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What would you say if I told you that I know the key to happiness?
Would you chuckle to yourself and look the other way? Or would you
be intrigued enough to consider what I have to say? If you are of
the latter mindset I welcome you to follow along on a journey that
may surprise you where it ends.
For many of us we consider time to be our worst enemy. Millions,
nay, BILLIONS are spent on avoiding and restoring the toll that
time takes on our bodies. Just look at the numerous industries
that have sprung up to this end. First we have cosmetics, and
cosmetic surgery, followed up with diet and stomach stapling,
then what about exercise and personal trainers. If that isn't
quite enough we can look to the time robber restoring industries.
To that end we are provided with Time management journals, training,
coaching, clocks, alarms, secretaries and Virtual Assistants who
help keep us on time and focused to name just a few. If you think
that time is your greatest enemy read on. That could be just the
tip of the proverbial iceberg.
Now we have education, knowledge, and credibility. These three
are really just one. Do you lack the proper experience or training
to give you the competitive edge? If so perhaps you should consider
enhancing your education by taking online coursework or even sitting
in on your local college classes. This leads me to the question, "At
what point do I become an expert in my field?" The simple answer is
when YOU decide you are! But even this is not the greatest of all
enemies.
OK so if not these what about funding. Could that be the big bad
wolf? Not having sufficient funds to properly build or market your
business is definitely a problem for many small businesses. However,
proper planning and a sound business plan can make a difference
here. With these tools you may even be able to establish a small
business loan to jump start your business. Besides these possibilities
there are many resources available to the small business owner through
government grants and such. So obviously financial burdens are a big
sore spot for many of us but they still are not the worst of the worst.
Lest I get carried away, there are numerous pebbles in the road to
business success but the greatest enemy of all is YOU! Yes, you are
your worst enemy. When you fail to employ all the resources at your
disposal or to properly plan you stand in the way of your own success.
As an example, the lack of utilizing the simple act of follow-up is
not the root of your problem it is merely the result of the fear in
you that is holding you back.
When you set your fears aside, no matter what they may be, and take
a step outside of your comfort zone you will gain far more than if
you allow your fear to overcome your desire to win. If your fear
stems from the inability to properly communicate your thoughts you
should seek a counselor who can help you to see where and how to
correct your communication lacks. One such book I found extremely
helpful was JoJo Tabares' book on just this subject, "Say What You
Mean When You Are In Business." Available here:
http://artofeloquence.com/catalog.php?item=4&ret=index.php
This is one I highly recommend. Whereas if your fear stems from
public speaking, my own book on this subject, "Presentational Skills
for the Next Generation" might be the ticket available here:
http://www.lulu.com/content/488481
Most likely the fear that separates you from success is in itself
keeping you from taking action. So the action itself is not the problem
rather, it is YOUR lack of action that is the problem. What about in-
flexibility? Again, this boils down to YOU! Are you beginning to see
the root of the problem? Once you recognize wherein your enemy resides
you can begin to develop ways to overcome the thing that is keeping YOU
from becoming the best that you can be. Take a moment or two to
contemplate just where your strengths and weaknesses lay and seek out
the assistance or the information to help you overcome the fears that
lie in wait to prevent you from reaching your desired potential.
Procrastination won't get you there. Do it right now and you will
forever be thankful that you did!
© Copyright 2007 Ginger Marks
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