So why is it that in a world where college kids are coming up with innovative concepts for the Worldwide Web and making millions, so many of us are still struggling to be successful in our own businesses or suffering by working for someone else? I was talking to the Mac Daddy (my fiance) about it one day. Before I decided to go into business for myself, I was trying to figure it all out. I'm talented, creative and intelligent. So why wasn't I getting paid and doing what I love? I did some thinking and I came up with a list of things that were holding me back. I believe it's always beneficial to identify the problems so you have somewhere to start when working out the solutions. Just food for thought. Check it out...
The Top Ten Reasons I Was Broke And Working For Someone Else.
1. I didn’t regard my talent as a talent.
2. I wasn't willing to do the research.
3. I was intimidated by stories of those who’ve made it big (Oprah, Michael Jordan, Bill Gates).
4. I believed rich people are blessed or gifted with innate talents I will never have.
5. I associated having money with being non-spiritual, evil, greedy, without conscience.
6. I believed subconciously that my ethnic background, sex, upbringing, education level and physical appearance had something to do with why I couldn't succeed.
7. I thought I had to have thousands of dollars on hand to invest.
8. I hadn't made a commitment to fulfill my dream
9. My life was not balanced.
10. I hadn't fully realized the power of positive thinking.
Now, mind you, I'm still not rich but I'm working on it and I'm doing what I love. I really believe my list helped. Maybe making a list of your own will help you break your personal barriers too. I hope so!
Peace and Blessings.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Are You Business Conscious?
Some very interesting dynamics seem to have ushered in the new millennium. More than ever before, humankind is caught at the crossroads of rapid advances in technology, a thriving global super-economy and the nagging question, “Why are we here?” Personal growth experts, life coaches and retired supermodels are telling us there’s no reason we can’t have it all. But it’s really difficult to balance the material and the spiritual. It’s tough to fight the urge to buy the new iPhone knowing you could donate that money to starving children in another country or even in your own city! It’s rough trying to reconcile your undying love for fried chicken with your knowledge of how corporate farmers treat the animals raised to be your food.
It has become so challenging to live ethical, sustainable lives that many of us give up or don’t even bother trying but…there’s still hope. It isn’t necessary to declare yourself a vegan tomorrow. You don’t even have to move to a cabin in the woods and live off the land from now on. There is a lot of information out there on how to convert your home into a “greener” household and how to incorporate organic, locally produced foods into your diet. However, there are other ways for you to make a contribution to saving the planet and improving the quality of life for all of us. You can make a difference by spending money!
Many companies are starting to do business in more ethical, responsible ways. You may already patronize some of them and some of them may be new to you. But it’s imperative that we find out who we’re giving our money to so that we can make more informed choices about where we will continue to shop and where we will no longer shop. It’s time that we all realized that as consumers we are extremely powerful.
Target, Whole Foods and The Gap are among companies that are making giant strides in their commitment to extending the life of our planet and improving the lives of all its inhabitants. These companies have implemented plans that promote environmental consciousness, fair labor practices, financial support of community educational and cultural programs, and employee job satisfaction.
All three companies invest monehy in the communities where they operate stores. The importance of diversity is reflected in the products on their shelves, the locations of their stores and the team members they employ. The construction of energy efficient buildings and recycling of items like shopping carts and plastic garment hangers are just a few of the ways these companies care for the environment. Above all else, serious attention is paid to the prohibition of child labor and vendors/partners are held accountable to strict standards.
Consciousness doesn’t have to mean denying ourselves nice things. But how and where we spend our hard earned dollars can make an impact on the quality of life for everyone worldwide. My suggestion to you is that you support companies that are making the well being of the earth and our global community a priority. Make it known that abundance and economic prosperity do not have to preclude moral responsibility.
To learn more about the companies mentioned here, as well as other businesses, you can check out their websites. Information regarding community involvement, environmental philosophy and fair labor practices can usually be found in the section entitled “our company”, “about us” or something similar. If you are unable to find this information on a specific website, you can always email the company asking them to provide this it. If they are unwilling to do so, that might be an indication that they don't deserve your dollars!
It has become so challenging to live ethical, sustainable lives that many of us give up or don’t even bother trying but…there’s still hope. It isn’t necessary to declare yourself a vegan tomorrow. You don’t even have to move to a cabin in the woods and live off the land from now on. There is a lot of information out there on how to convert your home into a “greener” household and how to incorporate organic, locally produced foods into your diet. However, there are other ways for you to make a contribution to saving the planet and improving the quality of life for all of us. You can make a difference by spending money!
Many companies are starting to do business in more ethical, responsible ways. You may already patronize some of them and some of them may be new to you. But it’s imperative that we find out who we’re giving our money to so that we can make more informed choices about where we will continue to shop and where we will no longer shop. It’s time that we all realized that as consumers we are extremely powerful.
Target, Whole Foods and The Gap are among companies that are making giant strides in their commitment to extending the life of our planet and improving the lives of all its inhabitants. These companies have implemented plans that promote environmental consciousness, fair labor practices, financial support of community educational and cultural programs, and employee job satisfaction.
All three companies invest monehy in the communities where they operate stores. The importance of diversity is reflected in the products on their shelves, the locations of their stores and the team members they employ. The construction of energy efficient buildings and recycling of items like shopping carts and plastic garment hangers are just a few of the ways these companies care for the environment. Above all else, serious attention is paid to the prohibition of child labor and vendors/partners are held accountable to strict standards.
