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Tag: life hacks

  • 10 Expert Principles For Designing Better CSAT Surveys | Entrepreneur

    10 Expert Principles For Designing Better CSAT Surveys | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    As a customer service consultant and customer service transformation expert, I’ve felt like cringing a few times (or more than a few!) when my client companies send out customer satisfaction (CSAT) surveys that are less accurate and customer-friendly than I’d want them to be.

    This is risky for any business, so I work with them immediately to make the needed improvements.

    Sending out poorly designed surveys can try the nerves of even your most loyal customers, mislead you with spurious results and waste the time of everyone involved — those who send it out and those who receive it. When designed and deployed correctly, however, surveys can reveal essential insights into how customers view their experience with your company and allow customers to vent!I encourage you to spend a few minutes with me learning the do’s and don’ts of designing and deploying customer surveys.

    Related: How to Measure Your Customers’ Happiness Score (and Why That Matters)

    1. Every survey question should be clearly worded and easy to answer

    It shouldn’t require your customer to do math or think too much about the inner workings of your company. Avoid anything like, “Compare this interaction with interactions you’ve had at similar departments at other fintech companies in our broadly competitive cohort.” Also, don’t ask questions you don’t care about and already know you’re not going to act on. (This seems obvious, but it happens all the time.)

    2. Don’t ask your customers to grade you on a scale of 1–10

    When you request their opinions on a scale of 1-10 (or 0-10), you’re confounding your customers at best. Why? You’re essentially asking your customers to determine the difference between a “six” and an “eight” or a similar nuanced gradation when choosing how to rank you. Provide your customer with no more than approximately five choices. (Why do I say approximately five? Well, I’d go with five, but I confess that there is an argument to be made for making it four or six: If you choose an even number like this, you take away an easy midpoint response, thus perhaps getting more reasoned answers.)

    Related: 4 Ways to Use Customer Feedback for Business Innovation

    3. The order in which you ask your questions matters

    The order matters because a prior question brings up images in a customer’s mind that will influence their answer to the next one. So, be sure to ask for your customer’s overall impression first. You don’t want to influence how a customer answers this central question by asking more nitpicky questions before you get to the most important, broad one.

    Asking several individual questions before asking for an overall rating will tend to color that overall rating, perhaps quite significantly. For example, if the question the customer encounters just before the big one asks about the cleanliness of your restrooms, which was just so-so, this will likely reduce your overall rating since you’ve left their mind in the toilets.

    Conversely, if they’ve just been asked about the availability of parking and parking was abundant, this is likely to artificially increase your overall rating since they are thinking about something positive (how easy it was to park).

    4. Include at least one open-ended question

    Doing this is valuable both to harvest customer insights and to let customers know you value and are curious about their thoughts and insights. For example, “Please share any thoughts you may have; we promise to read all of these!”

    The CEO of a major corporation told me that he transformed his entire level of customer service success by reading every one of these so-called “verbatims.” In these, he found a “staggering” level of nuance about his current operations and even some promising suggestions for innovations for the future.

    Related: You Need Consumer Insights To Ensure The Success Of Your Business. Here Are Five Ways To Find Them.

    5. Word choice matters

    I’m a fan of emotive rating options on surveys, such as “fantastic!” (for your top score), “meh” (for somewhere in the middle) and even “Are you sure you can handle the truth?!” (for your lowest). Only consider this approach if it conforms with your brand style! It wouldn’t be appropriate for a traditional jeweler or a business in a life-and-death industry like healthcare or mortuary services.

    6. Pay attention to the number of top ratings (5 on a scale of 5) that you receive

    While it’s nice to know how, on average, customers perceive you, It’s arguably more important to know the number of customers who give you a top (5 on a scale of 5) rating. This may be more important than your average score because the number of people who rate you as tops are the best representation of the number of truly loyal customers you have — or, at least, the number of customers well on their way to true loyalty. Of course, most important here is the trend: are you getting more loyalists than in the past, or is customer enthusiasm flagging?

    Related: Yes, the Rich Are Different — Here Are 5 Customer Service Secrets I Learned While Working With Wealthy Clients

    7. Don’t ask nosy questions

    Nosy questions include questions on income, sex or how old they are. First, you can never assume respondents will trust your privacy practices. Second, unless you’re a casino operator, cannabis dispenser or operate another type of business limited by law to serving adults, you don’t have a reason to ask for a complete birthdate. If you are trying to set yourself up to send out birthday cards or offers later, please at least stop asking for the year of birth. A complete birthdate is probably none of your business and makes identity theft all too easy in the event of a breach.

    8. Skim through your surveys right away, looking for any complaints or ultra-low scores

    Then respond personally and immediately to these upset customers. Don’t make them wait without a response, stewing in their own frustration, until such time as you’ve batched all your surveys for review.

    9. Put thought and attention into any preamble that accompanies your survey

    Your introductory note or cover letter, just like the survey itself, should be friendly, gracious and brand-appropriate. This way, whether or not the recipient chooses to respond, they’ll be left with a positive impression.

    10. Please don’t hound your customers if they don’t respond to your survey request(s)

    I would make one follow-up reminder the limit — or even zero. Once you’ve surveyed a particular customer, suppress future surveys of that same customer for at least 30 days.

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    Micah Solomon

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  • His Pickleball Side Hustle Rakes in Up to $5,000 Per Month | Entrepreneur

    His Pickleball Side Hustle Rakes in Up to $5,000 Per Month | Entrepreneur

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    There are more than 4.8 million “picklers” in the U.S., according to a 2022 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association — devotees of the pickleball pastime often described as a combination of tennis, Ping-Pong and badminton.

    It even claims the title of America’s fastest-growing sport, with a 40% jump between 2019 and 2020, per the report. And though all ages are getting in on it, more than half (52%) of players participating eight or more times a year are 55 or older, with nearly a third (32.7%) 65 or older.

    Related: Pickleball Injuries May Cost Americans $400M, Especially Seniors

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    Amanda Breen

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  • 5 Habits That Build Mental Strength | Entrepreneur

    5 Habits That Build Mental Strength | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    On the most recent episode of The Jeff Fenster Show, entrepreneur and real estate investor Cole Hatter shares his insights on building mental fortitude, finding purpose, and achieving success.

    Here’s a closer look at his journey and the valuable lessons he shares.

    Physical challenges create mental strength

    Hatter believes physical challenges play a vital role in developing mental strength and protecting one’s sanity and quality of life. He encourages listeners to take on bodily challenges, such as the seventy-five hard program, to push their limits and build resilience. By embracing physical challenges, individuals can develop the mental fortitude needed to overcome obstacles and achieve success.

    Larger purposes lead to more fulfillment

    According to Cole, having a larger purpose beyond making money is essential for long-term success and fulfillment. He emphasizes the importance of finding a cause or mission that drives you and aligns with your values. By identifying something that drives you other than financial gain, you can find greater meaning in your work and positively impact the world.

    Surround yourself with mentors

    To stay motivated and continuously grow, Cole recommends seeking mentorship, reading books, and investing in personal development. He believes that surrounding oneself with successful individuals and constantly learning are vital to success. By learning from those who have already achieved what you aspire to, you can gain valuable insights and avoid common pitfalls.

    Embrace resilience

    Cole’s personal journey from tragedy to success highlights the power of resilience and making a promise to live a big enough life for oneself and others. He shares how he committed his two best friends, who tragically passed away, to live a life that honors their memory. This promise has driven him to push through challenges and create a life of purpose and impact. By embracing resilience and making a personal commitment, individuals can overcome adversity and achieve their goals.

    Study up on real estate

    As a successful real estate investor, Cole stresses the importance of knowledge, education, and preparation in seizing opportunities. He advises listeners to start with books like “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki to gain a foundational understanding of real estate investing. By investing in their growth and education, individuals can position themselves to capitalize on the opportunities that arise in the real estate market.

    Prepare for the future

    Cole suggests that individuals should be financially prepared to capitalize on discounted real estate opportunities that may arise in the next year or two due to rising interest rates. He advises homeowners to hold onto their properties if possible. Individuals can take advantage of market fluctuations and make sound investment decisions by being financially ready and strategic.

    Hatter’s insights on building mental fortitude, finding purpose, and achieving success provide valuable guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate investors. By embracing physical challenges, pursuing a bigger goal, investing in personal growth, and staying prepared, individuals can navigate challenges and seize opportunities on their path to success.

    Subscribe to The Jeff Fenster Show: Entrepreneur | Apple | Spotify | Google | Stitcher

    About The Jeff Fenster Show

    Serial entrepreneur Jeff Fenster embarks on an extraordinary journey every week, delving into the stories of exceptional individuals who have defied the norms and blazed their own trails to achieve extraordinary success.

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    Jeff Fenster

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  • 11 Tips to Help Entrepreneurs Handle Criticism and Adversity | Entrepreneur

    11 Tips to Help Entrepreneurs Handle Criticism and Adversity | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Let’s grab the bull by the horns here, fellow trailblazers. Criticism is the unwelcome cocktail at our entrepreneurial fiesta, but we can’t escape it. The more we innovate, the more people line up to take a swing at our ideas.

    But hey, haters gonna hate, right? Here’s your battle plan to transform that spite into the fuel of your success.

