Last night I was talking with my brother who lives in Colorado.  Several months ago I told him that I was going to move to Colorado.  He told me last night that when I sent out an email that my house was about sold that he realized I was really moving to Colorado.  His words, “Once you make a decision you do it.”  That’s right! 

At this point in time I don’t know how the whole move will happen.  I don’t know the little details or where the financing is going to come from.  But what I do know is that I am moving in late March of this year, and that I’m open to all the opportunities that are coming along that will make it all happen…the how.

For instance I had a friend call me about something last week and asked me if I was going to hold another Passion Test Party.  I told her that I had decided not to but since she asked I would put one together.  I saw an opportunity and took action.  In a day I had the location booked, the registration information on my website, and invitations sent out to key people. 

Taking action is the second most important thing to making a decision.  I’m not talking just busy action.  I’m talking purposeful action that will move you toward your goals.

I want to ask you, where in your business are you not making a decision, not taking action or not doing either?  Where is your indecision and/or inaction getting you?  What would your business be like if you made more decisions and took more action?

Please share your comments below.  I would love to hear how your decisions and action are propelling your forward.  I would also love to hear how your indecisions and inactions are holding you back.  There is where I can help you turn things around.

Bubble Wrap offers packaging protection, stress relief

 Posted by Jenni Spinner, Senior Editor — Packaging Digest, 1/30/2012 4:21:16 PM

 The first-ever Bubble Wrap Brand “Pop” Poll stress survey found that 77 percent of Americans are more stressed or as stressed today than they were one year ago. Close to one-third of the nation (32 percent) believes that there is a better shot for the national debt to be erased than a life without stress.

As part of the 12th Annual Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, Sealed Air Corporation, the makers of Bubble Wrap brand cushioning, conducted the Bubble Wrap “Pop” Poll to gauge the current stress level of Americans and reinforce the surprise stress-relieving benefits of popping Bubble Wrap. The survey, conducted by Kelton Research, reveals that just over one minute of popping Bubble Wrap provides stress relief equivalent to a 33 minute massage.

The survey also shows that Americans who have popped Bubble Wrap in the last seven days are less stressed about their health than those without as much recent Bubble Wrap material popping experience. The “Pop” Poll also found that 69 percent of workers would take a pay cut to ensure that they would never be stressed on the job again.

“Bubble Wrap was originally intended as a form of textured wallpaper, but has transformed into an unexpected “pop” culture icon, becoming most recognized for the satisfying release that comes with the popping of each bubble,” said William V. Hickey, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sealed Air. “Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day is the one day that fans from around the world can truly relieve some of their daily stress by popping Bubble Wrap materials.”

Sealed Air Corporation’s Dr. Pop sifted through the Bubble Wrap “Pop” Poll results (posted on www.BubbleWrapFun.com) at the Sealed Air headquarters in Elmwood Park, N.J., to reveal many different triggers that cause stress and unique ways that Americans would handle their anxieties. 
Stress Hits Home
Close to four in ten (38 percent) of Americans polled would rather never encounter an ounce of stress again than win a new home worth 100 million dollars.

The Northeast Needs Some “Pop” Relief
Thirty-six percent of Northeasterners are likely to feel stressed more than 10 times in an average month compared to 26% of the rest of the country; this makes the Northeast region the most frequently stressed in the country.

Blue is Better!
Almost one in two Americans (43 percent) say that the most relaxing or soothing color is Blue.

Don’t Pop Alone, Try A Famous Friend!
According to the “Pop” Poll, over one in four Americans said that they would have the most fun popping Bubble Wrap with Ellen DeGeneres (26 percent) with Will Farrell coming in second (18 percent).

Easy Rider
Recent Bubble Wrap poppers are less likely to be stressed out by unpredictable events when traveling, such as missing a flight (52% vs. 59%) or a hotel losing their reservation (39% vs. 43%).

