Paralysis of Analysis

When you own your own business, you're always thinking about it but you really don't mind.  But I've noticed that about every 7-10 days, I get overwhelmed with all the to-dos that I freeze up and get paralysis of analysis.  Or I find myself focusing all of my attention on one particularly brainless thing like Facebook or Twitter which is probably a coping mechanism until my brain unravels.

To-do lists are a great help.  I keep one on my Outlook calendar that works nicely, and it's great to see the tasks completed, although I'm noticing that my list never shrinks. If anything, the more items I complete, the more my list grows, which certainly seems counter-intuitive.  It's because there's always more to be done in the small business world of wearing multiple hats.

I had forgotten how invigorating owning a business can be.  It fills you up. You are filled with passion and so glad to be moving forward doing your own thing.  Yet, I'd forgotten about how other emotions come into play...emotions I don't really want to have in my life.  Fear.  Uncertainty.  Anxiety. 

I hate to second-guess myself, but I find myself doing that more now that I'm a small business owner.  Co-workers don't exist to bounce ideas off of, and you probably care a lot more now that it's your own gig.  So I rely on my vendors, my mentors, my family, my friends to pick me up when I get scared and overwhelmed.  And they do! 

Just when you hear the last bit of negativity or hit a lull or think you can't go any further, you get a beautiful and heartfelt facebook post like this from a close friend: 

"WOW - I just tooled around HMA and was super impressed! You are doing an awesome job!! Stay focused on your divine ability to attract all that's great! All the very warmest love to you..."

That's what keeps me going.  Those perfect moments that inspire.  I love my friends and family and facebook fans.  Thank you for all your support that really means the world to me. 

I can't imagine doing this trek all alone.  I'm so grateful for this opportunity and blessed by the people in my life. 

Oh...and massages help too, as always. ;)

It's a Sign of Good Things To Come?

When I returned to Aspen to start rolling out the site, I received an incredible treat from one of my most generous friends.  I consider it my $100,000 treat....

I was afforded the opportunity to stay 5 nights in a beautiful chalet in Aspen which just sold for $15 million.  All I could keep thinking was: is this a sign of good things to come?  Some very famous people spend $20,000 per night over the Christmas holiday to stay there, so I consider myself very fortunate to have this opportunity, especially considering the serendipitous timing. 

What better way to officially launch a business than staying in a zen like setting of bedroom fireplaces, meditation waterfalls, exotic fish tanks, vibrant flowers, chef kitchen, downstairs pub, surround sound theatre, relaxing jacuzzi, steam showers, and of course, an incredible view of the mountains.  Ahhhhh...

My site is now launched and I've returned down valley, but the "uptown" experience was incredible.  Experiencing this lifestyle for even a few nights was magical...and I must admit, I now have another goal in site.   Maybe it's not a $15,000,000 goal, but the dream definitely consists of a home in the mountains that recreates a similar zen-like experience...that peaceful environment where I thrive.