The world as we know it has changed and with everything happening right now, you might be wondering if it’s time to launch a new business or make that career change.

Today I want to talk about how to get out of the thinking trap and into action mode even in lockdown. If you choose to see the lockdown as an opportunity to pivot your life’s direction, then you are one of the top few. If you have been bingeing on news and conspiracy theories, then this might be just what you need to get you back on track to make 2020 your transformation year.

Are you:

• Feeling clueless, totally confused about which direction to take?
• Finding it increasingly difficult to show up at work and dreading returning to the office when things normalize?
• Tired of spinning ideas in your head endlessly without making headway?
• Channeling your energies in so many areas but without direction?
• Rethinking your business because sales have dropped, or you lost clients?
• Sitting on the sidelines, watching others without any motivation to do much?
• Feeling left out of all the opportunities out there today?
• Ready to get some clarity about what next?
• Ready for simple actions that will help you move forward?

If you answered yes to any of those, then keep reading.

It starts with a change in your mindset about the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. There are three types of people in the world today, which one are you?

1. Doing nothing about your life – a little downtime is good but what have you accomplished over the last weeks of lockdown? Do you binge on news and conspiracy theories all day? Are you obsessively monitoring the numbers and spend all day judging the world and playing the blame game? Has the pandemic made you lose all sense of hope and the only song you hear in your head is of doom and gloom?
2. Waiting for life to do you – are you waiting to see what happens post the pandemic, leaving it all to life to decide your fate? You know there’s an imminent economic downturn but will wait to see if you still have a job or if your business crumbles completely to act. Are you depending solely on government stimulus package or other relief so not worried about the future or making any plans towards it? You know the world has changed but haven’t figured out how it affects you.
3. Accelerating life – are you thinking proactively about the new world and opportunities that come with the change? Are you fiercely working on your goals more than ever? Are you taking advantage of the extra time to create a new direction for your life and not waiting for the media to define the outcome? You have devised a new strategy and pivoted your business models, launched a new business during the pandemic or decided on a new career to match the new world.

If you fall into category 1 or 2, there’s some good news. It is not too late to change your trajectory. Here are 9 steps to get you started:

1. Limit the amount of news you feed on, stay informed by all means but don’t spend hours switching channels.
2. Spend some time getting to know you and what you’re passionate about, discover your dreams and purpose.
3. Get clear on what you want at the end of the pandemic, what are the top three things that will make you happy with your progress.
4. Take advantage of the free courses out there, there are so many education platforms right now, take advantage of them.
5. Get connected with people online and start building your network, there’s no social distancing online.
6. Create an action plan on what you want to accomplish over the next few months
7. Get focused and start smashing your goals
8. Take action and do what you said you would in your goals.
9. Get coaching to accelerate your success so you don’t have to do it alone

These are difficult times for everyone and the next few months/years are going to get worse before they get better. Going through the motions means getting the same results and most people but that’s not who you are. Some people will come out victorious happy for a time to innovate and create while others will wallow in self-pity blaming the world and the government for their loss.

You are a Rockstar, you were created for more, for greatness. Don’t give up on your dreams now, you’ve come this far so keep pushing.

How can I help you?

My focus over the coming weeks/months will be aimed at addressing the concerns on how to take advantage of the changing world and keep going with your business or career change during COVID-19 and beyond. So hit reply, let me know what yours are and what you’re struggling with right now!

When you’re ready…. here are 3 ways I can help you decide what career or business is right for you:

Follow me on Instagram  and Facebook if you would like more frequent advice, tips & lots of freebies

Get your breakthrough by getting clear your goals during COVID-19 and beyond HERE

Work with me HERE

Talk soon,

Joan

P.S. Be kind to yourself and others – we are in this together

What is Purpose?

The Sanskrit word for purpose is DHARMA. As humans, we spend most of your lives searching for that thing which completes us, fills that gap, quenches that longing deep within our souls. We all do things aimed towards achieving this, work long hours, moving to another country and the list can go on. But what is “purpose” and do we really need to have it?

In its simplest definition purpose can be defined as the reason for which someone/something exists or is done and made.  So how does it apply to you and your life? What comes to mind is this show called The Secret Life of Walter Mitty if you haven’t watched it yet I highly recommend it, the main character ’Walter” spent his life working at a job he loved, however, he wasn’t fulfilled he kept daydreaming about all the thing he wished he could do. It wasn’t until he lost his job and there was one thing he had to accomplish before he left, then he started to really live and find what his real purpose was and how to live a life filled with joy and happiness.

For some of us, that movie speaks volumes and shuck us to our core as it reverberated through our souls. There are so many moments throughout your life where the universe has called out to you to find what really drives you. I think it’s about time you answer that call. 

