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As a woman entrepreneur, the journey to success is not straightforward. There are many challenges that women face in the business world, including gender bias, lack of access to funding, and societal expectations. However, with determination, hard work, and the right mindset, women can thrive in the business world. The right mindset for success One of the most critical factors for building a successful business as a woman is having the right mindset. Women need to believe in themselves and their abilities, and they need to be persistent and resilient. They must be willing to take risks and learn from their failures, rather than giving up at the first sign of trouble. Women should embrace their unique strengths and attributes, such as their intuition, empathy, and collaboration skills. These qualities can give women an advantage in the business world and help them build strong relationships with their team and customers. Access to funding Access to funding is a significant barrier for women entrepreneurs. Women-owned businesses receive only a small fraction of venture capital funding, and female founders often have to work harder to secure funding than their male counterparts. One way to overcome this challenge is to explore alternative funding options, such as loans from small business associations or grants from nonprofit organizations. Women entrepreneurs can also seek out investors who prioritize diversity and inclusion in their investment portfolios. Networking and mentorship Networking and mentorship are critical for women entrepreneurs. Women should seek out mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs or industry leaders who can provide guidance, support, and business acumen. Networking can also help women connect with potential customers, partners, and investors. Attending industry events, joining professional organizations, and leveraging social media can all help women expand their networks and build strategic relationships. Overcoming gender bias Despite progress in recent years, gender bias remains a real challenge for women in business. Women often face stereotypes and negative assumptions about their abilities, which can limit their opportunities and hold them back from reaching their full potential. Women can overcome gender bias by focusing on their strengths and accomplishments, speaking up for themselves, and advocating for others. They can also challenge gender stereotypes by working to create more diversity and inclusion in their industry and supporting other women entrepreneurs. Building a successful business as a woman requires a combination of mindset, funding, networking, and overcoming gender bias. In the face of these challenges, women entrepreneurs must stay determined, persistent, and willing to take risks. By leveraging their unique strengths and seeking out mentorship and support, women can build thriving businesses that make a difference in their communities and beyond. If you are a woman entrepreneur looking to build a successful business, remember that you have what it takes to succeed. With hard work, perseverance, and the right mindset, anything is possible. Start building your dream business today and let your passion and commitment guide you towards success. References - National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). (n.d.). Women Business Owner Statistics. Retrieved from https://nawbo.org/resources/women-business-owner-statistics - Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative (We-Fi). (2019). Investing in Women Entrepreneurs: Solutions for Access to Capital and Success. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/gender/publication/investing-in-women-entrepreneurs-solutions-for-access-to-capital-and-success - Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). (n.d.). Why Choose Women Owned? Retrieved from https://www.wbenc.org/why-choose-women-owned/

In a world characterized by constant distractions and busy schedules, the need for effective time management and increased productivity has become more critical than ever. Thankfully, in recent years, technology has provided us with a myriad of tools to enhance our efficiency and help us make the most out of our time. Among these, one app stands out as a true game changer - PRODUCTIVE. With its innovative features and user-friendly interface, PRODUCTIVE has proven to be an invaluable asset for individuals seeking to optimize their daily routines and accomplish their goals with ease. 1. Seamless Goal Setting: At the heart of PRODUCTIVE lies its goal-setting feature, which empowers users to define their objectives clearly. Whether it's a daily, weekly, or long-term goal, the app allows users to create a comprehensive list of tasks and activities they wish to achieve. Additionally, PRODUCTIVE enables users to set deadlines and priorities, ensuring that no essential task goes overlooked. 2. Customizable Habit Tracking: Building and breaking habits is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and development. PRODUCTIVE excels in this aspect by providing users with a customizable habit tracker. By keeping tabs on habits, users can identify patterns and make positive changes in their lifestyle. The app's reminder system ensures that users stay on track and stay consistent in their efforts. 