Consciousness doesn’t have to mean denying ourselves nice things. But how and where we spend our hard earned dollars can make an impact on the quality of life for everyone worldwide. My suggestion to you is that you support companies that are making the well being of the earth and our global community a priority. Make it known that abundance and economic prosperity do not have to preclude moral responsibility.
To learn more about the companies mentioned here, as well as other businesses, you can check out their websites. Information regarding community involvement, environmental philosophy and fair labor practices can usually be found in the section entitled “our company”, “about us” or something similar. If you are unable to find this information on a specific website, you can always email the company asking them to provide this it. If they are unwilling to do so, that might be an indication that they don't deserve your dollars!
Book Review: Harvest For Hope by Jane Goodall
Harvest for Hope is a startling, yet sincere plea for us to see that all things are interconnected. It’s not just about food. This book speaks to our collective conscience. It holds us accountable to each other and to the planet we call home. It clarifies our spiritual and practical purpose. Jane Goodall’s testament lends incontrovertible weight to the principle that all animals, human and otherwise, are created equal.
One cannot read this book and just accept what has “always been done”. Reading it will cause you to redefine the manner in which you regard how and what you consume. It will motivate you to believe in your ability to influence a positive and permanent change in the quality of life for all sentient beings. It will, most certainly, restore your childhood awe and reverence for our miraculous Earth and its bounty.
One cannot read this book and just accept what has “always been done”. Reading it will cause you to redefine the manner in which you regard how and what you consume. It will motivate you to believe in your ability to influence a positive and permanent change in the quality of life for all sentient beings. It will, most certainly, restore your childhood awe and reverence for our miraculous Earth and its bounty.
Get Green
Since “An Inconvenient Truth” hit U.S. movie theaters in 2006, the global warming discussion has become as common as reality TV. The problem is the average American is completely terrified by the prospect of living the “green” life. Somewhere along the way we’ve equated being more environmentally conscious with inconvenience and exorbitant cost but there are many simple, inexpensive things you and your family can do to get started.
Home Sweet Home
1. Throwing dry towels in the dryer will absorb moisture from wet clothes and shorten the dry cycle.
2. With all the soda and water we consume, it’s easy to rack up a small fortune just by recycling bottles and cans. Involve your kids. Assign it as a regular chore and let them keep the money they make!
3. The petroleum based cleaning products under your kitchen sink pollute the environment and contribute to increased fossil fuel consumption. Replace them with a homemade version made from warm water, baking soda, lemon zest and vinegar.
The Grass is Greener
1. Growing your own vegetables is a great way to teach younger children where food comes from and gets them involved in outdoor activities. Inexpensive organic seeds can be purchased at most garden supply stores.
2. Use food scraps as compost. This will decrease the pounds of waste dumped in your local landfill and is a healthier way to fertilize your garden.
3. When was the last time the family got a little exercise? Take turns mowing the lawn with a push mower. Everybody gets a work out, the lawn looks marvelous and it’s a gasoline free scene!
Community Concerns
1. Speak with the manager of your neighborhood market about introducing or expanding an inventory of organic and locally grown products. You have more control over the foods your family consumes and less energy is used to transport goods to market.
2. Research your children’s schools, local department stores and your own workplace. Find out their stance on global warming and what measures they are taking to create a more sustainable planet.
3. Support local, state and federal officials who are committed to protecting the environment.
These are simple adjustments that will impact the environment positively, save money and strengthen your family relationships. The trick is to slowly introduce alternative products and behaviors into your present lifestyle. Some of these changes will be so subtle the family won’t even notice!
Home Sweet Home
1. Throwing dry towels in the dryer will absorb moisture from wet clothes and shorten the dry cycle.
2. With all the soda and water we consume, it’s easy to rack up a small fortune just by recycling bottles and cans. Involve your kids. Assign it as a regular chore and let them keep the money they make!
3. The petroleum based cleaning products under your kitchen sink pollute the environment and contribute to increased fossil fuel consumption. Replace them with a homemade version made from warm water, baking soda, lemon zest and vinegar.
The Grass is Greener
1. Growing your own vegetables is a great way to teach younger children where food comes from and gets them involved in outdoor activities. Inexpensive organic seeds can be purchased at most garden supply stores.
2. Use food scraps as compost. This will decrease the pounds of waste dumped in your local landfill and is a healthier way to fertilize your garden.
3. When was the last time the family got a little exercise? Take turns mowing the lawn with a push mower. Everybody gets a work out, the lawn looks marvelous and it’s a gasoline free scene!
Community Concerns
1. Speak with the manager of your neighborhood market about introducing or expanding an inventory of organic and locally grown products. You have more control over the foods your family consumes and less energy is used to transport goods to market.
2. Research your children’s schools, local department stores and your own workplace. Find out their stance on global warming and what measures they are taking to create a more sustainable planet.
3. Support local, state and federal officials who are committed to protecting the environment.
These are simple adjustments that will impact the environment positively, save money and strengthen your family relationships. The trick is to slowly introduce alternative products and behaviors into your present lifestyle. Some of these changes will be so subtle the family won’t even notice!
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