***Create A Vision For Your Business:That Makes a Difference, Makes A Profit And Makes It More Fun!

Like most solo entrepreneurs when I first started my business I was hyper-focused on making money. It made sense - I had to make money to pay my bills and meet my monthly expenses.

Then there was always the "in-my-face" annual income goal that I held in the forefront of my mind (which I never seemed to be able to achieve). I was constantly struggling with making money; it occurred as a lot of internal pressure and hard work.

I frequently felt unmotivated and uninspired, yet at the same time, I was desperately afraid of failing by not bringing in enough money before the end of the month.
Then as the end of the month approached and it got closer and closer to our bill deadlines, I would become flooded with anxiety.

I realized this wasn't a very powerful way to create money. I knew there had to be another way to go about this.. After experiencing enough fear and frustration, I hired a business mentor and he walked me through an incredibly powerful exercise.

"You need to have a bigger vision for your business." He explained. A vision is not a hope or wish, or something you use to improve yourself. You don't use a vision - it uses you. It shapes you and reshapes your circumstances.

In other words, rather than allowing your fear of not surviving drive you, it's far more powerful to come from what inspires you. Start to look at what speaks deeply to you? Where is life calling to you?

Not what's going to make you survive better - that actually isn't a vision. What moves you? What lights you up? What do you love to do? Where do you find yourself growing and developing? What mighty purpose would make a difference for you and others?

"I want to make lots of money." I confessed (I felt kind of shallow saying it, but it was the truth). That's the area I'm growing in."

"Okay, assume for a moment that's already happened. Standing there what does that make possible for you?" He asked.

"I would have a life where all my bills are paid for and I can relax and be fully present with my family and be there for them and not feel preoccupied."

"And once that's happened, what does that make possible?" He asked.

"Having more time off, making more money, financial security, time with my husband and son, time to really connect with my friends and peace and an overall sense of well-being."

"And once that's happened, what does that make possible?" He asked again.

"I don't know. I guess it would be "living and loving richly" in all aspects of my business and life. I guess it would be the experience of contentment and fulfillment."

I began to feel a deeper sense of excitement and aliveness welling up within me. I realized that beyond my own personal gain what was most inspiring for me was to commit myself to the vision of "every entrepreneur having the experience of "having it all" in their business and personal life. To make extraordinary money, make an extraordinary difference in the world and have an extraordinary life."

Your Weekly Action Step And Practice
To create a vision that truly pulls you forward in your business and life ask yourself the following questions, "Where do I feel pulled to grow?" What speaks to me? Where is life calling me? What lights me up? What would I love to do?

Notice your answers and for each response ask yourself, "Once that happens, what does it make possible?"

Continue to answer and then repeat the question, "What does that make possible?" until you feel you have your ultimate answer or vision.

Then turn your statement around so that it becomes a statement/vision about what you aspire to create in the world - for everyone. This is your Vision. Commit yourself. BE a stand for it. Then allow it to inform you; to shape you as you move forward into your "unfolding" future...