3. Time Management Made Simple: Managing time effectively is the cornerstone of productivity. PRODUCTIVE acknowledges this and offers a powerful time management tool. Users can create time blocks for different activities throughout the day, aiding them in maintaining focus and preventing procrastination. The app's time tracking feature also offers valuable insights into how users allocate their time, enabling them to make informed adjustments to optimize their schedule. 4. Gamification for Motivation: What sets PRODUCTIVE apart from other productivity apps is its clever use of gamification techniques. The app transforms mundane tasks and routines into an engaging experience by rewarding users with points and achievements upon completion. This gamified approach motivates users to stay consistent and turn productivity into a fun and rewarding journey. 5. Data-Driven Analytics: PRODUCTIVE provides data-driven analytics that offer users a comprehensive overview of their productivity trends and performance. These insights enable users to identify areas where they excel and areas that need improvement. Armed with this knowledge, users can strategize and fine-tune their routines for maximum efficiency. 6. Integrations for a Seamless Experience: In an increasingly interconnected world, it's essential for productivity apps to integrate smoothly with other platforms and tools. PRODUCTIVE rises to the occasion by offering seamless integrations with popular apps and services. Whether it's syncing tasks with a calendar, collaborating with team members, or integrating with note-taking apps, the app ensures a cohesive experience for its users. In conclusion, PRODUCTIVE is undeniably a game changer in the realm of productivity apps. Its user-friendly interface, seamless goal setting, customizable habit tracking, effective time management tools, gamified approach, and data-driven analytics make it a comprehensive solution for individuals striving to make the most of their time and achieve their objectives. Whether you're a student, professional, or entrepreneur, PRODUCTIVE has the potential to transform the way you approach your daily routines and boost your productivity to new heights. Embrace the power of PRODUCTIVE today and unlock your full potential!

As a seasoned coach in goal setting and cultivating positive habits for over two decades, I thought I had it all figured out. But little did I know that "Atomic Habits" by James Clear would come along and revolutionize the way I approach my own life and the lives of my clients. This book has been an absolute game changer for me, especially as I reached the milestone of age 51. It has helped me stay on track with simple, small goals that may seem insignificant, but over time, they have made a remarkable difference in my well-being and success. From coaching numerous individuals on achieving their aspirations, I knew the importance of setting objectives and establishing good habits. However, "Atomic Habits" introduced me to a whole new dimension of the power of incremental improvements. James Clear's insights enlightened me on how these seemingly tiny habits, like consistently taking my supplements, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and dedicating time to feed my mind daily, could lead to incredible transformations. The book's concept of "habit stacking" has been a revelation in optimizing my daily routines. By pairing new habits with existing ones, I've effortlessly incorporated these activities into my day, ensuring I never miss a beat. Moreover, Clear's emphasis on identity shifts has been pivotal; I now embrace the persona of a healthy and disciplined individual, which has immensely influenced my choices and actions. With the two-minute rule, I've effortlessly overcome procrastination and tackled tasks that used to intimidate me. These quick wins have snowballed into a cascade of accomplishments, leaving me in awe of the impact of even the tiniest habit. Additionally, "Atomic Habits" has prompted me to reshape my environment to nurture these positive changes. My workspace now exudes productivity, and my home environment supports my health and well-being, reinforcing the habits I've worked hard to develop. While coaching others has always been fulfilling, implementing the principles from this book has given me a renewed sense of personal growth and accomplishment. It's not just about teaching these lessons anymore; it's about living them and experiencing firsthand how they can truly transform lives. In conclusion, "Atomic Habits" has been a guiding light on my journey towards a healthier, happier, and more successful version of myself. This book has reinvigorated my passion for coaching and has empowered me to practice what I preach with unwavering commitment. As I continue to inspire others to strive for greatness, I am eternally grateful to James Clear for providing me with the tools to lead by example and embrace the power of simple, yet transformative, atomic habits.

