Grinders Are Getting' It! Or are They?

Stop Striving!

I love to see how young entrepreneurs and business owners hustle to breathe life into their dreams.  The more time I spend around entrepreneurs the more I understand the importance of “unlearning” those work habits we learned in the corporate world.  Let me explain. 

In the corporate world people are “rewarded” for self-sacrifice, forfeiting their family’s needs, slaving and taking on project after project.  At least that’s the message your supervisor relays during your mid-year evaluation.  Have you ever heard comments like this?

“Sally, I know you have been working long hours and helping your teammates with their deadlines, but it would be nice if you showed more initiative and spoke-up during our office meetings. Think of ways to increase our bottom dollar here at the company.  That’s how you make yourself eligible for the year-end bonus.“

Even though Sally has been busting her butt on the job completing all the assignments given to her by her managers and supervisors she still hasn’t made the cut.  The work ethic she then develops is that of a Grinder.  You know the Grinder!  They arrive to work early and stay late.  You can often find them working on weekends when others are enjoying their time off. 

If that’s what you think it takes to “climb the ladder of success” then by all means be my guest.  However, that grinding mentality doesn’t enhance creativity when you are an entrepreneur. Nor does it generate more revenue.  Grinders are just that, low level grunt men who hustle to get things done only for “upper management” to be rewarded for their division’s success.  Think about it!! 

As the entrepreneur you are the visionary, representative and creative force behind your company.  Ideas and creative flow are hindered when you're busy hustling and striving.  Don’t get me wrong - I’m not saying you don’t have to do anything to generate revenue, but striving is different from a strong work ethic. 

Striving; the act of making a great effort to obtain something; to fight vigorously or struggle. 

All strife is rooted in fear.  Fear has the power to kill any dream you may have.  Even the smallest pinch of struggle in any endeavor hinders its Divine Flow; at some point we need to release effort and allow things to unfold.  Let go of the grind.  The next time you notice yourself striving and struggling to make your dreams a reality, stop.  As entrepreneurs the earliest lesson you can learn is:

“Things that are meant to be will be! 

Work in excellence.  

Be authentic!!! 

Be the best version of yourself.

Trust that all things are working in your favor."    

Stop grinding!  There are only two things people like ground and one of them is coffee.  (lol)

Until next time!

Signs and Wonders

Signs and Wonders

We ask God for signs when we need to make life changing decisions but because we are so busy with other things we often miss the message.  Recently I was in Destin, Florida to speak at a business conference for young entrepreneurs and business owners.   

Before my trip I had planned on spending most of my time on the beach.   I don’t know if you are aware but the beach is one of my favorite places on earth.  My creativity is heightened, my skin becomes clearer and my concerns are released with each wave that heads back to the ocean. 

After landing I got the car rental and noticed with each mile I drove it was as if I was dodging butterflies.  At first there were one or two butterflies that danced in front of the car.  The closer I got to the hotel the more butterflies I noticed.  Two and three quickly turned into tens of butterflies fluttering all over the place.   

I noticed the butterflies but didn’t quite slow my mind down enough to really notice the butterflies.  In fact there were so many that I asked one of the ladies on the beach if that destination was a butterfly sanctuary.  Based on her response she hadn’t slowed down enough to really notice them either. 

I sat there and asked, “God, what are you showing me?”  

Butterflies for me represent a rebirthing, new beginnings, freedom, creativity and lightheartedness.  I could see that the previous months of shedding were now yielding themselves to the newness.  I could see new relationships emerging, new ideas surfacing.  What a great time to be experiencing manifested promises in my life.  I’m so glad I didn’t quit during my chrysalis phase.  This emergence is going to be magnificent!!! Keep watching. 

Pay attention to the signs in your life.  Everything means something.  Don’t miss the message. 

Autumn

Autumn is a wonderful time of year.

Harvest moons and hayrides

Homecomings and happenings 
Crisp air and cool nights

The harvesting of fruits and sweet delights

Fall is so much more. 

Red, Gold, Green and Orange

Multicolored landscapes of changing leaves

The long hikes in nature with no place to be

Bonfires with friends

Sharing laughs and tears

Fall is Fun!

Get out and enjoy it.  

Just Chill

People, learn to relax!!!

Throughout my few years of life I have learned one very important lesson:  The more we give of ourselves to the world, the more we should allow ourselves time to rejuvenate.  I often prescribe rest to my patients and clients.  The most common response I hear is lack of time.  We don't need a LOT of time to restore ourselves.  Small increments of time on a consistent basis will yield the same restorative results.

Kick off your Shoes  

If you are short on time fifteen minutes of true quiet time will serve you well.  Don't use this time to read, make phone calls, check emails or anything else.  Simply allow yourself to do nothing.  

Breathe!

If you have a difficult time calming your mind down follow these steps. I call it "Breath of Five." Take 5 deep breaths.  Inhale for a count of 5 and exhale for a count of 5.  Then relax until it's time to get back at it. 

Go Outside.

Nature is an easy way to relax.  When outside we seldom take in the sights around us.  Observe the birds, the trees and how the leaves blow in the wind.  Take time to admire the flowers around you.  If you're like me and live in a busy city use that time to people watch.  Human behavior is one of the most amusing things to me.  

Light My Fire!

Another relaxing ritual my friends and family has is spending time in front of a bonfire.   We laugh, sing, tell stories and each up with each other around a cozy fire.  There's nothing better than relaxing with friends.   What are some of the ways you like to relax and unwind?