mompreneurs rock with mojo! 5 keys to finding yours! · 2020-03-12 · mompreneur (mompreneur:...

Mompreneurs

ROCK

With MOJO!

5 Keys to

Finding

(and Keeping)

Yours!

Mompreneurs ROCK with Mojo!

2

Mompreneurs ROCK with MOJO 5 Keys to Finding (and Keeping) Yours

Copyright © 2009 Cathy Alessandra

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, stored in any electronic system or transmitted in any form or by any

means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise, without permission in writing

from the author/publisher. Brief quotations may be used in literary reviews.

Cover Photo by Marie Teagardin, Teagardin Photography

ISBN : 978-1-60458-566-7 First Printing: November 2009

For more information, please visit our website: www.MompreneursRockWithMOJO.com

Online ordering is available.

Printed in the USA By Instant Publisher


3

This book is dedicated to all mompreneurs who are suffering with “SuperMom Fatigue” from juggling work and family! Thank you to my husband and kids for their unconditional love and support while I follow my dreams. Love you all so much! Thank you to my friends and business associates for your words of wisdom and encouragement. Thank you to my mentors and mastermind partners for helping me discover my purpose and passion.


4


5

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of Contents

Introduction Chapter 1: Definition of Mojo Chapter 2: Have You Lost Your Mojo? Chapter 3: RediscoveringThe Hidden Mojo Chapter 4: Discover the Keys To Finding Your Mojo Chapter 5: Keep Your Mojo Rockin!


6


7

Introduction I am so excited to bring you this book! I have been a mompreneur (mompreneur: mother and entrepreneur) for over 15 years while raising three children with my husband. I experienced many years of juggling kids and a growing business while suffering from “SuperMom Fatigue”! I tried to do it all – and sometimes none of it well! My first company, What’s Up For Kids, is now a thriving six-figure business. Through a journey of self discovery, I founded the National Association of Entrepreneur Moms! I want to help other moms who are experiencing the same things I did – connecting you with information and inspiration to help you easily integrate work and family to create a life you truly love! The purpose of this book is to share – share with you that you are not alone, that we all struggle with the juggling between work and family - and share with you the tools and resources I have discovered through my own trial and error. Wishing you much success,

Cathy


8


9

Chapter 1Chapter 1Chapter 1Chapter 1

Definition of Definition of Definition of Definition of MojoMojoMojoMojo


10


11

Chapter 1

What is MOJO? Do you have it? Of course you have

it! Everybody has it - but sometimes it is harder to find at one time or another! It is a matter of keeping it movin’ all the time!! When I hear or use the word MOJO, I think of being bold, having passion, courage, and being on top of my game. I always thought of being filled with mojo when I felt my best—inside and out! My hair just right, clothes looking sharp and sexy, daily exercise and eating right. When those things were in place, I would rock with mojo in other parts of my life—making sales calls, talking to clients, juggling the family needs, and volunteering. One day for fun, I went to the dictionary and looked up the actual definition of MOJO:

Mojo: a magic charm or spell; the art or practice

of casting magic spells, personal magnetism;

charm


12

That wasn’t exactly what I had expected—especially the part about casting magic spells. But then I started thinking more deeply about those words—maybe it is “casting a magic spell” on myself. Or using my heart and mind to shift my mindset to the positive! To guard my thoughts from the negative self-talk. And personal magnetism—whose definition is “an interestingness that enables you to influence others”. By being at the top of my game and rockin' with mojo, I could share my authentic self and could influence others to do the same! I could help mompreneurs just like me find their mojo and keep in rockin'! I decided to survey some successful mompreneurs and see if they shared in my definition of mojo. Here are some of their responses! “Mojo is your passion that moves you. It's what keeps

you focused and gets you up and out of bed and keeps

you pushing up the hill, even when rocks are raining

down.”. Nicole Chamblin, www.VisionsPS.com

“Having JUICE for life. Verve and passion. It is your

individual essence—energy—inspiration! Spiritually, my

mojo is my connection to Source.”

Marla Dennis, www.ecreativebiz.com

“To me, mojo is your ability to set goals, carry them out

and celebrate your accomplishments. It's that great

feeling of being on top of your world!”

