I am a big fan of the Enneagram, which outlines the nine basic personality types of human nature. Each type has a basic motivation which drives their ego, and also a basic essence or worldview at their root. I am, for the most part, a five on the Enneagram, also known as the Investigator. I have a basic need to know about lots of things.
Every day, I receive a short Enneagram Thought for the Day, based on my type, which comes from the Enneagram Institute. Today, it said,
“For real change to occur, you will always need awareness, dedication, and perseverance. How much are you really interested in these things?”
This is a statement that I think can apply to anyone, so I thought it was worth sharing, especially for those who are trying to develop an online business.
Awareness
This is a huge word for me. The term, “Awareness is Everything,” was the impetus behind my Everything Series Photo Project. I believe that awareness, or paying attention, is at the root of inspiration. So, in terms of developing an online business, or any business for that matter, there needs to be self-awareness – of what would be truly fulfilling for you, and of what the market needs, of what others are already doing in this area.
Meditation is an excellent practice for teaching how to expand awareness. I’d say photography or any kind of creative practice can help too.
Dedication
Dedication means that you are totally committed to the why of your business or what you do. You are not in it just to sell. You are in it for the message it brings or the needs it will fulfill. You are in it for the real connections you will make. You wholeheartedly believe in your mission.
If you are a blogger, you need to write about something that truly lights your fire. In my case, after doing Danielle Laporte’s Firestarter Sessions, I realized that inspiration is at the heart of everything I do, so that is what I decided to write about.
Perseverance
Perseverance means you’re in it for the long haul. You will not let the bottom line rule your life. You look at the big picture.
It takes time to develop a presence and a business. It takes tweaking as you go along. If you commit to blogging three times a week, then you need to do it and get through those times when you feel you have nothing to write. Those are the times where you must dig a little deeper.
I’d say that perseverance is the hardest of the three. It’s so easy to give up if at first you don’t succeed. When I feel this way, I like to look for inspiring examples of perseverance. They are everywhere.
An Example of Perseverance
My husband had a friend in high school who was a very promising golfer. He went to Ohio State University on a golf scholarship and won the Canadian Amateur title a couple of times.
For some reason, he decided that it would be better for his family if he didn’t pursue a golf career. Instead, he sold insurance for 25 years and was a golf pro at a club. At the age of 50, with his game still pretty good, he decided to retire from insurance and try for the Senior Tour. After four years of Monday qualifying, and only playing in a handful of events each year (one year he didn’t play in any), he was entered into the final tournament of last year and won! This win gave him an exemption for the Senior Tour this year. He can play in every tournament!
So far this year, he has played three tournaments and has finished top 20 in all three, including a second and sixth place. From what we can see, he is having the time of his life. His name? Rod Spittle.
In which of these areas do you need to give yourself a little push?
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