trip, but along I went. It occurred to me that not only does every picture tell a story, but every story paints a word picture. Although I used to claim that I wasn’t an artist, I can now retract that statement. As a writer, I have been told by readers that I do indeed paint word pictures into which they can step, dance, drift, or dream.

When I set fingers to keyboard, I can imagine—eyes closed of course—that I am holding in my hand the wisp of a paintbrush. Sometimes dipping it into subtle colors, I more often plunge it into outrageous-jumping-up-and-down-look-at-me vibrant hues that splash across the paper begging to soak them up. Whew! Just typing those words gives me an intake of breath and causes butterflies to dance within …

So, I ask you:

What creative force within you is calling out to be recognized?
Have you answered the call or told it nobody’s home?
How have you squelched your creativity?
How have you celebrated it?

It is very valuable to take stock of gratitude on a daily basis.  According to Robert Emmons, author of Thanks!: How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happy, people who write down 5 things they are grateful for each day report:

• Feeling better about their lives overall
• More optimistic about the future
• Fewer health problems than the other participants.
• Improved sleep
• Protective effect against heart attacks

Guiding others in this practice as part of coaching has raised my awareness about the blessings in life and also about the emotions and feelings that are woven into the gratitude experience.  Clients often ask what I put on my list each day.  I used to be surprised about this, but now realize that many people are challenged as they begin.  I remind them that little things are very important.  Here are some of my favorites from the past month:

• Technology for conference call worked flawlessly
• Weight Watchers friends who inspire me with stories of their health recovery at today’s meeting
• The sparkling sun in the early morning
• My friend Patti looking so healthy and radiant after beating pancreatic cancer
• New butterfly twinkle lights for the patio (a bargain and they change colors in a cool rhythm)
• The audio book, After Life,  that keeps me wanting more (+ got it free at Book Expo)
• A little boy’s hearty laugh during a show at Lakeside
• Coffee break with Sig and Gracie on the patio
• How kind my women’s group members are to one another
• Fresh flowers everywhere!
• Delicious new recipe with chick peas (healthy, pretty and filling!)

What you might have noticed is that many of these things aren’t about what you have or own, but about your experiences and delights.  They are moments when you witness something that excites your values and what you hold dear. 

Clients have admitted that they can write the list, yet don’t feel the powerful positive feeling they want to feel.  As with any new and developing habit, patience and persistence are advised.  You build these skills, experiences and feelings over time.  Be both curious and open.

As a guideline, I would suggest the following to boost your awareness and positive feelings:

Notice what grabs your attention.  You will find yourself distracted every day.  Catch yourself in the present moment and make a mental note about what is there.  What’s the best part?  How are you experiencing the moment?  This can happen while eating lunch, doing mundane household chores or during meetings. 

Use all of your senses to uncover both the obvious and hidden gems.  Gratitude moments exist in every corner of life.  Challenge yourself to find the less obvious things.  You might also ask others to help you notice the world around you through their experiences.  Slow down a bit and notice details, sounds, tastes, scents, words, music and creations around you.

Share your gratitude awareness with others   A very pleasant conversation should follow.  There is so much good in the world.  Do your part by spreading it around.  There are many who are stuck or simply not plugged into this habit yet.  You can get them thinking and their comments may prod you to enjoy an even greater appreciation for life.  Perhaps they will even add YOU to their gratitude list for the day!