Each of us is born with a unique set of natural skills. The challenge we all face is recognizing and developing those skills to their fullest potentials – thus, creating our Talent Advantage. An unused talent is just potential, nothing more. A talent that is recognized and applied is a true TALENT – something at which you excel, receive recognition from others and is satisfying to do. It’s your Talent Advantage.

Have You Found Your Talent Advantage?

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is easy to lose sight of your Talent Advantage and get caught up in pursuing activities that are not supported by your natural skills. How is this possible? Doesn’t it seem that we would gravitate to careers, environments and relationships that use our Talent Advantage? The truth is we are often unaware of our talents, or we dismiss them as “nothing special.”

Ask yourself the following questions:

* Do you truly love what you do?
* Did you consciously choose what you do without consideration of money or benefits?
* Do you find the environments where you function (work, home and play) supportive and encouraging?
* Are the people around you helping you get what you want out of life?

If you answered "no" it is very possible that you have lost sight of what your Talent Advantage is, or you don’t recognize how to apply it in your life. Consider the following.

A Lesson from Nature

In the 1940s George Reavis wrote a fable titled The Animal School that told of a time when the animals of the Great Forest decided to organize a school. The school adopted an activity curriculum consisting of swimming, running, flying and climbing. All the animals took all the subjects.

As you might expect the ducks were excellent in swimming, but they made only passing grades in flying, and all of them were very poor in running. Since they were slow in running, they had to stay after school for remedial running practice, and they had to drop swimming in order to practice running during their swimming class time. This continued until all the ducks’ webbed feet were very sore and they were only average in swimming. But average was acceptable, so nobody worried.

The rabbits started at the top of the class in running, but did not do so well in swimming so they had to come in early every day for special practice. The teachers were concerned about the rabbits’ high activity level so they were made to walk everywhere instead of running or hopping.

The eagles were definitely problem students. In climbing, the eagles beat all the others to the top of the tree, but they insisted on using their own methods to get there and were quite stubborn about it. The eagles said clearly it was the goal that mattered, and it was quite right for eagles to get to the treetop by flying. They were diagnosed as having oppositional-defiant disorder and put on a strict behavior modification plan.

At the end of the year, an abnormal eel that could swim exceedingly well, and also run, climb and fly a little, had the highest average and was valedictorian.

How We Lose Our Talent Advantage

Because the animals described in the story were not practicing and utilizing their natural skills they lost their Talent Advantage. Giving up natural skills in order to acquire other skills is clearly a silly pursuit for the animals.

Yet, there are times when many of us do just that - lose sight of our Talent Advantage:

* Like the ducks, we are sometimes forced to focus on what we do poorly. In the process we forget what we are really good at doing.
* Like the rabbits, we stop developing our natural skills so that we can fit in with others.
* Like the eagles, we don’t always understand the environments where our natural skills shine, which makes us appear contrary.
* Like the eel, we’ve all probably accepted high praise for average behavior a time or two.

Each of us has talents and skills we know we are naturally gifted at doing. When you put aside your natural skills in order to focus on acquiring other skills, you lose sight of what makes you excel. Like a duck trying to survive on its running skills, living life outside your Talent Advantage is possible, but results in average-to-mediocre performance, frustration, a sense of purposelessness and physical exhaustion. You can do it, but why would you want to?

Claiming Your Talent Advantage

You have a natural birthright to our Talent Advantage. You have abilities for which you have innate potential that are just waiting to be used. Sure, they may require a bit of development, but you will find that efforts spent on your talents are productive, meaningful and rewarding

Why not start today? Claiming your Talent Advantage begins with consciously choosing to do more of what you do best. Give some thought to what you do well. Then look for opportunities to do those things more often!

About the Author:

Lynda-Ross Vega: A partner at Vega Behavioral Consulting, Ltd., Lynda-Ross specializes in helping entrepreneurs and coaches build dynamite teams and systems that WORK. She is co-author of Vega Role Facilities Theory, a revolutionary psychological assessment system that teaches people how to unleash their deepest potentials for success. For free information on how to succeed as an entrepreneur or coach, create a thriving business and build your bottom line doing more of what you love, visit www.VRFT.com

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Let me clear in what I am asking so we’re on the same page. I mean do you put time, energy, and money into your own personal growth and in the growth of your business?

Why am I asking this question?

I’ve seen a trend over the years developing as a result of marketing with so many free giveaways. Offering free teleseminars, bonus gifts, intros to upcoming programs, sample sessions.. are all important ways we introduce ourselves to new people. It’s a viable marketing practice that has merit.

In a conversation with several colleagues on new business paradigms, we wondered:

1. Are we giving away too much for free? The more people give, the more people want. Without having a boundary of, “Enough is enough!” that you stick to, many people will come back for more and more and more. Each time you give more, you raise the bar of other people’s expectations that can become insatiable. What was initially offered as a gift now becomes an expectation that is often discarded as having real value.

Do you treat the things you pay for the same as the things you get for free?

2. Have we educated potential clients and customers to expect receiving high value freebies all the time just to get something for free? Personally, I stand behind creating high value in anything that has my name on it whether it is free or not. It’s also one of the ways I market my business and many people get on lists just to get something and then opt-out. I’ve been guilty of that myself. Attracting the right and perfect clients who are the right fit is the goal of everyone who is in business.

3. Do people feel a sense of entitlement to receive what others have invested years of learning and cultivating for free? A good friend of mine relayed a story of a client who told her she registers for programs and at the end of each program, she asks for her money back for a variety of reasons. This tactic allows her reap the benefits of the programs without paying for it. Copying and distributing proprietary material without permission or compensation to the owner is another form of theft. What goes around….

4. Have we become a society of takers; looking to get as much as we can for the least amount of time, energy, and money? Do you joyfully pay people for their services, products, and programs knowing that you’ll benefit in the end if you take advantage of what they have to offer? Do you always look for the discount or try to bargain the person down like a nickle and dimer? Approaching life from “what’s in it for me” is one of the surest ways to block the flow of abundance into your life.

5. How are people assessing value? By the dollar amount or by the potential of having a life-changing experience? That’s the difference between looking at things as a cost and expense or as a value and investment in themselves AND their future.

Can you relate to these questions?

Several years ago I was contemplating registering for a program that a good friend of mine told me about. I was at a turning point in my business and I had been bumping up against some emotional blocks that were rooted in old beliefs. When I calculated the total amount of airfare, hotel, and registration costs, the figure was around $3500 for the 8-day program. Let’s also add in traveling, meals, and time away from my business. My initial reaction to my friend was, “WOW that’s expensive.” because I was looking at the program as a cost and expense rather than an investment in ME, the potential healing and personal transformation, and the benefits to my business. I realized that was the largest investment I ever considered making in myself. That was eye-opening. Wasn’t I worth it?

She replied, “What is the investment clients make when they hire you to coach them individually or to register for one of your programs? Would you expect them to pay for what you have to offer if you don’t value the skills, talents, and experience others have cultivated?” Yikes. Her questions caused me to look at how I judged the value others placed on their programs and services. How could I expect potential clients to value my services if I begrudged others prosperity for their contributions?

So, I registered for the first program and went on to do two more over the next six months. Saying yes was one of the biggest and best investments I ever made in myself.

On Facebook last week here is what someone wrote in response to my invitation to one of my Compelling Conversations interviews, which is FREE:

She wrote: ”There are much too many of these teleseminars out here on FB and not one of them help! It is all about the money.”

Here is my answer: “The really good ones offer a lot of content value. Being of service to others to improve the quality of others’ lives is at the heart of most presenters I know AND we are also running a business. It’s what each person does with the information that makes the difference. The question I would ask you is, How comfortable are you in marketing your own business and asking people to pay you?”

To grow yourself, you must invest in yourself.

To build a thriving business, you must invest in growing it.

To have a great life, you must be investing in growing yourself and your business

Making wise choices in where you invest your time, energy, and money is prudent. When someone has a potentially life-changing service, product, or program that calls to your heart, invest in yourself and say YES. Do it because you are worth it and because everyone you know will benefit for the person you become.

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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1. Forgiveness Healing Work. 99.99 % of the time the person or situation we are the most upset with is US. Getting angry at ourselves or others is a common way we hold onto the past and drag it around. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing or forgetting what happened, it means coming to acceptance and peace with the past and our humanness so we can move forward. Being unforgiving blocks flow because it blocks love. Love magnetizes abundance and good flowing to us. Read my article on How Forgiving Are You?

2. Unconscious limiting beliefs. How you feel about yourself consciously and unconsciously is the energy operating at all times in what you are manifesting. The stronger the emotional charge, the faster we manifest either what we desire or what is undesired. And before we attract what we desire, we first attract its’ opposite. Read my post: The Law of Opposites.

