Rule # 1: Imagine beyond possibility.

If we think within a frame, our mind will stay within that frame.

Once we think into a new dimension, our vision, our perception, our beliefs, our entire
way of constructing will shift. It will realign and begin to shape itself anew.

Forget what is and imagine what yearns to be.

This week The Core Source is featuring the photographs of international expedition paddler, Sam Drevo.

When I first saw his photographs, I thought in addition to their stunning beauty, they are the perfect metaphor for the waves we all ride as we step into our dreams, our longings and our fears.

What do they have in commom?

First: Wonder
I remember a number of years ago kayaking in The San Juan’s. It was a grey day. It felt like it might rain. We gently paddled, hugging the shores looking for eagles. Then suddenly, not more than 100 yards ahead of us, an orca surfaced and then breeched into the sky. We were shocked, but after getting over the initial fear of our vulnerability, it was quite wondrous. It was stunning. This huge force, playfully prancing before us. We sat, for what seemed like hours, watching and listening. Waiting for more.

Second: Respect for the Power of Nature
One of Sam’s photographs is a rock formation in the shape of a wave. It is graceful, strong and fierce all at the same time. A force far greater than us forms the foundation of our strength when we truly step into our dreams, as well as creating the beauty of our hopes. The call - to get beyond our ego and respect the power that our dreams generate.

Third: Honor and Risk
My favorite photograph is a shot of a still stream. The surface is like glass. Quiet. Serene. And yet, it is clear that there is a depth of darkness that belies the calm of the surface. I have yet to work with someone truly stepping into their life dream without, at some point, naming the shadow that lies beneath the surface. We take many risks as we step into our dreams, but the greatest one is looking deep inside ourselves and daring to expose who we truly are. It is the juxtaposition of stillness and shadow, ease and uncertainty that we each must honor as we invite the wonder and live our power.

Finally: Daring to Take the Ride
In my day, I would race down mountainous singletracks, motorcross the rutted roads of a deserted African outback, tear through the water windsurfing. But these were nothing in comparison to the ride of leading a vision. On some days, my bed still feels like the safest place I know. And yet, the challenges of facing the uncertainties, overcoming obstacles and connecting in new ways is far more rewarding than any of the face-your-fear moments. What I learned through those moments though, was to see beyond my fear and remember that the accomplishment was worth the moments of terror along the way. The trick? Go with the wind. Ride with the curve. And always, stay in my center. Lean too far forward and I’d topple. Lean too far back and I’d loose my footing.

Here’s to the wonder, joy and audacious readiness to ride the waves and reflect in the stillness.

During my series “Grow Your Business,” one of the components is to offer two public “presentations.” It could be a workshop, speech, proposal, show…whatever best connects you with your clientele. People inevitably say, “I don’t like to do presentations,” or “I’m not comfortable standing up in front of people,” or “I hate public speaking.”

So, let’s stop right here!

We have such negative connotations of presenting. They are often impersonal, stiff and even self-serving.
During one evening, a friend and I started counting the number of times the speaker mentioned all the important people he had worked with. During another, I felt so overwhelmed by jargon speak and in-trade concepts that I quickly drifted into la-la land. Even more recently, a speaker’s presentation was a poorly veiled attempt at getting us to buy her service. I felt so manipulated that I left.

We all have examples of presenters pushing ideas on us. My invitation? Don’t.

What do you do instead? Connect. Offer. Share. And most importantly, be you.

1) Begin by exploring your unique style. The “trick” is to trust it, to work with it and to strenghten it. Instead of trying to struggle with someone else’s style, BE yours. I can’t say enough about this piece! It pains me to watch people try to speak, present, lead, teach…or whatever the word you choose when you don’t enjoy it. It’s astounding what happens for you AND the group when you find your style and use it.

2) There is no “right” way to present. If you have a quiet way…let that guide you. If you’re more bold, trust that. It’s critical to remember that you are there to offer information, tools, insights, and experiences for others. The more at ease you are with yourself, the more present you will be FOR them.

3) Decide on the theme or topic. I find it really helpful to list out 6-10 themes of my area of expertise. It helps me chunk-it-down and not overwhelm people with too much information.

4) Set clear intentions for your talk. Identify the tools, experiences or learning you would like people to leave with. Personally, I like to imagine 3-5 people who I believe could really benefit from the opportunity. I actually write down their names and how this experience could help them in a specific way. Then I think about specific tools or experiences that would relate to their needs and their style. Boom, before I know it…the rough map of my presentation is complete.

5) Connect WITH them, where they are now. If you find yourself trying to justify, explain, credentialize or in any other way “sell” the reason you should be there, stop! Take a moment to breathe. Settle yourself. Connect with your audience by asking a question, sharing a story, or offering a chance to imagine.

What’s important is that you connect FOR them and be clear about why you are there!

The simple thank you.

My mother was a stickler for thank you cards when we were kids. It was a yearly ritual after christmas, birthdays and other gift receiving moments to write thank you’s to every aunt, uncle, cousin or family friend who had gifted us with even the smallest of items.

A few years back I heard a financial planner speak about the energy of money. Her suggestion– whenever you wrote a check for a service provided to you, write thank you for (whatever the service way) in the note section. It made me stop and consider the power of a simple, intentional thank you. Recognizing and appreciatating the gift of connection is an astounding opportunity to deepen our relationships and acknowledge what we’ve been given.

As I’ve ridden the crests and falls of running a business, I am continually gifted with amazing, unexpected support and resources that go far beyond our “contractual” connection. I am again and again touched by the depth of giving in the simplest of ways.

Recently I was sharing my thoughts about this with a graphic designer who really captures the essence of a person’s personality and intention in her designs. She shared with me that after 10 years of design she has received five thank you cards. I was astounded.

Yes, you might say, why would I thank my graphic designer? I paid her to create this for me. And yet, by acknowledging the time and thought she put into creating a visual representation of my “identity”, I was able to truly share my appreciation for the tangible thing that reflects the intention of my purpose.

My invitation. Put aside time each week to send out a thank you. You’ll be amazed how it makes you feel. You might even start to notice how often you are gifted, every day, with thoughtful acts of intention and caring.

What more can we ask for in a tossed up and tumbled world?

As part of the Grow Your Business Series, members of the group have a email support team to share questions and accomplishments.

One woman emailed the group, “how do “fuel” your core in order to keep the spark or motivation moving forward for you and your business?

As a Life Vision coach, what’s key to success is identifying your own particular style and use it…again and again…. when times get tough and when your vision starts to thrive. Yes, my friends, it is true…success can shut down peoples passion as much a failure.

So how do you keep you core purpose and motivation alive?

Here are a few. If you’d like to share your own, please feel free to add it to the list.

Continue reading ‘Fueling your Passion, Keeping Your Vision Alive’