Starting a business now?

This adventure has been a long time coming. For those of you who know me, thank you for indulging me with years of “going out on my own” tales. In truth, I’ve always had this entrepreneurial spirit (thanks Dad!) but it was just never the right time.

Three babies in diapers was most certainly not the right time. Holding down the fort with a husband travelling the world was probably not the right time. The teen years? Those tired, grumpy, driving everywhere years? A new puppy? Elderly parents? Nope, not the right time.

Maybe a pandemic? Yes! The perfect time to start my own business. Let me tell you why.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

Lao Tzu

Firstly, I have time on my hands to read (or listen to) the right books, talk to people and reflect on the next chapter. The pandemic has altered the lens with which I see the world. It has sharpened my vision related to how I want to spend my time now and in the future. We all have an undisclosed amount of years here with which to make a difference. But sometimes you need time to weed through a lifetime of education and experience to muster the courage and proclaim, “I’m doing it!”

“Where focus goes energy flows.”

Tony Robbins

It also gave me the time to reflect on my core values. It took some work, some help, and a clearly defined process, to reflect on 50 years of living. But the identification of my core values was integral to starting a business on the right foot. When you are building a house, you start with a strong foundation.

A business needs the same strong foundation and identifying my values was the first step. What are my values? Authenticity, Connection, Integrity, Action. Giddy up!

Secondly, my mentors have all arrived! Where have you been and what took you so long to get here? The pandemic gave me virtual space to look around, reach out and ask for help. I feel a generosity of spirit and an openness to build new connections and broaden my professional community. I am so grateful for all the strong, creative and like-minded people who inspire me everyday. You know who you are and you are truly awesome!

“A lot of people have gone farther than they thought they could because people thought they could.”

Unknown

Thirdly, the pandemic gave me a chance to start a relationship with this business by developing a business plan. This requires more than time. It takes energy to define what you are setting out to do and how you will get there. Key factors for me: take it slow, target strengths, define boundaries, take a step forward everyday, build relationships, communicate clearly and have some fun. As long as this business knows who’s the boss, I think we will have a long and happy relationship. 😉

Recently, I joined the Health Department as a Public Health Nurse to support their amazing COVID response. This may not fit my business plan, but it fits my life plan. To be of service to things that matter, to support people whenever I can and to do both kindly and with respect.

I believe we all have strengths that, when focused in the direction of serving humanity, will ultimately be a source of joy, fulfillment and meaning.

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”

Albert Einstein

I know this pandemic has been a long, stressful and painful time for many people and for some it won’t end when the lockdown is lifted. I pray that we can all find the compassion to support each other, the courage to ask for help and the strength to make the most of every day. Now, more than ever.