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I just learned the definition of “mojo” last Sunday when looking online for local spa products, inspired by comfort foods (like cupcakes and martinis) from Mojo Spa, in Chicago.

Mojo is one of those words that I ignored because it sounded ‘slangy’ to me, kind of like a cross between chocolate and coffee, maybe a word having an identity crisis with java.

Well, I finally looked up the definition and was pleasantly surprised, because the sound of the word is nothing like what the word means.

Your Positive Personal Spirit

Mojo is a noun and means “a magic charm or spell” (I like this!), and more commonly, nowadays refers to a “talent based on personal appeal.”  Your mojo is the positive personal spirit that is on the inside that radiates to the outside for others to see, and feel.

So, why am I writing about mojo?  Because having your mojo working for you IS part of the magic of you that can be oh-so-powerful an attractant to other people to want to work with you.

As Austin Powers said, “You got to have mojo baby, yeah!”

Mojo is that special something that melts away personal objections people have to potentially working with you.  It radiates a powerful positive energy that makes people want to be with you.

Mojo energetically pulls others to gravitate toward you, rather than slinking away at a mere sighting of you.  So, to get new clients, you definitely want to have your mojo working for you!

Can everyone have mojo?  Absolutely.  The ingredients of mojo are a magical combination of positive attitude, energy, enthusiasm, and that ‘special something’— a brilliance that sets you apart from every other human being on the planet.

What is Nojo?

The opposite of mojo is “nojo,” as coined by author, Marshall Goldsmith, and means an “air of negativity about a person.”   You know the type of person that has nojo working for them, because you’ve met them one place or another.  They exude the opposite of positive radiance.

Do you have mojo?  Use the table below to do your own self-assessment, and determine if you have your mojo—or nojo working for you.

Getting your mojo on feels good to you, AND makes others feel good in your presence, too.  Having mojo means you’re in alignment with your brilliance, who you are meant to be.  And, this, my friends, is a powerful attractant to creating desire in those who want to work with you, which will help you get more clients, increase your income, and achieve success.

Do you want to build momentum quickly in your business, but can’t seem to quite do it on your own?  I am creating a new program where I will give you daily support to create oodles of cash flow in 30 days or less… so you reach your new client, income, and list-building goals.  How awesome is that!  Many of you have been telling me this is the type of support you need to move your business forward, and create momentum that is critical to create success.  Look for details very soon!

How do you know when you are over-giving and self-doubting yourself and your abilities?  And, if you do find yourself over-giving to please, how do you stop?

Over-giving is a common problem with women, because we want to help, provide high value, and be of service.  These are all great things to strive to deliver to our clients.

But, if this desire is rooted in the shadow beliefs of self doubt, “not being good enough,” or fear and insecurity about our talents and knowledge, this over-giving cycle will wreak havoc in our emotional lives.  And, we’ll “give away the farm,” which affects our incomes, too.

Over-giving is a reflection of the “money mirror” of deservability, of being unsure we are doing enough to receive whatever is good we get in our life.

The self-doubt of being deserving shows up in your business as cramming a lot of “stuff” into your packages and programs, giving away extra services (more than what’s paid for) without charging, or making yourself too available (like after-hours or weekend phone calls and emails from demanding clients—and you respond to them).

The recurring theme behind the “money mirror” of being deserving is “never enough”, and the emotional undercurrent is a driving need to please.

No matter how much you give away your time, services, or expertise, somehow it’s never enough. And because what you really want is acknowledgement and acceptance, you’ll bend over backwards to get it. The problem is it’s never enough, creating a vicious cycle of burnout, exhaustion and resentment.

One of the big ironies of the “money mirror” of deservability, is it attracts more deservability.  In other words, you’ll tend to attract clients who take an “it’s not good enough” stance when it comes to your services.  This is a vicious cycle you definitely want to side-step!

The best way to know if you’re over-giving is to do a simple “check in” with your surfacing fears, energy, and state of mind around your work.

Are you working really hard? Is the energy behind “giving more” a genuine desire to create value (which you can do without working yourself into a frenzy and overwhelming your clients).  Or, do you harbor a fear that what you give “isn’t enough,” “isn’t good enough,” or you are fulfilling a driving “need to please?”

Most importantly, check your level of satisfaction and happiness; are you at peace, and feel happy?  Are you deeply satisfied that what you do for your clients IS enough?   If not, it’s time to face up to the reality that you are giving away too much of yourself, at a very high energetic, emotional, and financial cost to you.

