It's funny how life works. It's an adventure everyday. My favorite...stretching myself daily.
You ever experience there's something you would like to do and you also feel a fear "let's not go there"? Let me just say, when it does that, it's a sign to "just do it" (Nike). I can go into psycho babble with the why. Perhaps another day.
COURAGE IS THE MASTERY OF FEAR, NOT THE LACK OF IT. - UNKNOWN
You are either growing or dying. GROWTH is the mother of PASSION. -Keith Cunningham
May I share my journey with you?
I grew up in a business environment learning about numbers, books, contracts, all that "fun" stuff... yet I never quite understood it. It's like knowing the Abc's and unable to write poetry. I could've used my environment to really flourish, absorbed lots of experience with connections, and of course as a teenager, that's not exactly my priority. I saw business as blah and boring. Now, an artist..ahhh. Creative, fun, freedom.
The best way I would describe business for me is being thrown into the ocean with no idea how to swim. I figured out that wiggling my arms and feet in a particular way kept me from drowning. I'm sure there was some dog paddling involved. I wouldn't know since I don't know what's what. It wasn't the most productive and efficient way. I survived for many years in a nice ignorant bliss.
Then 3 years ago, a small thought started nibbling at me...what if there's a simpler way? Is there something I don't know that I can't see?
Now, I'm totally resistant to business and doing business. Quite amusing. I took some accounting classes and I found it simple just tedious, and couldn't create interest in it. Next.
I stumbled upon a book written by Donald Trump & Robert Kiyosaki (author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad) that made me pause for a second. Normally, any book that sounded like money, business or finance is crossed off as BORing. However, seeing 2 bigshot guys coming together as a team to teach tickled my curiosity. This started my journey of business and financial education. (sidenote...life works in funny ways and it's pretty exact in a freaky way. The date I read the book, 12/06. Registered for Kiyosaki's program 12/29/06. Hmmm. Thank you universe).
Their teachings were a bit vague but new and different. So I dived into some programs with Robert Kiyosaki. Interesting, yet didn't resonate with me. I liked the Cash Flow Rat Race game to practice thinking outside of our normal box. They even created a version for kids. Great training tool for the younger generation to connect with the older generation. Next.
I took a 1 day course with Barbara Stanny to learn how women think about money differently from men. Learned some new perspectives that we have some programmed beliefs and expectations. It took me deeper on my journey, still on the surface. Next.
I thought maybe some 1 on 1 Financial coaching could give me the answers I was seeking. It's always fuzzy and nice to have someone support and hold my hand. Wasn't it. Next.
At this point, I still wasn't friends with finance and business. Getting acquainted, Yes.
Then a *sparkle * crossed my path. An invitation to a jewelry and wine event. Hmmm...intrigued. Turns out it was the 1st MLM business that I was interested in. Jewelry I can buy and sell or use as inventory. How fun. No worries if jewelry sits around too long. The value only goes up. So business can be fun and I joined Global Wealth Trade. I also loved how they they thanked ppl with a $100 jewelry gift certificate just for checking out the business presentation. Give 1st to receive.
The people on my team had an energy I resonated with, a hunger and passion for growth. They pointed me to Peak Potentials Training - Millionaire Mind Intensive to learn about my money blueprint.
A friend had recommended me to take it last year and it was free. I went on the website and when I saw it was $2000, I allowed that to stop me. This time, she had free tickets for me. There was no reason for me to say no to learning from a successful businessman.
"Give me five minutes and I can predict your financial future!" - T. Harv Eker
Me being the curious kitty, I was off to discover what my money blueprint was. I listened and absorbed. I liked how they taught something tangible like money and explained the intangibles that imprison us. There was something good they were teaching. I just needed more time to absorb and open my mind to shift. I experienced my 1st taste of fear and took action in spite of it. Very liberating to know I can be greater than the person I think I am. I experienced support and watched how ppl went through the same struggles that I had. Everyone connected at a heart level. This tasted and felt right. More.
I wanted to keep the momentum and took "Never Work Again" that showed me many variations of investments I never even imagined possible. I could feel my horizon expanding. Being successful is not so much about money, it's about creativity and thinking outside the box. I could feel myself slowly growing more fondly about business. I had no interest in stocks or trade. Very dry stuff. And then it's like the lightbulb went on. "DING". I found my next stepping stone.