    Strategy #1: The duck’s back approach

    Think of the last time someone critiqued your entrepreneurial vision. Did it feel like a punch in the gut? Oh, I know it all too well! But, you see, as entrepreneurial warriors, we’ve got to cultivate a skin as water-resistant as a duck’s back.

    When the storm of criticism falls, we need to let it roll right off. Remember, they aren’t attacking you personally. No, no! They’re merely taking a swing at the idea you’ve nurtured. The key to surviving this onslaught? Emotional detachment.

    Let’s take Elon Musk, for instance. He has faced and continues to face massive criticism for his ventures, from Tesla to SpaceX. Yet, he remains unfazed. Why? Because he views criticism as an opportunity to improve, not a personal attack. Learn from the best!

    Related: How the Most Successful Leaders Deal with Criticism

    Strategy #2: The critic translator

    Now, some critics are more annoying than mosquitoes at a summer barbeque. But painful as it is to admit, they aren’t always wrong. This is where we don our “Critic Translator” hat.

    Translate the destructive, seemingly worthless criticism into actionable, constructive feedback. Yes, it’s akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Yes, it’s tough — but it’s a skill worth developing.

    Take Sara Blakely, the genius behind Spanx. She listened to a sea of critics and transformed their skepticism into a billion-dollar business. Use criticism as a compass to navigate the treacherous entrepreneurial seas!

    Strategy #3: Understanding the critic’s motive

    Critics — they come in all shapes and sizes. Some genuinely want to help you, while others are just looking for some demolition fun. Investigating your critic’s motive can save you from a rollercoaster ride of emotions and wasted energy.

    Is their criticism aimed at building you up or tearing you down? Unraveling the intent behind the words can help you distinguish the wheat from the chaff. Discard the spite. Keep the wisdom. Your enterprise deserves it!

    Strategy #4: Positive affirmation elixir

    We sometimes forget to pat ourselves on the back in our entrepreneurial journey. Remember, self-doubt is the silent killer of dreams. Always maintain a positive attitude, and keep your confidence rocket high.

    The story of Walt Disney serves as a timeless example. He was fired for not being creative enough and faced numerous business failures before creating Disneyland. It was his unwavering belief in himself that kept him going.

    Strategy #5: The hater repellant — gratitude

    Ah, gratitude! It’s the good stuff we often overlook. Remember, criticism can only hurt if you allow it to. So, why not diffuse the situation with a simple “thank you?” It might sound counterintuitive, but expressing gratitude toward your critics can be remarkably disarming.

    Consider this: Your critics are taking time out of their day to focus on your work. Their feedback might sting, but at least you’ve got their attention. Use this to your advantage, take the criticism on board, say “thank you,” and surprise them with your resilience. This way, you’re not just dealing with criticism but actively taking control of the narrative.

    Look at it this way; Bill Gates once said, “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.” Embrace this wisdom. Turn your critics into unwitting teachers.

    Related: Haters Gonna Hate: 10 Ways to Use Haters As Fuel for Success

    Strategy #6: Building your growth armor

    Embracing criticism requires a growth mindset. That’s your final armor against haters. Developing a growth mindset means understanding that abilities and intelligence can be developed. It’s about believing in the growth potential, despite setbacks and criticism.

    When Airbnb was first launched, it faced countless criticism. People thought the idea of renting a stranger’s room was absurd. However, the founders, Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia, held onto their growth mindset. They welcomed the criticism, learned from it, pivoted their strategies and ultimately built a billion-dollar company.

    Strategy #7: Build your empathy empire

    As entrepreneurs, we’re instinctively hard-wired to empathize with our customers. So, why not extend this empathy toward our critics as well? Sure, it may rain on your parade, but try stepping into their shoes. Understand their perspective. Often, empathy can help us extract the underlying concerns or ideas behind the barrage of criticism. You might discover a new approach or angle that could supercharge your business.

    Strategy #8: The serenity code

    Facing reality, it’s essential to recognize that not every critique merits your attention or efforts. Understanding when to respond and when to release is paramount. As Reinhold Niebuhr’s Serenity Prayer imparts, “Grant me the serenity to accept what I cannot alter, courage to change what I can, and wisdom to discern the disparity.” Embrace this wisdom in your entrepreneurial journey. It’s your invisible shield against the biting winds of baseless criticism.

    Strategy #9: The ego-tamer

    As an entrepreneur, there’s a good chance you have high self-esteem. You wouldn’t venture into the treacherous waters of entrepreneurship otherwise. But remember, there’s a fine line between self-esteem and ego. Criticism hurts the ego, not self-esteem. Keeping your ego in check is vital. It allows you to objectively assess and handle criticism without letting it shatter your confidence.

    Strategy #10: The reality-check network

    Your network is your secret weapon. Having a trusted group of advisors or mentors who can provide a reality check when you’re swamped with criticism is essential. This group can assist you in evaluating the credibility of the critique and provide valuable support during challenging times.

    Consider the example of Oprah Winfrey, who has encountered various criticisms throughout her career. However, her reliable network of advisors has been instrumental in guiding her toward achieving the pinnacle of success.

    Related: 5 Ways Criticism and Rejection Builds Your Capacity to Succeed

    Strategy #11: The reflect and refine mantra

    Use criticism as a mirror. It reflects what you’re projecting into the world. Take this as an opportunity to reflect and refine your entrepreneurial venture. If the same criticism keeps surfacing, it’s probably a sign that something needs tweaking. Be proactive, take action, and refine your strategy.

    So, keep your chin up, my fellow game-changers! In the land of innovation, critics are as sure as the sunrise. Wear their skepticism as a badge of honor, for they wouldn’t be so invested if you weren’t onto something big. Let’s turn these adversities into stepping stones for greater success!

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    Chris Kille

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  • Avoid This ‘Crazy’ Mistake When Setting Up Your Home Office | Entrepreneur

    Avoid This ‘Crazy’ Mistake When Setting Up Your Home Office | Entrepreneur

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    Remote and hybrid work models are here to stay, with 58% of Americans reporting they have the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week, according to a 2022 McKinsey survey. That means setting up a home office that’s actually conducive to productivity — and general well-being — is more critical than ever before.

    And it’s something Ali Budd, president and creative director of Ali Budd Interiors and star of Hulu’s new design docuseries House of Ali, knows all about. “Covid obviously changed everything for us and how we think about working from home,” she tells Entrepreneur. “It’s always a balance between form and function, and especially [for] somewhere you’re sitting for long periods of time.”

    Related: 3 Steps to Fix a Home Office Setup That Has You Feeling Uninspired

    Budd, a veteran interior designer whose million-dollar renovations (and $20,000-$30,000 office overhauls) helped put her on the map, caught the design bug young as the daughter of two artistic parents who ran an ad agency. Her father would travel the world to stage and photograph different spaces, and from an early age, Budd had a knack for that sort of work herself — from reorganizing the basement to redecorating her room.

    “When there’s less clutter everywhere, you actually feel better mentally.”

    Budd is quick to point out that there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to designing the home office of your dreams, but paying attention to a few key details can go a long way toward cultivating the right workspace for you.

    First up? Budd suggests creating a plan to make sure you end up with a space you truly love. Things get a lot easier once you measure a room and decide which pieces of furniture you’ll need and exactly where they’ll go. It’ll also help you stay on “budget and with the overall vibe,” Budd says.

    When it comes to home office design, Budd stresses that having a separate space — even if that doesn’t include a door — is “the most important” place to start, as it helps distinguish between “your mindset for work and relaxing.”

    Related: 3 Bad Work From Home Habits That Hurt Productivity | Entrepreneur

    Next, consider what you actually need in your workspace, and don’t fall into the trap of adding a bunch of stuff unnecessarily. “We used to need filing cabinets and so many drawers in our desk,” Budd explains. “And we don’t need any of that stuff 1695960906. I watched this thing recently on the evolution of the desktop; it went from the ’50s to now [covering] what people needed on their desks. It was cool. [And] it went from 400 things on your desk [to] just your laptop. When there’s less clutter everywhere, you feel better mentally.”

    Workspace at Ali Budd Interiors headquarters in Toronto. Image Credit: Valerie Wilcox.

    “We need to remove the word ‘trend’ when it comes to interior design because it’s such a crazy notion.”

    Once you pinpoint what you need, you can start putting the space together. Again, Budd emphasizes that there are no rigid guidelines or must-dos — it’s all about adding what brings you joy. But some items worthy of consideration? A “really comfortable chair,” an aesthetically pleasing Zoom background (“even if you just set up a little sheet or something”), fresh flowers and a desk facing the room, not the wall — all the better to see the beautiful space you’ve designed and reduce the appearance of unsightly cords.

    There might not be rules when it comes to setting up your perfect space, but Budd does caution against one major faux pas: finding inspiration from whatever seems to be trending. “We need to remove the word ‘trend’ when it comes to interior design because it’s such a crazy notion,” Budd says. “You are investing in pieces you are living with every day. Why on earth would you care what a trend is? I also think if you like pink, it’s not trendy. If you like black, it’s not trendy. You love what you love.”

