Business Wisdom: Step Back in Time
Business advice for women entrepreneurs and small businesses
As the cool pool waters enveloped my head and hair, I knew I was back in the heart of something I once loved. For seven years, I haven’t allowed my head to go under water when swimming in a pool after suffering two drastic bouts of hair loss. I wasn’t willing to let pool chemicals cause more damage. I realized this morning I forgot what it felt like to really enjoy swimming. As the happiness spilled over me as I returned to this familiar place, I thought of other things left behind the past ten years.
As someone who loves owning a business, I realized after the morning swim that I also tend to forget the pure pleasure I had starting my business ten years ago. If you’re an experienced woman entrepreneur you know what I’m talking about. It’s not that much different than being in a long relationship or at the end of an elongated road trip – enthusiasm can wane over time. Once in awhile to refresh ourselves, we need to plunge back into our original thoughts and feelings.
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, I hope you take time to enjoy a cool swim to refresh yourself while thinking back to the excitement you had when you created your business. What drove you to start your company? What motivated you in the early days? What has changed over time that has sapped your energy? I bet if you stop to reminisce you’ll discover it again.
Today’s blog post is to remind you to step back in time for an hour to the beginning thoughts and plans for your company. Feel what you felt then. Find the same vivre you once had. Exalt your early successes. Relive your favorite client memories. Soak in the small and big celebrations. Let it fuel you today and for the rest of this year.
I also hope you will be grateful on the Fourth of July to the men who fought for our liberties so we could be women living with many freedoms – some freedoms that women in other countries still don’t have today. Celebrate who you are, what you have and how you are making your own contribution in this world by starting your business so many years ago.
Women TIES 
Tracy, this is such an excellent metaphor! I had not been in a pool in 15 years, after some serious injuries. Four years ago, I started back and gradually built my way back to doing 40 laps several times a week. Then I saw my sister (mother of five, 58 years old) doing flip turns. I had told myself my flip turn days were over. I challenged myself to up my ante… and now flip turns are a regular part of my swimming routine. I am reinventing my work life at 60. The process of learning social media, blog writing, book writing etc. has been slow. The accomplishments have been incremental… like regaining my swimming ability. Your blog post using this metaphor has me wondering…. “what flip turns have I been telling myself are no longer part of the equation for business success?” Hmmmmm. Thanks!
LikeLike
Thank you Mary for your comments. I haven’t tried any flip turns yet but I will next time and will think of you! I use to do them as a swimmer in high school. I was happy enough just to fell the water surround me. I just bought your book too. Looking forward to reading it after a good swim. Tracy
LikeLike
I look forward to hearing your reaction to the book. Any questions about it, just let me know! Any suggestions re: how to spread the word, I’d love to hear them. Wouldn’t it be great to think of thousands of women gathering and replenishing themselves through creativity clubs?
LikeLike
It is always good to take a look back and do something you haven’t in a long time! To keep the “new business excitement” going, I try to change things up (much like the comment from Strategies of the Spirit Blog). My own blog, social media, etc. have kept my momentum going. Great post Tracy…and thanks for sharing your story!
LikeLike
Thank you Kimberly for your comments. I liked your blog post I read recently as well. So wonderful to be connected to great women all over the USA!
LikeLike
Thanks!
LikeLike