Is Being Sick the End of the World if You’re Self-Employed?

A couple of years ago I went through a time that was quite uncharacteristic for me – I was sick in bed! In fact, I felt so terrible that I couldn’t even lift my head.

It was made worse by the fact that I had a planning meeting scheduled for Saturday with a client, and there was no way I was going to be able to make it!

At first, this was a huge contrast for me.  When you’re self-employed, it seems like you just can’t afford to be sick!

I had to manage my energy around it.  I allowed myself to flow with that and realized that this was a point where self-care really was the most important thing for me.

I called my client and explained that I wouldn’t be able to make the meeting. And while I was speaking with the client, something just came to me!

I had been focusing all my thoughts on this day and on holding the energy–and out of my mouth came the words, “I have an idea. How about we pre-pave the energy for your meeting?”

I gave him instructions about how to take the group through the planning meeting, and because I was going to be lying in bed all day,  I told him I would hold energy for them.

Then I said, “If at the end of the day, you can feel the energy, then pay me. If not, then don’t pay.” Read more

When You’re Self Employed, Does it Pay to Ignore Reality?

I heard a great story from my colleague, Jim Donovan, that I wanted to share with you:

“The end of the month was quickly approaching and like many self-employed people, we were experiencing a cash flow challenge. It was, in all honesty, one of the greatest tests of faith I’ve experienced in a very long time.

I knew deep within my being, at the cellular level, that everything would work out. I said to my wife Georgia, “Don’t worry, everything is going to be fine, even though I don’t know exactly how, I know it will.”

I went about my business taking appropriate actions, holding my attention on what I wanted, being appreciative for everything I already have and yes, ignoring reality.

I know that there people who will say I was crazy or foolish. That we have to “be realistic!” There was a time when I might have tried to convince them I was right. Now all I do is smile, for I know better.

A few days before the end of the month, I went on-line to check my bank balance to see what checks had cleared. When I looked at the screen I almost fell over, because what I saw there was a very large deposit sitting in my business account. My first reaction was, “this has to be a mistake.” Read more