Ramsey Johansson, www.HomeSimplifiedOC.com

“Having self-confidence and believing everything

around me is in balance.” Pat Romeri


13

“When I'm in the zone.... a highly creative place, I'm

spinning with wild ideas and thoughts and the courage to

implement. Can happen when I'm painting, playing the

piano, designing something, brain storming or having a

good conversation with a friend.”

Merri Jill Finstrom, www.hutdogs.com

“Being energetic and authentic about who you are.”

Joy Chudacoff, www.smartwomensolutions.com

“Mojo is an inner-excellence we all have within us.

Grabbing hold of the mojo and developing a STAR

quality about you is difficult.. but if you've got it, you've

got it.”

Lori Ketkar, www.moms4teens.com

“Mojo - power, punch, unique and creative edge or

energy.”

Therese Skelly, www.happyinbusiness.com

“Divine sensuality radiating from within.”

Allana Pratt, www.allanapratt.com

“Mojo to me is plain old passion and commitment!”

Sarah Shaw, www.Entreprenette.com

“Doing what I love with guts and passion!”

Kristi Frank, www.BlowDryBootcamp.com

So, the actual words to define MOJO are different to many! Though there seems to be some very common threads and ideas. Looking at all the various meanings of


14

mojo, I realized my definition of mojo was within each of them. My thoughts of how I feel when I rock with mojo come from the definitions that are shared by others. It is when I feel most passionate about what I am doing and what I am creating that I rock with mojo. It is when my authenticity shines, when I use the Universal principles and when I use my mind to stay in abundant thinking that I rock with mojo. It is when my vision is clear that life opens up possibilities and opportunities for me that are attainable –that I truly ROCK with MOJO! Take a MOJO Moment: What is your definition of Mojo? When do you feel like you are rockin' with mojo?


15


Have You LostHave You LostHave You LostHave You Lost Your Mojo?Your Mojo?Your Mojo?Your Mojo?


16


17

Chapter 2

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.”

Confucius

I I I I hear some of you screaming “YES, YES, I’ve

lost it!!!” While others may not even realize they have misplaced it until they really start to think about it. There are many reasons why we lose our mojo—but it is never far away! When asked if they lost their mojo, here is what some shared: “When I get caught up in ALL that’s required of me as a

wife, a mother and a business owner, it’s easy for me to

become “whelmed”. Now, I just compartmentalize each

title I own, which allows me to keep my mojo flowing.”

Malena Jackson, www.republicmediaintl.com


18

“I lose my mojo when I don’t get eight hours of sleep

and when I try to do 24 hours of activities in 8 hours!”

Pat Romeri

“I was in a car accident a few years ago, and dealing

with the chronic pain for a time sapped my mojo. I had

to dig deep and reconnect with what energized me...now

my mojo is back!”

Nicole Chamblin, www.visionsPS.com

“There have been multiple times in my life where I think

I have lost my Mojo! Most recently and of biggest

impact was when I was diagnosed with Triple Negative

Breast Cancer and undergoing treatment for 9 months.”

Patti Parker-Phillips,

www.diaryofamadwhitecancerpatient.com

“Yes, sure, once a week! Right now some economic

issues—I suppose mostly money issues trying to get a

business off the ground and the added stress to the

finances.”

Robin Spillias, www.fitandbusymoms.com

“Yes! I lost my mojo about 10 years ago. I was bored

with my life, my company, everything!”

Joy Chudacoff, www.smartwomensolutions.com

“Yes. Lack of energy, depression, extra weight and some

other health concerns were all bringing me down.

Everything I tried to get better didn’t work. Plus, being

a mom, I put my needs last. So my best efforts were

minimal. Eventually found out that I have a severe


19

hormone imbalance.”

Ramsey Johansson, www.homesimplifiedOC.com

“Yes, I lost it when I made decisions reducing who I am

because I thought I was “supposed” to grow up.”

Elizabeth Potts Weinstein,

www.elizabethpottsweinstein.com

“True mojo never goes away.”

Rochelle Ison, www.extremelyfit.com

Ahh, now that is what I mean! “True mojo never goes away”! It may be hiding deep deep down in the inner core of your being, but it is still there. The demands are huge being a mompreneur. Rockin with mojo comes and goes, ebbs and flows, hits highs and lows. At times, my mojo fluctuates up and down from weeks to hours. I have learned to surround myself with others in the same mindset. More on that in another chapter! You can see from these quotes that many mompreneurs “misplace” their mojo for a variety of reasons. The most common reasons are: LACK OF PASSION in your personal life, business life,

and who you are serving!

