Ask the Coach

by Sharon Hooper | Holistic Life Coach

Dear Coach,

I thought that it would be easy to start a new business. I’ve done all the “right” things I’m supposed to, but the whole idea just isn’t coming together. Now I’m afraid that I’ve spent most of my startup money and won’t have the resources to carry me through the next year while I’m continuing to grow my business. Do you have any insight on my situation? - Apprehensive Owner

Dear Apprehensive:

Being an entrepreneur myself, I can understand your uneasiness. It takes an average of three to five years for businesses to really get off the ground and start bringing in consistent income. You’ve been innovative and courageous by transforming your ideas into an actual business. Success will be yours – and perseverance is the name of the game. Many people give up just when success is literally just around the corner.

When my husband and I started our record label in l984 and were pioneering a new market in the gift industry, buyers repeatedly told me, “we don’t sell cassettes.” (CD’s were just beginning to make their debut.) Ten years later, with multi-million dollar sales, ten recording artists signed to our label and 32 staff in our own beautiful cedar office building in the San Juan Islands (WA) …I was laughing - often! Without persisting and following my own processes one step at a time, World Disc Productions would not have happened. In fact, when we started out, we had one consultation with a so-called “expert” in the gift industry. She told us that we had a “cute” idea but that we would never make more than $60,000 a year!

If you’re in financial stress at the moment, you might want to consider getting a part time job just to take care of your essential monthly expenses. It’s important to get the ‘money monkey’ off your back so that you can concentrate on growing your business consistently. And you might need some inspirational injections.

I’ve created several formulas about success. This is one of my favorites:

Energy + Expectations + Perseverance = Success!

Being energetic and creating reserves of energy are essential for success. If your energy is depleted, you do not have the stamina to carry out the plans for your success. One way to create energy is by taking extremely good care of yourself – even being selfish with your needs! If you support a healthy, energetic, life-affirming style, then you can continue working towards the expectations you have for yourself.

One way to identify whether or not your expectations are realistic:
- Make two columns on a piece of paper.
- Write your expectations on the left side.
- Note how you might accomplish them on the right side.

When you look at the columns, you might recognize that some of the expectations are not realistic and that in order for you to retain your energy and persevere to the final outcome, the items may need to be adjusted. Also, note how your body ‘feels’ when you read some of your expectations. You can receive great signals from your body language if you are tuned in to your own needs.

Perseverance is continuing firmly on your path, regardless of unexpected challenges. If you believe in yourself, and are committed to your processes, you will solve every conceivable quandary or roadblock that appears.

These “success” questions may give you added insight into your situation:

1) What is your own success formula?
2) Have you included ‘inspiration’ as a main ingredient?
3) What are you doing to stay motivated and energized?
4) Are you trying to reach others expectations of you, rather than your own?
5) What old habits might prevent you from reaching your vision?
6) Are you working with a coach (or someone else) who can inspire, motivate, help you gain clarity, design your perfect plan, and then create the steps that will bring the success you desire?

If you wish to explore how you can make quantum leaps forward, give me a call. I am passionate about your success! You already have everything you need to be successful. Sometimes, life simply needs a little sorting out. Please write with your questions or comments!

Ask the Coach is written by Sharon Hooper, PCC, Business Consultant, Personal Success Coach and creator of Vision Mapping Strategies©. Write Sharon@VisionJourneys.com www.VisionJourneys.com www.SanctuaryPublications.com