Every week another woman tells me that she isn't really a business woman - that she is JUST doing something that she loves and doing it in her own wierd way. Some women tell me that they don't really trust themselves. They don't want to do what they've done in the past but they don't know what else to do. They get ideas but they don't know how to implement them. They need a career but they want it driven by their desires, they want it to give them pleasure and bring good things to their family and life. They are smarter than they think they are. But they don't feel that way about themselves, they doubt, stay stuck in fear, slow themselves down from shyness. Women building businesses love to get done what matters the most to them. To get traction on their business priorities. To contribute to their communities and world by bringing their feminine power and wisdom to work. The research shows - we build businesses differently. We don't usually develop a business plan from our heads. Instead, we feel our way into building our business - we feel with our hearts and our passion and our deepest desires. Then, we marry that knowing with our intellect and intuition within the beautiful sphere of relationships that we live inside of each day. Women of courage are building their businesses around the world! My friend Asha in Somalia told me all about the brave women in her country who have taken over the small businesses because their husbands are off fighting in the clan wars or even killed or maimed in the wars. It is entirely unthinkable for women to be involved in business there. They are not part of the daily decision making. Yet, they are finding out just how good they are - and the smarts they are putting to work to feed their children and keep their communities thriving. "We are trained in the male model - working hard, pushing, driving, wearing ourselves out physically. But, then, how do we feel about ourselves? We need to link our pleasure with our business. If we don't have the time, health, and radiant well being to enjoy your business it's not worth it!" This quote is by jennifer and Melanie on the conversation group after the Inspiring Women's Summit today. What a rich conversation we enjoyed this evening. Thank you both of you! Yet, also, we can use some of the tried and true strategies like focusing on our priorities - isn't this really a way of relishing and really backing our desires? Here's the Soar Business Coaching Blog #3l. You can check out the comments and other blogs as well on the SOAR website. Focus on the Big Rocks to Manage your Time This is something that happened last week in my home at 7:45am. My 17 year old son woke up late, raced into my office, and asked me to get him some breakfast while he dressed for school. My 22 year old daughter called from college with a problem, "I need your help now mom!" And, a new coaching client expected a proposal from me before 9. Can anyone relate? Sometimes it is so hard to juggle everything! I decided two things a long time ago. #1 - I can't do it all perfectly. Hard to admit, but the truth. #2 - Getting all the little things done won't get me where I want to go. In other words, I might get 20 little tasks done in a day but still procrastinate on the big one that will really move my business forward. But, there are so many little things that need my attention every day! From the dripping faucet to the pile of filing to posting a tweet to that pesky laundry that I swear grows on its' own. What's the key to managing your time? Set your "big rock" priorities. Imagine a big glass bowl and a pile of tiny, smallish and slightly bigger rocks. How can you fit the most rocks in the bowl? Do you start with the smaller ones first then push in the big ones? Hate to tell you but it doesn't work. That's right. You start with the big rocks, place them in the bowl, then when you pour the little ones in they will fit in between in the cracks and crevices. What are the 2-3 big tasks that if you got them done, would move your business forward? I'll bet you know exactly what those are. Here is my top 2: installing the new operating system in my computer and writing the Introductory chapter for our book on Feminine Wisdom. Both tasks are filled with unknowns. So, I put them off. Then blame myself at the end of the week when I've lost momentum. So now I schedule those in the first part of the day - yes, before I go onto Facebook or check email. I "chunk" it down in bite sized pieces: One: get the program from my husband's office. Two: ask him about any cautions (I'm not a techie!~). Three: back-up my computer. Four: install. I set the kitchen timer for 20 or 30 minutes and plow in to one part. I either do 1 chunk each day for 4 days or all 4 in one day but I set the timer each time. And I feel so good when I get it done! So, what are your big rocks? What are 2-3 large tasks you've been putting off? What is a "to do" of considerable importance on your list? A new idea to test? A major step to take? Make a List . If you have a lot, choose 2. Then choose 1 to start. Break it down into small baby steps. Set some time in your calendar. Give yourself the gift of focus for 20 minutes. Set the timer. It's doable. After the timer goes off - give yourself a treat. My favorite is a spin through the garden, or a chocolate covered ginger. Yum. Use the comments to let us all know what you got done and we'll join our voices in celebration. Lynne Twist got it right when she said that it's all about integrity, not balance, but integrity. When I'm moving ahead on my big rocks, I'm in integrity with myself. I feel honest, undivided, and internally consistent. It's a much more satisfying way to live and work. Plus, when I'm focused on my big rocks I fix something really simple for my son and tell my daughter that I'll get back to her after 9. (after all she really would have been ok if I'd been in a meeting and she'd left a message!) My shoulders drop 2 inches, my headache eases, and I can start to breathe again as I finish up that client proposal on time. The next morning? My son probably gets his favorite - scrambled eggs and Canadian bacon on an English muffin. Yum. If you want to hear more from Lynne (a mom & new grandmother, author, founder of 2 organizations, fundraiser, speaker, etc.) excerpts of her inspiring talks are on our website. Enjoy! And, if you want some real Momentum in your business, whether you are a newbie or an old pro, join us for the Momentum Coaching Group for 4 weeks, starting May 12th from 4-5:30PT. Early bird price is awesome but only until May 5! Click here to learn more. Would you like to engage in positive changes that grow your business and enhance your relationships? Schedule your no cost coaching consult with Fay or Karen today to see if business coaching is just what you need. Does it feel like your inner flame gets dim or tired out? Join us July 16-18 for Igniting the Flame Workshop in the SF Bay Area. It's a great way to recharge and return home with more to give and a sparkle in your eye.