LACK OF INTEGRATION Overwhelm from being everything to everyone— mom, cook, maid, business owner, taxi driver, spouse, lover, friend..... and the list goes on!


20

LACK OF ENERGY from lack of sleep, no exercise, unhealthy habits.

LACK OF HEALTH from stress which can be controlled to more serious and even life threatening health matters.

LACK OF PEACE from not taking that time for YOU—to revitalize, reenergize and renew.

Many of these things fall into 5 categories—or the 5 keys to rock with mojo. Take a MOJO moment: Have you lost your mojo? Has it been months since you rocked with MOJO—or only a few hours? What happened, why is it hiding? Are you ready to re-discover it? List 10 things that you love to do and fill you with mojo. Now, when was the last time you did those things? A few days? A few months? Maybe even a year? Re-discover it – NOW! Take action – commit to doing it this week!


21


RediscoveringRediscoveringRediscoveringRediscovering TheTheTheThe Hidden Hidden Hidden Hidden

MojoMojoMojoMojo


22


23

Chapter 3

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.”

Aristotle

In the summer of 2008, I had hit my mojo low! My

kids were growing up and moving into high school. I had served my time at the elementary school being PTA President, Fundraiser Chair—all the things mothers do! I was unhappy with myself and had the desire for more. I had become defined by doing things for my kids and it was time to make a slight shift. Little did I know the type of shift I needed—or what was going to happen! While away on vacation for a few days with my kids, I read “Distinctively Diva: Every Woman’s Guide to Outrageous Living” written by four ladies; Elena Bates,


24

Maureen O’Crean, Molly Thompson and Carilyn Vaile. The book is set up in 52 chapters. The idea is to read one chapter a week and make transformations over a year. Chapters include Week 4: Acknowledge the Goddess Within; Week 7: Passion; Week 8: Freedom; Week 16: From Regret to Opportunity. And Week 52: Celebration!. You get the idea—52 weeks of stories, inspirations and action plans. Well, I read the book in the 4 days I was away. Who could wait an entire year? I was totally reenergized. I came back a new woman—re-motivated and feeling amazing about myself and my life. Unknowingly, I had opened my heart and mind to the Universe! The mojo was back and movin’ in a fierce way!! I had begun a journey of self-discovery! For my outer mojo, I started walking every day and eating better—taking pride in how I felt. For my inner mojo, I started doing some research about various networking groups to join and how I could move my business to the next level. Within one month of returning from that trip, I met Online Marketing Success Coach, Marla Dennis. We met on a warm day at an outside café in Redondo Beach, California. She had her laptop and was there for a free half hour consultation I had been offered when I took her online teleseminar. Two hours later, she had given me all kinds of ideas to grow my existing business. Ideas of things that were right in front of me—but I had been too close and too stuck in my ways to see! During that meeting she invited me to join her Mastermind group. Mastermind—what's a mastermind, I thought? In the book Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill defines Mastermind as “Coordination of knowledge and


25

effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose.” But at the time, I hadn’t even heard of the book! I decided to jump in and meet with her group. Marla introduced me to various mentors. She also introduced me to the concept of a Mastermind and the books Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. During the first few mastermind meetings, we talked a lot about finding our purpose. This was one of the chapters in Jack Canfield’s book, The Success Principles. I struggled with it at first. I was thinking about my first company as I was creating my purpose statement. But as I started to explore the questions asked of me, I realized my next step had nothing to do with my first company. It had to do with finding my passions and creating something NEW around that. By listening to mentors and coaches and sharing it with my mastermind partners, I was able to open my heart and mind to the Universe and discover that my true passion was connecting and serving mompreneurs! In February of 2009, the National Association of Entrepreneur Moms was born—to empower moms to consciously create a balanced life. Since then, I have become involved in two mastermind programs that truly changed the course of my life and business – and have taken me to a whole new level! I truly believe the opportunity to become involved in both of these masterminds were presented because I was open and ready to move forward, say YES to my MOJO and create great things. My mojo is in full swing. Yes, there are days where it hides behind my computer and doesn’t want to get out of bed, but it is there. And I try to honor it—whether it