    Related: 8 Tips to Squeeze More Savings from Your Home Office | Entrepreneur

    Budd’s own office is a testament to that advice. Its crowning feature is a large desk that belonged to her late father. Because the desk was in storage until she found a space big enough to hold it, it was in “rough shape” — fortunately, a friend refinished it for her.

    “[The desk] just gives me such an emotional connection to [the space],” Budd says. “Because my dad was an entrepreneur as well. He ran a business for a long time; I grew up there. So to think about me trying to do that now, it’s very sentimental to me, and it’s very beautiful, and it sort of all works together.”

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    Amanda Breen

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  • How to Power Nap Your Way to Maximum Productivity | Entrepreneur

    How to Power Nap Your Way to Maximum Productivity | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Professional athletes are known for their pre-game rituals. In the NBA, LeBron James tosses chalk in the air (allegedly a nod to fellow legend Michael Jordan), while Kevin Garnett would slap his chest to the crowd and then hit his head on the basket support, and Dwyane Wade would do three pull-ups on the rim. While many rituals are as unique as the players themselves, a widely embraced practice for pro ballers is the pre-game nap. LeBron James, Derrick Rose and the late Kobe Bryant were all serial nappers, and that’s no coincidence: Research has shown that rest of that kind boosts performance, including perceptional awareness. NBA commissioner Adam Silver once went as far as to say, “Everyone in the league office knows not to call players at 3:00 p.m.”

    Despite this, “sleeping on the job” still sports a negative lifestyle connotation. In the startup world especially, where entrepreneurs make no secret of burning the candle at both ends, a daytime snooze seems antithetical to the deeply-engrained hustle culture, but a nap during office hours can be very effective in boosting overall health, including fighting the all-too-common burnout phenomenon. As reported by Harvard Business Review, studies suggest that up to 61% of U.S. professionals feel like they’re burning out at any given moment, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatigue costs American businesses up to $218 billion annually in reduced productivity and worker absence due to related health issues.

    At Jotform, we work hard (sometimes in sprints during hack weeks, for example), but as CEO and a firm believer in the power of a nap, I also cultivate an atmosphere in which we rest hard, too.

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    Aytekin Tank

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  • This is What It Actually Means to Show Up — Both Personally and Professionally | Entrepreneur

    This is What It Actually Means to Show Up — Both Personally and Professionally | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    A favorite subject for entrepreneurial articles and podcasts is that of habits. Hundreds (if not thousands) of books are touting the importance of creating good habits. Your own habits depend on your end goal, but a lot of them seem to place particular importance on mastering your morning routine. Maybe that looks like meditating or hitting the gym by 6 a.m., gulping grass-fed butter-infused coffee or a superfood smoothie, and jotting down something in your daily gratitude journal before heading to work.

    Good habits are a method of keeping ourselves on course. In James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, he shares an analogy about a flight from LA to NYC. If the pilot points the nose just a few degrees south, eventually, the plane will end up in DC rather than its intended destination. It’s a great example of how tiny changes can make a big difference.

    We know good habits are important, and, particularly as entrepreneurs, we must stay on our A-game. People are watching, right? We’re setting an example, and the pressure is on. So, why, o’ why, do good habits sometimes feel like they’re so hard to maintain?

    Related: 18 Destructive Habits Holding You Back From Success

    Why consistency can feel hard

    Reading Clear’s book, I thought, “Oh, that’s why staying on the path matters. Cool!” But as I sat with that concept for a few minutes, I started to feel some anxiety creeping in. As a leader, I can’t take a single step in the wrong direction because if I do, I miss my target. And people are counting on me.

    What if I make a bad decision? What if I’m not always the last one to leave the office? What if I totally spaced that meeting… twice? What if I hired someone who turned out to make everyone’s life more stressful? What if I didn’t pick the right snacks for the break room?

    Aaaahhhhhhhhhh. I’m gonna need that oxygen mask.

    We sure do put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Stay on the path. Don’t mess up. And when that performance pressure becomes too much, our brains or bodies (or both) just crash. That’s a message, not a failure.

    When it happens, it’s important to take a moment to ask if the path you’re pursuing is actually leading you to the destination you think it is. After all, you’re a person, not a plane. If your body feels tired or your mind feels overwhelmed, it’s totally okay to touch down. Recalibrate periodically. Reevaluate the path.

    Related: 3 Simple Methods To Achieve Work-Life Balance And Combat Decision Fatigue

    Showing up is personal

    Habits can be anything you want them to be, but to qualify as habits, they need to stay consistent. We have to show up when we say we will to reap the rewards. Yes, I know it sounds a lot like “discipline.” Trust me, the rebel in me thought, “Hell, no. I’m not a military operation!” But I’ve started to realize that good habits aren’t asking for perfection. They’re just asking you to show up when and how you can.

    The truth is, some days, we don’t feel 100%. Maybe there’s only 25% in our tank. Say you had a late night binging some Netflix series that you couldn’t bring yourself to stop. Or you went to a friend’s birthday dinner, and the late-night conversation was too good to miss. Or you have a loved one in the hospital, and you’re mind is elsewhere. That’s life. Those are normal, sometimes even healthy, interruptions. Showing up to maintain your good habits means you do what you can consistently. That doesn’t mean always. It means regularly.

    Related: A ‘Quiet Promotion’ Will Cost You a Lot — Use This Expert’s 4-Step Strategy to Avoid It

    Practicing and prioritizing consistency

    When it comes to habits, we tend to overestimate the importance of a single action while we underestimate the importance of small, repetitive movements. If you had a piggy bank as a kid, then you know what I’m talking about. Every day, you drop a penny into the slot. One day, you put a dime in there. That’s awesome!

    But that doesn’t mean you need to put a dime in every day now for it to keep adding up. (It also doesn’t mean you should change your route to avoid seeing the piggy bank and, thus, feeling guilty.) Okay, guilty as charged…this is a gym metaphor. The point is that you just need to consistently be putting something in that piggy bank or calorie tracker. That’s what showing up is all about.

    How to show up…for yourself

    In an episode of her podcast How To Take Action, Sarah Arnold Hall says, “Doing something every day is actually easier than doing it once in a while.” Speaking from experience, I can confirm. Going to the gym five days a week feels way easier than going only two days a week. Gratitude journaling daily is easier and better for my mental health than doing it only when I feel like it.

    But just like flying a plane, there are times when I’ve experienced unexpected turbulence along the way. Flying conditions may not always be perfect. In those moments, I have to give myself grace. Touch down for a break. Refuel. Prioritize my vessel.

    When we establish a habit, taking a break doesn’t make it go away. Habits occupy a permanent place in our brains. Interruptions will happen, but our habits will still be there when we’re ready to pick them back up again.

    When we feel like it’s time to get back on the runway, all we need to do is look out the window, and voilà! When you show up, blue skies will return. Meaningful accomplishment takes time because it’s accumulative. It’s a process of learning from our mistakes, adjusting the path when something isn’t working, and figuring out what really matters. Over time, you’ll start to recognize the fruits of your habitual labors, and only then will you see just how far you’ve come.

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    Ginni Saraswati

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  • 4 Ways to Overcome Your Doubts When Healing From Divorce | Entrepreneur

    4 Ways to Overcome Your Doubts When Healing From Divorce | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Doubt can be a nasty little nudge or catapult one into despair during and after a divorce. If you ask any divorced person whether they ever doubted their decision to get divorced, many will say yes. Why do we have doubts about divorce after making one of the most impactful decisions of our lives, and what’s the best way to deal with it so that we can continue on the healing journey and not get pulled down into a well of negativity?

    When going through my own divorce healing journey, I coined the terms “Hiccup Effect” and “Reverse Hiccups.” The Hiccup Effect means feeling doubtful about the divorce and often is realized after the divorce has been finalized. Because there are so many emotions associated with the death of a marriage, it is natural to have doubts, so the first thing to realize when you have the “hiccups” is that it is normal to experience the feelings. Remember that while feelings can be painful or even devastating, they are usually temporary and will resolve with self-work through the healing process.

    Related: 7 Ways to Rebuild Your Financial Life Post-Divorce

    Hiccups

    “Hiccups” are usually caused by fear or loneliness, even when you know in your heart that the decision to divorce was soundly made; in other words, when you thoroughly contemplated the divorce and knew it was the “right” thing to do to live your best and highest life. These feelings need to be explored when experiencing “hiccups” to determine the next steps, and professional help is a great place to start if one doesn’t know how to explore feeling origins and learn how to get past them.

    “Hiccups” are often experienced during difficult times, such as when one gets sick or needs help in some way – and the spouse is no longer there to comfort, take care of you or ease a burden. It is important to be mindful that these feelings are the body’s and soul’s way of “shedding” – getting rid of people and things that no longer serve us. Recognize the feelings, sit with them, explore their origins, and let them go. You can try some physical release exercises to help, but if you feel you are slipping into a victim mindset or worse (becoming depressed, not wanting to go out or eat or sleep, abusing substances, etc.), please seek professional help.

    Related: 5 Ways to Overcome Self-Doubt as an Entrepreneur

    Reverse hiccups

    “Reverse Hiccups” are when the former spouse has “hiccups” dealing with their new existence outside of the marriage and projects their challenges onto you, which can affect your healing process. Their feelings might be conveyed by calling, texting, emailing, running into each other or even something that is said to the children (which should NEVER be done, by the way – keep them entirely out of how you feel about the former spouse and only speak well of their other parent so they too can heal).

