Archive for the ‘Life Purpose’ Category

How much effort is just enough? That is the question we are examining today in the second installment of our series, Finding the Zen in 2010. I love the definition in the Urban Dictionary for zen: “a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind. Zen is a way of being. It is also a state of mind. Zen involves dropping illusion and seeing things without distortion created by your own thoughts.”

We in the West have been taught that working harder and continually seeking more, more, more, is the standard to strive for. Working harder, we are told, will yield more and more results. But as Price Pritchett wisely points out in You2, “Sooner or later you’re going to reach the point where you can’t try any harder…Sometimes, in fact, intensifying your efforts produces nothing except bigger problems.”
If this sounds familiar, then what is the alternative? Surely we are not to simply sit back and wait for life to bring us what we want on a silver platter? No, that too is an extreme.

Zen offers us a third way, that of “right effort.” Here is what Suzuki says in our text for this series, Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind:

“[J]ust to do something without any particular effort is enough. When you make some special effort to achieve something, some excessive quality, some extra element is involved in it…So you should get rid of that something which is extra…So try not to see something in particular; try not to achieve anything special. You already have everything in your own pure quality. If you understand this ultimate fact, there is no fear.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marcia Bench is a Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach for conscious entrepreneurs in service-, information- and professional businesses. She is the CEO of Purposeful Entrepreneur.com, as well as the Founder/Director of Career Coach Institute and other coach training companies, with more than 23 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has authored 23 books including The Tao of Entrepreneurship and has given hundreds of live and teleclass presentations.
Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

“Blessing” 

by Marcia Bench

Now is the time,
It can wait no longer.
Share your true message
As it’s growing stronger.

The earth is awakening
Its time has come
So contribute your blessing
And say “it is done.”

Your gifts are unique
And they’re needed right now.
Be clear on your vision
And don’t worry about “how.”

As millions wake up
They’re beginning to see
But they need your input
To interpret and “be.”

So rest in your spirit
Tune into your heart,
Your part is important
And it’s time to start.

Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

Many entrepreneurs and coaches struggle today because they are so mired in “administrivia” that they can’t do the work they came to do. And as I’m fond of saying, the worst of both worlds is to “own a job” – where you can’t leave and you can’t fire yourself – instead of owning a business, and running it like one.

Three spiritual success principles will help you make this critical shift:

1. Recognize and step into the “New Time.”

Time as we have known it is changing. No longer is it a linear, set, solid perception shared by all. In fact, you have no doubt experienced some moments that were longer than others (waiting at the dentist for example?) and others that seemed to go by in the blink of an eye (sitting in a transformational seminar or reading a great book are examples). Time is becoming more elastic, more malleable, and more subject to our direction.

So if you find yourself sitting in your office and the day is dragging, send an intention that the time will speed up and that you will become more productive and work at a higher vibration. You can have that result instantly!

Also pay attention to the cycles and rhythms of your life. The Industrial Age is over, but our “Industrial Age Approach” to time has not fully dissolved. You are not designed to be a machine, punching keys all day on email or the internet or writing documents (even if writing is your profession!). You are designed to be an organism – or what Wayne Dyer calls an “enviro-organism” – and you constantly interact with your environment and the tasks you do. Begin to notice when you feel “stale” and take breaks throughout the day. Consciously seek activities that refresh and renew you – and balance those with any you are still doing (and in the process of letting go hopefully…) that drain you or feel difficult.

2. Take extraordinary care of yourself and gauge your Energy Thermometer.

You “know” that you need to engage in Extraordinary Self-Care, right? It is no longer a luxury to do so; it is a requirement for those of us who are Light Workers, leaders, healers, teachers and coaches in the New Era of Entrepreneurship.

I am practicing what I preach as I prepare for my 3-day live event this weekend: I am arriving two nights early, to give myself a day beforehand to rest, to settle into the venue, and to calm my mind and align my body. I have had my assistant schedule a massage before and after the event. And I am planning a renewing setting for each of the breaks I will take to keep my energy up throughout the event.

