Lamisha Serf-Walls

Confession Time: I Didn’t Listen To My Heart…and I Failed (sort of)

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To be honest with you, I have been dreading writing this post.  Part of me knew I had to do some processing mentally and emotionally before I could put anything in writing and the other part of me was just plain embarrassed.

Embarrassed of looking like a fraud, a scam, a loser and my worst fear…a FAILURE.

So what did I fail at exactly?

I failed at listening to my intuition when it told me something wasn’t a good fit.

I failed at recognizing the signs that reinforced something wasn’t a good fit.

I failed at standing in my power to declare to myself and YOU that it’s ok to pull the plug on something that isn’t a good fit.

So what is this elusive ‘thing’ that isn’t a good fit?

The 90-Days To Biz Brilliance program.

Yep, the program I was so excited about (initially before the signs) and the same program I put off releasing twice for various reasons (because I clearly ignored the signs.)

The short story is this.  I fell into the trap of thinking that other people know me better than myself and while some of my clients are female entrepreneurs, I am not a ‘business coach’.  Here’s where it gets a little confusing even for me.  The biz brilliance program is actually full of amazing content, support, information, and practices to handle the stuff that comes up when you are creating a business, but it is also good for people NOT in business.

I was excited about the program.  I shared it with you and in various other networks happily.  I loved the feeling of the program, but something I couldn’t quite put my finger on felt off.  The more I shared, the more off it felt.  And when the feeling got to be too much, I knew that it wasn’t going to fly, but I was too afraid to pull the plug for fear of looking unprofessional.  I didn’t want anyone to think any less of me and to see me the way I was seeing me in that moment…a failure.

But despite all of that this is what I have learned:

  • I now know what the off feeling feels like in my body and I can use that in the future
  • I took a HUGE step to create a program that has good bones and can be used in another way…later
  • I am not a failure
  • I now have more clarity about what isn’t a good fit for me, which is equally as important as knowing what is
  • Life (and my business) goes on despite this bump in the road
  • Listening to my intuition and inner wisdom is always the best way

It is imperative to trust that tiny whisper within that tells you something isn’t right and the nudge you get to go in a particular direction.  Learn to listen to yourself and let go of the other stuff that doesn’t feel right for you.  Tap into your intuition on a daily basis and allow it to guide you forward.  It takes practice, I know especially when you are in business and there are so formulas for ‘success’.  Your success will come to you in a way that feels right and fits your path.

Another big thing this experience taught me is that trying is succeeding in its own right, so keep trying.  Keep experimenting and keep going.  Do you know how many times Albert Einstein ‘failed’ in his experiments before he got one ‘right’?  If one of the most amazing scientific geniuses in history can ‘fail’ a few times to get to something incredible, then don’t you think we can too?

Life is about experience, so remember that as you try and try (and try) again.  Don’t forget to trust too.  Trust is a big part of the process.  Knowing that you will get to where you are going as long as you keep going.

 

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P.S. We are entering the last 4 months of the year (where does the time go!) and I know there are dreams and goals that you have been procrastinating on.  It’s time to get a Jump Start don’t you think? My 1-month Jump Start package is available to help you take big action and get moving immediately toward your dreams.  Haven’t you waited long enough?  Get signed up for your free 30-minute consultation to get started for September. 

When Life Happens…Just Flow With It

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No matter what you are doing or how great things are, life happens and during those moments of chaos when we sometimes feel the need to fight the current and get back to the balance we are used to, it’s usually best to just flow with it.

I thought I would share a bit about my current chaos and how I am handling it. 🙂

 

P.S. Don’t forget about the Epic Birthday Giveaway!  You officially have a week to register to win 1 of 13 amazing gifts.  Hop on over to this post check it out. Good luck!

 

 

 

Why I SUCK at “Business” & Choose the Heart-Centered Path Instead

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Image from enlightenedbusinessacademy.com
Image from enlightenedbusinessacademy.com

So it might sound strange to you to read that a life & biz coach sucks at ‘business’ especially when she helps her clients expand their business and make more money and just launched a program for business owners right?

Allow me to explain.

I never really thought of myself as the ‘business’ type. I mean, when I finished college I was just focused on getting a J-O-B (any job really) to pay the bills.  I wasn’t in business school and really didn’t aim to be my own boss.  Heck I even went so far as to say that I couldn’t be a contracted employee or be commission based because I needed to have a steady income.  And the idea of being in sales made my stomach turn.  I just didn’t want to be that scummy used car salesman that was trying to get any Tom, Dick, and Sally in the door to make a buck.

It just wasn’t my style and yet I found myself working for not one, but TWO organizations that had a main focus on numbers.  More specifically I worked in proprietary education.  And while I don’t believe ALL organizations like this operate with one thought in mind, I found myself in two that were very similar.

Getting butts in seats meant I still had a job.  It just so happened that some of the people responsible for getting butts in seats weren’t necessarily concerned with if they were the right fit.

