Two Things

In the fall of 2023, I launched my public speaking coaching business, DW Coaching (www.dw-coaching.com), partnering with clients to help them strengthen their speaking skills.  In January that had been simply a dream when I was asked, “What are your future aspirations?” With my 16+ years of speaking experience followed by graduating from Craig Valentine’s Certified World Class Speaking Coach program that summer, the dream became a reality.  Yes, dreams can come true!  You can make your dreams come true!

Fast forward to January 2025 when took a step of faith and retired from my day job to pursue my business full-time.  I was more than ready for the change and had a group of clients I was working with.  I loved my new life! 

But if you’ve ever been or known an entrepreneur you will know that the road isn’t always easy, nor did I expect it would be.  I knew there would be challenges, but the challenge that came my way wasn’t one I was expecting.      I ran into several situations where people either led me to believe they were           going to work with me (they didn’t), said they would tell others about me or connect me with “so-and-so” (they didn’t) or promised me money (which was never sent).  In my mind I thought about the positive impact it would have had on my business if people had kept their word and it weighed on me heavily leaving me feeling discouraged.  But it turns out that what I was experiencing was not at all unusual.  My husband has been in sales for the majority of his career and assured me that what I was encountering was completely normal.  Welcome to the world of sales!

The answers to my dilemma (and what immediately helped me flip the switch) was found in Jenny Tough’s book Solo.  In this book she relayed her journey running across mountain ranges in six different continents.  Wow!

Thing #1: Believe in yourself.  “Self-belief is everything….It is no one’s job – no one’s job but yours – to be your cheerleader.  It is your job to show up for yourself every day and believe you can do it.  That is how you make your dreams come true – by getting up there and doing it yourself.  Don’t wait for permission – some of us are never going to get that.  Only you decide what you can and can’t do.” – Jenny Tough

Thing #2: Fix it yourself.  “Fix your own problems.  It’s an essential attitude to success.  Don’t wait for someone to come along and rescue you.  Don’t ignore your problems and let them fester.  No wishing or hoping.  Action.  Your problems are yours, and taking action on them and ownership for them is more than just survival – it is integrity.” – Jenny Tough

These two things changed me immediately!  For a long time, I wished for someone to come alongside me and tell me they believed in me when what I really needed to do was tell myself that.  So, I did and found I no longer needed to hear it from someone else.  As for fixing my problems, DW Coaching is my responsibility.  It is not anyone else’s job to support my business and it wasn’t my job to wish they would.  It was time for me to take full responsibility.  I did and the weight and discouragement I felt was gone and I felt light and happy and ready to move forward!

How often do you tell yourself that you believe in you?

Are you able to fix your own problems?

Are you ready to take responsibility for these two things?

Recommended Resources

Article by Trailrunner on Jenny Tough – “Tough As Nails” – https://www.trailrunnermag.com/people/profiles-people/jenny-tough-tough-as-nails

Monthly Challenge

Think of one are in your life that you need to take responsibility for in believing in yourself and fixing your own problems.  Now do it.