Samara's 100 Day Challenge

The Impact Positive Thinking Can Have on Your Business

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 23:15:00 +0000

Think and Grow Sales
©Tessa Stowe, Sales Conversation, 2007

Just imagine for a moment that you have perfect sales skills. You know everything there is to know about selling and you know what to do in every sales situation. Now just suppose there is another person selling the identical products and services as you and they too have perfect sales skills.

Who is going to be more successful at selling? The person who is going to be more successful is the one who 'thinks' they can. Let me explain this further.

What sets the boundaries of your sales success is you, your thoughts and your beliefs. You can never sell more than the limits/boundaries you have set for yourself. You have thoughts and beliefs about the type and size of the sales you are capabable/deserving of and the amount of sales income you can earn.

So if you think and believe you are capable of earning $100,000 a year, your autopilot system will go into action to make sure you earn that $100,000. If you think you are a $500,000 a year salesperson, your autopilot system will go into action to make sure you take the actions to earn that $500,000. Yes, you may occasionally exceed what you think you are capable of but rest assured your subconscious will go to work to average it all out to what you think you can.

Your thoughts and beliefs are not the truth but you have made them your truth - probably subconsciously - and you will always be loyal to and live up to your truth automatically. All your actions will always be in alignment with making your truth a reality - whether you like it or not. So can you see now that your success at selling is not just about your sales skills?

Your sales success = your sales skills + your thoughts/beliefs.

It is interesting, don't you think, that most sales training simply focuses on teaching you HOW to sell and how to perfect your sales skills? The false assumption is that to improve your sales success you only need to focus on improving your sales skills. This is only part of the equation.

With respect to selling, there are specific thoughts and beliefs that have a significant impact on your sales success. These are your thoughts and beliefs around: what selling is, who you need to 'be' to sell and how successful you think you can be. Your thoughts and beliefs in these areas act as throttles holding you back and there are fairly simple techniques to take these throttles off.

Imagine you have a belief that selling is about convincing/persuading/manipulating someone to buy something they may or may not want. How does that make you feel? Uncomfortable? Resistant to having sales conversations?

Now change that perspective to one where you view selling as having conversations to see if you can help people get what they want. How does this perspective make you feel? Comfortable? More relaxed about having sales conversations?

Where there is resistance there is a throttle. Throttles regulate flow and with respect to selling they regulate the flow/limit of your sales success. With this example, by changing your perspective on what selling is you have effectively released this throttle (resistance) so your sales conversations can now flow more readily. I hope you are getting the concept.

Go in search of all your beliefs and thoughts around sales and look for thoughts and beliefs that cause resistance as you will then have found throttles which are limiting your sales success. Work on releasing these throttles so your sales conversations flow.

At the beginning I said that you unconsciously and automatically live up to the boundaries/limits you have set for yourself with respect to your sales success. Hence it is logical then that the higher the boundaries/limits you have set for yourself, the higher your sales results will be automatically. So if you can remove any throttles you may have around selling, you will automatically raise the boundaries/limits you have set for yourself and you will automatically sell more. It will be automatic. How easy is that?

So forget about trying harder and working harder. Focus instead on lifting your boundaries/limits and watch the quantum leap in your sales happen automatically.

You can really think and grow sales!

Tessa Stowe teaches small business owners and recovering salespeople 10 simple steps to turn conversations into clients without being sales-y or pushy. Her FREE monthly Sales Conversation newsletter is full of tips on how to sell your services by just being yourself. Sign up now at www.salesconversation.com.

Starting a New Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 14:30:00 +0000

Today is around Day 93. While I've been disappointed in what I've accomplished overall - entirely my fault - when I really sit down to enumerate the things that I have accomplished, I haven't done so bad.

However, I made the decision to restart my challenge a few days early, with this being October 1st, and the beginning of the Fourth Quarter. I want to accomplish so much in 2008 and I want to set out my plan and begin putting it into action now.

