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Entrepreneur's Corner, Personal Growth

How To Turn A World Tragedy, Into A Valuable Lesson

It took me a while to find the strength and the correct words to write this post. It was only a few weeks ago that the people of Japan experienced a tragic event unstoppable and unforeseen by no one. The tragic 9.0 magnitude earthquake struck on March 11th, 2011, leaving millions homeless and thousands with broken hearts with the lives of many of their loved ones lost.

I like many people have been keeping up to date and a watchful eye on the events that occurred in Japan. I am fortunate not to have been effected by this tragedy in a personal matter or have lost loved ones, but this event did strike a chord with me and it should with you as well.

Within seconds the world’s 3rd largest economy, after the US and China, Japan and its’ people were left with no running water and a very limited supply of food. And an even greater shift occurred within seconds Japan, the largest buyer of US Treasury debt after the Federal Reserve had to halt most of its purchases of US Treasuries, and as it rebuilds may likely begin selling what they currently own as they proceed with recovery process.

With the cash balance at the Treasury in the billions and an average spend rate equally just that, within hours we potentially faced a time when US government was less than 24 hours away from bankruptcy.
A few minutes. One unexpected event. One bad decision. One wrong word you regretfully say.

All examples of how quickly our lives and sustainability here on earth can be.

Now I have never been a fan of being “Miss Expect The Worst and Live Fearfully” , in fact I live by another motto “All Things Happen For A Reason” and in terms of fear of death and tragedy I have always felt “when it’s your time to go, it’s your time to go” despite how well you take care of yourself or how “careful” you are.
My grandpa, R.I.P, lived to his mid 80s, stronger than ever never visiting a doctor and drinking Tecate beer like it was his water, that does not mean I condone not caring for your body or being healthy, in fact I am very watchful of what I eat and how I care for my body, but it is not for the thought of this will make me live longer, it is more for the purpose of however long I do live, let me live it well and in the best health and shape I can possibly be in.

So why do I bring this all up?

I admit I went thru a serious of emotions during this event. My initial feeling was wanting to pack my bags and be a gypsy and travel and experience the world, spend time with loved ones and ditch all my professional projects. I thought, “Why bother when you realize how quickly you can loose your life?” Then I went thru fear. I was fearful of the threat this economy has on the US and radiation fears set in. Then I was settled and inspired by the reaction of the people and the recovery.

There is a lot to learn from how the Japanese are rebounding from this tragedy as they have from WWII. It has been very touching and educational for me to view these reports and videos. Just think, the Japanese people were left with no communication for several days. We can only think of how immature it is when we find ourselves stressing out over forgetting our cellphones at home or the price of gas increasing 5cents. We rant and go on a mini rage when our local restaurant runs out of that days’ special soup.

Unlike other countries, cities or societies that have faced similar tragedies there has been very little reports of violence, looting or aggravation. Of course I may add that their government has responded fantastically and has given people very little reason to revolt and to get angry, unlike other “leaders” who will remain unnamed…whose name starts with a G ends with a B…

The road to recovery of the Japanese is made up of massive amounts of character, resilience and dignity all of which are qualities we should work on and embody ourselves. It also reminds us that although we cannot predict tragic events there are certain things we can do to prepare for such a natural disaster. Below I share some things I recommend purchasing or always having available to you.

1. Bottled water and canned food, enough for 5 days
2. Flashlight and extra batteries
3. Battery operated radio
4. Contact numbers of your loved ones, banks, and other investment accounts written.
5. Cash available. Dependant on your economic level however I recommend having at least $1,000.00 available immediately. (“but Adriana, I have been struggling to save $500! How am I supposed to save $1,000?” I will share experts tips on how to make more money and save it)
I am always shocked at how so many people have less than $200 extra available in cash. It is time to change that.
6. Feminine and baby supplies.
7. Extra set of prescription drugs if you currently are taking some.
8. A secondary home you own in a different part of the country. Hey you never know if you ever need to leave the region. you can always live somewhere else! Brings a new meaning to the term “vacation home”. You may ask, “but I am not rich?” Not to worry. There are many ways and techniques out there where I will share with you how you can own property on an average salary.

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I am eager to connect with you and hear your comments, questions and feedback.

Entrepreneur's Corner, People Skills, Personal Growth

How To Get What You Want

How to get what you want by suggesting things rather than by asking.

I was the baby in the family, so I had “baby” protection What does that mean? That everything you do is “ok” and you never get in trouble and more importantly …. I always got my way. Call it spoiled or whatever you want, but that’s just how it was and that type of childhood instilled in me a “Get what I want” attitude. Throughout my teenage years, college, entering good old corporate American and in pursuit of my own business that attitude remained, but it evolved from a snobby stubborn kid to a strategic and highly confident woman.
The “Get my way attitude” was applied on in many areas. I got accepted into my top choice university, always got the jobs I wanted, traveled where I wanted, dated the guys I wanted and well developed and founded the business projects I wanted… and still want.

