growth mindset

The Book that Changed My Business

entrepreneurship

Have you ever experienced a nudge from a friend that took you a second to respond to, but when you did, you were elated? That’s what happened to me when my friend heard that I was in a creative rut, and she recommended the book The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. I was intrigued and checked the Libby App only to discover that it wasn’t available, so I forgot about it temporarily. Months later, I remembered the book recommendation and was pleasantly surprised to find that my local library had it on the shelf. I devoured the book in one sitting.

It became the swift kick that I needed to garner the chutzpah to embrace the pivot I had been considering for my business. Why I was holding on for dear life to something that had failed to give me a solid ROI after years of doing the same thing, I do not know. What I do know, is that I am super grateful for a friend who cared enough to reach out and make a recommendation that would change the trajectory of my business. I could now recognize Resistance and was empowered to break free from its crippling clutch. It would require action and letting go of comfort. I could no longer linger in my selfish world of fearing what others would think when I shared my art and my light.

As a small business owner, you are the face of your business. It requires you to step up and step out, even at times when you don’t feel like it. The world is so much brighter and more diverse when we embrace our unique qualities and share our talents. So here’s to letting go of fear and moving forward in faith, even if it’s one small step at a time.

XO, Katie

Why We Sabotage Our Own Success and How to Stop the Cycle

mindset

For too long, the fear of success paralyzed me more than the fear of failure. Could I handle the level of success that I was aiming for? Would people wrongly judge me for a materialistic, money-hungry snob if my bank account reached a certain amount? Should I minimize my goals to avoid being misunderstood? These thoughts and more swirled around in my head, limiting me from pursuing my passion and purpose. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. It’s been said that it’s the strongest muscle in the entire body, and while that’s debatable, there’s no question that it is quite a force to be reckoned with. In my early twenties, I really started working on watching the words that I spoke both out loud as well as in my head. What began as a challenging task became easier with time and practice. Sure, there are still days when I catch myself heading in a downward spiral, but daily affirmations help to keep my mindset on the up and up, even in the midst of seemingly insurmountable challenges. You will no doubt meet resistance when passionately pursuing your purpose, but there are tools that you can put into practice that will help you wade through the high waters.

One of the most powerful tools for growth mindset is affirmations. The key to staying consistent with speaking your affirmations is to have them in a place that you see every day. Mine are in my bathroom next to my mirror. Everyone will have affirmations that are unique to them and their goals, dreams, and desires. I am a person of faith, so mine are rooted in scriptures and principles that I know to be true and then branch out into additional goals for my personal life as well as business. They are all written in the present tense. Speak what you want, not what you have.

Another action step that has helped me through difficult times is gratitude journaling. I endeavor to find three things each day that I am grateful for. Some days, those can be really massive milestones and accomplishments, and other days it can be as simple as, I’m thankful I’m alive. Even on our darkest days, the sun will still rise, and there is always something for which to be grateful.

Please do not mistake me for some Pollyanna, everything-is-turning-up-roses kinda girl. Life is hard. We will all experience trauma in one way, shape, or form in our lifetime, and it is vital to process the grief and emotions that accompany that in a healthy way. Professional help is out there and can make a world of difference. There is no shame in seeking it when needed. Affirmations and gratitude journaling are simply tools that I have learned to use to prevent me from going in a downward spiral too rapidly. A combination of resources and tools help us to thrive despite the odds. Today is the day to stop sabotaging your success. Start with watching the words you speak. What you say to yourself matters.