Stop & Try Something Different

Taking responsibility for your life is no easy task. And amongst everything it requires of us, courage is the most important quality to embrace. Often times, even in my own life, when I notice I’m out of balance or not in alignment, I will first attempt to ignore the brick wall I just ran right in to. I will stand up, dust off, and frankly walk backwards. Not consciously of course, but subconsciously that is what I do. I shy away from the loud internal message that I just received. I justify why I ‘should’ be happy and content where I am. I tell myself all the reasons why I should just stay here, in this comfort zone of what I know. Unfortunately for my head (bleeding from banging in to that brick wall over and over) my soul has other plans.

And I bet your soul has plans for you too!

Plans of great experiences, full of love and life for you to embrace and enjoy. Plans of pain and sorrow – yes, not because your soul wants you to suffer, but because it wants to feel and experience all that life has to offer. Your soul carries no judgement of the experiences in your life – instead it embraces, encompasses and experiences fully each molecule of energy that every moment brings forth.

So when you find yourself awakening, when you realize you’ve run in to the same brick wall, when you feel the trickle of blood running from your forehead – ask yourself – what am I meant to learn? What is the message that this brick wall has for me?

How do you hear the answers of your inner wisdom and guidance?

First – you have to stop.

Second – you have to breathe. You might have to take many breaths. Become your breath. Feel your breath move in and out of your body. Notice your body. Feel your toes, your ears, your heart.

Lastly – you have to listen. Sometimes the voice of your inner wisdom is a soft whisper, so quiet that you can’t hear it unless you are still.

What I know is that brick walls don’t show up to hurt us – they are there as guidance. They deliver the message: this is not the path to go down. They remind us that: there is another path; a more fulfilling path; a path with experiences your soul is desiring to have.

Are you willing to explore what the alternative path could be?

If so, stop and try something different.

Sales Academy for Professional Women

Ladies – are you ready!?! For four years I’ve been working as a Business Development advisor to women all over North America. To say it’s been a blast is a HUGE understatement. Working with these powerful, courageous women has inspired me each and everyday.

That said, time and time again the stumbling block that seems to get in way of at least 80% of the business women I’ve known, is their beliefs around SALES. Some are scared, others just ignorant (by that I mean don’t ‘know’ how), but ALL are craving an easy to follow system that will guide their daily, weekly, quarterly and annual activities to cause that cash register to ring.

Well, it’s here! (In Vancouver anyway.)

On Monday April 18th, myself, my business partner and Founder of the Ghost CEO Christopher Flett & fellow Ghost CEO Felicia Lee are facilitating a day to change all days. From 9am to 4pm we will rock your world with new ideas, systems and tools that will forever change the way you approach selling. Whether you’re an Entrepreneur or Corporate professional, if sales or business development is on your day to day ‘to do’ list – you gotta be there.

Wanna know the deets? Click this link to be taken to the event information!

Use the discount code ‘ghost’ to receive 25% off.

See you there!!

Heather

Elevator Shafts & The “In-between”

“Will I ever be happy?” I ask myself in great despair.

Shit.

How did I get here….again?

Where am I, you ask?

My answer: the in-between

The ‘in-between’, so what is that exactly?

Well, let me try to break this down in a way that makes sense…(Fingers crossed! Please let me know if it makes sense to you:)

Picture yourself walking in to a beautiful downtown skyscraper. It’s a building made of all glass. It’s elegant, sophisticated, & bright. You walk to the elevator, and walk inside. Plush carpet, nice under the feet. 360 degrees of mirrors. You push the button for the PH (penthouse) as the doors close. The elevator quickly rises and your stomach moves towards your throat. Suddenly the elevator comes to a halt.  The doors open & what you see is…

the in-between

It’s dark & cold. There’s no sign of the beautiful building you’re in. All you can see is wires & grime. Yuk!

