Denise Gosnell

Make The “Dash” On Your Tombstone Count: Tips for a Fulfilling Life

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Have you ever thought about the tiny dash that separates a person’s date of birth from their date of death on their tombstone (or on your own tombstone, for that matter)? This simple mark represents the story of your life, and the impact you had on the world during your time here.

At an event hosted by Alex Mandossian a few years ago where he talked about “the dash”, I realized that your dash should be more than just a symbol of time passed. It should be a testament to the life you lived and the difference you made.

Looking at tombstones in a different light, I realized that I want my own dash to mean something. I want to live a life that matters, not just to me but to others as well. This is not just a goal for business owners, but for anyone who wants to make a positive impact on the world.

Here are some tips to help you make your dash count.

  • Find your purpose.

What motivates you? What makes you come alive? Identifying your purpose will help guide you towards the activities, people, and causes that matter most to you. Your purpose doesn’t have to be grand or world-changing, but it should be something that you are passionate about and can make a difference in.

  • Prioritize relationships.

Your relationships with loved ones and friends are what give your life meaning. Cultivate these connections by showing up for the people who matter to you, and being a good listener. Remember that the quality of your relationships is more important than the quantity.

  • Give back.

One of the best ways to make a difference in the world is by giving back. Whether it’s volunteering, donating to a cause you care about, or simply helping a neighbor in need, your actions can have a profound impact on others.

  • Live in the moment.

It’s easy to get caught up in the rush of daily life and forget to stop and enjoy the present moment. Practice mindfulness and savor the little things in life, like the sun shining on your face or the sound of birds chirping. By living in the moment, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

  • Take care of yourself.

Taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally is essential for a fulfilling life. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly, as well as taking time for self-care activities that bring you joy and relaxation.

In conclusion, your dash on your tombstone represents more than just the time you spent on earth. It’s a symbol of the life you lived and the impact you had on the world. By living a purpose-driven life, prioritizing relationships, giving back, living in the moment, and taking care of yourself, you can make your dash mean something. Your life is precious, and you have the power to shape it into something that truly matters.

The Power of Anticipation: The Importance of Having Joyful Activities on Your Calendar

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As a business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of work and responsibilities. However, it’s important to take time to prioritize our happiness and well-being by incorporating joyful activities into our calendars. Whether it’s a vacation, time for hobbies, or anything else that brings us joy and excitement, having something to look forward to can have a significant impact on our fulfillment and freedom as human beings.

The power of anticipation cannot be overstated. The excitement and joy we feel when we think about an upcoming activity can help us feel more motivated and energized, even in the midst of the most challenging work days. It can also help to provide a much-needed mental break and give us the space to recharge and refocus.

For busy entrepreneurs who don’t take a lot of time off, it can be challenging to find time to prioritize joyful activities. However, with a little bit of planning and creativity, it is possible to make it a priority. Here are some tips for doing just that:

1. Schedule something exciting, even if it’s months away. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a concert you’re looking forward to attending, having something on your calendar to look forward to can help you stay motivated and focused.

2. Make time for your hobbies. Whether it’s playing a sport, practicing an instrument, or simply reading a book, finding time to engage in activities you enjoy can help you feel more fulfilled and recharged.

3. Take mini-vacations. Even if you can’t take a week-long trip, you can still enjoy a change of scenery and some much-needed time away from work by taking day trips or mini-vacations.

4. Connect with others. Spending time with loved ones and participating in social activities can help you feel more connected and fulfilled.

5. Set goals and plan for the future. Having something to work towards, whether it’s a personal or professional goal, can help you feel more motivated and inspired.

Incorporating joyful activities into your life as a business owner is crucial for your overall well-being and happiness. Whether it’s scheduling a vacation months in advance, setting aside time for hobbies, or simply taking a break to recharge, taking the time to prioritize your happiness is a necessary component of a fulfilling and successful life. So make sure to put joyful activities on your calendar, and plan for a future filled with excitement, happiness, and fulfillment.

Finding True Freedom as a Business Owner: Letting Go of External Pressure

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As a business owner, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the opinions of others. Whether it’s clients, employees, or even friends and family, the pressure to conform to what others expect can be overwhelming. However, this kind of pressure can hold us back from experiencing true freedom in our business and in life.

One of the biggest ways that the opinions of others can affect us as business owners is by making us feel like we need to sacrifice our own wants and needs for the sake of others. For example, we may feel like we need to be available for meetings at any time, even if it means sacrificing our own schedule and personal life. This kind of pressure can be especially harmful if we start to believe that our business will fall apart if we don’t always put the needs of others first.

The truth is, though, that this kind of pressure is often not grounded in reality. Just like in high school, when we cared so much about what our classmates thought, only to never see them again, we can put way too much effort and stress into caring about what others think in our business. We need to remember that our business is our own, and we have the right to operate it in a way that works best for us.