26

needs a break or not. Life is often overwhelming when you are a mompreneur. Your multiple roles as an entrepreneur, mom, caretaker, philanthropist, partner, friend, taxi driver, cook, maid and volunteer are all screaming for your attention. If you are feeling a call for change – a change in how you operate in those roles as well as a change in the quality of your life, then your MOJO is working to get out! I listened to the need and urge to be with other successful mompreneurs – to work with them to change their life, grow their business – and by doing so, I have been blessed 100 times over! I believe that, by hitting my mojo low point, I came out way ahead! My mind was opened to the Law of Attraction and the Universal Principles. Let me share with you how some other moms got their mojo back! “My mojo came back once I sat in silence. I write about

my purpose and my strengths and the mojo comes back.”

Lori Ketkar, www.moms4teens.com

“A good walk always energizes me. Hanging out with

my daughter and seeing the world through her eyes.

Taking a trip and exploring something new. Taking

photos because it forces me to really see things and find

beauty in the simplest moments. And, of course, a good

iced tea!”


“The only way I can face the world, mojo intact, is when

I am rested and centered. So yoga, meditation,

breathing, time away from work spent with family and


27

friends. That replenishes me.”

Susan Swanson, www.stepfamilycenter.com

“Refocus on the WHY! Why do I want to have my own

business...because I want to go to my daughter’s school

when I want to—and not get grief over being late or

taking sick time for family time! So, I keep my focus on

the vision of my entrepreneurship. And a glass of wine

now and again doesn’t hurt!”

Robin Spillias, www.fitandbusymoms.com

“A good cry...then just setting a goal and moving toward

it.”

Shannon Cherry, www.beheardsolutions.com

“I have several important nurtures I do to reconnect to

my Mojo. I make sure I have “Marla Time”. I read,

journal, ride my bike on the beach boardwalk, walk my

dog, connect with friends, give a hug to someone,

anything I can do to reconnect to other people’s positive,

loving energy. I also reconnect with my artist self. I

write, listen to music, jump on my trampoline, and dance

in the living room to fun music really loud!”

Marla Dennis, www.ecreativebiz.com

“One of many ways has been in journaling during my

entire treatment and experience (breast cancer). By

letting it out and finding ways to find the good and

appreciate the joys and gifts that have come from such a

horrible experience. I find joy in the little things and in

people—and this energizes and motivates me. I

pray my words are a benefit to others going through a


28

life altering experience in the future.”

Patti Parker-Phillips,

www.diaryofamadwhitecancerpatient.com

“When you get tired of the roller coaster ride, you learn

to take care of yourself and balance your priorities with

everyone else's.”

Beth Caldwell, www.MondayMorningMastermind.com

“Exercise, hanging with friends, extreme self-care, time

away, lots of body work, fun, and following my passion.”

Therese Skelly, www.HappyInBusiness.com

“Finally made uncomfortable decisions, regardless of

how scary!”

Elizabeth Potts Weinstein,

www.ElizabethPottsWeinstein.com

Take a MOJO Moment: Do you see your mojo hiding? Is it trying to reemerge? Are you ready to open your heart and mind to the journey? Who are your mentors? What will help facilitate the reemerging of your mojo – possibly joining a mastermind program?


29


Discover the Discover the Discover the Discover the 5 Keys5 Keys5 Keys5 Keys

ToToToTo Finding Your MojoFinding Your MojoFinding Your MojoFinding Your Mojo


30


31

Chapter 5

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

When reflecting on the process of rediscovering my

mojo and keepin’ it rockin’, there were 5 very distinct “keys” - and they were repeated in the answers of our survey results and interviews as well. These keys are:

1. Discover Your Passion 2. Exit Overwhelm and Find Your Harmony 3. Honor Your Mind/Body Connection 4. Leverage your Life 5. Cast a Magic Mojo Spell—on YOU!