I heard Wes Moore say, "Don't let people that don't matter too much matter too much," on Super Soul Sunday and I immediately paused and reflected on this. In life, we often find ourselves surrounded by a multitude of people – friends, family, colleagues, and acquaintances. Each individual plays a unique role in shaping our experiences and perceptions. However, it is essential to recognize that not everyone holds the same level of significance in our lives. The quote, "Don't let people that don't matter too much matter too much," serves as a powerful reminder to prioritize our emotional investments and focus on those who truly contribute positively to our well-being. This article delves into the significance of this quote, exploring the art of discernment, setting boundaries, and nurturing meaningful relationships. Understanding Emotional Investments My mom used to say, "if you can't bring the people around you up, for God sake don't let them bring you down!" Our emotions are valuable resources, and how we invest them can significantly impact our mental and emotional state. By investing our emotions wisely, we can maintain a healthier and more balanced outlook on life. It is crucial to differentiate between people who genuinely care for us, support our growth, and contribute positively to our lives, from those who do not hold such significance. Recognizing the Impact of Toxic Relationships Toxic relationships can drain us emotionally, mentally, and even physically. These relationships are characterized by negativity, manipulation, and a lack of genuine concern for our well-being. Allowing such individuals to matter too much in our lives can lead to a gradual erosion of our happiness and self-esteem. Recognizing the signs of toxic relationships and taking appropriate steps to distance ourselves from such people is vital for our mental and emotional health. Setting Boundaries and Self-Preservation By embracing the wisdom of the quote, we learn the importance of setting boundaries in our relationships. Boundaries are a means of safeguarding our emotional well-being and preserving our self-worth. It involves understanding our limits and communicating them assertively with others. Healthy boundaries can protect us from emotional harm and help us prioritize the people who truly matter. Nurturing Meaningful Relationships As we learn to discern and set boundaries, we open up space in our lives to nurture meaningful relationships. These connections are built on trust, mutual respect, and genuine care for one another's growth and happiness. By focusing on these relationships, we create a supportive network that enriches our lives and strengthens our emotional resilience. The Role of Perspective Perspective plays a crucial role in understanding the quote's significance. It reminds us that not every opinion or judgment from others deserves our emotional investment. People may have different views and attitudes, but we should not allow their negativity or criticism to define us or affect our self-esteem. Embracing a positive perspective helps us rise above unnecessary conflicts and ensures that we stay true to our authentic selves. In a world filled with diverse relationships and interactions, the quote, "Don't let people that don't matter too much matter too much," becomes a guiding principle for a fulfilled and emotionally balanced life. By discerning between those who uplift us and those who drain us, we empower ourselves to make wiser emotional investments. Setting boundaries and prioritizing meaningful relationships not only safeguard our well-being but also contribute to our personal growth and happiness. Embracing a positive perspective enables us to navigate through life's challenges with resilience and authenticity. Ultimately, by living in alignment with this profound quote, we can create a life filled with joy, purpose, and genuine connections with those who truly matter.

What's up teenagers! Want to know some cool ways you can make millions? Well, you've got plenty of options to turn your passions into profits. Check out these ten brilliant ideas: 1. Start an Online Store: Got something unique to sell? Create your own online shop on platforms like Etsy or Shopify and reach people worldwide. 2. Build an App: If you're into coding and tech stuff, why not create a cool app? It could be a game, a useful tool, or something that solves a problem. 3. Become a Content Creator: Love making videos or posting cool stuff on social media? You can earn big by growing a massive following on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram and make money from ads and sponsorships. 4. Rock Social Media Management: If you're a social media whiz, offer your skills to businesses and manage their online presence. You'll get paid for it! 5. Try Stock Market Investing: Do some research and learn about investing in stocks. With the right moves, you can make your money grow over time. 6. Become an Influencer: If you're super popular on social media, brands might want to work with you. You can get paid for promoting their stuff. 7. Online Tutoring: Good at a subject? Share your knowledge by tutoring others online and make some bucks. 8. Freelance Your Talents: If you're great at writing, drawing, or taking photos, offer your skills on websites like Fiverr and Upwork. People will pay for your awesome work. 9. Real Estate Adventures: This might need some money upfront, but real estate can be a smart investment. You can look into crowdfunding or partnering with family to get started. 10. Invent Something Cool: Got a genius idea? Patent it and think about licensing or manufacturing it. Who knows, your invention could make you millions! Remember, making big money takes time and effort. Stay dedicated, work hard, and never give up on your dreams. You've got this! 💪😎

