Saturday, October 15, 2011

Balance of FIVE

I've said one of the absolute best parts of being an entrepreneur is finally having the life balance I've been chasing all my career. Even though there is plenty on our plate, I finally have the flexibility to do things like; work on projects, get to the gym regularly, cook at home – actually have personal time. I remember when I was in the corporate world, constantly feeling like I just needed a few moments to even take a breath.. let alone live my life.

I recently read a great book, Masters of Sales. One of the sections talks about finding FIVE things a day to focus on. What are your most important five things to focus on? Masters focus on them daily – so that's what I've been working on doing. I'm juggling a lot these days.. working on starting 2 companies, writing 2 books and we're planning our wedding – as well as maintaining some of my consulting clients. Just as when I was in the corporate world, it's easy to have the day speed past and not give the full attention to everything I intended. The business of daily life is still just as hectic whether home or in an office. Practicing "FIVE Things" daily has really helped me. I try to dedicate an hour to each thing, but even if it's only 20 minutes daily, I feel like I'm making progress on everthing that matters to me. I've found this time so important for my personal happiness – which is were all great interactions start. If I'm happy and balanced, I can give more of myself.. the best of myself.

Every day I make sure to:
Be healthy - Go to the gym or out for a run
Write - Work on my books
Work on Big Girl - Research, marketing, networking, strategy
Make time for my relationships (time with Kelly and connect with friends, family)
Make time for myself (read, paint or just be quiet with my thoughts for a few minutes)

From my days in the corporate world, or when I was in business school, this time would have felt like a luxury.. now I'm grateful to say it's my balanced life.


- Cheers to all who make the commitment to find some balance in their day

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Cirque of my LIFE


Kelly took me to see Cirque Du Soleil's Iris for my birthday. If you're in LA and you get a chance to see it, it's amazing. As I looked up in the air, I kept thinking how truly fantastic it all was. If you've ever seen a Cirque show before, there are dozens of things going on at once.. it makes your head spin with the trapeze artists, contortionists, acrobats, clowns, and entertainers -  it seems crazy, but I think that's why I was so drawn to it. Amazing and impressive,  I realized I must have a bit of the "Cirque" within me. I think we all do.

We can all relate, our lives feel like a circus from time to time. We juggle jobs, families, responsibilities, commitments.. or our own choices and needs. We perform incredible feats to get it all done.  I don't know about you, but my life always seems like a "circus" and I love it that way. If I'm not juggling dozens of things at once, I'm not really happy. Personally, I think it's a bit an ADD issue, but also life is just too exciting and amazing not to go for it all. There is something invigorating about following your passions, no matter how many you have. Living life energized by what you do, even if it seems crazy or too much to other people.  Right now, we're starting 2 companies, I'm writing and publishing my first book and starting the second. I'm back on the running circuit, competing in 1/2 marathons.. oh and ... all while we're planning a wedding and our future family. Yes, it's all hectic, and exciting, exhilarating, risky, very entertaining, but mostly.. the best time of my life! I'm like the girls flying through the air, swinging and spinning on the trapeze.. IT's a MAGICAL ride and I love it.





- Cheers to all the trapeze artists, contortionists, acrobats, clowns, and entertainers, you are amazing and inspiring for much more than your show.