A Blog for Big-Hearted Overthinkers

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically reshaped the landscape of work and business, leading to a significant rise in entrepreneurship. As millions were forced to reevaluate their careers and personal lives during lockdowns, many discovered a renewed desire for independence, flexibility, and purpose. To me, this is one of the most exciting shifts of this decade, and I believe that we will continue to see a positive impact from this shift for years to come. 

The Numbers: A Surge in New Businesses

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of new business applications soared during the pandemic. In 2020, there were approximately 4.4 million new business applications filed in the United States, compared to about 3.5 million in 2019. This represents an increase of around 25% year-over-year (Census Bureau, 2021).

In 2021, the trend continued, with applications reaching an unprecedented 5.4 million, illustrating a sustained interest in entrepreneurship (Census Bureau, 2022). 🤯 (This is amazing!!)

Moreover, a study by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) found that in 2021, around 22% of U.S. adults were engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a significant increase from previous years (GEM, 2021). This rising tide of entrepreneurship is not limited to the United States; similar trends have been observed worldwide, indicating a global shift in the approach to work and business.

A Shift in Work-Life Balance

One of the silver linings of the COVID-19 pandemic was a collective reevaluation of work-life balance. Many individuals who were previously working long hours—often juggling multiple jobs—found themselves with a new perspective on life. Remote work allowed people to reclaim their time and prioritize well-being. According to a survey by FlexJobs, 65% of respondents reported that they wanted to leave their traditional jobs to pursue self-employment or freelance work due to the flexibility and balance it offered (FlexJobs, 2021).

This shift has led to a significant transformation in how people view work. No longer is the traditional 60-hour workweek considered the norm; instead, many are seeking simpler, more meaningful ways to live and work. Entrepreneurs are capitalizing on this desire for balance by creating businesses that cater to wellness, sustainability, and authenticity. (More on that here)

Positive Impacts on Society and the World

The rise in entrepreneurship post-COVID has far-reaching implications for society and the global economy:

1. Job Creation: New businesses contribute to job creation, which is crucial for economic recovery. According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small businesses accounted for approximately 64% of new jobs created in the U.S. over the past two decades (SBA, 2021). As more entrepreneurs enter the market, they create diverse job opportunities, helping to revitalize local economies.
2. Innovation and Resilience: Entrepreneurs are often at the forefront of innovation. They bring fresh ideas, products, and services to the market, driving competition and improving consumer choices. This innovation is essential for a resilient economy, especially in the face of global challenges.
3. Community Impact: Many entrepreneurs are deeply connected to their communities and focus on addressing local needs. This grassroots approach fosters social responsibility and strengthens community ties. For instance, during the pandemic, many small businesses pivoted to provide essential goods and services, demonstrating the importance of local entrepreneurship in times of crisis.
4. Empowerment and Diversity: The entrepreneurial boom has also opened doors for underrepresented groups. Women and minorities have increasingly taken the plunge into entrepreneurship, often motivated by the desire for greater autonomy and the ability to create inclusive work environments. This shift enhances diversity within the business landscape, leading to more equitable economic opportunities.

A New Way of Living

The rise in entrepreneurship since COVID-19 has not only transformed the economy but has also empowered individuals to pursue more fulfilling lives. As people move away from the grind of traditional work hours and embrace the freedom of entrepreneurship, they are discovering new pathways to success that honor their values and well-being.

The pandemic may have posed numerous challenges, but it also catalyzed a movement toward a more sustainable, balanced, and meaningful approach to work. By fostering entrepreneurship, we are not only enhancing economic resilience but also paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for humanity.

If you've been thinking about the journey of entrepreneurship, I'd love to chat with you! I can offer you my experiences, support and creativity to help you on your journey.  Schedule a free hang out with me. here. 

Sources:

• U.S. Census Bureau. (2022). "Business Formation Statistics."
• Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). (2021). "Global Report 2021."
• FlexJobs. (2021). "The Future of Work: Remote Work Trends."
• Small Business Administration (SBA). (2021). "Small Business Economic Research."

