What’s the Biggest Lesson Learnt in the Last 12 months?
The question was asked of entrepreneurs and business owners. What is your biggest lesson learnt in the past 12 months? More than 1,300 individuals replied. I’ll share excerpts.
You’ve gotta push beyond your comfort zone
Just do it. Don’t think too much, and don’t let your fear overcome you and stop you from taking the step
Money is just an illusion
Humility
Gratitude
Appreciate and value people in your circle
Patience
We become what we think
Don’t trust people
Reduce your debt. Dont borrow to buy luxury
You are responsible for everything, including most importantly yourself
Life will hit you with a brick on the head at the most unexpected times. Don’t panic, stay positive, and move on.
Are you a manager or leader of some sort? Harvard Business Review article shared 4 points to help managers be seen as more human. Here I share:
Be Personal
Be Self-Aware
Be Selfless
Be Compassionate
In my research on what makes leaders successful, self-awareness was one of the traits that stood out. But being of service to others depends on your own self-development.
Again, are you a manager, or leader of some sort? Take a moment and look at your leadership style. Do people working with you, whether at work or otherwise find you approachable? Easy to get along with? If not, you have some work to do. Enroll now. To be successful as a leader, your people should not fear you. So do what you have to do to improve.
A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. ~John A. Shedd
The Quest for Entrepreneurship has risen to new heights. 101+ Quotes For New Entrepreneurs contends that with over 25 Million Americans starting or running new businesses, entrepreneurship has become incredibly attractive, yet extremely difficult to sustain. Adding to the excitement, the Gig Economy’s Freelancers comprise over 35 percent of the U.S. Workforce. Even with the traits of fearlessness, risk-taking, passion, resilience, and creativity, difficulties arise, and Entrepreneurs need to keep going.
Keep The Dream Alive
Here I share my 5 top books that can help New Entrepreneurs keep the dream alive.
Good To Great By Jim Collins shares the result of a study about businesses that were not born with great DNA. Can good companies, mediocre companies, even bad companies achieve enduring greatness? My own research on Success Strategies of Caribbean American Leaders…
Camilia laughed and laughed out loud as she sat watching reels on her social media channel. She then slumped down, placed her head in her hands as the tears began to flow. The pandemic had done a number on her and she was now at her wits end because she needed to get back to work. Oh what could she do? The daily depression had set in as her bills piled high.
Many are in similar situations as Camilia and that’s where the Today’s Show article titled 10 Tips on getting back into the workforce with ‘returnships’ becomes applicable. Of the 10 strategies, I’ll list my top 5 favorite which is key to your getting back into the peace of mind that a meaningful job brings.
5 Strategies To Help You Get Back To Work
Define what What Success Means to you. This is very important. Like I have always said “if you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there” and who knows where you will end up. The book Ditch it Switch it shares several sample definitions of successful leaders that you can either adopt or tweak to suit your situation.
Dedicate Time in one, two or three hour blocks. As a coach to aspiring authors that is exactly what I preach. A book is written over time and not all at once. In the same way it is important to plan your path and map out what you would like to get done to prepare for that job. Is it research on top companies in your area? Is it that you would like a career change and you are unsure of the type of job that you would like to get into? Do you need to upskill? These are some of the things that you need to consider in order to get to your desired end goal
Network. Network. Network. Can’t say that enough. Alert people in your network to the fact that you are on the hunt. Combine that with online networking groups and you will be surprised at what turns up for you.
Fill your cup first. Here Tami Foreman -the author. speaks to self-care. Job search does take it’s toll especially when you don’t receive the ‘yes‘ that you want. You may find these self-care tips helpful
Take Risks and be Persistent. I have always maintained to go after what you desire. Let them turn you down. Do not self-reject.
Whatever you do, be consistent and serious about it. You will find with consistency comes reward if you don’t give up.
What are your top tip(s) that you would like to share with someone getting back into the workforce after being out of work for some time? Do share, we would love to hear!
Movies inspire. Some make you laugh, angry, sad, sentimental or even throw a Tantrum because we are disappointed as in the ending of the movie Avengers Infinity War. Here are 9 Movies That Inspire
But the movie that touched my heart and changed my life was John Q which dealt with the state of healthcare, its contribution to life and its salivating existence to those in need. I worked in pharmaceutical for many years then went to make a difference managing several of medical centers across South Florida.
That’s my story. I’m serious about helping others. I’m not all talk. Let’s connect if you need help.
What about you? Are there any movies that have inspired you to take a turn to do something different in your life? Do share. We wanna hear.
My eyes caught the attention of an article titled “Giving up”. It quickly sparked my interest because I usually steer away from ever giving up. In my youth I did track, and for all those athletes out there, you know just how much effort it takes to get in shape. To stick to your goal. To become fit and ready for that race. As I advanced into maturity, the same held true for me. It became the very grain of my existence. During college, and career advancement, I never gave up. Now as a consultant and coach, I Mentor and encourage entrepreneurs, managers, and employees, to stick to their goals, dreams, and aspirations.
That article reminded me of another I had read about success and fear. Both fear and the desire to give up intertwine and cripple us, often fueling negative…
I got the most devastating news. A close friend lost her 15-year-old. She had died of a massive asthma attack. Another friend lost his battle with the dreaded virus after months of organ failure. Yet another suffered as a result of multiple injuries to the body. Luckily she survived.
The media is filled with sad tales like these daily. It becomes harder to bear when it’s those close who are affected. Then there are the tales of things of joy! Weddings, births, graduations and those that warm our heart. These life events are customarily planned with huge anticipation.
And so it should be at regular intervals. For essential self-leadership it is important to pause and reflect. Something necessary to everyone at year end. We should take into account the past year’s success and plan to do things different… a necessity to improve your best. I am a firm believer in the fact that if you don’t look back you can’t move forward (well at least) not strategically. So I have always looked back on the path of my own personal journey and professional growth. As the sayings goes:
To stand still is to be left behind
Oh What A Pandemonium
So in 2021 we could not stand still. Deep reflects brought on innovative thinking to get things done safely as in the midst, many lost loved ones or were stalled by lengthy hospitalization. Work-from-home became the norm and association meetings had to continue. Death-by-zoom set in. It became necessary to find ways to bridge the two…in-person and virtual events. Enter the flexibility of the hybrid model and shared office spaces combined with robots to help ease the so-called labor shortage as employees took flight to become their own boss and take control of their time.
The health system seemed to have lost sight of its purpose. We don’t see sick patients. I was shocked when a doctor’s office said this matter-of-factly. No remorse. Then there was travel. On an unavoidable international trip, time ticked away as I spent days to get the mandated round-trip tests. Naturally, flights were missed. Being vaccinated meant nothing as tricksters began buying and selling fake vaccine cards. Sigh… the tricks never fail.
Oh What Fun it is to Ride
Driving is what I did too. Relocation is fun but getting used to a new area is even more enticing. But when you link the two to get things from the old while simultaneously slowly dragging the new across distances, a merged network becomes essential. Time to make a decision.
Book Signings & Events
Book signings at events such as Miami Book Fair, Keiser University’s Fall Festival, Car Show, Island Space Museum, New York Mets and more were the norm for networking and my coaching prowess. Again merging the new with the familiar and faraway must be faced as myriads of travel ensued.
Interviews With Powerful Women In Reggae
Organizing a Women’s History Month talk with Powerful Women in Reggae was one of my favorites. Matriarch / VP Records Founder Miss Patricia Chin launched her book My Reggae Music Journey and Dr. Claire Nelson of the Institute of Caribbean Studies thought it a great opportunity to bring these well-renowned women together. All in one place to discuss success and their journey. A delight indeed. Missed it? Grab your popcorn or a cup of tea and listen in.
Another fave was presenting to graduates of the Northern Caribbean University. An occasion when I presented on the topic Bust The Fear. Students leaned in and listened while anticipating their personal copies of the books Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs and Your Career: Ditch it Switch it. Nothing brings me more joy than helping others develop and be recognized for their hard work as with the annual 30 Under 30 Recognition of young changemakers in Washington DC, where I serve as Chief Judge.
YouTube Interviews
My natural love for interviewing others around my research topic of Success and leadership continued in 2021. Don’t miss out on the top interviews. You can binge watch for personal growth here
What’s Next For 2022?