In a recent exclusive interview with Forbes, multi-talented artist and entrepreneur Jason Derelo opened up about his extraordinary financial success and discussed the key principles behind his remarkable achievement of managing 13 streams of income. Renowned for his chart-topping music career, Derelo has proven to be an astute businessman who has diversified his earnings across various industries. My husband Steve and I have been screaming this concept for many years. We encourage and help our following focus on building a minimum of 10 streams of income that earn a minimum of $10,000.00 per month each. Jason Derulo's ability to create multiple income streams from his music career and diversify his earnings through various ventures serves as an inspiring example of how one can leverage their talents and interests to build financial stability and wealth. Here's why everyone should consider having more than one stream of income: 1. Financial Security: Relying solely on one source of income can be risky, as unexpected events like economic downturns, job losses, or industry disruptions can significantly impact your finances. Diversifying income streams provides a safety net and ensures greater financial security. 2. Multiple Avenues for Growth: Having multiple streams of income allows for continuous growth and expansion. By exploring different opportunities, individuals can identify what works best for them and capitalize on emerging trends or new markets. 3. Reduced Dependency on a Single Source: Depending solely on a single source of income can lead to limited options and increased stress. Creating multiple streams of income distributes the risk, reducing dependency on a single employer or business venture. 4. Capitalizing on Talents and Passions: Diversifying income streams enables individuals to capitalize on their diverse talents and passions. By exploring various interests, people can find unique ways to monetize their skills and hobbies. 5. Wealth Building and Investment Opportunities: Having multiple streams of income provides more funds for savings and investments. This, in turn, opens up opportunities to build wealth, generate passive income, and achieve long-term financial goals. 6. Flexibility and Adaptability: In a rapidly changing economy, adaptability is key. By having multiple streams of income, individuals are better equipped to adjust to evolving market conditions and take advantage of new opportunities. 7. Learning and Personal Growth: Engaging in different income-generating activities fosters continuous learning and personal growth. Each venture brings its own set of challenges and experiences, contributing to an individual's overall development. 8. Increased Financial Freedom: Diversifying income streams can lead to financial freedom. Having sufficient funds from various sources provides individuals with more choices and the ability to live life on their terms. 9. Philanthropic Endeavors: Additional income streams can also enable individuals to contribute more to charitable causes and make a positive impact on their communities or the world at large. 10. Future-Proofing Your Finances: Having multiple income streams prepares individuals for uncertain times and unexpected life events. It provides a sense of preparedness and resilience in the face of challenges. Jason Derulo's success story demonstrates the power of diversifying income streams and exploring various business ventures. By combining his music career with investments in fashion, fragrances, real estate, tech startups, and more, he has not only achieved financial prosperity but also set an example for others to follow. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or a salaried employee, embracing the concept of multiple income streams can lead to enhanced financial security, freedom, and the ability to create a more fulfilling life. Watch the full interview here https://www.forbes.com/video/6331546304112/jason-derulo-talks-success-the-music-industry-breaking-th

Entrepreneurship is a difficult and often daunting endeavor, full of ups and downs, successes and failures. It takes a great deal of courage to take the plunge into the unknown and to invest your time, energy, and resources into something that may fail. As such, it is essential for entrepreneurs to have the right mindset and the right tools to ensure success. John Maxwell’s book, Falling Forward, is a must-read for entrepreneurs who want to maximize their chances of success. First and foremost, Maxwell’s book offers a unique perspective on failure. Instead of viewing failure as a setback, Maxwell encourages entrepreneurs to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning. He emphasizes that failure is a part of the process of success, and that true success is only possible if one is willing to take risks and learn from mistakes. This is a crucial mindset for entrepreneurs, as it allows them to move forward with confidence even when things don’t go as planned. Second, Maxwell’s book provides invaluable advice on how to turn a failure into a success. He encourages entrepreneurs to take a step back and reflect on what went wrong, understand what can be done differently in the future, and use the experience as a learning tool. In addition, Maxwell offers strategies for how to pick yourself up after a setback and keep pushing forward. This is essential for entrepreneurs, as it is the only way to keep going even when things don’t go as planned. Finally, Maxwell’s book provides entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed. He offers practical advice on how to develop a plan, set goals, and stay motivated. He also provides insight into the importance of developing a strong network and forming meaningful relationships. These are all essential elements for entrepreneurs, as they are the foundation for long-term success. Here are a few of my favorite quotes from this book… “When it comes to taking risks, I believe there are two kinds of people: those who don't dare try new things, and those who don't dare miss them.” “People are training for success when they should be training for failure. Failure is far more common than success; poverty is more prevalent than wealth; and disappointment more normal than arrival. —J.WALLACE HAMILTON “Every successful person is someone who failed, yet never regarded themselves as a failure. Overall, John Maxwell’s book, Falling Forward, is a must-read for entrepreneurs who want to maximize their chances of success. It offers a valuable perspective on failure, provides invaluable advice on how to turn a failure into a success, and offers the tools needed to succeed. For any entrepreneur serious about succeeding, this book should be at the top of the reading list.

