Developing Skills So You Can Take Charge Of Your Future!

Ever look at someone and wonder how they do it all? No silly, I don't mean me! My life isn't that big of a mystery anyway. You might wonder what on earth I'm doing sometimes, but that's a topic for another blog! I'm talking about those people you admire (might be jealous of occasionally) who just get stuff done. A lot of stuff. Amazing stuff! Whether it's someone famous like Beyoncé or Oprah, or your good friend who runs her own business, runs marathons, and somehow doesn't look likes she's run ragged. Yes, those people. We love/hate them. Of course, the hate part isn't really hate. It's admiration/envy/awe all wrapped up in one. What do these wonder people have in common? A lot of things, but the one I'd like to talk about here is determination, which they have in spades.

Were they born with all that determination or did they develop it on their own? I'm sure it's both – nature AND nurture, mind over matter. Whether or not you'd describe yourself as determined, I think this is a character trait we can consciously develop in ourselves. Naturally, it takes... well... determination. Did I just say that? I really mean planning, thought, plotting, goal setting, stick-at-it-ness. So don't quit now... keep reading!

Mind Over Matter! Nature And Nurture!

I believe that determination can definitely be learned. Like any good student, you just have to develop a process or "study skills" so to speak. So we're going back to school for a few minutes here (think fun school, like college, but minus all those papers and studying). If you missed my class last week, here's the condensed version of Professor Marley's lecture on "The Importance of Being Determined."

First, I should say that this is a case of mind over matter (or is it body?), as well as nature AND nurture, because we all have the ability to re-train our brain (and body) to do things that we're not naturally inclined to do. Think exercise, getting up early, eating healthy, being organized, arriving on time... all those good habits people have that they're not necessarily born with – and aren't always fun – but that lead to greater success when practiced diligently.

Determination: Critical Trait in Small Business

Just as a little throwback – and for faster reading before Friday's quiz – I wanted to give you an old school outline. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on how you feel about reminders from your academic past), I can't quite remember how to do it! Roman numerals, capital letters, numbers, lowercase letters... ugh! I gave up on all that the minute I got to college. So here's my version of an outline. And don't blame me if you have school dreams this week where you forget to go to class or do any reading all semester and the final is tomorrow.

The Importance of Being Determined

Set Goals
• Put goals in writing
• Goals should be challenging, yet realistic; specific, not vague
• Develop a plan & list steps for achieving each goal

Set Deadlines
• Prioritize goals
• Hold yourself accountable for deadlines

Review goals & deadlines regularly
• Check in with yourself often! Make sure you stay on track with goals!
• Revise as needed if conditions or priorities change
• Add new goals as new old ones are completed or as new opportunities arise
• Your mantra: Don't Give Up!

Identify obstacles; learn from mistakes; try again!
• Figure out what's preventing you from achieving what you want
• Identify your strengths & weaknesses; how can you compensate for what you don't do well and take full advantage of your strengths?
• Learn from your mistakes; look to past mistakes & success before moving forward
• Don't get sidetracked!
• Try, try, repeat!

Every Small Business Runs On Determination!

And there you have it, the quickie outline to increasing determination. Set goals and make a specific plan for achieving them; review your progress regularly; hold yourself accountable; if you have a setback or failure, try again. If you think of determination as a habit or skill that you can constantly work on, being more like the people you're in awe of won't seem so daunting.

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Be Oh So Quotable This Week!

I always say running a business means the work never ends! Ain't that the truth? I bet your to-do list is a mile long! Make sure that the items at the top of your list are the things that relate to being more profitable. Everyone is so proud of being so "busy"...But Are You Making Any Money? Don't be too busy to focus!

Check out the summary of last week's business tips and motivational quotes from my Instagram page which you hopefully got to see in real time! If not, let's make sure we're following each other on Instagram!! So...here is this week's roundup of Instagram images of My Top Business Tips and Motivational Quotes.

Determination – Tip #1:

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"A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work." – Colin Powell

Determination – Tip #2:

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"Courage, sacrifice, determination, commitment, toughness, heart, talent, guts. That's what little girls are made of." – Bethany Hamilton

Determination – Tip #3:

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"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to go to bed with satisfaction." – George Horace Lorimer

Determination – Tip #4:

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"You can have all the talent in the world, but without determination, you won't get very far." – Malorie Blackman

Determination – Tip #5:

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"The strongest people aren't always the people who win, but the people who don't give up when they lose." – Ashley Hodgeson

Let's talk! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the importance of determination!

Is determination something you have naturally? Or is it a trait you've worked to develop? I would LOVE to hear from you! Anyhoo...I publish these business tips and motivational quotes to get you fired up for your work week!

Oh by the way, in case you're looking for something to help with pricing, keep more money in your pocket and take your business to the next level, we've got it right here! And it's FREE!

And, if you want more business tips, get my book, But Are You Making Any Money? or contact me to really take your business to the next level!

xoxo M

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