What Works: Eight things being alone taught me about business
Alone. Just sit with that word for a bit. Alone. Does it send chills down your spine? Does it induce a little fear? Or, does is speak to you in a different way?
This weekend, I went to Northern California to go whitewater rafting. First, I had never been rafting before. Second, I scheduled the trip on GroupOn one groggy morning on a whim. Third, I decided to go alone. Yes, alone.
I got gasps from those I told.
You aren’t going with any friends?
My answer: I will make friends there.
But, you’ve never done this before.
My answer: And I’m eager to try it.
The more I told my story, the more people came out of the woodwork who don’t do anything alone. They always take friends, partners, and children with them. They might even bring their dog. Sometimes it is out of necessity. Other times, I got this question. Why would you want to do anything alone?
I started to notice a correlation. Some business owners who held back on doing things alone also held back in decision making.
They were less likely to follow intuition and inspiration. They took more time measuring risks and reward. They were more likely to stay with what was familiar than branch beyond their core business.
This fascinated me. On my trip, I spoke to a variety of people. I spoke with one woman who doesn’t do anything alone and felt stuck in her career.
I chatted with a group of guys who venture out solo all the time. They work for themselves or in occupations where they get some alone time. I spoke to another gal who was longing for something in her life but would never strike out alone.
Someone once told me, if you love yourself you are never alone. If you enjoy your own company, you will always have a partner.
Perhaps there is something to this “going it alone” thing. Now, don’t get me wrong. I have a tribe of friends I love to spend time with. I enjoy romance as much as the next girl. But there is a special feeling I get from going out and being radically self-reliant for a little while. It doesn’t have to be long. I could go on a hike alone. I could go out on my kayak up in Tahoe. Or, I could take off in my vehicle to explore parts unknown. That is freedom. That is faith. That is what I need to succeed in business.
I need to know I have what I need when the crap hits the fan in my business. There are a few things that going it alone can teach me.
• I don’t have to know the outcome.
• I possess the internal resources to handle this.
• I can trust that the resources I need will materialize, if I remain open.
• I need to operate from a place of love, not fear.
• I must be gentle with myself.
• I have to be my own cheerleader.
• I am grateful for all the good that will come to me because I took this risk.
• I keep this attitude. I will ride this out. I will more than survive. I will thrive!
This weekend, I learned that abandonment = opportunity to meet others. I learned that being alone = clarity. I learned that expectations = limitations. Most of all, I learned as long as someone can master being alone, there is nothing in life or business they can’t handle!
This week: Do something, anything, alone. Bring a journal and a pen with you. How do you feel when you are alone? What emotions surface? What thoughts start knocking at your brain? Don’t bring a dog or any distractions. Be alone and be open to what materialize.
Post below what you are going to do. If you want help taking next steps, I’m always here to help.
See me speak live!
September 9, 2016: “Beyond the List: Advanced Gratitude Journaling” @ Gaia Wellness – Limit 25 students. Purchase your ticket here.
October 8, 2016: Women’s Conference 2016 at The Carson Nugget
What Works Coaching
Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, a business coaching and marketing services firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.
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