    The other spouse may use blaming, shaming, and even attempted manipulation as coping mechanisms to bring you down, too, so it is essential not to react. You may need to step back before responding and even set some boundaries. If you are subject to reverse hiccups, realize first that, like you, the former spouse is transitioning as well, and their feelings are valid.

    Four tips to help you get through hiccups

    Some people may experience the Hiccup Effect and realize that they did make a mistake in getting a divorce — and this is what doing intense personal work is all about. Divorce should never be taken lightly, as a marriage takes hard work and needs attention to survive and thrive. It is imperative to see if the relationship can be healed before jumping into the divorce process, as with anything that involves an extensive choice.

    But if the divorce is past and the feelings of doubt are strong, it is necessary to work on the self first to determine whether the doubt is genuine or comes from some other emotion, like fear – and many fears can materialize upon divorce. Professional help may be required to discover the origin of the feelings before approaching the former spouse to dive into whether they feel the same, and to plan where to go from there.

    Here are some tips to help you get through “hiccups:”

    1. Write down your feelings

    Include what you feel needs to be let go. Make sure to focus on what you have and express gratitude. For example, if you feel lonely having someone to share what had been a tough day, instead focus on your bravery for leaving an unhappy marriage and how it allows you to create a new life in which you will find joy.

    Related: How to Purge the Toxic Emotions in Yourself to Facilitate Healing

    2. Physical release exercises

    Imagine you are throwing any negative feelings away, out of your system. You can take your hands behind your head, imagine the feeling you want to release and then throw your hands over your head and expunge them. Repeat as many times as needed, and do it for each successive feeling.

    You can also do a physical release by writing your feelings down on paper and sending them off somehow (burying them, crumbling and throwing them away, etc.).

    3. Reach out to your support network

    Those who love and support you can help you cheer up, especially with laughter. It is imperative to make sure that the people who are part of this network are the “right” people – those who love and support you and, most importantly, allow you to make your own choices. It is possible for those who love you to try and steer you into a specific direction, telling you what you should or should not do – these are not truly supportive people and may need to be let go.

    If you do not have the right people in your network, you can do a few things: sign up for classes, events or groups that do things that interest you. The people you meet there will likely share your passion. So take a dance or martial arts class, participate in a group sport, join a beach cleanup or volunteer group, learn how to sail/ski/surf or speak another language — whatever sounds fun so long as you get OUT of the house to do it.

    You can also join one of the many divorce support groups you will find live and online – but the caveat here is to make sure they do not allow negative commentary such as former spouse-bashing: stay away from anything negative that might bring your spirits down and stall your healing process.

    4. Move your body

    Exercise, walk, do yoga, etc. These good-for-us actions release endorphins and help us to feel better naturally. Try to do this both alone and with others. It is good to have alone time when you are healing, especially in nature, as it allows us to think, experience feelings and recognize how strong we are in being alone.

    It is also great to move your body with others, and it will make you feel good to take a walk or kayak around the lake with a friend or loved one. If you don’t have anyone with whom to do this join a group where you will meet others who are interested in the same fun ways to move the body – or pick something you can learn that sounds fun.

    Taking the steps to heal and committing to focus on the self after divorce is necessary. Remember that it is natural to question choices, especially when they are game-changers! Getting past the “hiccups” makes moving forward and recovering from divorce easier – and more fun!

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    Rachel S. Ruby

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  • How to Stay Humble as a Successful Self-Made Entrepreneur | Entrepreneur

    How to Stay Humble as a Successful Self-Made Entrepreneur | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The pathway to entrepreneurial success is often marked by relentless hard work, unwavering spirituality, and long and established relationships. Yet, these pillars can swiftly crumble under the weight of ego and complacency. Regardless of whether your bank account has amassed a fortune, your company holds a significant valuation, or you’ve catapulted into the high earners’ bracket, the challenge remains the same: How do you stay grounded amidst such prosperity?

    From my own entrepreneurial journey as Founder, President and CEO of 1031 Crowdfunding, here are some actionable insights that have kept me humble in the face of success.

    Related: How to Cultivate Humility as an Entrepreneur (and Why You Should)

    Stay grounded

    For some, staying grounded might mean meditation or maybe reading thought-provoking literature. For me, my faith is what drove me to get up every day and continue to try and make my business work, not just for myself and my employees but for my family as well. Knowing that the work I was doing in starting 1031 Crowdfunding was for a greater purpose propelled me forward.

    If you have trouble staying focused or grounded, I recommend trying more exercise. Even in my busiest weeks as a business owner, I never stop focusing on health. Success is more than not being a quitter on your business; it also means not quitting on yourself and your health. Health, life, business and relationships are all tied together, as everything is connected.

    Appreciate those around you

    Success doesn’t manifest in a vacuum. There’s an entire ecosystem of support that elevates you — your family, your employees and even those who serve you. I’m reminded of this when I take a look at the team I have built at my company, as well as every time my family and I walk into a luxury store or a car dealership in Orange County. The smiles, the assistance, the warmth — we should never take these gestures for granted. After you wind up successful and in a very different place from where you first started, never lose gratitude. When someone opens a door for you, literally or figuratively, take time to thank them for their kindness.

    Help the community

    Having a successful business provides an incredible opportunity to give back. Whether it’s through charitable donations, sponsoring local events or mentoring budding entrepreneurs, investing in your community not only enhances its well-being but also keeps you connected to the bigger picture of helping others.

    While growing up in Puerto Rico, New York City and Southern California, I experienced firsthand some of the difficulties life can bring. My faith in God pulled me through, and now I believe in paying it forward by getting involved with local goodwill efforts in Orange County. For younger entrepreneurs who might be struggling financially while building a new business, volunteering with any free time you might have, even if it’s just one day a year, is a great substitute for giving any sort of donation or monetary pledge. It’s also a manageable way to make a small impact and feel good about the work you’re doing, which serves not only those you are helping but also your own self-esteem and self-worth.

    Related: Why Humility Plays an Important Role in an Entrepreneur’s Life

    Find a financial advisor

    Staying humble also means being prudent. An expert financial advisor can provide invaluable insights into managing, growing and preserving your wealth. Whether you are a serial entrepreneur or a first-time business owner, leading and managing a business is challenging and expensive. By allowing someone else to guide you, you admit that you don’t have all the answers, fostering humility.

    Many entrepreneurs are convinced they can save money by handling their own finances instead of paying an advisor, but the truth is, most don’t have the time to properly do research, invest and watch the markets each day. So, relying on an accredited advisor is key to freeing up time so you can focus on building your business and attracting more customers or clients.

    Embrace your roots

    Irrespective of the heights you might attain, it’s essential to remember where you began. Your roots, your initial struggles, the first taste of success — all these moments helped shape your journey. Clinging to these memories ensures that success doesn’t blur your vision or lead you astray.

    Knowing where I came from has created an appreciation of where my team and I are today and reminds me that without the clients who entrusted us in the very beginning, we would not have been able to achieve what we have.

    Bringing it all together

    In conclusion, while the world may celebrate your achievements and accolades, remaining humble ensures these accomplishments don’t overshadow your true essence. After all, true success lies not just in the success achieved but in the legacy and character we leave behind, as business owners, employers, family members and friends.

    Growth only happens when you challenge yourself, so I encourage fellow and aspiring entrepreneurs to prepare for the ride ahead and remember to stay grounded once you achieve your dreams.

    Related: Humility: The Missing Ingredient to Your Success

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    Edward Fernandez

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  • Transform Your Life — and Business — By Focusing on Health | Entrepreneur

    Transform Your Life — and Business — By Focusing on Health | Entrepreneur

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    What’s your daily schedule?

    I usually wake up around 5 a.m. so I can get some reading or writing done before my four kids get up. From there, it’s pretty much what you would imagine. A mad scramble to get everyone dressed and fed before they’re off to school or daycare.

    But after that, I don’t immediately start working. Instead, I head to the gym. I usually get back around 10:30 or so, down a protein shake, and then get to work around 11 a.m.

    You might think my schedule seems a bit off. People sometimes ask “How can you start work at 11 a.m.? What about your clients, don’t they want to talk to you?” Yes, they do, but I normally don’t take any client calls until 2 p.m.

    I’ll explain.

    Sure, I could go to the gym later on, let’s say during lunchtime. But I tried that in the past, and far too often something would come up that caused me to miss my workout. I’d feel guilty about missing my workout and annoyed that I had to skip it for something that wasn’t on my schedule for the day.

    As a result, I now prioritize my mental and physical health by scheduling work around my workouts and of course, my family obligations.

    And as you’ll discover during the most recent episode of the Launch Your Business podcast, prioritizing your health and wellness can become a competitive advantage for your business.

    Our guest, Dan Go, is a high performance coach for entrepreneurs and the CEO of High Performance Founder. After the early death of his mother, Go left a cushy corporate job to become a personal trainer and eventually brought his message of taking health seriously to entrepreneurs. Go’s theory is that taking care of your health is a way to transform your life — and your business.

