The other day I posted a question on the social media sites about going through a period of big shifts and change, since I’ve noticed over the years that whenever I’m personally going through something, chances are many others are too. This reinforces the idea, referred to in all spiritual teachings, that we are all connected.
For me, this has meant taking a close look at my business and life’s work and refocusing on the core of who I am and what I do.
It resulted in my taking down a Web site or two and redesigning my main, www.JimDonovan.com, Web site.
I’m also eliminating one of my Facebook pages since it was a distraction. My official “Fan” page is here at Jim Donovan and it will remain so.
So, what’s been happening with you? I’d love to hear your comments and recent experiences. You can post them here.
If you are, like me and so many others, going through a business “reinvention,” you may want to ask yourself what I consider to be one of the most powerful questions you can ask.
This was asked of me back in 1997 when I was just starting out as an author and speaker by my, then, coach Beth Meininger, one of the best coaches I know.
I was going through a rough spot and trying to offer whatever services I thought would produce income for me. I’ve always been good at figuring out what service people want and finding a way to provide it, however, at this point in my business, this was not the best route for me to take.
Beth looked at me and asked, in her best coach tone, “Jim, what are you willing to let go of to make room for what you want?”
Let go? You must be kidding. As I wrote in a story in my first book, Handbook to a Happier Life, “The last thing I let go of had claw marks on it.”
My nature as an Entrepreneur is not to let go but rather, to hang on to as many things as possible. The problem is this will not get me, or you, where we want to go.
Over the years I’ve noticed a lot of solo business owners, particularly people in network marketing, trying to do several businesses at once. All this does is dilute your efforts and scatter your energies.
For me this means going back to those actions and activities that are what I consider to be my life’s purpose.
Back in 1992 I wrote that my purpose is,
“To create and communicate information which will have a positive effect on people’s lives, empowering and helping them reach their full potential as human beings.”
The essence of this has not changed. At this point in my life, it’s writing books and delivering seminars and trainings. Of course, this includes audio and video programs, tele-classes and whatever new media comes along to facilitate this mission in the future.
Are all your activities in alignment with who you are and what your mission is?
If so, great. If not, what will you change in order to live your true purpose at the highest level?
Please comment and post below.
Tags:business owners,Facebook,handbook to a happier life,jim donovan,Network Marketing
Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life -
Jim, your goal sounds similar to mine. Distractions and diversions sometimes steer me away, especially into way too many worth-while projects! When I finally realize I’m on overload, I halt, pray, wait, and turn toward areas of greatest enthusiasm (root “en theos,” in God.)
As Joel Comm pointed out, “Watch out for the new shiny object” That tends to be the bane of the entrepreneur.
I wish I could say all my actions directed toward my main goal but truth is- we get distracted and sometimes loose the track of what’s important. Thanks for reminder Jim!
Thanks, Ruth, for commenting. You nailed it with the idea of focusing on service we’re passionate about as opposed to just a bunch of things. I think we’ve all fallen into that trap. It’s fear based thinking that I “have to do whatever I can to make money.” The interesting thing is that when you do less, you wind up earning more because your total focus is on it.
Jim,
I think business owners especially from United States get in the energy draining pattern of running most aspects of their business themselves. The trap can be to provide a whole slue of excellent services rather focusing on one or two client services that the business owner is most passionate about providing. (I know I’ve been guilty of being a Jill of many resources and traits. This can lead to diluting my message or confusing a prospect to take quick decisive action). I know we’ve talked about this before.
Jim thanks for modeling focus and drawing the line in the sand in your business by letting go what no longer serves you. It’s time to celebrate what does inspire us to be in business everyday and focus on that!!