32

Key #1—Discover Your Passion This is the biggest key—and the first step—to finding or rediscovering your mojo! To be rockin’ with mojo, you must feel passionate about what you are doing, like you are on fire, with your business, your volunteer work, and your family! This certainly takes some self discovery and meditation. The Success Principles by Jack Canfield is a great place to start. The book actually gives you a process to contemplate and create your purpose statement by exploring your passions. Ask yourself these questions: What are your natural gifts? What are your skills and talents? What do you love to do? When do you feel most alive? When we live with passion in our lives, we live with energy flowing and energetic principles abundant. Find your passion and live it! Key #2—Exit Overwhelm and Find Your Harmony! This is all about balance—and integration! Integrating work and family to create a more harmonious life—allowing you to “hum” along. Life is often overwhelming when you are a mompreneur and we are often fighting the “SuperMom Fatigue”. Your multiple roles as an entrepreneur, mom, caretaker, philanthropist, partner, friend, taxi driver, cook, maid and volunteer are all screaming for your attention.


33

A note about balance—when I founded NAOEM and created my mission statement, it was to “empower moms to consciously create a more balanced life”. I know the official definition of balance is 50/50—but as a mompreneur, 50/50 is impossible to achieve. To me, the definition of balance is when I feel in harmony with all parts of my life, when things are integrated and flowing together and I am able to “balance” the different things in the percentages I want! For example, when I began my first business, if I was able to give 30% to my business and 70% to my family and personal time, I was happy—I felt in balance. But when my business began to consume my life and was taking the 70%, that is when I came off track! I remember one spring day in my sons 5th grade year—his class was going on a field trip for Colonial Days, a field trip I had done with both my daughters. But the timing for the all day excursion fell the week before one of my huge events—a time I just could not be out of the office and out of touch all day. I remember standing in the parking lot watching the bus pull away, tears running down my face because I couldn’t experience that with him. That was a day I was completely off balance! However, as they have grown and are now in their teenage years, there are times when I must give 65 or 70% to my business, and that is ok because they know and I make sure it doesn’t last too long at those proportions! The first step in exiting overwhelm is to set boundaries. As a mompreneur, especially if you are a home-based mompreneur, it can be very difficult. When I began my first company and worked from home, I didn’t really act as if I had a business—that I was the CEO of my company. I was available when anyone called—to volunteer on the playground, have lunch with a friend in need or help plan


34

the fundraiser. I needed to set the same boundaries as a mom who worked outside the home—office hours, days available, not answering the home phone line whenever it rang—participating in what I wanted to, when I wanted to, and only making exceptions when I could. The second step is to consider commitments versus obligations and choose them wisely. Learning to say no to some things allows you to say yes to things you feel passionate about. I am sure my friends and colleagues are laughing when reading this. I am a self-professed “no-challenged” mompreneur! In the past, I have had a difficult time saying no. But I am spending more time making those decisions— contemplating my commitments and obligations. I commit to things I feel passionate about, things I enjoy doing and feel good. I am learning to say no to the obligatory commitments—the ones that I am doing for someone else, that I am pressured into and that don’t feel right. This didn’t come easy. But the understanding of it hit home when I co-chaired a large community fundraiser. I had agreed to do it for the wrong reasons—and in the end it became a chore that I didn’t enjoy and it drained me mentally and emotionally. On the flip side, I co-chaired an event benefitting breast cancer awareness and local breast cancer programs. That is something I feel passionately about supporting and my time and abundant energy created an event that I will be proud of for a very long time. Find your harmony. My current theme song is “Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flats. Life is a highway – and I am in the drivers seat and living it by making choices – and if you are going the same direction with me – then hop on and hold on – because it is exciting. Whether you rock


35

with Rascal Flats, AC/DC or Beethoven, when you remove the things that cause the overwhelm and discord, you can hear the harmony in the distance. Key # 3—Honor Your Mind/Body Connection It has been proven that there is a connection between the state of your mind and the health of your body. Many things play into this—your mood, your stress level, the people you are surrounded by—and the list goes on. Your mood can play a big part in how you handle each day. When I get out of bed and bump my leg into the sharp corner on my footboard, it has the potential to start my day going down the “bad mood” path. I have found from personal experience, if I keep going down that path, it only gets worse as the day goes along. The coffee maker will malfunction, the “service engine soon” light will appear on the dashboard, the school will call and my son has forgotten his lunch.....and it keeps going. For me, I must consciously stop, make the mindshift change, and move ahead so that the “good mood” path appears. Stress can be another mind/body red flag. Experiencing stress in your life—even the every day stress of being late for carpool pickup or realizing you aren’t going to make a client deadline, can cause the central nervous system to release the “stress hormone” cortisol, the same hormone in the fight or flight response. While it is important when you face imminent danger and useful in high stress situations, the effect on our body by the continuous release of cortisol without the chance for the body to relax is harmful to our overall health—and is known as “chronic stress”! As a mompreneur with the many demands you