In recent years, the traditional 40+-hour workweek has come under scrutiny, and many are now seeking simpler, more meaningful ways to live and work. The pandemic accelerated this shift, prompting individuals to reassess their priorities and recognize the unsustainable nature of overwork. As a result, entrepreneurs are emerging with businesses that focus on wellness, sustainability, and authenticity, catering to a growing desire for balance in life. 

The Dangers of Overworking

Overworking is often glorified in modern society, yet its consequences can be severe. Chronic overwork leads to burnout, anxiety, and a host of physical health problems, including heart disease and weakened immune function. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is characterized by feelings of energy depletion, increased mental distance from one’s job, and reduced professional efficacy. This not only affects individuals but also has a ripple effect on families, communities, and workplaces. When people are overworked, their ability to function effectively diminishes. Creativity wanes, decision-making suffers, and productivity declines. Ironically, working longer hours can lead to less output, as fatigued workers struggle to maintain focus and engagement.

The Illusion of Laziness

Society often equates productivity with worth, fostering a culture where anyone who opts for a more balanced lifestyle is labeled as "lazy." This judgment is not only misguided but also harmful. The idea that our value is proportionate to our contributions to capitalism perpetuates a toxic cycle of overwork and self-neglect.

By viewing rest as a luxury rather than a necessity, we deny ourselves the opportunity to recharge, reflect, and innovate. Embracing downtime is crucial for mental and emotional health, and it's essential for personal and professional growth. We must challenge the stigma around taking breaks and redefine productivity to include well-being!!

​The Need for Balance

As we seek balance in our personal lives, it’s essential to recognize its broader implications for society. When individuals are well-rested and have their core needs—such as food and shelter—met, communities thrive. Studies show that when people experience less stress and anxiety, crime rates decrease, and overall societal health improves.

This cultural shift toward balance also encourages a greater sense of community and cooperation. As we prioritize our well-being, we become more capable of caring for others. This interconnectedness can lead to more compassionate societal structures, where individuals vote for policies that support mental health, education, and equitable resource distribution.

A Call to Action:
To truly create a world that values balance and well-being, we must advocate for policies that support these ideals. This includes pushing for better work-life balance laws, such as paid family leave and fair wages. We must also support initiatives that address the root causes of poverty and inequality, ensuring that everyone has access to basic needs.
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By voting with these principles in mind, we can influence the future of work and the structure of our society. When we prioritize balance, we cultivate an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive—both personally and collectively.

Building a Better World

The shift away from the traditional workweek and toward a more balanced approach is not just a personal choice; it's a societal imperative. As entrepreneurs and individuals embrace wellness and authenticity, we have the power to reshape our culture.
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Let’s redefine what it means to contribute to society, recognizing that our value extends beyond our productivity. By promoting balance, challenging the stigma around rest, and advocating for systemic change, we can create a healthier, more equitable world for everyone. In doing so, we’ll not only enhance our own lives but also uplift our communities and society as a whole.

 🌟Picture this: you’re in the driver’s seat of a car, cruising down a highway, wind in your hair, and your favorite tunes blasting. 📻 You’ve got the whole road mapped out in your mind, but suddenly, you realize your GPS has gone haywire. It’s rerouting you through a series of bizarre detours, and you’re left wondering, “Where on earth am I going?” If you’ve ever felt lost or aimlessly drifting through life, you might be missing out on your core values—your personal GPS system. 🧭 Discovering your core values can turn that chaotic drive into a smooth, purposeful journey. Buckle up as we explore how to find your core values and let them guide you to a fulfilling life! 👇

1. What Are Core Values, Anyway? 
Core values are like the internal compass that keeps you on course, no matter how winding or unpredictable the road may be. They represent your fundamental beliefs and principles—the things that matter most to you. Think of them as the non-negotiable principles that guide your decisions, actions, and interactions with the world. They’re your moral and ethical touchstones, your personal “North Star.” 🌟

If you’ve ever been frustrated with a decision, felt unfulfilled in a job, or found yourself at odds with a social situation, it might be because your actions weren’t aligned with your core values. Discovering these values helps you navigate life with a sense of purpose and clarity.

