Pat Mussieux

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Go for the Gold – Habits to Build Your Confidence and Courage!

Habits are routines of behaviour that are repeated regularly and tend to occur subconsciously, without directly thinking consciously about them. Habits are necessary in life. They help us maintain routine and order. Habits are not necessarily good or bad – it depends on the goal that you have set. It is then, and only then, that you can identify whether or not your habits are moving you towards your goal or away from your goal.

Heroes Who Instill Confidence and Courage!

I continue to enjoy watching the Olympic games on TV - winter sports are a favorite of mine. Not only do I get much personal pleasure watching the x-country skiing, the figure skating and the snow-boarding, to name a few of the sports, but I really love listening to the athletes as they are being interviewed. These young people are in a class of their own. I aspire to that level of excellence, both in my personal life and in my business.

Setting Goals – How to Get Started!

"I really admire those Olympic athletes, but I could never do anything like that!" These are some of the comments I've heard over the past few weeks from people with whom I have been discussing the Olympic games. Typically, you would not find me in front of a TV for hours, let alone watching sports. No way! However, it was with a great sense of pride, and interest, that I did watch a lot of the games on TV. I did so with purpose and intent - and for the entertainment, of course. I have always been very goal-oriented and I am happy to share my goals with people who can help me and support me.

I'm Every Woman!

This week, we celebrated International Woman's Day - not something I take lightly. I honor, respect and celebrate the women who have 'walked before me' - without whom I would not be living this life of freedom and opportunity. This past weekend, I spoke at the Amazing Woman's Day event in Toronto - the Canadian launch of this international initiative. Wow! Words cannot describe the experience. There's something very powerful when a room is filled with women, from all walks of life, each with their own story - mothers - sisters - entrepreneurs - career women - retirees - stepmoms - daughters - entertainers - authors - visionaries and so on.

You Just Never Know!
My Gratitude Journal, for the past week, is overflowing. I am so blessed, and grateful, to be doing the work that I truly love. As an entrepreneur, however, there are those moments and those times when I sit back and wonder......am I really making a difference? Does my work really matter? And the Universe responded - not once, but twice.

Who Are You and What Do You Do?
The internal, self-imposed, tension and pressure can be overwhelming for many women. For men, not so much – they have had much more exposure and experience to the whole networking situation. What causes this level of anxiety?

Sticks and Stones May Break My Bones – But Words Will Never Hurt Me!
To grow your business, you must grow yourself. I ask corporate leaders all the time, "What are you doing to grow your people?" As entrepreneurs, ask yourself the question, "What are YOU doing to grow YOU?" As individuals, what are you doing to become the best YOU?

7 Steps to Reduce Worry!
While sitting in church on Sunday, our pastor was talking about the feeling of being overwhelmed. One of his statements was 'never worry alone'. That really jumped out at me, for a number of reasons.

Three Questions That Can Change Your Life!
Do you remember the movie, "The Wizard of Oz"? Remember the tin man, the lion and the scarecrow and their journey down the yellow brick road, with Dorothy? They were looking for the Wizard of Oz...........we're all looking for something, or someone.

What's Too Good For You?
I have reflected on this quite a bit over the past year as I have made huge investments in my business. I have also reflected on this question, personally, as I have made major changes in my own life. What is too good for me? Now? Nothing!

The Six Words That Set Me Up For Success!

This past year has been an incredible journey for me, both professionally and personally. Working with a powerful and successful business coach is essential when you are serious about growing your business. I've heard so many entrepreneurs saying: "I don't have the time. I don't have the money. I'll wait until......." and many more reasons as to ‘why not'. My take on this: The future is promised to no one!

One Thing You Must Do to Survive!
Do you remember a time when life included elements of play? For many of us, that is a very faint memory - you're going to have to travel back to a time when you were younger to look for clues about how to resume this life-saving past-time.

It's What I Do To Stay Ahead
Those of you who are familiar with Stephen Covey's work will be familiar with the expression "sharpen your saw" - it's reference to the fact that all of us need to stop and take time to re-charge, re-energize, learn and grow. That's exactly what this past week has been about for me!