On a daily basis, you can ask yourself, what is my Energy Thermometer reading now? Are you a 10 – fully alive and engaged – or a 5 – neutral, on a downward spiral – or 0 to 1, completely drained and needing to go to bed? Awareness is the first step in change…and if you can begin to notice the energy lag starting – or that mental fuzziness as I experience it that means I have been too long in front of a screen (read: computer) – then you can renew yourself with a walk, a soothing drink, talk to a friend, meditate, sing, dance, or whatever revitalizes you.

3. Know that all the people and resources you need are available the moment you have the desire for them.

Finally, notice when you unconsciously “assume” that even though you want something – more mon_ey, a new car, a prettier office, new clothes, or more peace of mind – that you cannot have it. This insidious belief can cause us to settle for a life that we never really chose – we are acting on beliefs and thoughts of a prior generation, externally programmed, and never consciously adopted as our own.

It is a spiritual principle that no desire can be felt unless the way for it to manifest (read: resources, money, people) is also there. What if you did something radical and assumed you COULD have what you want, and now? Just engaging in that thought pattern, with an emotional commitment and anticipation, will bring it to you more quickly. You are not intended to go without; the Universe longs to give you the desires of your heart. But you must first ask, and expect them to come to you.

This week’s article articulates the final step in our 7-step Conscious Cash Creation Roadmap, which we are sharing at the Evolve Intensive (see past 6 weeks’ issues for the rest). To learn more about the New Era of Entrepreneurship and how you can align your business with it, click here to read the details about the Evolve Transformational Telesummit Nov. 30-Dec. 4 and get your preferred registration rate today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marcia Bench is a Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach for conscious entrepreneurs in service-, information- and professional businesses. She is the CEO of Purposeful Entrepreneur.com, as well as the Founder/Director of Career Coach Institute and other coach training companies, with more than 23 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has authored 23 books including The Tao of Entrepreneurship and has given hundreds of live and teleclass presentations.

Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include the following with it:  “Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach Marcia Bench publishes the widely circulated ‘Purposeful Entrepreneur Times’ ezine biweekly to over 5,500 subscribers.  If you’re ready to start or grow a profitable business based on your life purpose and passion, get your F_REE tips now at www.purposefulentrepreneur.com“

Are you doing things in your business that others could do faster, better or more cost effectively? But not sure how you can afford to hire help?

If there is one key that has helped me grow my businesses quickly, it is getting help from the beginning. When I founded Career Coach Institute nearly 9 years ago, I had my first VA (virtual assistant) within the first few months. She started out at about 10 hours a week, and quickly expanded her role from there! Even though I didn’t have lots of extra money, the VA immediately paid for herself as she freed me to do the higher level tasks that could advance the business.

And it’s important not to bring on just anyone as your staff. They should be screened not just for skills, but for attitude, commitment, and their ability to take things off your desk (vs. simply taking orders or directives and doing only what they are told). Alex Mandossian calls these gems “drivers” – and they are indeed a rare find!

To find contract staff for your business, consider E-lance, Craigslist, or your local classified ads – or referrals from other coaches who are happy with the staff they have. Companies such as Assist U train and certify virtual assistants – and a newer company, onlinebusinessmanager.com, also trains and certifies Online Business Managers too. Think about the level of the staff person you want, whether you want a company that already has subcontractors they can farm work out to that is at various levels, or whether you want to assemble and manage your own staff.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to staff – but are you ready to let yourself be supported in this way? As John Assaraf so often says, “Hire people who play at things you have to work at.”

To experience the power of Conscious Creation in the company of other committed coaches and the author, as well as learning the 6 other critical aspects of the Evolving Entrepreneur’s Conscious Cash Creation Roadmap, click here to read the details about the Evolve Live Intensive Nov. 12-14 and get your preferred registration rate today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marcia Bench is a Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach for conscious entrepreneurs in service-, information- and professional businesses. She is the CEO of Purposeful Entrepreneur.com, as well as the Founder/Director of Career Coach Institute and other coach training companies, with more than 23 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has authored 23 books including The Tao of Entrepreneurship and has given hundreds of live and teleclass presentations.

Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include the following with it:  “Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach Marcia Bench publishes the widely circulated ‘Purposeful Entrepreneur Times’ ezine biweekly to over 5,500 subscribers.  If you’re ready to start or grow a profitable business based on your life purpose and passion, get your F_REE tips now at www.purposefulentrepreneur.com“

Have you tried to use the Law of Attraction and found it didn’t work for you?

Many people have…because though it is part of a principle that does work, most people try to use it while maintaining their existing way of thinking and being – and it just doesn’t work.

I have found 4 principles to be key in magnetizing our desired results more quickly, as irresistibly as the metal shavings to the magnet:

1. Release the brakes by clearing the unseen obstacles and resistance to what you want.

Many of us unintentionally are resisting the very thing we want because we know it will change our life, our relationships, how we approach our money and staffing, etc. Working with a coach or mentor or energy worker to first identify and then clear these blocks is a monumental first step to bringing what we want into our lives. Just releasing attachment to a specific result can create the space to allow it in!

2. Tap into your own higher wisdom.

Each of us has direct access to an inner Source of wisdom, inspiration and creativity – but too many people ignore that internal source and instead search among various gurus, books, programs and the like for their answer. When I work with clients, I help them tap more directly and completely into their own intuition and answers – so that the success they create is uniquely yours and harmonizes throughout their being.

3. Commit to making a quantum leap.

Quantum physics has much to teach us about personal change. Contrary to our cultural programming, it need not take years to accumulate wealth, or to build your business to profitability. Whatever it is you deeply desire is already available to you, right now.

In You2, Price Pritchett says this:

“You can move from your present level of achievement to one that is several stages higher – directly. You make the quantum leap…Instead of accepting present circumstances or being content with gradual improvement, you go for a breakthrough…The concept is one of exponential gains rather than incremental progress…quantum leaps can come without apparent effort…But the breakthrough demands a radical departure from some of your habits.”

Yes, it takes a shift in mindset – but what a great reward to move exponentially forward and get instant results, without “apparent” effort – just by making a few needed adjustments.

4. Exercise proactive gratitude.

Gratitude is not something to use after you receive a blessing or something you had asked for – it is to be used constantly as a tool to create a higher vibration within and around you so that you can magnetize more of what you desire to you. What can you choose to be grateful right now (that you might have been taking for granted)?

To experience the power of Conscious Creation in the company of other committed coaches and the author, as well as learning the 6 other critical aspects of the Evolving Entrepreneur’s Conscious Cash Creation Roadmap, click here to read the details about the Evolve Live Intensive Nov. 12-14 and get your preferred registration rate (registration goes up to $1997 November 1!).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marcia Bench is a Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach for conscious entrepreneurs in service-, information- and professional businesses. She is the CEO of Purposeful Entrepreneur.com, as well as the Founder/Director of Career Coach Institute and other coach training companies, with more than 23 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has authored 23 books including The Tao of Entrepreneurship and has given hundreds of live and teleclass presentations.

Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include the following with it:  “Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach Marcia Bench publishes the widely circulated ‘Purposeful Entrepreneur Times’ ezine biweekly to over 5,500 subscribers.  If you’re ready to start or grow a profitable business based on your life purpose and passion, get your F_REE tips now at www.purposefulentrepreneur.com“

What is the purpose of your business?

If you said “to help people” or “to change the world” or “to express my life’s purpose,” you’re partly right! But in fact, the purpose of your work overall is those things; the purpose of your business is to make a profit. Otherwise, what you have is a hobby you enjoy – but not a profitable enterprise (the definition of business).