My coach’s request of you this week is to try this simple action to stop over-giving:

The next time you find yourself doubting your deservability, or are over-giving, ask yourself, “What is the fear I have that is surfacing?”

Then, give yourself the gifts of acceptance, acknowledgement, and love.  Love of yourself, and knowing you are deserving is much greater and larger than fear and self-doubt.

You are perfect, right now, just as you are.  And, your clients will thrive being in your presence when you claim your true value.

This year has been a big growth and expansion year for me – inbusiness (biggest year ever), life (children moving out of the home) and on “the inner planes,” stepping into my calling.

And, it’s getting even bigger this year.

I’ve been working with my mentors, and was reminded by one of them again of the sometimes super-frustrating reality that to say YES to your life’s work in your heart, doesn’t necessarily mean your head—with all its doubts, fears, objections, and shenanigans—is going to go willingly.

There is a book titled, The Big Leap, by Gay Hendricks. In this book, he talks about “the one problem that holds you back.” Here it is in a nutshell…

Whenever you start to experience a level of success that’s outside of your comfort zone (what you’re used to), you’ll sabotage yourself in some way to bring yourself back down. Gay calls this the Upper Limit Problem.

We all have the Upper Limit Problem. So like me, my mentors, and everyone else in the world, there’s some part of you that secretly fears success.  Think about these questions:

• What will happen when you finally reach for your dream and say YES to the work you’re meant to do in the world?
• What will happen when you decide to claim the abundance that is waiting for you?
• What will happen when you decide to be happy no matter what the circumstance?
• What will happen when you decide to invest in yourself and your future?

I can tell you exactly what will happen – your Upper Limit Problem will creep up and burst onto the scene with a big roar.

For me, the Upper Limit Problem has manifested itself in my life over the past few months.  And, I will admit I had some fearful times.  But, once I faced up to it head on, I could focus my attention on doing activities that increased my capacity to expand, rather than keep me contracted, and fearful.

I’d bet you already have some idea of how the Upper Limit shows up in your life…

… Maybe it’s arguing with your spouse…

… Maybe you shy away from reaching out to your peeps with a new offer….

… Or maybe it’s the common experience of dreaming up thoughts that make you feel really bad about how things may not work out.

My coach’s request to you is to make a decision about how you’ll handle it the next time the Upper Limit Problem appears in your life, attempting to sabotage your success.

If you are in a growth stage in your personal life and business, or ready to embark on one, it WILL pop up. 

Then, you can say, “Hey, there it is again… and I know what to do.”

Perhaps you can talk with a mentor or supportive person, or decide on taking actions to break through whatever is manifesting in a way that is holding you back.

Have a brilliant and prosperous week.

I want to hand you my system how to get new clients quickly.  It includes Done-For-You templates, scripts, checklists, and more.  There’s still time to register for my 3-part telecourse training series, Breakthrough Secrets – How to Become Irresistible to Clients: Proven Strategies to Enroll 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 Clients…Whether You’re a Seasoned Entrepreneur or New in Business.  The kickoff class is Saturday, April 16, 2011.  You’ll get your ROI with less than 1 new client!  Register now at http://bonitarichter.com/getnewclients-2/.

Are you committed to doing whatever it takes to create the lifestyle and income you crave? Or, areyou ”involved” in trying to do well in your business?

My husband had an old boss who used to say about the morning breakfast of eggs and bacon (in comparing it to the level of commitment of employees in the workplace)— “The chicken was involved.  But, the pig was committed.”   What a difference!  And, I think you get where I am going with this…

What this analogy brings to light is there is a HUGE difference between being committed, versus merely being “involved.”  And, the level of success you achieve in business is most certainly determined by the degree of your commitment.

Are you doing everything you can to create forward momentum in your business?  Are you really committed to doing what it takes? 

I’ve compiled a list of things I do in my business that I believe demonstrates my commitment to achieving my personal and business visions of success.  Many of the things I have listed require me to step into a place of discomfort… and even fear… on an almost daily basis.  None of these tasks are easy for me to do.

And, I do them, because what I have learned is it is necessary to push through fear to grow; I must become comfortable with the feelings of discomfort and fear.