2. The Core Values Discovery Process: A Roadmap to Self-Discovery

Ready to find your internal GPS? Here’s a step-by-step guide to discovering your core values:

A. Reflect on Past Experiences 🤔
Start by reflecting on moments when you felt particularly fulfilled or deeply frustrated. What were you doing? Who were you with? These experiences can provide clues about what values are most important to you.

For instance, if you felt immense satisfaction from volunteering at a community event, it might indicate that values like community and service are central to your life. Conversely, if you were frustrated by a work environment that stifled your creativity, it could suggest that creativity and autonomy are key values for you.

B. Identify Your Role Models 🧑🏻‍🤝‍🧑🏻
Think about people you admire and respect. What qualities do they possess that make them stand out to you? These traits can often reflect your own core values.

For example, if you look up to someone because of their integrity or generosity, it’s likely that these values resonate with you. Write down these traits and consider how they align with your personal beliefs and aspirations.

C. Prioritize Your Values 🎯
You might come up with a long list of values, but to make them truly useful, you need to prioritize them. Ask yourself: “Which values are most important to me? Which ones am I willing to stand up for, even when it’s challenging?”

Imagine you’re building a personal value statement. Select the top five values that resonate the most. These should be the values you want to guide your actions and decisions.

D. Test and Refine 👩‍🔬
Put your core values to the test. Evaluate decisions and situations through the lens of your values. Are you feeling fulfilled, or do you need to make adjustments?

It’s normal for your values to evolve over time, so revisit and refine them as needed. Think of it as adjusting your GPS settings to ensure you’re always heading in the right direction.

3. Living Your Values: Navigating Life with Purpose

Now that you’ve identified your core values, how do you make them a central part of your daily life? Here’s how to integrate them into your routine:

A. Align Your Goals and Actions 🦆🦆🦆
Ensure that your personal and professional goals align with your core values. For example, if one of your core values is environmental sustainability, you might set goals related to reducing your carbon footprint or supporting eco-friendly businesses.

B. Make Values-Based Decisions 🫡
When faced with decisions, big or small, consider how they align with your core values. If you value honesty, for instance, choose to be transparent even when it’s uncomfortable. This alignment will lead to greater satisfaction and integrity in your choices.

C. Communicate Your Values 💬
Share your core values with those around you. Whether it’s through personal relationships, workplace culture, or community involvement, communicating your values helps others understand what drives you and builds stronger, more authentic connections.

4. Overcoming Challenges: Keeping Your GPS on Track
Life is full of detours and roadblocks. Here’s how to stay true to your values even when the going gets tough:

A. Stay Resilient 🌻
Remember that staying true to your values may require resilience. You might encounter situations where upholding your values is challenging, but staying committed will ultimately lead to greater fulfillment.

B. Seek Support 🫶
Surround yourself with people who share or support your core values. They can provide encouragement and help you stay on track when you encounter obstacles.

C. Reflect and Adjust 🧐​
Periodically reflect on your journey and assess whether your actions align with your values. Adjust as necessary to ensure you remain true to your personal GPS.

5. Celebrating Your Journey: Enjoy the Ride

As you navigate life with your core values as your guide, remember to enjoy the ride. Celebrate your successes, learn from your challenges, and appreciate the journey. Your values will help you steer through both smooth and rough patches with a sense of purpose and direction.

Your Personal GPS

Discovering your core values is like finding the ultimate GPS for your life’s journey. They provide direction, clarity, and a sense of purpose that helps you navigate through life’s twists and turns. By understanding and living according to your core values, you can turn chaos into clarity and lead a life that reflects your true self.
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So, buckle up, set your values as your destination, and enjoy the ride. Your personal GPS is ready to guide you toward a fulfilling and purposeful life. Here’s to a journey that’s not only about reaching your destination but also about enjoying every mile along the way!