Affirmations and declarations can be effective in working with the conscious mind but they don’t effectively create the shifts on the subconscious because our egos get in the way. Working with modalities that bypass the conscious mind such as Theta healing and hypnosis (there are many to choose) have helped many to transform and release beliefs, resolve the past, and open the flow of abundance.

3. Ego vs. Soul. Who are you listening to – your head or your heart? Are your choices and actions motivated by fear or are they Divinely inspired? Do you follow your intuition and instincts or do you override them? If you’ve grown up being taught to ignore your inner wisdom, cultivating a relationship with your soul will help you to make choices that align with heart.

We are spiritual beings in a physical form. When you align with your spirit to use your ego as a tool rather than identify with your mind as “who you are” and the expert to guide your choices and actions, your life experiences will take on a deeper meaning and fulfillment.

4. Clear the energy zappers. Where is your energy going? We put up with, accept, take on and are dragged down by people’s behavior, situations, unmet needs, crossed boundaries, in-completions, problems and even our own behavior. Examples: anything you are avoiding, anything is need of repair or replacement, unreturned phone calls correspondence, bills, debts, clutter, unspoken words (stuffing feelings), and boundaries. Some things take time to clear and can be handled is smaller steps. Energy zappers create clutter and block flow.

5. Fear. Anxiety, worry, fear.. is generated by the ego and reinforced by the messages we receive in our day to day life. Spiritual practices, walks, in nature, meditation, loving, healthy relationships, feed and nurture us body, mind and spirit. When you’re focused in fear, your attention is on the future. Coming back to the present, practicing sincere daily gratitude, being loving and generous with others, cultivating faith and trust, and conscious breathing are ways to shift from fear to a more centered, empowered space.

6. Resisting the healing and growth experience. Stop fighting against where you are. Stop judging where you are to be a bad or wrong place and asking, “How do I get rid of this feeling or situation I don’t like?” You are where you are! And there is a purpose to what you are experiencing even if you don’t like it. The more you fight your feelings and situations the more energy you give them to hang around. “What you resist, persists.” Instead, consider what the feeling or situation might be trying to tell you or teach you.

And, we become impatient when things don’t happen fast enough or the way we want especially when we are feeling fear and urgency. In addition to the Law of Attraction and other governing principles, another powerfull law is the Law of Divine Order and Timing. You timing for something to happen and the Universe’s timing may not be aligned. That’s where faith and trust comes in AND following your intuition.

Learning how to live in harmony with these universal principles and how to leverage your knowledge of the laws so you can align in thought, belief and behavior in respect of these laws, is both empowering and remarkably effective. (This is one of the steps we teach in Aligning with Destiny program)

7. Your Relationship with Money. Do you see money as a big monster who disappears and makes you suffer or a loving friend who wants you to have we everything you desire? Do you feel anger and blame towards the power money seems to have in your life and in the lives of others? Your attitude, beliefs and relationship with money affects how it shows up in your life. Check out Morgana Rae’s workbook and CD’s for insights and strategies to become a money magnet.

My final point: If you have been consistently investing time, energy, and money in growing yourself and you business, and you are feeling frustrated with your life, what’s missing that might help you break through?

We can get so close to our own stuff that we are unable to see what’s going on and help ourselves get through certain things especially if it means feeling pain or discomfort. One of the biggest reasons people don’t get the assistance they need is because they say, “I can’t afford it.” That message comes from your ego!

If you are continuing to get most of the same results, you can’t afford not to get the help you need. And I understand how prickly the money topic is for people today.

Every successful entrepreneur I know works with a team of people including coaches, mentors, accountability buddies, and mastermind groups. If you aspire to play a bigger game, you gotta stretch out of your comfort and surround yourself with the people and resources you need to succeed. Life is a journey of courage!

The bottom line is how badly you want something and whether you are really willing to do whatever it takes including making financial investments in yourself to have a more prosperous future.

These are incredible times to step into the next and highest version of who we are meant to be.

Are you in or out?

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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What do computer giant Dell, gourmet food basket maker Tastefully Simple, and organic brewer Honest Tea have in common? Though all three are now multi-million dollar companies, all were originally started within the founder’s home. You’ve probably heard how Michael Dell worked out of his garage to build his empire, but equally inspiring are the stories of Jill Blashack Strahan- who assembled gift baskets on the pool table of her backyard shed- and Seth Goldman- who brewed tea at his kitchen sink and presented homemade samples to clients in thermoses.

The home-based startup story has a certain magic to it that often glosses over the particulars: where to set up office equipment (computer, printer, copier,etc.), whether or not you should dedicate a business phone line or switch your VoIP service to include “follow” features so you’re always available, and how many hours you should put in when your office is in your kitchen. What does a stay-at-home entrepreneur really need? Here are a few necessities:

1. A Separate, Dedicated Workspace. Whether it’s your garage, a toolshed in the backyard, or just an area off the den, you will need a space that’s just for work.

2. A Separate Phone Line. Small business VoIP service plans are cheap and easy to sign up for. You can also add an extension or line to your existing residential VoIP service arrangement.

3. A Fast Internet Connection. For businesses based online, this is non-negotiable. Your internet connection should be fast enough to support online activity and VoIP calls, if you use an internet-based phone system as your method of business communication.

4. A Door…or Earplugs. If you can’t physically separate your workspace from the rest of the house, you can mentally separate it by using earplugs to tune out audio distractions, or a folding screen to tune out visual ones.

5. A “Do Not Disturb” sign. If you’re working while others are at home, make sure they know when you’re “unavailable.”

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Passion – What lights you up and brings you joy? What juices you and gives you the most energy? What makes you feel the most vital and alive? Our passions motivate and inspire us to take action. Without passion our life can become mechanical and empty. Deep desire can give us the courage to take life –changing risks with determination and power in the face of fears and uncertainty.

Fulfilling Your Life/Soul Purpose – Having a sense of why we are here and what we are here to do gives meaning to our life. Making choices with a sense of purpose helps us to regain perspective when we feel confused, doubt, and fear. Our purpose reminds us of who we are when we slip into the dramas and details of our life.

Commitment to Go the Distance – Stretching beyond the limits of your comfort zone and walking through the discomfort without running back to where you were is essential. Change can be very uncomfortable and brings up a lot of different feeling and behaviors that many seek to get rid of block rather than to embrace. As you begin to spot the subtle ways you sabotage your dreams and desires and stay and don’t give in to that sabotage, you can feel pretty vulnerable and raw at times. Comfort zones give the illusion of safety; a safe haven where we can hide. If we are not moving forward, we begin moving backwards. Being able to recognize your personal patterns of sabotage empowers you to make choices that will motivate you to keep going.

Solid Support and Accountability – Who keeps you on your toes? How many times have you been excited about doing something, felt ready and committed to your goals and dropped the ball within a few weeks, days or even hours? Surrounding yourself with people who can be objective, uplifting, encouraging, and forthright to cheer you on, challenge you to be great, kick you in the butt when you’re stalling, help you stand strong when facing fear, remind you of who you are when you forget, and hold you accountable to your purpose, passions, and vision makes a huge difference in going the distance and achieving success.

Having accountability keeps you moving steadily forward with your goals/intentions. When we fulfill self-agreements, we feel in integrity with ourselves. When we break promises with ourselves, we can use self-condemnation as a means to beat ourselves up. The fact is that when we deliberately set up accountability such as buddying with someone else for a common purpose, hiring a coach or mentor, or joining a mastermind group, the probability of success goes waaaaaay up.

Over a month ago I decided to focus on making specific changes to commit to a healthier lifestyle. I had tried numerous times to eat healthier, regularly exercise and meditate with limited success and generally take better care of my body. I’d start out gung ho and in a matter of weeks, days, or even hours, I was sabotaging myself by using food to manage my stress or self-soothe.

So, I started working with an accountability buddy who also wanted to be taking better care of her health. We each decided what changes we wanted to implement and we committed to one week as a beginning point. Over 5 weeks later we are going strong. We’re raised the bar for ourselves a few times and we check in twice a day using an accountability form that state 4 intentions. We answer the first two points and email to each other every morning. Every evening we answer 3 & 4. No cutting and pasting answers so we are truly making the commitment each day

1. Today I am accountable for:
2. To accomplish this I have to:
3. At day’s end, how much did I accomplish?
4. Was there anything that prevented me from achieving my outcomes?

To receive the benefits of support, you must ask people for help. If you are usually the one who helps others and have trouble asking for or receiving help you are blocking love. To be a great giver, you must also be a great receiver. It’s a circle. Love is our natural state as spiritual beings. To deny love from others or to yourself is a way to starve your soul.