To me, I demonstrate being committed in my business by…

• Investing $15,000+ in my business for coaching, training, and seminars each and every year.
• Hopping on a plane and taking time away from my personal life and work life (there’s so much to do!) to attend multi-day seminars and retreats.
• Writing a newsletter on a weekly basis, even when I may not feel like doing it (though I love connecting and helping!).
• Pushing myself and feeling lots of discomfort, at times, to get over my old and sometimes still nagging fear of “being pushy,” being rejected, and being afraid of “what others might think” in order to master the critical skill of authentic enrollment conversations. (I still worry sometimes, “Did I offend anyone?” though I approach every conversation with the intention of being of service.)
• Choosing to move forward in the face of uncertainty, and in some cases paralyzing fear, wondering if people will sign up for my programs, or will I be embarrassed if no one signs up? (Someone always signs up, but I still worry about this.)
• Sending many emails (this is what it takes) promoting my programs and services, knowing some people will unsubscribe from my list, even though I know what I am offering will help them be more successful.
• Balancing the demands of my community college service and operating my own business; I work more hours than the typical ‘6-Figure’ mentor because of this dual commitment, meaning many evenings and Saturdays I am devoting time to my business.
• Having to set boundaries, especially around money, when dealing with clients and service providers. (The people-pleasing part of me wants to always give more, and even pay for services I may not have adequately received to avoid conflict; fortunately, the savvy business woman inside of me has a strong personality.)

There are more “inconvenient” things I could have listed here.  But, I think you can see from the list above, none of these items are easy to do.

Most, in fact, place me in a place of discomfort to some degree.  Yet, all of them are absolutely required (like fine-tuning my selling skills, for example).

None of these things are particularly convenient. But, I do them with fervor and intention to keep moving my business forward.

“Doing what it takes” can sound exhausting. But, “Doing what it takes” doesn’t necessarily mean doing more. Rather, it means stepping through fear with grace, and getting help with tasks that don’t support getting our brilliance out into the world.

Doing what it takes also means repeatedly investing in yourself and your business, to get the skills and the support you need, to create the income you desire and the lifestyle you crave.  No solo entrepreneur (or any entrepreneur, for that matter) can do it alone.  It does not matter if you’re a “one-woman band” or operate a multi-million dollar business.

This includes investing when you feel you’re “not ready,” or you’re not quite sure if you’ll get the return-on-investment you’re seeking. (Really, do we ever know that what we invest in will pay off?)

So if you’re not satisfied with your business, lifestyle, or income right now, my question to you is this:

Are you “interested” in success?  Or, are you doing what it takes to achieve your desired level of success?

Action Item

Write down a list of activities you do in your business, that you believe demonstrates commitment.  Look at it with a critical eye.  Are you doing enough… are you “doing what it takes?”  If not, course-correct now, to create forward momentum in your business.

I want to hand you my system how to get new clients quickly.  It includes Done-For-You templates, scripts, checklists, and more.  There’s still time to register for my 3-part telecourse training series, Breakthrough Secrets – How to Become Irresistible to Clients: Proven Strategies to Enroll 1, 3, 5, 7, or 10 Clients…Whether You’re a Seasoned Entrepreneur or New in Business.  The kickoff class is Saturday, April 16, 2011.  You’ll get your ROI with less than 1 new client!  Register now at http://www.BonitaRichter.com/getnewclients.

Prefer to listen to this week’s article?  Click the link below.

WARNING! This article will stretch you outside of your comfort zone, whichis a huge opportunity for a breakthrough.

Do you need clients (to be honest, who doesn’t), but you find you feel some discomfort or resistance to reaching out and contacting them, either by email or telephone?  In other words, you’re “hiding out.”

Do you justify this discomfort and NOT taking action by thinking, well, “I don’t want to be a bother,” or “I don’t want to seem pushy or salesy,” or “I’m not ready, yet,” or worst of all, “No one will buy from me, anyway.”

Let me tell you right now that you are staring head-on to resistance that’ll keep your business stuck today, tomorrow, and forever IF you don’t face this resistance, and what’s behind it HEAD ON.

Another sure sign you’re “hiding out” and avoiding uncomfortable situations are you’re constantly tinkering with your website, doing social media, or fine-tuning your brochure and marketing materials to get them “just right”.” The problem is while you’re doing this, clients continue to not show up.

Make no mistake about this: to build a thriving business you do need marketing systems to bring clients to you. However, what I see is these activities can turn into time sucks, procrastination excuses, and places to hide out.

