A community post from Maria Carbonell Elliott
Life should be easier with technology advances but with so many choices, I try not to feel so overwhelmed. Should I buy a faster computer, a bigger monitor, the latest iphone or get a BlueAnt SuperTooth3 so I can drive hands free with style? Should I open my store to gloabl sales, manufacture abroad? Where should I seek virtual assistance? How many social networks should I join? The choices are endless.
When things get hazy from too many choices, look to nature to simplify. When a caterpillar is ready to become a butterfly, it does so in its own time. You can’t rush a tree setting its roots firmly on the ground; hurry a flower to reveal its bloom or a tomato to be a juicy red. When we allow ourselves to navigate change rather than molding to the latest trend, expectations, or moneymaking opportunity, we create and grow from a more sustaining place where we define success on our own terms.
My top 7 for looking to nature to launch your business:
1) That idea stirring in your head might not be the right time for it to blossom into a business. Consider dropping more seeds or cultivate the idea a bit more before it’s ready to bloom.
2) Business just like the ocean moves in perfect rhythm. If you’re willing to bend and enjoy the swells, you can actually catch a nice wave every now and then.
3) Don’t rush through your days. Accomplish a couple key tasks that will get you moving toward your goal rather than a lot that didn’t get you far. You won’t catch a dog multi-tasking. She is present and focused on all she does.
4) Have fun! While you’re launching why not enjoy the process. If you launch all stressed out, that’s what you’re going to attract. Be a fun magnet. Sunshine and sand are fun magnets!
5) Replace a sit down meeting with a walk on the beach. It’s a creative solution to getting unstuck and get ideas flowing in a natural setting.
6) Stay radiant while launching – release toxins through regular exercise and nourish yourself with new experiences. A flower garden needs water and sunshine to be healthy and attractive.
7) Imagine yourself where you want to be. It still works for the acorn and caterpillar. An idea first starts with imagination.
Maria Carbonell Elliott
Incubator Leader
Ladies Who Launch – Santa Barbara
www.LWLSB.com
melliott@ladieswholaunch.com
August 28, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Maria – thanks for a beautiful blog post. As a wild web woman who runs a virtual company and relies so heavily on technology, I see the pros and cons day in and day out…I totally agree that we need to take mental health breaks. Great creative advice, thanks for a great contribution!
Lorrie
September 3, 2008 at 5:54 pm
Thank you for putting back the perspective into our world Maria. Yes, if we would all flow as nature does, we would have much more peace and less anxiety in our lives, including my own. I believe our life styles revolve strongly around competition. I am not stating competition is bad, but certainly has it’s limitations, just as “everything in moderation”. It would be wonderful to change our society to being less competitive, and combine efforts to reach our goals.
Best Regards to all.
September 3, 2008 at 5:56 pm
Thank you for putting back the perspective into our world Maria. Yes, if we would all flow as nature does, we would have much more peace and less anxiety in our lives, including my own. I believe our life styles revolve strongly around competition. I am not stating competition is bad, but certainly has it’s limitations, just as “everything in moderation”. It would be wonderful to change our society to being less competitive, and combine efforts to reach our goals.
Best Regards to all.