Your Definition of Success

As you create and build a business you make a plan of how you want to grow your business, and sometime you get opportunities that are not part of the plan. These new opportunities may be great for your bottom line, but may not take you in the direction you want to grow your business.

Last year I did a huge project that consisted of doing production work. I created 100 pieces each, of two different styles of jewelry. 

I looked at this new opportunity as a way to grow my business, and make money for my bottom line. I spent 3 months working on that project, sourcing materials, making samples, prepping everything, and making all those piece over and over again.

It was a tough 3 months, and when it was over and I shipped everything out, I said I was never going to do that again. Of course when I looked back at my year I considered the year a success, but I don't know if that new projects really fit into my true definition of success.

After taking on that project, at the beginning of this year I sat down and really thought about what my personal definition of success was going to be for my business in 2013.

Have you defined what success is for your business?

Take a moment and make a list of 4 or 5 peak moments in your business. (Peak moments are when you tried something new, stepped beyond the usual, and felt fulfilled doing what you love.) 

Review your list for insight:

How did you feel during those moments?

What did they teach you, and how did they make you happy?

How did the decisions you had to make change your business?

What do those moments say about what's important to you?

The beauty of acknowledging your peak moments is that you can use that info to create your own definition of success.

Once you have your definition of success it will be easy to decide what projects you want to do, where you want to grow, and how much money you want to make, while enjoying doing what you love.

 

Motivation Monday

Recapture the Wonder

Chase back through the years.

Remember that sense of wonderment you had as a kid:

that driving curiosity, that wide-eyed thirst for knowledge.

It's still there.

Sometimes it's buried under responsibilities.

Sometimes it's dulled by setbacks.

But it's still in you.

Release it.

Embrace it.

Now Is the Time by Patrick Lindsay

DIY Friday - Time to Open Your Windows

I love this time of the year when I can have my windows open to let in the fresh air. I always look for ways to brighten up my windows so I can get light all day long. Today is a collection of ideas for changing up your window treatments, and enjoying the Spring season .

Spray paint over old lace right on your windows.

No sew roman shade

Ombre Curtains

Window film

Window shade

Decorative window dressing

What do you like to do to your windows as the weather gets warmer?

How Do You Like to Chill Out?

As a workaholic I don't have a lot of down time. Well maybe I should rephrase that, I don't normally take much time off.

When I do take time off I love to read, relax, and have a glass of wine.

As Spring is slowly trying to makes it's way to the Midwest, I find that I want to have a little more time off relaxing and enjoy the warmth of Spring.

Hanging outside and reading is one of my favorite ways to chill out. This time of year I find myself taking more time off just to sit outside to clear my mind and regroup.

When you need to chill out, what do you like to do?

Iron Work Inspiration

“Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow.”
-Mary Anne Radmacher

When I designed my sterling silver jewelry collection I loved looking at iron work for inspiration. The lines and curves always filled me with ideas.

What about iron work inspires you?

It's Time to Feel the Power

Art by J.C. Spock

Are you ready to let go of the fear and build the business of your dreams? This process can be simple, if you are ready to be empowered.

Do you feel 
self-empowered?  
Self-empowered is the ability to actually take action and go for what you want, no matter what, without asking permission or acknowledgment from anyone else. 

Imagine courageously leading your own life, being willing to step over, and step past, the fear and limiting beliefs of others and into the glory of the life you know you were meant to live.

Have you stepped into your power?

Are you creating your life or letting life happen? Going after your dreams or waiting for your big break? Have you settled to the fact that this is how life is or making it better?

It's time to go after what you want, step into the power, and be in control of you life.

Motivation Monday

If only I had...

If only I didn't have...

I can't until...

But I'm not...

If my family wasn't...

Not until...

If I don't have...

Yes, but...

If only I were...

If only I weren't...

Not now because...

What is your pet excuse?

Isn't it time to set it free?

Instant Happy by Karen Salmansohn

DIY Friday - Tasty Spring Recipes

This is the time of year when new fruits and vegetables start showing up in the grocery store. I love it when all these tasty additions appear, and I can't wait to try out a new recipe.  I found some great new ideas and today I have a few of my favorites to share. Enjoy your Spring bounty!

Spring Wedge Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette 

Spring Panzanella with Asparagus

Sauteed Chicken Breast with Simple Chive Sauce

Cheesy Mushroom and Leek Quiche

Spring Pasta with Lemony, Garlicky, Buttery Walnut Sauce

Roasted Berry Sundae 

Click on the links and check out all theses tasty Spring meal treats.

What is your favorite thing to cook in the Spring?