I first learned of the ‘in-between’ through one of the greatest loves of my life, my coach Willie. Willie is one of the kindest humans walking on the planet, and in her efforts to illuminate a path in which I learned to show kindness to myself, I learned of what she called the ‘in-betwen’. Since then, I’ve  used the concept as a metaphor for my life.

You see, when you commit to a life of growth, requiring you to take 100% responsibility for every aspect, including what you used to chalk up to as “my childhood”, “stupid people”, “bad luck”, “being the victim” etc. life isn’t necessary ‘easier’. What I can say is the beauty in life continues to become more beautiful, sorta like how the view improves as you move to higher and higher floors in a downtown skyscraper. However, if you’re on this path, remember that as you ‘ride the elevator’ of life, going from beautiful view to even more beautiful view, you pass through the ‘in-between’.

Sometimes you cruise by and the doors don’t open. There’s no grime, nor darkness to contend with. However, if you forget that the in-between exists, it can be a shocking horror to see it reveal itself in between beautiful views. It can be cause for an entire emotional depletion as you can slip in to forgetting where you are. You can equate the ‘in-between’ to the next ‘view’ and feel as though you’ve fallen down hundreds of feet to the basement of the building. BUT, that’s not the case.

You’re just in-between.

I know this, because I’ve been there so many times.

It usually ends with me putting in a desperate call to Willie, where I despairingly explain how my life is over, I’m so unhappy, I don’t know what I’m doing, or where I’m going or why I’m bothering..blah, blah, blah.

Then there will be silence.

Then Willie will say…”do you think you’re in the ‘in-between?”

Then I’ll think….

SHIT, I forgot about the in-between! Yes, I’m probably in the ‘in-between’.

Hallelujah! I thought I had slipped all the way back to the beginning.

Don’t Stop Growing

I was at an event a few weeks back listening to an entrepreneur speak of her journey. She illuminated the fact that in her travels she discovered that she hated to write reports. (Thank god I’m not the only one!) Great noticing on her part! She went on to tell a great story of outsourcing in which she discovered a strategic alliance that she partners with when taking on projects that require report writing. (Her Strategic Alliance LOVES writing reports, so it’s a great fit.)

However, I also noted that she went on to say that she no longer even takes on projects requiring report writing unless her strategic alliance is available. On the one hand, this is a good thing as she no longer takes on work that she doesn’t enjoy doing and/or has a solution for, but, on the other hand this also gives her power away for brining in new work and gives the power to her strategic alliance’s schedule and availability.

Bear in mind, I don’t know this woman and I’m making a few large assumptions that may or may not be accurate – just to make this point.

If you give away your ability to respond, you can no longer take 100% responsibility.

In the case of this entrepreneur, she made a huge breakthrough when she identified and furthermore found a solution for the fact that she hated writing reports, but, she then stalled her growth by putting all her eggs in a single basket, with only one strategic alliance who may or may not be available when she needs them.

My advice would be to scale the solution she has found (a strategic alliance who loves report writing) so that she never has to be at the mercy of someone else’s availability in order to bring in new work. (i.e. find more candidates who fit her needs for report writing.) Of course she can honour this first relationship and alliance by giving her existing strategic alliance the first right of refusal, but, by having back up report writing strategic alliances, she can continue to grow her business.

Mindset Brings Magic

Last week I had a gal in my office who is in between jobs. She’s incredibly accomplished, talented, smart, hard working and overall has a tonne to offer the world. The challenge however, was her mind-set. The way she was thinking was holding her back from many things. She had, what I call the “this is the way it is” thinking. I asked her at one point if I could be blunt with her, and she responded “yes”. So I told her straight up – “you’re the only thing in the way of you creating the life you want. By thinking that “this is the way it is”, you will continue to see validation of that belief in your circumstances and in your life. If you want out of your “this is the way it is life”, then you’re going to have to start thinking about life in a different way.”