When Is The Last Time You Had Fun?
How many times, lately, have you told yourself, "I'm just having TOO much fun!"??? I don't hear this often enough from women - in fact, many of us don't even make the time for fun in our lives. We are much too serious! Our schedules are full. Business has taken over our lives.

The No. 1 Fear in Life!
The #1 fear in life is public speaking - even before death! We are more afraid of public speaking than dying - can you believe that? I believe it is all about perspective. We all know how to talk and most of us are passionate about something. For those of us in business, ideally we are living our purpose and really believe that we can make a difference.

4 Ways to Stay Connected This Summer!
How many times have you heard an entrepreneur say "I'm slowing down for the summer???" That's when I often ask them: "Are you in business or are you just busy?" (I heard that comment from Suzanne Falter-Barnes and absolutely loved it.)

What Are You Reading?
I'm sure you've heard the commercial: "What's in your wallet?" My question to you, today, is what's on your bookshelf? I love to read and I have many, many books. In fact, my promise to myself this year was to actually read each of the books I do have before buying any new ones.

Are You Living Your Life Purpose?
I'm sure you've heard the question many times and perhaps you are still pondering the answer! I am often asked by women "how do I figure out my purpose?" Is there a process? Is there a formula? Am I supposed to just know what 'it' is? And how can I make money at it?

What Is Your Next Chapter?
We're never too young, or too old, to learn. In this day and age of technology, we have so many choices and access to so much information. The question I often ask myself is: "Are you really living your life?"

6 Steps to Reclaiming Time in Your Day!
What is the no. 1 answer you hear these days in response to the question: "Hey, how are you?" All I ever hear people say is "oh, busy……I'm so busy!" My goodness, I am so sick and tired of hearing that from people. We're all busy – but, for me, my preferred answer to that question is simply: "I'm so happy, thanks!"

6 Ideas for Following Up With Your Clients!
Do you have ANY idea how much money is sitting right in front of you - right under your nose?" What I am talking about is communicating and connecting with your current clients.

To Succeed, You Must Stop Doing This!
As women entrepreneurs, one of the things we do all the time is to pass through our successes very quickly! Well, I'm here to tell you that this habit, this practice, must stop. It must stop here and it must stop now. Let me tell you why.

The Critical Need for Self-Care!

As women entrepreneurs, I know that we give our 'all' to our business! I do that – and I know I'm not alone. When I was going through my separation and divorce (and the many other 'life challenges' that happened at the same time), I was so fortunate to have one of the best doctors ever. Her advice to me, at the time, was very simple: eat properly, exercise – even just a little bit, and get some sleep.

Failure is Not Fatal!
I know that, for many people, the number one fear in life is supposedly public speaking! In my opinion, right 'up there' on the list, is the fear of failure! I hear this all the time and it drives me crazy.

Don’t Be a Victim – Take Charge of Your Life!
It's really easy for many people to fall into the ‘victim mentality' and I hear it a lot these days! Now, please realize that I am talking about things over which you have control - like birthday celebrations, weddings, the way you run your business and so on.

Working ON Your Business, and Not IN Your Business!
I have met a lot of women entrepreneurs who feel like they are 'drowning' because of all that they are doing, each and every day! They are spending so much time on the nitty-gritty details and so much energy working 'in' their business, that they have lost sight of the big picture - of the 'why' they are doing what they are doing.

You Need To Get Your Thinking In Shape!
Each and every day, as women in business, we are faced with opportunities to grow our business! There is so much opportunity ‘out there' - and it's all there for the taking. Often, I have found, we get in our own way when it comes to growing our business or making changes in our lives.

For Something To Change, You Need to Change!
Have you heard the expression: “If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting!”? To expect different results is the definition of insanity. For our business to grow, there are times when we must stop, review, assess and make some changes.

It’s Not Personal – It’s Just Business!
When you hear that statement, whose name comes to mind? It’s a famous “Donald-Trump-ism” and I use it a lot! I was listening, with great interest, last week (while at the incredible Trump International Beach Resort in Miami) to the words and descriptions that people were using when speaking about Donald Trump.

