Smart Women Are On the Slopes!

Recently, while on a family vacation in Park City, Utah, I was helping my 8-year-old son, Jack, get ready for a day of skiing. It was sunny, 35 degrees and gorgeous outside. I handed my son his face mask and he looked at me puzzled and said, "Mom, there is no way I'm going to need this today--have you looked outside?" I replied, "Yes, I have and you always need to be prepared for a quick change in the weather when you are on the mountain." As I prepared myself to leave for skiing that morning, I began to reflect on how being prepared for snow skiing is a lot like preparation for success as a woman entrepreneur. When you desire a successful day of skiing, there needs to be some planning before you get on the chair lift. You need to stop and think about all of the things that you will need in order to have a great day. (This is why ski wear has about 19 pockets located inside and outside the clothing!) If you are a woman who skis, then you know that the weather can change at any given moment so you need to pack accordingly. If you choose to go skiing without thoughtful preparation, you may be in for a challenging day. If you are a woman with a Big Idea, Dream or Goal, realizing your big vision can be similar to a woman getting prepared for success in a day of skiing. As I rode up the chair lift that morning, I thought of 4 solutions to help you have a great day of skiing and realize your Big Idea, Dreams, and Goals as a woman entrepreneur: • Be prepared for all sorts of weather - If you can imagine the top of the mountain representing your Big Idea or Goal, then you know as you make your journey upward, there will be changes in the climate and the terrain. In your business, there will be times of quick and easy success and there will be challenges that need to be met along the way. Make sure you have packed the necessary items for success. For example, a detailed plan of action to reach your goal, lots of support, focus, and consistency. Don't forget to bring energy and passion! • Don't stay "Green" for too long - Smart Women know that you will need to get uncomfortable in order to become a better skier. To facilitate improvement, you will need to advance beyond the "Green" (easier trails) and move on to "Blue" (more difficult). In reaching your business goals, if you are feeling really comfortable, then most likely your goals are not big enough or you have lost some energy and passion for your vision. It's important to stretch yourself. When I challenge myself on the mountain by taking a trail that's a bit beyond my ability, it feels good when I reach the bottom and can look back and reflect on my accomplishment. Always strive to dream or have a vision that's just a little bit larger than what you think you can accomplish. You will be surprised at what will happen! • "Follow The Leader" - I see a lot of people struggling on the mountain who are beginner skiers (by the way, I'm a beginner intermediate at best!). The fastest way to reach your goals whether it's skiing or realizing your entrepreneurial vision is to follow the leader. Follow someone who shows a clear mastery of where you want to go. Take a lesson. This solution has been the one that has moved me forward the fastest in my own entrepreneurial journey. I like to move quickly when I have made a decision to take action on a dream or desire. I always have coaches, mastermind groups, and mentors to help me achieve my Big Ideas at a faster pace. I continue to invest in my own learning every year to help me reach my goals more quickly. • Rest and Re-energize - Smart Women need to take breaks often. Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of energy. When we get passionate about something, we tend to go non-stop until we make our dream happen. It's essential that you stop along the way to reflect and reenergize. It's during those times of rest and relaxation that we can ponder what might be next with real clarity and focus. It was a gorgeous day for skiing. The weather conditions were just about perfect. In the late afte oon, the sky became overcast and a chill was in the air. I know I was happy that I packed my face mask in my pocket. My son Jack was too. I'll see you on your way to the top... Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.