goalsetgoget

[goalsetgoget]

5 Reasons Why You Can Start A Business By Not Knowing Your Passion

One of the biggest reasons (if not the biggest reason) that prevents aspiring entrepreneurs from starting a business or breaking free of the work that doesn’t fulfill them is not knowing what they’re passionate about. As a result, they go on an endless pursuit finding their passion hence many never get started. They become stuck on the “what ifs”: What if I put all this hard work on something and I don’t know if I will love it? What if I end up hating it?

It’s true that those who do their best work are those who have a lot of passion for it. But does that mean you should hold off your dreams on becoming an entrepreneur? The 5 reasons below explains why you can start a business without the need to know your passion straight away.

1. It’s Not Your Passion That Makes Money

People don’t pay you from what you’re passionate about, they pay you from what THEY’RE passionate about. Most aspiring entrepreneurs who focus on following their passion at the initial stages often end up with a hobby. They spend a lot of their time, energy and money on perfecting a product that they love and hoping others will love it as well but then realizing later on that there’s no one who wants to buy it. You must prove that your concept works first! It should actually be the reverse – focus on what people love, start with a simple idea, find a hungry audience and then tailor your product around what people are looking for or whatever addresses their greatest needs, frustrations, challenges, desires, etc.

There’s nothing wrong with living your passions, but when it comes to starting a business, become customer-focused and later on you will have the privilege to do exactly what you love.

Some key questions to ask yourself about your ideal customer:

What are their biggest needs?

What is the reason they’re coming to us for?

What are their biggest desires?

What is their biggest fear?

Who are their heroes?

What are they passionate about?

Where do they get their information?

Who do they hang out with?

Where are they found both online and offline?

2. People Pay You For Your Skills

People normally pay for something that they believe will solve their problem or improve their quality of life. You need skills to deliver a product or service that the customer will see as value-for-money. In order to build trust and desire, you need to hone your skills in rapport-building. In order to deliver a valuable product or service, you need to hone your skills in your craft. In order to attract your target market, you need to hone your skills in building relationships. In order to communicate value to your ideal customer and generate cash flow, you need to hone your skills in sales.

Having the right skills is inevitably initiated with hard work. At the early stages there is a lot you don’t know but don’t be discouraged. The learning process for everyone is the same – it takes time and practice. Having a mentor can help speed up the process and it is wise to aspire to others instead of comparing ourselves to them.

Some key questions to ask yourself:

What are my key strengths?

What comes natural to me but harder for others?

What do people often tell me I'm good at doing?

What have I done in the past to solve a key problem I was experiencing?

3. Your “Why” Is Your Best Tool

Another key reason for creating a profitable business is effectively communicating your “why” to your target audience. When most small business focus on the “what” and “how” of their business, those who succeed start with their “why”. People gravitate to an organization that is aligned to their own values and beliefs. Your customers will relate to your “why” more than anything else. When your “why” is strong enough, everything else will fall into place.

Some key questions to ask yourself:

Why am I starting a business in the first place?

What is the highest purpose behind starting my own business?

4. Passions Change Over Time

Although your “why” never changes (it’s what makes you who you are) and your values might stay the same after a long period of time, your passions can change over a short time. The truth is, we don’t have just one passion, we have many passions. The more we explore ourselves and the world, the greater realization we will have for things that will bring us varying levels of excitement.

Therefore, the key to starting a business is to just start. Don’t wait around for years trying to find something you have to be passionate about because your passions will likely change anyway! Start with what we have discussed so far – focus on what others are passionate about, utilize your skills and talents and let your actions be driven by your “why”. Start with a mild interest on something then engage in it.

Some key questions to ask yourself:

What are my interests?

What do I enjoy doing?

What are the things I would do for free?

What do I like to post or write about on Facebook?

5. Passion Is A Result

Once you are engaging and taking action, then it results to the things you become passionate about! Hence, passion is a result, it’s the energy you have when you’re engaged with something. Passion is not something you can “follow”; it’s not in front of you or behind you, it’s not around a building or at the end of a rainbow.

You don’t have to start by following your passion – that’s a huge misconception. Your passion is something  that comes later. But of course, the reasons you’re taking action in the first place is to do something you love and to contribute to others, right? But it doesn’t mean you can’t start to make an impact.

Remember, the only way you can love yourself is to do what you love. So start by "doing". Try it for a while and if it doesn’t work out, try something else.