Chicago native, April Preyar, is an expert in U.S. criminal law. With 22 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, Preyar has worked for prestigious institutions, started a legal practice, and advocated for civil rights and immigration. Devoting her life to criminal defense and police reform is impactful, but future policies don’t help young people of color today. To help family and friends stay in the know, Preyar posted short-form legal videos on Facebook. Her third video, “4 Things Not to Do if Stopped by Police” garnered 1.2 million views in 24 hours. She recalls the moment saying, “that’s when I realized I was onto something.” Not long after viral success, she created JustUs Junkie, a legal educational platform that uses videos and workshops to simplify legal jargon. Total views for content soared to over 2.5 million, but Preyar wasn’t reaching teens and young adults who landed in her office. In need of a method to teach and entertain, she came up with a board game. Trials & Triumph Board Game teaches seven essential rules of police encounters. The game then exposes players to 54 real-life scenarios, which reiterate the rules. After seeing themselves or friends in situations throughout the course of the game, players learn what to do. Though entertaining, this game is practice for real police encounters. “Trials & Triumph returns the power to the people. Our youth need real-life tools they can use in the next 10 minutes, which is what my game provides,” said Preyar. To stop children from being abused and exploited by police, Preyar highlights the need for legal education. “You can't teach what you don't know. If something happens, instead of asking for a parent, kids should ask to speak with a lawyer,” says Preyar. Continuing, she reveals, “parents and guardians mean well, but they give children poor legal advice”. The former law professor mentions how common it is to hear adults say, “tell the truth” or “tell them what they want to hear”. Unfortunately, this type of advice lands too many black and brown people behind bars. Preyar confidently states, “there is power in prevention. I developed a board game to prevent teens from getting caught up in criminal court.” Preyar then emphasizes the importance of learning from our nation's history of false confessions, like the Exonerated Five (formerly Central Park Five) and the Jon Burge torture victims. Her interactive board game “teaches players their Constitutional rights, how to interact with police safely, and how to avoid criminal courts.” Sadly, research has shown increasing police training doesn’t reduce the use of force by law enforcement. Preyar states, “people who feel powerless respond in desperate ways. They run. They panic. They become paralyzed with fear.” She continues, saying, “Trials & Triumph gives civilians confidence to safely assert their rights and strategies to make all police encounters uneventful.” After seeing countless, preventable police encounters with kids and teens, April Preyar found ways to provide accurate advice to those who need it most. The experienced legal professional devolved life-changing solutions to solve a 200- year-long problem for black and brown youth.