    During our interview, we discussed:

    • How he’s making time to work out with a newborn, and how you can eliminate excuses as well.
    • Why water is your greatest ally when working towards health goals.
    • The surprising reason why doing less can actually help you achieve your goals faster.

    I’ll share a few of my key takeaways below.

    Related: Cozy Sweaters and Coffee Dates Can Boost Your Productivity — Here’s How

    Working out is not a frivolous extra activity

    It’s easy to think of exercise as an add-on that you’ll get to when you’ve accomplished your other goals for the day.

    Here’s the problem with that: If you leave exercise in the “maybe” category, you will constantly find other things that are more urgent or feel more important.

    “The biggest misconception that entrepreneurs have is the fact that they need to trade their health in order to make more wealth,” Go says. “From my perspective and from my experience, I found that if you neglect your health, you’re actually leaving some major monetary gains on the table.”

    Related: Sports Legends Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece Want to Power You Up With Tastier and Cheaper Superfood Drinks. Who’s Thirsty?

    For consistency, start small and focus on the essentials

    When you’re getting started with exercise, building the habit is the first goal. So before you go out and buy a ton of workout gear or invest in equipment, start small.

    “The thing that I say to my clients all the time is, ‘You don’t even have to work out — just cross the door into the gym,’” Go says. He noted that high achievers usually show up (even when they’ve set low expectations for themselves) and get a few reps in.

    Even after you’ve built out a more robust exercise routine, you may need to cut back due to different life circumstances. When we recorded the interview, Go had just celebrated the arrival of a newborn, which meant he was adapting his routine to suit that season of life.

    “I’m doing the minimum effective dose at this very moment,” Go says. “I’m appreciative of the fact that I put the work in before that because there is something called maintenance and I’m not trying to gain a bunch of muscle or anything like that. I’m just trying to maintain my sanity and my body all at the same time.”

    Related: How to Start a ‘Million Dollar’ Morning Routine

    Drink more water

    I know this seems basic, but there are a lot of grown adults — particularly entrepreneurs — who run on coffee, soda or tea. If you’re feeling run down, it’s worth considering what your water intake has been recently.

    “Energy is currency,” Go says, “and a lot of people would be surprised at how much energy they can gain by being more hydrated.”

    Another perk that comes with drinking water is that you can use it to replace the habit of mindless snacking.

    Next steps

    Ready to learn more from Dan Go?

    Visit his website to learn how he helps high-achieving entrepreneurs get their ideal body with minimal stress.

    Sign up for his newsletter to discover how you can build your body and increase performance in four minutes or less.

    Follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn for all his latest updates

    And of course, listen to our full interview on the Launch Your Business podcast.

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    Terry Rice

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  • ‘Cruise That Never Ends’ May Cost Less Than Your Monthly Rent | Entrepreneur

    ‘Cruise That Never Ends’ May Cost Less Than Your Monthly Rent | Entrepreneur

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    Cruise lovers who want to see the world from a ship on somewhat of a budget — indefinitely — now have the chance.

    Life at Sea, which bills itself as the only “affordable” option for long-term cruising, will launch a three-year voyage aboard its MV Lara ship in November and give passengers the option to extend for additional three-year stints, CNN reported.

    Related: This Remote Worker Spends 300 Nights a Year on a Cruise Ship

    Initially, the MV Lara was scheduled to end its journey at the three-year mark, but Kendra Holmes, CEO of Life at Sea parent company Miray Cruises, told the outlet that the idea for “the cruise that never ends” came when enthusiastic potential customers couldn’t make the original departure date.

    “Once the ship was announced in May there were a lot of people who wanted to come, but November was too soon to sell their homes, make plans and pack up their lives,” Holmes said.

    The cruise will set sail from Istanbul on November 6 and plans to visit seven continents, 140 countries and 382 ports over the next three years, per the company’s site. According to Holmes, Life at Sea will continue to add new locations as well.

    Current pricing, which covers everything including on-board healthcare, begins at $38,518 per year per person, working out to $3,500-$4,000 per month (single passengers pay an extra 85% for sole occupancy).

    Holmes told CNN “the average earner” or “person who just retired from the average job” could afford the never-ending cruise lifestyle — and that checks out, depending on where you live.

    Related: I Live on a Cruise Ship. Here’s What It’s Like Living on a Boat.

    In some areas of the country, the monthly fees per person are significantly less expensive than rental prices. The average Manhattan rent just hit $5,588 a month, CNBC reported.

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    Amanda Breen

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  • How to Purge Toxic Emotions to Facilitate Healing | Entrepreneur

    How to Purge Toxic Emotions to Facilitate Healing | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    What are toxic emotions, and how do they prevent healing and moving forward? Toxic emotions are negative feelings that manifest within our bodies, minds and spirit. They become harmful when they lead us into a victim state, from which it can be challenging to get out and can cause mental and physical harm. Learning to control certain emotions is imperative, especially when moving on from divorce and other traumas to create a new and happy life.

    The most common negative emotions associated with trauma and difficult life situations are fear, anger, guilt, and sadness/grief. Experiencing these or other negative emotions is normal in most cases. For example, divorce is comparable to a death, and there is a significant separation between the “we” of the partnership and the new “me.” We had entwined our lives with one another, including dreams and a future, so when suddenly one is no longer part of a “we,” it can be traumatic and lead to toxic emotions. Similarly, any time we feel down, negative or unhappy in life, toxic emotions can keep us stuck and unable to heal. The lesson is to prevent the feelings from becoming toxic.

    Related: 12 Ways Successful People Handle Toxic People

    Since it is normal to experience negative emotions about trauma or difficult life events, the first rule of thumb is to let yourself feel them, whatever they may be. Grieve, feel angry, sad, hurt, afraid, guilty or lost…these feelings must be recognized. You might cry, punch a pillow, exercise hard, scream or whatever non-dangerous release helps to relieve tension caused by these feelings. If the feelings are dangerous, cause you to feel so helpless that you cannot function, or have thoughts of hurting yourself or another or of ending your life, you must seek professional help immediately.

    At some point – a time that can be different for each person – you must let go of these feelings and move forward.

    Fear

    This is one of the biggest emotions suffered by those going through trauma. It can also plague those who face difficult times, like losing a job or a home or the death of a loved one. Worrying about what a new life will look like post-trauma is easy. Where will you live? How will you pay the bills? In the case of divorce, a stay-at-home parent may have to return to the workforce for the first time in years, which is scary.

    Being alone is also scary — who will care for you when you are sick or need help? What about parenting responsibilities, the desire to ease the effects of divorce on children and coming up with a plan to co-parent amicably? There is also a fear of being alone for the rest of one’s life (this is especially true with women and even has a name).

    No matter what the trauma or life circumstance that leads to toxic emotions, when we feel afraid and stuck, it actually prevents us from being able to heal, and the longer we nurse this fear within our bodies, minds and spirits, the more troubles we may suffer, both physically and mentally. You may recall a time in your life (even childhood) when you were so afraid of something or someone that you got a stomachache or experienced other forms of stress — imagine what can happen over time when we let fear fester – it’s like an open wound that does not get cleaned and treated.

    Related: 8 Ways to Harness the Power of Fear for Personal Success

    Anger

    Anger is another common emotion experienced by those who experience trauma and big life changes. Since many people do not understand how to start the healing process, blaming others or the universe for their fate becomes easier. With divorce, many will blame the former spouse rather than start looking within for the answers. Blaming equates to a refusal to take responsibility for the self and one’s own happiness, leading to stagnation and the inability to heal and be happy.

    Anger zaps our energy, and it can lead us to a victim state. In this state, we believe everything happens to us instead of realizing we are the only ones who have control over our own lives, we become incapable of taking the reins and turning our lives around. Angry emotions can elevate blood pressure and lead to a plethora of physical and mental/emotional ailments, like poor focus and lack of energy, bodily pains and depression, rapid weight gain or loss, the desire to hurt oneself or others, extreme exhaustion, and lack of motivation, to name a few. This is not the way to heal or be happy.

    Related: 8 Toxic Personalities Every Successful Person Avoids

    Guilt

    Many traumas or difficult situations can lead to feelings of guilt. Divorce is one example, especially when we have been programmed to believe it is wrong or bad and that marriage lasts forever. Many have grown up with these messages from religion, culture or familial beliefs. Sometimes, we may not even recognize that what we have been taught, often throughout our lives, has a limiting effect on our thoughts.

    Guilt is normal when it comes to divorce, and it is important to let oneself feel it and recognize from where it comes so that we can change our mindset and accept that those lessons we were taught are not reality. This usually involves diving deep into the past, especially childhood traumas.

    When feeling guilty for being the “cause” of a trauma or major life change, that mindset must be examined and altered. Using divorce as an example, a marriage is a partnership, and even if one of the parties does things that do not support the marriage, there are still two people involved; both parties need to be working together in the relationship – all the time. Most marriages break down long before divorce is filed; one study indicated that the time frame is six years.

    Other situations and traumas can also lead to feelings of guilt, such as physical and verbal abuse. Many victims of abuse feel that they must have done something wrong to trigger the abusive behavior that is directed toward them, and this, along with fear (of retaliation, of being alone, of the partner going to prison, etc.), is the reason that many victims of abusive relationships do not leave.