“Hanging back” and waiting for clients to show up feels safe, and comfortable. But, I would bet you a slice of cheesecake that you’re not helping as many people as you could with your wonderful gifts, and your income is suffering, too.

What I am going to ask you to do is a simple exercise to shift your mindset about what you do, how you help, and becoming proactive about putting yourself out there in-front and center with your clients.

Here’s a 3-step, super-simple strategy that’ll shift your mindset, so you’ll want to reach out to that client, send that email, or pick up the telephone for a sales call.

Step 1. Take the focus OFF yourself.

The BEST WAY to deal with those weird feelings about reaching out to potential clients is to take the focus OFF yourself, and redirect it ON to your clients.

Think about how it is your deepest heart’s desire to help other people. You have wonderful, special gifts that will help make their lives better. Before reaching out or calling a potential client think in your mind, “I can help this person, and I am going to communicate a heart-felt, authentic message to tell them how I can help.”

Step 2. Be like a child again.

At first, this may seem a silly suggestion. But, have you ever watched children and the way they approach life? Young children are curious, and step out into the world without fear.

Think about how much courage it must take for a child beginning to walk to take that first step. They don’t know if they will fall or hurt themselves; they take those steps anyway. And, if they do fall, they get right back up again.

Approach reaching out to the people who need you, your potential clients, in the same fearless, awe-inspiring fashion a child approaches life and discovery, and keep moving through what is holding you back.

Step 3. Pay close attention to feelings of resistance.

I’m going to ask you to pay close attention to any resistance you feel when you think about reaching out, emailing, or calling a potential client. Specifically, where is this resistance showing up? This is your opportunity for a breakthrough!

I want to see you succeed. This is the honest heart-felt way I feel.

My coach’s request of you is to keep going when you feel resistance, when you feel you’re getting stuck. Do what you need to do to break through whatever resistance comes up so that you can be a blessing to other people.

Want to make 2011 YOUR breakthrough year to create 6-figures while getting your Work into the world in a big way? I am offering a unique 1-day coaching program to get your business to 6-Figures, and beyond. Spaces are limited. Contact me directly for more information.

It has been said, “A lean purse is easier to cure, than endure.”

Some people reading this will say, “It’s not that simple to cure a lean purse, especially in these economic times.”

However, feeling abundant, prosperous, and financially serene is easily within your reach. What you must do is change some of your actions and beliefs about money, apply a few principles, and you will attract money flow into your life, and achieve financial serenity.

The Wealthiest Civilization in the World

Do you remember learning about Babylon? Babylon was the wealthiest civilization in the world, and its citizens enjoyed wealth beyond the comprehension of our modern culture.

The poor Babylonian was the exception, because knowledge of the laws of prosperity were available to everyone.

The laws of money were created by the Babylonians over 8,000 years ago, and they are just as true today, as they were back then. They are very simple to understand. The Babylonian path to personal wealth was:

1. Saving regularly
2. Controlling expenditures
3. Living debt-free
4. Prudently investing
5. Protecting wealth from loss
6. Owning property
7. Establishing a future income for old age
8. Increasing the ability to earn money by perseverance

I am sure most, if not all of these concepts are familiar to you.  But, how many of them do you use in your daily life to create abundance, prosperity, and wealth? 

Fatten Thy Purse

The first secret of the Babylonian’s principles for creating wealth was “Start thy purse to fattening.” This was accomplished by taking not less than 10% of all one earned, and keeping it for oneself. This money was kept in a purse worn at one’s waist.

The purpose of the purse wasn’t just to be a place to keep the money; it was also meant to serve as a money magnet. This act endowed the wearer of the purse with financial serenity as it grew fatter. As the purse grew too heavy to carry, some of the money was transferred to a larger chest where it was used to lend money, buy property, and make investments.

Some money was always kept in the purse at one’s waist to be a magnet to more money—the purse was never completely emptied. Creating your own money magnet, or “Babylonian purse,” is a fabulous way to encourage financial serenity.

Financial Serenity vs. Financial Security

What is financial serenity? Financial serenity means never having to worry about money again. In your heart, you must believe you have access to an abundant storehouse of prosperity, and abundance, just waiting for you to claim it as your own. Just like the sun shining ever so bright each day, it is always there waiting for you. All you have to do is believe and understand it is there for you, and it will appear.