I’ve admired Mellody Hobson, a financial advisor and businesswoman, for a long time. Recognized as one of the most powerful women in business, Mellody has spent decades mentoring men and women on the importance of financial education. I’ve flipped through countless copies of Black Enterprise in search of her financial advice column and absorbed as much of her knowledge as possible. Seemingly overnight, Mellody became my mentor. I was hungry to learn more about business and financial literacy from a woman who looked like me, and I gravitated toward Mellody’s fresh perspective. Little did I know, Mellody was just getting started. Her financial prowess would shatter long-established glass ceilings and pave the way for people like me to understand and excel in the world of finance. Determination Despite Hardship Born to a single mother in Southside Chicago, Mellody Hobson was no stranger to making a dollar stretch. Never one to make excuses, the prolific businesswoman was determined to learn from growing up in a low-income home. “My mother believed anything was possible,” says Hobson. “Unfortunately, her vision and dreams did not amount to financial success.” The Wall Street Journal’s 50 “Women to Watch” was obsessed with education which led to Ivy League aspirations. “I started telling my mother I was going to go to Yale. I posted a sign on the mirror in my bedroom that said ‘A+,’” said Hobson. While she opted for Princeton, Hobson made the most of her ivy experience. The Power of Possibility In the summer of her junior year, Hobson accepted an internship at Ariel Investments (Ariel), the nation's first Black-owned money management firm. She admits being drawn to the firm because of its founder, fellow Princeton graduate John Rogers Jr. “John was this wunderkind. I saw him as a conduit to the knowledge I needed to be financially secure long term. I knew right away I wanted to work there permanently,” said Hobson. From a fledgling in client services to President, overseeing nearly $3 billion in assets. “I was given so many opportunities to learn and grow at Ariel. We’re doing important work, improving people’s lives by growing their money or helping them start a business,” said Hobson. In 9 years, Melody Hobson also conquered the roles of Vice President of Marketing, Senior VP, and Director of Marketing. According to the SEC’s Form 4, the wife of billionaire film director and producer George Lucas has made over 34 trades in JPMorgan Chase & Co stock since 2006. Hobson most recently purchased 670 JPM stock units valued at $100,286 in January 2022. As of March 2022, Ariel has $16.95 billion in assets under management and $0.87 billion as of December 2021 for Ariel Alternatives, a subsidiary of Ariel Investments. Unfortunately, the business world is often isolating and discouraging for African American women; no one knows that more than Hobson. “I’ve been consistently underestimated because of my race and gender, but that underestimation has fueled me.” Despite moments of pain and anguish, the Vice-Chair of Starbucks Corporation remains committed to helping Black and Latinx groups establish themselves in the business. Becoming a Household Name After receiving a call from Emmy Award-winning TV broadcast journalist, Diane Sawyer, national recognition was inevitable. “Diane Sawyer read an article about me. She recognized that we don’t have African American women talking about money, and she was my advocate at ABC.” Hobson’s 2009 hit show on ABC titled UN-BROKE: What You Need to Know About Money was an unconventional look at finance fundamentals—covering topics like credit cards, mortgages, stocks and bonds, investing, and 401(k)s in an informative and entertaining format. Hobson discussed money and economic trends on major television networks, radio programs, and media publications. “My greatest skill is communication. I can take complex ideas and make them understandable for everyone,” said Hobson. Breaking Barriers for People of Color To provide Chicago teens with high-quality, out-of-school programs, Hobson started the non-profit, After School Matters. She also launched Project Black, an Ariel Alternatives initiative focused on scaling sustainable, minority-owned businesses and closing the racial wealth gap. Hobson is also the first African American woman named Independent Director of JPMorgan Chase & Co., where she encourages a new class of Black and Latinx entrepreneurs with racial equity. In 2019, Hobson was named Ariel’s co-CEO, holding majority ownership at 39.5%. Co-CEO John Rogers has 34.1%, employees and board members share 21.8%, and outside investors have the remaining 4.6%. Most recently, Mellody Hobson made history again–this time in the world of sports. Hobson partnered with the ownership group, led by Walmart’s heir, Rob Walton, to purchase the NFL franchise, Denver Broncos, for a whopping $4.65 billion. While tennis royalty Venus and Serena Williams have held limited stakes in the NFL franchise Miami Dolphins, Hobson is the first Black woman of an original ownership group. From no financial education to sharing money management tips with the world, Mellody Hobson has earned every ounce of her success. She hopes people will read her story and think, If she can do it, so can I. Melody Hobson has a remarkable story, but she also has tremendous fortitude. When very few women of color existed in financial spaces, she was determined to provide financial literacy to Black and Latinx communities. Her relentless dedication to financial literacy, diversity, and equality raised her profile as one of the most influential people in the business.