So, how can we free ourselves from the opinions of others and start operating from a place of space and authenticity? Here are a few steps you can take to start claiming your freedom:

Identify your own wants and needs. Take some time to think about what you want from your business and from life. What do you value? What brings you joy and fulfillment? When you know what you want, you’ll be better equipped to make decisions that align with your values and goals.

Ask for what you want. Once you know what you want, it’s time to start asking for it. Don’t be afraid to speak up and let others know what you need. Whether it’s saying no to a meeting time that doesn’t work for you or setting boundaries with clients, you have the right to ask for what you want.

Practice saying no. Saying no can be hard, especially if we’re used to putting others first. However, it’s important to remember that saying no to something that doesn’t serve us is not the same as saying no to someone. When you say no, you’re taking control of your own life and freeing yourself from the pressure to conform to others’ expectations.

Surround yourself with supportive people. Finally, it’s important to surround yourself with people who support you and your goals. Seek out individuals who believe in you and your vision, and who will encourage you to be your authentic self.

In conclusion, freeing yourself from the opinions of others is about discovering your own voice and operating from a place of space and authenticity. It’s about letting go of the pressure to conform to others’ expectations and embracing the freedom to create a business and life that works best for you. Remember, you have the right to ask for what you want and to say no to what you don’t want. So take a deep breath, and start claiming your freedom today.

How to Tell if Your Business is Really a Job in Disguise

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As a business owner, you want to build a thriving company that generates income and grows, even when you’re not there. Unfortunately, many business owners discover that their company is actually just a job in disguise. Instead of having a business that operates independently, they find that their revenue stops coming in if they’re not there for a week or a month. In this article, we’ll talk about the signs that you have a job in disguise, and what you can do to turn it into a real business.

Signs of a Job in Disguise

The Business Stops When You Stop: If your business stops operating when you’re not there, it’s a clear indication that you’re not running a real business. If your business is solely reliant on your own personal efforts, then it’s not a business at all – it’s a job. When you’re on vacation or take a day off, your business should still be generating revenue and running smoothly. If it’s not, it’s time to make some changes.

You’re Involved in Every Task: As a business owner, you should not be involved in every single task within your company. If you’re doing everything from customer service to accounting, you’re not delegating and freeing yourself up to focus on the bigger picture. This is a sign that your business is just a job and not a thriving company.

No Documented Processes: If you don’t have any documented procedures, it’s likely that you’re not running a real business. Businesses need to have clear, written processes for all tasks, so that if an employee leaves, another employee can step in and take over without disrupting the business.

Solving the Problem

Hire More People: The first step to breaking free from job dependence is to hire more people. Hiring employees will help you delegate tasks and free up your time to focus on the bigger picture. Make sure you have a hiring process in place and consider using a recruitment agency to help you find the right people.

Document Your Company Procedures: Writing down your company procedures is a critical step in building a real business. This will allow you to delegate tasks to your employees and ensure that your business can continue to operate even if you’re not there.

Remove Yourself from the Day-to-Day Operations: As a business owner, it’s important to remove yourself from the day-to-day operations as much as possible. Focus on the bigger picture and let your employees handle the details. This will give you the freedom to focus on growth and expansion.

Building a real business takes time and effort, but it’s worth it in the end. If you have a job in disguise, take these steps to turn it into a thriving company. With a solid plan and the right people in place, you can turn your business into a profitable, self-sustaining company that operates independently.

In conclusion, it’s essential to identify whether your business is a job in disguise or a real business. If it’s the former, taking steps such as hiring more people, documenting your company procedures, and removing yourself from the day-to-day operations will help you turn it into a thriving company. Remember, a real business operates independently and generates income, even when the owner is not there.

Leaving Loose Ends: The Hidden Dangers of Having Open Loops in Your Life

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Open loops are incomplete tasks, projects, or decisions that you have yet to finish or resolve. They may seem small, but they can quickly accumulate and have a profound impact on your ability to achieve your goals and feel happy.

Imagine driving a car with a slow leak in the gas tank. You may not notice it at first, but eventually, you will run out of gas and be stranded on the side of the road. Open loops are like that leak. They may not seem important, but they will eventually drain your energy, focus, and motivation, leaving you feeling stuck and unable to make progress.

In business, open loops can prevent you from meeting your deadlines and achieving your goals. They can create confusion and miscommunication among team members, leading to missed opportunities and wasted time. They can also cause stress and anxiety, making it difficult for you to stay focused and motivated.

In your personal life, open loops can lead to a cluttered mind and a sense of overwhelm. They can prevent you from relaxing and enjoying your free time, leading to feelings of guilt and frustration. They can also interfere with your relationships, causing tension and conflict with family and friends.