Success Tips for Growing Your Business – Implementation and Action!
One area where many entrepreneurs drop the ball is to implement all that which they have learned! I know there are many women in business who go from one workshop to another to another. The experience is often like drinking from a fire hose!

Begin the Practice of 'Thanks-Living'!
When you think of a person who has had a positive influence in your life, have you ever found yourself saying: "Someday, I'm going to send them a note" or "One of these days, I'm going to phone them to let them know what a great influence they've been on me"? I know that we all have those thoughts – because I've had them. I also know that 'someday' may never happen.

10 Things You Can Do To Grow Your Business Before Christmas!
This is an interesting time of year – a time of Thanksgiving and celebration and early preparations for Christmas, too. For many entrepreneurs, this can be a time of frustration and panic if, in fact, you have not reached your goals for the year. What to do?

To Dream the Impossible Dream……
There are so many entrepreneurs who are living in the ‘ok’ zone. Many have accepted ‘status quo’ and are just existing, day after day, doing the same things and expecting different results.

How Well Do You Bounce?
Life can really suck some days. Have you ever felt that way? Is today the day? I have had my fair share of technological challenges these past few months and I decided to keep notes on just how well (or not!) I was coping with the situation.

Be Your Own Hero!
There are many kinds of heroes in life – war heroes, super heroes, emergency services professionals. Have you ever considered yourself in this category?

A Critical Sales Tool - Testimonials
I see many entrepreneurs overlook a critical tool when it comes to growing their business – client testimonials. When I work with women entrepreneurs, in particular, they are often hesitant to ask for this information.

ARE YOU HAPPY? SECRETS TO LIVING A HAPPY LIFE
Research shows that there are 4 major barriers to living a happy life: Habits, Attitudes, Beliefs and Expectations. In my work as a coach over the past 20 years, I have added 3 additional barriers: Ego, Emotion and Control. The good news is that there are ways to get past those barriers and steps you can take to live a happier life, beginning today!

You Must Eliminate Toxic People From Your Life!
It is heart-breaking to me when I see so many entrepreneurs with all the elements for success – yet, they allow some people around them to hold them back.

LIVE HAPPY HABITS – LIVE A HAPPY LIFE!
“Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be!” – Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865

Managing your mind is the greatest safety asset you have!
“As human beings, we move towards and act like that which we think about!” – Lou Tice So, what are you thinking about? Did you stop to realize that your mindset is your greatest asset when it comes to safety!

A Surefire Way To Succeed – Get Past Your Fears!
Why in the world do so many brilliant, capable, educated women allow fear to hold them back? I totally understand the whole concept of fear – what I don’t understand is why we let it get in the way of living our dream life.

Change Your Business in 30 Days – I Dare You!
My friend, and new coach, Suzanne Evans sent an ezine before Christmas with a very compelling title: “Gas, Groceries or Coaching?”I have no doubt she got a lot of feedback on that title/content because, just on her Facebook page alone, I saw a lot of comments.

Are You Stuck in a Financial and Emotional Rut?!
I facilitated a workshop last week and I can conclude that this was the theme of the day – being financially and emotionally stuck, as an entrepreneur!” It never fails that when you get a group of solopreneurs into one room, everyone has the same thing on their mind – how do I find new clients and make more money?

“Does Making Money Scare You?”
When I was growing up, we weren’t really taught how to manage money – let alone how to think about money” I knew that my parents were not ‘rich’ by any means, as my father was in the military and my Mom was a stay-at-home mother with 7 children under foot.

"Efficiency vs Effectiveness"

One of the keys to my success is the fact that I am very disciplined, as a solopreneur, when it comes to the way I manage my time and energy. That has changed a bit over the past few weeks – and in a good way, in that my time was not totally my own. We all get caught up in habits and routines in our lives, both personally and professionally, and it is good practice, in my opinion, to regularly review those habits.