The Things I Want to Accomplish During This Season:

Get my Interior Redesign, Home Staging, and Personal Organizer business up and running.

Get four new clients in October, eight new clients in November, twelve new clients in December.

Complete Novel 1 in October.

Participate in NaNoWriMo and win in November, completing a brand new novella.

Finish Novel 3 in December.

Exercise one hour, six days each week.

Drink 64 - 128 oz. of water each day.

Lose one dress size each month.

Help son get his neighborhood snow removal business going.

Help husband get job out of state.

Get published in targeted consumer magazines.

Go on vacation.

I'm proud of myself because I've started off quite well today. I got my son to school on time. I walked for an hour, enjoying Songs About Jane by Maroon 5. I've already had two 8 oz. glasses of water. Yeah!

Namaste,

Samara Leigh

Wait Till I Get My Money Right

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 21:42:00 +0000

I had to laugh when I first heard this song. Simply because the phrase in the chorus - la, la, la, la, wait till I get my money right... - wow, I can remember hearing that ALL of the time as a kid. My father always talked about this magical time when his money would "get right" as if it was something wholly beyond his control.

In retrospect, I now see that as a sort of victim mentality that many cultures place upon themselves. (And no, I am not reading anything into the song, just thinking about my experience as a little black girl growing up.) I think of it as a victim mentality because the phrase because there was always a lot more emphasis on the "waiting" than on the "getting."

By all accounts, my father actually made a very decent salary. Probably a lot more than many in our neighborhood. So, why were we always renters who never once considered buying? Because what needed to "get right" was my dad's priorities.

Drinking, cigarettes, and other *stuff* took up a considerable portion of the family budget. Money that would have been much better invested in real estate or a college fund for my brother and me.

In a lot of ways I've kept that sort of "wait until I get my money right" mentality. Lamenting the things that could have, should have, and didn't happen for me instead of investing my time and energy into making the things that I truly want and desire a positive reality.

It is all in your perspective. And in your actions.

Namaste,

Samara Leigh

Redefined Goals for the Remainder of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 23:57:00 +0000

Okay, over on my blog Mindful Banter I talked about redefining my goals with just a little over 100 days left in the year. Here are a few of the goals that I want to accomplish by 11:59PM on December 31st:

Network, network, network - online and off.
Go down two dress sizes by year's end.
Get my brand new Interior Redesign, Home Staging and Professional Organizing business off to a great start.
Get two fiction works in progress completed.
Get non-fiction published in new markets.
Beat my husband in tennis. :-)
Take a much-needed vacation.
Relocate out of state.

Getting Back to Business on Day 60

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 14:02:00 +0000

I've been a simply horrid 100-day-challenger. Missing in action. Not sticking to my plan for the challenge. Every time I thought about the challenge again I'd feel absolutely terrible. But, the next day I'd just do the same thing: Go about my day without thinking much about it.

However, don't think that I haven't been doing anything toward reaching my goals. In a lot of ways I achieved an awful lot during my period of "inactivity."

I realized that some of the goals I originally set out to achieve, are not what I really want.
I stayed focused on achieving the goals that were most important to me.
I got in lots of physical activity - swimming, tennis, walking

Here is the list of goals that I developed within the first few days of starting the challenge, but never got around to posting. (Or is that wasn't willing to commit to them? Anyway, here is the list:

Complete the foundation for my new business venture.
Acquire 3 new ideal clients.
Fill three workshops to capacity.
Complete my current work-in-progress - a novel.
Get published in new markets.

My goals are basically the same for this 100-day Challenge. However, the megachange that has occurred is the focus of my business. Earlier in the year I had a great idea for a new business service that I wanted to offer. It was similar to the primary service I offered at the time and it was closely align with a business that my husband and I started together. While I set everything up, I never really pursued the idea. Fast forward to a few weeks before this challenge began.

