Is living small the new BIG? Over the past couple of years, I have simplified my life. For awhile I had no car, no cable and lived in less than 900 sq. feet which allowed me to really de-clutter. I have been on a new venture to simplify even more. In doing so, I will be moving from a large country home of 4 beds, 3 baths to a 1 bedroom casita in a UNESCO Heritage city. A place where you can walk everywhere and capture every wonderful moment because your life has been simplified. You have more time and more money to really enjoy all that matters. And for me, it allows me to go after bigger dreams and ventures without being attached to things. We know that with technology things are getting smaller. We also know that with cars, the SUV may still reign but with the Smart Car and oncoming Scion IQ), we know that smaller can still give us comfort and convenience. Now what about those monster suburban homes. Is it necessary to have these spacious homes with the extra rooms in case we have a guest? Strangely the guest room, in most cases, becomes a space rarely used; mind you it is pretty with its hotel style comforter and designer pillows. To go along with that big home, we have a second or third car to get around since we aren't in a pedestrian neighbourhood with quaint local shops. We need to drive our children everywhere. We pay more out with gas, insurance, maintenance on the home and cars, taxes, utilities...and the list goes on. This gal's savvy mind says, "Let's live a smaller BIGGER life." Let's downsize and move downtown or to a city with excellent pedestrian and transit services. No car needed. Shopping becomes more local thus you support local. You have more freedom. Less stress, less headache. When I grocery shop at a small store I am in and out in minutes. If I go to one of those big box stores, I have to walk a couple of minutes to one side of the store to get the butter and then back a couple of minutes to the other side to the 20 cashiers, of which only 3 are open. Now don't get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with the million dollar home. (I recently was invited to a broker's open house of a 1.6 million dollar home in Mexico, and it was stunning....calling out my name and luring me in. It can serve a purpose ) nor driving the lovely luxury car. I just find that sometimes people have a bigger dream and different vision for their life and that they could easily attain it by living the smaller BIGGER life. To your success in simplifying, Floydilou
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Step into your spotlight. OWN your message. Move with purpose. Speak confidently. Present yourself authentically. Have you ever noticed the way people walk down the street when you are sitting at an outdoor cafe? Do you notice how people network at a business function? Even if this isn't something we have thought about, we know that people's body language speaks volumes. I am not a body language expert, however, I do know who I like to connect to personally and professionally. I also know who commands my respect. I love people watching. I find that how a person walks can tell so much of who they are, how they work and how they receive energy. Working as a waitress and bartender for many years, I would immediately be able to assess the style of service my co-worker would give simply by their walk. I walk fast and move around fast. My service is fast. As a customer you would come to my section if you needed efficiency and to get back to your office meeting in 30 minutes. (I only lasted 2 weeks in fine dining...too slow for me....smile). If a co-worker was slower in their walk, it did not mean they were incompetent. It could mean they were orderly and systematic. It could be that a customer who liked to chat and be leisurely may enjoy that service more. With that being said, guess what you can expect from me when hiring me for consulting or business ideas?....yep, FAST. As long as you OWN your actions and how you present yourself with authenticity and you are working/living in your pocket, the spotlight will shine on you. You will stand out. It's about being the best you can be and attracting the best match of people and clients to you. Would you do business with someone who walked aimlessly? Had no conviction? How do you talk or present yourself. Are you upbeat and well groomed? When you give your 30 second intro or you simply meet someone do you have that same strong conviction? We know that a firm handshake and eye contact translates to confidence as well as interest. In your business it is essential to present yourself authentically. If you are shy, that is okay, however learn how to be in the spotlight YOUR way. OWN it. I remember teaching a very shy person how to prospect for clients easily at the grocery store. She could do it with ease, once we discovered how to do it authentically. We were able to focus on her strengths. She could OWN it with confidence. Be aware of your essence. Is the energy you are putting out in your walk/talk/posture truly how you want to be? Are there things you can improve? Do you know what could be improved? There are professionals that can guide you and coach you. People are watching you even when you don't think they are. Shine bright in your spotlight...always. To your success, Floydilou If ever I am given a longer deadline, I tend to procrastinate. There always seems to be a negative connotation with the word, however, I love the strength it has. Why I believe procrastination works: 1. When you procrastinate there becomes an immediate deadline. 