Hello and happy Monday! This is Susan Hyatt and it’s GO time.
This is the 98th episode in a series of GO mp3s to wake you up on your Monday morning and get you going.
In this episode we’re talking about how I manage to stay motivated week after week, year after year, so that I could build a $1 million dollar business.
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Wanna read the full transcript? Here you go:
So… I’ve been self-employed for 10 years.
It all started with a small life coaching practice—just me plus a handful of 1-on-1 clients. Then a few more clients. Then a few small workshops and free speaking gigs. Then my first e-book. Then my first online class. And so on. And so on.
I built my business… one tiny turtle step after another. Nothing about my success happened overnight. It was a gradual process, for sure.
Today, I run a multi-faceted coaching business that includes online programs and international retreats, as well as a blog, podcast, webinars, and numerous products—like books and card decks. Last year, my biz hit $1 million in sales.
When people ask me, “Susan, how did you build a $1 million dollar business?” the short answer is: I worked really fucking hard for a decade! LOL. I worked hard, and I kept taking steps forward, week after week, even when things felt really stressful, and really tough. I didn’t allow myself to give up.
When I say that, people usually have a few follow up questions. Usually, something like, “OK, so HOW COME you didn’t give up? How do you manage to stay motivated, week after week, year after year? How did you become that kind of person?”
Well… that’s what today’s podcast is all about.
Today’s episode is a little peek inside my brain. I’m going to share what I do, and what I say to myself, to keep myself feeling positive and motivated… even when stressful things happen.
Look, I am by no means a “perfect” human being. I have flaws, I make mistakes, and I get frustrated and discouraged with certain aspects of my career, just like errrr’body else. But I have a few self-coaching practices that really help me out, and that’s what I want to share with you today. So here we go…
WHAT I DO WHEN…
I get an angry email from a customer, or a refund request.
I have a NO REFUND policy for ALL of my products, services, and retreats. This policy is very clearly stated and it appears all over my website.
Nonetheless… once in a while, a customer comes along who either doesn’t read the refund policy, or chooses to ignore it. And this person emails me or my assistant and wants a refund.
Usually, their explanation is, “My plans/goals have changed—I want my money back.”
Or, if it’s a retreat, they might say, “My schedule has changed and now I can’t attend the retreat after all. I’d like to get a refund please.”
When this happens, I feel… irritated.
To self-coach myself, I will… remind myself that the kindest thing that I can do is hold a boundary.
And then to resolve the situation, I… kindly communicate the boundary.
. . .
WHAT I DO WHEN…
I get a rude or threatening Facebook message.
Hoo boy! This happens all the time. I’ve gotten public and private Facebook messages saying all kinds of outrageous, insulting things. People writing to criticize my body, my political views, my taste in music, my parenting abilities, my views on feminism and women’s rights… you name it.
These kinds of messages can feel really threatening and scary. They’re also really distracting. Like, I’m in the middle of a busy workday and then UGH… now I have to deal with THIS nonsense? Good grief.
When this happens, I feel… mostly amused but sometimes angry.
To self-coach myself, I will… remind myself that another person’s judgment of me is just a projection. It tells me about them and nothing about me.
And then to resolve the situation, I… hit DELETE and go create something. “Don’t hate—create!”
. . .
WHAT I DO WHEN…
I’m feeling seriously unmotivated.
Haha! OK so this is me… basically every single morning. When my alarm goes off at 4:45am, and it’s time for my morning run, the first thought in my head is usually: “NOOOOOOOOOOOOO.”
It takes a huge amount of self-coaching to get myself out of my bed and into my running shoes. I always feel so much resistance.
To self-coach myself, I will… remind myself how proud I will feel after getting my run in. I envision myself later in the day having worked out or having NOT worked out. The difference is dramatic.
I use this same technique when I’m feeling unmotivated with my business projects, too. For example, if I don’t feel like writing my blog or making webinar slides, I will self-coach myself by envisioning myself having to cancel or cram to make the deadline.
. . .
So, there you go! Those are a few self-coaching techniques that I use when I’m feeling threatened, anxious, stressed, our just really unmotivated.
This week, the next time something stressful happens to you, remember that you are in charge of your thoughts.
You can self-coach yourself. You can talk to yourself like a supportive friend. You can imagine that your personal hero or mentor is right there by your side, cheering you on.
You have the power to shift your entire mood—and get your day back on track—just by changing the way you talk to yourself. Change your inner dialogue, and it will change your life.
Thanks for listening. Have a fantastic week! Work hard and play hard, too.
Oh, and please go visit Beyonce’s Instagram and check out her latest pregnancy photos if you need a lil’ energy boost. Specifically, look for the photo where she’s wearing a silky red gown with a massive crown on her head. YAASSSS. Her photos will give you LIFE.
See ya next week!
It’s GO time.