My husband and I were talking about a need in our area and how we could help many of the homeowners in our community. Suddenly, it became clear. I took my idea and changed it to fit the need we saw in our area. What makes it such a fabulous idea is that it fits both our creative strengths and our passion for doing something that will really have an impact on people in our community.

As I've gone through the past few weeks I've been able to clarify my business goals and re-evaluate which ventures are truly important to me and worth my 100% commitment. I have also become much clearer on many of my personal goals and stepped up my level of commitment to achieving them.

A few weeks ago I was ready to just skip out on this challenge and wait for the next one. But, I realized that this type of mentality has kept me thinking - "Next time" - for the past two decades. I am jumping back in with both feet and working hard to achieve the goals that I have not achieved yet on my list. The ones I have achieved, I hope to achieve in a bigger, more powerful way.

Namaste,

Samara Leigh

The Power of Our Words

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 18:45:00 +0000

Our words can be so powerful. Not only do they effect those around us, but they have a powerful effect upon what we can achieve.

I've been spending more time really "listening" to the conversations that go on in my head. You know, when you either tell yourself, "I can do this. No problem." Or, when you tell yourself that it is impossible and that nothing but disaster looms on the horizon for you. Either way, it is a self-fulfilling prophecy. So, why not choose the positive.

When I start my day with positive affirmations and meditation I always have a better day. I feel more accomplished. So, why do I often forget to start my day off with this important step? I am making it my goal to NEVER forget to do this. It really makes all the difference in the world.

One of my most exciting accomplishments is that my son - usually Mr. Gloom & Doom - now believes in the power of positive talk, as well. I'd been talking to him about it off and on for a while because it is a very big issue for him. Recently he started a new school program and I stressed that he go in with a positive attitude. He did. After three days he had this to say:

"Wow Mom, you were right. Everything has been going my way. This positive talk is like having my own wizard. I wished I'd discovered it sooner. Now we've got to get Daddy to start using it."

Indeed. While I wasn't very hopeful of that at the time, I had a conversation with my DH recently. I mentioned that I noticed that he states everything in the negative. It's never, "I hope I have a good day." It's "I bet the whole system will shut down again today." Or, "I hope they don't lose power this time." But, it's not just about work. Everything is stated this way. "I hope it doesn't rain today." "They will probably be out of bread." And, of course, he is usually right.

He seemed sort of surprised about it. Like he never noticed that he does this. He thought for a few moments silently, though he didn't commit to anything. However, I noticed that the next day he say, "I hope we have a great day at work." And you know what? He did. :-)

What I Learned From Maya Angelou & Venus Williams

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Sun, 08 Jul 2007 20:17:00 +0000

The power of positive thinking works. There is no doubt about it. I've seen it in the past few months in my own life. After reading The Secret, where it talked about how teachers, and great leaders in the past have long known this secret and use it to their advantage I've started to really pay attention.

I recently got several books on and about Maya Angelou from the library. The one that impressed me so much and helped me to see that this Phenomenal Woman uses the secret in her own life is Maya Angelou - The Poetry of Living. What impressed me so much was what others had to say about this woman and how she affected their lives. How she inspired them. Over and over people mentioned her wonderful spirit, her positive outlook, refusal to give into the negative, and her determination that she could achieve anything she put her mind to. All I could think is that I would like to be regarded this way.

Venus Williams recently won her fourth Wimbledon after many would have considered her to be out of the game. What motivated Venus to win and to play the best tennis of her career? Venus called a friend months earlier, after watching her sister Serena win an unlikely Australian Open title in January, and said simply, "I'm going to win Wimbledon." Just like that. In her mind she had already won it. Next she would sure that she did everything in her power to make that happen. And she did.

Don't think that positive thinking and envisioning your future works? Just ask Maya Angelou and Venus Williams.