You Must Market Your Business in Order To Succeed!
The interesting piece in this ‘equation’ is that I have my ‘outside/winter friends’ and my ‘outside/summer friends’ – the same holds true in business – I spend time with different people for different reasons. In business, when you examine your marketing pie, you are probably spending time with different people for different reasons. (You do have a marketing pie, don’t you?)

The Best Ways to Invest In Yourself!
I watch so many women entrepreneurs pinching pennies, day in and day out – month in and month out – as they struggle to grow their business. I also see them spending money on things and events that do not contribute to the growth of their business. Typically, it is because they don’t have a strategy (let alone a real business plan).

Are You Stuck?
I often encourage my clients to ask themselves the question “where am I stuck?” For many entrepreneurs, the answer can be as simple as ……..’behind my computer’. For others, it can be much more intense and answers can range from finances to networking to finding new clients.

To Succeed, You Must Be Committed!
Have heard the expression, when it comes to business: “when you are interested, you do what is convenient; when you are committed, you do whatever it takes!”?? (I’m not sure of the source for this quote because I’ve heard it from so many different people – but it really does ‘sum it up’ when it comes to your approach to business!)

What Are You Tolerating?
Many entrepreneurs go about their busy day, typically doing some of the exact same things that they were doing the day before- the week before – and even the year before. Most of us do not even operate on a conscious level.

What Does Age Have To Do With Anything?

There’s an expression that I’ve heard over and over again – “If you didn’t know how old you were, then how old do you think you’d be?” More and more baby boomers are leaving the corporate world and starting their own businesses – only to come up against the mindset that perhaps they are too old to start up a business. This mindset not only exists in the ‘outside world’ but is even stronger inside our own heads!

CHARTING YOUR COURSE!!
Are you feeling lost these days? Were you ever a Brownie or Girl Guide? I recall that one of the badges I got was for camping - and learning your way around the woods. We learned to use a compass.

LESSONS FROM THE ROYAL WEDDING
When I see an event that is so very successful and unique and up-lifting, I am always watching for lessons that I can apply to my business. The Royal Wedding did not disappoint. Here is what I took away, in random order.

THE BASIC HABITS THAT LEAD TO SUCCESS

I have been doing a lot of networking and public speaking these past months! It seems that, wherever I go, I am constantly asked about my daily and weekly habits - "What do you do on a regular basis to succeed?" For many years, I just assumed that what I did - everyone did! Well, you know what ‘they say' about making assumptions. And ‘they' are right! I want to talk about habits today - and what it takes to succeed. But, first, let's examine what a habit is.

WEIGHT LOSS AND BUSINESS – THE SUCCESS CONNECTION
Do you ever just stop, in the midst of your busy day, and ask yourself the question: why am I do this anyway?! Do you constantly think about the ‘why' of your business - is it uppermost in your mind. Or, in the midst of chaos (mentally and otherwise), have you lost track of why you do what you do?

7 Ways To Grow Your Business!
Do you ever have days when you feel like you just won’t make it? I can remember waking up some mornings, thinking – wondering – pondering – WHEN will IT ever happen? Success, that is.

YOU MUST KEEP LEARNING!
Did you think that, when you left school, that is when the learning stops, too? I find it very sad that many entrepreneurs have stopped investing in themselves and in their learning.

My Secret When It Comes To Sales!
I hear so many women entrepreneurs telling me that they hate sales – they find it sleazy, distasteful and uncomfortable for them. They just want to ‘do their passion’ and fulfill their purpose.

TAKING A RISK!
I was in San Francisco for a week of meetings with my business coach and master mind group. We were all given an assignment - and were told to come prepared to present to the whole group. I had a different task in that I am working on a new strategy/presentation style when it comes to public speaking and sales.

WHAT DRIVES YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR LIFE?
I hear from so many women entrepreneurs who are frustrated and dissatisfied with where their lives (and their business) are going. From past experience, I know that this stems from the fact they are not clear on their life purpose.

60 Ways to Grow Your Business
Are you feeling stuck when it comes to growing your business? Were you feeling frustrated with a lack of revenue and cash flow this summer?

