Creating with intention
What if more time to create is more valuable than being busy?
If fewer appointments means you’re killing it?
If a handful of quality contacts is a better value add than a list of unknown names?
If an increase in daily smiles means you’re on fire?
If having fun at work isn’t an exception but your norm?
If more “likes” and more engagements happen offline?
If your stats and monitoring include an emotional, or even a spiritual, component?
If you schedule monthly check-ins not only with your team members but also with friends and family?
Entrepreneurship has become woven with unhealthy beliefs that may not necessarily serve you. Take stock over your definitions of success and have the courage to investigate what kind of ROI you’re wanting to achieve.
Stop fighting and relax. Instead of trying to confront obstacles head on, look for ease. Can you infuse confrontations with love? Bring fluidity into challenging situations? Maybe you feel stuck. Sometimes desired outcomes happen as a result of less effort, not more.
When you’re feeling the heat at work or at home, weave cool and refreshing resources into the mix. More fire just adds more flames.
An amateur hopes a goal will happen. The professional sets a goal then works backwards.
An amateur cuts with words. Professionals look for ways to raise their own game while lifting others alongside them.
An amateur relies on hope. The professional acts and demonstrates results.
The amateur seeks attention. The professional graciously accepts accolades, then continues to focus on the work.
An amateur always plays victim. The professional acknowledges missteps and learns from mistakes.
Amateurs operate from a scarcity mentality. Professionals are generous.
An amateur puts in a little work and expects instant results. The professional plays the long game, day in and day out, sometimes without pay, knowing that rewards will come.
An amateur is impatient, reactive, and compulsive. Professionals ground themselves, reflect, and listen.
Amateurs alienate themselves. True professionals know the value and importance of relationships.
An amateur speaks of people. The professional would rather work, plan, dream, and create.
Amateurs fail to set boundaries and struggle to ask for their worth. Professionals are kind, but firm, and aren’t afraid to ask for what they need.
An amateur rarely has routine. Professionals schedule days with intention.
To learn more about becoming a professional, I recommend Steven Pressfield’s Turning Pro. This free ebook is also a great place to start if you’re looking to turn amateur habits into professional ones.
What do you see?
Opportunity or obstacle?
Loneliness or space to create?
Connection or obligation?
Necessity or investment?
Inconvenience or growth?
Pain or lesson?
Those who are against you or those who push you to do better?
The difference between success and defeat is often a matter of perspective. Track your thoughts. Record the way you see the world. It may be time for a change.
The ability to show and express gratitude is one of the greatest gifts we can give to another. Gratitude is a powerful tool, one that can shift perspectives and brighten a dreary worldview in an instant.
A dear friend in Nepal once told me, “It is always possible to look up and see who is above you. People driving cars. The airplanes. My father said we have to also look down. There is someone wanting what you have.”
Thanksgiving has become one of my favorite celebrations for that reason: The gift of reflection, of simple joys, of quiet thanks shared with friends and loved ones.
To search for blessings during the toughest moments requires diligence and responsibility but also practice. Today’s a great day to start.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Want to have meaningful conversations at your Thanksgiving dinner table but not sure where to begin? Check out Seth Godin’s Thanksgiving Reader.