Happiness isn’t having what you want. Happiness is wanting what you have. At different times in our lives, we have found ourselves not feeling fulfilled. Then we start to question WHY? Would I be happier if I made more money? Would I be happier if I lived somewhere else? Would I be happier if I finally lost those 15 pounds I’ve been obsessing over? The short answer is NO! While all of those things are what we think we “want,” they’re not the things that bring real, genuine and lasting happiness into our lives. But those “wants” are very easy for us to label. We can wrap our heads around something tangible, an end-goal or accomplishment that will transform our lives. These are simply short term “feels.” These are the Band-Aids in our lives. Think about it…if more money were the answer, how can wealthy people still be miserable? How is it possible for someone thin to be unhappy? Why isn’t everyone who lives in paradise (also known as Hawaii) blissfully happy? Your happiness is built from purpose, not perfection. Let me say that again. Your happiness is built out of purpose, not perfection. So find your purpose. Stop waiting for perfection. Oh, spoiler alert… perfection doesn’t exist. We’ve all been given talents and gifts, strengths and weaknesses. The sooner you recognize these things, the sooner you can start you path to becoming the Greatest Version of You. Your purpose in life is intertwined with your strengths. Happiness is found when your strengths, your purpose and your passion all collide. So stop working on your weaknesses. Your purpose isn’t found in deficiencies. You might be entertained for a while, even enjoy it at moments, but lasting happiness is only found in your purpose. You have greatness to offer the world. You can offer something that is unique to you, something that no one else can offer in exactly in the same way as you can. Focus on positivity. Fix your self-talk. Push down your fears. Stop focusing on every reason NOT to and start focusing on every reason TO pursue your dreams. You don’t need anyone’s permission to follow your purpose. All you need to do is want it. If you want it…I’ll give it to you. GO get it!!! Hi, I'm Becky Bursell. I'm a business coach, entrepreneur, and mother. My passion is helping people recognize greatness within themselves. I show others how to become the “Greatest Version of You” by pursuing personal development, generating multiple streams of income and cultivating leadership skills.

We don’t see the world as it is; we see the world as WE are. We see the world through the lens of how we see ourselves. Perspective is all about what you see versus what someone else sees. What we see as logical, others see as illogical. What we view as common sense, others see as absurd. How can this be? How can we be so right, and others be so wrong? We’re looking at the same pictures, talking about the same experiences and hearing the same speeches. So why do we have such opposing viewpoints? Below I’ll talk about gaining a proper perspective on life. Perspective is an accumulation of your personal experiences, surroundings, culture, religion, upbringing and the varying education we’ve all received through our lives. Our experiences skew our perspectives. Most of us see what we want to see because it justifies the design of our lives. We’ve already determined what we want our life to look like. In order to make that life puzzle work, we have to justify the pieces of our life so that they all fit together in our mind. I’ll give you an example. You’ve been dreaming of buying a new car. You want a convertible Mercedes more than anything in the world. You’ve worked tirelessly for years to be in a position to afford one and today is the day you get to drive it off the lot. It’s the best day of your life! The very next day, you notice 10 other people driving the same exact convertible Mercedes. Did everyone buy the same car you bought yesterday?? Or is it just so “in front of you” today that you notice it more than usual? Common sense tells us there wasn’t a massive spike in the sales of Mercedes yesterday. You’re just now more aware of these cars because of the lens that you see your world through. We tend to focus on things that are right in front of us, the things we CHOOSE to focus on which, in turn, skews our perspective. No one is immune. We all have our own lenses. Have you ever heard someone say, “You need to gain some perspective?” They are saying you need to broaden your view. You need to open your heart to other people’s point of view. Become more tolerant of the people around you. See things through someone else’s eyes, someone else’s experiences and someone else’s pain. Our world becomes very small if we don’t. Tolerance is a lost art form. Most of us are tolerant of the big things but can’t tolerate all the small annoyances in our lives. I’m talking about all the “pet peeves” in the world. By the way, my biggest pet peeve is when someone wants to talk about their never-ending list of pet peeves! How are some people annoyed by EVERYTHING??!! It sounds exhausting!! Usually, perspective comes in the form of a reality check. Someone close to me was