Recently, I was asked about the biggest challenge I faced in my business and how I overcame it. After pondering this over, I found that there were phases of overcoming during the 14 plus years I have been in business. The challenges, in the beginning, were different than the challenges in the middle which were different than the challenges now. Yes, there will always be challenges. After overcoming for 14 years, one thing that definitely improved was my confidence that I will overcome the obstacles because I developed a track record.
Overcoming Challenges
A common theme over the years is that most big things were related to mindset. I had to grow my mindset to make the next big change. In the beginning, I struggled with trusting that I made the right decision when I left my job and started my biz. It was hard to trust that everything would work out when money wasn’t coming in.
Looking back, if I had the wisdom to know that 14 years later, I would still be in business and loving it, I might have been more patient, gentle, and loving with myself. If I bring that lesson forward, I can look at my life right now and decide that even if I am not sure about something, I can be patient, gentle, and loving. I can practice that because there is no value in getting worried and worked up.
“Look for the good in every situation, seek the valuable lesson in every setback, look for the solution to every problem. Think and talk continually about your goals.”
Brian Tracy, Growth Mindset Quotes
After about six or so years in business, I experienced the moment when I realized I hadn’t taken a vacation in two years. Yet, I created my schedule. If I wanted to take a vacation I could. I decided to take six vacations that year and created more time for relaxation and fun. My business grew. I shaped my work week into the schedule I wanted. Offering calls and courses at night became a thing of the past. My optimal client would be available during the hours I was available. I opened up Mondays and Friday for creative bursts so if I wanted, I could take four-day weekends.
A few years later, I faced a health crisis with a near-death experience. Coming that close to the end of life and even going over to the other side for a while, changed my perspective even more and deepened my appreciation for each moment in life. Knowing I was on this Earth to do important work, I wasn’t going to let anything get in the way of my mission, my family, and my faith. And I planned on doing everything on my bucket list ASAP.
Now, the challenges I face relate to carefully choosing what I say yes to, evaluating priorities, and remembering that I run my business, my business does not run me. A world of opportunities comes to me every day. I continuously evaluate what is important, impactful, and the direction I want to be moving.
Maintaining the excitement and sustaining passion becomes another challenge after being in biz for several years. I make sure I am always working on something that feels fresh so I keep the passion going and I meet with and network with other high-powered, high-energy, and heart-centered business owners. A continuous learner mindset is part of my everyday life. Overall, the process of recognizing that you cannot do it alone, that you need support, help, and wisdom from other people is an ongoing and unfolding journey.
You are the master of your destiny. That is the phrase I come back to all the time. I can always choose my thoughts and my responses and when I do that, I create my destiny. I don’t give anyone power over me which means that I don’t go into victim mode. No one person can make me feel any certain way, I choose how I think, feel and frame situations. I don’t blame other people and I don’t blame myself. Releasing shame, I choose love and forgiveness. Being the master of your destiny means being self-empowered and owning all parts of yourself.
Times are changing, and we are changing with the times. We aren’t stuck in the past or stuck in our old patterns and behaviors. We’re here now, in the present, and it’s up to us what we hold on to, what we let go of, and what we reach for.
Dr. Edith Eger from The Gift
Affirmations for Being the Master of Your Destiny:
I start my day with powerful, nurturing habits, then create a schedule that I like and is both productive and balanced. I work with people I like and trust. I create what I love and offer it with love. The small stuff doesn’t bother me. I manage my energy by paying attention to my body and my stress level and make adjustments like sitting on a yoga pillow, eating nourishing foods, stretching, going outside, or drinking water. I hold honest conversations with people I care about and show up as who I really am, honoring them, and myself.
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Sheri Kaye Hoff, is a Transformational Business Coach known for inspiring, intuition, vision, and massive action, and being a catalyst for personal and business growth, joy, and profits in a way that is fun, relaxing, and fulfilling. She uses both spiritual and practical techniques to obliterate blocks and create transformational change. Sheri is a business, leadership, happiness, and inner game expert. She has overcome nearly dying and has made it her life mission to share the keys to happiness and success. Learn More About Sheri
