In the past week, I’ve had major technology glitches, vendor/supplier challenges as well as a leak in our home from all the rainy weather. (Yes, it’s been one of those weeks.) Being an entrepreneur will test you in every way imaginable. The universe has a way of “checking in” periodically to see how serious you are about your intentions, your dreams, and your purpose. It will throw you curve balls to see how you respond. When these situations arise, you always have two choices: Run for cover (like jumping in your bed and pulling the covers over your head, hoping that this will all go away quickly–not very effective I might add from personal experience) or step into a place of possibility thinking and find solutions (which works beautifully every time).

If you’ve had some challenges lately in your business or personal life, and feel like you need some solutions to help you move into possibility thinking, here are a few tips that I personally use to move me out from under the covers and into being an energized solution seeker:

1. Walk it out – Grab a cup of coffee or bottle of water and hit the pavement. I find that going on a long walk, breathing in some fresh air and taking in some nature helps me refocus and reframe the situation in a more positive light.

2. Dive In – Going inward and allowing my internal voice (also referred to as your “instincts”) to be heard calmly and clearly helps a great deal. Meditation is a wonderful tool in these times. If you have never done meditation before, that’s fine. Just sit quietly, close your eyes and find your breath. Focus on breathing in and out for a few minutes. You’ll be amazed at how much calmer and more focused you feel within 5 minutes of doing this. Solitude is smart practice and one that I engage in regularly.

3. Find your Champions – This is the time to reach out to the people in your life who champion you. These are people who think you hung the moon. Avoid toxic naysayers. You know you’ve got a challenge. The last thing you need is someone to tell you that. Engage with people who have a positive attitude who truly want to see you succeed and provide resourceful contributions to your situation.

4. Take note – Take a good look at what went wrong in the situation. Ask yourself a few questions: What part did I play in this? How can I keep this from happening in the future? Become proactive and set up systems to avoid these types of situations in the future.

There’s an old saying that I’m sure you’ve heard before:  “Life happens on your way to making plans.” This is true especially for women. We wear so many hats and play so many roles for others. There are certain challenges in life that we won’t be able to avoid because life does happen. However, Smart Women set themselves up to survive and more importantly thrive in this wild, wacky world.

Anything is possible.  Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff
 
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at Creating The Spark.

Making a decision to do something new or different in your life can get really uncomfortable.  It triggers all of your “stuff” down deep inside.  You may start to question everything you do and sometimes you wonder if you should continue with your new Big Idea, Dream, or Goal.  After all, you may not be overjoyed with your current life situation, job, or business but at least it’s familiar—right?  I remember a time in my life when I felt out of sorts, stuck and trapped, but at the same time I wasn’t sure if I had the courage to make the changes that were needed in order to feel whole, passionate and purposeful.

For example, when I decided to give birth to Smart Women Smart Solutions, there were many reasons why it wasn’t the most “ideal” time to begin something new.  For example, I had my son who was a toddler and was pregnant with my daughter.  My “stuff” seemed to pop up everywhere and follow me around with all of the reasons why now might not be the “right” time to start a new business.  “Who will take care of my son?”  “Now isn’t the right time”  “What if it doesn’t work?”  “What if I fail?”  Sound familiar?

I have fears just like everyone else.  Confronting your “stuff” is not much fun.  It means you have to take a look at what is and decide if you have the courage to change and do what it takes to breakthrough to the next level in your life.

Over the last 2 decades, I’ve had times where I was surviving and times where I was thriving, and I will share with you that in order to “thrive”, sometimes you have to go through that “survive” period.  It’s essential that you learn about yourself and see what changes or shifts you need to make in order to realize your Big Ideas, Dreams, and Goals.  My grandfather used to say, “Joy, no matter where you go, there you are.”  Well said Pops.  Sometimes, we get in our own way and practice the art of self-sabotage without really even realizing it.

Here are a few solutions that have helped me with my “stuff” and I believe it can help you too:

1.  Look for a “Thinking” Partner – Have someone on your side.  Someone who can support you in a positive way when your “stuff” comes up.  Having a “thinking” partner will help you to see how to move past your “stuff” and stay on the right course to accomplish your goals.

2.  Find Successful Role Models – It’s essential to find people who’ve been successful and continue to be growth-oriented.  One of the biggest mistakes I see people make as entrepreneurs is they stay in a vacuum.  They try to figure out how to accomplish their dreams on their own.  Let successful people show you the way.  They have paved a road that will be much easier for you to follow.  Attend conferences, join Mastermind groups, or hire a Coach to help you stay the course.

3.  Make sure your Desire is Heartfelt – When the desire is there, the how-to will come.  No matter how much “stuff” you are dealing with around this change you are making in your life, desire will always win, if it’s authentic and truly what you want in life.  Get really clear and focused on what you want to happen.

Living a life that allows you to achieve and have what you want and deserve is not always easy but it’s certainly worth the effort.  Facing your “stuff” along the way not only helps you, but it helps all of the people who come in contact with you now and in the future.  You will become a beacon of light that they can look to for guidance when they confront their “stuff.”  Remember, it’s not trespassing if you cross your own boundaries.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

****

Copyright 2009 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions(tm), a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at http://www.CreatingTheSpark.com.