Have a Strong Self-Care Regime – Think of taking care of your body, mind, and spirit as an important element to your inner foundation. When we feel “fed” we can show up for the people, responsibilities and situations that we most care about with our best SELF. When we are depleted, over-extended, hungry, lonely, or angry, life becomes more burdensome. To check when you might be out of balance or in need of some self-care pronto, here are some common signals: taking things too personally, beating yourself up, irritability, over-reacting, resentment, anger, overwhelm, confusion, distracted, stressed, or tense. Ask yourself, “What do I need right now? What is my body asking for? What have I been ignoring?“ Then DO IT!

Attitude shifting tools – What helps you shift into a better thinking and feeling place? I’m not talking about ways you “get rid” of your thoughts and feelings so you can avoid them. Stuffing thoughts and feelings can weaken our bodies and self-esteem so that we open ourselves to potential illness, psychological problems, depression, and unhappiness. I believe it’s important to have your thoughts and feelings without “building four walls, a roof and setting up permanent residence”. Having tools to shift out of negative self-talk, fearfull thinking, ruminating about the past, worrying, anticipating problems and challenges in the future costs you a whole lot of energy and peace of mind.

My attitude shifters include:

1. Adopting an attitude of gratitude

2. Bringing my attention back to the present moment

3. Appreciating all that is right in my life including people, my cats, gifts and blessings

4. Meditation helps me get centered and connected to Source

5. Keeping my self-care strong to include fun! Am I being too serious and do I need to lighten up?

6. Doing something to help another

7. Remembering who I am, what I am here to do and experience. Asking, “What is mine to do today? How can I be of service? What gives me faith? In what do I totally trust” are questions that help to shift from feeling fearfull and out of control to a more peacefull, connected space.

Taking Inspired Action – Listening to and following your gut instinct and intuition to guide your choices and actions can bring amazing opportunities into your life. It takes courage to take leaps of faith when we are motivated by fear. Inspiration comes from within; from our Divine “inner knowing” urging us to step into the unknown with faith and trust, often without a safety net. Our mind is an instrument with the ability to reason and assess situations that support us in making logical, sound choices that can motivate us to action when things makes sense.

The key is bringing inspired guidance and logic together so that we are following our heart and making sound choices that support our dreams and desires. When we stretch out of our comfort zone and our ego freaks out, we can easily disconnect from our spiritual core if we do not use our tools, resources, attitude shifters, supports… to come back to our SELF.

Be realistic and take one step at a time. Bring compassion and loving patience as your partner in your journey. And remember to celebrate each step of success along the way. Small steps lead to big leaps!

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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Remember your very first day on the job? Your shoes had a shine like the tiles on the Space Shuttle and the crease in your slacks could have diced celery. The air was somehow fresher, the birds chirpier. You had been hired. You'd been given a chance to excel, a chance to make a difference.

Now contrast that with this morning.

Are you motivated to wake up every morning and go to your job with full enthusiasm?
After a while, most people end up making one compromise after another until they've resigned themselves to mediocrity. It's darned hard to keep that first-day buzz going.

BUT…there's no reason you can't choose to recover a good measure of that first-day feeling. You can motivate yourself to strive for excellence, and put it to good use in the service of everyone whose lives you touch on a daily basis. And, you can love your job again.

It's all about making the choice to do it.

Why You Need to Get Motivated, Find Your Enthusiasm, and Love Your Job Again

Have you ever met a two-year-old who wasn't enthusiastic? We come prepackaged with it. And then…

What happens to us?

What happens is that we make a choice. Some of us choose to make the effort to stay in touch with our inner enthusiasm and love our jobs. Others find reasons to lose touch with it—boredom, responsibilities, challenges, fatigue.

But here's the problem: Enthusiasm is the lifeblood of all success. Without it, nothing great happens. If you choose to lose touch with your inner enthusiasm, you are choosing mediocrity. It's really that simple.

Sure, there are plenty of reasons to curb your enthusiasm. But there are just as many reasons to find it again including celebrating your incredible good fortune. In the process you can make that fortune even better.

Here’s How to Find Your Enthusiasm

Step 1: Start with the fact that you're not dead yet, that you were born at all, that you have a job, and that compared to a lot of folks, you have a pretty darn good job.

Step 2: Now take a close look at the circumstances of this good job you have. Write down your five biggest complaints and spin them into positives. For example, "My boss micromanages me" can be reframed as "My boss cares enough about me to step into my work when I need help."
If you've truly committed to finding your first-day buzz again, you should be an awful lot closer to it now than you were ten minutes ago.

All this rethinking and reframing has removed a HUGE energy drain from your life—one you were probably unaware of. It takes massive amounts of energy to continually reinforce your own sense of victimhood. Excellence is MUCH less expensive. Now that you feel lucky instead, what on Earth are you going to do with all that energy?

How about playing the Big Game you signed up for?

Now, you just filled yourself up with a lion's share of this precious thing called the human spirit, and it will not invest in mediocrity. So play the meaningful, bighearted game you always dreamed of playing, and leave the mediocrity to others. Get motivated and start loving your job again.

About the Author:

Roxanne Emmerich is renowned for her ability to transform the “ho-hum” attitudes of leaders, executives, business owners and entrepreneurs just like you into massive results-oriented “bring-it-on” attitudes. To discover how you can get motivated and love your job again, check out her new book – Thank God It’s Monday. Now, you can get a free sneak preview at: http://www.thankgoditsmonday.com/preview_the_book/

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Do you beat yourself up because you say one thing and do another?

Are you feeling out of control?

Is there any area in your life that is out of whack?

Had enough?

To create a different outcome:

1. Be clear that what you say you want is really what you want rather than what you think you should want. Following another person’s dream rarely, if ever, brings long-lasting fulfillment.

2. Explore the beliefs and patterns that are contributing to the situation you are continuing to create. Most of the sabotage we experience comes from subconscious beliefs and patterns that are very difficult to change with our conscious mind. Healing with Theta, hypnosis, EFT and other modalities that work with the subconscious can produce powerfull internal shifts that will raise your quality of life.

3. Have the courage to walk in uncertainty without quitting too soon, feeling frustrated, and disheartened when things don’t manifest according to your picture and plan or move too slowly. Identify the things that keep you excited, inspired, and motivated no matter what is happening in your life. Strong self-care, daily rituals, walks in nature, getting together with loving friends…… Life is an journey not an event. Are you looking for a quick fix or life-long happiness?

4. Build in support and accountability with a friend or colleague who may also want the same support. Hire a coach to cheer you on, provide objectivity, give you a nudge (or a kick in the butt), celebrate your wins, and support you in seeing the fabulous, beautiful, lovable person you are.

5. Make wiser choices with your time and energy. We make choices minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. One of my favorite books is Debbie Ford’s, “The Right Questions“. She says the choices we make today create our future. Published in 2004, The Right Questions offers brilliant insight and simplicity that provide a solid foundation for making choices that are aligned with your heart and spirit to successfully manifest the life of your dreams.

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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Common sense seems to be in very short supply. Perhaps it always was.

Even allowing for the creative and often hysterical reporting of the news media it is hard to avoid the conclusion that those making and executing laws and regulations in many parts of the world have taken leave of their senses. A previous culture of personal responsibility seems to have changed into a culture of dependence and blame.

Not, of course, entirely, but significantly.

This is wholly understandable. Those societies that reward the feckless and punish the responsible must expect the message to be understood and acted upon. Perhaps some rulers have forgotten that true compassion – indeed, true love - involves helping people to achieve and maintain their independence. Taking away independence is theft of the most precious possession we have.

So far this reads more like a political address on behalf of a Fascist Party than a basis for discussing what people need to learn. I make these points, however, because unless our training system starts with the right premise, everything else that it does will at best be ineffective and at worst be damaging.

I don’t need to explain the difference between education and training, between knowledge and reflection, between information and thought. So I’ll skip the bit about facts, passing exams, exam marking and the roulette wheel of teachers who can (and those who cannot) forecast the likely questions with reasonable accuracy. I’ll omit the scathing references I would have made about people who decry the Arts subjects. I’ll nod only briefly towards the words of George Santayana (1863-1952) ‘Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it’.

I’ll concentrate on to why ‘what we need to learn’ has changed so much and so recently.

First, in the past few years we have come to understand better the relationship between body and brain. If there is a work / life balance to be struck there is also a body / brain balance in need of attention. Today we are at the threshold of understanding the mind. We have not got there yet but we will, and probably reasonably soon. We now appreciate that the mental prisons we feel trapped in are largely of our own making. We are all capable of much more than we thought.

Such potential brings with it the responsibility to use well the resources we manipulate and to learn a new view of the time over which we manipulate them. Strangely, our forebears had a better sense of this aspect of time than we do. They invested for what they saw as the future; we invest for the next annual – or half-yearly, or quarterly - sometimes even monthly - profit results.

Proper planning has never been so important and never so neglected.