36

face and the high-stress society in which we live, it is hard to step away from the stress. Some of the effects of prolonged levels of cortisol include weakening of our immune system, high blood pressure, digestive issues, decreased bone density—and a host of other things. There are things you can do to keep the levels of cortisol under control and relax your body. Some include yoga, journaling, meditation, listening to music and exercise. I take my dog and my Blackberry with the mp3 downloads from my mentors and go for a walk. I have also begun listening to some meditation cd’s in the morning before I sit down to work – just a few minutes to focus and center myself. And some days, something will happen that causes so much stress I literally have to stop what I am doing, leave my desk and head out the door. As much as I try to tell myself that I am too busy and I should just keep going, taking the walk and getting fresh air makes me feel almost a 100% better. It certainly helps my body relax and return to a normal state more quickly. It also helps move me into a good mood. It is important in this environment of “chronic stress” that we schedule the time to do the things to help relieve it—actually schedule on your calendar the time for your walk or yoga class, listening to guided imagery or journaling. Lastly and probably most importantly, surrounding yourself with friends who understand and share the same positive mindset as you can be a huge boost to honoring your mind/body connection. They understand positive abundant thinking, they understand the Universal principles, they understand the laws of attraction. The positive energy flow allows for an energy filled environment. You need to eliminate, or at least distance yourself, from negative energy or family, friends and


37

associates who are energy drains. You know who they are—the ones who never have anything positive to say, are always complaining and think the world owes them something. I know how difficult this can be. If you are shifting and changing your mindset and others around you do not understand, they become afraid, skeptical, and negative towards you. I have personally experienced this – but when it happens, and it will, turn to others who share in your mindset. Surround yourself with positive, supportive people! Think abundantly and with gratitude. This will allow you to honor your mind/body connection. Key #4—Leverage Your Life Leverage isn’t just for business! Leverage must be used within your daily life. As mompreneurs, we try to do it all, be it all, see it all. Then we suffer from “SuperMom Fatigue” trying to juggle it all! We have all heard about leveraging your business. Automate, delegate, delete. Yet we forget that the same can hold true for leveraging your family life. Do you realize that most everything in our life is run by a team. The farmer decides what to plant, but he will hire a team to plants the seed, harvest the crop and get it to market to ultimately sell it to you! Why then, do we feel we need to be SuperMom and do it all—100%. – all of the time! It has been discussed in many books I have read and teleseminars I have attended, to hire a team to help you run your business successfully. Hire someone to create the website, hire an accountant to handle your billing, hire a


38

VA to run your shopping cart. Why not use that same principle and take that to the family level.. Hire a personal assistant to help with the errands like picking up the dry cleaning, order your groceries on line to be delivered to your door, hire someone to help clean the house, hire a bookkeeper to pay the bills—the list goes on. You may say “but I like going to the grocery store”. Great, then do that and hire someone to help clean the house. I have someone who helps me clean the house and once a month, I go to Dream Dinners where I am able to assemble 12 dinners in under 2 hours to be used throughout the month. And if you have older kids, there is no reason why they can’t get in the game. My kids are now responsible for helping with the laundry each week or starting dinner if I am out. Once they get a drivers license, send them to the grocery store with a list. If they are young, tell them mommy is picking up her room (office), you pick up your toys and we’ll see who is the fastest! Of course carpooling is another great way to share the load. If your kids are involved in a lot of afterschool activities, using a carpool so that you are only driving one way, or only a few times a week, is a huge help. Get creative – you aren’t the only mom trying to juggle it all! Then of course there is automate, delegate or delete. Automate by ordering gifts and clothes online, setting up reminders, and having the family calendar online so everyone can access it. There is even a card company where you can put in birthdays and special occasions for the whole year – and it will automatically send out a personal card! Delegate by hiring a housekeeper, a bookkeeper, a babysitter or an assistant. Delete it if there are too many things you aren’t using and are just slowing you down—all those magazine subscriptions pilled by the