This attitude though can be applied to things you want to accomplish, but what I am going to talk about here is how you apply it with dealing with those fun lil creatures who have major emotions and attitudes called… PEOPLE. How To Get What You Want

One way I learned was thru watching others who always seem to get what they wanted from people and also paid attention to how people I interacted with got me to do what they wanted! I was always floored by how some of my mentors always were able to get “yeses” or better yet just maneuver people to act and do what exactly what they wanted them to do.
I learned this skill in my businesses and in my dating life. I know it’s a funny comparison to say dating and my business taught me this, but the truth is it did.
You see, growing up with an ultra hard working-respect-my-mom-type of dad and an older brother who couldn’t be more disciplined and manly I looked for those traits in men. And in my dating extravaganza I met many more who were not vs. the ones who had a little more confidence and self assurance.
I paid attention to what I liked about certain men. What turned me on and what turned me off. Now I must admit many men were good on “paper” like all the facts about them were “perfect” almost like a baseball card! All their stats were great, but when it came up to bat they… Struck Out!
One of the most captivating actions a man could do and did to capture my attention was this method and skill I want to share with you. The interesting thing is that not only was it something I realized myself and many other women loved in a man, but it also helped me when I was a newbie sales person and entrepreneur.
Now let me share with you what I mean and h

ow this concept will not only completely change the amount of successful approaches you have with single women or even men ladies, but also can alter your status and your ability to add more value to yourself in this ever growing, changing and highly competitive market.
When I speak about successful approaches I am referring to all those attempts you have made at a bar, park, gym or grocery store picking up women that embarrassingly fail! You fail so bad you resort to lil penis syndrome where you are just scared to ever approach a woman. I don’t blame you, if I had that many rejecting experiences maybe I would be hesitant too. The great thing is it does not have to be that way.
It doesn’t have to be that way for your business either. If you own a business that relies on acquiring new clients, this concept I guarantee you will also revolutionize your success in your business.
Am I over confident?
Too good to be true?

Well all I have to say is this:
Adopt my “If it don’t kill ya, try it philosophy”.

And if it helps any, I’d like to share with you that almost 99% of the time if a man was clever and smart enough to try this he always got a yes from me in accepting a date.

And for my “Get R Done” entrepreneurs out there this concept almost always guaranteed a lead, referral, new client or opportunity to present my services.

Here it is….
Women do NOT like to be asked, instead they like to be influenced into a decision.

Now you can replace the word “women” to business owners, home buyers, people, patients, clients, etc. Basically whomever you are dealing with in a transaction.
Transaction of pleasure, dating, learning, selling… any exchange between one person and another.

Ok so in dating since we are all familiar with this here is an often too familiar scene of what I mean by the asking approach, failing.
It sounds like this:
“So hey umm do you maybe want to grab a bite to eat Thursday night? I know you work, but I was thinking we maybe if your not to tired we can meet up after work, do you want to meet up?
FAIL!!

That’s very courteous of you to ask kindly, but you know what, it does not cut it!
Women do not respond to questions. People in general do not respond to questions. We do not know how to or what to answer.
We live in a society that from birth practically have things around us controlling are every thought. TV, video games, etc. and you expect for these people to make decisions for themselves?
It ain’t happening!
In seduction every women no matter how conservative or how big of a woman’s right advocate she is Looovvvessss to sometimes be tossed around and controlled and nudged into a decision she wants to make, but hates to admit it.

So to learn how to “nudge” people into an action try this:
Ok so now let us see how this influencing and nudging approach works for your business. When approaching a new client or looking to increase your business influence their decision by approaching them like this:

Hello Mr. Prospect. I would love to come over to share with you briefly ways where you can be more efficient, make more money, be better presented out there in the the marketplace. When would you have time for me to come by? Right now, I’m available Monday 3:00 Or Wednesday at 3:00.

Basically the key when approaching someone in a business setting is to figure out when they are free or have a little time for you without giving them the entire week or month as an option. I have learned that the less options you give people the more you get from them.

Have you ever asked someone “Are you free this week?” The normal response is “Oh I’m super busy, I am not sure” But if you ask “Hey are you free Tuesday evening or Friday evening?” They can usually tell you exactly if they are free or not and even give you specific times.
It’s funny but when people are given less to choose from or no choices at all…. They tend to go with what you present to them.

I hope that the examples I shared above help bring some insight or illustrate to you what this concept of getting your way by suggesting things rather than by asking.

Entrepreneur's Corner, My Thoughts

Why Men Who Work Hard Are Attractive To Women

Why Men Who Work Hard Are Attractive To Women. Who go to work. Who fix things and drill and kill bugs when we see them. It’s in our nature. I didn’t write the human code or our DNA or talk to Adam and Eve about their issues, I just know it’s a fact of life and it’s a fact of male and women tendencies.  I am so thankful that my husband is one of those men. I grew up around a laboror man.. my father is the hardest working man I know! This man cannot just sit around. He knows how to relax, but prefers to be doing something. He helps around the house without hesitation …always. Recently we had to have a tree removed from our yard… my dad and Mark came to the rescue. I tried telling them to just hire someone, but bought hesitated to accept and decided to just do it  themselves. 20150107_115427

Women are made to give. They are adaptable and they love to please others. Women are always asking “what can I do for my man?” Women are thinking about the little things to do for you. The little notes to plant in your pockets. The dinners and romantic evenings she planned for the two of you. Basically all the things you as a man probably overlook and never gave a shit about! Hahaha. Women need to feel safe and they love acknowledgement! The “thank you” the “that dinner was amazing!” Not to get too much into it, because this article is about how women love men who labor, but to narrow it down to two fundamental needs a women has is acknowledgement and the sense of feeling “safe”.

