Message from a Successful Entrepreneur

My colleague and friend Lori Mitchell is the President of a unique and innovative company - Tomboy Tools Canada. Last week I received Tomboy Tools’ newsletter and her message was inspiring...so I thought I would share it.

“I often get asked about what it takes to be successful. Now, there are many things that go into being a success, but I think the one factor that seems to have a real effect is wisdom...that is taking the lessons learned and applying them in the next situation. To me, the wisdom of success is recognizing your weakness and focusing on improvements.

Most people let negative forces pull them down. Or, they have traits and habits that hold them back. Indecision, procrastination, indifference, over-causation (being overly cautious) are all things that can stop a great idea in its tracks. Having the fortitude to overcome these, and simply taking small action steps each and every day will bring you the success you are looking for.

I also believe that you have to believe! I never let the negative voices overtake my head. Stay the course and be grateful for the opportunities we have all around us!

Have a great summer!”

To learn more about Lori or her company visit the Tomboy Tools website.

Seven Questions to Plan an Ideal Day

People have been asking me about the seven question strategy that was mentioned in my recent interview article in Homemakers Magazine. This powerful technique was taught to me by my business coach, Eric Lofholm and makes a major difference when I practice it consistently. Essentially, it focuses me each day on what is important in my work and my life, and it helps me to create the business and the life that I want. Here’s the technique:


Seven Questions Strategy

When we ask ourselves a question, our subconscious mind will always attempt to answer it. A simple but effective strategy for planning your day involves asking and answering yourself some questions related to your work and life priorities.

There are 1440 minutes in each day. The seven question strategy allots two minutes to ask yourself and answer each of the seven questions in writing each day. This means you will spend 14 minutes (or 1% of your day) in planning. You might wish to purchase a journal or notebook to record your answers.

You can do this first thing in the morning or the night before. It is also a good idea to occasionally review your day to determine the effectiveness of the planning process and whether you need to modify or change your questions. Here are some sample questions:

• What tasks must I complete today?


• What decisions need to be made today?


• Who must I speak to or meet with today?


• What will I do today to make progress on _____________?


• What must I follow up on today?


• What are my highest priority tasks for today?


• What are the two most valuable outcomes on my list today?


• How will I make my work environment better today?


• Today, what will I do for fun?


• What will I do today to maintain my health and energy?


• What foods will I eat today to become healthier?


• What activities will I do to create more energy?


• How can I be creative today?


• How will I feed my spirit today?


• Today, who might I encourage or support?


• What will I do to nurture my relationships today?


• What can I do today to be a better parent/spouse/friend?


• What can I learn today?


• What will I no longer settle for?


• Today, what positive habits can I practice or develop?