We all have them --- stories. Some serve us well, while others hold us back. What are yours doing for you?
You see, I used to be a product of my own story. Good right? Not always. As a business owner, I have a LOT of passion around what I do, but there were things in my life that were keeping me from my full potential. Yes, I have won several awards and have a successful practice, but deep down, I KNEW I could do more. Have you ever felt that way? So what was it? Did I need more education? Did I need better marketing? Did I need a new brain? What?!? Well, early in 2009, I figured it out. I needed a new story and maybe you do too.
The -- I can't help it because of XXXX story
I have struggled with migraine attacks that were quite severe for a number of years. In fact, two years ago, I was rushed to the ER because they thought I was having a stroke. Turns out, it was "just" 4 different migraines at the same time. Add to that, asthma attacks that started as an adult and weight that continued to skyrocket and tumors in my abdomen that caused ongoing pain and I had a myriad of legitimate reasons to not get things done that were on my to do list.
In fact, I had used those reasons for at least three years! To make it worse, my support systems agreed with my reasons. The thought was: I had so many different health issues, it was "amazing" that I got anything done.
In addition, I give of my internal energy to serve my clients... No one stopped me to say "Steph, what are you doing to get where you really want to go," because they all loved me too much and did not want to hurt my feelings. They saw and heard the story and helped me continue reading it to myself.
But THAT is Over!
I took a stand and took responsibility for my story. I decided that I'm the author and I was going to rewrite my story. I filled you in on the beginnings this past March when I wrote a post about my evolution. Just like in the song "Unwritten" :
I am unwritten
Can't read my Mind
I'm undefined
I'm just the beginning
The pen's in my hand
Ending unplanned
I took a stand and decided to figure out how to rewrite that story. I wanted more out of life!
SO much changed in 2009! No more migraines or asthma attacks and my weight has dropped 65 pounds (yup -- need to get to a photographer in 2010 and update my social networking pics.) I took the last 2009 "Get Stephanie Healthy" leap, having major abdominal surgery in December to literally remove a story from my life that had been holding me back. I am so glad that I did. (Recovery is not fun, but removing another obstacle to my success is priceless!)
Why Was I Successful When Others Are Not?
One big key to my new "authorship" is that I did not do it alone. I found specialists that helped me to find the true causes and diagnosis to the various struggles and together we mapped out a plan to get me to where I am today. I'm still working with a coach and we continue to develop plans of action to take me to my next celebration.
What is the story you need to let go?
You may not have a medical story that is holding you back, but what is? What story have you lived with that you should now release? Here are a few that I have heard clients share with me over the past year.
- My ADD makes it impossible for me to focus and get things done at work. I'll never get ahead.
- I do the work of 2 or 3 people and it never stops! I can't get a break. How can I possibly keep up with everything?
- Times are tough. I should be happy I have a work. Why is my spouse always complaining that I'm not at home enough?
- Look at all of the stuff I have to manage. It is too much for any normal person.
- I want to be a good provider for my family, but I can't possibly get ahead in this economy.
- There is more in me--I know it--I just can't bring it out.
- Dating? Ya right. How am I supposed to have time to find the right person for me when I'm always at work?
- I started my business because I loved what I did, but now it is all just a big headache. I'm thinking I may need to close and go find a job.
They rewrote their stories and so can you. Let's kick off 2010 with a bang shall we?! What story will you work on rewriting?
To your success!
PS -- If you did not read my post about the Great Organizing Giveaway, you must mark your calendars for January 25th! I'm SO excited about the great items that my colleagues are giving away.
PPS -- I'm back part-time now and doing a lot of virtual work so I don't mess up my recovery. I'd love to hear from you. You can also catch me here 
LinkedIn 
Twitter 
Facebook 
Plaxo Pulse SelfGrowth
Bring on 2010!