Second, we need to learn the basic skills of interpersonal communication - or social intercourse, if you like. Whether you were in favour of invading Iraq or against it I think we can all agree that in the 21st Century settling disagreements by thuggery is an admission of failure on a breathtaking scale. But that failure doesn’t originate in the White House or Downing Street, it originates in your local town, the nearby neighbourhood, in the way we speak to a traffic officer, in the way officials deal with us.

Have you noticed how people seldom ask questions of each other these days?

Maybe they think it’s intrusive or not very polite. At a time when many of us are going to spend more time in front of our computers we need to improve our social intercourse and change it from the coffee party to intelligent, informed discussion laced with that unique ability human beings have to be amusing about serious matters. Some races have always been rather inhibited about asking questions. We cannot afford such inhibitions any more. It leads to a collection of floating islands, not to a society.

Third, we need to re-learn the joy of work. We’ve separated work and leisure to the point where work is seen as bad and leisure is seen as good. But everyone knows that too much of either is wrong. To do this we must make work joyful, not always easy when rough conditions, noisy machinery, inconsiderate bosses, rapacious shareholders demand effort and forbearance that is above and beyond normal duty. For all that, work must become a time and place of joy.

We seem to have failed to learn that the true satisfaction of a job well done is not in dollars but in the heart of the person doing it. In my mentoring the simple and true story of Alf Tuck, the man who came to thatch the cottage roof, has transformed the attitudes of hundreds of people towards their work. If you want to read it, please ask me by email, and I will send it to you.

Fourth, we need to reconsider the facts we must know. Five years ago it was important to know quite a lot of facts. Today we need to know different facts:

* how to access and store information on the Internet
* how to discriminate between right and wrong information and good and bad sources
* how to reflect on the facts we learn; facts by themselves are like random numbers; they only
* become useful when we interpret them and make decisions based on them.

Fifth, our civilisation is based on trust. That trust is based on truth, a commodity in very short supply at present. No truth, no trust. No trust, no society. There will never be perfect truth and we have to learn to distinguish between truth, lies and hyperbole. But if we do not understand and accept the relevance of truth for our very existence, our society will increasingly fail.

There are many other things we have to learn, of course. These are, to my way of thinking, the five essentials. At present they are being neglected in favour of doubtful academic awards. If you agree with my very brief summary of what people need to learn today there is one remaining question: where do we get the teachers to do it?

That’s my question to you.

John Bittleston blogs at TerrificMentors.com, a site that provides mentoring for those who wish a change in career or job, wanting to start a business or looking to improve their handling of people (including themselves).

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“To make the right choices in life, you have to get in touch with your soul. To do this, you need to experience solitude, which most people are afraid of, because in the silence you hear the truth and know the solutions.” - Deepak K. Chopra

In the last week I have had three inspirational ideas to grow my business. All three of these ideas that have been popping around in my mind for a little while and last week, I began thinking more seriously about taking action to develop these ideas into new services.

In the past, my pattern has been to move quickly (sometimes impulsively) on thoughts that feel exciting or have that intuitive nudging to “do it now.” This time I felt a slight hesitation, which is one of my indicators that I need to get present to what I am thinking and feeling by tuning into my spirit. Many times, what seemed like a great idea, didn’t net the results I had hoped for and slowing down to explore these ideas more fully felt important.

When exploring new business ideas, some key questions can be enlightening

1. What’s my purpose?

7. What comes after? If I’m offering a program or service and people, what can I offer people as a next step?

When I feel unsure, clarity comes to me by taking walks in nature, meditating, writing, and having conversations with a few trusted friends. This year I made a deliberate decision to say yes to the things that feel Divinely inspired and aligning my actions with smart strategies so I am in the “flow.”

I will continue to take follow my intuition when it yells, DO IT NOW! And for the other times that don’t have the same feeling of inspired urgency, I’m committing to keep tuning in and listening to the whispers and nudges of my spirit. I know that when I follow my inner brilliance, what I manifest in my life is greater than anything I could have humanly imagined.

I encourage you to do the same. Take time to slow down, create space to tune in and listen to your heart even if it is just a few minutes. Be open to the commune with your wise Self.

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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If asked the question, “What do you really want?”

What would you say?”

Would you have an answer?

Would your answer describe what lights you up with passion and excitement because you know who you are? Would you go blank or you talk about what you think you should want?

What are you passionate about? What fires you up about life? Do you know?

Several months ago I had the opportunity to interview Janet Attwood, author of The Passion Test, which is a fabulous book to clearly identify your five top passions. She says, “Passions are how you live your life. Goals are things that you achieve. When you are clear, what you want will show up in your life and only to the extent that you are clear.” Knowing your passions will help you identify your core values and answer the question “what do I want?” If at a loss to begin, you can take the passion test online at www.passiontest.com

At the beginning of 2008, I felt a burst of inspiration about the the POWER of saying Yes! I’d been releasing limiting beliefs and transformating past pain, stretching myself a fuller expression of my potential….was I still playing it safe even though I said I was ready to stop playing small and hiding out in my comfort zone? Was I allowing that deeper YES to be fully expressed?

Are you?

I realized I was still holding myself back.

Why? Some fears and feelings of unworthiness still had enough juice to keep me from manifesting the things I desired. I realized it was time to say YES in a bigger way and deepen my faith in trust in myself, others, the world, and The Divine hand that guides me.

In 2009, I am shouting out - I Say YES!!!!!! How about you?

Do you know your life is meant to be happy?

It is

Do you know you have more power than you realize to create your dreams and desires?

You do

You are a Creator. You have the power to manifest more of what you want than you have ever experienced or imagined at any time in your life.

A thriving and prosperpus business, a loving relationship, vibrant health, shedding those excess pounds, a happy family, peace of mind…

Yes… you do

How about creating that NOW?

Start by saying YES to your deepest desires, dreams, and destiny…..and begin living the life you are meant to live.

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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“Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve.” - Napoleon Hill, Think and Grow Rich

When you consider new ideas or change, do you feel an immediate response of resistance or fear?

Do you have the negative habit of looking at all the reasons why something might be too difficult or impossible to achieve so you can say no?

When we look at life through the narrow viewpoint of fear, we can miss seeing possibilities when we are focused on problems and obstacles.

Instead become a possibility thinker.

Consider something in your life that you want that seems out of reach or impossible. Notice all the reasons and excuses for why you believe something can’t happen. Have you collected evidence to back up that conclusion? In other words, are you looking at the past with the expectation that past experiences ALWAYS repeat? So, why bother dreaming, right?

What if what you desire as impossible were really possible? Perhaps some part of what you desire is currently out of reach and there are some things within your grasp that you might be dismissing because you are negating the whole picture. Ask yourself, “What about this is possible?”

Create a list of all the things that might make having what you want…. possible. Add everything and anything you can think of even if it seems far out. Here’s your opportunity to dream and open your mind to imagine the best possible options and solutions coming to you. In that way, you shift from constricted and limited thinking into a more expansive viewpoint where there is more room thing to flow into your life.

Tune into your inner wisdom, intuition, and instincts to follow those inner nudges that you become aware of that might be showing you the way to bring solutions and opportunities to have more of what you want and less of what you don’t want.

I have found that taking the first step opens the door to the next. Continuing forward one step at a time will move you closer to your dreams and desires. Remember to invite the Universe to work out the “how” and continue to show up by taking action.

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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1. Stretching out of your comfort zone to fulfill your dreams. Playing it safe is a way of holding yourself back from living your passion and purpose to achieve your soul’s vision. It is one thing to be cautiously purposefull and another to use excuses and reasons to resist making changes out of fear. The result can be lots of regrets or an incredible life.

“Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”- Arnold H. Glasow

“Vision is not enough. It must be combined with venture. It is not enough to stare up the steps, we must step up the stairs.” Vaclav Havel

“You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen”.- Paulo Coelho

2. Gratitude is an amazing abundance magnet. Begin your day focusing on all you’re grateful for that brings richness and deep meaning to your life. Appreciate the gifts and blessings in every experience whether it is desired or undesired for the opportunity to evolve. My friends always make that list. My life would be very different without the amazing friendships I’ve cultivated over the years. Just look at this panel! Paula suggested writing five things you’re grateful each morning that happened today before they happen. I love that!

“Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate or value into your life”. -Christiane Northrup

“Being able to the appreciate gifts that all experiences bring, good or bad, right or wrong makes the difference between being a victim of circumstances, or the hero of your life story”. – Lorraine Cohen

3. Regain emotional perspective. Become centered, present, and still to slow down the inner chatter. Fear-filled thoughts focus on the future and “what if thinking”. Take a few deep breaths, look around your environment, come back to the present moment, and put your attention on what is good and right in your world. Incorporating daily spiritual practices such as meditation, inspirational reading, a gratitude journal, and self-care will soothe fearfull thinking.

Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become your habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny” - Frank Outlaw

“Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results”. – anon

4. You are always creating! Become aware of your thoughts and the words you use to talk about yourself and your life. The three elements of creation are : thought, word, and action. Your emotions give your thoughts the juice to manifest things quickly. Faith is believing anything is possible. Be mindful of what you wish for and give energy to because you are creating every second. If you’re not attracting what you want, take a look at your beliefs, thoughts, and language.

“To understand the magical nature of the mind is to acquire awesome power. It is to understand that at every moment of our lives, we have the power to accomplish everything we want”.- Deepak Chopra

“The key to having whatever your heart desires – bar nothing – is finding a way to feel good about your Want; not to wish for it, yearn for it, long for it, sigh for it, or feel discouraged about it, but just feel good about it. Remember, need is from fear, desire is from excitement.”- Lynn Grabhorn

5. Dump the negativity. Turn off the doom and gloom on TV and stop reading the negative stories in the newspapers. Yes, you heard me. I’m not saying stick your head in the sand and be uninvolved in the world. We seem to be addicted to fear, pain and drama in the news and on TV. It’s all about choice. Is it time to do some house-cleaning with the folks in your life? Are you surrounded by people who lift you up or bring you down? Where are you choosing to put your attention?

“People who soar are those who refuse to sit back, sigh and wish things would change. They neither complain of their lot nor passively dream of some distant ship coming in. Rather, they visualize in their minds that they are not quitters; they will not allow life’s circumstances to push them down and hold them under.”– Charles R. Swindoll

“There is one thing stronger than all the armies of the world and that is an idea whose time has come.” - Voltaire

6. Be a good Samaritan. Helping others is a great way to shift from fear and constriction into a more expansive and loving space. Is there someone who might benefit from your support? Generously share your love, energy, time, wisdom, resources, contact, money….. to help another for the pure joy of it.

“You can get everything in life you want, if you’ll just help enough other people get what they want”. Zig Ziglar

“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes an orchestra to play it”.- H.E. Luccock

7. Lighten up. Are you being too serious and forgetting to enjoy life? We can get so caught up in the details of what we have to do that we forget how to beand let our “inner kids” come out and play. We can experience pleasure in the little things that bring great joy. Deliberately schedule things in your calendar that are fun TODAY. It’s wonderfull to have things to look forward to that make you smile.

“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning”. J. B. Priestley

“Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we’re here we might as well dance”. - anon

8. Celebrate all the miracles, gifts, and blessings you receive each day. My friend Anita calls them “whispers and kisses from God”. Yesterday, I was looking for some jeans and more casual clothes for working at home. I was having a challenge finding what I had in mind. Following my intuition, I stopped by a local store I’ve passed a dozen times without going in. They had exactly what I wanted at 50% off and I saved a bundle. You bet I counted that as an answer to a prayer request! Your intuition and gut-instincts are a gateway to your spirit. Begin noticing all the big and small ways guidance, support, and abundance flows to you in all forms, including money! Oh, that penny or small change you might find on the ground? Pick it up and toss that into a bowl to remind you of the way the Universe is winking at you with money.

“The difficulties, hardships and trials of life, the obstacles one encounters on the road to fortune are positive blessings. They knit the muscles more firmly, and teach self-reliance. Peril is the element in which power is developed”. W. Mathews

“A coincidence is a small miracle where God chose to remain anonymous”.- Heidi Quade

“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”.- Paulo Coelho

9. Suspend Judgments and embody love. Can you go a full 24 hours without being self-critical or judging others? Are you game to test this out for at least one day? Instead, put your attention and intention to be the embodiment of unconditional love - towards yourself and others. Can you do it? I dare you. In fact, I double dare you to look at yourself and the world through the eyes of love for the next 24 hours.

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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If you’re facing (or anticipating) one change of several changes, these tips will help you navigate through transition and help you land on your feet:

1. Acknowledge what’s happening. Get real about your situation and eliminate denial. Identify what you can control and/or influence to gain perspective in devising a strategy for action.

2. Invite collaboration. Brainstorming is an excellent resource for pooling knowledge by gathering other points of view for creative problem solving.

3. Ramp up self-care. Taking good care of yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually is a critical factor in staying strong and focused. Establishing some daily routines/habits provides consistency and a sense of control.

4. Need to vent and/or have someone just listen? Build a support team of family, friends, colleagues and or professionals who will hear you with objectivity and encouragement. Surround yourself people who will help you regain your emotional and mental perspective to stand strong in clarity, confidence, faith and trust.

5. Interrupt and replace negative self-talk. Fear tends to view situations through a narrow lens with an emphasis on problematic thinking and worse case scenarios. Take charge of your attitude. YOU are the source of your thinking and behavior. The way you view a situation determines your experience. Instead of focusing on the worst, expect the best. For 3 tips on managing negative self-talk, click here

6. Be engaged in pleasurable or stimulating activities. Lighten up and take time to relax with friends and family. Building in opportunities to have fun will help take the edge off emotional stress and tension.

7. Recall a past experience you successfully transitioned. How did you do it? What can you take from your past success to use in future experiences? Drawing from personal history builds confidence and stirs the creative juices.

8. Invite curiosity. Ask yourself, “How does this situation compel me to grow? What can I learn about myself, my life from this change? What opportunities does this change offer me? What can I take from this experience to improve myself/my life?” Use what you discover to move you forward.

9. Practice being present. Focus on where you are today to guide your decisions and actions. Most fear and emotional distress are generated by keeping focus and attention on the future. Worrying about what ifs, worse case scenarios and problems keep anxiety and stress high. Bringing yourself back to the present moment will help you disengage from the dramas and stories you are creating in your mind (that will most likely never occur).

10. See yourself in the future, at the other side of the transition. Create a vivid picture in your mind of how you see your life at a future point. Be sure to add as much emotion to the image you create to help you hold this intention in your mind and heart. Make this picture positive and compelling. Incorporate this image as part of your daily routine (see #3) and use this picture to pull you forward through your transition.

11. Make a plan of action that includes daily and week goals with the vision you created in #10. Completing big and small goals support a feeling of control and sense of accomplishment. When developing your action plan, be sure to tune into your intuition and inner guidance for direction and clarity.

12. Incorporate spiritual practices every day. What connects you to your faith and trust to help you regain your spiritual center? Adding spiritual practices will help you experience greater peace and calm. Responding from a centered space invites inspired and deliberate action.

No matter what is happening in your life, the one power you always retain is how you choose to view yourself and your situation. Realize that every experience offers a learning opportunity. Rather than seeing what’s next as something to fear and avoid, you can choose to run towards the next phase of your life with excitement and enthusiasm as you open to new possibilities.

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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Are you one of those people who have difficulty with uncertainty? Perhaps you have a fear of the unknown or become influenced by all the fear-based messages that seem to bombard us at every turn.

Imagining worse case scenarios only heighten anxiety and stress when we lack information. Worrying doesn’t bring answers to allay concerns. We only make ourselves more miserable. Putting too much attention on expecting the worst only amplifies the potential to attract more of what you don’t want into your life.

The best response to worry and fear is having trust and faith that you are where you are supposed to regardless of the situation you face. No matter what is happening in your life, the one power you always retain is your attitude.

Fears, worry, negative thinking, beliefs about lack….create constriction rather than expansion. We begin thinking,“Ok, what do I need to do to create more…money, clients, time….?” If we feel a sense of urgency, we can literally feel the stress and tension building up in our bodies and begin problem-solving to manage the situation. Making important decisions from fear rather than calm clarity rarely goes well.

Yes, I know that all sounds great and we are human after all. Slapping a big grin on your face and always being upbeat and happy 24/7 is unrealistic. To me being fully alive is feeling the full scope of emotions.

One of the best ways to navigate through uncertainty and remain in the flow is to focus your attention on the abundance in your life rather than the potential loss of things. Fear and negative thinking creates more constriction and struggle. It’s a decision to remain in faith, trust, and gratitude or tumble into the darkness of fear down to despair. Are you up to standing strong in your faith?

During troubling times we find out the stuff we are made of – courage, resilience, creativities, tenacity…. I remember a period in the early 1980’s when my life seemed to fall apart and I plunged into a depression. I was always the go-to person who held it all together and I was falling apart. While this was one of the most painful times in my life, it represented a life-defining moment. It was the first time in my life I ever really prayed and it was the beginning of a deeper conscious awakening to find out who I really am.

Stop listening to all the doom and gloom messages that suck the hope out of life. Choose to see each experience as a learning and healing opportunity, one that can lead to possibilities beyond your wildest imagination. Things are not always what they appear……Our faith and trust in ourselves, others, and the Universe is POWER.

Focus on all that is rich in your life - friends, colleagues, loved ones, pets, accomplishments, things you have created, nature……. Invite all that is truly meaningful and joyful to take center stage in your heart and mind. Life is full of unpredictability and you can flow with each experience, succumb to the negativity, or fight against it which can create more resistance.