Financial security, on the other hand, is having collected enough money so that we never have to worry about not having enough money ever again. For many of us, we have not reached this point, and who knows if we will ever accomplish “having enough.” So, I believe achieving financial serenity is more powerful, satisfying, and life-enriching than seeking financial security. Why not feel good about your situation now, rather than wait a lifetime to save enough money to achieve security?

So, if you wish to attract more prosperity into your life, and become wealthier, consider carrying with you a money magnet. Keep your money magnet close by you so you can see, and have physical evidence of your prosperity, just like the Babylonians did. This money magnet is also yours to keep. It is not money you have set aside in your purse to pay the pizza delivery person.

Money Magnet

A perfect money magnet is a $100 dollar bill that you carry tucked away in your purse. And, it has to be a $100 dollar bill. You’ll be less likely to “break it” and spend it, as you would five $20 dollar bills.

Carry this $100 bill with you, and become aware of the financial serenity and feelings of abundance it brings your way. As you shop in your daily life, mentally see how many things you can buy with this $100 bill. This is an excellent reconditioning tool to teach us abundance has to be present in our minds, first, before it can manifest in our lives.

So, my request of you is to create your very own money magnet. Tuck a $100 dollar bill away in your purse, knowing you carry with you evidence of abundance and prosperity the Universe wishes you to have. Don’t spend this money, except in the case of an emergency. This is your money magnet, and will create financial serenity in your mind.

Knowledge of abundance has to exist in your mind, first, before it will manifest in your life. So, take action and create your money magnet this week. Remember, a lean purse is easier to cure, than endure.

As women entrepreneurs, it is naturally in our hearts to want to help others. That is why many of us start businesses, so we can help others be successful by offering the knowledge, skills and experience we’ve gained.

Unfortunately, as women, we may also have been told while growing up that money isn’t something women or “good girls” talk about, and it is a masculine trait to desire money. This upbringing is part of the money story that many women grew up with, and then subconsciously women push money away, by not allowing it to flow into their life. Examples of how this may show up in our life are by:

• Not charging enough for our services (or giving away too many of our services away for free)
• Harboring feelings of lack of self worth
• Having a fear of alienating someone by earning more money or facing disapproval

By brushing money away, you diminish your power and your ability to help others. An important point to note is you can keep pushing money away, be less successful (or poor) and help a few people. Or, be more successful, richer, and have the power to serve many more people. Which would you like to choose? Helping a few people, or helping many?

Remember, money only amplifies who you are.  It doesn’t take anything away.

Another way to think about how money helps you, help others, is to imagine four concentric circles; one small circle nestled in the middle of three larger circles:

• In the very center circle, or the core, is YOU

• The next largest circle is your FAMILY (whether it bY ’blood’ Or another group of people you consider family)

•  The next largest circle is COMMUNITY

• The next largest circle is the WORLD

You have to earn enough money to take care of yourself, before you can have enough money to begin helping your family, then your community, and then the world. This goes back to my earlier comment that you can either help a few, or help many people. The only way you can help many people is by making sure you are taking care of you, first. Money helps build your power and strength so you may help others with your special gifts and talents.

Having money isn’t being selfish, greedy, or masculine. It is the medium women will use to leverage their feminine power to infuse a loving and graceful spirit into the universe, and help others.

My challenge for you this week is to draw those four concentric circles, which include you, family, community, and the world, and write down how you will help each of those groups when you step into your power of bringing more money into your life.

To learn how to price your services, raise your fees up to 40% or more, gain confidence, and improve your sales skills to increase your income check out my new workshop, okay?

You may not have thought about this before, but the truth is you are programmed to earn a certain amount of money. And, you won’t earn more unless you consciously break through this money barrier.

Many influences have made us this way, the main influences being our family, and society. Most of these influences are born out holding a traditional JOB, and what a person will earn doing a particular job.

The problem is this mindset doesn’t take into consideration the opportunities and rewards that are present for entrepreneurs. The result is many entrepreneurs, subconsciously, are programmed to earn a certain amount of money, and have a hard time rising above this amount.

For example, say you had a job, and the most you ever earned working at this job was $60,000. Once you hit an income level of $60,000 in your own business, most likely you magically become stuck, and can’t seem to get your income to rise higher. This phenomenon occurs because $60,000 is your comfort level, and what you are programmed to earn from previous experience.

It’s important to adopt the mindset of an entrepreneur who is seeking opportunity by investing in a business and planning to create additional income for the risks by being in business. The reason an entrepreneur does this is to create wealth. Otherwise, why be an entrepreneur to earn the same amount of income as when you had a job? The risks aren’t worth it.