Despite the attempts of imitators, there is only one Bubble Wrap; a product which has transcended its intended use of protecting valuables to become a “pop” culture phenomenon. Bubble Wrap brand cushioning has inspired users to come up with hundreds of different uses. For more information on Bubble Wrap brand cushioning or the Bubble Wrap “Pop” Poll Stress Survey visit BubbleWrapFun.com.

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day is celebrated every year on the last Monday in January.

The originally intended use for Bubble Wrap was entirely different than how it is used today. Inventors Marc Chavannes and Al Fielding originally developed a plastic they hoped to market as textured wallpaper. When that idea did not take off, the inventors began to have some success marketing the product as a greenhouse insulator.

Chavannes then realized that Bubble Wrap brand cushioning could be used as an improvement from paper and old newspapers for cushioning fragile items. Once the opportunity was identified, the inventors worked hard on the manufacturing process for Bubble Wrap cushioning in an effort to create an ideal packaging material. After a lot of tinkering, they developed a special, proprietary barrier protection which prevented air from leaking and resulted in the crisp “Pop” that Bubble Wrap is famous for.

Source: Sealed Air Corp. www.sealedair.com

There are three important R’s that solopreneurs must face:  Ridicule, Riding it out alone, and Resiliency.  Let’s take a look at each one.

As a soloprenuer people, often your family, friends or former coworkers, will tell you that you’re crazy for starting up your own business.  They’ll ridicule you for living your dream, often out of jealousy or their own belief that they would not be able to do it so why should you.  You’ll also feel the ridicule of striving for more whether that’s money or making a difference in the world.  Who are you to be better than they is a prominent thought these “less-minded” folks have. 

Because the people you spend most of your time with don’t understand how you could leave a perfectly good job and start a business you’ll find that you feel alone most of the time.  The conversations you have with these people will feel small, maybe even petty, compared to the vision and thoughts that occupy your mind most of the time.  You will find yourself spending less and less time with these people and more and more time with other business owners who “get you”.  You will feel like you are Riding it out alone and your circle of friends has grown smaller.  Don’t worry because spending less time with these “less-minded” people is to your business growth benefit.

This is where Resiliency comes in.  Even though you often deal with ridicule and riding it out alone you have the stamina and spirit to keep going.  This is Resiliency.  To keep moving forward with your vision no matter what is what sets you apart from those that work a 8-5 job.  Remember how pissed you used to get at the job?  Remember what inspired you to walk away and start your own business?  Resiliency is one of the top characteristics of solopreneurs.  You don’t give up on your dream just because obstacles get in the way.  You keep moving toward your vision.  You find opportunity even when everything seems to be going wrong.  You keep on keeping on.

Turn the three R’s of Solopreneurship into your dream team.  Tap into them when you need them, let them make you a stronger business woman (or man).  Always remember, there are hundreds of solopreneurs out there just like you and if they can be resilient in spite of ridicule and riding it out alone so can you!

What are the personal and family things you want to create and accomplish this year?  They may include buying a new car, getting a puppy, seeing your child off to their first year at college.  What else do you want just for you?  I really want you to dig deep.  Do you desire more harmony?  Do you want to have a more active social life?  Do you want to travel?  Do you want to invite your ideal mate to share your life with you?  Do you want to wake up every day so happy that you can hardly stand it? 

When I put my business plan for this year together I also put together my personal plan.  Funny thing is that even though I’ve been able to follow my business plan to the letter so far, I got off track with my personal plan.  I could come up with excuses or reasons why I got off track, but I won’t.  I take 100% responsibility for my life so there are no reasons or excuses to fall back on.

Today I got back on track with my personal plan and one of the first things I did today was got out on the trail.  Today was the first time I’ve been on the trail in 3 ½ weeks!  It was the best thing I did for myself today and I’m so glad that I got out there.  Trekking in the woods is where I get grounded and do my best thinking.  I also get to enjoy Mother Nature up and close.  The picture here is what I saw when I looked up at one point.  The pine needles are so delicately balancing the water drops. 

