Wow. What A Year it’s Been. I’m ready for the New Year, and I’m sure you are too. I personally don’t do New Year’s resolutions. Intentions, Goals, Visioning…sure. What I do indulge in, is hopes. For my friends, family, and this wacky world we’re now living in.

Above all, I HOPE for anyone reading this, the willingness to start somewhere. Anywhere. Lean into telling your story, trying something you’re passionate about, writing that book, sharing that art, advancing in your education or career—WHATEVER is calling you lean in.

2020 has shown us on a huge scale that the uncertainty of our life is real and the importance of living in the moment. The lesson that has resonated with me personally, to stop shrinking and start showing up. Like, really and truly showing up. We need to be present, intentional and hold ourselves and each other accountable, but coming from a place of love.  In addition, we need to explore gratitude and gratefulness in new ways.  Lastly, witness to joy in new ways—even when stuff is hard, as well as to gain more courage in connecting and creating meaning through those connections.

I recently had an opportunity to take part in Marketing From The Soul, a program offered by Julia Stege, The Magical Marketer. One of the biggest take-aways I got was that, as Rumi wrote, what you seek is seeking you. It’s so true. When I stopped trying to please everyone and take any client, project (or business training) I could, it all became so clear to me. No, I can’t be the perfect VA to everyone, and that’s okay. It also inspired me to just…start somewhere. You can too.

START SMALL today. Do ONE thing, and go from there. 

Like so many others, I am still working through a lot—but I am more confident in calling than I’ve ever been. My goal isn’t to be famous or popular or received by all. Ultimately, my goal is to support those who help change the world. Simple, Small, Self-Limiting. All things I’ve heard. Well, my feeling is this…there is power and a ripple effect in that. Everything else that comes is a bonus. So, for those thinking that no one gives a crap about what you have to say, I beg to differ.

Furthermore, those of you who think your life is meaningless, and just making it through each day is enough, I beg to differ.

I know there may be those thinking that you’re not big enough or important enough to share your story, I say this:  You were put here to do exactly what you feel called to do. YOUR STORY IS VALID and DESERVES to be heard.  Simply put, if you can change ONE HEART, you are changing the world.

With that in mind, I wanted to share some thoughts on how I’m choosing to prepare, mentally for the next year…that might help someone else.

Reframing Your Thoughts

The biggest hurdle you’ll face is your mental outlook and your thoughts. Your mind determines your actions, but here’s the kicker – it’s an everyday battle. Each obstacle cleared gives you the strength to take on the next.

Clarity

Inspired by a business coach I know, I wanted to share this – a new coach, course, or program won’t give you the clarity you’ll get from doing, trying, (and yes, trying again and again and again if needed). If you’re not clear on what your message or brand IS, then you’re not ready. Spending buckets of money to get that isn’t the best practice.

Motivation

Motivation is not the same thing as being present or even focused. When you are present and focused on what matters and what is truly yours to do, motivation will find you. I learned this lesson, a bit painfully, VERY recently.

Procrastination

When you find yourself continually putting off this task or that, what you’re feeling, really, is hesitation, and usually based on fear. It can come in many forms…Fear of failure, or even success for some. Possibly it’s a fear of upsetting potential colleagues, clients, or even family and friends. That thing you’re afraid of will be there waiting for you tomorrow. The truth is, you don’t know who needs what you are, and have to offer today.

On Comparing Yourself and your value to others…

No one EVER feels good enough at first. Even those who make it look like it’s a breeze are often doing just that – MAKING it look easy. The secret is to stop seeking external approval and validation and to accept your own genius. Easier said than done, but it CAN be done. However, it may take several tries, and that’s okay. Giving myself the freedom to fail and to see what worked (and there was a LOT that didn’t) was the best gift I could have given to myself – and I’m not done yet!

Similiar Is Not The Same

When others are doing what you want to do, and you get discouraged, ask yourself….but did you? Saying you can do or should’ve done something isn’t the same as actually doing it. Now, there are a million reasons why something didn’t happen. No one person can do everything, and for the very creative among us, we don’t have ducks in rows, we have squirrels and they’re everywhere! Perhaps family time took priority, or you were doing something else and project X got pushed to the back burner. The bigger point of this is that okay, someone said/did what you wanted to. That doesn’t mean you can’t do it too. Your views, your expression, is REALLY unlikely to be the same. For instance, you may come from a different school of thought, or even generation, or have different audiences.

For myself, I know there are a zillion Virtual Assistants, Online Business Managers, and yes, Social Media Managers. However, that doesn’t have to mean that what I offer has any less value. It also doesn’t mean that I would be the right person for each project that comes my way.

Now comes the time to put it into practice.  Please subscribe if you haven’t as I will be doing more blog posts on this and other subjects in the coming weeks and months. As always, If I can help you create order out of YOUR creative chaos, please reach out.