Too many spiritually-minded coaches have been taught by the mass consciousness that you can’t be spiritual and be wealthy too. With the birth of the Entrepreneurial Renaissance, however, the principles of spirituality and wealth are increasingly blending. Doesn’t it set a better example for your clients, workshop attendees and product purchasers to see you prospering, enjoying your life, expansively giving to causes you believe in, and living comfortably – instead of struggling?

The times we are experiencing – especially this year – are requiring that we get real – and stop fooling ourselves that overspending and hoping someone will come and rescue us from our own excesses (regardless of that is in overeating, overspending or overleveraging our resources). Prince Charming isn’t coming! <G>

But true wealth is not measured just by the amount of reve_nue your business generates or the number of clients you are working with – let alone the size of home you have or the care you drive. Spiritual Wealth consists of living the life you love, that is perfect for you – not the life someone else told you was the ideal. Do you know what that is for you?

Maybe it means you have more time with your children, or time and money to have a spa day every couple of weeks. Or perhaps your Spiritual Wealth means having enough disposable in_cone to splurge on a new outfit once in a while, but also give to the charities of your choice and maintain your health through a gym membership.

Rather than giving you the “4 principles of attracting mon_ey now,” I’d like to challenge you to think about what your true wealth is – tapping into your voice, not what you have been told or taught or what is working for someone else. Then, the plan to create it becomes easy.

I wish you wealth!

To learn more, find out about this and 6 other critical aspects of the Evolving Entrepreneur that you will experience personally at EVOLVE Intensive and the EVOLVE Transformational Telesummit this November: just click here for details and to get your preferred registration rate.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Marcia Bench is a Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach for conscious entrepreneurs in service-, information- and professional businesses. She is the CEO of Purposeful Entrepreneur.com, as well as the Founder/Director of Career Coach Institute and other coach training companies, with more than 23 years of experience in coaching and consulting. She has authored 23 books including The Tao of Entrepreneurship and has given hundreds of live and teleclass presentations.

Copyright © 2009 Marcia Bench; All Rights Reserved

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR EZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include the following with it:  “Spiritual Business Strategist and Coach Marcia Bench publishes the widely circulated ‘Purposeful Entrepreneur Times’ ezine biweekly to over 5,500 subscribers.  If you’re ready to start or grow a profitable business based on your life purpose and passion, get your F_REE tips now at www.purposefulentrepreneur.com“

As you read this, I am meeting with the first of two or our coaching groups in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida – great time to come south and enjoy some nice weather while we do our transformational work.

I’m learning to listen at a much deeper level to Spirit as it is guiding my work – through sometimes painful experiences, as well as that still small voice when I take the time to be quiet. And I’m also paying attention to YOU, and what you are telling us you want and need.

Have You Heard? EVOLVE is Going VIRTUAL!!

We have a VERY exciting announcement for you! Knowing it is a stretch for many of you to invest heavily in your education at this time, or to travel to do so, we have decided to proceed with our EVOLVE event as a live intensive Nov. 12-14, but we are also going to offer a 5-day Virtual Transformational Telesummit Nov. 30-Dec. 4 for all of you that want this critical information and insight, but can’t attend live! (Those who attend the live intensive will receive complimentary access to the telesummit too though!)

We will have details to you by Monday of next week including an initial schedule of speakers – but what a value this will be! For a fraction of the price, you will receive access to 10 great speakers, including yours truly, on the topics of spirituality and business and the new consciousness!

Be sure you watch your email, details coming soon.

Click here to get ALL the details on the live intensive now and reserve one of the remaining spots!

“Connect With Your Soul-Matched Customers or Clients”

You know that you need to niche your business…but did you know that there is a population of clients or customers that were matched to you since before you even knew you were going to do this business, just waiting for your services? Find out how to connect with them in this week’s article.

Wishing you the life of your dreams,

 Marcia Bench, Spiritual Business Strategist for Purposeful Entrepreneurs

 What do you truly LOVE? I have been asking people that on the phone lately, and it amazes me to see how tough a time they have answering it! If you don’t LOVE what you do for a living – and the lifestyle that it brings you – then it will be very difficult if not impossible to enroll new clients to work with you!