I have a deep passion for love. For me, nothing quite matches the richness and joy of being fully committed in a relationship. It adds immense fulfillment to life and provides invaluable support through life's challenges.  Here are 10 ways that I define LOVE in my relationships.  

Last but not least; Honesty.  To me this is such a deal breaker, that I almost forgot to include it.  I require complete honesty in my relationships.  Hiding things, sweeping things under the rug, or being untruthful - those kinds of behaviors I simply don't tolerate.  Dishonestly is never going to build a close relationship. Period. 

Belief systems are the invisible frameworks that shape our perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors, yet many of us navigate life unaware of their profound influence. These systems are not inherent truths but rather deeply ingrained patterns of thought and perception that we acquire over time, often from our upbringing, culture, and life experiences. However, the danger lies in blindly accepting these pre-programmed beliefs without question, as they can limit our potential and hinder our ability to live authentically and fulfill our true desires.

The formation of belief systems begins in childhood, where we absorb messages from our caregivers, peers, and environment about who we are, what we're capable of, and what we deserve. These messages become internalized as beliefs, shaping our worldview and influencing how we navigate the world around us. However, as we mature and gain new experiences, we have the power to question and reshape these beliefs to better align with our unique values and preferences.

To change our belief systems, we must first recognize that they are not fixed but rather malleable and subject to change. We can approach this process with the mindset of a scientist, experimenting with different belief systems and observing their impact on our thoughts, feelings, and actions. This involves consciously challenging existing beliefs, exploring alternative perspectives, and adopting a mindset of curiosity and open-mindedness.

One powerful strategy for transforming belief systems is the practice of "trying on" new beliefs for a designated period, much like trying on different outfits to see which one fits best. By committing to a belief or a new way of thinking for 30 days and observing its effects on our lives, we can gain valuable insights into its validity and efficacy. Did adopting a belief in abundance lead to a greater sense of optimism and opportunity? Did embracing self-compassion result in increased resilience and well-being? By recording our observations and reflections, we can make informed decisions about which beliefs to keep and which to discard.

For example, let's say someone holds a belief that they are not worthy of love and success due to past experiences of rejection and failure. Through the practice of conscious transformation, they decide to "try on" the belief that they are inherently deserving of love and success for 30 days. As they cultivate self-compassion, challenge negative self-talk, and take inspired action towards their goals, they begin to notice a shift in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By the end of the experiment, they realize that embracing this new belief has empowered them to attract healthier relationships, pursue their passions with confidence, and live a more fulfilling life.

Similarly, another individual may hold a belief that success requires relentless hustle and sacrifice, leading to chronic stress and burnout. Through conscious experimentation, they decide to adopt the belief that success can be achieved with ease and flow for 30 days. As they prioritize self-care, set boundaries, and cultivate a sense of trust in the unfolding of life, they experience greater balance, joy, and fulfillment in their endeavors. This newfound belief not only enhances their well-being but also leads to increased productivity and creativity in their work.
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Our belief systems are powerful forces that shape every aspect of our lives, yet they are not set in stone. By becoming conscious of our beliefs and actively working to reshape them, we unlock our true potential and create a life that aligns with our deepest values and desires. Through the practice of "trying on" new beliefs and adopting a mindset of curiosity and experimentation, we become the architects of our own reality, empowered to cultivate beliefs that support our growth, happiness, and fulfillment. 

In the midst of our busy lives, filled with responsibilities, routines, and obligations, it's easy to fall into a rut and lose sight of the magic and wonder that surrounds us. But what if there was a simple way to inject excitement, curiosity, and joy into our everyday experiences? Enter micro-adventures – small, bite-sized experiences that can transform ordinary moments into extraordinary adventures. By making a habit of creating micro-adventures, we can infuse our lives with wonder and joy, one small adventure at a time.

