When I graduated from the IIN Health Certification Program, last September, I immediately started working on my new business, Ready Set Go! Influenced by my Project Management background, I painstakingly laid out what I thought I needed to do to reach the goals that I set.
I grew up with a Chinese Tiger Mom and that upbringing automatically compels me to set the bar high. My “lofty” plans included creating two Webinars, developing two eCourses and, of course, building my Coaching practice to at least ten private clients. I also needed to set up my Social Media presence and brush up on my writing skills. Oh, and I wanted to write my book. ALL by the end of the year!
I might have had a pot of coffee while I was developing my 2017 Project Plan…
I also neglected to take in account that my To Do List included Mom Responsibilities of an Independent but Needy Teenager and Partner Responsibilities of an independent man who has no idea how to run a household or feed himself when I’m not with him.
Within two weeks, I started to feel a little overwhelmed…
I realized, although I was the Master of Recruiting, I was the Master of None when it came to starting an online Service Business. That led me to sign up for numerous courses: Digital Marketing… Find Your Niche…Social Media 101, etc, etc. All these courses started with the basic fundamental skill…Writing. Naturally, I signed up for the "30 Days of Better Writing" course.
I wrote my very first blog post that took me days to finish because I knew what I wanted to say but I was grasping for the perfect words to write it. Finally, I was finished.
I made my inaugural post and waited eagerly to get a response from my community. It would be my validation and that “pat on the back” to know I was on the right track.
CHIRP….Chirp….chirp….crickets for days…
As a Project Manager, I was ready to pinpoint the issue and solve the heck out of it. I sought help from my two biggest supporters…the people I live with.
“I feel like I’m reading a memo from my boss.”
“Ummm….Mom…why do you use the word ‘collaborate?’…Can’t you just say working together?”
Back to the drawing board…
And then, I got hit with the dreaded Writer’s Block.
I have to tell you, I was SO productive in everything else except for working on my blog and business. The house was spotless. Gourmet meals were served for lunch AND dinner. My laundry was done on a regular basis which meant I didn’t have to go out and buy new socks or underwear. All in all, I felt pretty accomplished in everything…except my business.
I was discouraged, frustrated and stuck!
And then, I read an article from one of the many Writing Blogs I signed up for. It recommended that writers write every day for at least fifteen minutes. Didn’t matter if it was “publishable.” Didn’t matter if it made sense. If you couldn’t think of anything to write, they suggested writing, “I can’t think of anything to write” for the allotted time.
This “Stella” found her groove.
My very first day, I wrote, “This is stupid…I should go back to Recruiting” for fifteen minutes. The next day, I started writing down why I DIDN’T want to go back to my old life. I wrote down why I started this journey in the first place and what impact I wanted to make. Although I didn’t mean to, I went over my required half an hour. Per the recommendation, I just left it without looking or editing it.
The third day, I went back and read what I wrote. I took the advice of my loved ones and didn’t write in a formal business-y tone. I switched it up and found my “voice.” And I made (and still do) a daily habit of writing at least thirty minutes a day, six days a week.
Six months later, I’ve re-adjusted my Tiger goals and discovered that I really do love writing! There’s been a positive response from my readers and I’ve figured out my mission for everything I write. Good valuable insights with a big dose of humor! I’ve been so encouraged that I’ve made finishing up my book one of my first priorities.
Oh sure…I have the days where I’d rather clean my house (said no one ever) and get a root canal then write. But what I’ve learned from this experience is I do it anyways. Although, I have more “un-publishables” than chapters and blog posts, I still know that I’m steadily pacing toward my mission. My brain is alive with ideas and having the discipline to write every day helps me articulate my next steps and actions. It’s also teaching me to cultivate patience, planning & timing…step by step…building my resources.
I’m a quarter way through my book now. I’ve finished the Introduction and two sections of my book. I’ve also realized that this book will be the foundation for my future eCourses and Webinars and will engage potential clients to want to work with me.
Perseverance shows up in small daily actions.
So, here’s some questions for you…
What is your goal or purpose?
Are you getting distracted, discouraged or frustrated?
How often are you working on it?
Perseverance has become my secret weapon while chasing after my dream. Disciplined daily actions are building my skill set and toolbox. It’s also strengthening my faith in the rough and discouraging times.
So, where do you go from here? What is something that you can do EVERY DAY that will get you closer to the life that you want?
If you’re trying to eat healthier, eat at least one healthy meal EVERY day. If you’re trying to get more exercise, find the time to fit in exercise time EVERY day. If you’re working towards a goal, find time EVERY day to work on it. If you’re feeling isolated, take the time EVERY day to connect with someone. I think you get the picture…
Commit to nurturing your dreams and goals!
You’ll find that success will be inevitable…
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