Currently, I have the privilege of being a mentor at a Memphis startup incubator.  I love entrepreneurs not just because they are inspiring/nice/fascinating people, but also because they help keep the local community and economy vibrant.  I used to think that these folks were a special breed, that they didn’t experience fear, stress or failure like the rest of us.  Turns out, I was wrong.  Entrepreneurs feel fear; they just do their thing anyway!  They have what author  Steven Covey called “a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.”

While I don’t think of myself as an entrepreneur (e.g., a person who introduces innovative new products or disruptive technologies), I am self-employed.  That’s not something I’d ever planned on.  Fortunately for me, I had coaching to help with my fears and limiting beliefs around what a “safe” career looks like.  I‘ve been able to work with my fears to manage, understand, and feel them – and then, like my entrepreneurial friends, do what I want to in spite of those fears.

What’s your “bigger ‘yes?’”  What’s the thing in life – large or small – that you want to do, but are afraid to do?  Excitement and fear can be close relatives.  Pay attention to both and follow The Daily Love’s Mastin Kipp’s smart advice that “Unless you are in mortal danger, fear is a compass telling you where to go.”  Scary?  Yes.  But on the other side of that fear is an amazing world where your desires and dreams await.  What’s one small step you’ll take towards your dream today?

Bon voyage!

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“[Trust that] the gifts you’re here to share with the world come from what inspires you most and makes you feel the greatest – and elevates your existence.  If you’re elevated by the practices you love, then you can greatly trust that you’ll elevate others.”
     – Gabby Bernstein

Before we move on to another topic, let’s revisit purpose.  What does it look like to “listen for clues?”  One way is to consider your childhood.  What did you love to do?  Why?  What feelings did it give you?  Which of your values did the activity honor?  What’s the adult equivalent of that activity?

For me, it recently looked like a couple of hours of crafting: crawling around on the floor creating a giant paper flower.  I’d had a vision of making something big and pretty from newspaper, and I decided to experiment and see what I could do.  Did it turn out exactly like I expected?  Not really, but I spent two hours totally engrossed in the process and felt very satisfied at the end, my hands and knees covered in glue and newsprint.

And you know what I enjoy even more?  Crafting with others!  I was lucky enough to find a tribe in Memphis at the 5 in 1 Social Club whose tagline is “kindergarten for grown folks.”  I had a great time making wire necklaces with my fellow crafters.  These kind of shared creative experiences not only put me in flow which increases my happiness, but also provide a means to express my values and play with my purpose.

If crafting isn’t your thing, what is?  What activity do you love to lose yourself in?  I encourage you to get your geek on, whatever that looks like for you.  Not only will you enjoy yourself, but you’ll get in touch with the activities – and people – that turn on your energy and enthusiasm.

What activities have been calling you?  What would it look like if you listened to Joseph Campbell’s advice to “follow your bliss?”  Set aside some bliss time on your calendar now and keep listening for your purpose to emerge.

Enjoy elevating your existence!

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Change is in the air!

Spring and summer are currently playing tag in Memphis.  Although we’ve already had a 90 degree day this month, today it’s spring again.

In the spirit of the changing seasons, if you’re interested in the topics of change and transition, you may want to read my longer posts here:  https://jenfrankcoaching.com/making-changes/  Hope you find them helpful!

To be alerted to new posts like these, sign up for my blog, and I’ll keep you up to date.

Happy spring!

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Every person has gifts and talents as well as experiences that are unique to them.  When these come together in service to others, a person is aligned with their purpose.

What is your gift to give?  Not sure?  Start listening for clues and looking to your past for them.  Yes, purpose can be elusive, but it’s important because you’re the only one who can bring your special gift to the world!  Here’s a little inspiration to get you started…

“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”       -Joseph Campbell

“Load the ship and set out. No one knows for certain whether the vessel will sink or reach the harbor. Cautious people say, “I’ll do nothing until I can be sure.” Merchants know better. If you do nothing, you lose. Don’t be one of those merchants who won’t risk the ocean.”        -Rumi

Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why” TED talk explains why some businesses and leaders inspire and other’s don’t. This 18-minute video may inspire you to think about your “why” – your purpose and motivation. View here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sioZd3AxmnE

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