Seven Things You Should Never UNDERestimate

There are many things in life & business that will take us by surprise. Some rocking our boat a little.  Others inflating our sails. And others that threaten to throw us off course for a long while – if we let it.   So, I’ve drafted this little list of things we should never UNDERestimate as a way to keep us “afloat” and ON COURSE.  =)

1.)  Never underestimate YOURSELF. As my Momma says, “God doesn’t make any junk.”  =)  Look, the most important sale you’ll ever make is on yourself so PLEASE don’t ever sell yourself short.  You are more powerful, capable, and valuable than you know.  Sure, you’ll have times when you doubt yourself, question your abilities, and otherwise suffer from a confidence lag.  In those times, surround yourself with those that truly love you, desire to see you succeed, and read (and re-read) testimonial letters, thank you cards, and anything else that re-affirms who you (really) are and what you’re doing here.  (Here – being the entrepreneurial arena!)

2.) Never underestimate the power of CLARITY. Knowing what you’re doing and where you’re going gives you a power that may be hard to identify or define, but is absolutely undeniable.  As Gary Vaynerchuk says, “Know your finish line.”  I would add that you want to know which (exact actions and opportunities) line up with your end goal, and which could possibly steer you wrong.  What are you doing RIGHT NOW that you still aren’t sure is leading you down the quick road to success?  Email me and we can take an objective look at it.

3.)  Never underestimate the destructive power of FEAR. Steve Chandler’s Club Fearless is an amazing club because it keeps you focused on what CAN be done … and out of the paralyzing “what if” cycle of fear, hesitation, and insecurity.  Bottom line:  I don’t believe that any good decisions are based in fear and insecurity.   The strongest friendships, partnerships, marriages and businesses can all be eroded quickly when fear  are permitted access.   P.S.  There’s nothing to be afraid of… ever.

4.)  Never underestimate the power of EMOTIONAL TOUGHNESS. Developing, cultivating, and nurturing a thick skin is imperative to your success.  We’d do well to realize that every comment, every compliment deliberately withheld, every backhanded compliment, every snide remark speaks AT LEAST as boldly about the person in front of us as it does the person in the mirror.  (By the way, this is something to consider especially if we’re the ones doing the back handed complimenting.)  =)  Always take feedback… always ponder, plan and take action on ways to improve… but never, ever, ever take it personally.

5.)  Never underestimate the power of INTEGRITY.   Too many business owners spend a great deal of time worrying about “reputation” or “online reputation” and not enough time on nurturing the relationship INTEGRITY that should trump all other concerns.   When you operate – always – with integrity,  you can accomplish your goals and overcome obstacles with the ease and strength that alludes far too many.

6.) Never underestimate your market’s B.S. radar. They many not speak B.S., but trust me when I say they recognize it, resent it, and will always, always walk away – if not run away – when you start to shovel it in front of them.  Enough said.

7.) Never underestimate what it takes to succeed. Success isn’t magical.  It isn’t mystical.  But it’s not easy either.  Those successes we look up to had to work hard to get where they are.  This past weekend,  I had the privilege of meeting several millionaire business women at the Spark & Hustle conference.  The common thread among them?  They are “hustlers”.  They all humbly acknowledged what it took – and takes – to earn in the top 5% of women business owners.   What does it take?  A lot.

The question is… are you willing?  =)