Made me think how we all need to feel balanced.  One way to feel balanced is to create a personal plan for you this year and stick to it!  I vow to stick to mine from here on out.  Will you vow to create and stick to yours?

If we all live our passions there would be less anger, frustration, feelings of being unfilled, sadness, overwhelm, and the list goes on and on.  When we live our passions we are doing what is most meaningful to us.  We’re paddling down stream, going with the flow, living life to the fullest.  I know in my heart that every living person wants to get up each day feeling alive and extremely happy.  Living your passions brings that about. 

Think about when you do something that you don’t want to do but someone else wants you to do it.  How does that make you feel?  Now compare that to when you do what you want to do and how that makes you feel?  A great example is when we see kids out playing and having a ton of fun.  Then their parents come out and tell them it’s time to go inside.  The kids complain, they state their case for staying outside, and when they don’t get their way they either cry, pout or scream hoping that their behavior will get them what they want.  As adults we don’t cry, pout or scream like we did when we were kids but we do these things quietly on the inside.  I’m digressing.

Living our passions no matter what society says will only make our communities, our society, that much stronger and more enjoyable to live in.  Not living our passions to go along with what society mandates only makes our communities harder to live in. 

Do what means the most to you, live your passion, no matter what anyone else says or thinks.  Be the greatest person you can be and others will follow.

I love the question, “What if?” because it helps me to slow down and take a different look at what ever is before me.  Asking “What if?” also helps my conscious and subconscious minds connect, even for the briefest moment, which results in the best solutions.

So, what if you had what you wanted?  What if you’re life were filled with all the things, people and events you desire?  What if you had a smile on your face that no matter how hard you tried you could not wipe off?  If you had all these things how would you act?  Who would you be?  Where would you go?  Who would you interact with?  What if you started acting as if you already have what you most desire?  What would your life be like if you acted as if you had it all?  Start doing just that, act as if.  It’s a lot of fun, it fills your subconscious with what you desire most, and you start to think differently.  By acting as if you will, in a very short time, have it. 

Play my “What if?” game and start acting as if and see what wondrous things fill your life.

1. Take a deep breath and let it out.  Deep breathing has a calming effect on the rest of the body.  When you’re calm you’re able to think better.
2. Take a good look at your list and make a commitment that you’ll complete what you can today and leave the rest to the Universe.  By doing this you’ll be amazed at how much you accomplish plus the creative ways the Universe gets the rest done for you.
3. Get up and take little stroll, even if it’s just up and down the hallway in your house.  Physical movement helps release the pent up energy that makes you feel overwhelmed. 
4. Do some stretching, like yoga, that will clear your mind of everything for at least 3 to 5 minutes.  Then you’ll have a fresh perspective on your to-do list and your day.
5. Chocolate has its place.  Eating a small piece of chocolate will boost your serotonin and help you feel better.  If you’re partner is around sex has the same effect, but is a lot more fun than chocolate!
6. Give a friend a call and talk through what you have to accomplish.  Sometimes talking it through with another person helps put your to-do list in perspective.  You may want to ask your friend to check in with you in a couple hours to see how you’re doing – great accountability piece here!
7. Sit down and have a cup of your favorite tea or other beverage.  For me it’s a cup of hot chocolate.  I find it relaxing and it opens up my creativity to getting things done.
8. Maybe it’s time for a little snack.  Eating a healthy, crunchy snack involves all the senses and it’s nourishing too.  I find that chomping on a juicy apple or a few carrots sparks ideas for me and I’m ready to get things done.
9. Switch activities for a half hour.  Maybe in the back of your mind is that nagging thought that you still have to wrap that birthday present or get the laundry done.  Go do it!  Changing your activity will help you have a new perspective on the rest of your to-do list, and it gets that nagging thought out of your mind that’s been eating up your energy.
10. Look at your list and do what feels the best in the moment.  Sometimes doing what feels the best is the best way to get through your to-do list.  However, if you find that you’re getting all the fun stuff done and not getting the harder things done then don’t follow this idea.  Instead do the harder things first and save the fun stuff for last.

