7 Ways To Change Overwhelm Into Success by Cara Lumen

OK. I'm in overwhelm I admit it. I have so many exciting ideas and opportunities that I'm almost frozen in place. So I made up some criteria to guide me.

The bottom line is you have to stay close to the money. But you also have to maintain balance. Schedule your client appointments to suit you. Don't fit yourself in around their schedule. Set aside three days, pick the time slots that let you serve the number of clients you want. Allow time in your schedule to take a break and prepare for the next client. That's the foundation of your schedule. Once that's filled, check your income, your time, and your financial goals before you add another day of clients. Then only fill one more day at a time. With conscious scheduling you will earn the income you desire and have time for family, friends, personal pleasure and self care.

I keep Mondays' open to grow my business. Writing is one of my major core strategies because I love to do it and I'm good at it. So Mondays is about communication: my emagazine, blog, posting articles on line, adding posts to the Think Big Revolution, the Book Yourself Solid Network and FaceBook. It's also time to scope out my week and add projects and set specific goals to accomplish. Set aside one whole day to market and grow your business.

To network effectively you have to go hang out where your target market is. Michael Port's Think Big Revolution is a dynamite site that is drawing big thinkers with big projects. Time spent exploring and posting there is inspiring. My other favorite place is again a brain child of Michael's the Book Yourself Solid Network. As a BYS Certified Coach I'm always adding new information to enrich that membership site. These are both networking and credibility builders. For me it is time well spent. I do this on my Monday grow-my-business-day. Chose your unique networking venues and be a steady participant.

This is one of my favorites and the one I have to work hardest to keep in balance. I love to learn. But just how many emagazines do I want to read, how many teleseminars do I want to attend, how much formal training do I want to get? What about the books that are piling up to be read? There is a point when I am full up of information and can't hold a drop more. Set a goal to add one new insight or piece of knowledge a week. For me those often end up being passed forward in articles that I write and share with others.

I happen to love what I do, so being at my computer is just plain fun and it makes me happy. But balance is good and changing what I am doing most of the time would be beneficial. Longer walks with my dog? Calling a friend just to catch up? Reading a novel? Actually going somewhere? Schedule in some play time and mark it on your calendar if it will help make it happen.

What do you need to add to your life that allows you to simply move within and be still? Do you need to meditate, journal, read some inspiring poetry or an uplifting book? Do you need to drive to the ocean, or walk through a forest? Do you simply need to be more conscious and appreciative around those you love? Make time to nourish your inner self. Be certain that what you choose to do touches your heart.

I have recently discovered that my version of needing control is to map out a version of how it could work so that I can see at least one way to make it happen so I feel prepared. Then I let go and stay open to whatever shows up. I've learned that just because I have an exciting idea doesn't mean I'm the one that has to do it. So, make your list, create a schedule so you can see that you are choosing balance, then let it go and enjoy the organic flow. If it doesn't get done, OK. If something comes along that is much better to do, do it. Trust that every opportunity that comes along is accompanied by your ability to do it. Just keep choosing the things that you love to do and the people you love to do them with and you'll be scheduled for success!

Cara Lumen, MA, Your Idea Optimizer helps you turn your ideas into steady profit. As a business developer, content developer and educator, Cara helps you make money from what you already know. You can learn more about how to put your wisdom to work through her radio show www.blogtalkradio.com/passioantelyonpurpose and her Passionately On Purpose emagazine at www.caralumen.com