Overwhelmed? Focus On The Right Things

by Karen Dodd

By nature, entrepreneurs are usually asking themselves, What's next? And with so many great ideas, it's often difficult to stay focused and not get overwhelmed. Give yourself permission to be okay with where you are right now. That doesn't mean you are resting on your laurels and won't continue to grow, but the key is to let yourself enjoy where you are in the present. You'll find this is a much better place from which to move forward -- when you've savored the moment and you're ready to move to the next project.

Examine how you can take what you love doing and leverage your time. Whether you are a coach or you're in sales, look for ways to share your message once but to many people. For example, rather than making a presentation to ten people one-by-one, consider doing a seminar or teleclass where you can reach more people simultaneously. "Seminar selling," as it is referred to, is being used more and more by everyone from financial planners to fitness professionals.

Use your sense of purpose to guide your slight edge decision-making. Ikigai is an Okinawan term for sense of purpose. Keep your sense of purpose rooted in all that you do. On a daily basis, ask yourself this question, What can I do to make the world a better place? And on an hourly or decision-by-decision basis, ask yourself, Is what I am doing now, directly contributing to my goal (or purpose)? If the answer is "no," then look at how you can refocus by doing the right task at that moment.

This is what Ralph Marston recently said on the subject of purpose, in his Daily Motivators.

"Where there is purpose, there is energy. Actions directed toward a compelling purpose will create a powerful momentum that lines up events and circumstances in your favor. Purpose gives you a reason to get going each day and strengthens your determination to persist when the going gets tough. Purpose pushes you firmly toward your highest level of accomplishment."

Don't make the mistake of thinking that you're living your purpose even when you're in the job or business of your dreams. What the heck does that mean, you ask?

The best analogy I can think of is someone who hypothetically has scrimped and saved and studied to put herself through medical school and is now a physician at one of the best hospitals in the country. However if she is overworked, stressed and feeling disconnected from her patients, she has probably lost the passion and zest for the sense of purpose that propelled her into her profession in the first place.

So, even if you're working in a field that you're passionate about, be sure to take the time to reconnect with your craft, the people -- the sense of fulfillment and satisfaction that attracted you in the first place.
Your Assignment:
Are you fully present or are you always thinking of "what's next?" Ask yourself these questions:
1. What are some truly great and significant successes that I have already achieved in my business? (this would be your "brag to myself list.")
2. Am I taking regular times out to savor and celebrate where I am and what I've already accomplished?
3. What 2 things could I celebrate today by giving myself little rewards (a walk on the beach, your favorite latte, a massage)?
Write down one way that you could "leverage" what you are currently doing one-to-one that would allow you to use your time more effectively and reach more people. Could you do a paid or free seminar or teleclass? Could you put a short audio or video up on your website or on YouTube? Use your imagination and get creative. The key is not working more hours but rather, working less while reaching more people and creating leveraged or passive income.

Write these three things down and put them where you'll see them every hour of every day (your office wall, on your computer, whatever):

1. "Is what I am about to do right now, taking me closer to or further away from my goal?"
2. "Focus Only On (your current project) Until Completion."
3. "What can I do today to make the world (yours, your clients') a better place?"

Write down three reasons that made you get into your business in the first place and then ask yourself, Do I get to do these things in my business on a regular basis? If not, identify three ways you can re-connect with your passion immediately -- and do them!

If you are truly living and working your passion and purpose, you will never have to work a day in your life!

Need some help to figure out how to really focus in on implementing these tips? Then be sure to go to my website to get more information about my Inside Every Woman There's a Millionaire® Programs. Click here to find out about events, tools and resources.

[Editor's note: Karen is available to work with you one-on-one, to help you identify your niche and implement a step-by-step strategy to build your business and attract your ideal clients. Please email her at Karen@KarenDodd.com for more information.]


©2009 Karen Dodd Group of Companies

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Working with everyone from moms to millionaires, Karen Dodd helps you connect with your unique gifts and talents, ignite your passion, and take inspired action so you can Focus On The Dream(TM). To learn how you can start or move your business to a level that you've only dreamed of, register now for Karen's free articles at: www.Karendodd.com.