All of this really leads you to the “why” in finding purpose. It’s not the easiest thing to do but help is only just a click away.

Why is finding your purpose critical for happiness?

The simple answer is it gives your life meaning. Finding your life’s purpose means that you feel fulfilled with the way that you are positioned in the world and your actions in it have a sense of meaning to you. Our purpose is, more often than not, not one act or one career, but a greater sense that our inner self and our outer life are in a harmonious conversion.

Here Are 3 Way to Find Your Purpose

First: Search within

It sounds very Zen-like and that is because it is. A lot of what we search for resides within us, all we have to do is tap into that well of potential we all possess. This is accomplished through meditation and introspection. In stillness it will be revealed, the answers you seek are within you.

Second: Travel down memory lane.

Go back to your past when nothing was limiting you, try and focus on what were the dreams you had, the things that sparked your interest and gave you joy. What are the things that came naturally and effortlessly to you? What was the real reason why you did those things? Follow your life till the present day find out the things about your life that you love the most. This could be things you liked doing innately, skills you learned over the years and now enjoy. Once you searched through your thoughts you will find the thing you have been looking for.

Third: Seek counsel from the people around.

When you have conversations with people who do they say you are, how would they describe you, what do they gravitate to you for, what form of service comes effortlessly to you? If you don’t know, ask them by sending a simple message “In what situation requiring advice would I be the first person that comes to mind”.

Ask people who know you and care about you. What are my strengths and the things I’m exceptionally good at?Ask people who know you and care about you. What are my strengths and the things I’m exceptionally good at?

I know it might feel strange doing that but it’s all part of the process of finding your purpose.

No one said it would be easy to find what you’re meant to be or do. But I guarantee you that if you follow through with each step you will find yours in a happier situation.

The benefit of purpose cannot be money

The goal of your purpose should be to find what makes you the happiest and what skills you possess. With the current state of the world, it is hard not to think in a monetary way. I get it, life is happening but sometimes you just have to take a breather. This might not be the easiest thing to do but I’m here to help you.

Schedule a free clarity session here and we will go on that journey together.

Have a fabulous week and stay intentional.

Talk soon

Joan

Regardless of what challenges you’re going through, having confidence is the first step to overcoming it.

This entire month of May, I’ve been focusing on core values and how important it is in building you up. Being true to your values and living your life consistently aligned with them is one of the best ways to build your self-confidence.

So how do you start believing in yourself?

1. Many people start out with very low self-esteem but over time, with some effort, they become Brave and Bold. The key is to be true to yourself and live your life congruent with your highest values. So here’s what I want you to do, take some time to think about who you are, what you truly believe in, and what is of greatest importance to you. Never try to feel or be who you are not. Do not compromise your integrity.
2. Speaking affirmations to yourself daily forces your subconscious to believe it. Don’t worry if the first time you say it, you don’t believe it, but keep saying it every day. Your thoughts are very powerful and whatever you think, becomes your reality. Phrases like ” I am confident” ” I believe in myself” redefine who you are. You will see changes over time as you start to believe it.
3. Remember you are unique and were created with special talents and abilities. Learn to accept yourself as you are and not what you or anyone else expects you to be. You are an extraordinary being, we all are, you just have to accept it. That is the ultimate freedom and confidence booster.

As the world gradually opens up, now is the time to spend time to work on yourself and prepare to emerge as your new improved best self.

Great, you’re thinking of starting a business. Congratulations! Starting a company is the first step to gaining financial freedom. I will be honest with you it is not an easy feat by any stretch of the imagination. There will be sleepless nights, times when you feel like giving up, days when you push yourself mentally and physically to your limits. Owning your own business is like a double-edged sword; one side brings you great joy and a dream lifestyle flowing with champagne if that’s your thing. The other side carries the pain of broken dreams, of emptied savings lost for good,  and tragic stories of people who have tried but have fallen short of their goals. I know it sounds scary but, for every single entrepreneur that has succeeded, says it’s worth it in the end. So why have you not started that business you’ve been dreaming about for years?.  Entrepreneurship rocks I must admit. Imagine having the freedom to do the things you love, waking up energized and excited to serve your clients, being able to afford all the luxuries you’ve desired. It’s absolutely awesome!

Before you drop everything and plunge into starting a  business I’m going to give you 3 things to crush before you start your business. These things are the backbone to the future problems that may arise on your journey to greatness and I want you to get them out of the way as early as possible. This is the surest way to DOMINATE the business world and achieve massive success.