Thankfully, she took it very well. She leaned back in her chair, took a deep breath, looked up at me and said “you’re right”.

She left my office, lighter and brighter, but most of all she left aware. I had managed to ‘jolt’ her out of her habitual way of thinking, long enough for her to realize that there was a ‘way’ she was thinking, and if she was going to change the results in her life, she had an opportunity here to take responsibility by changing her ‘way’.

After she left, I thought more about our conversation, and thought back to the days when I had “this is the way it is” thinking. During those days, I was convinced that my life was shit, that it never was going to change, that I’d be overworked and underpaid forever, that I was so hard done by, etc. etc. If I could go back and tell that 19 year old what we were going to accomplish over the next 10 years, I don’t think she would have believed a word of it. And yet, here I am.

Last week, for example, I lived out a lifelong dream and goal when I appeared on television for the first time. I shudder to think how my life would be different if I hadn’t changed my ‘way’ of thinking.

If you’re wondering how to achieve your goals, and live out your wildest dreams, I recommend you do one thing first. Ask yourself if you think in a ‘way’ in which, the achievement of your goals and dreams would validate? Do you believe before you see? If not, it might be time to change your ‘way’.

Have a great day!!

Heather

P.S. Here’s living proof that dreams come true. The clip from my TV debut; Urban Rush where we talk, business, entrepreneurship, gut-check and more:)

Don’t Slow Down….Calm Down

Whoa! 2011 has gotten off to an incredible start. The number of things that have taken place, for me, in the 33 days since the New Year is absolutely incredible. So much has gone on, that a couple of times, I’ve found myself slipping in to a state of overwhelm, where it’s felt like there is too much going on. And whenever I start feeling that way I remember what Bob Proctor, one of my first mentors used to say to me, don’t slow down, just calm down.

Oh ya! Forgot about that for a second….

Calming down for me looks like:

• Sit down
• Breathe
• Write (moleskin, I love you)
• Prioritize
• Delegate (Stephanie, I love you)
• Defer
• Do

If you’re like me and the flood gates of goodness seemed to have opened – don’t slow down….just calm down.

Heather

Livin The Dream

Natalie Sisson, the Mastermind behind The Suitcase Entrepreneur popped me a note on Twitter last night to find out how my start to 2011 had been. When I replied:

2011 start has been ridiculously amazing. Life and ‘work’ are blending beautifully #livingthedream & #lovingthemoments

she messaged me back to find out why and furthermore she asked for the top 3 things that have made this a #livingthedream year.

I don’t think I need three, as in my mind there is one main reason, one major difference from 2010 and that is:

Partnerships

For years I did my life alone. And even though I’m an incredibly social person I still lived mostly inside my head, convinced that if it was to be, then it was up to me. 2010 was a transformational year, in that I opened myself up to being supported by others. Looking back, it all happened serendipitously and it was staggered throughout the year, but, to begin 2011 surrounded and supported by the most amazing team is certainly the #1 reason I’m living the dream!

My Team:

Personal Coach – Willie Carter

Willie was not a 2010 addition to the team as I’ve been working with her since 2007, however, it is because of Willie that any of the ‘team’ thing even happened. Willie, who I more commonly refer to as my ‘Psychic Surgeon’ has been the most incredible partner in my personal and professional development journeys. She has the most innate way to be curious and ask questions that are so pointed they drill instantly the the heart of the matter, while having this gentle and nurturing aura that would make even the most terrified of people feel safe. She is a guiding force in my life and I couldn’t nor do I want to, imagine life without her.

Personal Assistant – Stephanie Lee

Stephanie is an absolute dream come true! A dream that I actually didn’t think was possible, this time last year, and now a reality I would never live without. She is the most organized person I’ve ever met, she thinks even quicker than I do (and for those that know me, that’s no small feat). She knows exactly what I need before I even know I need it. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her and we’ve never even met in person. She’s completely virtual and yet, I feel her by my side each and everyday!

