The word HOPE has lost it’s oomph! I believe that it goes back to being told to be careful about “Getting your hopes up.”

Think about the last time you used the word HOPE. It might have gone something like this:

“I sure hope I get the funding for my business. I mean you never know about these things. I’ve heard it’s really tough and I want to be sure I don’t expect too much. After all, I am just a start-up. So keep your fingers crossed.”

So what is wrong with that dialogue? Several things. While you may be saying all of this because you want to avoid disappointment you are actually sabotaging your own efforts with a false concept of hope.

Confidence

It’s hard to start your own business. It takes lots of hard work. You are good at that part. Then have confidence in what you have done. Stand up tall and promote what you have done. You have not arrived yet but you are on the way. Others have no idea what you are about but will read your body language. This is not about false bravado to mask your insecurities. This is believing that you can make this happen. It will come through your words, your expressions and your position.

Expectation

As you move forward, you can not lose. The problem comes when you begin to see a course of action as the way things have to go. The expectation gets cemented and solidifies as the chosen course of action. The challenge comes when things fall apart and you are left picking up the pieces. So the hope outlook is that detours are good and part of the process. This creates a resilience that strengthens your resolve.

Good lessons

The best lessons often come from disappointments and what did NOT work. Still, we pick ourselves back up and adapt so that the next time we have included the improvements and insights gained from what did not work before. Besides, our best stories come from the struggles and second chances.

Excellent outcome

As you begin to apply a different definition of HOPE you can have the confident expectation of an excellent outcome. Someone has said that it’s interesting those who work hard seem to be really lucky. It is not luck. It’s confidence in the process and the ability to affect that outcome.  Here’s a HOPE declaration:

“I have diligently worked on putting together a great presentation in order to fund my business. I look forward to the process and meeting the decision makers in order to adapt our numbers. As a start-up we have a lot to learn and are excited about the future.”

Karen Sebastian (AKA The Hope Lady) is an author, speaker, corporate trainer and Hope Catalyst who delights in sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. To increase hope and make difference in your business, click here.

One of the hardest things to maintain as an entrepreneur is why we started our business. What is your purpose in being an entrepreneur. Sometimes the details and pressures of running a business can get in the way. Take a few minutes today to revisit your vision statement. As you start the fourth quarter of the year look again at the goals you set out on January 1st. Revamp and rearrange them. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect in order to work.

Author, speaker, corporate trainer and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. To increase hope and make difference in your business, click here.

There is an increase of women entrepreneurs all over the world. There are many qualities that women bring to the table that can set them up for success in this arena. What do you think is the greatest advantage that women entrepreneurs have as they start their businesses?

When you close your eyes and think of a perfect life – what do you see? I’m not talking about a fantasy where you have more money than Bill Gates and the body of your favorite actress? This is your own picture of what you want your life to become. What do you want your life to look like?

Dreams start with possibilities and opportunities that are currently before you. It may be the seed of an idea inspired by what others are doing. Women are starting businesses every day. Many start strong yet do not succeed because they put that dream on the back burner to take care of everyone else.

Dreams are important because they motivate and set apart our efforts. In fact, while working on certain projects you lose track of time and the effort that you are putting forth. You can get in the ‘zone.’ This is a wonderful place to be.

When you believe in your dream you are basically believing in yourself. Keep believing no matter how long it takes to reach your dream. Don’t let anyone rob you of that dream. Hold on to it and adapt it to the current season of your life. Describe it fully and picture it vividly. And also guard it carefully because there are those who will want to help you stay in touch with reality. There is always time for that as you move to the next step to success which is to write down a clear vision.

Author, speaker, corporate trainer and Hope Catalyst, Karen Sebastian enjoys sharing her rich life experiences with others – engaging them in adventurous discoveries of the beauty of hope in a dark, cloudy world. To increase hope and make difference in your business, click here.