39

bed, the “inbox” filled with junk, and the clothes you think you will fit back into.....someday. It is a relief to clear away the clutter! It is time to review and see what really is and isn’t necessary. Key #5—Cast that Magic Mojo Spell—On YOU! If you had a magic wand, or a Genie in a bottle, what would you wish? Where would you want to go? Now it is time to FOCUS on YOU! What are your needs? It is time to take care of yourself, both in your business and personal life! Invest in yourself—your growth and education. Pick one or two seminars to go to every year—to learn from experts and network with others. Mompreneurs are often solo-preneurs and need that extra networking with others. You can learn so much by surrounding yourself with others who share your mindset. The inspiration gained by attending an event like that can take you miles! Here is where I will also touch on Masterminding! I have been involved in three mastermind programs that truly changed the course of my life and business - and have taken me to a whole new level! I truly believe the opportunity to become involved in these masterminds were presented because I was open and ready to move forward, to say YES and create great things. I listened to the need and urge to be with other successful mompreneurs - to work with them to change my life, grow my business - and to assist them in doing the same! It has become an opportunity for me to share my gratitudes and victories with women who can totally appreciate who I am and where my business is - yet a safe place to share my


40

concerns, frustrations and ideas about my business and what is next. In the book Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill defines Mastermind as "Coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony, between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose." He also goes on to talk about the two characteristics of the Mastermind principle. "Economic advantages may be created by any person who surrounds himself with the advice, counsel, and personal cooperation of a group of men (or women) who are willing to lend him wholehearted aid, in the spirit of PERFECT HARMONY", wrote Hill. Napoleon Hill continues, "You may catch a significant suggestion from this statement: 'No two minds ever come together without, thereby, creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind." Find time for peaceful solitude. I try to schedule a monthly “retreat” for myself. Usually it is at the spa, where I can be pampered. Sometimes I’ll go with a friend, but sometimes I like to go by myself and really be present, within myself—to hear the waterfall, smell the aromatherapy, close my eyes and dream. Take time out with your friends. Spending time with my girlfriends has always been important to me—and can shift my mood on any given day. I love meeting the girls for lunch or girls night out – but my favorite is the annual girl’s weekend away. Three days of fun! Take a MOJO Moment:

1. Find your passion. Answer the questions : What are your natural gifts? What are your skills and talents?


41

What do you love to do? When do you feel most alive? Dig deep to answer these questions and discover the fire burning within!

2. Exit overwhelm and find harmony. What boundaries could you easily set right away? Think about commitments versus obligations. Learn to say no to some things so you are ready for the real YES opportunities!

3. Honor the mind/body connection! Commit to exercise daily and eating right! Schedule your annual check-ups. Listen to a meditation.

4. Leverage your life – what can you automate or delegate….TODAY?!

5. Schedule in some business and personal self-care! Commit to a conference or event, schedule a spa day, call a girlfriend for lunch – this week!


42


43


Keep YourKeep YourKeep YourKeep Your

MojoMojoMojoMojo Rockin’!Rockin’!Rockin’!Rockin’!


44


45

Chapter 5

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

Eleanor Roosevelt

N N N Now that you have rediscovered or found your

mojo, you need to keep it rockin’! Stay in the positive, abundant thinking. Fear holds us back. Don’t be afraid of the changes but embrace them. You must believe in yourself. Be open to what is before you! Be grateful for all you are given! Be present and in the moment—for that moment will be gone all too soon. When you are rockin’ with mojo, you can create and accomplishment amazing things! I want to share a few that


46

were submitted. These are real people, who ride the mojo roller coaster up and down, but have awesome mojo moments! I asked them about their best mojo moment so far and here is what they shared: “Everything is in place ahead of me..that’s because I

made a plan and stuck with it no matter what. I created

a complete 12 month plan: with projects, marketing and

everything in one place. Things are really flowing. It’s

all in the plan, baby!”