As a man, how do you make a woman feel safe? Is it that you parade around like a bodyguard when you’re out in public? NO! I mean don’t get me wrong no woman wants to date a pansy, someone who can’t stand up for themselves or someone that wouldn’t confront a rude man who is trying to cause problems.

What I’m talking about is this,
The most important “safety” a woman cares about and needs is that the man she is with will always assume the role of the “Hunter”. Back in the days it literally was that, the men hunted and they brought home the food and items that would be used for shelter and survival. Obviously the tables have turned and there is no need for you to walk in to your home grabbing the fish by its head, but the “hunter” in you must be present.

menatwork

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By hunting I mean, going out there and working. Producing. Cultivating. Improving your and your future partners life. Women despite the change in roles we have seen in this last century with many women hitting the work place and many times earning more income than their mates, still the inner desire and need to feel “safe” stems back to the man assuming the role as a “provider”.
Don’t buy into the hoop-la of “Independent woman” stuff. See a woman WILL and CAN be independent, but even if she is and needs nothing from you economically, KNOWING that you can be the provider if needed is exactly what every woman wants to know.

So men, get off your ass and step up your game.

On this LABOR day ask yourself what are you “LABORing” on. How are you creating value for yourself? Are you acquiring a new skill? Are you planning for the future? Are you increasing your network? All these are things that increase your value.

If you’re a conservative reading this article, you may ask “well what happened to the more important things like trust, love and understanding?” I never said those were not important, but keep in mind a woman can have that and find that with her best friend or some family member. The workings of a great relationship between male and female long term must also fulfill the female needs and prove that the man she is with can and will “take care” of her.

Then there are the men who think women are “gold diggers!” that is an insecure man’s way of thinking. He is thinking “oh she is going to use me” and if your dumb and don’t stand for yourself then a woman with bad intentions would use you, and who’s fault is that? Yours! Not the girls. You as a man also set your parameters and remember that ultimately you can never buy love. You can buy purses and vacations and jewelry, but never lust or love. If you turn her on you turn her on because of your energy with her not what you buy her. What you buy will only at best provide decent sex and a complain to hang out with you until she finds someone better. If that’s all your looking for then go ahead keep it up. If not, you must not rely on your finances alone.
Let me finish by telling you this. Men are like Cars. All have an engine, 4 tires, doors and if it’s a working car it turns on and drives. A woman shops around first by her emotion, what looks and smells good to her. Basically what turns her on sexually. After that, to keep her you must show you can be reliable and go the distance. The less you show her this the less she wants to “ride”. Your sex life diminishes your intimacy level decrease and next thing you know she will start telling you its ladies night every weekend!

So on LABOR day and all others Go To Work and like my favorite comedian Russell Peters says “Be-A-Man” these fundamental instincts we have are exactly that, fundamental despite the changes in society and our times women and men will continue to have basic fundamental needs.

Entrepreneur's Corner, Personal Growth

How to Accomplish Your New Years Resolutions

When April hits, exactly ¼ of the year has passed. That means exactly 3 months ago you and I and the rest of the world made those things called resolutions to complete by the end of the year. The “I’m going to lose 10lbs” or “I will get out of my bad relationship” “ I will stop smoking” etc, are all examples of some all too familiar and very popular resolutions we make to ourselves.How to Accomplish Your New Years Resolutions

As one of my spring cleaning rituals that I have done for years and which was taught to me by a very close and successful friend is to look back at those “resolutions” and take inventory on how far you have come and make note of what you have been able to achieve sine the day you made them.

What I realize is that most of us do not accomplish them because well… we forget about them!

How and why do I state this? Because I myself am guilty of making a resolution and not accomplishing it and completely forgetting what my resolution was. I am not perfect, but what I have managed to do is accomplish and complete more resolutions that most people have year after year after.
How?
By implementing and doing the following things. If you follow them, I am sure you will see the results as I have seen many times. Here is How to Accomplish Your New Years Resolutions

1. Write It Down
Fastest way to forget something? Saying it and not writing it down. With our lives being so busy and filled with activities, responsibilities and for some baby momma drama who can even remember what you had last night for dinner! Let alone remember your goals and things you want to accomplish for the year. To state something you wish to accomplish in 12 months on day and expect to remember what it was you stated on day 60, let alone day 200 you would almost have to be incredibly gifted. So if you are like me and have short term memory or cannot remember to pay your cell phone bill on time, take this advice and write down the things you want to accomplish and make sure they are written somewhere visible to you on a daily basis so you can revert to it daily.

2. The Edison Method
Did you know Thomas Edison the inventor of that little cute bulb that brings you light and allows you to see better at your home, told people he had invented it before he even had attempted to?? If that doesn’t show confidence and swag then I don’t know what does! There is something to learn about this though. Studies have proven that when we share our goals and are vocal about what we want a little thing called our pride and ego kicks in and we are more likely to follow it through with the proper actions to accomplish it.
Why?
Oh for the fear of the embarrassment it may cause when we do not accomplish and complete what we told other people that we would accomplish. Be bold grow some how we my fellow Mexican’s say it “grow some huevos” and tell someone! You do not need to go and Facebook Status it, but share with someone preferably someone whom you respect and that cares enough about you to help you with little reminders that will help you to achieve your goals.

