Archive for the ‘Mastermind’ Category
Mastermind Group – What Holds You Back?
Posted by Sonya in Mastermind on April 2nd, 2009
In the last month, I have helped several people get started in the mastermind group process. I’ve noticed that for many people – the personal growth gets started even before a group has been found. Seems like the very first thing that happens when is considering a mastermind group is one of the following thoughts:
- “I don’t know what my strengths are . . . I don’t know what I could add to the group.”
- “I don’t know if I have anything in common with the other people of the group. We are not of the same mindset and I just don’t think we would be synergistic”
Either of these attitudes will hold you back and you will miss out on a tremendous growth opportunity if you allow either of these feelings to hold you back.
These feelings also show that we have not adequately described how a mastermind group can work. Every mastermind group, regardless of the “lineup” can turn into a synergistic powerhouse for all of the members involved. It is as much – or more – about the process then it is about each individual involved in the group.
Your group dynamics will change over time. As each member grows, learns, faces challenges, so too will the group grow, change, and become more synergistic.
So…. if you think you don’t measure up – - – think again. It is absolutely true when I say that every person has something to contribute. That means you too. All this feeling does is highlight the first thing you personally will be working on…. defining your strengths. It is a valuable exercise and you will benefit from it.
If you think that you may not get much out of a particular group – - – think again. It is absolutely true when I say that every person has something to contribute. Give the group a chance to work it’s magic. Six months later, you will be looking back on your old attitude, feeling very grateful for all you have learned about those in your group, the incredible power of the mastermind process, and your own shift in attitude.
Overcome This Economy in 3 Easy Steps
Posted by Sonya in Economy, Mastermind on March 26th, 2009
How To Thrive in This Economy
Scary news reports seem to be coming out every day. Many analysts are now saying that this recession (when will they start calling it a depression) will last into 2010. Other analysts are telling us to brace for a hyper-inflationary period. It is easy to find ourselves paralyzed with fear or indecision. Now and again over the last year, I have found myself unable to move forward with future plans. However, I finally found a way to overcome that fear, and move forward with my proactive plans for the future. Here is what I did in three easy steps.
1. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY
Seems that wherever I turn, I hear people looking for someone to blame. The politicians are blaming the CEO’s. Taxpayers are blaming the politicians. The CEOs are blaming the borrowers. Where does it end? I’ve made the decision that in my life, it ends with me. I will not rely on a big corporation to provide me with a pension. For that matter, I will not rely on my government to take care of me during my retirement either. It is my responsibly to take care of myself and my family. The very first step is to stop looking to the government, a corporation, or a boss to solve your problems for you.
It is also time to stop looking for a guru or a financial planner to make your financial decisions for you. Take it upon yourself to become educated about money and make your own financial decisions.
Once the decision has been made to take responsibility for your own finances, it can be a lonely road to navigate. Where do you begin?
2. MAKE TWO PLANS
Begin with laying out a plan. Actually, lay out two plans. Make a plan for preservation. This is your safety net if things go really bad. What will you do if hyperinflation hits? What will you do if the deflationary period continues? The nice thing about the plan for preservation is that once the plan is in place, it doesn’t take much extra time or effort to follow through with the plan. Once the safety net is in place, it is time to focus on your second plan – the plan for prosperity.
“In Chinese, the work “crisis” is made up of a combination of two characters. The first signifies “risk.” The second stands for “opportunity.” – Jim Rogers A Bull In China
Start focusing on the opportunity that exists all around you. Once you open your eyes to opportunities and make the decision to focus on them, you will start to notice them all around you.
3. SET GOALS and MASTERMIND
Now that you have your two plans in place, set some goals – and join a mastermind group. Your mastermind group will not only help hold you accountable for your goals, but they will also help you troubleshoot, find additional resources, and generate new, bigger ideas to help you reach your goals.
The economy can seem scary… but it is only scary if it feels out of control. If you make the decision to take control of your own destiny, the scary feeling will go away, and be replaced with an excitement and optimism for the future.
The Mastermind Mirror
Posted by Sonya in Mastermind on March 17th, 2009
A Mastermind group is like a kind, wise and persistent grandmother holding a mirror up to your face. She smiles at you with loving eyes, but refuses to take the mirror down until you give it a good honest look.
ACCOUNTABILITY – - When the Mastermind mirror is held up to your face, you suddenly become more accountable for living a better life. Suddenly, you must set goals and make forward progress. You are not only answering to the face in the mirror, but to all the other people, standing behind you in that reflection.
SYNERGY – - This word is overused. I hate to use it here, but nothing else comes to me. A mastermind group takes on a life of it’s own, especially when the members come from a diverse background. When you have a problem, challenge, or obstacle, the members of your mastermind group will come up with ideas, solutions, and resources, that you would never have come up with on your own. This leads to the next point…
GROWTH – - The mirror in front of you will make you grow, week after week. None of us are perfect. Our business, our financial life, our personal life, will only be as good as our weaknesses allow it to be. We are all held back by our shortcomings. Unfortunately, when we try to “go it alone” we often fail to see our own shortcomings. We don’t have that kind person holding up the mirror. A good mastermind group can change all of that. Other people are often able to see in us what we do not see in ourselves; the good, the bad, and the…. well, you get the idea.
Your mastermind group will force you to address your shortcomings, step into areas of growth, and stretch your comfort zone. These are uncomfortable times to go through, but go through them we must if we are going to improve our lives.
While Mastermind groups are often formed for support in business or financial endeavors, participation in a group will have an impact on every area in your life. As you take a good long look in the mirror, you will start to see growth in your personal life, your emotional and spiritual life, and yes… your pocket book too!
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