For almost 6 years I dealt with this internal and sometimes ethical dilemma of working in an organization that operated with this very hard to swallow way of doing ‘business’.  (You know like some of the unethical Wall Street Bankers etc.)  Set a goal, meet the goal by whatever means necessary, and don’t worry about the rest.

I hated it.  Hated that many students were treated like numbers and not individuals.  Hated the fact that despite the curriculum and expedited programs not being a good fit for many students, no one said anything.  That’s not entirely true.  We did speak up, but ultimately it wasn’t our decision to make.

So, after watching this dance occur over many years, I decided I didn’t want to be a part of that type of ‘business’ strategy.  I promised I wouldn’t get pushy, treat people like numbers, and spam my followers with ‘GET THIS NOW’, ‘SALE, SALE, SALE’ emails because let’s be honest, that shit is just annoying, not to mention it’s just not my personality.

Now you may be saying, “But what about all the business coaches out there that say you have to create urgency, get your products in front of a billion people, and throw statistics at you about sales funnels and landing pages?  Are they WRONG?!”

Maybe, maybe not.  I’m sure those tactics work to some degree since so many people employ them, but I have found another way to do business that feels better.

It’s what I call the heart-centered way.  sales

The heart-centered path is about connection, communication, compassion, and honesty.  It’s about sharing your journey with your tribe and being genuine with your words.  It’s about giving what they want and need while still understanding they are individuals.  It’s about serving your community and helping.  It’s empowerment. It’s service.  It’s grace.

It’s a different road for sure and it is also the premise behind Tama Kieves book Inspired & Unstoppable (a book I recommend to every heart-centered business owner I know).  Follow your heart and do what feels right.  If it feels unnatural and like a used car salesman just trying to make a buck, well that feeling is going to come through to your tribe.

I have found (pretty recently) that even when I am trying to loosely use the advice from the ‘pros’ who are making millions of dollars, it doesn’t always come across in the most authentic way.  It feels forced and what’s worse is my message doesn’t connect to the souls I am meant to work with.  When I am thinking about selling, products, and numbers the waters get a bit murky for me.  I get a bit uncomfortable and my message comes out disjointed and a bit ‘salesy’ which is not my intention.

However, when I focus on my intention of changing lives and helping people do what they love and succeed at it…it comes across as love and service.  THAT feels lighter, brighter, and much more inspiring and incidentally I find I connect with more of my tribe.  (Funny how that happens right?)

So, if you have a business or are thinking of starting your business, the best advice I have for you is this.  Choose to communicate, act, and serve from your heart.  If it feels like you are playing a role or wearing a mask, it probably isn’t right for you.  Connect with your purpose, why you started to begin with, and who you want to serve, that is where your heart-centered business will thrive.  With love.

If you are unsure of where to begin with this heart-centered path and are prone to ditch the traditional ‘business’ plan that can feel a bit icky, there is still time to get signed up for the 90-Days to Biz Brilliance program and receive the bonus gift of my self-study Invest in Yourself program ($97 value) before you can buy it.  If it feels like the right program to take your business to another level (with love), I invite you to join this community of amazing heart-centered entrepreneurs who are changing the world with their work.  The world needs you and your biz to shine and I want to help you make that happen. 

 

Worst-Case Scenarios & Why I Have No Plan ‘B’

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Throughout my life I learned early on that if I could plan for the ‘worst-case scenario’ then I would be fully prepared for anything.  If something better happened, I would be delighted, but if the worst case actually occurred, well then I would have a plan of action.  Or in the least, I wouldn’t be disappointed.

It worked for a while (and by ‘worked’ I mean life went on and I didn’t question my thoughts too much).

Looking back now, I realize by planning for the worst case scenario, I actually created it.

I’ll give you an example.

Several years ago I was planning a big move for love (I’m such a romantic and lucky for me it worked out because we are now happily married).  Being the planner that I was, I didn’t want to move to a new place without a job lined up especially since I was moving 300+ miles away from home and I had no idea what the employment situation was like.

For months I searched from afar and got little to no feedback.  I was discouraged and distraught until I finally decided to move anyway.  I decided that if I couldn’t find a job right away, my worst-case scenario was that I would simply get a job at Starbucks.

I repeated those same words over and over again to my friends and family members.

“Oh it’s fine. Worst-case scenario I’ll just get a job at Starbucks.”

(You know where this is going right?)

While it wasn’t an absolutely terrible worst case situation, I manifested it exactly.

After a month or so of applying with no luck, I got a job at Starbucks.

Depending on how you look at it you can view this as an incredible manifestation.  I fully believed that if all else failed, I would just work at Starbucks…which I did for 6 months.

What’s my point?

Planning for worst-case scenarios have the power to actually create the situation you ‘planned’ for.  But do you really want to create a ‘worst case’?

I have learned from that very clear example of my manifestation abilities and no longer plan for those types of situations.