3. Take Weekly Inventory
Lastly, to help with accomplishing your resolutions why not try giving yourself a weekly “report card”. Waiting 3 months… after reading this blog post to ask or review how you are doing on your resolution is too long. Rather than the getting stuck in the “should have” mentality and “shoulding all over ourselves” why not make the adjustment and change NOW!

In Steven Covey’s book, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”, he shares about the power of the week. A day is too short. A month is too long. A week he says is “perfect” to give proper time to make progress, but not long enough to forget to check your progress. So let us not wait until July to see how we are doing in terms of accomplishing these goals and instead learn from Steven Covey and other successful individuals and use the one week method. With today’s modern fancy cell phones and gadgets none of us have any excuses as to “forget” what we need to do. Set alarms, bells and whistles to help remind you of what you need to do.

 

Entrepreneur's Corner, Health & Fitness

Making The Most Of Your Morning

Mornings, you either love them or hate’em. Here is Making The Most Of Your Morning. I have always been a part of the team which loves mornings. I remember even as a kid growing up in the southern California coast, I enjoyed the cold, crips, dewing morning walks to school. Of course like many of you I too hit the snooze button…. Several times and I want to stay in bed and snuggle, rather than get up.

And on cold mornings I don’t even want to think about leaving the warm blankets, but it is not about not wanting to sleep it is about how you start your day. Today, I realize more and more how important it is to not only learn to enjoy mornings, but really devise a plan to make sure your mornings are enjoyable and start off on the right track.

I do not claim to be a ball of sunshine every morning, but I will say I am 99% more likely to have a kick butt start to my day vs. the rest of the world, so cannot hurt to see what I do to make sure my days start in the best possible way. Making the most of your morning starts here. Here are a few things I do to make sure I start my day out right and you should try them too!

Never Go To Sleep Upset or Unsettled
There is nothing worse you can do to your state of mind and wellbeing than to finish your day in a bad mood. I have done that before and it eats ya up! Maybe you had a fight with your significant other or got some bad news whatever it is the worse thing to do is “pretend” to “let it go” and “fall asleep”. I use quotations because we all know if you have done this before, your mind really does not shut down. You stay up restless in bed and cannot fall asleep.

So how do you get out of that mood? Try to solve the problem or talk about it to someone. Sometimes simply sharing what is bothering you with someone whom you respect and cares about you is extremely helpful since they can add a perspective you may not have seen and offer help or advice.

Always Plan Out Your Day The Night Prior
I learned this habit and tip years ago and have adopted it in my nightly routine ever since. If you find yourself waking up and not really knowing what to do with your day, lollygaging around the house or you are so stuck in your “Go to work routine” you hop in your car or on the metro and ask yourself “How the heck did I make it into work today?” Then you are running on auto pilot and have no plans to accomplish anything new.

So do this, hake a list of things you want to do or accomplish the next day or even add things for the week.

There is no right or wrong way to make this list, just start writing and make it. I will share more about How To Make A To Do List in future post, but for now write down anything even something like “Pluck my eyebrows” or “pay my cell phone bill” like I said anything and everything you need to get done.

Next, have somewhat of a plan of when to do some of the things listed. Not all will be able to be completed the following day, but maybe some you can knock out at your lunch break or in the evening. Do it and you will find you will be more restful when you sleep.

Sleep In Something Comfortable or…. Nothing at All.
Worst thing to do is go to sleep uncomfortable, so invest into some comfy jammies or if you prefer the Birthday Suit then by all means, sleep naked! Some people like to sleep with socks on others don’t. Some like sleeves others don’t. Wear what is comfortable to you.

Invest Into A Great Pillow or Someone To Snuggle With
A few weeks ago I was given this stuffed animal bulldog as a gift. It isn’t very big or the most elaborate fluffy animal, but man oh man it is very comfortable! I booted my pillow and when I sleep alone lay my head on his butt and that becomes my pillow! So maybe you need a fancy pillow or your own plush animal or my favorite a nice chest and someone to snuggle with. Where and how you rest your head is important in having a great night sleep, so go on and get yourself something or someone to lay on!

It Is Better To Sleep Alone Than In Bad Company
My mom taught me this at a very young age. She used to always say “it is better to be alone than in bad company” and this extends with who you share your bed with. If the person you fall asleep to nightly no longer is the one you want to snuggle up against and wrap your arms around them and instead you find yourself laying at the edge of your bed wondering how the heck you don’t fall off it, then there is more to consider. I have always said to myself, “the person I fall asleep with every night has to be someone who makes me want to jump their bones and want to wake up to see the next day with.”

Wee Hours Of The Morning Sex (If Applicable)
Ok, ok so whether it is early morning sex or night sex or quickie sex or all night long sex… my point is pretty clear… make sure you are having sex…. protected safe sex that is. And please people do not take this the wrong way I have to set out my warnings this does not mean I feel you should go around sleeping with everyone giving them a turn. I am talking about the humanistic, health and mental benefits of a good, happy, loving sex life. If you are blessed to have a partner then great for you, the challenge here is how to keep the sex great and enjoyable. If you do not, then listen we are all human beings and our animalistic urges cannot and will not be stopped suddenly so without getting to much into details figure something out, there are plenty of helpful “tools” to help satisfy that area of our basic human needs.

