June 2003

It seems to me that one of the major challenges with business in our world is that spirit is muted, muffled, covered up and placed in the corner.  When I work with business owners, they are often looking for balance in their lives and in their businesses.  They are normally over-worked, over-stressed, under-paid and adrenaline has become their drug of choice.   Seems to me that it isn't until they are in jeopardy of losing something (their family, their top employee or major client) that they reach out to a Coach for assistance.  If this sounds like you, here are a few tips to bring spirit back into your business and life.

Tip #1  Ask yourself: What is the purpose of my business?  Why did I create it or buy it?  What was the excitement behind the decision to go into business?  Does the purpose for my business reflect the purpose for my life?  Can you turn it into a motto, slogan or affirmation?  In other words, are you willing to live by it for years to come?

Tip#2  Take time each morning to greet yourself, your family and your employees.  Simply saying "Hello" may well change the path of your entire day.  People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care....and that goes for your own internal conversation.

Tip#3  Take time to listen...to your own inner thoughts, gut feelings and inklings, first and foremost.  Secondly listen to the comments made by those around you.  Do they affirm your own intuitive thoughts?  If they are different, take a moment to invite the person to share their insight -- it may well be the answer you have been looking for.  One of the most powerful gifts you can give anyone is the gift of listening.  Start with yourself and then practice listening to others.  Make it a playful game to strengthen your listening skills and see what happens.

Tip #4  Create community time.  In order to bring Spirit back into your business or family, it is important to bring people together.  Have regular sessions for your employees or family to share their thoughts with each other and with you.  Much like "Open Mike" Nights at your favorite karaoke restaurant, allow your employees and/or family an opportunity to express themselves and demonstrate their talents.  If the members of your team love what they are doing, your business will thrive exponentially.

Tip #5  Take time to be alone with your own thoughts.  Perhaps you can turn off the radio while you are driving or you can take 10 minutes to just sit quietly.  Give yourself the gift of quietness so you can hear the messages from your intuition.

I suggest to you that Spirituality in Business is simply about taking the steps to be here, today, this moment.... to be present with yourself and those around you.  Know your purpose, know why you are on this planet and then live your mission.  Stressing, forcing a plan, worrying, will not bring you joy and contentment.  When you live and work as though today is the most powerful gift you have ever received, you will indeed be more successful than you have ever imagined.

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