 Feeling overwhelmed is just that, a feeling.  The best tip I can give you is to keep your perspective on how you view the way you are feeling.  You can choose to feel overwhelmed or you can choose to feel good, happy, or adventurous about your to-do list.  It’s all up to you!

1. Take your goals and break it down into monthly action items.  What do you need to accomplish on a monthly basis in order to be successful in achieving your goals?  If you want to achieve your goals in 6 months, plan for 6 months.  If you want to achieve them in 12 months, plan for 12 months.  One goal may be a 5 month goal and another may be a 9 month goal.
2. Take your monthly action items and break them down into weekly action items.  Don’t cram too much into a week when you know you won’t have the time to get it all done.  Remember, there are other goals and tasks you need to work on each week as well as the most important action item – working with your clients.
3. Take your weekly action items and break them down into daily action items.  If you need only 3 days a week to work on this goal then make a plan for those 3 days.  If you need 7 days to work on the goal then make a plan for those 7 days.  Schedule your action items according to when you have the necessary time to focus on them; otherwise you won’t get them done. 
4. Okay, I’m giving you a fourth step, and this is just as important as the first 3.  Put your daily action items on your calendar and stick to it!  Don’t put something off because when you do you’re putting the achievement of your overall goal off by a week.  That’s right, when you put off a daily task by a day or two your overall goal moves out by a week. 

Remember, you’re working with your biggest business goals.  These are the goals that will bring you more clients, more money, and more prestige.  Therefore, it’s very important to spend focused time on them.  Not in between making dinner and doing the laundry.  You want to have uninterrupted, focused time.

Follow the above 4 steps and you’ll achieve your goals just as you plan!

Getting outdoors opens up the mind and releases the blocks.  I recently was working on a coaching program and could not see what it would look like. So I went for a walk in the woods and the whole program came to me in a flood of ideas.  By the time I got back to the trail head I had the whole program outlined.  (My personal tip: take a voice recorder with you so you can capture your ideas in the moment.)

Moving your body moves the blood which helps to refresh your thoughts.  Along with movement is the change of scenery: the scent of the woods and fresh air; the sound of the birds, chipmunks and even the nearby traffic; and the visual aspect of the trees, grass, sky, etc. all help to change your perspective and opens up your thought processes.  I often get inspired by something I see while out on a trail.  A cool mushroom growing out of a tree, ice on a creek, white tail deer running through the woods have all inspired me in writing a blog, ezine article, and web content. 

The next time you’re at a road block put on your outdoor gear and get outside for a while.  I’d love to hear how nature inspires you in your work.

When writing out your plan you need to start at the end result.  What is it that you want to accomplish?  Then work your way backward to set weekly goals and daily action items.  By doing this you’ll set realistic action items and goals that you can and will accomplish. 

Take time to work on your plan.  Whether it’s a 30-day, 60-day, 12-month, or 10-year plan take time to really think about it.  Once sure fire way to have your plan fail, and your business sink as a result, is to just throw out the big ideas onto paper and expect that you’ll accomplish them. 

You also need to seriously ask yourself if you are 100% committed to your plan, the goals and action items you set.  Will you do what it takes to fulfill everything on your plan?  If not, go back and rethink your overall plan.  Make sure it’s something that you are passionate about.  Then take another look at your goals and make sure that they can be realistically accomplished. 

When it comes to daily action plans don’t try to cram a lot into one day.  As we all know from experience, things take a lot longer than we anticipate.  So, pick 1 to 2 action items for each day and work on them until they’re done.  If you need to roll them over into the next day then do so, but work only on what you roll over. 

One last note: Do not let yourself get distracted with email, social media sites, television, cleaning the house, or other little things.  Keep in mind that you need to focus your attention and time on your plan or it will not happen.  If you get distracted easily then there’s something amiss with your plan and it could be that you’re not 100% committed to it.  Go back and take another look at it.  You should be excited and ready to work on your plan every day.  Take these steps and make our planning habits save you!