As a young child what did you daydream about?  What are your first fond memories of childhood?

As a young girl, I was always drawn to the riverfront. I would ride my bike down to the river and gaze at the Detroit skyline. I would sit by myself for an hour or so. I would feel the grass between my feet. I would look at the tall buildings across the way. I could hear the freightliner sounding it's horn and watch the birds in the sky.  Imagine a 10 year old sitting by themselves just dreaming and staring off at the skyline for over an hour. No other friends. Just me and all the other people off in the short distance walking by. It makes me recognize my independence today. I am more productive when in solitude but love to be surrounded by interesting and loving people.   I tend to travel and live in places close to water and with beautiful tall buildings surrounding me. It's a combination of architecture mixed in with nature. For me I choose places such as New York or Waikiki. Others may prefer Easter Island or Machu Picchu. I must have a view of a city skyline and lots of people around for the energy! I also grew up in a dance studio and that was my 'play' place. Music, costumes, learning new steps, movement and lots of people around me in the classroom. Yes, I always preferred the solo routines on stage with the bright blinding spotlight. Nobody but me, my music, a spotlight and a loving audience surrounding me with love.

I share this memory with you because of late, I have noticed my clients are completely stumped by my first two basic questions that I ask them:
1) What is the vision of your business and why do you want it to be successful?
2) What was it that you wanted to be when you were a younger person and why did you not pursue that dream?

Some are in businesses that do not hold true to their authentic self. Others are in businesses they think they 'should' do.
Even as I write this today, more of my own memories flood my mind and I recognize how much more of what I do today is reflective of my childhood.

After reading the next questions, I want you to think of what brought you joy and take 5 minutes daydreaming and 30 minutes to write down those memories. I want you to think about your favourite place to play when you were a child.  Were you alone or were you with many friends?  Did you sit back on a couch and read a book by yourself or were you playing stick ball on the streets with all of your friends. Were you the leader? Were you the instigator? Did you prefer to have others to take centre stage? What was it that  you wanted to be when you grew up? What did you do on a daily or weekly basis that brought you joy?

Ready!...Now sit back, close your eyes and remember those fond childhood memories. Afterwards ask yourself what you can do to bring more of that into your business and life.

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

_Here is an edited version of a viral email going around with great gift ideas to support your local community.

Support your small business owners and independent retailers to keep their doors open. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains.

And the great news is that you will beat all the crowds of people and jammed parking lots.  Who wouldn't want everything on this list?! I know that I could use and would appreciate every gift listed here.

1 Most people get their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local hair salon or barber?

2) Gym membership. Yoga Classes. Dance Classes.  It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

3) Car Detailing. Small, owner operated detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate.

4) Need a big ticket item?  Driveway sealed, lawn mowed for the summer or driveway plowed all winter, games at the local golf course.

5) Owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. If your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint?

6) How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by a local working guy?

7) Heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

8) Computer tune-up? Find some young guy who is trying to get his repair business up and running.

9) More personal?  Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

10) A business coach or personal life coach. How about Floydilou's Festivepreneur Special!

11) Original Art - such as Artcite's "Doin' the Louvre"  with all items under $100.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre?

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Please comment below and share your ideas on great gift ideas to support our local people, small business owners and community.

To your success - and Happy Holiday Shopping!

Floydilou

Are you an entrepreneur? Do you have the same challenge that Sir Richard Branson and I have?
It's called A.D.O.S.!
You see, some people may have A.D.D. / Attention Deficit Disorder but I like to call ours something
a little different:
A.D.O.S., Attention Deficit...OH SHINY!
I was on a training call back in June. The guest speaker talked about this challenge. I wish I could remember his name,as I love to give credit where it is due. He talked about entrepreneurs always wanting to go to the next 'shiny' object.
We always see opportunity and our creativity can always find fun solutions in what others may see as difficult.
A.D.O.S. is the acronym for Attention Deficit OH SHINY!!  You know how it is, you start here and then you go there. You
sometimes become overwhelmed because, you, as the visionary know it's all possible. How do you overcome this?
Well, Sir Richard Branson, is smart. He has the vision and then he puts together the team who can actually get it done.
He is the starter. He knows what he is good at and he knows how to delegate to people smarter than him!
Who is on your team? Do you have a team? Who is the first person you can put into place to start finishing the dream you have created.
Here's to all the A.D. OH  SHINY! people out there. Embrace it! Recognize that it is o.k., however, start implementing your team
to help you get it done.