Pleasurable Morning Sights and Sounds
What you see and hear when you first wake up plays an important role in your morning so if you have one of these annoying or scary fire alarm sounding alarms… change it! Try something that is a little more pleasant, but yet loud enough to wake you up. Who do you talk to in the morning? Are they someone who makes you feel good or upsets you? Is your room bright? Do you have nice sights surrounding you? Maybe post up some pleasant pictures or landscapes.

Have some morning tips you would like to share with us!

 

Entrepreneur's Corner

How To Make A To Do List

To do or not to do, that is the question. Find yourself constantly forgetting to get things done? Credit card bills are always paid late, not because you cannot afford the minimum, but just because you forget? Weeks and months go by and you still have not signed up for the gym?

A To Do List can do wonders!!

Above is a picture of an example of one of my list.. as you see not too fancy just on a post it note! I started having or making To Do list because I was just so dang forgetful! I would have so many thoughts and things I would be working on that I would completely forget to do things. My credit score used to be terrible because not only was I unable to afford the minimum payments, but once I was able to, I would still forget to pay it simply because I would forget.

For those of you who do not know me well, I am a big competitor. everything I do I treat it like a sport, so I call began calling my “To Do” list a “To Accomplish List”. Having “To Do” something was just so mentally draining like knowing I had to do it, made me NOT want to instantly. So I tricked my mind to make it seem more like a mission or a game to me. Will it work for you? Not sure, but you can do whatever you feel will help you. The point is to start with something and have some sort of a plan. I have always thought in the world there are two types of people:
1. To Do List People
2. No List People

Clearly if you do your own survey I am sure that you will see how the later, fall short of everything they do in their lives and are always guided by the “To Do” or as I like to refer to it as the “To Accomplish” People.
One of my favorite business philosophers, Jim Rohn (R.I.P) use to say the formula for success was “Could, Should, Do” while the formula for disaster was “Should, Could Don’t”. When people know they should do something and could do something, but they just don’t… that leads to failure and disaster. People “should all over themselves”.

So to become someone who accomplishes things, simply start with this and today there are a ton of neat products, websites and tools to help keep track of things for you. I have found some to be very helpful and others to be too complicated. Here are some of my favorite To Do efficiency tools that really help.

Google Calendars– Have somewhere to go, do or be at? Simply enter into your calendar and you can set alerts and reminders that can be emailed to you or sent as notifications directly to your phone.

Mobile Phone Alerts– Iphone, DROID, Blackberry I laugh every time people engage in the “cell Phone Wars” debating about which phone is best…. Ugh, ugh… Iphone baby! Hahaha. Whatever you use I know one thing, they all have fancy things you can set where you can type in your To Do List and set reminders for you to do them.
Good Ol’Paper and Pen – Really this is my favorite way. I just simply always have a list somewhere. It usually isn’t too fancy. Sometimes it is on a post it note, a scrap piece of paper or on a napkin… really.

Above is a picture of an example of one of my list.. as you see not too fancy just on a post it note!
Making Your List.

I keep it very simple. I either number things or just make little checkboxes. Always start with listing the action or thing that needs to be done the soonest. It may not be the most important, but it has a deadline. Write these down. Then write items that are important. A helpful way of writing it is to split your list in two segments. Personal things and work/business related. Or maybe Highly Important vs. Non important. Find whatever way works best for you.
Beware of the scroll looking To Do list; you know the one that runs on and on and on.

Most importantly here it is: It is OK if you DO NOT complete everything in a day or two days or three. It is ok, just keep it on the list, but do complete it at one point.

Have some To Do tips you would like to share?  

 

Entrepreneur's Corner, My Thoughts, Personal Growth

How to Take a Mini-Retirement – The 4-Hour Workweek

I have been glued to reading “The Four Hour Work Week”  more so because I finally found someone who identified and clearly described exactly what I work so hard to build my life as. Time Ferris details hot to take a mini-retirement and have the continue throughout life rather than wait to just have one. Here is how to take a mini retirement The 4 Hour Workweek style.

One of my favorite phrases is “the birth of mini retirements and the death of vacations”. Time Ferris says “Why wait until you are 65 to start exploring and enjoying life? Why not take the usual 65 year old retirement and distribute it throughout life?”  

That is what I have decided to do and damn it feels good!   facebook_photo_download_2032623810632

I have always been someone who has had a problem with routine or following under someone else domain. I guess you can say I have always marched to the beat of my own drum. Many times I can say it has lead me to some trouble, but the success and enjoyable life experiences it has lead me to far outnumber the mistakes and failures. At the end of the day it is what you experience in life that you take with you, not what you were able to buy and own.
Mini retirements are reoccurring. Meaning you do not go one- once in a lifetime trip, you go on MANY and for a few weeks or even months at a time!. Many people my age get married and have that one extravagant honeymoon and then they succumb themselves to a mundane life of routine. How can routine be good for anyone??!!! Talk about loss of interest, passion, your brain even goes numb. I will discuss routine later in a different post, but this time I am simply sharing my recently identified title for the life I have chosen and choose to continue to live.    bored
True freedom is having time freedom. I am not and have never been impressed with fancy title or high salaries. I live in a city full of stuffy nosed wall street bankers and brokers who make “a lot of money”. But I also get to see and witness how they live. Have you ever taken a stroll down through the streets of wall street around 6-7pm? I remember years ago I had a meeting with a friend downtown and I walked through one of the streets. I was in awe by the sheer number of delivery bikes in the area. I glanced one way and saw almost like a scene in the schindler’s List hands flinging open to grab food as money was exchanged. The “rich” wall street folks were getting there dinner delivered.

 

Rich? Really? Well in my opinion that is far from it.

Everyone is entitled to there lifestyle they choose. I am simply voicing that I think this way of living is rather poor. To restrain yourself to vacationing and having a total of 14 “vacation” days a year or now a days 20 or 22 is not something worth giving up in my opinion the time to be home and have dinner amongst loved ones. Hey I guess if you cant stand your kids, wife, husband and or you don’t have any of this or care for it in your life, then hey, go for it and eat your dinner at your desk too. But not me. I chose not to.

I have not reached the level of success I have plans for, but I have devised a way to live the type of life I love and am happy with now as I only get to add to it. I have been called a gypsy, vagabond, and even was named the little “Travelocity Nome” by a friend.  My passion for travel and exploring is what motivates me to find alternatives ways to earn money, build cash flow and focus my time in businesses and careers that can support this addiction. Last year I visited New Orleans twice, spent 2 weeks in Italy seeing and exploring all the areas I had not yet seen in my previous trip to Italy and then 2 months later  took an entire month off and traveled across country visiting family with my boyfriend and puppies during the holidays.  Having the ability to do this brings me life!

What brings you happiness and life to your days?

Maybe it is the career you have now, maybe it isn’t?

Maybe it is teaching, but you don’t make much money… what is wrong with that?

Not everything valuable in life is measured by your salary. Think about what you are currently doing and what you would like to be doing. Mistakes made because of ambition or acceptable and can always be reversible or forgiven.

Think about what areas of your life need to be remodeled and share with me what are some things you would like to do or change.

Entrepreneur's Corner, My Thoughts, Personal Growth, Real Estate

My Personal Story & Reinvention

When I was about 5 years old my brother, his friend and I would walk around our neighborhood selling cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. The boys were in charge of pulling our red wagon and decidedly by them, I would be the one who would have to walk up to every house, knock on the door, put on a smile and throw them my sales pitch. “Cucumbers 3 for $1 and cherry tomatoes 10 for$1.” It is funny how till this day I remember what we sold and for how much. I would go door to door to door knocking and selling whatever vegetables we had.

Selling vegetables door to door stop being cool once I hit my teenage years where I found other ways to make money. At age 18, I got accepted into my dream school UCLA and wanted to pursue a career in politics and social affairs working with Amnesty International or on grass roots political movement, but I was quickly drawn to business again. I spent the next 8 years traveling and building a business selling and promoting different products and services. The people I was working with really had me blind folded with the con artist they ended up being. My intentions were always good and ethical, but theirs we’re to take advantage of people.I mean for 8 years they promoted “work hard, build a business and have time freedom & residual income” When I finally wanted some time freedom and keep my income I was earning & had built for myself, the “owner” of this company YOR Health, decided “it wasn’t the right timing” according to him. So his factious actions he took were to take it away all together.
How legit is that?
As any teenage girl would behave when she is suddenly angered or upset, the “owner” &his right hand man, an insecure and in the closet about his personal life guy , began to create rumors & lies threatening my reputation and credibility. I guess they were upset that I actually wanted that thing they promoted “time freedom” and didn’t feel like spending 24hours a day with them and promoting only these products. I wanted to pursue additional things & they had a major problem with it. In fact, anyone who ever attempted to do the same usually ended up in the exact same cookie-cutter sudden loss if business scam this company operated. How legit does that sound?? Exactly. Lies. Lies and more lies.

So 3 years ago I parted ways and could no longer work with them promoting something that was unreal and unethical. I made some amazing friends and as the good old saying goes ” one closed door leads to another open door” I strapped my shoes on and kept progressing forward.

Many others who discovered the same grimey things I did about YOR Health took a much different approach pretending it was “ok” for these people to lie to them and scam them the way they did. They took the “let’s stay “friends” approach” which I don’t stand for. They pretended like it never happened or that they never knew anything about it. Protecting the owner & his little minion parter. Sounded to me like a very Penn State Sandusky scandal kinda thing. These others slowly walked away and kind of nestled and hid behind the fact that they needed to change and continue to progress on to the next chapter of their life. Some took my approach and continued to move forward in life progressing, traveling more, marrying the love of their lives, beginning a family, etc. others are quite about what they do now or simply don’t do much. For me, this was no big deal. Just open up another door and one thing I’ve learned to do is when you step into something don’t tippy toe in… Take a bold step forward.

I made a lot of changes in my life and actually ended up doing things I had been putting off for years like traveling which I love! The past 3 years have taught me that a snowball effect can happen with your own life once you get the ball rolling by taking your first step forward. Things started coming together for me the minute I made a decision to change and progress and not to be stuck on the past. I moved to NYC and lived on the upper east side, started dating, met my soulmate and started a dating coaching business because of it and now coach clients on how to meet people. My years in sales have helped me acquire the skills to be able to talk and meet anybody! So now I share that with people.