First, We go back to the Basics

When attempting to start a business, you must have noticed many experts giving out advice focus on: Develop a powerful message – Think about the customer and what problems you’re trying to solve for them and are they willing to pay for it, Fully understand the market – They give you an example of companies that do not have the best product/service but are doing well because of proper research and attention to what their competitors have done in order to be successful, You’re entitled to nothing – Working hard is a must and being an entrepreneur is not easy, there might not be any vacations because all your money is tied up. And this is my all-time favorite Write a business plan – If you have a written plan with your project results and personal goals is the best way to stay on track.

Write down 3 things you believe are most critical to starting a business in 2020

1. _________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________

There are no right or wrong answers.

This might sound like I don’t think these things are necessary, they actually are. They are useful to the overall goal of starting and building a successful business. On the flip-side, there are more foundational things that will be overlooked if you jumped into the business with these alone. MINDSET transformation. Attempting to start a business without overcoming these issues leads to countless frustrations, sleepless nights, and failed goals as I’m sure you’ve experienced in one way or another.

Before you start a business, you have to deal with the mental conundrum, the voices that will try to convince you that you’re not good enough, telling you that there are stones that you haven’t yet turned and failure is around the corner. Some might say that these voices don’t ever go way, but I say they are wrong, these voices thrive on insecurity and doubt that lies deep within all of us. I believe this should be dealt with before you start anything else. You hear the best business minds say their mind is the most powerful tool they possess, they focus on clearing their heads of all distractions and so on and so forth. This shows the importance of having a clear mental state.

Your Greatest Asset: The Entrepreneurial Mind

Within the last few years, one thing has become increasingly consistent in our daily lives and that is talking about mental health. This was long overdue especially in the entrepreneurial circle as we face a lot of uphill battles. It’s said that without our physical health we can fall into stagnation, But, we can still keep our mind sharp. We can still reach out to ask for the help we need. Without sound mental health, the results can be cataclysmic. The emotional and cognitive void can bloom into a darkness that encompasses several areas of your life, including your professional one.

In a study conducted by Dr. Michael Freeman he stated “A surprising 72% of the entrepreneurs in this sample reported a personal (49%) or family (23%) mental health history. This suggests an opportunity to reconceptualize mental health differences in a way that is not confined by the limits of a disease model. Mental health conditions are referred to as “disorders” and co-occurrence is referred to as “comorbidity” in the illness-oriented psychiatric literature.”

Your mind Is our greatest tool, the place in which you solve all the problems that will plague your business. If you don’t take care of mind it could lead to depression, anxiety and mood swings which all actively work to weaken your performance. It also helps to contribute to burnout, conflict, toxic company culture which is no good for the business as it can lead to increased employee turnover, an incapability to hire bring in talent, an inability to “bring it” for critical meetings and pitches and poor decision making in general.

3 Things to Crush before you launch your business?

1. Stop obsessing over facts and perfection – if you’re anything like me then you might be suffering from excessive obsessive information overload. Your fact-finding everything possible – researching every competitor out there, constantly learning, spiraling from one webinar to another, attending seminars and workshops. I’m a fact-finder too and I know how this stalled my business for years. Trying to have all the information upfront is counteractive and counter-productive. It’s far better to learn and pivot than to plan and fail. It’s harder for failure to be seen as learning when you’ve spent so long planning the perfect launch. Focus on starting small. Information overwhelm is real. It doesn’t mean go in completely blind, it means going in with just enough information to get started.

2. Overcome the Imposter syndrome – I’m a fraud and they’re going to find out. Who am I to do this? to run this show? To be an entrepreneur? What if I fail? What if no one buys my product or Service? News flash, everyone has it. Every single person who has gone ahead and launched a business or excels in any area of life felt the same way at the start. Focus on your why and the probability of just helping one person. Narrow down your ideas and pick one that you’re passionate about and solve a big enough problem. Courage is not the absence of fear, it’s making progress regardless. Imposter syndrome is usually a sign or deeper insecurity. You don’t have to be an expert you just have to be one step ahead to be able to help

3. Knowing where to start – If you’re an innovator with so many ideas, this might be driving you nuts. What business to launch, how to start, how much to invest, how big to start? Do you need to hire? This is a constant struggle and sometimes all you need is guidance from someone who’s been there. Following a trusted system structure or coach might be the way out. It might be that you’re not ready to go full time and just looking for passive income through a side hustle. Most businesses started as a side hustle. You may need an implementer to get things off the ground or a coach to get you started. If all partners are the same nothing gets done. Strategic partnerships accountability. Make sure you’re passionate and applying your skills and talents. When you have a burning desire to accomplish some goal, the how shows up. Control overwhelm by focusing on the next step and not the 5000 steps to get to your goal. Or maybe you’re just a procrastinator needing accountability.

You don’t have to go it alone

I know taking your ideas and turning them into reality is a hard thing to accomplish and it doesn’t mean you need to figure everything out on your own. In this era, there’s an overwhelming number of tools, frameworks, processes, experts, all claiming to be the secret ingredient to alleviate the pains of entrepreneurship. There are too few positive results and even lower human to human interaction. But tools aren’t everything.

