Years ago I wrote down a list of specific goals, with dates of completion and posted it on my mirror. At one point, I took it down and filed it away. I didn’t look at it again until I moved to a new house in 2006. When I opened the box and read my goals, I realized they had all been accomplished. I had traveled to Spain, I had gotten my MBA, I bought two houses, hiked the Grand Canyon, Sedona and the Superstition Mountains all by myself, and I had, for a time, given my time and energy to a church. There were more items on the list, and I had done them all. I was astounded but it proved what I had always been told. Writing down goals, not as a quick list, but as intentional well-thought-out goals that are attainable, works.
Acting and speaking 'as if' has also worked well for me. For example, instead of saying, “I’m going to lose ten pounds by March,” create a different dialogue and say, “I am sleek and strong and fit.” I am is powerful. It puts you in the driver’s seat and gives you the control to be who you want to be.
Want to start a business that works within your community? “I am the owner of a successful, profitable, community-minded business.”
What run your first marathon next spring? “I am a runner who runs at least five miles a day.”
Seem hokey? Maybe. Unbelievable? Try it for two weeks and get back to me. You might not run the full five miles within those two weeks but I’m willing to bet you’ll be on your way.
When I first started MomCom Life, I talked about it 'as if' it was already happening. By doing so, I was almost forced into doing what I said I was going to do. I told enough people and therefore it happened. The power of thinking expressed in words gave me the power to follow through with action.
Later on, when MomCom started growing and we decided to add exhibitors to the mix, I wrote down what kind of sponsors I wanted and I spoke that wish out loud repeatedly. I said I wanted mom or women owned, managed or focused businesses who fit with the MomCom mission of encouraging moms and letting them know they aren’t alone in “wanting more.” I wanted legitimate businesses that were moving forward, that had common interests with our attendees, and that respected women as a powerful force in the market. I wanted companies that get it.
And guess what? It happened! Since that time, our sponsors and exhibitors have been wonderful. I am proud to have them as part of the event. They add to the comfortable, yet motivating feeling of MomCom. I didn’t sell out by accepting companies that didn’t meet the standards I had set for MomCom, which can easily happen when you are trying to make money in the conference business. Seriously. When you are a start up, ALL money looks like good money.
Recently I noticed a shift in my inner dialogue which gave way to an unwelcome change in my actions. For a while now, I’ve been letting fear seep into my conversations. I made a huge financial jump and invested in my business beyond my comfort level. Instead of embracing it and acting 'as if', I turned to my thoughts to what if. What if I don’t get the sponsors I need? What if I don’t sell the hotel rooms? What if people don’t buy tickets? I’ve what if’d myself to death and frankly, I’m tired of it. I forgot the power of writing down my intentions and moved away from my own advice of speaking and acting as if it is already happening.
My recent trip to Houston, talks with my husband who still believes in me and the MomCom mission, and the continued support of those closest to me have made me realize that I need to get back to basics and do what has always worked. I need to write down my goals for the conference and act 'as if' it’s already a huge success. I need to move away from the fear, be honest with myself, look at all the lives MomCom has touched, mom up, and own my success. I can’t wait see you and discuss my results with you at MomCom 2014!
Editor's Note: We are thrilled to support Trish in January. Join the Houston caravan to MomCom 2014! Register here.