At this stage in my life and business, it means having no Plan B.

There is no ‘worst case scenario’ or alternate plan if my business doesn’t work.  It’s not even a thought in my mind because I know that by planning for it, I am giving my very specific and creative power to something I don’t want.

My plan is to succeed and have my business continue to flourish and thrive.  That’s my plan…all of it.

So, the thoughts of getting a ‘real job’ are no more because that isn’t an option.  The ONLY option is my business and you know why?  It’s because it is what I am meant to do.

Sure it’s risky.  It’s scary at times. It’s a bit outside the box. Hell, it’s unpredictable more often than not and I am still learning a ton about myself and my business as I go.

BUT

It’s also freeing, fantastic, and the best thing I have ever done…aside from moving for love.  Every day I wake up with a purpose.  I love my work. I love my clients. And I love the freedom that this journey provides for me.

Yep, this is my purpose and my heart-centered gift to share with the world and despite what seemingly difficult roadblocks I encounter, succeeding in my business is the only option. No more Plan B or worst-case scenarios for this girl.

Nope, I’m putting my all into my business and by doing that there is no way I can fail.

Your Actionable Item: Today I want you to take a look back over your life to see where you might have planned for the ‘worst-case’.  Did it happen?  Are you planning for one now?  Is it something you want to create?  If not, what DO you want to create?

Do you have a Plan B for if your dreams don’t come true? I want to know your thoughts so share them in the comments below.

And if you have a heart-centered business that you are ready to bring a bit of brilliance to, I have good news for you.  My 90-Days to Biz Brilliance group coaching program is open for registration!  The program officially begins August 7th and I am so excited to finally bring this to life.  I know that your work is important to you and if it is feeling less than brilliant at the moment, it’s time for a change.  Why not get together with other amazing souls going through a similar experience to grow and transform your biz?  This is your chance! If you register by July 21st, you are also going to receive my Invest in Yourself self-study program (valued at $97) before it is even available for sale.  

I want this program to reach as many amazing biz beauties as possible so will you help me by sharing this with your network and tribe?

It’s Time To Come Clean…

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Vortex-ClarityI seem to be in the remedial school of life these days, learning and re-learning lessons that I thought I had mastered long ago (ok well some of them might be a few months old, but who’s counting?).  Last week I was going through a particularly emotional lesson and now I have reached the sunrise or clarity portion of that lesson.

Here’s what I have learned.

  • I have the POWER to create the life and reality of my dreams.  I believe in that so much that I built a business around this exact idea.  In fact it’s not an idea, but instead a truth.  A truth that applies to you too.  YOU have the power to create whatever it is you want.  You just have to decide what you want, hold the intention, and take inspired action.
  • I may not have the skills and connection that others have, but that does not discount my abilities to do the work I love.  I have unique abilities that allow me to connect to and with the exact people I should be connecting with.  Our differences are beautiful and our gifts are unique.  It’s what makes this world amazing.  And being my true authentic self is the best (and truly the only) way to serve my clients.  This article shares my lesson on being the authentic expert.
  • The intuitive guidance that led me to my business was not wrong and it is the same intuitive guidance that I have been discounting for the past few months.  Sure, there are many things I still need to learn, but if something doesn’t sit right with me intuitively, it’s not for me.  I’m ok with that and you should be too.
  • I am surrounded by amazingly talented women who are doing incredible things in the world.  I support them, uplift them, and celebrate their magnificence and I know that their brilliance has no effect on what I am doing or not doing.  Their success doesn’t cause my demise and vice versa.  We are connected. Period.  And the success of one creates a vortex of power for others.
  • When I am in my power, standing in my truth, and sharing who I really am, I have more of an impact on those around me.  This post is a perfect example of how passion, purpose, and authenticity can come together to create an amazing inspirational energy that can’t be denied.
  • I also know that this very moment with all of its lessons is completely perfect.  I am living the life of my dreams and everyday I am closer to more expansion, creation, and success.  The key to all of that is inspired action.  And the inspiration behind the action comes from intuition.  You have it too, so stand in that power and trust your gut to tell you who to hire, what to do, and where to go.
  • Last but not least, I am uncovering more and more of who I really am which is allowing me to reach more women, inspire change, and support the dreams of others.  This life of mine is amazing! Not because of money, numbers, or crazy success.  Not at all.  It’s amazing because I am doing what I love, making a difference, and learning lessons along the way.

Should you find yourself going through lessons you thought you learned, never fear.  A perfect life is not without lessons.   A ‘perfect’ life is the life you are living right now with lessons, love, connection, dreams, and a lot of growth. 

If you are ready to step into your power to create the amazing life or business of your dreams, now is the time to follow your calling.  I have opened up a few spots for my 1-Month Jump Start program for July 2014 that will get you moving in 30 days or less. 4 sessions in 4 weeks = major progress.  This offer expires June 30th so if you want in on this incredibly affordable and powerful opportunity, you can sign up here.