Navigate Challenges & Capitalize on Opportunities Like a Champion

How has your year been so far?
I sincerely hope you’ve had a year that far exceeded your dreams — and we’ve still got one more month to go!
I’ll admit, 2016 was the year I expected … and didn’t expect. That’s just about how every year goes if I take a moment to stop and think about it. I had a pile of challenges I didn’t expect (boo!) … and several opportunities I couldn’t have foreseen (yay!).
I had a list of books to write, and I got a couple of them written: The Divorced Phoenix, a few books in The Miracle Morning book series (these I expected: 1, 2, & 3, these I didn’t: 1, 2, & 3), and two of my own that were also a surprise: You Must Write a Book and The Nifty 15: Write Your Book in Just 15 Minutes a Day.
I learned a lot this year, and some of my lessons were squarely about how to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. When you can receive challenges and opportunities with the same steadiness, easiness, and grace, it’s a great day!
Allow me to share how I try to do just that:



If something isn’t a “Hell yes!” it’s a definite “NO!“ More than a few times, I’ve gone against my gut, and greatly regretted it. I’ve learned to take a moment to get quiet, do a gut check, and actually listen.





There’s always a way if I’m committed. Several times this year I had too much on my plate, and I knew it. I managed to push through, but almost burned out in the process. I learned to stay focused, set my intention, and keep going until I crossed the finish line. However, that leads me to number 3.





I learned the power of a nap. Naps are delightful, and sometimes a twenty-minute nap can lead to many more hours of focused productivity. Turns out, not only am I not the only one, I was actually late to the party!





I learned (again) opportunities are everywhere! Just keep looking and expecting something magical to happen, and it probably will. My belief: when something awful happens, I assume that the next thing to happen will be amazing. Something amazing happens? Then the next thing will be amazing (obviously).





It’s easy to capitalize on opportunities when you have a reserve … of energy, time, and capital. As you get ready for 2017, give yourself extra time to do everything (which lowers your stress level, and increases your energy level), take excellent care of yourself (get enough sleep, eat nourishing foods, stay hydrated), and save first, and spend with intention. You’ll love being able to pay cash for something great (or have extra cash on hand ICE – in the case of an emergency).



And last, but not least, I kept a streak going — of writing. I’ve written an average of more than 1000 words a day every day this year (even though there were lots of days I didn’t write one word). I have a daily appointment with myself at 6 am to write (except for Sunday mornings). Most days, I write more than that because it’s a habit. This habit kept me on track and ahead of my intended production schedule, even when that schedule changed.
What streak do you want to start (either now, or in early 2016) and turn into a habit? Or, what did you learn in 2016? Let me know in the comments below!

Have a fantastic December!

Cool things …


Are you ready to smash your goals for 2017? Listen to Hal Elrod and I talk about taking your goals from vision to reality.


Whatever You Focus on Expands {Huffington Post}


Having trouble focusing? Try this!


The coolest book I’ve discovered this year!


The Miracle Morning for Entrepreneurs  is a terrific resource for solopreneurs, too.


If you’ve tried meditating, but just can’t get into it, you’ll love The Muse headband.

 

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