I have also pursed my passion in real estate and design which I’ve had for many years! I remember when I was at UCLA I used to drive around Beverly Hills and just look at homes. I would admire the architecture and design and also was intrigued by the people living in it and those selling these homes.
I could watch HGTV for hours… So today I also work in architectural sales and my clients and I work on developing some of the most high end luxury hotels, restaurants and homes across the world!

When I moved to New York City I became fascinated with the real estate market. I saw how demanding it was and the fact that this little island was like a sanctuary meaning no matter how bad the economy was in every other part of the country or world, this little 22 square foot mile island was untouched by it and home prices continued to rise. With vacancy rates lower than 1% it was no wonder I thought I’d be homeless and never be able to find an apartment when I moved to NYC. With the average selling price at 1.45million I didn’t have to be too smart to see the lucrative opportunity in it for me as well. Likewise across the river in the boro of New Jersey I do the same and with the help of some great business partners we are beautifying some neighborhoods by taking junk F’ugly houses and making them pretty and live able again! So I help people find their dream homes, or get rid of their ugly home. I have paired up my design skills to help sellers prep their home for selling it or new homeowners customizing their home. It is all one big melting pot for me!

To think that 3 years ago I knew nothing about the industry. I Didn’t know a thing about mortgages, interior design, home values, pricing, property taxes, creative ways of homeownership, tax credits, negotiating and completing a transaction, to name a few. I learned it. I was fortunate to have great friends and mentors who were open enough for me to learn from them. They are veterans in the real estate industry and I was smart to remember one thing: If someone offers to teach you something, don’t be stupid not to learn. Be appreciate and learn to leverage off the years it took someone to learn something you can pick up in half the time….if you just perk your ears up to listen and pay attention.

I’m as excited about what I do now as I am for some other businesses I have cooking up and soon to launch.
Maybe I am a little different and can handle doing more than one thing or maybe the work hard bug bit me when I was a kid and witness my parents work their butt off or maybe I am guilty of wanting to accomplish a lot…not sure. What I do hope is that we can learn to continue to move forward and progress. My boyfriend is someone who has inspired me to continue to be better and accomplish a lot. He is so well balanced with his life and his business which he had the courage to start not when he was down in life which most people do. He quit his job where he was making six figures and took a step towards financial independence to start up his company with his friend.
A risk taker?
A stupid move?
Courageous?

Many people have their opinion. Mine is one of feeling proud about him for pursuing what he wanted. He like many people who pursue what they dream of, was faced with the challenges and a learning curve. Listen people: There Is No Way Around It!!
It is a step we must all pass thru. So don’t be afraid to do it.

In conclusion to my long winded story, if your currently working somewhere and feel stagnant look into certifications or skills that your company would like you to have that could lead to a promotion and go get them! If you have been wanting to make a move or change jobs or the industry you are in, do it!
If you’ve always wanted to start that rock band or clothing line or bake shop…Do it! Start small if you have to,but at least take a step forward with it. Talk to your partner or a close friend whom you trust. Speak to them about what you want to do and maybe they can help you make a plan to make a change.

Good Luck! And keep on truckin!!! 🙂

Entrepreneur's Corner, My Thoughts, Personal Growth

How To Change Careers In Your 30s

There is no right or wrong way to live your life and what you should do as a career. How To Change Careers In Your 30s is my own personal life story. I have come full circle from what I thought I wanted to do, what I am good at and what I actually enjoy doing. I am not alone. Many people of all ages and status in their lives have gone through a reinvention period. Read my two part series here How To Reinvent Yourself.

Recently one of my clients shared with me how she got into the design business. She is very successful and has a well established client base. So I asked her. To my surprise she shared with me that it had only been two years since she started her career. She isn’t 18 or even 30 she’s older that that. She had been in the private equities industry for over 20 years earning a six figure income as one of the companies top executives. Despite the prestiges title and money she earned, she felt unhappy and no longer enjoyed what she was doing. She had always had an eye for design and always enjoyed it. Now I didn’t want to peer to deep into her personal life, but I can only assume she probably had a mortgage to pay for, possibly some credit card debt and a lot of financial responsibilities.

Now you can guess what steps she decided to take next as I already spoiled the story for you, but what excites me about this story and this lady is her desire to progress and…. Try. How To Reinvent Yourself starts with you wanting to.

I can see that there are many others who may have or currently feel like my friend Liz felt…but ignore their inner feelings and get overtaken by fear.

Top three fears that stop us from progression and trying something:
Fear of judgement.
Fear of failure.
Fear of starting over again.

I too am not immune to those fears, but what good comes from allowing yourself to be ruled by those fears???

Some of you are in your twenties and can’t seem to take that step in the direction of acquiring a new skill or doing something you’ve wanted to do. Stuck. Feeling like it is better to at least have his one paycheck than risk getting that paycheck taken away.

Or it is fear of judgement. Like what will my friends think if I have to start going back to school. FYI I don’t think anyone has ever been against someone learning and acquiring a skill.
One thing I always did was progress and do things that would boost the money I was making,the number of people I met and the skills I would learn.

