People often ask me how I am able to accomplish so much- especially since I started a business- considering that I have a chronic illness, a toddler, and manage a few other major commitments.
First I have to admit, I am my own worst critic. I try everyday to love myself by extending kindness through self-praise in order to counter my internal self-criticism. Like you may experience, I say some pretty harsh things to myself:
Quanisha, you’re a failure. You can’t do anything right!
Look, there’s another freaking typo, dummy. No one is going to think you’re a professional with a typo! (Trust me, I review and proofread my post about five times. But for some reason, my brain doesn’t notice omitted words and minor details).
What’s left to do if I want to move on towards my desires- I have to forgive myself. Truly I say, “It’s okay, Quanisha.” Then, I pray those who like me and understand my value will overlook my minor grammatical errors. (So, please forgive the typos! I try, I try.)
Aside from remembering my value and being kind to myself, my consistent progress is a result of my mindset. Let me explain because this isn’t the usual “think abundantly.” (although that is important!)
Tip #1: Become a Professional
In the Mind Your Business Challenge, I share how Black women entrepreneurs have to make a crucial decision that for me expands beyond business. The decision is a commitment you make to yourself to become a professional.
Steven Pressfield in his classic book, The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
deeply discusses resistance. Resistance is the internal force that prevents us from doing the work we are often called to do. He explains that if we want to beat resistance, get unstuck and manifest our calling, then we have to “Go Pro.”
The Professional actions he shares that excite me the most are these:
- Professionals show up no matter what
- Professionals commit over the long haul
- Professionals master the techniques of our job
Pressfield lists a total of 10 Professional behaviors. I provide an in-depth overview for five of them on the first day of the Mind Your Business Challenge and how they apply to entrepreneurship. For now, I hope you get the general idea that you have to stop making excuses.
Here’s the thing: If you haven’t accomplished a desired outcome in your life, it could be because you are making excuses. Honestly, I’m not here to make you feel bad about this.
Really ask yourself: say “Self, Have I made this desire a priority in my life?”
- Have you started a business, but you let the demands of your full-time job interfere with you working on your calling?
- Have you received invitations to speak or teach, but you never submit your proposals?
- Do you need to learn a new money-making skill like blogging, but you keep saying you don’t have the time or money to invest?
We make time for what we value. And Sis, it’s time for you to value yourself!
Consider this: If I offered to pay you a $1,000 to work 10 hours on your business this week, would you find the time?
Would you reschedule appointments?
Would you ask a friend or family member to watch your kids
Would you renegotiate your work schedule (including using that vacation or sick time)?
You would figure out how to make it happen!
Now, let’s be brutally honest: There are some areas of our lives where we all make excuses. My thing is own up to it and accept that you don’t really want to change it.
or
The other option, and the one I highly recommend, is to acknowledge you haven’t been showing up for yourself. Then, the task is for you to forgive yourself and recommit to your desires. Give Up the Excuses to Get Unstuck.
Tip #2: Pay Yourself First!
Paying Yourself First is often a term used in financial advising. The concept is to set aside a dedicated percentage of money for your savings before you pay anything else.
I want you to use this same concept to prioritize your desires.
Here’s your Get Unstuck Power Task: Pick one career or business area you want to improve over the next 90 days and schedule those dedicated time blocks when you will work on it, right now!
Set the timer for 15 minutes. Then, go create that recurring appointment in your calendar or whatever you need to do.
Want to write that book to showcase your knowledge? Go schedule time over the next 90 days to write.
Want to get a new paid client? Schedule time to market your business and your offerings.
Do not pass go. Do not collect $200. Did you do it?
Tip #3:Refuse Politely
Your time is non-negotiable.
But Quanisha, what happens when there’s a time conflict?
Here’s my Refuse Politely template:
“Oh No. I can’t do that time. I have a prior commitment. How is [insert your available time]?
If you’re asked:
Can you volunteer for the church? “I would love to, but I can’t do that time. I have a prior commitment. How is [insert your available time]?”
Want to meet for brunch? “Oh No, I would love to catch up with you, but that time doesn’t work for me. I have a prior commitment. How is [insert your available time]?”
Mom, we need something non-life threatening? “Mommy, would love to help you right now, but I have some work to do. How about you go read and I’ll be with you in two hours?”
See, works in every situation. Now, stop making excuses, & go make it happen!
Want to Learn More?
If you are looking for additional ways to get unstuck and master your mindset, I’m teaching a FREE CEO “101” Masterclass: 3 Crucial Strategies to Become the CEO You Deserve to Be. Yes, I want to master my CEO Mindset
In this Masterclass, I’ll share:
- My story on how I went from making $3k on the side to creating $14,000 in the 3 months time.
- Why your mindset is what’s TRULY holding you back (this is not the usual abundance mindset stuff)
- How to position your business for the most profitable sources of income
- 3 crucial strategies for staying in consistent action with your business goals
Join me! Click Here to Register Today!
Leave a comment: What career or business goal do you want to accomplish over the next 90 days?
