Speak of What You Want

There are two ways to address expectations. The first is what we expect from others. The second are the expectations we place on ourselves. Throughout my life’s journey I have discovered when ever I place my expectations on others, I am frequently disappointed. I wonder why I didn’t receive a thank you note, why someone didn’t reciprocate for something I did, or I question someone’s lack of appreciation after giving of myself on their behalf. When I operate from a place of expectation, I set myself up for disappointment. Every time I repeat the pattern I get the same result. Perhaps, there is a lesson I’m overlooking.

If, on the other hand, I hold myself accountable for the expectations I place on myself, I take full responsibility for my actions. It doesn’t matter if others are noticing. Setting high standards makes every day worth the continuous effort. By committing to constant and never ending improvement, I increase my self-worth, my self-esteem, and my self-confidence. I become my own best example of what is possible!

Our limitations and success are based for the most part, on the expectations we place upon ourselves. What we focus on manifests in our lives. In other words, what we confidently expect becomes our own selffulfilling prophecy. The only way you can accomplish anything is to believe in yourself and your abilities. In order to win, you must expect to win; your actions in life produce abundance in life. When you look for results from any where outside of yourself, you are setting yourself up to be let down. You are the primary cause for your results. The choices you make, in effect, produce the outcome.

Martial Artist, Bruce Lee, said of expectations, “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” What a relief to live life knowing that the only person for whom we are responsible is our self! I have to constantly remind myself that I do what I do, not because of what I expect from others, but rather, because I set my own standard of expectation. I expect to give and play all out. I expect positive results to happen because of my effort. We advance in our journey to the degree that we accomplish the goals we set for ourselves. Our reward comes from within ~ a job done well, or an obstacle you’ve overcome. Be a master of your own expectations and you’ll be too busy to wonder whether anyone is noticing. Surprises generally happen when you least expect them. Someone will recognize and acknowledge your accomplishment.

Being an entrepreneur in today’s economy is a wonderful opportunity to share your talents IF you have what it takes to be successful! What is it about the successful entrepreneur that is integral to that success? Do women entrepreneurs have common traits that help with success? Is it luck? Is it their product/service? Or, is it something characteristic about her that means she would likely be successful at anything she attempted?

The woman entrepreneur will likely need some luck, but it is her drive, faith, energy and vision that will propel her to reach her goal(s). Here are a few common traits of the successful female entrepreneur. And while there are likely others, possessing these are certainly indicators that your chance of success is significantly increased.

1. Drive. Failure is not an option for the committed entrepreneur. Bumps in the road will not set her back, but will steel her resolve. She is on a mission and knows she will get to her goal.

2. Vision. The female entrepreneur is a big-picture person. She can see her successful business, what it looks like with all of its components. She can see her product on the shelves, her services in action. She is not only not afraid to dream big, but views her daydreams as achievable.

3. Autonomy. This woman likes to be in control and isn’t afraid to make decisions by herself. She is comfortable with being alone and has confidence in her intelligence. She is a take-charge person. This woman doesn’t wait for someone else to act and doesn’t second guess her choices.

4. Intuitive. The woman entrepreneur trusts her instincts about her product or service, the market and her business management skills. She uses her instinct as well as her research and her knowledge to guide her business decisions. She knows that her instincts will be what sets her apart from her competitors and will ultimately lead to her success.

5. Distinctive. People remember this woman. She is distinctive. Her product or service is distinctive and her company is a stand alone. There is nothing ordinary here.

6. Planner. This woman not only devises and puts down on paper her business plan, she follows it. She doesn’t lose sight of her goals or methods for reaching her goals. When she reaches a fork in the road, she might explore the alternate route and add it to her business plan. However, she never forgets her vision. Her business plan is the written version of the vision she sees in her mind.

7. Risk-taker. Starting a business isn’t the first time this woman has thrown the dice. She isn’t afraid to bet everything on herself. She has been known to jump before.

Grounded entrepreneurs are a rare breed. Those men and women who can truly create and lead their own original business are a combination of visionary and realist. For the true female entrepreneur, the stakes may be high and the odds may be long, but there is no other option for her.

Do these statements sound familiar?

“I meant to call you.”
“I intended to finish the project before the weekend.”
“I’m sorry I forgot your birthday.”
“I had every intention of being on time.”
“I’ve been wanting to take a class, write a book, or volunteer.”

The truth is we are all well- meaning. The reality is even the most sincere intention has no value without action. The world is full of dreamers. It lacks doers. Intentions are a barometer of what is possible. Actions are putting your intentions in motion. Action, not intention, creates results. The expression, “Action speaks louder than words” is familiar to all of us because it’s true. Telling me you’re going to do something and not carrying it out is intention; it is not action. We measure someone’s character not by what they say, but rather by what they do.

This is part of the series “Personally Speaking: Volume 1” to purchase the entire series click here.

You are the best! It”s time to believe that of yourself.

When was the last time you told yourself how terrific you are? When did you last honor your competence, beauty, intelligence and strengths? If you”re like most of us, you”re quick to point out something you did that was “stupid” but when it comes to acknowledging yourself for all your incredible qualities you hesitate. Why? Continue Reading »