“Good Job, Mika.”
That is what my nearly three-year-old daughter says to herself when she accomplishes a task. I say it to her frequently when she puts away her toys or does what she is told, but apparently Mika has decided she needs to hear it more often. When she reaches an object on a shelf she is not supposed to get. When she empties her bowl of cereal on the floor so the dogs can eat the contents. She also says it for tiny tasks such as putting the cap on a marker or climbing on the bed; not just when she misbehaves.
What about you? Do you need frequent reminders you are doing a good job? I do not, but let me tell you -- when someone gives me a completely unexpected compliment I may still be smiling a week later. I understand that great feeling that comes from someone saying, “Good job.”
When you work by yourself as many solopreneurs do, what do you do if you need that reassurance more than the average bear? (That is a Yogi Bear reference for the 20 year olds reading this.) You build a network.
Reach out to some other business owners who understand that a $25 profit for one month after a year of losses is really a big deal. Your sister who makes $75,000 a year as an executive just would not get it. Likewise if you are consistently making thousands a month profit; the startup that finally made a profit (and may not next month) will not likely understand the significance of your successes.
By all means, please surround yourself with people who are more successful than you so you can benefit from their learning curve. But if you need that continual positive reinforcement do not be too quick to cut ties with your current network. You should hold on to those in your network that can still relate to your struggles and successes for mutual support.
Most importantly -- you have to be your own cheerleader. My sister used to have a quote in her email signature, “No one is responsible for your happiness but yourself.” I do not think it could be said better. Your friends and your family can not read your mind. They do not know when a doubting voice is screaming in your head and you need kind words right this instant.
Take a few minutes and write yourself a personal pep talk. Two to five sentences about why you are the bomb. Make sure it includes your strengths and your goals and read it out loud when you need a mental high five.
Until next time…
Good Job!
Susanne
Learn how to get the life results you need. Get started with this 5-day eCourse.
That is what my nearly three-year-old daughter says to herself when she accomplishes a task. I say it to her frequently when she puts away her toys or does what she is told, but apparently Mika has decided she needs to hear it more often. When she reaches an object on a shelf she is not supposed to get. When she empties her bowl of cereal on the floor so the dogs can eat the contents. She also says it for tiny tasks such as putting the cap on a marker or climbing on the bed; not just when she misbehaves.
What about you? Do you need frequent reminders you are doing a good job? I do not, but let me tell you -- when someone gives me a completely unexpected compliment I may still be smiling a week later. I understand that great feeling that comes from someone saying, “Good job.”
When you work by yourself as many solopreneurs do, what do you do if you need that reassurance more than the average bear? (That is a Yogi Bear reference for the 20 year olds reading this.) You build a network.
Reach out to some other business owners who understand that a $25 profit for one month after a year of losses is really a big deal. Your sister who makes $75,000 a year as an executive just would not get it. Likewise if you are consistently making thousands a month profit; the startup that finally made a profit (and may not next month) will not likely understand the significance of your successes.
By all means, please surround yourself with people who are more successful than you so you can benefit from their learning curve. But if you need that continual positive reinforcement do not be too quick to cut ties with your current network. You should hold on to those in your network that can still relate to your struggles and successes for mutual support.
Most importantly -- you have to be your own cheerleader. My sister used to have a quote in her email signature, “No one is responsible for your happiness but yourself.” I do not think it could be said better. Your friends and your family can not read your mind. They do not know when a doubting voice is screaming in your head and you need kind words right this instant.
Take a few minutes and write yourself a personal pep talk. Two to five sentences about why you are the bomb. Make sure it includes your strengths and your goals and read it out loud when you need a mental high five.
Until next time…
Good Job!
Susanne
Learn how to get the life results you need. Get started with this 5-day eCourse.
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