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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A few reasons why people come to me is because they feel stuck or because they know what they should be doing and they just don’t do it. They feel frustrated, stressed out, and often angry at themselves which only makes them feel worse.

They think that procrastination is a bad habit so they judge themselves harshly.

Not all procrastination is problematic. In fact, there are reasons why people hesitate to take action that are valid.

A good reason to take it slow is when you need more information or clarity in order to make an informed decision. While it might appear as if you’re dragging your feet, rushing forward impulsively or without the information you really need to say YES can cost you time, money, and energy. And if you’re the type of person who tends to make emotional decisions you often regret, having some boundaries such as waiting 24 hours before saying YES can be empowering.

So what about those times when you’re just not sure why you feel stuck?

Asking three important questions can clarify why you might not be moving forward.

1. Is this the right and best time for that goal, intention or desire to happen? You might have a dream of exponentially growing your business to open your flow of abundance. Timing can be an important element in reaching a desirable result. Market trends, cash flow, adding new target markets, reorganization, the economy….all affect timing. What are the factors you need to consider when implementing action?

Stay alert to fear-based excuses and reasons you might be using to say, “It’s not the right time” when it really is!” One other thing to consider is the Universal Law of Divine Timing. I encourage folks to tune into their spirit and intuition when making choices. When we partner with the Universe, things flow much better than when we don’t!

2. Is this the right goal? Is it something you really want? Or is it something you think you should want or what others want for you? This is a revealing question. So often I see people saying they want something and when they dig deeper, they realize it’s more of a should rather than a passion or deep desire. Anthony Robbins says, “People are not lazy. They simply have impotent goals— that is, goals that do not inspire them.” When we are fully on board with a decision to have something we truly desire, we can become unstoppable.

3. Do you have room in your life for … more clients, a relationship, greater business success….? Do you have the time for it? Do you have the systems and structures to handle the extra business? You might want to have a relationship and you have so many demands in your life that you don’t really have the time and energy for someone new. A colleague told me about a woman who desired a new romantic relationship. She redid her bedroom and made room in her home in preparation of meeting someone special (which she did!). Consider what might need to shift to open space for what you say you want and take action!

Dr. Lorraine Cohen, President of Powerfull Living, brings more than 25 years experience in personal and business coaching, psychological counseling, and sales to thousands of spiritually minded business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders from a wide range of industries. Learn more about Lorraine’s services, success products and programs.

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Marcia Niles is a Christian writer and founder of Entrepreneurial Women's Digest.

Life can be a wonderful adventure if we learn to truly appreciate what has been entrusted to us for the greater good. Whether it is the business at hand or the families and friends we have been blessed with, this journey called life can be a fulfilling one.

Our attitudes towards the events and circumstances that will inevitably confront us, both good and bad, will determine to a large extent the state of our mindset and disposition on life. If we believe that there is nothing worth aspiring to, we fold our arms and let the years go by, never finding the time to begin, never contributing to or making a difference. We end the chapter of our lives in gloom and despair, and a pile of regrets. On the other hand, if we recognize that there is something in all of us that can be used to benefit and inspire others around us, then we can move forward with joy and enthusiasm. Any obstacle or setback should not be regarded with any permanence, but rather an occasion to assess, revise, and continue the journey, believing that with faith and perseverance we will accomplish our goals.

Our daily lives encompass a myriad of activities, many worthwhile, and others we could forfeit. Leading well-balanced lives is still elusive for many busy entrepreneurs and people in general. Life offers the beautiful gift of time to be used wisely and productively, with moments of serenity to be enjoyed. Yet too often, most of our time is spent over-indulging on tasks, with little time for anything else.

So how does one find the balance? It all begins with self-examination, prioritizing, and appreciation. What are our dreams and goals? How will achieving them help others and ourselves? Having it all at the expense of our health and relationships is not success at all, for the things acquired are no substitute for love and harmony in our existence. Above all, be thankful for life's lessons, and life itself.

Make the time to celebrate the gift of time. Know when to halt and put things in their right perspective. Let go of those things that are a burden. Exercise prudence and discretion and give yourself space to breathe. Life is a journey, and can be enjoyed, once we learn to embrace and cherish the gift of time.

Marcia Niles is a Christian writer and founder of Entrepreneurial Women's Digest.

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This article is submitted by Susan Wilson Solovic, CEO, SBTV.com. Submit an article today.

The stress of growing your business can take its toll. That’s why it's important to take care of you. Stress is the number one cause of illness in our country. Learning how to manage your stress level is not only a smart decision, but it's also critically important for your business success. When you are stressed or not feeling well, your motivation level drops. Your judgment and decision making can become impaired. Certainly, emotions can quickly escalate resulting in irrational behavior or fits of anger.

Be realistic about what you expect of yourself and don't over commit. Learn to say "no" and really mean it. Before you say yes to something make sure it is the appropriate use of your time and resources. Remember, there are only so many hours in a day, and no matter how hard you try you can't change that. You should manage your time and plan ahead so your schedule can accommodate time to focus on your personal well-being. If you don't, you'll burn out, and so will your business.

Try scheduling time during the week that is just for you to do something you really enjoy. For example, a woman recently told me she leaves her office once a week to take a piano lesson. The lesson and her practice time during the week forces her to think about something entirely different than her business challenges. As a result, it helps her feel refreshed and more creative.

Elizabeth Kekrney, CEO of the California-based Kekrney & Associates: The Experts Alliance suggests calendaring your personal time. "I just decide what amount of time I am going to need, and I actually put it on my calendar. Now that may sound stupid, but I write it down. I flex it if I need to, but if I don't put it down I won't even get to a party that I am planning on attending," she explains.

Julie Fogg, CEO of Active Port, a full-service reseller of converged telephone systems, says she has learned how important it is to keep her health and happiness as her two top priorities. She signed up for a fitness boot camp five days a week starting at 5:30 a.m. and sees a nutritionist regularly. "I have so much more energy now that I am careful about what I eat and I participate in group exercise. My health was affecting Active Port, so I will never neglect that area of my life again."

Discover what works best for you, but make a commitment to yourself and your business that taking care of you is as important as caring and nurturing your business growth.

This article is submitted by Susan Wilson Solovic, CEO, SBTV.com. SBTV is the first television network on the web devoted 100 percent to the small business market - from business start-ups to established enterprises. Founded in 2000, SBTV is becoming the number one choice for small business information on the net.

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I’ve analysed what is happening and begun to point the way for those who want to pre-empt the changes rather than wait until they are overtaken by them. Now is the time to decide which category you come into.

Those willing to plan will be rewarded; those not willing to do so will have to take potluck. There are six essentials for your new work life:

Be a specialist in one area but make sure you are more widely qualified and trained than just for your specialisation.

Understand yourself as thoroughly as you can.

Doing this is not a ‘one-off’ operation. We all change as we learn more and grow. Now is the moment to find out what you really want to do. Those who are ambitious to make money have a chance to get themselves equipped to take advantage of the new workplace. Those who want to help socially can prepare themselves for the new needy. They will be quite different from those we think of as ‘poor’ today and their requirements will be much more challenging. Those who seek to advance science or enjoy an academic life will have to be closer to the application of their studies and teaching.

Write a career plan.

It doesn’t have to be a major document, bound in silk. One page should be enough to tell you where you are heading and how you are going to get there. But it has to be a well-thought-out page. You should take stock of your career at least once a year, however well you are doing. You wouldn’t leave your money unattended for any longer. Why leave your career to find it’s own way.

Based on your career plan, equip yourself with the qualifications you need. You don’t have to leave work to do this. There are many courses you can take outside work hours. Select the ones that will benefit you in the portfolio of jobs you will most likely be doing to which I referred previously.

Train and re-train so that you keep your skills up to date.

Just as a building needs retrofitting quite frequently, so your skills need honing and polishing, especially when they are concerned with the new technologies. Sales personnel who don’t know their products are going to the wall. Surgeons who don’t keep up with the new developments are going to the courts.

If you are not already equipped to handle the main new technologies, remedy this failing without delay. You are going to need all the resources you can muster. I already notice people who can’t or won’t understand the new communication technologies falling well behind their rivals – and that applies at the top of the organisation as well as at the bottom.

Prepare the family to be part of the work team.

Yes, even the young children should understand that the breadwinners are working for them and they must help in their own ways. You couldn’t prepare them better for their working lives.

Establish and cultivate your network.

Networking is already important – we all know that. In The New Work World it is going to be even more so. This aspect of your preparation for dealing with The New Work Revolution is so important that I am going to devote the next article exclusively to it.

John Bittleston blogs at TerrificMentors.com, a site that provides mentoring for those who wish a change in career or job, wanting to start a business or looking to improve their handling of people (including themselves).

