Month: April 2020

8 Top Tips and 5 Simple Steps to Overcome Your Own Barriers. Today!

Recently someone told me that they dreamt of working for themselves as a designer in the comfort of their own home; enjoying the ability to adapt to the demands of family life. When I asked why they weren’t doing it yet, the answer was – “Oh! It will never happen. I get stuck in my own head at the same point every time”. Wow! This blows my mind. If you know the hurdle then figure out how to get over it! Lots of us default to negative thoughts and are dutiful to a lack of confidence. Let’s have a look at how you can challenge the mind to achieve all you want; no matter how big or small that change is.

I get stuck in my own head

Wellness author David James Lees said “Be mindful of self-talk. It’s a conversation with the universe”. It is the self-talk that can skew our thinking and the actions we take, or do not take. So, as a challenge, listen to yourself and explore what’s being said. It’s hard to do, but worth the effort. As a result, you may just hear how harsh you are on yourself and change the outcome.

Explore your Thoughts

For the ‘work-from-home-designer’ her barrier was a lack of business and technical knowledge on how to set up for herself. Her dreams and ambition would run wild; creating an internal buzz and passion that nothing else could replicate. But, as soon as anything administrative came in to play, the wind was taken from her sail and the dream would stop. Disappointment and discontent crept into her day and she would end up telling herself to “Suck it up, you’re not cut out for it”. I say, if you want to live in that world forever, don’t change. But quit your moaning.

8 top tips:

At the point of their next barrier, winners (the designer) will take on my challenge and ask themselves the following questions:

1. Is my conclusion negative?
2. Is what I am saying actually true?
3. Is there any other way I can view this?
4. How would a positive person (think of someone you know) see this?
5. What’s the worst that can happen – NO – what’s the best that could happen!?
6. In time, will this really matter?
7. Is the way I am thinking moving me towards my goal?
8. What can I learn from this to help in the future?

Adapt to a new journey

Over the years I have become aware of when I get stuck in my own head and ‘sound like a broken record’. As a result, I have become better at ‘hearing’ myself, changing my own view and then direction. The benefits of this can be remarkable and truly improve your overall wellness.

As a result of challenging her self-talk, changing her views and taking action the ‘work-from-home-designer’ has made sensational progress.

5 Simple step’s:

So, if you are one of these that finds themselves getting stuck in your own head you need to:

1.      recognise your barrier,

2.      use the 8 top tips,

3.      take action,

4.      review the outcome

5.      repeat!

Then it’s possible for you to do the things you’ve always wanted to do and feel proud. 

Do you have what it takes to go it alone? 5 signs that say you do!

Do you have what it takes to go it alone?

The employment landscape has changed dramatically with people wanting to career shift more frequently and lots more wanting to go it alone. For some it works and for others the grass turns out not to be as green as they thought. So, do you have what it takes to go it alone?

I read this quote online the other day which inspired me to spend a moment to thinking about those around me, including the Elepig team. I know individually, they look in the mirror everyday.

“If you are still looking for that one person who will change your life, take a look in the mirror”

Key characteristics indicating entrepreneurial talent

• No matter what you do – its not good enough. There is something else in your minds-eye before you have recognised what you have already achieved. Stephen Covey, author, businessman, and keynote speaker said “Vision is seeing a future state with the mind’s eye. Vision is applied imagination”.

• You try, but you just cant let go – things have to be done correctly. You are borderline control freak… you might want to address that as outsourcing work and actions can lead improve productivity and leave you to create the vision, you are still in control. Don’t worry! James C. Collins,  American author and lecturer on the subject of company sustainability and growth said “You need self-control in an out-of-control world”

• Money is your friend – you love it. Look back at your school days; some kids were artists, some were sporty, some were academic and some….. just loved money from the off! But that doesn’t mean the sporty, academic who loves art is at a loss. Barack Obama, (no intro required) is quoted as saying “Money is not the only answer, but it makes a difference”.

• Money isn’t your friend – its doesn’t flick your switch. But, the energy and buzz you get from pushing boundaries and comfort zones makes you thrive by going alone. Neale Donald Walsch, American author, actor, screenwriter, and speaker is quoted to say “life begins at the end of your comfort zone”.

• You have a thick skin – nothing phases you.  People tell you not to bother, they tell you that your wasting your time, probably say you are going a bit nuts and you carry on. The vast majority of new business’ fail. That thought does not phase you in the slightest because you are all about making progress! Lil Wayne, rapper, singer, song writer is reported to have said “You can talk all you want but my skin is really think, I’m the leader of the crowd and my game is really slick!” Love that!. 

Do you have what it takes to go it alone?

I’m sure there is more to it than Lil Wayne, Barack, Neale et al. But its a starter for ten an it may get you doing some self reflection. Then its time to start thinking about how to make decisions in life and work.