Some key questions to ask yourself:

What can I do today to make a difference?

What is the worst thing that can happen if I take the first step? What will happen when I don’t?

*********

Mark D. Flores is a Business Startup Specialist. He is also the Director of Falcon Mentoring, your one-stop partner to help you start, launch, promote and grow your business. We provide what every aspiring entrepreneur needs: The on-going, dedicated support of a mentor & accountability partner. We also provide education for a community of like-minded entrepreneurs all looking for the same thing.

Our purpose is to help you create a business that you love and give you the tools to drive your vision to the world!

At Falcon Mentoring:

We address your biggest concerns and challenges when starting a business.

We provide the tools, strategies and support to get you started and moving in the right direction.

We tailor programs and systems to meet your specific entrepreneurial needs.

Visit Falcon Mentoring's website on falconmentoring.com

Download your free Startup eBook: "The 5 Simple Steps To Starting Your Business" and be in the running for a free strategy session with one of our mentors HERE.

Contact: support@falconmentoring.com

[goalsetgoget]

Why Your Need To Feel Good Will Result In Startup Failure

Ever started something then not long after you give up? Ever had an inspiring vision, you get so excited, you plan it out and then two weeks later the motivation is gone, then you blame it all on "laziness"?

There's something I've noticed over the years (and something I've been through myself) when people go in the pursuit of their dreams and goals or even just to get some direction in life, they confuse the difference between "feeling good" and "being comfortable".

Laziness is all about being comfortable. And we know that you cannot grow in your comfort zone.

Life is all about feeling good, absolutely. When we create inspiring goals, like following a passion, or launching a business there's something that we need to realize especially at the very beginning - it takes work, a lot of it. It invites with it a lot of pleasure...and pain. Pain is a teacher, a motivator. It makes us realize our own reality; if you don't step up and don't get the results you're after, it doesn't feel good. When your current life doesn't reflect how you imagine it to be...that's painful.

Being in flow is all about feeling good but it doesn't mean you're comfortable 24/7. When you get up in front of a crowd to deliver a speech, performance, etc for many it's not comfortable. But it's an opportunity that feels bloody good. To face the fear feels hella good. To put in the hours of inspired work when you forget to eat and sleep because you're on a mission, feels good. To be able to come home in sweat and aching muscles after a hard session in the gym, feels good. To be able to serve more people because you finally got your business up and running after being put through the fire and jumping out of it...feels f*ckin' great. In fact, it's actually selfish to be lazy because you're refusing to see your full potential to make a difference for yourself and for others.

Remember, most of life is uncomfortable anyway. Seek to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and feel good about yourself.

[goalsetgoget]

A Blazing Light

One of the things which truly connects us as human beings is when we share our lives in stories. Stories which can inspire others and help them heal, learn, and connect are nothing short of an amazing gift that all of us can give.

On June 16, 2014 I had the privilege to interview Fernando Carlos, a family friend who is undergoing cancer treatment. “Ferdie” talks about his leukemia diagnosis, how he overcame depression, and how it has taught him the value of life.

Mark: Hi, Tito Ferdie. Can you please tell us a little about yourself?

Ferdie: I was born in Manila, Philippines on Feb. 5, 1953. After some months, my parents brought me back to live on my grandmother’s ranch in Valencia, Bukidnon. We also lived in Bohol & Cebu City, where I started school. I came to Australia when I was 19 yrs old and lived with my aunt, Rose Moraza Planas, in Sydney. After completing an apprenticeship in the trade of Fitting & Machining, I worked for many years in the manufacturing industry as a mechanical engineering draftsman. I moved to Albury, where I married and where our twin boys were born. We moved back to Sydney, where I found work in the Building and Construction industry & continue to do so.

Mark: What type and stage of cancer did you have?

Ferdie: I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia on Nov. 10, 2013, with 30% of blood cells affected.

Mark: What do you believe was the key to your success?

Ferdie: I forced myself away from depression by finding other distractions, such as listening to music, posting on Facebook, writing short stories about our little dog’s antics..and most of all.. prayer. All of which, lifted me from a bleak outlook on life..to a future full of hope!

Mark: What was the biggest challenge of your experience? Was there a moment when you wanted to give in?

Ferdie: The bleakest moment I experienced was when in a matter of days, I began chemo treatment. It was the most intensive, high dosage chemo which went for 24 hrs a day, 7 days straight. By the 3rd day, I was suffering from secondary ailments like Diverticulitis, constipation then severe diarrhea, followed by haemorrhoids. I was also constantly shaking like a leaf, racked with fever! I really felt like I couldn’t go on anymore, wanting it all to end.