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I advised preparing to be able to work from home. This is not because I think you are going to be thrown out of a job immediately. But one day you may be. Or you may decide that your future will be better secured and more under your control if you take the plunge and go solo. If your home routine has already been modified to allow you to have time and space to work, that will be one shock less for the family to have to cope with. It will also have given you some experience of doing so and of what the problems are.

But there's another reason why being prepared to undertake work at home is valuable. Full-time regular jobs will continue, of course, but there will be many more 'portfolio' workers, people who have several jobs at the same time. Every consultant has been doing it for years. Many more of us are 'consultants' now; even more will be in the future.

A portfolio of jobs may seem strange to those used to working for a large company that demands more than full-time attention. In fact, until the arrival of the MNC and the big international conglomerate, it was quite common. In parts of the world over 90% of the workforce have portfolios of jobs even if they don't always describe them that way.

Will portfolios consist of a number of identical jobs? Probably not. There will be common characteristics, of course, especially the required qualifications and training, but too much similarity can lead to a conflict of interests. So there will be experts who span several aspects of the subject on which they advise. For example, builders will do more of their own design and, for simpler and smaller jobs, rely less on architects. Financial Advisers will become more 'hands on' managers of their clients’ portfolios. General Practitioners are already conducting minor operations in their clinics. Chemists will, in addition to having a Pharmacist on duty, employ a part-time GP for 'instant' consultations. Trainers will be prepared to train in a number of areas, not just the one for which they are well known.

The portfolio life will consist of much more project work – you will take on the job of getting something up and running, after which you will go on to another project. Many will combine academic work with actual operations, achieving a better balance between the theoretical and the practical.

To get a flavour of how dramatic the changes may be, think of the old grocery shop fifty years ago; only a limited range of products, counter service, delivery, specialist butchers, greengrocers, fishmongers. That today is the supermarket, selling everything from carrots to cars.

It is very important that you prepare yourself to take on portfolio work. To do so you should undertake a thorough personal SWOT analysis. I prefer the PASDAQ analysis*. It seeks to establish your interests as well as your abilities and when planning a career change or job move is much more successful at getting the right fit.

Equipped with a clear idea of not only what you can do but what you want to do – and what you need to do financially – you are already half way to a happier, more varied and more financially rewarding life.

John Bittleston blogs at TerrificMentors.com, a site that provides mentoring for those who wish a change in career or job, wanting to start a business or looking to improve their handling of people (including themselves).

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The clash between Global Village and Balanced Life Style will create many changes for, and require unprecedented adaptability by, those now working or soon to enter the work force. My earlier articles on the subject defined the problem and began to show some of the impact it would have.

Home life will be affected. Keeping your information and fears bottled up is counter-productive. You need support. Your family must know that they have to be prudent with money. Don't frighten your spouse unnecessarily but do discuss, calmly and rationally, the implications of what is happening. Start with the global picture and gradually show how this might affect your industry, your company, you and them. You need rational, supportive contributions, not hysteria.

Think together about the longer-term effects of Global Village. Your spouse may be bent on a more Balanced Life Style, especially if it involves helping with the children. Point out that Balanced Life Style comes at a price, which you are not, or may soon not be, in a position to pay.

We devote much training time to Managing Change in Business. We devote none at all to Managing Change in the Home. Yet this is the base from which we go out to work. Without a solid home base we cannot do our jobs. If you are the de facto head of the family you now have to manage change at home. Do it as seriously as you would manage reorganisation in your own company. It will pay you handsomely when the occasion arises.

Make sure that there is a place and time where and when you can work undisturbed at home. This may not be easy but insist on it. You may have to share space with your spouse or the children. If you do, see that it is available exclusively to you for some of the time. Quite apart from the need for this space now, you may need it as your office in the near future.

Even if you are still in a full-time job you will need a minimum resource from which to study the changes taking place and where you can devote yourself to getting a new job or alternative work. A breadwinner, man or woman, who has no private space at home may seek it elsewhere with potentially disastrous consequences.

Equip yourself with the sources of information you need to gauge how quickly the changes are taking place. This may require newspapers and magazines; access to the Internet is a vital component of it. Stockbrokers’ reports can be very helpful if they relate to your industry. Your industry or trade association is a mine of information. If they have a library, get to know the librarian. Librarians are wonderful people, full of information and nearly always willing to help those seeking it.

Talk to your friends in the business, they will be better informed than you think. They have the same worries as you. Most importantly, talk to your boss. Remember, he has anxieties for the same reason that you do. If he values your observations and comments on the industry you may keep your job when others lose theirs. Don’t be shy about doing this. Any reasonable boss likes to see his subordinates taking an interest in the progress of the company and the business.

Keep a small computer file on the things you learn about the business – nothing lengthy, just short notes every few days. You will find them invaluable later on.

It’s the information age. Make use of it.

John Bittleston blogs at TerrificMentors.com, a site that provides mentoring for those who wish a change in career or job, wanting to start a business or looking to improve their handling of people (including themselves).

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Inspired Business Growth: In my experience, too little work-life balance can actually put you out of business, especially if you are a solopreneur. It doesn’t mean you can’t work hard; there are times when you have to put in extra hours in a business - just like sometimes you have to take extra family time, or extra me time to keep sanity in check.

So how do you fit little balancing acts into a busy workday, or keep your head on straight when you are in the midst of a huge project? Well, since I’m rather desperately in need of these tips right now (in the middle of a huge project!!), I figured I would share my research with you.

Set up a “busy schedule” and stick to it

You probably have a normal daily routine, and it all gets out of whack when things get busy at work. But work can suck you in, and you can justify far too many hours in the name of growth. So set up a routine for “busy days” - perhaps you work 2-4 extra hours, and stick to that schedule, working nothing beyond it.

Schedule down time

Schedule things like “break”, “coffee”, or even “video games” into your calendar just like you would a conference call. Protect and honor your downtime with just as much care, too.

Squeeze in walks

Whether you park further away from the office or store, or you work from home, try to squeeze in short walks (I’ve started walking my kids to school regularly). Not only does it force you to reconnect with yourself, but it also gives you some exercise which will improve your concentration when you are working.

Ask for help

Sometimes so hard for an entrepreneur to do, but so necessary if you ever plan on growing your business long-term.

20 Work-Life Balance Tips for the Overworked Entrepreneur [Inspired Business Growth]

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Entrepreneur: A recent survey by PopCap Games shows it's a trend employees say helps them alleviate stress and, as a result, become more productive. In fact, the survey found that 84 percent of white-collar workers surveyed felt "more relaxed and less stressed out" after taking a short game break at work. But perhaps the most surprising results represent the senior executives surveyed, including CEOs, CFOs and presidents. Compared to their colleagues, senior executives reported a much higher frequency of play at work. 70 percent said they play "during work, when I need a short break" versus 49 percent of other gamers. And the survey discovered 71 percent of senior executives play on average for about 15 minutes or longer during each game-playing session in the office.

CEOs Admit to Gaming at Work [Entrepreneur]

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I have outlined the clash between Global Village and Balanced Life Style and how this may affect your job. There are several ways of coping with this Revolution. I now consider your present job and workplace.

If you are in a job, don't quit. One in ten employed people are actively trying to move. Never quit until the new job is irrevocably tied up. If a new company wants you earlier than your agreed notice permits they can buy the time from your present employer.

I receive emails daily from people who say they 'cannot stand it any more etc. etc'. I can help you with ways to improve the climate at work, but you won’t change it fundamentally in a short space of time. You can and must stand it. Your employer may be wanting you to quit without his having to pay any redundancy money. Don't let him do it. Grin and bear it. If he really wants you out, he will pay.

Quite a number of those who 'can't stand it' go on to win the hearts of their colleagues with their courage and perseverance. They can end up in better jobs within the company in an improved atmosphere.

Your assessment of the future of employment in your industry, to which I referred earlier, may throw up some interesting possibilities.

The numbers working in your field may be greatly reduced. That gives more responsibility to those who remain. It leads to greater profitability of the company - and better wages. You may be able to win one of those jobs if you are loyal, confident and steadfast. A willingness to learn, demonstrated by the number of courses and additional qualifications you have obtained, is always attractive to a potential employer.

There may be overseas supervisory opportunities, on a full-time or part-time basis. They might involve travel and could be very rewarding.

Even if you are 'let go' perhaps you can continue working part-time for the company. That is why you should always remain on good terms with your bosses and colleagues.

Sometimes a company needs those it lets go to help the business through a transition - or for an even longer period. Quite often they are found to have been less dispensable than the management thought.

The clue is 'valuable'. Are you valuable to the business? What do you think? Only when you regard yourself as valuable can you sell that idea to others.