So, it’s up to you to consciously reprogram you subconscious, and adopt a mindset to earn more money and become wealthy, which is your birthright by taking the risks of being an entrepreneur.

Following are 3 powerful tips for creating a money mindset to break through into your next level of money and income potential:

Tip #1: Hang around people who make more money than you do

We tend to be like the people we hang around with, so make it a point to spend time with people who are successful, and reaping financial rewards. By spending time with successful people and achievers, you will learn their attitudes and behaviors that contribute to their success, and adopt them for yourself. Pay attention to what they think, read, what organizations they belong to, be introduced to individuals in their network, discuss money with them, learn how they do business, and even consider joining a high-level mastermind group. Get used to hearing “big money numbers” talked about, and you’ll find you’ll become more comfortable with these larger numbers. If you hang around people who cry the financial blues all the time, their influence will only bring you down, and not help you rise. So, think about the type of person you want to connect with, and where you can find them.

Tip #2: Play with larger dollar amounts

What I mean by this is practice saying aloud the dollar amount of the income you want to earn in your business. To start, say aloud the dollar amount you are earning now. How do you feel about this number? Does it make you feel excited, or doesn’t it have any effect on you? Now, double the amount you are earning now. How does this number make you feel? If it has no effect on you, double that number and say it aloud. Keep practicing and playing with saying money amounts aloud until you reach a point where you begin to feel a bit excited, and maybe even uncomfortable with the dollar amount; this is a stretch income level you want to strive to achieve. Any discomfort you feel signals you’ve reached a dollar amount that is outside your comfort zone, and you’re probably pre-programmed to earn an income less than this amount. Your income level will stay stuck here unless you consciously break through this money glass ceiling. So, become aware of this amount, and challenge it frequently, say every 90 days, to keep upward pressure on your income amount.

Tip #3: Break limiting money beliefs

We are a product of our parents, and most likely have inherited their money beliefs—both supporting and limiting. In my work as a coach, I have been surprised at the number of people I’ve worked with who’ve expressed to me feelings that earning more money means they will become greedy, are a “bad person,” or are not worthy of earning more money. Some people have told me they just “want to earn enough to get by.” This is very sad, because their parents didn’t realize they were establishing a money legacy that was limiting their family’s future financial success. Give yourself permission to earn money, create wealth, and be financially successful. Know that by earning more money, this gives you the power to care for yourself, your family, clients, community, and an ever-expanding circle of people who are influenced by your gifts and power. Making more money is easy if you consciously adopt a belief that you are capable, and worthy. The only amount of money you’re limited to making is the amount you decide upon yourself. Follow my money tips, and you’ll find your self-worth and net worth increase!

Watch for details about a workshop I’m leading to help you raise your fees up to 40% AND how to convert 80% of prospects into clients, watch for details soon!

These days, it seems there’s no lack of news to make even the cheeriest person feel a bit down, at times.  However, by consciously choosing to have a positive attitude, we have the power to be happy no matter what the circumstances are that face us.

You may ask, “Is it really that simple?”  My answer to you is, “Yes.”  I have experienced this myself, and practice feeling and thinking positive thoughts every day.

You can achieve a position of happiness by consciously choosing to shift your attention from the unwanted or negative aspects of a situation, to the wanted and positive aspects, and expected outcomes you desire.

It’s so easy when we are unhappy with a situation to want to focus on it so we can fix the problem.  However, by continually focusing on what you don’t want or don’t like about a situation, you move no closer in the direction of obtaining things you do want, or solving the problem with ease.  By focusing on the negative or less-than-happy aspects of a situation, person, or problem, you simply attract more of the ‘unwanted’ into your life.

By focusing on what you do want, you will put forth positive energy, which serves as a powerful attractant for what you desire.  In short, you get what you focus your attention upon.  By consciously choosing to have a positive attitude, you will quickly transform your state of being into happiness.

How to Get Happy

Following are three tips how to nurture a positive attitude and get happy!

Tip #1. Focus on the wanted, rather than the unwanted

By consciously choosing to focus on the wanted and positive aspects of a situation you desire, you approach a challenge from a position of abundance, rather than lack.

For example, if a person is unhappy with the degree of success they’ve achieved in their business, they might say—

“I am not successful; no one will ever buy my services.  I’m not as talented or experienced as other coaches.”

