September 2008. I began a little blog called “Secrets of domestic bliss”. The rest is history.
I can’t even begin to describe what blogging for the last 10 years has not only done for me professionally but personally as well. I don’t really want to get into the story because most of you know, if not, you can read about it here. For now, I wanted to take a moment and reflect by sharing a few things I have learned ( that nobody really ever told me ) on this journey of blogging and entrepreneurship with all of you beautiful people.
Focus on one thing at a time. I can remember when I first started out working for myself, I would do thirty things at once. My mind would go in different directions, I would want to be everything to everyone and do all the things that I could imagine. In order to be successful, you have to be clear and focus on one thing at a time so that you can give it the best of you! So, if you are starting out and feeling like you have to be on all social media, try focusing on just one of them and being great at it. Or if you are in business and you want to offer all kinds of services, begin with one, do it well!
Open yourself up to relationships of all kinds. Back when I was first starting out in design and blogging, I befriended so many incredible people online and in person. I was so blessed to form so many friendships that really were encouraging, inspiring and so much fun! Had I not been open to meeting people from all different walks of life, careers, creative interests, I would not have learned as much as I did. I would not have had the tools to keep going. I saw so many bloggers quit after a year or two but those who were open to growth in new things seemed to have staying power. Things evolve, and we learn the most from the relationships we have. This is also key when it comes to partnerships and collaborations which are a HUGE benefit to any kind of blog or business.
Don’t be afraid of doing something different. I am an interior designer and a blogger but I wrote my first e-book before anyone in my sphere was doing them. I didn’t do a big fancy book with a publishing house, I chose to self publish and write an e-book how I wanted to write it. I had so much fun doing it too. Now I have a couple more self published books and I love them. Doing things against the norm is exciting and fun. This keeps me going in my work, creatively fulfilled and lit up.
Alignment is the new hustle. I can remember waking up at 6 am to begin work and not winding down until 6 or 7pm. I thought things were better when I was hustling hard. However, looking back. Getting aligned is way more productive than the hustle will ever be. How to get aligned for success: keep up with self care, meditate, eat the proper foods, exercise, up-level your work habits, Feng Shui your work space, clear out clutter, know what you want, mindset work, tap into your intuition, etc.
Meet up with your mastermind. No successful person is an island. Over the years I have had many different mastermind groups that help keep you on your game. They give you fresh eyes to see your business with. You want to team up with people who are running in the same lane as you so you can keep each other going and stay ahead of the game. You’ll help each other grow in so many ways, you will always feel like you have new inspiration when you mastermind. No one can do it alone.
This is exactly why I really enjoy having Vision Board parties. It helps you find people who have similar goals and can also get on board for your goals and dreams.
Confidence is key. I cannot tell you how important confidence in yourself is in business. You would probably benefit more from working on your confidence than you would working on a business strategy. There are plenty of books on confidence and I highly suggest reading new ones from time to time to stay up with your game. When you walk with confidence, people take you seriously, you are influential and you will believe in yourself a hell of a lot more. You will be radiant with success.
You may want to hire a business coach to work with you on this. I have had many throughout my time in business. I have worked with many, there are wonderful coaches out there but you want to find the one that feels like the right fit for you. It’s very important that they understand who you are. Hire someone you admire and has a similar business to the one you want!
Read books to enrich your mind. I’m pretty sure moving companies can’t stand moving me because when I move, they have to carry probably around 20 ish boxes of books. I absolutely love books and I love to read. Anything from interior design to entrepreneurship, I just love learning about things. It is so important to continually expand your mind in new ways. You will always walk away from a book with creative inspiration. So, surround yourself with great books and you will always be working to your greatness!
8. Move with purpose. Find the greater meaning for what you are working towards. When you have that end goal of a bigger vision, you will naturally have an inner drive that prompts your success. I see so many new business owners struggle with their website, business logo, etc. They focus on the wrong things because there is no purpose for the work they are doing. Or perhaps the purpose is too superficial. Always go deeper when you are creating work, It will enhance everything that surrounds you.
9. Make friends with your intuition. I learned along the way just how important it is to trust your gut, or as I like to call is, your ISTA! The specific aspect of yourself that makes you, you. My course Unleash Your Ista is all about tuning into the part of yourself that is most you! You must learn to cultivate the power of dropping fear and moving with love. Listening to your gut will get you exactly where you want to be in the work you are doing. When we try to be all things to all people or do things in a certain way because thats how they are always done, you will most likely stay stuck. When your internal compass leads the way, there is room for wild success. Probably more than you even could imagine.
10. Share everything. I’ve got to say, I have always been a person who shares everything. I love to connect people, share what resources I use, etc. When you hold on to things too tight, you get stuck. Un block your creativity by giving things away. This works for every area of your life, in your relationships, your closet, your wallet. The more giving you are, the more the universe will give back to you!