Mark: How has the experience changed you, your view on life and the world?

Ferdie: It taught me the value of life - All life! How we humans are slowly but surely, destroying this earth we live in. Destroying it for all species of life, which God created!

Mark: What rituals did you have to keep your mind on a positive state? Where did you get your strength and resilience from?

Ferdie: I did develop a daily routine, from when I woke up around 4:00 in the morning. I would lay still & pray with my mind, memories of family & friends who had passed away would flood my mind, as if they had joined me to pray. I would then wait for the sun to rise, with a cup of steaming hot coffee in my hand, snapping the best photo I could of it!

As I got ready for the morning influx of shift nurses, daily blood test collection, breakfast…I would go out of my room & join fellow patients, John & Mario who both had exactly what I have. And we would do laps of the ward corridors at a brisk walking pace, all of us hooked up to our IV poles on castors! While John had just started treatment, Mario was on it for a longer time. He noticed right away that there was something different about me - having a joke and a laugh with the nurses and doctors for one thing!

It wasn’t long before he asked me when we were having a quiet moment,

“Ferdie, what is it you’re doing that keeps you going? Always smiling and cheerful-like. Word is you’re progressing with the treatment in leaps and bounds!”

I answered him in this way,

"Mate, no matter how many problems you have, how much pain you’re in, how much sorrow you feel, and how dark everything seems, all you have to do is dig deep into the recesses of your mind and think of just one good thing, anything, from an image of your wife, your children, grandchildren, just one, then concentrate on that image because the more you think of it and nothing else, the more the darkness disappears from the light, burning ever brighter, of that special image! Try it, Mario! You’ve got nothing to lose, mate!!!"

Mark: Looking back, would you do anything different?

Ferdie: I’m not completely out of the woods yet, Mark. I’ve got a bit more road to travel but I feel much better prepared for whatever fate throws at me and I wouldn’t change anything that I’ve done.

Mark: What advice would you give to those who are, or will be going through the same thing you went through?

Ferdie: My advice to anyone facing hardship would be the same as what I told Mario: Never give up. The small, flickering light of hope is quickly nourished into a bright, blazing fire of success!!

[goalsetgoget]

The 2 Levels Of Our Blueprint

We are bombarded with information every day. Our brain has to work in a selective manner, which filters the data because otherwise we would be destructively overwhelmed. Over time, we will create meanings to these information from the experience we gain from the up-bringing in our homes, schools, work, relationships, to the set of beliefs and systems that have been already placed for us which can influence the way we live and ultimately, the way we are. The meaning we give to the information and experience is what makes us unique. In turn they become our values, our story and our blueprint. Our blueprint comes in 2 levels: The one that is in the forefront of our conscious thoughts are the external values and desires. For some it's having an expensive car or a 2-storey house. Or a certain physical desire - a 6-ft man with a chiseled jaw. Or a high-paying career. Or a lavish, resort holiday. The second level of our blueprint is less on the surface, usually imprinted into our subconscious. These are our deepest desires. Instead of a house we desire a home. Or someone we can truly connect to. Or a fulfilling career of contribution. For many, the approach to life begins with matching our "surface" blueprint. When those points are met we will have temporary joy. But it is not until the conditions of our lives match, or better, exceed our deeper blueprint level that we are truly fulfilled and have long-term happiness. So if you're unhappy with your life conditions you will either have to change your story and create a new blueprint to match your needs and expectations OR lower your expectations to match your story. The choice is up to you.

[goalsetgoget]

https://www.facebook.com/eyeamm

http://www.iambymf.com

[goalsetgoget]

In Complete

When people inflict pain on each other and animals there is a part of them that is unresolved. A part of them that is incomplete and so they falsely believe either consciously or subconsciously, that those actions can fill a void. It is not our job to become perfect for we can never attain it, but to be complete in this moment is our duty. To be in place within ourselves that we have all we ever need, right now, right this very second. When you are without compassion and forgiveness, then the further you are from your true self. You cannot move into your rightful place with cruelty in your heart. Be kind, be compassionate and forgive. Namaste.

[goalsetgoget]

Like my page on Facebook for some spiritual inspiration and life motivation.

[goalsetgoget]

i Am by Mark Flores

Visit my website for Spiritual inspiration and life motivation.