Micro-adventures are all about embracing the spirit of exploration and discovery, even in the midst of our daily routines. They can be as simple as trying a new route on your morning walk or as spontaneous as exploring a new neighborhood during your lunch break. The key is to approach each experience with a sense of openness, curiosity, and adventure, allowing yourself to be fully present and engaged in the moment.

To inspire you to incorporate more micro-adventures into your life, here are 20 ideas to get you started:

1. Take a different route to work or school.
2. Have a picnic in your backyard or a nearby park.
3. Explore a new neighborhood in your city.
4. Try a new food or recipe you've never had before.
5. Take a sunset walk and soak in the beauty of nature.
6. Visit a local museum or art gallery.
7. Have a mini photo shoot in your favorite scenic spot.
8. Write a letter to a friend or loved one and mail it.
9. Attend a community event or festival.
10. Take a dance break in the middle of your day.
11. Have a DIY spa day at home with homemade face masks and bath bombs.
12. Learn a new skill or hobby, like knitting or painting.
13. Go for a bike ride and explore a new bike trail.
14. Have a movie marathon featuring films from a different culture or genre.
15. Visit a nearby botanical garden or greenhouse.
16. Try a new workout class or outdoor activity.
17. Volunteer for a cause you care about in your community.
18. Have a themed dinner night with friends or family.
19. Go stargazing in a local park or open space.
20. Create a scavenger hunt in your neighborhood and invite friends to join.

These are just a few examples of the countless micro-adventures you can incorporate into your life. The beauty of micro-adventures is that they don't require a lot of time, money, or planning – they can be spontaneous, fun, and meaningful experiences that add a sense of wonder and joy to your day.

Whether it's trying something new, exploring a different perspective, or simply taking time to appreciate the beauty of the world around you, each micro-adventure has the power to bring a little bit of magic into your life. So go ahead, embrace the spirit of adventure, and let the wonder begin!

In a world filled with constant noise, distractions, and demands, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and depleted, constantly on the defensive as we react to the stimuli bombarding us from all directions. But what if there was another way to navigate life? What if, instead of constantly being on the defense, we learned to cultivate our offense – tapping into our inner wisdom, intuition, and power to navigate the world with clarity and purpose?

The concept of cultivating offense in our lives is about taking proactive steps to empower ourselves and set the tone for our day. It's about reclaiming our time and energy, creating space for self-reflection, growth, and connection. And while the world may try to pull us into a perpetual state of reactivity, experts recommend starting each day on the offense – prioritizing moments of stillness, silence, and introspection before diving into the chaos of daily life.

One powerful way to cultivate offense is by starting your day without the distractions of phones, screens, news, or external input for the first hour. This intentional practice allows you to create a sacred space for yourself, free from the external noise and demands that often dictate our lives. Instead of immediately succumbing to the pressures and expectations of the outside world, you give yourself the gift of time and space to connect with your inner self, tapping into your intuition and wisdom.

During this precious hour of offense, you may choose to engage in activities that nourish your mind, body, and soul – whether it's journaling, meditation, yoga, or simply enjoying a leisurely breakfast in silence. By starting your day on the offense, you set a powerful intention for the rest of your day, empowering yourself to approach challenges with clarity, confidence, and resilience.

Cultivating offense is not about shutting out the world or retreating into isolation; rather, it's about finding balance between external engagement and internal reflection. Throughout the day, as you navigate the inevitable challenges and distractions that come your way, you can draw upon the inner strength and wisdom cultivated during your morning offense practice.

In addition to starting your day on the offense, you can also incorporate moments of offense throughout your day – whether it's taking short breaks to pause, breathe, and recenter, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, inspiration, and fulfillment. By consciously carving out time for offense amidst the busyness of life, you reclaim your power and agency, no longer merely reacting to external circumstances but actively shaping your own experience.

Ultimately, cultivating offense is about empowering yourself to live a life of purpose, presence, and authenticity. It's about reclaiming your time and energy, setting boundaries, and prioritizing what truly matters to you. By embracing the power of offense, you can navigate life with greater clarity, confidence, and resilience, unlocking the full potential of your inner wisdom and intuition.