By saying these words, this person is focusing on what they don’t want, or lack.  Since we get what we give our attention to, this person will continue to be unsuccessful.

However, shifting their mindset from negative to positive, they might say—

“I want to be successful.  I know I have much to offer my clients, and I enjoy seeing them thrive with my help.  I will continue to expand my knowledge and skills so I will be always able to serve my clients to the best of my abilities.” 

Read both statements above, and note how you feel when you say them out loud.  Don’t you feel better, more positive, and happier when you read the positive-positioned sentence?

This subtle, yet powerful shift from negative to positive thought focuses attention on attracting more of what is desired, and activates energy in the universe to attract the positive, as well as contributes to feelings of happiness.

Tip #2. Be conscious if you are feeling ‘good’ or ‘bad’

To be able to apply Tip #1, it’s necessary to recognize if what you are thinking is positive or negative.  If you are feeling discomfort about a thought in your mind, or don’t feel happy, this is a sign that you are focusing on the unwanted, or negative.

Once you recognize a negative thought, stop the thought, and shift to thinking about what you do want, which is an approach from a positive mindset.  Train your mind to evaluate each and every thought you have throughout the day, and take its positive/negative temperature.

Tip #3.  Choose to be in a state of happiness

Yes, it’s true; you do have the power to choose if you want to be happy or unhappy.

Sometimes, we want to wallow in our unhappiness because it may be how we are accustomed to feeling about a particular situation.  However, realize now as you read this you do have the power to choose to be happy, and look at situations that challenge you in a more positive light.

Approaching life’s challenges with a positive stance will move you quickly to an increased state and being of happiness and abundance in your life.

How do you nurture a positive attitude?  Let our readers know your tips by posting a comment.

The start of a New Year brings with it the dreams and hopes of better things ahead.  However, once the celebrations are over, the real work of making those dreams come true begins, and a sense of overwhelm can dampen the enthusiasm we felt when the clock struck midnight.

Overwhelm is a mindset that decides to inhabit our brain, just when we need it most to deal with the challenges all entrepreneurs face growing a successful business.  Overwhelm holds us back from taking action because of uncertainty about what to do, or feeling there is just too much to do.

When a person feels overwhelmed, anxiety levels increase, confusion often sets in, and the uncomfortable and emotional feelings of uncertainty, doubt, and even fear take over us.

It is important to quickly recognize when you are feeling overwhelmed, so that you can take decisive action, and banish it as quickly as possible, so you become productive and can make forward progress in your business.

To dispel feelings of overwhelm, it is useful to first understand what causes overwhelm in the first place.  A person may feel overwhelmed because they are:

• Doing something new, that they’ve never done before
• Unsure of where to start, what to do first, second, or third to address a situation
• Trying to do too much themselves

 Overwhelm is an unconscious acceptance of limitations.  The truth is each of us has an unlimited number of ways to solve complex situations.  There are some easy actions you can take that will help you dispel overwhelm, and quickly get you onto a path of forward movement.  Following is a three step strategy you can use to banish overwhelm.

1. Emotionally detach yourself from the problem or situation

 To temper the emotions you are feeling, distance yourself from them.  Ask yourself, “If someone other than me were doing this, or had this problem, what would they need to do first?”  Doing this places you in a position of “being on the outside looking in,” which is like you helping another person solve the situation.

Also, by removing yourself and taking a step back, you will be able to detach emotionally, which gives you perspective several yards away from the problem, making it easier to solve.

2. Decide

 Ask yourself what you need to make a decision about.  Many times, overwhelm is fueled by indecision, or the delay tactic ‘procrastination.’  By constantly pushing off a decision you need to make, you will increase anxiety, and potentially make the situation more difficult to deal with successfully.

When you feel you are delaying a decision that makes you feel overwhelmed, recognize you are doing this and ask yourself, “What do I need to decide upon?”  Once you take that step and make a decision you’ve been delaying, overwhelm quickly disappears.

 3. Take action

Once you have made a decision, write down all the steps you need to do to address the situation, and take action!  It is very important to get help with the tasks you don’t know how to do yourself.  Otherwise, you’ll go back to feeling overwhelmed, and get stuck.

Use these strategies to nip overwhelm in the bud when you feel tinges of it surfacing, and then celebrate success!

Do you have any strategies you use to get rid of feelings of overwhelm?  If so, please share them by making a comment on my new blog!