One of the first businesses I started at age 18 was in network marketing. One thing about it is that 1% achieves any success. Majority just hangs on the coat tails riding along for the ride or in the company I used to promote for people just hang in because they get a chance to live in the basement of someones bigger house and say they too have a “mansion”! Funniest and most low class thing ever! But hey, too each his own!

When I started this business my income wasn’t stable at the time so I immediately decided I better get a job to pay the bills while I grow my business. Of course some people were totally against it because they felt getting that job would ruin this “image” of a successful person they so badly wanted me to project, but I didn’t listen and got one anyway. I knew that running anything on empty is no good. If you are trying to go to college and your broke like a joke or you are trying to start up a business and again you are broke as a joke. Being broke will take up so much of your energy and thoughts and make you worry that you will not be able to do anything well. So long story short the same chick that suggested I do not get a part time job “miss leader” one year, the next year she was hiding from embarrassment from getting her car repossessed. … Me? I never had a single car repossessed or have to get a collection agency to consolidate my debt and I manage to make more money and create a bigger business than 99% of those people.

Why am I sharing this with you? Because I want to illustrate how I wanted to build a business, but I also knew I needed to make money so I just did both. Got a part time job that allowed me to still build a business. You have to first figure out what your priority is and work everything around that. Whether it is you graduating from college, attending grad school, your children, your family, your music, whatever!

I was watching Undercover Boss the other night, and one story they highlighted was a college student who worked the night shift so he can go to school during the day.
Again, a just get it done mentality. Is it the most glorious job? Are there better jobs out there that pay more? I am sure, but he chose one that allowed him to work around his number one priority, which to him was becoming a college graduate.

So if your stuck with wanting to do something,but afraid to take the first step. I will tell you this…everything always seems to fall into place after that first step.

Maybe it may mean you may have to take a pay cut or work longer hours.. Do it.
In the end you will not regret it. I have found that life has an interesting way of making the pieces of your life puzzle fall into place once you begin to take action. It is during inaction that it feels impossible to complete something.

If you are feeling a little stuck with your life or career here are some steps you may want to take.
1. Share your feelings with someone you trust.
Many times simply talking about things helps lead to resolutions.

2. Pay attention to your gut and to what excites you.
What do you enjoy talking about, doing, watching, collecting, etc. You may not pinpoint it right away, but paying attention to your own interest can narrow your search.

3. Take Action
Either find a mentor who may help you to learn from them or take things into your own hands and teach yourself. Register for a class. Shadow someone for a day or two or three if you are lucky enough! Whatever it is start, take action here and things will fall into place.

In the next post I will share with you my own person reinvention and how and why I do what I do, but in the meantime I would love to hear your thoughts or stories on how you reinvented yourself or if you feel a little stuck share and maybe some advice can be helpful!

Entrepreneur's Corner, My Thoughts, Personal Growth

How To Reinvent Yourself

Do you remember the time when you would say “when I grow up I want to be…?”
Well when I was young my three choices were an ice cream woman, an astronaut and an accountant. My oh my has that changed! Reinventing yourself has no age! Read my How to change careers in your 30s post here.

I eat a lot of ice cream, but I do not sell it for a living.
I keep a pretty detailed account of all my earnings and spendings, but I am not an accountant.
My life is out of this world, but I never became an astronaut.

So I became nothing of which I “wanted” to become…when I was 5. Would you call me a failure? I would say most of you would say no..and thanks for that. I appreciate the positive outlook.

But what is the difference even when someone is 30 and is something different than what they so badly wanted to be at age 22?
Is there a difference there?
Would you say that person failed?
Or succeeded?
Of course, we have to consider what they are doing and if it is a downgrade from what they had X years before.

So here is the question: If becoming someone or doing something completely different at age 35 than what you wanted to be at age 5 is ok, why be fearful of doing something different at age 40 than what you were doing at age 28?

Few people are as blessed to end up doing what they have been wanting to since they were a kid or even what the ended up going to school for and be HAPPY doing it. You know how many unhappy financial stockbrokers I know? Or unemployed engineers ? Or network marketers who have been at it for over 10years and still “faking it till they make it”… Too many!

We all have our share of trial and error. I like to call it simply TRIAL.
To Try. To Do. To Take action.

Every segment of your life teaches you something about you and also teaches you skills you can have and hold on to for your next segment. I find that the biggest disappointment in people is when I see those who are either trigger shy or too stubborn to change.

The trigger shy folks are those who don’t ever quite seem to jump into adulthood. Like they are still living at home or working at places where they are overly qualified. For these folks I would wish for you to be more daring and take initiative on your life.
It is never to late to go to school. Get an education or learn a new trade. It is also never to late to switch jobs or professions. Like the good old saying goes “you never know until you try”.

Continuing on, then there are those who are too stubborn to change. Like they clearly are not happy with their current state. Maybe it’s the job they are at or they feel they can be making more money, or they have been doing what they do for way too many years expecting a different result and every year its the same.

I brought up this topic because I too have been either too qualified and stuck at a dead end job or at one point in my life was very stubborn to change. The transformational changes I have made for myself in the last 3 years have led me to a place where I am very happy and feel others could gain a lot from just the thought of reinventing themselves.

In my later post I will share with you my own story and that of a client of mine. For now stay tuned and please share with me if you have or currently feel like a change in your life is overdue.