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

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

As the New Year approaches, did you accomplish what you set out to do? "
"Is your  life any different from last year?"

Would you like to start your own business but fear leaving your career...continue reading.
If you have skill or passion in the following categories,
I have 11  'off the hook'  and low cost start-up biz ideas for you that are unique and exciting:

Business/Personal Development Books
Mechanic or Cars
Greeting cards
Babies and Motherhood
Art
Cooking
Parades
Writing
Rural Living
Restaurants
Video

In today's world you can start your own business while maintaining your career.In matter of fact, I highly recommend you keep your job or your corporate position until you match your income. You can start your own business without spending daunting hours after long work days. Having a strong mentor and coach who helps you to laser focus, you can get much accomplished in a shorter period of time. Technology and other creative solutions such as interns, students, and virtual assistants can only expedite your journey as well. Your coach and mentor is able to hold your vision for you and guide you along so that each week and every quarter you see results. To start, I recommend working in 90 day increments. Most people can make a commitment for just about anything for 90 days. This allows you to take a step forward. If you don't start, what will change?  Work with someone who not only understands what you want to accomplish but can really help guide you. There are consultants and coaches for specific niches such as lifestyle, health, relationship and business.

Make a comment below and if you are seriously interested in starting a business for 2012, let's talk. I love showing and guiding people on how to turn their passion and skill set into a profitable business, quicklly and affordably. Will you take me up on the offer?! I look forward to connecting.

To your success,
Floydilou

Passion is the main secret between people who spring out of bed in the morning ready to take on the day and those who just simply trudge through the responsibilities of life.  My friend, Lora Colautti, once shared a powerful term with me - Passion Plan.

The Passion Plan is a step by step guide to discovering and developing your personal passion. Most people are not lucky enough to get to live their dreams and passion.  Instead, they work a 40 hour a week job pay their bills and just get by.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  Many times discovering your passion is the best way to start a profitable business.

In order to find your passion you have to search deep inside your soul.  Start by asking yourself questions such as “If I could do anything what would it be?”  Or “If I could spend each day doing something, what would it be?”  And "If money were no object, the bills were being paid, and my house was paid for, what would I be doing every day?"

Answering these questions is the first step to devising your own Passion Plan.  Devising your own passion plan is the first step to finding personal and professional happiness.  People who are happy do things better and with more confidence, which always equates to more success.  More success breeds more happiness so it becomes a positive circle that your life is wrapped up in.

Start to find your passion and see how it can equate into profits for you.  When you are doing something you love it never feels like you work a day in your life.  The first step to becoming that kind of person is to identify your passion and put a plan into place to start making it a part of your everyday life.  In the coming days, I'll be sharing an incredible offer with you that will help you discover your passion and your purpose. Stay tuned...there's more to come soon!

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Finding yourself and getting lost sounds like quite the contradiction.  The reality is that sometimes to find yourself, you have to get lost.  By getting lost I mean letting yourself live in the moment a little more.  With everyone’s hectic lifestyles these days we can often forget that we have to make time that is all about us. Getting lost also means getting out of your daily routine and shaking up your life by doing something outrageous or spontaneous. Do something that gets you out of your everyday enviroment. I always recommend travel, but even if it’s a simple daily or weekly action that can work too.

When we were children, the world was all about finding ourselves.  What did we want to be when we grew up?  What clubs/groups would open up more opportunities?  Once we get older, we get caught into more of the day to day and don’t spend nearly as much time discovering and implementing what truly makes us happy.  Although we can’t walk away from our responsibilities, it is important to find the time time to discover what really matters to you.

Even if you only have a little time each week to discovering yourself you need to do it.  Think about something you used to love that you just don’t seem to have time for anymore and spend a little time doing it.  This brings back the memory of what passion for something feels like. Passion is the single biggest factor between a life of happiness and success and a life of mediocrity. 

Lose yourself for a while and see how quick you find your true self again.  Not your Mom or Dad self or your work self but your real personal self.  Finding that person again will not only bring more happiness but also more success to your life.

What are some things that YOU'VE done to get lost and find yourself? Please feel free to share your experiences and discoveries.