Increasingly, people buy your story, your experiences, and your authenticity. If they sense that you can relate to the struggles and challenges they are facing, have discovered an answer and can help them find an answer through working with you, they’re sold! Without that, you become a commodity, “just another coach” selling your wares, with nothing unique to distinguish you.

The times we are in are calling us to step up, to be real, and to connect deeply with our clients, customers, staff, and friends and family. Nothing less will do. I’m taking some time before leaving for the first of several trips on the road next week to connect with myself, to share my authentic experience – versus how it is “supposed” to be – and to tell my stories of my own life experience in my daily interactions (work and leisure). I would encourage you to do so too, because until we get real with ourselves, we won’t attract the authenticity, love, and growth that we are seeking.

Want My Secret, “Behind the Scenes” Conscious Cash Creation Roadmap for YOUR Business, Including Templates, Plans And Checklists?

The secret to success is not what you DO, but who you ARE – and how well you blend the power of your mind, spiritual principles and the laws of manifesting and magnetizing. I’ll reveal to you exactly how I have created 6-figure success, not once but several times.. If you haven’t reserved your ticket yet I suggest you hurry. Reason is, we’re now OVER *30% SOLD OUT* and we’re keeping this event intimate so you get the high-content step by step training, coaching and Q&A with me that you’ve been asking for. If you want to blend spirituality with business so you can live a joyful, abundant, soul-rich life, then you must be with people that can help you do just that!

Click here to get ALL the details, including the exact templates, plans and checklists I’m including – 3 payment plan expires October 15!

“Awaken Your Genius Within: 7 Steps to Creating Your ‘Spiritual Signature System’”

Have you wondered what the number one secret to getting your message out to your audience is. Of course, there are many…but I realized recently that there is something I have done naturally for years, that has helped me build a mid-6-figure business that is sustainable…but that many people don’t know about. Find out in today’s article!

Wishing you the life of your dreams, 

Marcia Bench
Spiritual Busiess Strategist for Purposeful Entrepreneurs

You are unique among business owners today. You came to earth with a mission, a purpose, something BIG that you are to accomplish. And your path to do so is through entrepreneurship – starting, growing, and facing the challenges of being the owner of your own business.

Stephen Covey, in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, advised us to “begin with the end in mind.” Your Conscious Calling is the way you do that in your business. You identify your calling first, then you design your business and daily activities to follow your Divine guidance and fulfill your calling.

To be “conscious” is to “have an awareness of one’s environment and one’s own existence, sensations, and thoughts,” according to the dictionary. The way we are using it here, it is having an awareness not just of your physical environment and thoughts, but your spiritual one as well! In the case of the evolving entrepreneur, that means you are growing your working vocabulary and knowledge of your spiritual body, the messages you get from your emotions, the connection between physical sensations – even illness – and your thoughts and beliefs, and the power of your mind (your mental body) to influence your experience.

A “calling” is “a strong urge to follow a particular profession or occupation, esp. a caring one.” So to have a “Conscious Calling” means you are drawn to a type of work that engages your consciousness at the four levels of spirit, body, mind and emotions, and that the activities you engage in are caring and are something you feel drawn to from deep within your heart and soul.

Are you living that calling now?

Here are 3 sets questions to ask to clarify and apply your Conscious Calling in your life and business now:

1. Awareness: What am I feeling and thinking right now? Am I aware of my physical sensations?

2. Inspiration: What is God/The Universe/my Higher Power seeking to communicate to me now? What would He/She/It like to express through me?

3. Service: How can I serve – and whom can I serve – today, in my business and in my daily interactions, to carry out my Conscious Calling?

To learn more, find out about this and 6 other critical aspects of the Evolving Entrepreneur that you will experience personally at EVOLVE this November: just click here for details and to get your preferred registration rate.