Thankfully, I was able to get really clear, really fast and let her know in a kind and loving way that we were not able to serve her anymore. She cried, begged, pleaded with me to continue, but as difficult as it was, I held fast to my resolution that “I only work with my ideal clients” and she was NOT anywhere near that.

Here’s what happened RIGHT AWAY: the next BIG client (a few days later) WAS an ideal client in every way…clear communicator, devoted to getting organized, even when the going was tough, generous, caring, fun and referred us on the spot to another ideal client!

Additionally, when I got back from the ideal client, the bank sent me a check for over $150 and let me know how grateful they were that I had paid off my loan! I had NO IDEA that I was even close to paying it off!

I don’t see either of those blessings as coincidental. I believe in the core of my being that when we get clear on what we want and who we are to serve, then we create a pathway for that to come to us.

Debt to me, on any level, is more about “owing” myself than owing anyone outside myself and when I ‘repay’ my energetic loan to myself, my external debts magically disappear.

(I hear a blog post in the making…)

thanks, WP, you rock as always,

jessica from It’s Not About Your Stuff

You are exactly right about the “information overload”. I think that the key is to filter what you spend your time learning about, but never to actually stop learning.

You’ve grasped onto a great concept by saying Tony’s power phrase. Stick with basics like a positive affirmation, and don’t get too mired in the details.

Also, one of the best tricks for finding happiness is to simply start being happy NOW. Happiness is nothing but our reaction to life’s circumstances, and no one has the power to make you happy – or sad – except for you!

By continuing to focus on being happy, before you know it you’ll just stay that way without having to think about it.

Choose happiness, Annie.

I find it so hard to put into action what I already know because I don’t believe I have anything of value to offer others, when there is an endless source of information already available from qualified people, that anyone can find. Why would they listen to a stay home mum with no credibility?!

Talk about low self-esteem

But I have not stopped thinking about your post all day. I went to sleep saying “All I need is within me now” over and over! And, saying it does make me feel more complete somehow.

Yet, where does one draw the line when there is always room for learning, improving, expanding on what you do and what you know? That I cannot work out.

Maybe it’s because I have so little free time that I feel if I don’t spend it all trying to better myself, rather than just doing something NOW, I will be “out of the loop”, outdated, and just plain “wrong”.

Time to get myself a psychologist maybe?! Or unplug my my puta from my modem. And smash the modem. And maybe smash my computer. Too much great stuff out there, I could probably improve myself just by not having all the distraction!

Anyway, thank you so much for bringing it into the front of my mind where I can actually make a conscious effort to do something about it.

Off I go to try to find the missing piece…

HAHAHA
Ohhhhh Dear.

Annie

If you’ve read it– it’s good to be able to roll!

There’s a great quote that says “don’t sacrifice what you want most for what you want right now.”

And you’re right, we all DO want to make a living in life, yet we want to be generous too…there’s a careful balance of how that can work and when its appropriate to benefit both people. Often people find MORE value when they pay for it. I’m learning that…

I’ll be tracking back to this post soon. Thanks for sending the wake up call!
Kelly

Second I would like to say I agree with the term “Seekers” I have met a few of those in my time and I finally get to the point where I tell myself ‘hey they either get it or they don’t’ If they want to make a better life for themselves then they will. If not then they won’t and they don’t have anyone to blame but themselves.

I chose to go back to college when I was 32 years old. I am thankful that I decided to go back and get my degree I am going to go to get my doctorate in physical education and I will eventually open a complete weight loss wellness center in honor of my grandmother who passed away five years ago.

I want to answer clients questions, and do, sometimes I do endless revisions or tweaks because it feels good to hear the feedback when you nail what they were looking for – but I don’t always bill them what I should for it. I struggle with where to draw the line and it’s hard to say no when you’re accustomed to saying yes.

On practicing the truths you already know: this works. I’m seeing that in action today, and it’s really nice to have the peace, instead of looking for the missing piece.

Thanks for making me think about this.

Oh, I have seen the “missing link” syndrome SO many times!

During my time as a personal trainer, I was constantly giving my clients 110%, but sure enough, as soon as I stopped working with them, they stopped working out.

It is actually one of the reasons why I moved into writing about empowerment, rather than having an instructional role, such as a personal trainer.

Any monkey can listen to directions. It takes a truly empowered person to consistently take action to improve their life.

Great post, Wendy!

It’s obvious through this incredible month of contests…that you are applying all your leverage in your networking, relationships, etc. to help you build your ezine subscribers, RSS feed, loyal community, and draw new, incoming traffic day after day. Also, you’re building your info-products, ecourse and ebook…that has been a huge undertaking for you! The landing pages, copywriting, etc. takes a ton of time, and to see you focus your time and energies towards your online biz growth outside of this one blog alone is empowering!

I remember reading Brain’s advice at Copyblogger.com about crossing the line between free and fee advice…as for blogs and giving for ‘free’ if you fell you’re giving too much, you’re on the right track. [Paraphrased from my memory].

I believe everyone struggles with the issues you pose above, especially if you
re in the coaching biz. That’s why I stray away from ‘coaching’, and freelance…so I can paid for services and don’t feel the “emotional” tie to the person when they are simply “seeking” and not “applying” or “acting” with these ‘new’ truths.

Your inner and outer struggle obviously pushes you to your highest level and you draw more faithful readers…this is a great thing!

The “emotional” tie you have to those seeking free advice, and those not acting on your paid-advice has to be handled on a personal-basis.

Only until facing death, now twice, did I realize that yes…I can only change myself…I can ‘guide’, ‘empower’, ‘ignite’, ‘advice’, etc…it’s up to them to make the move towards their destiny. I’m at peace with this.

Also, when I’m pressed with time, I can’t be bothered with non-follow-uppers either…those are the “askers”, “takers”, and simply “non-doers”. I walk away from these people, and specifically do not take them up as clients.

All the best my dear!
Hugz, Ponn