    Sadness and grief

    These are the most common toxic emotions regarding trauma, loss and big life changes. For example, it is normal to feel sad and grieve the death of a marriage or a loved one. Embarking upon the healing journey will alleviate these feelings. Although they never go away completely, they will dissipate with healing, and it is possible to create a new life and be happy despite the circumstances or changes.

    Preventing negative feelings from becoming toxic is within our control, and we can learn how to overcome the barriers. Each step has many subparts that may require help from a divorce coach or therapist.

    Related: How to Turn Your Work-Related Stress and Anxiety into Accomplishments

    Steps to overcome negativity and toxicity to focus on healing

    1. Let go of people, ideas and situations that don’t serve you
    2. Get healthy – body, mind and spirit (healthy eating, exercise, breathwork, journaling, spending time in nature).
    3. Express gratitude (especially when you awaken and before bed. Think of at least 3-5 things for which you are grateful)
    4. Try something new by getting out of your comfort zone (take a class, volunteer, learn something – outside of the house, not from a computer)
    5. Focus on the present, not the past — the past is over, and nothing can be done to change it, so don’t waste energy on how it could have been if only…
    6. Replace negative thoughts and actions with positive ones, repeating until it becomes the norm – start telling yourself you are what you want to be by using affirmations, journaling, meditation and doing activities that make you happy; we are what we believe ourselves to be!
    7. Evaluate your support network and make sure you have the right people – many of those within our support networks do not truly support us. Those who love you need to respect your choices and not try to tell you what they think you should or shouldn’t do.

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    Rachel S. Ruby

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  • How to Harness the Power of Positive Psychology | Entrepreneur

    How to Harness the Power of Positive Psychology | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    The call for change has never been more resounding in a world of challenges and uncertainties. From technological advancements to environmental concerns, the trajectory of our planet and its people hinges upon our actions today. As an entrepreneur with a vision for change, you have the unique opportunity to uplift society and become the beacon of motivation that guides us all towards a brighter tomorrow.

    The ripple effect of positive psychology

    Positive psychology is more than just a buzzword; it’s a guiding philosophy that enables individuals to harness their inner strength and create meaningful change. Rooted in the belief that focusing on strengths and cultivating positive emotions can lead to greater well-being and success, positive psychology lays the foundation for personal and societal transformation.

    Imagine a world where everyone starts their day with gratitude, embraces challenges as opportunities for growth and extends kindness without hesitation. Adopting these principles can ignite a ripple effect that spreads far beyond your immediate circle. Your actions can inspire others to shift their perspectives, sparking a chain reaction of positivity that transcends borders and cultures.

    Related: Why Embracing a Positive Psychology Will Ignite Success in Your Business

    A journey of self-discovery and impact

    Mahatma Gandhi once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” These words hold an eternal truth that underscores the transformative power of personal example. To become a motivational force that shapes a better world, you must first embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth.

    Start by identifying your core values and passions. What issues ignite a fire within you? Whether it’s education, promoting environmental sustainability or advocating for societal well-being, discovering your purpose will provide your endeavors with clear direction and profound resonance. Embrace continuous learning and development, as honing your skills and knowledge will empower you to drive meaningful change.

    Related: Why You Must Really Know Yourself Before Starting a Business

    Catalyzing change on a global scale

    Entrepreneurs possess a unique combination of vision, innovation and determination. This potent blend of qualities equips you to thrive in the business world and catalyze societal change on a global scale. Your entrepreneurial ventures can drive positive impact, channeling resources and creativity toward solutions that address pressing issues.

    As you build your brand as a motivational author, remember that your journey is intrinsically tied to the stories you tell. Share your successes and setbacks, your moments of inspiration and moments of doubt. Authenticity breeds connection, and by baring your soul, you invite others to resonate with your experiences and join you on your journey toward transformation.

    Harnessing the power of collaboration

    The path to worldwide transformation cannot be tread alone. Collaboration with like-minded individuals and organizations is pivotal to amplifying your impact. You tap into a wellspring of shared knowledge, resources, and inspiration by forming alliances with fellow change-makers.

    Reach out to other entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and community organizers who align with your vision. Collaborative efforts exponentially magnify your influence and allow you to tackle complex challenges that may be insurmountable on your own. Together, you can create initiatives that transcend borders and boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the world.

    The legacy of a motivational pioneer

    Your journey as a motivational author and entrepreneur isn’t just about the immediate impact you make; it’s about the legacy you leave behind. The seeds of positive change you plant today will blossom into a world where inspiration is the norm, where individuals are empowered to dream big and pursue their passions fearlessly.

    As your influence grows, your platform will become a vessel for nurturing and uplifting the next generation of change-makers. By mentoring and providing guidance to emerging entrepreneurs, you can ensure that the flame of positive transformation continues to burn brightly long after your time in the spotlight.

    Related: 8 Tiny Changes to Make Your Life 10 Times More Enjoyable

    Your call to action

    The world yearns for leaders who embody the change they wish to see. By embracing the principles of positive psychology, becoming an entrepreneurial force, and forging powerful collaborations, you are poised to be that leader. Your journey toward becoming a famous author specializing in motivation is not just about personal success; it’s about shaping a world where positivity, innovation and empathy reign supreme.

    Now, more than ever, the world needs individuals willing to step up, inspire and drive change. Your potential is limitless, and the impact you can make transcends boundaries. As you take each step on this transformative path, remember that you are not just shaping your destiny but the destiny of a world that eagerly awaits the light you bring.

    The time for change is now. Embrace it. Live it. Be the catalyst of a brighter future.

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    Brian H. Robb

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  • 6 Mindset Strategies I Wish I’d Known Earlier in My Career | Entrepreneur

    6 Mindset Strategies I Wish I’d Known Earlier in My Career | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    During my 12-year journey as an entrepreneur, I’ve unearthed some game-changing mindset strategies and practices that I wish I’d known earlier. These shifts have the power to breathe new life into your business and personal journey once you start to practice them. And most of them are simple. I feel that if I’d known them sooner, I would have had more success and peace of mind.

    Below, I’ll share these mindset shifts with you:

    Related: 8 Mindset Shifts Entrepreneurs Must Make to Achieve Their Ultimate Goal

    1. Creating momentum

    What most people just accept as reality is that success begins in your mind and thoughts, and “thoughts are things.” However, real traction happens when you pair that mental attitude with some real-world action. It’s not just about thinking positively — you’ve got to match those thoughts with tangible action. The secret is keeping that momentum going even when obstacles arise. Believe me, I’ve been caught in this trap too, finding myself overthinking.

    The myth we often buy into is that having a meticulously planned roadmap is the only way forward. Sure, it’s important, but the real magic happens when you dare to do new things with no safety net.

    Movement is the name of the game, initiation is key, and keeping up the rhythm is everything. Breaking the habit of perfectionism is vital — doubts are normal, but feeling somewhat foolish doesn’t mean you are.

    For instance, your online content doesn’t have to be internet-breaking. Just the fact you’re putting yourself out there is a big deal (lots of folks never even muster the courage to start — don’t be one of them.)

    My very first marketing video was downright embarrassing. The sound was awful, I was stiff, and I cringed when I watched it. Actually, everyone cringed. But I did it anyway. Then I did the next.

    And when we think back to Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak building their first computers in a garage, they didn’t wait for anything to be perfect. They just did stuff. It’s a reminder that even the biggest names started from zero.

    The results you want might seem like they’re far away. However, they’re achieved by taking one step after the other.

    2. Going above and beyond

    According to The Law of Reciprocity, whatever you put energy into creates a situation where something is brought back to you. And according to Napoleon Hill’s Law of Success, you need to go above and beyond what you’re paid for — a mindset that often is missing these days. There’s something magical about helping others without expecting something immediately or at all. And sometimes, as a bonus, that goodwill comes back to you tenfold. But then again, that isn’t the reason to serve at your highest level or to help someone out.

    This isn’t to be confused with working for free. Nobody should work for free unless you’ve allotted some of your hours as Pro Bono and it’s part of your model.

    3. Fear busting

    Fear has a way of acting like our friend because it’s always there — but ends up stifling us. And its cousins Anxiety, Vulnerability, Frustration and Overwhelm are all part of this bundle. However, worthwhile endeavors and pursuits are never going to be a cakewalk. In entrepreneurship, you’ll need some serious determination, drive and motivation. And you will need to be able to sustain it. You need to remember WHY you started your business in the first place. Whether it’s about changing lives through coaching, combating diseases, chasing financial freedom or even creating a groundbreaking tech app or product, you need to sustain your energy and find ways to bust through the fear.

    One way of doing this is breathing into the fear as you feel it in your body instead of avoiding it and then exhaling that space that holds the fear into the air around you.

    Related: The Simple Mindset Shift That Can Change How You Think About Entrepreneurial Setbacks

    4. Taking action

    I mentioned action before, but I want to delve deeper into how to make things happen. Open up your calendar, block the times when you will do specific tasks, and stick to the plan. If it’s on the calendar, it will happen.

    Then come up with some Huge Audacious Goals for your business. The more you imagine big things happening, the more they WILL.