To avoid the negative effects of open loops, it is essential to identify and close them. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:

Make a list of all your open loops: Write down everything that you have yet to finish or resolve, no matter how small it may seem. This can help you get a clear understanding of what you need to do and prioritize your tasks.

Set deadlines: Give yourself a specific date and time to complete each open loop. This will help you stay focused and motivated, and prevent your tasks from slipping through the cracks.

Delegate: If you have tasks that you can delegate to others, do so. This will help lighten your load and free up your time for more important tasks.

Prioritize: Determine which open loops are most critical to your business and personal goals and focus on closing those first.

Create a system: Implement a system for tracking your open loops, such as a to-do list or a project management tool. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget any important tasks.

Closing your open loops will not only help you achieve your goals and improve your happiness, but it will also give you a sense of control and accomplishment. By taking control of your to-do list and cleaning up your open loops, you will feel more focused, motivated, and energized, and be able to make progress in all areas of your life.

So start closing your open loops today and watch your productivity, happiness, and success soar!

The Power of No: Why Saying No is Key to Achieving Your Business Goals

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As a business owner, opportunities are constantly presented to you. From partnerships to projects to collaborations, there is always something on the table that could potentially benefit your business. But while saying yes to every opportunity may seem like a good idea at first, the truth is that it’s often the path to burnout and failure. To reach your goals as a business owner, it’s essential that you learn to say no a lot more than you say yes.

Why Saying No is So Important

The reason why saying no is so important is because every yes you give takes up time, energy, and resources. If you’re constantly saying yes to everything that comes your way, you’ll quickly find yourself stretched too thin. You’ll have too many commitments and not enough time to complete them all, which can lead to missed deadlines, poor quality work, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed.

Saying no, on the other hand, allows you to focus your time, energy, and resources on the things that truly matter. It gives you the space to prioritize your goals and work towards them in a deliberate, focused manner. When you’re not constantly trying to juggle multiple commitments, you’re free to give your full attention and effort to the things that really matter.

When to Say No

So how do you know when it’s time to say no? The key is to evaluate each opportunity based on a few key criteria. Here are some tips for doing just that:

Align with your goals: Before you say yes to anything, ask yourself whether it aligns with your goals as a business owner. If the answer is no, then it’s time to say no.

Time constraints: Consider the time commitment that each opportunity requires. If you’re already stretched thin, it may be best to say no to any additional commitments.

Your strengths: Think about your strengths and areas of expertise. If the opportunity requires skills or knowledge that you don’t possess, it may be best to say no.

Your values: Finally, consider whether the opportunity aligns with your values and beliefs. If it goes against your principles, it’s time to say no.

The Benefits of Saying No

When you start saying no more often, you’ll quickly notice a number of benefits. Here are just a few:

More time: By saying no to opportunities that don’t align with your goals or require too much time, you’ll free up more time to focus on the things that truly matter.

Better focus: When you’re not constantly trying to juggle multiple commitments, you’ll be able to focus more effectively on the things that really matter.

Increased productivity: By saying no to distractions and commitments that don’t align with your goals, you’ll be able to work more efficiently and effectively.

Better relationships: Saying no to commitments that don’t align with your values or beliefs will also help you build better relationships with others. People will respect you for standing up for what you believe in, and you’ll feel more fulfilled as a result.

Saying no is never easy, but it’s essential for achieving your goals as a business owner. By evaluating each opportunity based on a few key criteria, you’ll be able to make the right decisions for your business and your well-being. So next time you’re presented with an opportunity, take a moment to consider whether it aligns with your goals, time constraints, strengths, and values. If it doesn’t, then it’s time to say no.

Tips for Saying No

Saying no can be difficult, especially if you’re used to saying yes to everything. But with a few simple tips, you can make saying no a more natural and comfortable part of your routine. Here are a few suggestions:

Practice: Saying no takes practice, so start by saying no to small commitments and working your way up to bigger ones. The more you practice, the easier it will become.

Be polite: Saying no doesn’t have to be rude or dismissive. Instead, be polite and explain why you’re saying no. People will appreciate your honesty and sincerity.

Be firm: Once you’ve said no, stick to it. Don’t allow others to pressure you into changing your mind. Saying no is about taking control of your time, energy, and resources, and you need to be firm in your decisions.

Offer alternatives: If possible, offer alternatives to the opportunity you’re saying no to. For example, if you can’t take on a project, suggest someone else who might be able to help.

In conclusion, saying no is an essential part of achieving your goals as a business owner. It allows you to focus your time, energy, and resources on the things that matter most, and it helps you build better relationships with others. So don’t be afraid to say no more often. With practice, it will become easier and more natural, and you’ll soon start to see the benefits for yourself.

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