Personal Trainer – Hannah Fletcher

Last spring I started working with my trainer Hannah when I wanted to get back in to the gym, recover from plaguing injuries and strengthen my body. Never in a million years did I expect to form the partnership and bond that I did. For many years I did fitness on my own. Even when I did lots of aerobics and group fitness, I still felt isolated. With Hannah that has all changed. I feel supported and in partnership with someone who wants the best for me in my physical fitness and in my life. She knows exactly how to bend (not break) me, when to push me harder, and when to let me off the hook. I look forward to seeing her even though I know she’s about to kick my ass. Her knowledge, and expertise combined with her authentic passion for fitness (and life) makes her a tremendous asset and partner. I know for sure, I wouldn’t have gotten here without her.

Housekeeper – Nina

Nina is an absolute godsend. My place is full of windows and the first time she was here (she’s maybe 5′ tall) she cleaned each and every window in this place. I have NO idea how she did it. I’m 5’9″ and I can’t even reach the top of some of these windows. I cannot even begin to describe the changes I’ve experienced in the way I feel, the activities I’m able to accomplish, the excitement I have to come home and/or just to hang out at home, now that I have Nina on board. I never would have predicted that making this kind of change in my life would have had the kind of impact that it did. In a word: incredible.

Biz Partner – Chris Flett

Chris Flett is also not a 2010 addition, but I just wouldn’t feel right without including him on this list. Chris is really the reason I have the means to employ the team I’ve listed above. Chris has taught me so much about business (and life) I would need a book to go in to it all. The common theme however in working with Chris has been mindset. Chris walks his talk so meticulously, that being in his presence over the past 3 years, I couldn’t help but follow his path. Because of Chris I have a thriving business, shares in a couple other thriving businesses, a cross-section of incredible clients, and opportunities out the wazoola. I’m excited everyday when I get out of bed, and look forward, with energetic anticipation, to what lies ahead.

Life Partner – CB

Absolutely NONE  of the above would be possible without the support I get from my incredible partner. Since that first day, 10 years ago, when I saw him, and later moved in with him (YES! It all happened on the same day!) he has been supporting and loving me in ways I didn’t even know were possible. 3 years ago, I’ll never forget walking out on the patio to announce that I was quitting my job and starting a business with a guy he’d never met. He looked over to me and said “Heather, it’s you, you’ll be good at whatever you choose, I’m behind you 100%”. OMG I LOVE him!

Besides these key people I’ve formally listed above, I also have the most amazing friends and family – AND the most amazing network of tremendously talented, intelligent and inspiring colleagues. I’m blessed beyond belief and I truly feel as though I’m living out my fairytale dreams everyday! Here’s to an incredible 2011 and beyond!

Heather

Where’s your safe place?

Last night we had a get together of fabulous women involving 3 important themes: goals, wine and food – now how much better does it get?

Check out Amanda Seller’s awesome blog ‘Tomboy that Wears Makeup’ for her recap of the event with some super duper photos that captured some of the fun.

Not unlike many gatherings of women that I’ve been to in the past there was definitely an elephant in the room. (And no it wasn’t the unpredictable cat-hehe). And it wasn’t the judgemental, cliquy, walking on eggshells kind of elephant either – thank god for that! No, instead the elephant in the room was simply an air of safety. It was a feeling that each and everyone of us had, one that reassured us that even though we were amongst strangers, (many of us had never met) we were safe. Safe to share our secrets, share our dreams, goals and aspirations, safe to share our fears and vulnerabilities. One gal went above and beyond and sang us all a beautiful song while playing her ukulele. (Big time out of her comfort zone).

The whole evening reminded me that even the most ambitious and accomplished people in the world are still human. And as much as we are so beautifully individual, that human connection is one that unites us all, and allows for beautiful synergies of growth and development.

What I found when I went Easter Egg Hunting

Steffani Cameron’s blog post entitled:

Not For You: Undoing the Undoings, And Writing

I discovered this blog by way of my xmas holiday induced Twitter addiction, where I spend hours each day checking out cool peeps on the net who are intriguing to me. Let’s call it R & D. What I’m looking for is Easter Eggs. Delicious, yummy in my tummy kind of stuff that is found amongst the similarly looking pebbles that are always scattered throughout the garden, whenever one goes hunting for Easter Eggs. In case my analogy didn’t work, I’m on the lookout for genius, thought provoking, energy enhancing colleagues who write and share stuff on the net that ultimately makes me feel really, really good. (Kinda like chocolate).

So, back to Steff and her blog…

In a word: profound

Her blog is bluntly honest – just what I like, bluntly authentic – also love that, and bluntly blunt – now this inspires me. WARNING to my readers, Steff writes like I speak, with a lot of enthusiastic and ‘point making’ profanity, so if you’re easily offended, you might want to skip this one. Otherwise – blaze on and check her work out – she’s a talented writer, and if you’re like me, she’ll get you thinking which is always a good thing.

Hover over this line with your cursor & click on it to be taken to Steff’s blog.

So what did I get to thinking you ask? Simply, I want to be profound. Even though I do want to post blog’s that “fill you with happy fuzzy thoughts about the world at large, or self-help guru shit” something Steff vows not to do, I want to do it in a profound way. I want to do it in an honest, authentic and blunt (not rude, just to the point) kind of way. A way that gets you thinking. Kinda like the way she got me thinking.

Question: How do I write profoundly?

Answer: Writing really good stuff requires more than the “OMG hold on, I’m being inspired and I have to go write” fleeting moments. It requires the discipline to set up a routine of creation. (I made that term up, but what I mean is, if you want to create profound blog posts, you need to set up a routine, for where and when you write (create)). In Steff’s words “instead of thinking a thought, write it”. The only difference between thinking profoundly, speaking profoundly (2 things I’ve been told I do) and writing profoundly is to write it. Right!

Ok, so here I go. Public declaration – the ultimate accountability partner. I’m going to set up a routine of creation. I’m not really sure how that’s going to look just yet, but, what I do promise is that I’ll post it up just as soon as I do. I think Steff is on to something here and I’m excited to go along for the ride.

Stay tuned, coming up:

Profound (hopefully!)

Happy Hunting!

Let’s synergize

I remember when I first started this blog, 3 years ago, and although I’m certainly not getting the kind of traffic that some of my colleagues see, I have seen my readership grow. In the beginning, though, there were many posts that I poured my heart in to, that later after discovering google analytics, realized that no one had read. At first, I was discouraged, thinking “maybe blogging isn’t for me”, “maybe no one is interested in what I have to say”. But when I thought about giving it up, I realized how much I was enjoying writing it – I didn’t want to pack it in.

In truth, I write this blog as much for myself as I do for my readers. The energy that I feel when I’m pondering what to write about, crafting the words as I doze off to sleep only to wake up and dash for my computer, is supernatural. This blog has been better than Christmas morning for me – it gives me excitement and enthusiasm – and for that I’m eternally grateful.

And in recent years, the magic of this blog has grown even more. Today, when I meet someone who tells me that they’ve read my blog and have been inspired by me in some way, I am thrilled beyond belief. I can honestly say there is no better feeling than to know that there has been a transfer of knowledge, or passion, or energy or encouragement that happened as a result of pursing that which makes me so happy. In my world, this is true synergy.

Thank you to this blog, this wordpress platform, and to all of my readers – you inspire me and in turn allow me to inspire you. What could be better than that?

Well, I think one thing could make it better. Hearing from you. What do you want to read more about this year? What questions do you have? What resources do you need? Pop me a comment below, or write me an email (heather@heatherwhite.ca) and let me know how I can better serve YOU!

Together we will make it a definite – Happy New Year!

Much love,

Heather