2. You get it done because you are not distracted. 3. Decisions can be made quicker and easily because there is less choices. You are targeted. 4. You can focus with just that one subject at hand. 5. You are living life in the now. We tend to complicate things when given too much time; we think, we stress, we over-compensate. If you do not want the label of being a procrastinator, may I suggest you give yourself shorter deadlines. Personally, I don't mind the label of being a procrastinator. I know that I get things done. I do them well, if not better because I am in the present and only have the best options from which to choose. To getting it done fast!, Floydilou We all have our story as to why we can't or shouldn't. Our stories are so strongly developed that we don't even notice them and how they can hold us back from our full potential. The good stories we create will propel us forward. The bad ones are just excuses. They may sound like this, "when I {fill in the blank}, I will {fill in the blank} or words such as 'because", 'due to", "that's how I roll". So if we don't notice this pattern who will? A professional coach or mentor is my favourite choice. They are not attached to your outcome emotionally. They help you to discover it on your own and guide you to your next steps. Choose a coach or mentor who is where you want to be, not where you are at. Have them stretch you. A spouse or close friend may be able to help a bit, but they are emotionally attached. They are most likely on your same playing field too. They may have the same stories as you (the old adage, of like attracts like) You want somebody who can stretch you. I was caught in one of my 'stories' just the other day. I am making plans to move part-time to a Spanish speaking city. While visiting the city in preparation, my husband suggests I start learning the language during the trip. My response, "When I get here, I will learn". He replies, "You are here now." Busted! Thankfully I have the skills and tools to change the thought pattern. It's great to have someone call you out on your story. It is even better when they can guide you and assist you with accountability. As mentioned, a spouse, friend or colleague most likely will not take you to the next steps. A mentor, consultant or coach will. Get called out on your story! You will feel liberated knowing what to do next which will move you onward and upward. You will learn the skills and have the tools in your kit. I would love to help or refer you to the best suitable coach or mentor. To your success, Floydilou A smart business is more than having a one trick pony or upshot service.
Creating income around the clock by leveraging your time and resources brings you peace and freedom. If you are trading time for dollars (lawyer, accountant, small biz owner) you do not have a business, you have a job. Here are 3 examples (of many) of how you can create a smart business: 1) Incorporate an online presence that offers a scalable service or product 2) Add a revenue stream by choosing a product or service that enhances your current profession/business 3) Take on an affiliate program that compliments your business. What have you done in your business to create additional revenue streams that are 24/7? Making it happen, Floydilou The wealthy buy assets. It's the income from the assets that allows them to buy the luxuries. They do not buy luxury items from trading time for dollars from a job. _One of my very first sales training conferences was taught by the master, Tom Hopkins. It was 15 years ago. In this VERY FUNNY video, this talented gent uses countless techniques. Can you spot how many he uses? Let me know how many you can count and comment below. _There's no better time than the present. Do you have something you desire to do? Is there something you need to do? What stops you from moving forward? Usually it is the limited belief stories we tell ourselves. You know, the ones that are called F.E.A.R. (false evidence appearing real). Block off an hour of time. Write down the following questions, get really quiet (no distractions) and let the answers come to you. If i don't do this, how would i feel? If i did do this, what would happen? If I don't do it, then who could do it for me? What is the solution here for me? If you are afraid of dire circumstances ask yourself, 'If this 'terrible' thing happen what would the consequences be? How bad are those consequences? After you answer then proceed to ask yourself, 'So if that is the consequence, what would the consequence of that be?" ...and do it again until you realize that in most cases, it really isn't as bad as you may have told yourself. Are the consequences as bad as the 'story' in your head tells you. There is always a solution. The time is always right to take action. I invite you to a complimentary 10 minute 'sizzle' call with me this week and let's discover what you can do to get started. Click here to book a free 10 minute session. To your success, Floydilou |
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