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3 Ideas that Could Change Your Life and Business

- November 18, 2010 | by April -

{Image from Jenah Crump Photography on Flickr}

Has anyone ever said something to you that has hit you right in the gut? I mean something that makes you nod and say, “Exactly.” Like they’re freaking reading your mind or have just told you something that could basically change your life.

Well, I had A LOT of those moments at Rich, Happy, and Hot Live this past weekend.

Before I keep going, I just want to remind you of something: I’m not one of those woo-woo type of people. Life changing moments don’t happen on a regular basis for me.

With that in mind, I want to share some of my hit-right-in-the-gut moments from RHH Live.

There are two types of people: people who give reasons and people who get results.

Marie Forleo rocked my world at RHH Live—and the above statement is just one of the things she said that made me say, “Hell yeah.”

You either give reasons and make excuses or you get results. You know those people who always have a reason why something won’t work? This is the artist who complains that her art won’t sell due to the economy, and when someone gives her ideas on how to sell more art, she makes up any reason she can think of that it won’t work. There are lots of artists who are making more money this year than they did last year, and they’re dealing with the same economy. They don’t make excuses. They get results.

You know this person. Maybe you are this person. If you are, stop it. Take action instead of thinking of reasons why it won’t work.

Live in the moment, not in your head.

Josh Pais, Marie’s totally adorable fiancé, led us in part crazy, part mind-blowing exercises the first night where he taught the audience to live in the moment and not in their heads.

As many of you might know, I used to practice therapy—cognitive behavioral therapy to be more precise. I got a super fancy degree from NYU. And, after listening to Josh talk and do his thing, I realized he just taught me everything I learned at NYU in the span of 3 hours. Crap. I wasted a lot of money.

Okay, I’m being a little dramatic. I learned other stuff at NYU like the symptoms of schizophrenia and the different types of antidepressants. But, the main message was what Josh got across in less than a day: get out of your head.

If you haven’t realized it, you’re much meaner to yourself than probably anyone else. Do you tell yourself you’re fat? Do you tell yourself that your art sucks? See what I mean.

If you can learn to be more present and pay attention to your body—not your head—you’ll feel better and get more done.

I’ll share one of Josh’s tips to make this easier for you. Whenever you find that your thoughts have taken over and you’re in your head, say, “I’m back” and come back to the present moment.

You’re not big boned. You eat too damn much.

Oh, how I love Kris Carr. Most of the conference was about improving your business, but when Kris Carr took the stage it became much bigger than that. Yeah, she talked business. But, her main message was to take care of yourself.

I thought there was going to be a revolt when she talked about the reasons that cancer—replacing heart disease—will be the number killer next year: meat, dairy, sugar, coffee, lack of exercise, lack of sleep. When you try to take away people’s cheese, things can get ugly.

But, you couldn’t argue with her. Everything she said made complete sense.

For most of us, we are our businesses. If we get sick, our businesses suffer. So, why don’t we take better care of ourselves?

If you want to be healthier and reduce your risk of cancer, here are five things you can do:

  • Get eight hours of sleep each night.
  • Move your body every day. Exercise needs to be part of your routine.
  • At every meal, fill at least half of your plate with veggies.
  • Reduce your intake of meat, dairy, sugar, and coffee.
  • Deal with stress. This might mean stopping to breathe for a couple minutes, getting a massage, taking a walk around the block, or indulging in a bubble bath.

Did any of those things hit you in the gut? If so, follow that feeling. And, remember, stop making excuses and take action.

13 Comments · Filed Under: Creative Business Development, Success

Comments

  1. Carmen says

    November 18, 2010 at 11:42 am

    wow! this makes perfect sence! thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • April says

      November 19, 2010 at 10:27 am

      You’re welcome Carmen! Glad you enjoyed today’s post.

      Reply
  2. amy says

    November 18, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    yes. the most positive, pro-active advice i’ve read in a long time. thank you!

    Reply
  3. lynda andrews-barry says

    November 18, 2010 at 11:20 pm

    when you feel good and have a clear mind, ideas can flow and projects can get on there way. thanks for the positive thoughts. love your blog, ladies!

    Reply
  4. T Hoover says

    November 22, 2010 at 11:43 am

    Great post- I hope to see you sometime so I can hear more about it!

    Reply
  5. Lynn M Minney says

    November 24, 2010 at 9:55 pm

    Thanks for the great advice. Now I’d better get to sleep 🙂

    Reply
  6. Miss Nicole says

    November 26, 2010 at 12:18 am

    Wow thanks for sharing this. (Cries) I’m stuck in my head all the time and its really hurting my productivity. Funny though, I stopped making excuses about my life as an artist after I started school for another field. I still create daily but the art promotional struggle had been making me sick for over three years. Maybe I did something wrong, or maybe its just not the right time in my life. At least now I don’t have to spend painful hours looking desperately for opportunities. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Jenny Hoople says

    December 14, 2010 at 8:56 pm

    I ate half a plate of vegetables with my dinner just now. Thank you!

    Reply
    • April says

      December 15, 2010 at 8:36 am

      Go Jenny! Go Jenny!

      Reply
  8. Blanca I. LaVack says

    February 17, 2011 at 8:12 pm

    Needless to say I am slow. Just read this post and I can definitely relate. I just got my studio retooled to create metal clay jewelry and I have yet to make a piece; although I did make about 30 castings molds last week and the week before. I need to be coaxed into working and your schedule idea sounds good too. Thanks for keeping this up. I need help creating a blog that relates to my Etsy site, any suggestions? Blanca

    Reply
    • April says

      February 18, 2011 at 8:45 am

      Hey Blanca,

      You should check out the 1st month of my Inspired Blogging for Creative Entrepreneurs program. It’s FREE:

      https://www.blacksburgbelle.com/2011/01/inspired-blogging-for-creative-entrepreneurs-launch/

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. How to Get More Done Each Day | Blacksburg Belle says:
    November 19, 2010 at 10:18 am

    […] 3 Ideas that Could Change Your Life and Business […]

    Reply
  2. 12 Fantastic Ways to Bring More Creativity Into Your Life | Blacksburg Belle says:
    November 29, 2010 at 5:11 am

    […] living for yesterday or tomorrow, and instead, live for today. When you find your mind drifting, focus your attention on your body and your current surroundings. […]

    Reply

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