| I first began rowing seasonally, only during the fair | | | | visualize it. Create the story of your success. Think it, |
| weather months. I couldn't understand why anyone | | | | see it, be it. |
| would want to row in the winter. | | | | 3. By putting yourself around people who are thinking |
| After a couple of years, watching other people row all | | | | bigger than you are, you will begin to think bigger as |
| year long, I made the decision to become a | | | | well. Surround yourself with people ready to up-level |
| recreational rower. Now I had the opportunity to row | | | | their business, or have already reached a certain level |
| any time I wanted. Surprisingly it wasn't "that cold" | | | | of success, to show you how they live life as winners. |
| during the winter months. In fact, the winters were | | | | 4. Find supportive people to help you along the way. |
| easier to endure because of my new interest. | | | | You might be able to become a success on your own. |
| All this time I was aware of the racing team, but was | | | | With a mentor and a strong support, you will reach |
| unable to imagine myself in that group. There were so | | | | your next level of success even faster than you had |
| many reasons why I didn't belong including, having to | | | | anticipated. |
| wake up early, the time and expense of going to | | | | 5. Learn the shortcuts from others. Don't try to figure it |
| races; plus, I didn't think I was competitive. (Boy, did I get | | | | all out yourself. There are people out there who are |
| THAT one wrong.) | | | | excellent resources. They will show you the shortcuts |
| Several seasons of recreational rowing, all along | | | | to speed up your business growth. |
| watching the women's racing team, my interest grew. | | | | 6. What was once difficult is now easy. While you are |
| Certain aspects were very appealing to me, the | | | | taking the steps to grow your business, reflect on how |
| cohesiveness of a team, the advanced workouts and | | | | things were one year ago. Give yourself credit for the |
| dedication. | | | | changes you have made. Obstacles last year are now |
| On more than one occasion, my coach invited me to | | | | familiar. Up-level your mindset, your business will grow. |
| be on the racing team. Each time I declined the offer | | | | 7. Give yourself credit for taking action. Celebrate your |
| because I didn't want to meet the demands of the | | | | successes. |
| team. I just couldn't visualize myself racing. | | | | As I reflect on my business growth, the significant |
| By chance, I had an opportunity to row in a club race | | | | changes I have made in a short period of time |
| for the first time. It was unplanned. One of the boats | | | | continue to amaze me. Your mindset affects your |
| needed a rower and I said "yes." Because it happened | | | | success. I knew I had to face what was |
| so fast, I didn't even have the chance to be nervous in | | | | uncomfortable. I still do. Now I know I don't have to do it |
| anticipation. I had no idea what I just committed myself | | | | alone. In fact if I don't understand something, I have a |
| to. | | | | colleagues and a mentor whom I can look to for the |
| That event opened the doors to seeing myself as a | | | | answers. Someone will be able to explain the concept |
| racer. Soon after my coach talked to me again. This | | | | in a way which makes sense to me. |
| time I was ready. | | | | There are always questions and unknown steps as |
| The time had come for me to make a move over to | | | | you grow your business. Find the support you need to |
| the racing team. What a journey that has been. I have | | | | progress. Too often the questions about how to do |
| learned so much about myself, working as a team, | | | | something will hold you back. With a winning mindset, |
| understanding the value of coaching and strengthening | | | | support and desire, the next step will appear. Take it |
| my winner's mindset. | | | | with confidence. Each step will be taking you to the |
| Sometimes you just don't know when the next | | | | next level of success. |
| opportunity will appear. Regardless, you want to be | | | | Activity: If you have been avoiding networking, do you |
| ready to say "yes" when it arrives. There are | | | | know why? Each reason has a story attached to it. |
| important lessons I have learned along the way which | | | | You might not be able to change the event, but you |
| have impacted all parts of my life, particularly my | | | | are able to change the emotions you have attached |
| business. | | | | to those circumstances. Change is possible. |
| 1. Your thoughts affect your actions. Your perception | | | | Look at who you are spending the most time with. Do |
| will either limit you or push you forward. If you are | | | | those people truly support you and your vision? Are |
| unable to see yourself doing something, you will find | | | | they truly a partner for success or could they be |
| reasons to justify your choice to remain in your | | | | holding you back? |
| comfort zone. As a result you will be holding yourself | | | | Do what is necessary and find people who inspire, |
| back. | | | | motivate and support you. There are many networking |
| 2. Visualize how you want to be. If you are interested | | | | groups available in your community and virtual. Begin to |
| in getting to the next level of success in your business, | | | | affiliate with others who also share similar goals. |