So the most important step you can take is to make yourself more valuable to the business. Help others, smile, be agreeable, don't gossip, get the work done. Get to know the boss better. Seek his or her advice about how you can make a greater contribution. Be positive about the business, even if you have been negative in the past. Look on the bright side. Become an optimist.

What have you got to lose? Absolutely nothing. What might you gain? Promotion, better wages, continuity of employment, good references (when they are needed), greater knowledge of the job you are doing. It's a long list. Use it to motivate yourself. It's the first line of defence in The New Work Revolution.

There are several more stages in coping with The New Work Revolution - how it affects the home, working from home, multiple portfolios, preparing yourself for a change of industry, getting ready to shift jobs. I'll deal with them in the next articles.

Meanwhile, smile. Disaster and Triumph are both impostors.

John Bittleston blogs at TerrificMentors.com, a site that provides mentoring for those who wish a change in career or job, wanting to start a business or looking to improve their handling of people (including themselves).

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Communication of the sort I was talking about does not depend on comprehensiveness of what is being said but on focus - almost exactly the opposite of a lawyer's brief. Good communication is not the small print of one-sided contracts. It is about someone owning a problem or opportunity and making it his or her job to solve or exploit it.

If communication can be focused there is a chance that this will happen. Not always, of course. Responsibility for communication lies squarely with the sender but if the receiver cannot receive, the sender doesn’t stand a chance.

If all this seems a little remote from the urgent need to provide jobs - any jobs - I do understand. But ask yourself whether understanding the big scene, planning ahead a little, knowing what you want to do and systematically setting about doing it might not have avoided many of the present situations, be they unemployment or unhappiness at work.

Just as we cannot communicate everything we would like to, so we cannot be prepared for every eventuality in life. But we can attend to the fundamentals and know what route we are intending to follow, other things being equal.

Earlier on in my discussion of The New Work Revolution I outlined the clash between Global Village and Balanced Life Style. That clash is here, now. Many of you already feel its effects; more will do so in the future.

There are two problems.

The first is that the potentially enormous economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China (popularly known as BRIC – hopefully one that will not be dropped) have awakened to the possibilities of taking over as the low-cost producers and suppliers of goods and services from the high-cost countries. Bernie Ecclestone predicted that the centre of motor racing will move from Europe to the East. It has already partly done so.

He is correct when he says that Europe has been the centre of so many events, not just motor racing, for a long time. It is now losing that position. In his words ‘Europe needs to wake up’. Why has this happened?

Europe became rich and, as rich people are inclined to do, began to think more about spending it than making it. The result? Europe is now going round and round in circles distributing everybody else’s wealth but paying almost no attention to generating it or to the people who are trying to do so. Soon there will be more money being spent on the distribution of money than money to distribute. In some spheres that has already happened. There are few more contentious matters than the distribution of wealth.

The second problem is that, even if there were not the competition of low-cost centres to contend with, automation and the development of robotic production is reducing the work available for the labour force. This applies equally in the office and the factory.

A young member of my family who runs a small specialised engineering business got rid of all his workers some time ago and installed the latest computer-controlled lathes. I asked him why?

He explained that his automated plant suffered from no fatigue, no illness, was not subject to controls by the Health and Safety Executive, did not have to conform to all sorts of impossible standards. He had no wages to account for, no pensions to provide, no tax to pay for others, no unions demanding longer tea-breaks. He was in control. He looked very relaxed.
How can you be prepared to deal with these threats? I’ll try to provide some pointers.

John Bittleston blogs at TerrificMentors.com, a site that provides mentoring for those who wish a change in career or job, wanting to start a business or looking to improve their handling of people (including themselves).

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Management has always been a fashion horse incorporating the latest 'new' inventions. They are dreamt up by business-seeking consultants sweeping away the last lot of expensively-bought solutions. Fortunately, business managers have a good deal of common sense and resist the more outlandish offerings in favour of prudent finance, disciplined control and measured risk-taking.

But management really is changing this time because the people being managed have changed. Their education, aspirations, life expectancy, pension needs and knowledge of the options open to them have all developed dramatically in the last ten years.

The 'Marketing Era' of the seventies and eighties gave way to the 'Balanced Life Style Era' of the nineties. With the dawn of the new millennium we entered the reality of the long-heralded 'Global Village Era'. You may applaud it, you may deplore it. It is here to stay.

Impose 'Global Village' on 'Balanced Life Style' and you get a mighty clash of cultures. In the Global Village we all have to compete as never before for our sales. That means more work. In our Balanced Life Style we want to make work only a part of our lives. We expect family, home, leisure, further education and travel to play their part in creating the 'rounded' and fulfilled person we all aspire to be. So we want less work. Hence the clash.

John Bittleston blogs at TerrificMentors.com, a site that provides mentoring for those who wish a change in career or job, wanting to start a business or looking to improve their handling of people (including themselves).

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Business Advice Pro: It’s writing down your goals with specific deadlines, writing down your goals like you have already achieved it all. And then rewriting them twice a day, or even if not rewriting them then at least reading them again twice a day with thought.

Why? You’re a 9-5 worker or you’re not doing very well. It’s very hard to imagine and actually start believing that you can earn a million dollars a year. It is, I know. So somehow you need to put that thought to your unconsciousness and that’s why you need this written list and that’s why you need to read it again and again and again and again. Yes, I know, I used to think this was really stupid as well. But it ain’t.

There’s also certain things you need to think of, certain things you need to achieve in order to become successful. You need to have a positive mental attitude, sound physical health, you need to be free from fear or at least be able to use it to your benefit, hope and belief in future achievements, open mind, self-discipline. Riches start with a state of mind.

Keeping your goals in mind [Business Advice Pro]

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StartupNation: Business is at full-throttle. You love your work, which leaves you in an exhilarated, heady mood at the end of a productive day.

But you can have too much of a good thing.

The same tasks that give you a mental buzz can also stress you out if you don’t take a breath and relax now and then. Before you know it, you’re fried to a crisp, which has a number of implications: You’re tired, exhausted, uncreative, unhappy, and maybe even sick.

We don’t want you to lose the fun factor in your work, or your passion for what you do. This is why we strongly feel that it’s critically important for you to take mental time-outs. Even toddlers get a chance to simmer down in time-out, and there’s no reason you shouldn’t revert. Soothe your inner kiddie when things get out of hand. You’ll regain and be able to retain your inner strength and creativity. Work – and life – will be enjoyable again.

Business Growth Strategy - Don’t Go Mental, Take a Break

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Small Business CEO: Are you or your team stuck in a rut, new ideas just don’t seem to occur, everyone is almost zombi like in adherence to how things have always been done?

Do you need new ideas, would some fresh thinking be a booster shot for your business, then read on.

Here are Ten Actions you can take to Achieve Freshness Today:

1. Take a new form of transportation to work.
2. Read a new magazine or watch a new TV show.
3. Plan a lunch with people you never lunch with.
4. Get out of your normal work environment for a half-day per week.
5. Ask your family (especially your kids) to help solve a problem you are working on.
6. Allocate double the normal time you spend solving a problem, make at least three options.
7. Block out time for your whole team to do something new together once a month.
8. Take a walk in the park at lunch time.
9. Listen to the Pop Music charts.
10. Reinvent your personal job role at least once per year.

Stuck In a Rut - Ten Actions to Achieve Freshness Today [Small Business CEO]

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Entrepreneur: There's a lot of press today about people in their prime career years being the sandwich generation--caught between aging parents and growing families. I'm here to tell you that there can be open-faced sandwiches (no kids), as well as club sandwiches, with businesses layered in between family obligations. These can lead to high pressure situations for even the most prepared and organized entrepreneurs.

If you have been blessed with good health and high energy, be grateful every day because you're already far ahead. No college or graduate school class can fully prepare you for juggling your business and life. This year my husband and I each had parents with health setbacks. Luckily because we both own businesses, we were able to take the time needed for extended visits and conference calls with doctors and family members.

The everyday pressures of running our businesses may feel like life and death on a daily basis--closing deals, collecting payment, running payroll and managing various personalities. When crises do happen, they put real life in perspective.

When Life Hands You Lemons [Entrepreneur]

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Entrepreneur: If you burn out in a new business venture, it's the result of intense and arguably greater pressure built up over a shorter interval, and it's infinitely harder to walk away. It means abandoning your dream, leaving your employees jobless, and facing sometimes dire financial and psychological consequences. I personally know of one suicide and one near-suicide caused by the startup stress trap.

That's why it's important to take preventive measures to avoid letting your startup drive you to the brink. Here are a few simple ways to nip burnout in the bud:

1. Build a knowledge base.
2. Adapt your business plan.
3. Make daily lists of the next day's tasks.
4. Hire a good team.
5. Leave your work at work.
6. Get a coach.

New Business Burnout: Don't Be a Victim [Entrepreneur]

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