Rise and Shine!

Catch the Desire to Rise, Consistently…

There is something special about entrepreneurs.  We have a different view on life.  We see through a different lens.  This lens magnifies opportunity, vision, and possibility.  We believe we can do it.  We make it happen.  We follow through with our steady drive as we develop and reach for our goals.

We find a way to get what we want one way or another.  We’re tuned in to our inner voice.  We stand up for our ideals and truth, even in the face of fear.  We thrive on living life to the fullest.

"You are not here merely to make a living. You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement.

You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand."

 - Woodrow Wilson

However, we all have our days.  Sometimes it seems we’ve lost some of the air in our balloons.  Our motivation engine may need a shot of turbo boost from time to time.  

"People often say that motivation doesn't last.

Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."- Zig Ziglar

Running a business is a lot of work.  Being a leader is something few know how to do well.  The lessons can be tough and tiring.  We must consistently rise above and expand beyond the challenges.  We find the way to make things happen, even when they may seem impossible.

Here are some refreshers on how to stay motivated during the cycles of business:

Jump Start Your Morning.  Getting off to a great start can impact the energy of your whole day.  Make the choice to launch your day instead of running behind it. 

Even before the sun rises a select few are working, creating, and jumping forward.  These morning ninjas accomplish amazing feats daily long before most of us even start thinking about getting out of bed.   They rise with enthusiasm, readiness, and determination.

Rise like a child with excitement for the new day.  Reserve some space in your awakening routine for doing what you love best. This will help to lift your energy with excitement. The quiet stillness of the morning is the perfect breeding ground for any project that you’d like to develop.  Make it your time and rise with readiness.

Step Into Your Day.  Attitude is everything.  It colors your whole experience.  Having a fresh perspective, youthful wonder, and an open unlimited mind will increase the possibility of seeing opportunities and can brighten your outlook all day long.  If you look for opportunities rather than problems, you’ll start seeing new possibilities more often than things to worry about.

Be Ready.  Be prepared to jump when you need to.  You never know when the opportunity you’ve been working so hard for may arise.  So be ready!  Even if you work at home, get ready first thing in the morning.  Keep your phone charged.  Have some cash on you at all times.  You may need to act quickly when you meet that perfect person or get that brilliant idea.  Do the little things that ensure your freedom to be spontaneous.

Remember Gratitude is Key.  Gratitude fuels the fire that burns within.  Being thankful for the small things naturally uplifts your mood and instantly shifts your perspective.   Feeling thankful for the small things every day keeps us happy and encourages our highest presence.  We can become aware of and appreciate the hundreds of gifts we receive each day.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." - John F. Kennedy

Stay Fresh.  Find your sources of innovation and frequent them.  Change is happening everywhere all the time.  Stay with it, know what’s out there, and let it expand your mind.  Be open to movies, magazines, books, games, or whatever conduits naturally inspire you.  Regularly see those that motivate and uplift you.  Make sure to constantly see new information.  Relax into these sources and let them take you on a journey.  Be open creatively to see where you can be innovative in what you do. 

Spruce Up Your Space.   Delight your senses in the places that you work and play, both inner and outer.  Make them inviting, empowering, and nourishing.  When these places draw you in, you’ll find that your productivity flies high.  Create the ultimate work space where everything you need is within reach.  Set up a sacred cornerstone that you can retreat into when you’re ready for a break.  In each of these spaces, place inspirational reminders and sacred symbols.  Light candles, burn incense, play music, enjoy your favorite drink, and put on your favorite outfit.  Engaging all of your senses will prompt a greater approach to the game of life.

Make Swift Decisions.  Drudging over a choice can be very draining.  When faced with decisions, make it a priority to make the right choice.  Go to a favorite place where you feel most clear and get to it!  Walk on the beach to invoke clarity or go to the bookstore to do some research, whatever feels right.  Once you set your mind, things will naturally move into motion.  However, indecisiveness delays movement and creates waste.  So get clear and make up your mind. Make it quick and move on. Doors will open like magic.

Be Balanced.  Don’t give up yourself in the process of nurturing your business. Maintain healthy boundaries between work and life.  Balance your independence with playing. When you are nurtured, you do your best work.  Take breaks every few hours.  Get outside to places that inspire different feelings.  Listen to the stirrings of your heart. Don’t rush through your days; enjoy the flow. Make time to connect with what makes your heart sing.

Are you ready to play on Friday or do you crash on the couch as soon as you step inside?  

Stay on top of the most important relationships and projects.  Enjoy your loved ones.  Connect and share the gifts you receive.   Make sure you are living!  That’s what it’s all about and why you chose to be your own boss in the first place.  

Outsource some busy work and promote yourself to a daily mini-vacation.  Enjoy private time for contemplation and rest. 

And All the While, Dance.  Business and life both go through cycles.  Dancing with them is much more fun than fighting against them. Entrepreneurs learn to dance in the rain.  Honor the cycles of your body including your energy levels and emotions.  Embrace rest when you need a break.   Celebrate the surges of your creativity.  Always laugh as much as you can.

Check in often.  Make sure you feel happy and be open to how you could be even more so. Mobility and flow are ultimate benefits of being independent.  Enjoy them! 

by Danielle Crume © 2011