Shannon Cherry, www.BeHeardSolutions.com

“When I stay in the game, I’m at my best mojo point. By

staying in the game, I mean when my meetings are

booked nicely apart, I’m well prepared for that

presentation because my team has stayed on top of the

deadline to get it done, and my husband is there to help

me relax from the high of it all.”

Malena A. Jackson, www.republicmediaintl.com

“When I helped grow a multi-million dollar advertising

business from the beginning years! I love the job, the

challenge, the people, the success, the growth, the

appreciation, and the money! It was one of the best times

in my business life. I love to start and grow businesses!”

Tammy Henderson

“I’ve been fortunate to have several mojo moments, but

the best one was when I held a very successful workshop

for women called “Getting Paid What You’re Worth”. It

was surreal looking out at the audience and seeing them


47

intently looking at the panelists and getting so much

from the workshop. I was really proud.”

Beth Caldwell, www.MondayMorningMastermind.com

“A time when I said “No” to a big career opportunity

that would have taken me out of the creative side of life

and into a world of stuffy number people. After I hung

up the phone, I screamed with pure joy and jumped up

and down for about 10 minutes because I knew I just

chose my authentic path in life. I’ve never forgotten that

moment. It has made all the difference and has taught

me how important it is to say “no” sometimes.


“When I had a promotion in my direct sales company

and was 110% “do or die” focused on making it happen.

It was like the Apollo 13 movie line, “Failure is not an

option!”.

Debbye Cannon, www.businessmommentor.com

“My mojo moment was bittersweet. I always wanted to

work for myself helping others in a way that enhanced

their lives, while having the time for my family. Through

the loss of a cousin who was more like a sister, I got the

courage to start my company. I felt empowered that i

could have my own business. I was excited the first time

I helped someone achieve their goals and saw the impact

on theirs lives...that keeps me going!”

Nicole Chamblin, www.VisionsPS.com

Your mojo will come and go, sometimes rockin, sometimes


48

rollin’. But by using these keys it will help you to be rockin’ with mojo more of the time and find it when it is hiding! Be energetic. Be present. Your mindset will determine your level of success. Create your dreams and follow your passions—that is the nature of a mompreneur.


49

Bibliography

Bates, Elena, Maureen O'Crean, Molly Thompson, and Carilyn Vaile. I Am Diva! Every Woman's Guide to Outrageous Living. New York: Grand Central Publishing, 2003. Print.

Canfield, Jack, and Janet Switzer. The Success Principles(TM):

How to Get from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. Reprint. London: Collins, 2007. Print.

Hill, Napoleon. Think and Grow Rich. Boston: Wilder

Publications, 2008. Print. Internet Sources http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/cortisol.html


50


51

About the AuthorAbout the AuthorAbout the AuthorAbout the Author Cathy Alessandra is Founder and President of the National Association of Entrepreneur Moms, an association dedicated to empowering moms to consciously create a balanced life. Cathy has been a mompreneur for over 15 years while raising three children. She has had the entrepreneurial spirit since she was young – beginning with the usual lemonade stands to creating and selling dried floral arrangements at craft fairs in her 20’s.

After having 2 of her 3 children, she realized the need for a local family publication in her community. In 1995, she began What’s Up For Kids, LLC, a magazine and event company serving Southern California. The company now offers licensing opportunities for the magazine so moms can start their own What’s Up For Kids Magazine. During the years of growing What’s Up For Kids, LLC, she has experienced the struggle of juggling babies and a business from a home office. During a recent journey of self discovery, she came to realize a new purpose – one that will help moms like her grow their business to the next level while enjoying all the benefits of motherhood - without suffering from SuperMom Fatigue. Cathy thrives on being an entrepreneur and while the last 15 years have had its challenges, she has thrived and created two successful businesses. The National Association of Entrepreneur Moms


52

offers tools to help moms balance and grow, both personally and professionally. Cathy resides in Southern California with her husband of 23 years and 3 children, ages 13, 15 and 17 plus a golden retriever! She is actively involved in her community including being Founder/President of Teens on a Mission, a junior philanthropy group. For more information, you can email Cathy at [email protected] or visit the website. www.MompreneursRockWithMojo.com www.NAOEM.com www.WhatsUpForKids.com


53


54

mompreneurs rock with mojo! 5 keys to finding yours! · 2020-03-12 · mompreneur (mompreneur:...

Documents