Whether you’re encountering a problem or an opportunity in your life, ask yourself “What is my point of observation?”
Let’s say, for example, you own a business called Books I Love to Read, and you are in dire need of information on how to market on the Internet. Synchronistically, a fellow networker tells you about a free seminar that is reportedly about Internet marketing. Great! This is exactly what I need, you think to yourself.
However, when you get there, you are bombarded by the agenda of the seminar sponsor. Although you really just wanted to acquire a direction or some sources for implementing a viable marketing program for your business online, you find yourself getting caught in the swell of sales gimmicks. The promise of help in learning to market on the Internet was just a way to draw you in.
If you’re not careful, however, your point of observation will shift from that of a person whose passion is to attract booklovers and sell them books they’ll love to read. You will wake up and find yourself reaching for a different goal—a goal that matches the needs of the seminar sponsor. Suddenly your point of observation is now about being a web tycoon. You’re ready to sell anything that will fit the model they have laid out for you. It doesn’t even matter if it has anything to do with books. Now it’s all about money!
When you set yourself a personal goal for your business, or your life for that matter, you should set out what your intention is and measure every decision against that intent.
In the example, your intention for your business might be that you want to use your passion for reading to develop a business where you can not only share your passion, but make money doing it. So, if you should always measure your decisions against that intent, what does this mean?
It means that it is perfectly okay to explore opportunities if they appear to offer elements that will enhance your original intent. In this example, you did need to know more about Internet marketing. However, you have to be discerning enough that you don’t let others distract you from your intent. Listen to the information, do your research, measure what you find against your stated objective for your business, and then make a decision.
I believe most people fail in business because they lose perspective. They start viewing their business through the eyes of other people.
If your business is your heartsong, it doesn’t matter if you fit the patterns established by others or not, you can still be a success. Mumble in the movie Happy Feet had his own unique heartsong, and so do you. As long as you make sure that your Point of Observation remains connected to your Intent for your business, you will move steadily forward on your path to success!
All the best on your quest,
Dannye Williamsen
The Solopreneur’s Coach
“The Edge You Need To Prosper™”
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Absolutely great article Dannye. You are echoing my own message as a coach/trainer on Values driven business. It seems that your ‘intent’ and my ‘values’ are very close, if not the same. I really like your site!
Lori A Moore,
enVision (Zee Inner Circle member)
Thanks, Lori! Good to see a fellow Inner Circle member here! I got a kick out of your comments on The Future of Business article on your blog.
Dannye
I like this a lot. It’s very clear and very true – a trap that I have fallen into many times – Staying connected to your vision and aligned with it inside and out – singing your heartsong rather than the hit song of the day – great metaphor. Thank you.