Having studied yoga philosophy for seven months and generally living what I’d like to call a mindful life, I know the power in  visualization.

Successful people don’t have something special that you don’t. They might do some things that are “special” or different than what you’re doing, however, there is nothing inherently more valuable or capable in her than in you. (there isn’t)

It’s all about the emphasis we put on certain practices, rituals and most definitely the super-size of focus, drive and level of  trust in yourself that will make or break you (our conditioning is a big one).

Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell discussed his theory around 10,000 hours in his book Outliers. He believes it takes 10,000 hours to become an expert in something. Well, first things first. He believes you CAN become an expert if you simply put in the time.

But There’s More To It

I agree and also add the pieces mentioned above about routines and practices we partake in to keep us moving forward in the right direction.

You must take care of yourself and tune in to create a success that feels good: Practice mindfulness. Practice rituals such as visualization to see and feel what you want…it will motivate you to keep going no matter how scary or big you think the goal or vision is, trust me.

Here’s a Great (easy & quick) Visualization to Practice Often

Visualize the project you’re working on…

• the book you’re writing

• the program you’re starting

• the baby you’re growing

• the business you’re about to start

Imagine your thing as the most beautiful version of itself: what they’ll look like/be like once they are finished. Envision the joy they’ll produce for yourself, yes, but for the people its meant to touch as well.

Envision it being “done” ~ birthed.

You did it.

How does that make you feel? See the reaction others will have. Envision the feeling of having put something out into the world you’ve wanted to put out for such a long time. Let that feeling grow inside you, really allow it to take up space.

Take it all in. Let it sit. Let it simmer.

Now let it go…

It’s not your business how exactly that success will come to you (many times it comes to us in a fashion we haven’t planned on) but it IS your business to continuing putting in the time, energy and positive mindset that it will come.

In my opinion, visualization is a version of meditation I like to call reflection. Reflecting on what we want is so important. I really do see it as a way to take care of ourselves. A way to take pause yet keep us moving emotionally in the direction of our largest lives.

And for any of you parents out there, enjoy an article I wrote about re-inventing ourselves-slash-following what we want in life: Michelle’s article on Being the Mother or Father of Your Re-Invention on the HappinessSeries.com.

Connect with Michelle on Facebook and Twitter.

We are the Mothers of our own re-invention…

I’m so inspired by this truth; by the power we hold, not only in business but in life, that this might just become a regular “column” on the blog and in my newsletter. I hope you’re down with that.

Speaking of, I hope you’re able to let loose and get down tomorrow night for New Year’s Eve. Part of re-inventing is allowing ourselves to experience that side of ourselves that recognizes how far we’ve come…that sees the opportunity to celebrate the changes and successes we’ve put allowed in…and created.

As women we are creators, that goes without being said.

What we must remember as we continue moving forward towards our best life, however, is to allow this to happen: to see that and seize the opportunity to pat ourselves on the back and see that it was us, not anyone else, who made it happen.

Many times, we attribute our success to others…someone helped us. Or, maybe there’s even an element of luck that we describe when in reality it was us. I believe in order to create more of the same…to continue being successful we must see the brilliance and strength we have, and, even be able to talk about it. To be able to say “I’m so proud of what I’ve accomplished” and not shrink, even the tiniest amount, to make others feel more comfortable.

When we begin to genuinely accept our greatness, we change the way our world sees success. (bye-bye glass ceiling)

With this practice also comes the responsibility, of course, to tell our daughters to also believe they got the A and that they are able to sit at the table:

Sheryl Sandberg, Ted Talk, on Why we have too few women leaders.

Connect with Michelle on Facebook and Twitter.

Are we ever…the Mothers of our own re-invention.

As Mothers and generally as women, we are inherently creative. To that end, we are not only powerful enough to create and birth life but birth our own re-inventions, sometimes over and over and over again.

Think back on your life…you've done that.

We are so much more powerful than we give ourselves credit for. And it's this power that grows exponentially when we feel supported and receive as much as we give.

I feel strongly about asking for what we need and want. How else do we move forward? We can do a lot but we can't do it all ourselves. As with many of us, however, I learned to ask for what I need, in business / life through a process of discovery (trips/falls/bumps/bruises).

We must ask for what we want in order to continue moving forward toward the highest version of ourselves.

Think of what's burning in you to create, change or birth? What is the highest version of your business and why haven't you done it yet?

What could you ask for that would allow you to step into that vision gracefully?

Everything else is already inside of you.

It's our birthright to be fully-expressed, to create and re-invent ourselves to increase our happiness.

If you need support, seize it. There are loads of coaches and support out there.

If what's holding you back is confidence or a wall of fear…jump. (the only remedy I've found for jump-starting this re-invention process!). I wouldn't have gotten much done up to this point without jumping (no net).

In the writing of the how to be a Walking Momtra™ book, this theme comes up again and again. I believe this 'failure en route' to goals is an empowering theme to also be sharing with our little ones. It's empowering in its realism.

Tips for re-invention:

• Jump

• Get support

• Realize "failure en-route to your goals" is realistic and only makes you stronger for when you finally get there.

• And, as I always say, start today. Whether it's a micro-movement (a call or email to get a ball rolling), do it. Put yourself in the game.

Your happiness awaits on the other side.

________________________________________________________________________________

This illustration I created with the help of an illustrator commemorates the reverence I have for change and re-invention. In ten years of business, I've lived in six different cities and three different countries. I've started a business, grown that business, changed the business, had a baby overseas, started anew many times after that, began writing a book and generally have put myself out there in more ways than I sometimes give myself credit for.

Life is good.

Connect with Michelle on Facebook and Twitter.

Download the Business Yoga™ MP3 with comedian Cory Tyler on the home page

I interviewed a few very successful entrepreneurs last month. I asked them how (and if) they practiced “Business Yoga™”? I’ll tell you about two of them here.

Jen Sincero, best-selling author and fantabulous writing coach I’m working with on the how to be a Walking Momtra™ book said that she practices business yoga all the time in her business…

“I use business yoga™ constantly in my work, especially the breathing.  When working with clients and feeling into what would be best for them, it’s often helpful to shut down the intellect and breath into it – I do it myself as well as encourage them to do it.  It’s led to incredible insights and results.” (to check out Jen’s awesome and inspiring blog, check out Jen Sincero).

I agree with Jen and do believe shutting down the intellect is so important. As business owners, parents, friends etc intellectualizing can truly get in the way of what is the right way/path/decision for us.

How could you tune in best to your vision for your best life? If it’s not breathing as Jen shares above, how or what could you do more of and inch closer to what feels totally right for you?

Gina DeVee, seven-figure success coach and my mentor, had this to say about Business Yoga™: “To me, Business yoga™ is making sure that I am doing what I am passionate about, not just what I CAN do.” (sing it again, sister! To check out more of Gina’s awesomeness, visit Gina DeVee)

In short, as shown in these two responses, Business Yoga™ is about feeding our internal health and wealth so we are more able to then grow our outer, entrepreneurial wealth. We can have both and these two ladies are just two examples of the possibility.

And that’s what we’re about at MGI, helping you create a more attractive, productive and thriving business so you can have a more attractive, productive and thriving life.

Life is good.

Connect with Michelle on Facebook and Twitter.