Create, Design and Sell

When something you do for your business can be used in more ways than one it could be called dual purpose or something that goes hand in hand. As I enjoy crafting, creating and then using what I've created as images on items that I can sell in my store it gives me satisfaction and makes me feel more productive. 

Recently I have been really fascinated with making a variety of fabric flowers. These are beautiful for decorating purposes in my home. Also to add to vases or use as decor on wreaths as well as they make wonderful gifts.  Aside from the enjoyment I get creating these flowers I also take photos of the projects and where I can I use these on items in my store. For example I have used some of the images on wedding invitations, table napkins, cards and other stationary items that I sell. This makes my products extremely unique and I get both the benefit of creating the items physically and then using them digitally. I love it. Here is a sample of some of the flowers I've made and then some that I've applied to products. 

White Silk Flower Wedding Table Napkins

White Silk Flowers With Stripes 

White Silk Floral Table Napkins

Perhaps there are things you can do for your business that can serve more than one purpose. Might be time to take a look at how you are doing things and see if you can get creative with new methods.

I am busy designing and looking at new trends for 2018 that I can work with to continue to move my business into the new year. I hope you find some inspiration and fresh ideas to keep your business moving ahead.  



 

Struggling to Keep Your Goals

Many people use the start of a new year to set new goals for themselves. It's great to have goals, dreams and aspirations to reach for. Most people begin with great intentions of keeping and realizing the desires that they have set out for themselves but somewhere along the way those goals and good intentions become a struggle and get lost on the journey of life.  

It takes great discipline to achieve and reach your goals. Focusing on the results that you really want to see is what will get you there. Discipline is not easy but we all know nothing good comes easy. Whether your goal is to start a new business, go on a trip, save money for a new vehicle, lose weight whatever it is, it takes discipline. 

Many of us get lost because we don't define our reason for reaching our goals. It's great to say that I want to exercise and go to the gym 4 days a week but without a solid reason to back up why you want to achieve this goal you'll likely find excuses to skip your workouts, cut them short or end up not going at all.  Why do you want to exercise regularly perhaps it's because you need to keep yourself in better shape, lose weight or increase your muscle strength. Define your goal and write down your reasons to help you stay on track. Be clear about what you want. 

Perhaps one of your goals is to read 6 books on leadership or business this year. Is it just to say you've read 6 books or is it because you want to create your own business in the coming year or to increase your knowledge to become a more effective leader at your current job. Continual learning takes focus but this is how successful people achieve their goals. It takes training yourself and disciplining yourself everyday. 

Life is busy and keeping your goals moving forward may be a struggle. Balancing life, work, family while maintaining health and fitness is a challenge. Something I recently heard was to not let your emotions or emotional state be the driver in your decision to keep working your goals. Realizing it's a struggle for everyone at times. I mean who wants to get up at 6am to go to the gym (okay maybe a real morning person) or to get there after a long day of work, no one but truly this is where the discipline and clarity of your goals comes in. Don't let your emotions be what ruins your goals and outcomes.  I can struggle with this too, but I choose to hit the alarm off and get out of bed before my emotions get a chance to decide for me. If I want to achieve my goal I have to do it whether I want to or not. 

You can be a goal setter and be disciplined through training yourself for whatever it is you desire to do.

One Word Challenge

We have arrived at 2018 and it seems this last year has flown by with lightning speed. As I was thinking about what to blog about today, the One Word Challenge came to mind. A single word can be a powerful thing. Choosing just one word is not as easy as one might think, many have come to mind as I am reflecting on the past year and looking forward to what's coming ahead.

Of course, none of us know what any given day, week or month may hold but we should look ahead with hope and perhaps choosing one word will help with direction and set the tone for the new year. 

Think about moving forward in the new year being guided by one word. How would you choose your word and what would it mean to you? Ponder what you want to see happen in your life in 2018. 

Think about your one word? What do you want to define your vision of moving forward for this next year?  It can seem like just a simple little word, but it can have great meaning and an even bigger impact over the course of the year. Putting intention and clear direction behind actions, can be life changing.

After much thought I have chosen the word 'fearless' for my one word. 

Dictionary - FEARLESS - without fear; bold or brave; intrepid.

- to have courage when I feel apprehensive

- to be at ease when I feel nervous

- to stay positive when I am fearful

So what will your one word be? Leave a comment, share your word for 2018!  

Words carry so much power and influence more than we give them credit for. I wish all my readers a blessed 2018, choose your words wisely! :-)