Want to reach people? Start talking!
Do you really believe that ‘old saying' that public speaking is the no. 1 fear in life? Is that what is holding you back in your business - the fear of speaking in front of people?

Creating a Successful Business
Are you feeling a bit jealous when you see your colleagues succeeding in business? Have you been wondering what it takes to get to their level?

There’s no standing still in business!
Have you ever felt stuck or comfortable with where you are? I know there are times when you just want the world to stand still - just make it stop for a short while, so you can catch your breath and then carry on. Me, too. But not very often!

Get Out There!
Are you hiding behind your computer and thinking you can grow your business that way? Is that part of your comfort zone because you don’t really know where to go and what to do when you get there – when it comes to marketing your products and services?

You need a plan to make money
Would you like to have more cash flow right about now? Many of the women entrepreneurs with whom I have been speaking, over the past few weeks, are feeling a quiet sense of desperation when it comes to cash flow.

It Takes Effort
Easy? You want ‘easy'? Convenient? You want ‘convenient'? Then you need to get a job!

Detours are Delightful
Have you ever been lost? Do you sometimes feel, in your business, that you don't know where you're going - or, perhaps, you've had to change tracks?

How to Get More Speaking Engagements!
Does speaking in public scare the pants off you? Well, then, you are in the majority. Most people have a fear of public speaking and so, they don't do it.

Lessons from Around the World
This is a fairly long article - and it is an important article - because, as human beings, we always play the comparison game. We always believe that the grass is always greener. From my trip around the world, I have learned that we are all more alike than different.

You Must Learn To Be Resilient!

This time of year is not always happy and jolly for everyone. My Mom passed away last week and one thing that keeps me going is the fact I have learned to be resilient. You, too, must learn this skill to succeed in business these days. It's not always easy - so, it's not necessarily how hard you fall - but how well you bounce - and how well you bounce BACK! Tough stuff happens and you must equip yourself with the mental skills to cope and move on.

6 Habits Of Unsuccessful Entrepreneurs!
There are so many articles, books, videos and ezines telling you how to be successful. That’s cool – but where and how do you learn where your current habits are holding you back?

My 2 Secrets to Closing a Sale!
As a coach and speaker, there is one question that I hear all the time - "how do YOU close the sale?" There appears to be some mystery around the actual sales language that ‘brings it all to a close'.

Motivation vs Inspiration!
I recently gave a keynote presentation, and a workshop, to a large group of middle and senior managers. I asked them about their biggest challenge as a leader these days - and the answer was unanimously about motivating employees in the workforce.

How To Work Effectively With A Coach
Have you ever worked with a coach and wondered why you didn't get the results you expected? Having worked for many years as an Executive coach, a Leadership Coach, a Life coach and now a Business coach, I have heard every story (translation: excuse) under the sun when it comes to this mindset.

How Staying Focused Will Lead You To Prosperity!
As an entrepreneur, do you ever feel distracted at times? It can be those bright, shiny objects that get in the way of staying focused on activities that bring results that create wealth. Can you relate?

Follow-Up: One Of The Secrets To Success!
Did you know that less than 80% of sales leads from trade shows get any follow-up action? 80%!!!! Trade shows and conferences are happening all the time – they are an ideal way to get out there and meet people – YOUR people.

Turning Lessons Into Action!

Have you ever paid big bucks and taken the time/money to travel and attend high end events? And then you get home, with a HUGE binder of notes and handouts – put it on a shelf somewhere – and get back to the jungle of life and your business? Of course you have – we all have! But what good does that do? In today’s article, I want to share some simple steps that I take to ensure that I get a return on my investment. Try them – you’ll like them.

A Total Approach To Success!
How often have you read a great magazine and realized that every article spoke to you? This doesn’t happen to me all the time but, recently, the issue of SUCCESS Magazine had that amount of great content.

A Mother’s Approach To Business!
A quick nod of heads – how many of you are working Moms? How many of you feel overwhelmed, unsupported, misunderstood, exhausted and discouraged? And, simultaneously, as you work in your own business, how many of you feel elated, passionate, ‘on purpose’, celebrated, validated and rich?

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