Those were my parting words to a client I’ve been working with in Ireland, as we wrapped up coaching for the initial phase of her new business.
And she got it.
In just the short time we’d worked together she was already beginning to think like a business owner, even while developing an idea that could make a huge difference in the world.
And that’s just one thing I love about what I do.
Here in the U.S., we’re wrapping up the Thanksgiving holiday. Gratitude is on our minds, and indeed – being grateful makes a huge difference in how you feel at any moment.
But there’s always a hint of lack in there too.
When we focus on being grateful for what we have, just behind that is an awareness of what we don’t have, too.
Can you feel it?
So I coach my clients instead to raise their energy by noticing what they love and appreciate – about their business, their lives, their relationships, their day….you name it.
Tapping into what you love and appreciate creates a sense of celebration, so that you operate from joy, rather than struggle.
And I like that.
Even over the holiday, I’ve consulted with others about their businesses. Those conversations light me up.
What does that for you?
Try this exercise.
Sit down with a sheet of paper and make a list of just the TOP TEN things you love about your business.
If you don’t have a business, write about your life, your job, or even your dreams.
Then notice how you feel when you read that list.
Doesn’t it make you want to grin?
To get you started, here’s a top 10 list of what I love about my business. See if any of this resonates.
#10: I don’t ask permission to take a day off.
Throughout my adult working life, being able to take time off has always been especially important to me. I never even cared if I got paid – I just want to go when I want to go.
As a business owner, I decide when and if I can take time off. No one else. All I have to do is plan for it.
I love that.
#9: I set my own hours.
When my kids were little, I worked Monday-Wednesday and was home with them Thursday and Friday. That changed as they grew. Today, I provide psychotherapy in town on Monday and Tuesday, but run my coaching business from home the rest of the week.
I’ve always worked long hours and still do — but how and where is up to me.
#8: I have fun!
I can’t tell you how often I finish a coaching call and practically skip down the hall to refresh my coffee – because it was so much fun.
There is just nothing like it.
#7: I only work with people I love.
One of my early surprises about running a business was that non-ideal clients tended to move on, and ideal clients stayed. Today, I’ve built a group with other clinicians that I love just as much. Every client, and every colleague, is a favorite, so going to work is a treat.
As a coach, I’m even more clear about who I serve best. So I look forward to every call – because I love every one of them.
So. Dang. Much.
#6: My business evolves, as I do.
Over time, my counseling practice evolved as my areas of interest changed. I went from working with children, to teens, from working with couples to adult individuals. I started two different women’s adventure businesses and ran a divorce mediation practice. I also ran for office, ran annual conferences for women and girls, and raised a family.
Through all of that I’ve coached, following my life’s calling to empower others to live their best lives.
And when I get to work with entrepreneurs…
Well – it just doesn’t get any better than that.
#5: I determine my own income.
My income is limited only by my imagination, my courage, and my willingness to grow. If I want a raise or need cash flow, it’s up to me to create it.
It’s not always easy – but it is always in my power to do so.
#4: I am at cause in my life and my business.
As hard as it can sometimes be, the success or failure of my business is totally up to me.
And personally, I prefer it that way.
Because if it’s all my fault, then it’s also all in my power to change.
I love that too.
#3: This challenges me like nothing else.
Nowhere on this list have I said this is easy.
Coaching is easy. Growing a business, isn’t.
It challenges everything about me – forcing me to embrace my strengths, and face my weaknesses. I have my dark moments – but I don’t stay there.
I grow.
#2: It impacts people all over the world.
The digital age has brought a host of challenges, but it has also opened doors for entrepreneurs in a way the world has never seen.
I am no longer limited to serving those who only live in my community. Today, I have clients across the country, and across the ocean.
Yum.
#1: This work matters.
As often as I tell you that money matters too, I can’t sustain something only because it makes good financial sense – as important as that is.
I have to feel like I’m making a difference.
This work does that, and I know it. I see it even with people I don’t formally coach – as their eyes light up and new ideas take root.
And that feeds my soul.
Now what about you?
What do you love most about your business?
You may also like: