5 Ways to Take Inspired Action and Get Results

Once at a networking event where one of the speakers was a Facebook executive. She said that the company motto was "Move Fast and Break Things". They got new ideas out there as fast as they could, saw what worked and what didn't, and fixed the problems as they went along. When I thought about it later, I realized that the trait was common to all of the outrageously successful entrepreneurs I could think of. The Richard Bransons of the world don't wait for everyone to agree that their idea is a good one, or for it to be perfectly formed before they put it out there. They test and tweak as they go.While none of us are likely planning to launch a space mission or airline anytime soon, why not take a leaf out of their book?

Here are 5 ways YOU can get results by taking inspired action:

1) Put yourself out there

You could have the best product or service in the world, but if people don't know about your, your impact and potential will be limited. Who do you know who could introduce you to more of your ideal clients? It could be a person, a community or an association - anyone who has access and influence with the clients you serve (or want to serve). I serve creative professionals, so I focus on places where creative types congregate. I teach workshops at WeWork co-working spaces, write guest blog posts for the Freelancer's Union (you can check out my most recent post here), teach workshops and webinars for entrepreneurial communities such as In Good Company and Smarty, and attend creative conferences such as99U and HOW Design Live. It's not as hard to get started as you think. Groups are always looking for new resources that will help their community, so drop them an email with an idea for a talk/workshop/webinar and start the conversation.

2) Seize opportunities (even when you don't feel ready)

Did your mom ever tell you "Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it"? Mine did. When you up your inner game, opportunities start coming in thick and fast and chances are, some of them will force you outside of your comfort zone. Don't let the fear stop you. Pushing it off won't make you feel any more comfortable, so when someone asks you to speak at a conference or lead a workshop, say "yes" and then figure out how to do it. You'll be surprised at how resourceful and brave you really are.

Read: The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book)


3) Prioritize projects that 'have legs'

Successful entrepreneurs know that a thriving, dynamic business needs equal parts structure and flexibility. Absolutely map out your goals, along with the steps you need to get there, but be prepared to pivot if you get traction on an idea in the form of client support or interest. When it comes to getting results, inspired action will always trump plain old effort, so go for glory.

4) Get support

Putting yourself out there is a lot easier when you have support. There are lots of communities and programs dedicated to masterminding, support and accountability. I'm really interested in trying Savor Circles, you could also create your own group. The best groups consist of like-minded people with complimentary skill sets and experiences.

5) Don't wait for things to be perfect

An idea is worthless until you make it a reality. Get it out there and know that sometimes good is good enough.

Let's inspire one another to reach for our goals!

by Justine Clay

 http://www.PitchPerfectPresentation.com

What Are You Focusing On?

It was a beautiful afternoon and was out for a walk when I saw them. Snowdrops. Spring was coming, I was sure of it. Then I looked across the street at a mountain of dirty snow. I looked at the park; it was still inaccessible. I sighed; spring was not here yet. I looked back to the flowers and enjoyed them for a few minutes.  

 As I continued on my walk I thought about flowers, spring and the mountains of snow I climbed around. 

Here are five lessons I came away with that I believe are vital for us to remember as we run our businesses every day. 

1. If a tiny little flower can survive winter and find its way through the frozen earth and snow, I can certainly thrive when I encounter resistance from others or more frequently, when I manufacture the resistance myself.

2. Things change subtly. There was no big sign that said "first sign of spring here". You have to be on the lookout for changes, possibility and opportunity. I could have easily walked right by those flowers and never noticed them. What opportunities and possibilities are you walking right by in your business?

3. It's up to you where you decide to look. One side of the street had a five-foot high mountain of snow, the other side had snowdrops. I chose to look at the snowdrops and not dwell on how much snow was left. Winter is not over. We are likely to get more cold weather and more snow. I focused my attention and energy on the flowers. What you focus your attention on grows. What are you paying attention to in your business? Are you focusing on the problems or the solutions? The possibilities or the issues?

4. Seasons change. There are days when it's cold and dreary out. Days when nothing seems to go the way you want it to or planned it to, give it time, give it a chance. Things shift and, as long as you don't give up, it all somehow works out.

5. Pay attention to, and acknowledge, the beauty and the good. The snowdrops won't last long. They worked hard to get to the surface and share their beauty. Oftentimes in business we work hard to achieve a goal and then the second we reach it we move onto the next thing. Stop to celebrate and enjoy what you've done. 

Snowdrops or mountains of snow? What side of the street are you going to look at?