Day Two - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 03:49:00 +0000

First of all, I worked very hard on my intention to fill my upcoming classes. I worked on the website a good portion of the day. However, I will fully admit that I did not give my all to my other intentions for today. Therefore, I will be using the same intention for tomorrow.

However, there was a bit of a carryover from yesterday's intention. The hubby and I had a great day. I had a good day with my son - for the most part. There were times when I completely forgot my intention and my determination to see past what is happening right now with him sometimes. Deep breath and work at it again tomorrow.

Day Two - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 16:49:00 +0000

My intentions for today:

Get my son enrolled in an academic program that fits his needs.
Get published in new markets.
Fill my upcoming workshops and boot camps.

Day One Part 2 - Preparing for the Client Attraction Challenge

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 05:31:00 +0000

When I recently read The Secret there was the suggestion to write a check to yourself from the Universe as a way to see and feel what you want. Today I did that. I also has a recommendation from a friend that I should prepare folders for the four new ideal clients that I want to attract during the challenge.

I have been working the past few months on gaining clarity on exactly who it is that I want to work with. I have been doing that and I have been saying no to potential clients that do not fit the bill, even though the additional income now may seem tempting. I've been down that road too many times. When it doesn't feel right in the beginning, it ends up just as your subconscious tried to tell you that it would.

However, I have now added what it is that I want to achieve in my business and who I want to attract as clients to my daily affirmation and to the visuals I surround myself with. It felt empowering to do this.

If you'd like to write a big fat check to yourself from the Universe, you can download the PDF here.

Day One - Beginning My Practice

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:58:00 +0000

I've been so excited the past few days to begin the 100-day challenge. I am ready to grow and improve my life and my business. By improving my own life and outlook I know that I will have a powerful impact on the lives of those around me.

I started the day with my affirmations before my feet even hit the ground. Next I took a nice steamy shower that was much warmer than I am normally comfortable with. I really allowed myself to relax, let go of the previous days anxiety, and think about what I wanted to accomplish for the day.

Next I sat in Sukhasana pose and repeated my affirmations, set my intention for the day and really meditated on it. My intention for today was to have a wonderful family day. I wanted to enjoy my husband and son's company and bond closer to them both.

The joy and bliss I felt throughout the morning was practically euphoric. I don't know if it was the excitement of things to come or feeling empowered by taking control of my own life, but it was amazing.

I decided to make breakfast for the family, and to serve my husband breakfast in bed. He had a very busy day ahead of him and he is working a funky schedule for the next few days so I wanted to so something very special for him and show him how much I appreciate him. While I was cooking my teen-ager, who normally plods around for an hour or so before he will even open his mouth - came bounding down the stairs with a cheerful, "Good morning, Mommy!"

I was nearly floored. I don't think I've heard him utter actual words - usually just grunts - within an hour of waking it since he was about ten. I gave him a big hug and kiss and he actually ASKED to help with breakfast.

I served hubby breakfast in bed. A nice surprise. The rest of the story is not suitable for a PG audience. :-) There is something wonderful about love in the afternoon, now isn't there?

We ventured on a shopping trip and everyone was happy, no-one was impatient, and my son found exactly what he was looking for - a feat in itself. Everyone was happy. Then the boys went to a friend's roller skating party and had a great time while I worked on an exciting project and caught up with a dear friend. The day was a complete success.

Why I Am Grateful Today

I am grateful that my son was in such a wonderful and productive mood.

I am grateful that my husband and I shared a romantic afternoon.

I am grateful that the boys had a great time at a friend's skating party.

I am grateful for the chat I had with my mother-in-law whom I love very much.

I am grateful for the clarity and focus I had today.

I am grateful that I was able to make bring my intention for the day into reality.

My Vision Statement

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 14:27:00 +0000

My Daily Affirmation

I am whole. I am strong. I am powerful. I am loving. I am healthy and incredibly fit. I am abundantly wealthy and exceedingly generous. I am wildly creative and a prolific writer. My positive energy and positive outlook impact those around me and lift them. I am grateful for the opportunity to seize my goals and be my best self everyday.

