Deciding feels empowering.  When you finally make up your mind that you are going to achieve a particular goal, you are filled with a calmness. It’s only when I sit on the fence that I feel trepidation. A dear mentor of mine used to joke “Do you know what sitting on the fence will get you? (answer = splinters in your butt)”. There’s just something about making up your mind that helps.

Too often, though, the next stage is “but how do I do that?” and all kinds of personal doubt and fear begin seeping into your decision. The “who, what, where, when, how?”, creeps into your rosy decidedness and your calmness flies out the window.

When this happens, I do several things. First, I mentally stand firm – get determined – to take whatever actions it will require to accomplish the goal I decided on achieving. I commit to myself that I will go the distance. I act like a coach, telling myself I can do it, that I have what it takes, and that I’m “in it to win it”. Mentally, it sounds like a high school track meet rally. A little cheesy perhaps, but I would recommend you try it for yourself before you knock it. It works for me.

Next, I make a list of what I think it will take to accomplish my goal. I do this lightly and creatively, capturing all I can (see the project management 101 post to get more detail.) I include in this listing an honest recognition of my abilities. Just like the children’s story about the little engine that could, I tell myself “I think I can”. I don’t count on mantras or positive self talk to make me a gold medal gymnast if I can’t even do a cartwheel, but if I’ve done tasks before (or know someone who can do it for me), I mentally check off that part of it. By mentally setting it aside, the weight of the challenge lessens. I only really have to evaluate the difficulty of the unknown, of what I haven’t done before or don’t have a resource to do it. Usually about 75% or more is already a controllable and managable known item, so really it’s only the balance of the issue that needs to be investigated or resolved.

Secondly, I develop the habit of always returning to my decision. Not to reevaluate it, or question its validity, but rather to commit to it, again and again. Declaring your faith in yourself, in your abilities, and in your decision is valuable. It gives you and your ideas energy.

To declare my faith, I take some deep breaths and I say that I embrace and respect my decision. I claim my devotion to seeing my decision manifest. I reiterate that I stand willing and ready to be shown how my decision can come to be. I restate that I believe this can be. I use my spirituality here too, but you don’t necessarily have to do that if it’s not what you believe. It takes faith in yourself first and foremost but any help you can receive is good to get if it helps you.

Faith is the evidence of things not seen. It can get tricky when you have to take action before you have the evidence or proof that it will work. And, faith won’t necessarily make it all work out how you think it will. But, it’s the engine of change. It’s the start button for new stuff. And, it helps reinforce your determination of action. So, start with faith in your decisions, have determination in your actions, and I have no doubt that it will work for you. Chime in here with any experiences where your faith and determination has helped you in your business. It always helps to hear how others do it.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman

This weekend, I am on a spiritual retreat. I am visiting my spiritual teacher, Amma in Dallas, Texas, a stop on Amma’s North American Tour. Watch the video below to see a FOX News report on her and her philanthropic endeavors.

This might seem fringe or weird to you, but to me, it’s deeply personal. Some I meet believe that work and personal matters shouldn’t be mixed. But, truthfully, there is no way to separate these things. Nor, in my opinion, is there any advantage to doing so.

I mention my personal journey on this entrepreneur’s blog to help others make their own connections between who they are at their essential core and how they behave in their business and in the world. In my way of thinking, your faith, whatever that is, shapes you and colors all that you do.

My teacher speaks of patience, love, forgiveness, and the need for the spirit of the Divine Mother to be reignited in this world. I strive to run my business affairs with these values in mind. Traditional cut-throat methods aren’t appropriate if you start with a compassionate viewpoint. I cannot say that I never lose my patience or become judgemental. I am human. But, ultimately, I work with the idea of service and shared benefit at the core of my goals.

Think for a moment of what your mother does for you. She cares for you and she loves you unconditionally. When you were a baby, she fed you, she taught you, and she kissed your wounds to made them feel better. As you grew to an adult, she was there as a confidante and supportive energy. The spirit of generous giving and nurturing is at the heart of a loving mother.

If you did not experience a loving mother, you know the damage it has caused you. Imagine the damage you can do by not conducting your business affairs honestly. Imagine the pain that negligence or disregard can deliver. A surgeon who drinks on the job, a teacher who molests their students, a huge corporation that pollutes rather than conduct their business gently on the earth. These are all examples of people who did not allow their faith to help guide their business choices.

I am not suggesting that anyone preach to another about what they should believe. Rather, I am suggesting that it is correct and good to consider and incorporate your beliefs into your business model. Become aware of how you touch others with your work. To live a passionate life means to have your heart engaged and an engaged heart is fueled by faith. Discover and embrace yours. Because, frankly, I can hardly wait to see the magnificent things you will do.

Love to you. Thank you for visiting and supporting me.

Together, we are stronger.
Vicki Flaugher, the original SmartWoman