How Snorkeling Can Help Your Business
- Date: 2007-07-21 - Word Count: 565
Share This!
Recently I visited Hawaii for the first time. There were a lot of "firsts" on that trip, including snorkeling. Some friends and I were in an absolutely beautiful cove where the water was completely clear and there were what seemed like thousands of fish and colorful coral. We had to kayak out there (another first) and passed a pod of dolphins.
The thing is, I hadn't really thought too much about snorkeling one way or another because I'm a pretty strong swimmer, until I was actually standing on some wet rocks, with my fins on, trying to maneuver in the water without stepping on sea urchins or coral. What made it more complicated is because of the amount of coral, there was really no way to step on the bottom once you got in the water.
Luckily, the friends I was with had snorkeled before and were able to give me some advice. The most important advice was "relax."
It still took me awhile. I ended up coughing and choking on a lot of sea water before I finally figured out what I needed to do -- which was basically put my head straight down and stop fighting the breathing apparatus.
In other words, relax.
So, what does this have to do with your business? Sometimes you need to relax in your business as well.
A lot of us started our businesses because we didn't want to work for someone else and we wanted to do what we love. We probably wanted to set our own hours and be in control of our destiny.
While that's all well and good, running a business is more than just the output of your business. For example, my copywriting and marketing business is not just about my skills as a copywriter and marketing consultant. It's also about me learning how to run a successful business.
When I first realized this, it scared me. What did I know about business? I've never taken a business course in my life.
But the more I did it, the more I realized I had a knack for leadership and running a business. And, I also realized the more I relaxed, the better I was.
When I tightened up and got all concerned about what I knew and didn't know, that was when I was more likely to make mistakes. But just relaxing and enjoying the ride made it easier and more enjoyable.
And, I had to take relaxing one step further. When I first started delegating, I was nervous. Is the work getting done, or not getting done? I would wake up in the middle of the night wondering if tasks were being completed or not. Then I wondered if I should check on the person doing it -- should I get up and email them now or call in the morning or am I being paranoid?
Again, once I learned to relax and let things happen, then everything started to fall into place. I found ways to keep tabs on tasks without micromanaging (and allowing me to sleep at night).
When you start to study billionaires and other successful business people, you realize a lot them view business as fun, or as a game. They're enjoying themselves while they run their business (or businesses). And maybe that's one of the reasons they've been so successful.
But most of all, when I started to relax about running my business, that's when it became far more enjoyable.
The thing is, I hadn't really thought too much about snorkeling one way or another because I'm a pretty strong swimmer, until I was actually standing on some wet rocks, with my fins on, trying to maneuver in the water without stepping on sea urchins or coral. What made it more complicated is because of the amount of coral, there was really no way to step on the bottom once you got in the water.
Luckily, the friends I was with had snorkeled before and were able to give me some advice. The most important advice was "relax."
It still took me awhile. I ended up coughing and choking on a lot of sea water before I finally figured out what I needed to do -- which was basically put my head straight down and stop fighting the breathing apparatus.
In other words, relax.
So, what does this have to do with your business? Sometimes you need to relax in your business as well.
A lot of us started our businesses because we didn't want to work for someone else and we wanted to do what we love. We probably wanted to set our own hours and be in control of our destiny.
While that's all well and good, running a business is more than just the output of your business. For example, my copywriting and marketing business is not just about my skills as a copywriter and marketing consultant. It's also about me learning how to run a successful business.
When I first realized this, it scared me. What did I know about business? I've never taken a business course in my life.
But the more I did it, the more I realized I had a knack for leadership and running a business. And, I also realized the more I relaxed, the better I was.
When I tightened up and got all concerned about what I knew and didn't know, that was when I was more likely to make mistakes. But just relaxing and enjoying the ride made it easier and more enjoyable.
And, I had to take relaxing one step further. When I first started delegating, I was nervous. Is the work getting done, or not getting done? I would wake up in the middle of the night wondering if tasks were being completed or not. Then I wondered if I should check on the person doing it -- should I get up and email them now or call in the morning or am I being paranoid?
Again, once I learned to relax and let things happen, then everything started to fall into place. I found ways to keep tabs on tasks without micromanaging (and allowing me to sleep at night).
When you start to study billionaires and other successful business people, you realize a lot them view business as fun, or as a game. They're enjoying themselves while they run their business (or businesses). And maybe that's one of the reasons they've been so successful.
But most of all, when I started to relax about running my business, that's when it became far more enjoyable.
Related Tags: business success, entrepreneurs, small business owners, business strategies, business success strategies, workaholic, growing a business
Michele PW (Michele Pariza Wacek) owns Creative Concepts and Copywriting LLC, a copywriting, marketing communications and creativity agency. She helps people become more successful at attracting new clients, selling products and services and boosting business. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at www.michelepw.com. Copyright 2006 Michele Pariza Wacek. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Is SEO Optimisation Important Today?
Those who have tried setting up their own websites know just how competitive the online market reall - How to Shop Fearlessly, Look For Bargains, And Save Time and Money on the Web?
With the advent of online shopping, going to outlets and discount shopping centers may become an act - Roll Up Stand Changing Vendor Booths
Most people have been to trade shows, home shows, state and county fairs and other places where ther - Achieving Your Advertising Goals With a Roll Up Stand
Advertising is a common function of a business. However, it requires creativity and hard work to ens - Trade Show Displays and Expos
Trade Shows and community business Expos provide a captive audience for your business, to get the wo - How to Make Sure Your Newsletters Are Sent Out on Time
There are three key elements to making sure your newsletter is delivered on time: People, planning, - Portable Displays - Trade Show Displays
Portable Displays are the best option for exhibitors when it comes to Trade Shows. Portable Displays - Banner Displays - a Great Portable Display
Banner Displays are considered one of the most portable displays when used for trade shows. They com - Small Business Reputation Management - Your Small Business Information Could be Wrong
Bad information could be out there circulating on the Internet this very minute about your business - Eight Guidelines For Writing Newsletters That Engage Your Readers and Build Your Business
Want to write newsletters that engage your readers and help to build community? Whether you are a sm
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Adsense Is Making Me Rich
I want to talk to you about the power of Google AdSense and how you can use it to generate not hundr - How to Increase Your Business Using the Esoteric Science of Radionics
As a small business owner, there are an amazing number of difficult skills I need to master so my bu - 14 Top Lead Generation Tips
According to former Harvard Business School professor David Maister, typical marketing practices are - More Marketing Dope
Direct marketing can make you very successful, but you’ve got to understand the basics. Here a - The State Of Paid-To-Surf Programs Today
What a difference a year can make. 12 months ago, auto surf programs were at their peak. More an - Should You Open Up An Ebay Store?
Ebay has provided some amazing opportunities for many people to earn online. This widely popular au - Is Adsense A Good Idea?
For many webmasters, Google AdSense has become a great revenue generator. Since the program pays th - The "Coat Of Arms" Revisited
Recently I listened to a interview with Mark Joyner and Gary Halbert about Gary's famous "Coat of Ar - Brand Loyalty
It's a challenge getting consumers to remain loyal to a particular brand. Unlike the good old days w - The Hottest Affiliate Ebooks Out in the Market Today!
Affiliate Project X is a great affiliate marketing ebook. Totaling only 50 pages you could have your