diagnosed with cancer and I realized complaining about my joint pain is pathetic. A friend of mine is going through a painful divorce and I realize complaining about my husband not shaving his beard is petty. I lose a loved one and I realize all that time I spent on trying to be perfect instead of living life to the fullest is a monumental waste of time. Gaining perspective is so important!! Some people look at broadening their perspective as a negative thing. As if having more love, more empathy, more understanding, more forgiveness or more education is ever a bad thing. They seem to think that somehow a broader perspective makes you weak. They see it as a contagious disease. You just shouldn’t be around someone that thinks differently or lives differently then you because you might catch what they have. Or even worse, you might begin to question your own values, your own political views, your own beliefs, even the direction of your own life. They seem to think that if you question your own life, then you have lost. That’s ridiculous! If you’re not re-evaluating those things on a regular basis, if you’re not changing your stance and opinions, if you’re not evolving, you’re the most lost of everyone. Nothing stays the same and nothing is meant stay the same either. No one changes and nothing gets better if you’re always in a room full of people that agree with everything you say and do. Let’s get real!! It’s easier for us to surround ourselves with people that believe the same things we believe. Then we can tell ourselves we’re always right and other people are always wrong. What’s easier than that? Having perspective means you have to change; you have to grow. And, to most people, that doesn’t sound very fun or glamorous. It just sounds like a lot of work. In my experience, the most expensive thing you’ll ever own is a closed mind. It will cost you relationships, opportunities, enlightenment and ultimately happiness. Hi, I'm Becky Bursell. I'm a business coach, entrepreneur, and mother. My passion is helping people recognize greatness within themselves. I show others how to become the “Greatest Version of You” by pursuing personal development, generating multiple streams of income and cultivating leadership skills.

Since the onset of the pandemic, there's been a significant shift in the job markets, with the number of job layoffs skyrocketing. But as the entrepreneurial sector adapts a new face, entrepreneurship among Black women has experienced explosive growth. Black women are thriving not only in corporate America but also creating companies in large numbers. In fact, a study shows that between 2014 and 2022, Black women-owned businesses have increased by 50%. Another study by Harvard University shows that 17% of Black women in the United States of America have either created or led a business as compared to10% of White women. So, how are Black women in corporate America doing it? Are there resources other Black women can utilize to step out as an entrepreneur? The New Face of Entrepreneurship People have only started seeing Black women as enterprising just recently, but in truth, they have a long history of entrepreneurship. In the United States, women own over 12 million businesses; more than a third of those are owned by Black women. Consumer needs have shifted, and women have seized this opportunity to provide the new wave of services. Amid the pandemic, millions of workers in corporate America lost their jobs. Black people were even more affected by the job market losses and lower employment rates recovery than any other ethnic group. But this loss pushed Black women to push their boundaries and search for more creative solutions. In 2020 alone, more than 4 million business applications were filed. The general exhaustion from the pandemic and social injustices have allowed Black women to see unmet needs in the society they could fill. It’s safe to say, the pandemic was more of an inflection point for Black women, inspiring the majority to start businesses out of necessity or to retain control over their own lives. So, how are Black Women Doing it? Black women are the ideal prototype for grit. Most Black women in entrepreneurship use their savings or earnings from side jobs to fund their businesses. And it's not just the challenges that make Black women outstanding entrepreneurs. They integrate skills they've picked up along the way and innovative solutions to sustain their businesses. The best thing is that most of these businesses have low entry barriers and high growth potential. Most of these same women in business are also sole caregivers in their households. This has pushed many Black women to reassess the meaning of job security. Black women can now stand up for themselves and say; if I can do this for someone else, then I can also do it for myself. Therefore, Black women are choosing a different path and a lifestyle that feels more authentic. Black women have positioned themselves to play a crucial and visible role in the United States' economic future. It's admirable how women of color are striving to elevate their voices and careers to achieve social and economic equality.