To position yourself for success, you’ll need to tap into the expertise of a coach who has experienced it and traveled the journey you’re about embarking on.

There’s nothing wrong with going at it alone, you might succeed but it will take you longer. How many times have you promised yourself you would achieve a goal and ended up procrastinating? My coaching ensures you GET IT DONE. If you would like to know more about how I can help you achieve your goals, then visit my website www.joannwosu.com and book your free business clarity session right now.

You’ve got this!

http://www.michaelafreemanmd.com/Research_files/Are%20Entrepreneurs%20Touched%20with%20Fire-summary.pdf

Being an entrepreneur is attractive to many people for different reasons but it takes a lot of grit and determination to stay one. In this post, I will discuss the difference between wantrepreneurs and entrepreneurs and some easy steps to make the transition.

What is a wantrepreneur? – this is someone who desires to be an entrepreneur but never gets around to doing it. They really really want to but life and other distractions get in the way.

What is an entrepreneur? – this is someone who executes on an idea and starts a business and this is where you want to be if you want to enjoy the benefits of entrepreneurship.

So, how do you go about figuring out which one you are, well below are the five traits.

5 Traits of a wantrepreneur

1. Talk a lot about numerous business ideas but never walk the walk – ideas they say are cheap because they never stop flowing. People who love generating ideas can produce 10 to 50 ideas a day. Imagine having ideas over and over again and not executing? Wantrepreneurs stay in this idea discussing state forever, missing out on seeing any one to fruition.
2. Make excuses for why they haven’t started waiting for the perfect timing – waiting for the stars to align and all factors to be in place is an illusion. Wantrepreneurs will use this excuse to never launch a business and stay in the “if only” phase.
3. Focus solely on making money – money is great and there’s nothing wrong with desiring money. Starting a business is hard work and if money is the sole focus, it’s easy to lose momentum because money may not come as quickly.
4. Never willing to take risks, always plays it safe – similar to waiting for the stars to align, if you are not willing to take risks, you are a wantrepreneur. No entrepreneur has everything figured out, they take huge risks and so are greatly rewarded when successful.
5. Unending goals, nothing ever gets ticked off. Always in the ideas phase. – if you have a long list of goals which you keep adding to it and never ticking anything off, you my friend are a wantrepreneur.

5 Reasons to transition from a WANTREPRENEUR TO ENTREPRENEUR

1. Financial independence and no cap on the amount of money you can earn – working for an employer means there is a maximum earning you can make and this is dependent on how successful the company is. As an entrepreneur, the sky is your limit. You decide how much you want to make.
2. Being your own boss, no one telling you what to do – most people hate being micromanaged. That feeling of someone constantly breathing down your back and watching over your shoulder is more demotivating than motivating. As an entrepreneur you get to determine how much work and the hours too!
3. Decision making is yours – having the freedom to make the right decisions is a huge motivator. As an employee, you may have the best solution yet no one listens to you. As an entrepreneur you work with a team but the buck stops at your desk.
4. You get to select your own team – when you join a company as an employee, you are thrown into a team and you don’t have a lot of flexibility with that. Now you can choose the people and personalities that work best with you.
5. You get to leave a legacy – building something that outlives you is one of the highest forms of human actualization. A legacy to pass on and to be remembered for.

So now, I’m sure you’re super excited to find out how you can start living the life described above. It doesn’t have to be too complicated.

Here are 5 easy steps to get you on your way

5 Steps to Transition from Wantrepreneur to Entrepreneur

1. Pick one idea and don’t tell anyone, you’ve been talking for too long – it doesn’t have to be the biggest, it just has to solve a problem and have a  market
2. Get your ideas out of your head and create written plan – if you don’t write it out, you’ll never get it done
3. Throw out your list of excuses – life will never be perfect so quit with the excuses
4. Commit and put in the work to run the business – it won’t be easy, be ready to shed some blood but it’ll be worth it in the end
5. Do whatever it takes to finish what you started – there are so many starters, commit to being a finisher today. The world needs you to shine.

Do whatever it takes to finish what you started – there are so many starters, commit to being a finisher today. The world needs you to shine.

Sign up for my 90 minutes breakthrough session and if you don’t have a solid idea at the end of it, I will refund you 100%. (link to services)

The world needs more entrepreneurs and I have the experience and tools to support you all the way.

And if you’re wondering if you’re a WANTREPRENEUR or an ENTREPRENEURS, here’s a  Quiz to find out.

https://mailchi.mp/joannwosu.com/entrepreneurtest

Enjoy the rest of your week and talk soon xxx

Joan