    A concrete practice for this is something called Creative Visualization, which I initially learned from the book Psycho-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz.

    You close your eyes for 15 minutes and play out the scene of what you want to happen in your life. Your mind cannot tell the difference between those Mind Movies and reality, which makes it all naturally happen.

    5. Being accountable as a true entrepreneur

    We all have a bit of laziness wired into us. It’s human. So, we need to find a coach or accountability partner and set up commitments that are non-negotiable. When I recently started my podcasting journey, I had very little bandwidth left for that new project, but knowing my producer is waiting for the shows makes it happen. And the enjoyment of speaking with amazing people keeps me accountable. So, find something that will keep you on track and push you when the going gets tough. All of us have flirted with the idea of throwing in the towel when things seem hard, so it’s important to have a sounding board. Another great way of staying accountable is to join a mastermind with other like-minded people. Group motivation is unmatched.

    6. Being kind to yourself and practicing self-love

    Entrepreneurs are high achievers who are very hard on themselves and have high expectations. Entrepreneurship demands a unique mindset that keeps us going. That’s what’s needed to succeed. However, if we don’t celebrate our successes or just be kind to ourselves, we can fall into self-loathing and blame when things don’t work — or even when things are working out and we keep moving the finish line.

    Results are important, and our businesses are our babies. Developing an optimal mindset is a lifelong practice that’s completely worth it. You will trip and fall behind sometimes. That is par for the course. Just learn from the journey and see your quality of life expand.

    Related: It’s All in Your Head: How to Shift Your Mindset for Serious Success

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    Jeanne Omlor

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  • 13 Ways to Combat End-of-Summer Burnout Without Using PTO | Entrepreneur

    13 Ways to Combat End-of-Summer Burnout Without Using PTO | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    End-of-summer burnout isn’t just about feeling run down after spending too much time by the pool or embarking on a long road trip with your family. Those types of activities can indeed burn you out by the end of the summer.

    Specifically, I am referring to how we burn ourselves out professionally. Even after many balmy summer days, most of us still have to work while juggling all the summer social activities and events. And that’s definitely a challenge when dealing with obstacles like FOMO or collaborating with others when they are on vacation.

    When left unchecked, you may experience end-of-summer burnout, rearing its ugly head in the form of:

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    John Rampton

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  • You Only Need These 3 Things to Come Up With Your Best Ideas | Entrepreneur

    You Only Need These 3 Things to Come Up With Your Best Ideas | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    It’s easier than ever to feel lost — lost in the workplace, lost in your personal life, even lost in your overall purpose and mission as a human being. I personally blame a lot of this on social media. It’s the perfect concoction for depression, anxiety and the feeling of not knowing what path is right for you.

    A couple of hours on the Zuckerberg Express (a.k.a. Facebook) and you’ll be fed other people’s successes so much you’ll start to doubt your own. A video of a fix-and-flip specialist will quickly make you think you need to stop what you’re working on, buy houses and renovate them yourself. You’ve never held a hammer and you don’t know what HVAC stands for, but if this 30-second video on Instagram taught you anything, it’s that the time is now…

    Excuse my sarcasm, but even as I’m writing, I’m reminded of the ridiculous paths I’ve gone down thanks to social media. That’s a story for another time though. Through exploring and failing on many of these voyages, I’ve learned a tried and true method to keep me goal-oriented and combat as much of the social media facade as I can: whiteboarding.

    Yes, you read that right. Structured and creative time away from all other work and life needs, with just a whiteboard, a marker and your thoughts. In my nine years as a business owner, I’ve found whiteboarding to be the single strongest tool for fine-tuning my ideas, innovating and niching down. Below are the three biggest rules I use for effective whiteboarding.

    Related: The Whiteboard Method: 5 Easy Steps to Discover Your Niche and Turn Your Passion Into a Career

    1. No erasing

    Before you start, remove the eraser from the room. It’s so easy to get hyper-critical of what you’re writing when you know you can erase it. By operating under the “no idea is a bad idea” philosophy, I’ve been able to discover new revenue streams for my business, fine-tune my goals and more. Not erasing anything is a great way to leave thoughts up on the board for further development. Sometimes an idea I quickly jotted down — that I would’ve erased in real time — just needed some further tweaking. That idea later became a huge component of my business moving forward.

    2. Time your whiteboarding sessions

    I like to do 20-minute sprints, but find an amount of time that feels comfortable for you. Remember, this exercise is for you. If 20 minutes is too long, do 10. If 20 minutes is too short, do 30. This is your time.

    Turn a timer on and turn everything else off for whatever amount of time you decide. I like to stand up in front of the board (sometimes even pace) and write as much as my brain and hand will let me. After the allotted 20 minutes, I sit down and spend time reading and digging into each thought. Oftentimes, this is where I’m able to expand a simple thought into something much more developed and fleshed out. If I feel like I hit an “aha” moment, I take a photo of the board, then erase and flesh that idea out further. If I didn’t, I spend some more time reading and digesting, then I take a photo and get back to my work. Not every time will be one of those euphoric highs we all love about entrepreneurship and finding new ideas, but the simple act of doing this frequently creates clarity.

    Related: How Journaling Can Make You a Better Entrepreneur and Leader

    3. Frequency

    I personally do these whiteboard sessions once a week. I’ve found that to be frequent enough to work through things, but not so frequent to the point of wasting time or energy on the same thoughts over and over. If I’m feeling extra lost that week, rather than adding an extra session, I prefer to jot it down to work on at my next whiteboarding session. Routines are everything.

    A lot of people talk about the power of whiteboarding in groups for creative brainstorming. I find that to also be an effective way to pull ideas out of a group, but the sessions need to be structured enough to not be a time suck for everyone and the groups need to be small pods before opening them up to bigger teams.

    When my business partner Ian Rodriguez and I launched Innovo, we’d spend hours behind a whiteboard taking turns workshopping every little detail and idea. Those days were extremely effective for clarifying who we were and what we wanted to accomplish.

    Once your business is moving you obviously can’t spend hours weekly doing those sessions though. In my opinion, the best go-forward strategy I’ve found here is to whiteboard solo, develop some thoughts and opinions, then bring your partner(s) and team in to take it to the next level. This allows for personal clarity as well as tapping into others’ skill sets and ideas.

    Ideas are good, but clarity is great. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself through whiteboarding — it’s become my secret weapon in entrepreneurship.

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    Sam Saideman

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  • She Was Scammed By a Crypto Cult. Now She’s Fighting Back. | Entrepreneur

    She Was Scammed By a Crypto Cult. Now She’s Fighting Back. | Entrepreneur

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    “If you don’t understand the intricacies of how cryptocurrency works, I beg you not to invest in it.”

    So says Jen McAdam, a Scottish coal miner’s daughter, who was one of the countless victims of the insidious OneCoin global cryptocurrency scam. As Jen explains in this week’s episode of Dirty Money, she invested her entire inheritance only to watch it disappear.

    But rather than staying silent out of embarrassment, Jen decided to fight back and successfully mustered thousands of victims from around the world to join her. She’s written a book on the experience called DEVIL’S COIN: My Battle to Take Down the Notorious OneCoin Cryptoqueen, and she works full-time through her online Victims’ Support Group to fight for retribution.

    Despite terrifying threats against her and members of her growing support groups, Jen says she will never give up the fight to help the millions who lost everything, in some cases even their lives. Jen’s story is heartbreaking, but her willingness to be open about her financial and emotional struggles, as well as her ceaseless desire to prevent others from falling victim to crypto schemes is truly inspiring.

    Thanks as always for listening. Please leave a review, rating and remember to subscribe to us on your favorite platform.

    Subscribe to Dirty Money on Apple | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Play

    About Dirty Money

    Dirty Money is a new podcast series from Entrepreneur Media telling the tales of legendary scammers, con artists, and barely-legal lowlifes who stop at nothing to bilk their marks of millions. Hosted by Entrepreneur editors Dan Bova and Jon Small, the podcast takes a deep dive into the deviants behind the deeds.

    Related: ‘The Most Hated Man in America’ Where Is Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli Now?

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    Dan Bova

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  • Boost Your Productivity and Creativity in 3 Steps | Entrepreneur

    Boost Your Productivity and Creativity in 3 Steps | Entrepreneur

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    I met Matt Ragland while I was speaking at a ConvertKit conference. And, I was just struck by how present he was in the conversation. While we were chatting, he was focused on being interested as opposed to being interesting.

    And when he finally did share more about what he’s up to, I was impressed with how he took a disciplined but creative approach to his work. For some reason, those two seem at odds but he was able to find an integration that led to him being extremely productive and a world-class content creator.

    Matt is the Managing Director of Good People Digital. An agency that works with companies to create human-focused brands and web experiences that help them connect with their customers.

    Outside of that, his work focuses on the intersection of productivity and the creator economy. So if you’re struggling with either of those, Matt’s here to help you out.

    I’ll share a few of my key takeaways from our conversation below.

    How to start creating content that connects

    When it comes to creating newsletter content, just getting started is often the biggest hurdle. Matt said that there are a couple of ways you can jump-start your content creation – starting with analyzing what has already worked well on your social media. What is already getting engagement? What do you feel is important?

