This question from a newsletter reader was originally part of a business “Q & Ava” series in December 2014.

QUESTION:
“I watch your life on Facebook and you seem so happy and full… so alive and confident… It seems like you forged the life you wanted… how did you do that?”

AVA:
“I’ve been doing things over the past 6 years that many people are not willing to do, all with the faith that life and my business would work. If my intuition said yes, I would do crazy things like spend the equivalent of a whole previous year’s worth of income on a business mentor. (I’m not saying that we all need to take big risks with our money, but because money was one of my biggest wounds, I was often called to take risks in that area so that I could heal my fear and discomfort around money.)

IMG_8218I was also willing to work at a part-time landscaping job for a little while to fund something for my business (it is totally *not* comfortable to be outside in the winter in wet boots and a rain jacket, but I did it to fund my future). I would work in my business for hours and hours for free (writing newsletters, designing classes to teach, having complimentary consultations with potential clients). I would also take my slightly-introverted self to networking meetings, sometimes endure criticism from others (and just keep moving forward), and travel for hours to meet someone new or to attend conferences. So many people are NOT WILLING TO DO THIS!

It was also helpful to find out what my passions were. Every time I noticed that I loved something (like traveling in Europe, spirituality, or marketing), I would ask myself: “How can I add this into my business or my life?” I was willing to ask this question over and over, even if an answer didn’t show up immediately. Eventually, I’d find a way. Now my business feels very aligned with who I am, and that gives me more confidence and joy.”

Happy Holidays!

~ Ava

 

 

© 2015 Ava Waits

Ava under arches croppedAva Waits is an inspirational speaker, business mentor, sales trainer, and forthcoming author. She believes that making money should feel like bliss, and through her work, she provides innovative sales and marketing guidance to entrepreneurs and companies worldwide.

As a speaker, Ava has been interviewed on television, and has been invited around the country to inspire and train audiences at business events, women’s organizations, and financial companies. She has presented at United Way, the Women’s Day of Empowerment, Mother Earth News, the National Association of Professional Mortgage Women, and many others.

To connect with Ava, and to view article and video archives, please visit www.AvaWaits.com.