The inspirational GreenLight series will find a new addition in the form of new book RedLight, as I continue my writing love. My Safe Place was launched earlier this year with reviews that it has provided hope and meaning to many who use it as a daily devotional especially at this trying time of pandemic woes.
Helping aspiring authors publish their book for the first time is also a passion and will continue into 2022. Don’t hesitate to connect if you are interested in writing your own book or if you or someone you know is interested in a mid-life career change and is afraid to take the first step.
Looking back on the past 12 months, the memories made and the goals tackled, I am again thankful. I now look forward to the future and the expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and hope that all will be well in 2022, and beyond.
Basking in the sun, sand and beach on an island in the sea. Hmm oh what fun it is to be. So sure I’m not alone in dreaming of those great vacation escapes! But while I am dreaming others are planning and experiencing the magic that it brings. From rejuvenation, peace of mind, laughter and squeals with kids, my oldest plans and puts it into action, then sends a link so the dream becomes real. She did it with my most memorable getaway for a weekend in Paris. A place I had dreamed of for years. A workaholic, she knew her mom would continue to procrastinate to find the right time for herself. So off she went and booked it for a birthday getaway. Yep, that dream became real.
The last time our family did this, it was January 2020 just before the pandemic. We set sail on a short weekend trip to the Bahamas for a kiddo’s birthday to swim with the dolphins. It was divine. The more lengthy trip to Greece took a combination of cruise and flights to the Turkish, Istanbul land. A must do at least once in a lifetime.
All Inclusive Resort Getaway
Being of the island of wood and water… yep Jamaica, this is a staple. But as I reflect, the Jewel runs-away with the mouth-dripping cocktail welcome. You are sure to never want to leave the staples of all you can eat island food with munches of worldwide delectable while basking in the sun, sand and sea in between. Not to mention the rooms, jacuzzi, and spa to massage away those tired work stressed muscles
The Slopes Is A Must Do
Breckenridge in Colorado never disappoints. My youngest asked after one Christmas family gathering to go on a road trip. She was too young to know that it takes planning. So I charged her to research where she wanted to go. She did and months later decided on a Colorado gem. This small town rates high during the holidays with its hidden Christmas town after gondola rides atop the mountains to slide down the slopes from skiing, snowboarding, or just angel-playing in the snow. A certain kids dream come through.
Road-Trip
Road-tripping causes you to trip when kids spill juices, food and candy wraps all over. Organized with trash bags does help but tell it to the little ones (ha ha). Our last road-trip took us to the Tennessee experience. We went through great landmarks with stops along the highways to rest, refuel and driver exchange. The tiredness you feel is nothing when compared to the lifetime memories.
Some Place New
So as the pandemic wears on, we dream of someplace new where we can just chill. For me as a writer, it will be a solo retreat to encounter that writing escape.
What About You?
What’s your dream for a place that you must visit at least once in a lifetime? Do share. We would love to hear.
Giving up is common. Not only among Entrepreneurs but also among all of us as individuals striving to achieve our goals. I looked deep into this pictogram to assess what I’ve come across as a coach. Here’s the detailed list clearly extracted from the picture.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Christmas! The Holidays! Whatever you call it… to me its the most wonderful time of the year! People are kind, joyful, generous, smiling, pretty-all dressed up for those office parties, and family gatherings! There’s sumptuous food, Folly jolly chocolate delights, gifts and so much more! Yes, I know there’s always the Grinch but they’re just a few, so let’s not let them spoil it for us too.
Music of the Season
The season kicks off with holiday music… and today I would love to share them all! Hey, I’m just kidding! I will just share 11 of my favs!
All I want want for Christmas is you (Mariah Carey)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (Andy Williams)
Want to spice up your holiday with friends, family or foe (yikes)? Here are two Holiday Games to help squeeze the giggles. Simple prizes make the laughs sweet. Can’t be together? Try it virtually. Be creative, change ideas to match your mood and enjoy!
What’s your favorite holiday game? Do share. We would love to hear.
This Museum is a must visit when in Florida. Plan your visit to Learn more about this innovative initiative and don’t hesitate to donate unique and historical Caribbean artifacts. The Museum’s hardworking team are happy to shed the light!
Good To Great By Jim Collins shares the result of a study about businesses that were not born with great DNA. Can good companies, mediocre companies, even bad companies achieve enduring greatness? My own research on 
