I know your inbox is getting full of emails that start with “Can you believe that 2011 is almost here?” “Wow what a 2010…”
And while I appreciate all of the New Year’s Wishes, I have a few mixed thoughts on 2010.
I’m going to get transparent about what is really up for me as 2010 comes to a close.
I’m soooo glad to be complete with the roller coaster of 2010! While it’s been a remarkable year, 2010 also holds some of the darkest times I’ve had in years. It was a huge growth year of self discovery and holds some huge life lessons that I created. And it was all perfect.
I’ve learned several HUGE things this past year, a few of which have taken my breath away. Sometimes because I was in awe of miraculous synchronicity and other times because I was energetically kicked in the gut.
As more entrepreneurs share their successes and challenges with me from the last year, I see that we have one big thing in common. 2010 held opportunities for us to look at any remaining residue that was holding us back. No longer could we put a Band-Aid over it or turn the other way, we were “forced” to look at it and when we saw the perfection of it, we were able to release it.
And the beautiful part that I saw time and time again is that this process was relatively quick if we chose to commit to our truth and success more than we were willing to hang on to our “stories” of smallness.
As a result I have a deeper sense of purpose. Here are the top six lessons I learned and how I’m choosing to insert them into my business for 2011:
1. Ask for Help. Period.
Tip: Ask for help before it becomes or feels like a crisis.
2. Receive Help When It’s Offered.
This has been a huge pitfall for me in 2010. One where I got to renegotiate my word, compromise sacred time for my own soul, and denied people from contributing their gifts to the vision of what we could co-create because I chose to do things myself. I have great help around me now and my what a difference it makes.
Tip: You are worthy and deserving to receive support.
3. Hire Experts
Even though I’m good at a lot of things, hiring experts to be part of my team has allowed me the space to get really clear about not only what I’m damn good at but what do I LOVE to do. I know it’s something I LOVE to do because I feel like a kid at Christmas and I can’t wait to share it!
Tip: Continue to hire experts. Continue to invest in coaches. Only work with people who are rock stars at what they do and align with your values.
4. Let Go of Toxic Relationships and Circumstances.
This has been difficult for me because ever since I was a kid I’ve been the person who just wants everyone to get along. When someone chooses a different path than the one I’m on and vice versa I go through my cycle of grieving for the space that has been created by their departure. And this isn’t just people; it’s the self-created circumstances and those darn conversations in my own head. You know, “those conversations” …they fuel the self doubt and the fear storms.
Tip: You have the right to control your environment. Clear out the clutter and release the people and things that don’t fully support your vision and potential.
5. Know When to Rest and When to Move with Urgency
Quite frankly, my physical body has taken the biggest abuse in 2010. There were times when I didn’t give myself permission to rest and rejuvenate. This showed up as gained weight, fatigue and feeling overwhelmed. Moving forward I know that rest is the only way to receive inspiration and motivation. The good news is I’m honoring my natural rhythms of when I’m most inspired. I’m still making changes to take better care of myself and it feels awesome.
Tip: Rest and give yourself time off. Schedule lunch and stretch breaks on your calendar if you have to. Take care of your body so it can be the machine that makes the difference you want to make through your business.
6. THE BIGGEST LESSON I received is to Trust My Purpose and Value. My business has shifted a lot in the past year. I’m playing bigger and I’ve committed to surround myself with people who are playing bigger. The more I allow my purpose to spring forth, the more opportunities I notice and have the confidence to take action on. I’m also totally clear on my path, value and message. I got to let go of some of the bright sparkly things that looked fun but were really distractions from my bigger purpose.
Tip: Working on your confidence and personal development is essential. When you are clear on your value you charge what you are worth and you get it. If your goal is to get more clients, you don’t have a client issue. You have a marketing and sales issue, which links to a confidence issue. You can sell yourself better than anyone else can. Doing it with confidence creates results quickly.