[goalsetgoget]

Align to You

When you are aligned with your true self you are fully determined. Determined to be in a place of joy. Determined to overcome your fears. Determined to be bigger than the challenges you face. Determined to achieve what you set out to achieve. Determined to use your talents to serve others.

[goalsetgoget]

Feel Good Now

Have you ever found after receiving what you’ve been desiring that almost immediately it wasn’t what you were after all along? One of the things that we tend to do when we want something, is that we only focus on how we think we will feel only when we have it. We even convince ourselves sometimes that we will only find joy when we do have it. For example, “I will be happy once i am rich”. Or “I will be happy once I get that car, but right now I don’t have time or I can’t afford it.”

One of the traps that we fall into is that we tend to concentrate on the things that we don’t have or the lack of them, rather than focusing on what we truly desire and feeling good even when we don’t yet have it.

When I was young, I desired having my own guitar. So I took a wooden tennis racquet and attached six cotton strings to it. I already knew how great it would feel to have a guitar, before I had my hands on one. It wasn’t long until I received an electric guitar from my parents for Christmas. That desire stayed with me until now.

When I won division 4 and 6 in Lotto last weekend, before I filled out the ticket I was in such good emotion and high belief that I knew I was going to walk into the news-agency and claim my prize. My only surprise is that I didn’t win the jackpot.

If I want to go on holidays I imagine myself already there. I’ve already kept a blog, with photos and things I would do. I would even write in present or past tense, like I’ve already been there and had a great time.

People think that having expectations is not a good thing because it can lead to disappointments. But a negative outcome will only take place if you are attached to that desire and sometimes when you made a decision to acquire it, in the moment it was not with good feeling or emotion.

Always expect well-being. Always expect joy and it will come to you. Be happy with all that you are, wherever you are in this moment. And if you don’t like it, make a decision to change it, with belief that you will have what you want. But have it now, and feel good.

By Mark Flores

[goalsetgoget]

Love is forgiving. Love is for giving.

[goalsetgoget]

[goalsetgoget]

It’s 9am on New Year’s Day 2014 and I just woke up from a vivid dream. There was a ladder, attached to a mast much like my photo here. The invitation was obvious and I had to climb it, if I choose to. I ascended higher and higher. After what seemed like a few seconds I looked down. I panicked, I was filled with a familiar fear. As much as I was aware of the dream, I chose to descend.

Like a reoccurring dream, I created a second opportunity. Disappointed from my past failure I convinced myself to climb that ladder once more. Overcoming my fears was my motivation. The pinnacle of that ladder was my goal, a goal which soared up to the clouds.

As I began my climb, I thought to myself repeatedly, “What was the worst thing that can happen? If I was to fall, I would not be hurt in a dream. Just don’t look back. Keep going forward.” So I kept climbing until I made it and I was above the clouds. I was filled with a great sense of accomplishment.

But a new challenge presented itself-I had to descend down the ladder back to the ground. Aware of the dream, I made two choices: Either I climb down or I jump off, in the hopes that I land unhurt and hopefully avoid the waters and sharks of Sydney Harbour. The latter was much more exciting, but naturally it required a lot of courage. But the key was in faith. If I was to jump off that ladder I had to believe that I will fly.

I first made the easier choice of climbing down. At the bottom, the satisfaction was mediocre. With more determination, I created another opportunity and climbed the top of the ladder once again. Then I would jump off. Gathering courage, I glided down instead and landed on Darling Harbour, oblivious to the bystanders.

-If any dream or nightmare could provide a message, this one was not difficult to decipher. When opportunities come, we can make a choice. We can let our fear stop us, or we can allow ourselves to be inspired by our goals and take the necessary action to achieve success. We must accept failure. There is really no such thing as failure, only results. And the only thing we have to fear is fear in itself. We can create opportunities instead of waiting for them and most times they were there all along. Being out of our comfort zone is where life truly begins. Courage is not about not being afraid, it is about overcoming your fear. Sometimes dreams become reality if we truly believe.

-Mark Flores

[goalsetgoget]

Always celebrate the best feelings in your life because these emotions will directly shape outcomes later in your life.

[goalsetgoget]

Flying through the air was an amazing experience.

[goalsetgoget]

Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us; and true progress is to know more, and be more, and to do more.

Oscar Wilde

[goalsetgoget]

It is the silence between the notes that makes the music; it is the space between the bars that holds the tiger.

Old Zen Proverb