The 3 Ingredients in the Inspired Women Succeed Recipe for ChristianWomen Entrepreneurs

The entire month of January, we are training on the power of your mindset at the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs.  We are blogging about it, discussing it on the CAFÉ call, learning about it from our experts, and taking stock of ourselves with our template for the month on self-sabotage.

I have shared about the 8 mindset mess-ups and the 3 mindset miracles over the past two weeks.  Go here to read those and get caught up: http://nacwe.org/blog/

So now that we accept this is an issue we all struggle with, I would love to share what I have found to be my recipe for getting out of the “negative Nelly” thinking.  I call it my “Inspired Women Succeed” Recipe and it has 3 non-negotiable ingredients.

Ingredient #1 is Passion

You are in business for yourself and I sure hope you have a passion for what you are doing.  If you have lost your passion, that may be due to being overwhelmed or overworked.  But I imagine you started with a HUGE passion for what you are doing.

Women entrepreneurs are a passionate group.  Without passion for your business, you never would have started.  Without passion, and vision, the people will perish, and so will the business.  Passion is LOVE in action.  Entrepreneurs take action and engage in risky behavior in order to get their message across.  Being an entrepreneur is really like standing up for your cause in public and shouting to the world what you believe in.

Action Step:   Write down your WHY on an index card and place it right in front of your computer.  What are you passionate about and WHY are you doing this?

Ingredient #2 is Persistence

Women entrepreneurs are persistent in spite of all obstacles.  We keep going, taking the joys with the bumps and lumps.  We show up every day for work, no matter what.  We are consistent and full of faith that we will figure out the right combination of programs, products, services to create success.

We are persistent women…..never giving up!  I am a marathon runner.  I have finished 4 marathons (26.2 miles).  I understand now that being an entrepreneur is a similar trek.  We have to pace ourselves and find a rhythm.  There are hills and valleys that no one but you and your inner circle will ever see. There are band aids and blisters.  There are fuel stations and water stops that are crucial to your success.  You might hit “the wall” and not know how you will survive.  There are people ahead of you, behind you, and next to you.  Keep going in your business. Keep taking one more step in each mile.

Action Step:  Figure out your 3 MUST-DO’s each day and make those happen each day.  Is it 5 connection phone calls, one hour of writing, and reaching out to three potential speaking events? Write down your 3 things and get them done each day.

Ingredient #3 is People

The 3^rd ingredient is the people in your life. We need the support of key people in our life in order to succeed.  Vital roles are played by the family of an entrepreneur.  If you are married, the support of your spouse is critical.  If you are single, key friends are crucial for ongoing support and encouragement.  The right mix of coaches, mentors, and visionary consultants can make or break you.   I know that the people I surround myself with can and do lift me higher, keep me focused, and help me to see myself BIGGER than I feel on some days.

We all need a coach to hold the space for us as we move to the next level in our business.  Do not try to go it alone. Be willing to invest in the support to surround yourself with a team of colleagues and mentors to reach your God given dreams and goals.

Action Step:  Write down your list of support people so you know who to reach out to.   Decide if you need to add a coach to the mix.  Set up a consultation.  Make a decision.  If you want to discuss coaching with me, fill out this form:  www.nacwe.org/getstarted

We love providing the “people” support you need in our thriving community at NACWE.  As a former mental health counselor, I intimately know that mindset changes are the key factor in your success in business.    Stay tuned for more information on this topic as we journey through this month as I share about 5 mindset shifts that will keep you moving each day.

We can’t wait for you to come join us as a member of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs as we walk the success path together!  http://nacwe.org/nacwe-

Diane Cunningham is the Founder and President of the National Association of Christian Women Entrepreneurs. She is a “business therapist”, plane crash survivor, author, consultant, speaker, marathon runner, and fun friend.

Find out more about NACWE and why 165 women joined in the first year at www.nacwe.org. Connect with Diane at www.facebook.com/DianeCunningham for fun updates, silly videos, and lively conversation.