I’m hoping you’ve noticed I’ve not been around for a couple of weeks (yes, that’s why it’s seemed quiet!) After a tour of Italy followed by being London for 4 days for my NLP training, and then 2 days at the High Growth Summit last week, it’s taken a while to get back in the swing. And I don’t like to write my blog in advance, but see what I want to write about that week.
Last weekend I got a pretty unique opportunity to spend a full day in a small mastermind group with Lisa Nichols. Now, if you’re not into your American business gurus you might not know who she is; suffice to say she’s one of the leading coaches in the world right now. Of The Secret fame, Lisa appears on shows like Oprah and Larry King, whilst millions of people worldwide have worked with her programs, both on line and in person, or read one of her 6 books.
What could I learn?
As you probably know, I’m a big fan of constant learning and growth, so this seemed an opportunity not to be missed. Even when you think you’ve got it all figured out, there’s always someone to learn from, always something you could do even better.
So I’d like to share with you the nuggets that I took away with me from my day with Lisa:
- Most people try to make a quantum leap when they just need to take a step.
- When you put systems and controls in place, they free you to do the work you’re meant to do.
- To be wary of having a life of pyrrhic victories – where the price of the victory really wasn’t worth it. So make sure your business success doesn’t cost you your health, friends and family.
- Accept the fear of playing bigger. I know I have a tendency to retreat into playing small instead of going for my mission when things feel tough. No more! Playing big is supposed to feel scary!
- That we need to plan the other areas of our life – just what relationship do you want with your family and friends? How fit do you want to be? Design every aspect of your life to make it everything you want it to be.
- What will your legacy be? We had to write our own eulogies that would be read at our funerals – one was the legacy we wanted to leave, and the other was what people would actually say now. That was uncomfortable, realising that who you’re being right now isn’t who you want to be. (and I can’t tell you how excruciating my homework from this is)
- Who is currently taking their lead from you, and being inspired by you? Someone is always watching.
- The importance of continual investment in your own growth – your business will never outgrow you! It won’t suddenly get better at finance, or marketing, or sales than you. Your business can only be as good as you, so keep growing you!
- I really liked this one – that harmony is more achievable than balance.
- Time management doesn’t mean restriction, it means freedom, and prevents overwhelm.
- Comparison is the thief of all joy – stop comparing yourself to other people, your business to your competitors. Have your own plan, know where you’re going, and keep taking action.
I certainly didn’t feel at the time that I needed to have a day with Lisa Nichols. I’m on track, I know exactly what I’m working on, and to be honest I was worried it would just be a distraction. (I do love a nice new shiny thing!)
But I understand the value of having a growth mind set. About being open to learning, and understanding that it takes effort to get good at stuff. If we only ever know what we already know, then how can we ever hope to grow our businesses, and become brilliant at the things we need to be able to do.
I’ve been reflecting on the clients I’ve worked with over this last year. And because I’m privileged to know their financial results, I can draw a direct correlation between those who do have a growth mind-set and those who are resistant to new things. And I’m it won’t surprise you to know that the entrepreneurs who are open to growth and learning, have more successful businesses.
So in the spirit of the growth mind-set, what can you take my from my learnings last weekend? Even if it’s uncomfortable. Because growth IS uncomfortable, which is why so many people retreat back to what they know. Be the person who steps up, who embraces learning.
The person who will lead the way for their business to follow.