    “The other two things that you can ask are number one: What is the thing that people often ask me about in regards to my work or specific area of interest? … And then the follow up to that is (whether it’s on social or through replies on your newsletter), if you’re new at this, ask for a reply at the end of each newsletter.”

    This ensures that you’re creating content that serves the needs of your audience, because that was your starting place.

    If you’re really starting from scratch

    “That’s all well and good,” you might be saying, “But this assumes I’ve already created content. What do I do if I’ve never posted on social media?”

    Matt suggests searching Reddit for questions to answer.

    “I don’t often say that. But Reddit as research is great.” Matt said. “See what things people are asking that they’re not getting good answers to, and you can just answer that in your own content. You can also, on social media, find people that you follow that are in the same relative niche as you and see what topics they are talking about that you have a different opinion on. Talk about what they’re doing, not what that specific person is doing, but give that in your own opinion.”

    How to have the most productive week ever

    The most productive week ever is a big promise, I know. And Matt said that the key to the most productive week is actually counterintuitive: You should not overcommit.

    “Mental over commitment to goals or projects, that leads to a lot of overwhelm, that can lead to a lot of context and task switching.”

    Matt referenced The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, adding that he can’t pick one thing to focus on for the entire quarter — but he can do that for his days and weeks. Once he has that one big thing selected for the week, Matt moves forward with what he calls the GAP framework — Goals, Actions, and Protection.

    “If I know what that goal is, then I’m going to analyze it, and I’m going to look at it and say, ‘Okay, what are the actions that I need to take that if I were to check off all of these to do items, all these action items, it will naturally lead to the completion or achievement of the goal?

    And I’m going to look at this and say, like, okay, I have these four to five action items. How much time do I need to protect? Let’s just say two hours. Okay, I’m going to protect the time to do this for one hour on Monday morning and then one hour on Thursday morning.”

    Next steps:

    You can learn more about Matt by visiting mattragland.com and following him on social media at @mattragland. And don’t forget to grab his free email course, 5 Productivity Principles for a Great Week.

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    Terry Rice

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  • You’re Not Lazy — You’re Burnt Out. Here Are The 5 Warning Signs. | Entrepreneur

    You’re Not Lazy — You’re Burnt Out. Here Are The 5 Warning Signs. | Entrepreneur

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    Entrepreneur burnout can land you in the emergency ward. Learn how to spot the signs now before it’s too late.

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    Ben Angel

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  • I Believe, Therefore I Can — How to Build the Self-Efficacy You Need to Start Your Own Business | Entrepreneur

    I Believe, Therefore I Can — How to Build the Self-Efficacy You Need to Start Your Own Business | Entrepreneur

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    Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

    Why do you think so many people don’t own their own business? It’s hard, there are challenges, and this fact is undeniable. You may even be thinking to yourself that these challenges are ones only certain people can tackle. You know, the kinds of people who excelled all through high school and had the confidence to jump into anything head first. But what if I told you that the only thing that separates you from them is yourself? Ah, that’s obvious, you might be thinking. But let me challenge this notion a bit more. It isn’t you as a person, it’s your beliefs — those ideas in your head of what you can and cannot do.

    The only thing which differentiates that guy in high school who became captain of the football team and you is the fact he believed he could do it. That is all there is to it. The good news? You can do whatever you want, and it is completely in your control. Let me introduce the concept of self-efficacy.

    Related: Using the Power of Self-Belief to Create Success

    Self-efficacy: Your beliefs about you

    Let’s do a thought experiment together. Think of something uncomfortable to you. It might be getting back into the gym after some time. Or it could even be something like going out on a date. What makes it uncomfortable? Is it the activity itself? Actually, it’s your belief about what you can and cannot do. If you believed that you would be able to go back to the gym on day one and nail it, you would probably go.

    We all have beliefs about ourselves — some helpful and others that aren’t as helpful. This is called self-efficacy: your beliefs about your ability to do a certain task. When you don’t think you can do it, the task seems more daunting, and you put it off. It might even make you develop even more unhelpful beliefs about yourself because you now feel bad about your belief you can’t do it! But what if we flipped this notion on its head, and instead of thinking we can’t, we start thinking we can? This leads to challenging those beliefs you have about yourself.

    Beliefs are not truths — You define your truth

    Okay, another thought experiment. Think of a task you have perfected. Something you can do so well now which you couldn’t before. Even something as simple as the fact you can ride a bike would fall into this category. Let’s go back in time to the version of you who just started to learn how to ride a bike. What would they say? “I’m not very good at this” or “This is too hard” or any variation of these statements. But you did it, right? I guarantee 100% you have conquered something like this in your life.

    What does this mean? Your thoughts are not the truth, and the thoughts you have about yourself may not be the truth either. You have thought many unhelpful things of yourself throughout your life, which without your awareness, you have proven wrong. This awareness helps us realize that all the things we think about ourselves are indeed not facts. And it allows us some space to challenge these thoughts.

    Related: 5 Ways to Overcome Self-Doubt as an Entrepreneur

    Put your thoughts to the test — You’re in control

    So, you have identified that you have thoughts about yourself, some helpful and some unhelpful. You also know now that those unhelpful thoughts are not always true because you have proven it to yourself. So, how do we get you to challenge your present thoughts about yourself on what you want to do now? Here is a step-by-step approach on how to turn your self-beliefs around:

    Step 1. Identify the thought

    You can’t work on something when you don’t know it’s there. And I know, it’s uncomfortable to admit to yourself that you don’t think you’re smart enough or strong enough or whatever quality it is to start your own business. Don’t worry about this step, though. Remember: Your thoughts are not truths. When you say to yourself, “I realize I am thinking I am not good enough to start my own business,” also say to yourself, “It’s my thought, but it is not the truth.” You just need to know you’re thinking it to begin to tell that thought, “You’re wrong, I know I can.”

    Step 2. Externalize yourself from the thought

    Remember how your thoughts are not the truth about you? Guess what? They aren’t even you. We have thousands of thoughts come into our heads every day from all different sources. Maybe someone said something negative to you, and you contemplated it. It’s just a thought, it’s not you. Now you need to take that thought and give it a name. It just needs to have a label. You could call it anything. When you label something, you see it not as yourself. And then you can start to see it for what it really is. This is called externalizing — this is when you say my thoughts are not me, they are a thing I experience.

    Step 3. Challenge that thought

    Get that thought now, call it by its label, and analyze it. What validity does it really hold? Let’s say, for example, you have a thought that you’re not smart enough to start your own business, and this thought is called Not Smart. You are now going to tell Not Smart how not smart it is. What does Not Smart tell you? It might be telling you, “You don’t have the intelligence to do this.”

    “Okay, Not Smart, how do you know?” It might say back to you, “Well you remember how in your first job you got the least amount of sales in the team?” And you say, “So what?”

    Not Smart might say back, “Yeah, well how do you think you’re going to start a business then?” You just say back to Not Smart, “That’s true, that did happen, but why does one mistake mean I am going to make mistakes forever?”

    Keep challenging it! Keep saying back, “I haven’t even done anything like that since then, and it made me grow, and now I actually have so many skills to do what I want.” Or say back, “Okay, I don’t have the answers, so what? I can learn them. What’s stopping me?”

    The truth is that Not Smart or any of these thoughts are actually your mind trying to protect you. Your mind has a good ability to detect threats from the past and project them into your future to try and do what it seems to think is keeping you safe. If you did get the lowest sales in your first job, your mind will say, “Okay we need to avoid anything with business because this hurt you before, and I don’t want you to hurt again.” What you need to tell your mind is that “It’s okay, it’s not going to hurt me. This is actually what is going to bring me the most happiness in the end.”

    Step 4. Create a new narrative, and assign a new meaning

    It’s not enough to just tell Not Smart that it’s wrong — you’ve got to give it a whole new story to rewrite the old one. And this story needs to be exactly what you want it to be. Let’s give it a go together.

    So, Not Smart told you that you’re not intelligent enough to run your own business, and you proved to it that its logic is actually flawed and that you do have the intelligence. What you need to do here is create a new story on this narrative. It could go something like this: “I haven’t always been number one in my sales roles, but that is why I am going to prove to myself and everyone else that I can be successful and run my own business. I’m going to make sure I get the knowledge on how to do it because it’s accessible to anyone. I am going to use my previous failure to be my driving energy to succeed.”

    And there you go, you now have yourself a new narrative. Write it down. You need to have this written down, and you need to go back to it whenever Not Smart comes back up again. Go back to your new narrative, and feel your narrative in your body through your emotions. This is your new story now, and soon enough, it will become your new belief.

    Related: Believe in Yourself and Entrepreneurial Success Will Follow

    Just to end on a thought-provoking note, do you know the story about Beethoven? One of the most famous classical composers of all time was actually deaf. But he still composed. He didn’t just compose, either — he wrote his most famous piece of music at this time. What if he believed he couldn’t do it? Or what if he thought, “What’s the point?” Even without hearing, he still became one of the greatest composers in history.

    Now it’s time for you to make your own history and start that business you have been dreaming of. Trust me when I say this, and I really mean it when I do: There is nothing stopping you but those funny little beliefs you have about yourself. Make your own story, and rewrite your future. You’ve got this.

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    Mikey Lucas

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