Your business success is defined by the smile on your face

Last night, I saw a very moving television show about an American woman who weighed 600 pounds. Her name was Paula and to cope with child abuse, she ate. His belief was that if he gained weight, he would be untouchable. Eating also made Paula happy and reminded her of the good times in her life: being surrounded by family and friends and enjoying food together.

The show documented her uphill struggle to lose weight. Losing her husband to fat-related illnesses, she was determined to ‘stay alive’ for her children and get back in shape. He did, for the first year, underwent agonizing operations and literally stopped eating. It was hard, painful but he lost almost half his body weight.

Now what does this have to do with starting a business, I hear you ask? Well, not much on the surface, but when I started to think about it, I discovered that it has a lot. Anything from fighting weight gain to even starting a business

Paula talked throughout the movie and one of the things she talked about was being happy with yourself and with the goal you are aiming for. She needed to deal with the horrible things from her childhood before she could feel better and happier about losing weight. As soon as he did this, weight loss became easier.

Starting any long process in life, be it losing weight, starting a business, becoming your own boss, takes a lot of commitment and dedication. During the first six months, Paula’s weight went up and down. She found that she had gained weight on a few occasions during her regular appointments with her doctor. This would hit her, she would feel depressed, and she would start eating again. However, once she figured out why she was eating so much, the process became a piece of cake.

Starting a business is a leap. A leap of faith most of the time. It takes planning, confidence and strength. I heard a small business ad on the radio that said small businesses were brave, and I believe that. It takes a lot of inner strength.

So the idea for today is how sure are you of your goal? Do you have a head on your shoulders that says’ yes I’m going to do this and nothing will get in my way ‘(and you have to smile while saying that) or do you think,’ wait, this could go either way, I’m not sure what I am doing ..? ‘

The key to success in your life is how you feel inside. Think about the last time you felt happy, I mean very happy. Like you’re about to explode. Do you remember how that felt? Will any point in your business make you feel exactly that way again? Should. If not, do something to give you that feeling again.

No one accomplished anything without a smile. If you are not there as you read this. Do something that puts it there and your dreams will be closer than you think …