I was inspired by Bill Bartmann. A millionaire who started with nothing. Went bankrupt and didn't let failure stop him. Even though he was a hardcore businessman, he created his company with heart. He showed me a side of business I never knew was possible. A business that actually cares. I like Bill and his business. It just wasn't resonating with me. More.
My other mentor was Keith Cunningham. This man had the ability to explain business using love & emotions. (Now, how could I not resonate with that)? He also happens to be Robert Kiyosaki's "rich dad". I always believe if you have to spend the time and money to learn, if possible learn from the source (or as close as you can get).
If you haven't figured it out by now, I don't see value in paying $80,000 for an MBA and lots of ppl I know who has it says it doesn't do much either. It's a nice piece of paper that works for some ppl. Keith taught a 4Day MBA which of course resonated with me. He made business super simple and then offered Business Mastery where we created board of directors from the class to hold each other accountable. I threw myself into a business environment I've never been in. Ppl involved in big deals, huge challenges...and watching how they discovered their solution.
The greatest gift out of these workshops and courses...the ppl I met. These strangers have become my friends, advisers, my team that holds me accountable for what I say I will do and vice versa. Listening to the things they do, how much they do inspires me to be the best I can be. If they can do it, I can do it. I never knew in business you could develop such true bonds (breaking down my old beliefs). More.
Then I signed up for a bootcamp called Guerrilla Business School. I felt I had done a good amount of learning, it's time for more interaction. The pearls I walked away from this was I knew more than I gave myself credit for. I do have the skills and just didn't know how to label it. Many of this was very natural for me because I grew up just doing it and took it for granted. More.
I asked around for what would take me higher and push me further...Enlightened Warrior Bootcamp. I heard how intense it was mentally and physically and well...I wasn't feeling comfortable jumping into it. Yet, my soul said "do it". It was the best choice I ever made. It challenged me like I've never been challenged before. Showed me what I was truly made of. There was a point where I just couldn't take 1 step forward, frozen in fear (ok a few times). Yet, I found the inner strength to go on and also ask for team support. I learned to slowly let go of the belief that I have to do it all myself. Being a team wasn't just about work and winning. It's about caring, open-hearted and leaving no one behind. I slowly started seeing through my illusions and who I truly was inside. My team reflected back to me what they saw in me that I never knew. I started to shift my view of who I thought I was vs. who I am.
I stayed in my warrior speed and took Wizard Training Camp. Wizard was a bit softer than warrior and took the lessons I learned deeper. Practicing the warrior's integrity of doing whatever it takes. 100% committed with a mix of the soft magical ways of the wizard. All this was perfect for me because I am an artist by nature and when I can create and merge things, that is my greatest joy and passion. To merge all the things I've learned and apply it to business, family, and life to create my own masterpiece.
It all seems like a challenging game to me now... How can I be successful, enjoy what I do and contribute joy to others?
My story was having money, being rich was somehow evil. Like all things, it all depends on the individual. "With great power, comes great responsibility." -? Parker
My passion for my business is to care for my loved ones, make sure they are secure and then make a difference in this world by teaching ppl how to fish vs. feeding them fish everyday. Money can't buy love nor is it magic. However, it has it's benefits which I can appreciate it now.
Money is like everything else. Just energy. Not good or bad. I know the direction. Just not sure about the how. Many of my teachers repeat this all the time. "If your why is strong enough, the how will show up."
My peak of the journey for this year was CEO SPACE. A 10 day forum in a cooperative environment where everyone helps each other reach their next step. It feels like I've done so much and yet have nothing to show for it. Finally, things are starting to make sense.
I can see my path. Doesn't make it easier or remove the butterflies in my stomach.
I am ready. I have everything I need. Key is staying focused and knowing what I have to do.
Over, under, around or through...whatever it takes, I will do. -ewtc
In CEO Space they teach us, learn, earn and return.
To truly master something, share and teach it to others.
These are some of the materials I used on my journey. Click here to learn more.
Thank you for reading my journey.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
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