My Vision Statement

I live my life with great purpose, honest intention, laser-focus, and a fiery passion. I recognize and thankfully acknowledge my role in co-creating the life of my intention. I claim my power to shape my life and achieve my goals.

I am my best self and I lovingly encourage and inspire those around me to be their very best selves. I am surrounded by a loving, generous, inspiring and supportive cast.

I am confident in my abilities , proud of my accomplishments, and diligent in my pursuits.

I live a healthy, active lifestyle filled with joy, adventure, and excitement. I travel the world discovering amazing peoples and places and learning powerful lessons from them.

My marriage is filled with fiery, passionate, romance and an incredible bond of love and friendship.

I am abundantly wealthy. I use my wealth to support the needs of those I love and to help them to find their own bliss. I support the needs of my community and help others to find their purpose, seize their power and achieve their goals.

I am a prolific, well-published writer that achieves critical and commercial success on every project that I give my heart and passion to. I write books that speak to and inspire women on a journey of self-discovery and entrepreneurs in pursuit of the freedom to follow their passions.

I am a supportive mother that inspires my child to greatness and to see only his abilities. I empower my child to soar and reach the loftiest goals.

I support the needs of my friends. I make the time to enjoy the company of my beloved family and dear friends during regular gatherings and extraordinary vacations all over the world.

I live the life of my intention without apology and filled with great purpose.

How I Envision the Future

I live in a beautiful, Spanish-style villa in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I make an annual 7-figure income from doing the work that I love, enjoy, and am passionate about. My fiction and non-fiction books are New York Times Best Sellers.

My home is filled with beautiful art by brilliant artists that are celebrated and those yet to be discovered. I can easily afford the lifestyle that I want and deserve. My work gives me the freedom and time to pursue my varied interests and enjoy the money that I make.

One Hundred Days at a Time

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 22:51:00 +0000

Sometimes seeing the changes you need to make, the goals you want to accomplish and all that is required to achieve them makes it seem all too overwhelming.

Add to that a creative brain that jumps from idea to idea like a jack rabbit on uppers and a pesky procrastination problem and... well, you can see where this is going.

My BFF, Born Diva recommended that I read the book, The Secret, a while ago. I finally ordered it a few weeks ago and I just finished reading it this morning - 4AM to be exact. I first discovered the power of positive thinking when I took up yoga a few years ago. I've always been a naturally effervescent person with nicknames like Sunshine and Smiley.

I lost a lot of that joy and happiness while going through a very painful period and working with some very negative, very bitter people. While I learned a lot during that period and I grew a lot, I think I also lost some very important parts of me. I am eager to regain that effervescence and joy, while also maintaining the strength I gained during my struggles.

I loved that The Secret took positive thinking and focused actions to a new level. The philosophy that we can not only use our positive outlook to deal with negative things that happen in our lives, but to actually change our lives for the better, is a powerful one.

What especially struck me is the fact that before I even read the book, I started to apply some of the principles that my friend shared with me. I was amazed! First it was little things. Then I started to notice that even larger requests were coming to me. I also discovered that I could impact others with my positive outlook, something I'd almost forgotten.

I was hooked. Another friend had been telling me about positive affirmations for months and I accused her of getting "too new-agey" on me. However, she too was right. At first it felt strange to make such bold statements. Daily affirmations can be challenging for someone who battles issues of confidence. However, the more I said them, the more that I felt them and believed them.

When I heard about the 100-day challenge, I knew this was my opportunity to begin achieving my most ambitious goals and manifest the life that I want and deserve.

I will begin on July 1st and I will be simultaneously beginning a 30-day client attraction challenge.

The 100-Day Challenge for Dummies

noreply@blogger.com (Samara Leigh) — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 21:10:00 +0000

A fantastic summary of how to get started with the challenge: