My new career as a painter....

When I die – bury me with this paint brush.” OK – go ahead and laugh but the Egyptians were buried with their treasured objects! ( I know, many of you thought I might want to be buried with my computer)

When there is a job to do – there is nothing better than having the right tools to do the job – and for that matter – the best tools to do the job.

This past month we were spending all of our spare time getting our house ready for sale – and that involved a lot of painting. Hallways, exterior, stairwells and touch ups were just a few of the areas I painted using one paintbrush.

I could have gone out to the garage and hunted up an old paint brush to do the job, but when I was out picking the paint up, I decided to look at some new brushes. There were a lot to choose from – so I asked the ‘expert’ in the paint department for a good brush for ‘cutting in’. He walked straight to the display and chose one and said, “this is the one I use – and I love it.” He was the ‘expert’ – so I trusted his advice. I bought it. 

When I began using the brush, I was amazed at how well I could paint. Now I am not a painter – but looking at the results – I was amazed. I did not need to use tape to cover other trim – I was able to cut in even the smallest of places. I became so excited at the results that what was supposed to be a chore that I was not looking forward to – became a job I really enjoyed.

My husband was mortified. Then disturbed. Then finally annoyed. You see the hallway was all I was going to paint. But then I got to the stairwell – and I thought – what the heck! So I went around the corner and down the stairs. Then came the corner by the closet. Well I really couldn’t stop there. By noon I had advanced to the living room. (now you see my hubby’s concern)

And to add to the euphoria I experienced while doing the job I thought I was going to hate – was the yummy feeling in my tummy as I looked at the milk chocolate colour of the walls. Between the results of the cutting in and the final look of the room – I was in heaven. All I wanted to do was to continue to paint.

This made me think about my business. How often had I just used a tool I had on hand to do a job – not bothering to even look to see if there was a better tool to use. Perhaps this is why I put off some of the jobs I did not like to do. Maybe there were better tools?

Case in point – my new virtual assistant Raghu suggested I start using a tool called Hoot Suite. I had become tired of tweeting and updating all my social network pages. When you write as much as I do – after a while it can become mundane. What a cool tool – I was hooked immediately!

I guess the point I am trying to make is – no job has to be mundane. Not only can we find joy in doing a job and doing it well – there are thousands of tools out there to help us. All we have to do is ask an expert – and maybe invest in a good tool to help us out.

When you won’t invest in new tools and ideas – you remain mired in old thinking – and often old attitudes. 

So here’s the deal. You get to choose how easy (or hard) and fun (or mundane) it is to run your business.

Oh – and yes – my husband chose a paintbrush from the garage. (oh dear) He is still picking paintbrush hairs off the trim on the front porch….. and grumbling about painting.

Raising my arms in "Rocky - like" fashion!

Being in business is the best self development tool one could ever ask for. I cannot tell you how much fun ( and some days not so fun) that personal growth has been for me. And to think we can get paid for it!

When I think about personal growth I am often reminded of the old Wide World of Sports commercial that featured skiers that t showed the joy of success – and the AGONY of defeat! For those of you who remember it – and I know I am dating myself- every time we see that skier crash – we cringe. OW!

The truth of it is that we often avoid personal growth because we are afraid it might hurt. What we do not anticipate is the financial and personal gains we experience in our businesses as a result.

As I have mentioned – although somewhat offhandedly – I recently won Calgary Business Woman of the year. For those who know the size of Calgary – over a million people – this is no small feat.

I did not nominate myself – nor did I apply - so it was a huge surprise for me. Having been brought up in a family and culture where it was not nice to brag – I humbly played the achievement down – mentioning it here and there but never really stepping into the position of greatness that was offered to me.

Until recently that is.  A few weeks ago I sat in a seminar run by a well known marketer who was selling her services. As I sat through her presentation I mentally made note; I teach that….hmmm I teach that too…yes that is something I recommend….. – well you get the point.

Then I realized, “wow the only difference from what I teach and sell and what she teaches and sells is price point.” Unfortunately I did not have the endorsement that she had during that event.

Whose fault was that?

Mine.

False humility and ‘pooh poohing’ my accomplishments hid my ability and diminished my value. If I did not value or acknowledge my accomplishments – how could I expect anyone else to see what I could do – and attach a significant monetary value to it?

It was then that Ii realized that my resentment at not being able command a higher price and attain the contracts that I wanted was my issue and no one else’s.

So I did it. I showed my accomplishment to the leaders and they announced it to the group and I got a standing ovation. It took all my energy to raise my hands in the air – “Rocky” style and accept the congratulations. But I did it. Immediately my credibility was established and I decided that I would do this more often.

The truth is – we are all great in some areas. Unfortunately we do not often believe in ourselves – and our ability to become successful is adversely affected. We do create our own worlds, possibilities and success.

My head believes I am Calgary Business Woman of the year 2010. My heart rejoices. The Universe now prepares the way for success when I marry the two together.

So – what’s holding you back?  (hmmm what you think?)

For anyone interested in pursuing their dreams and starting the journey to success – contact me for one free laser coaching session. Yes for free. You now have no more excuses!