I’m so inspired to talk about this on my show this week.  And here’s why…

What tipped the scale was a comment one of my followers made in an email to me.  Before that she sent this email, she had mentioned that nothing free ever shows up for people like her who can’t afford to invest in growing her business.  Phew, see the beliefs in there already!?…

• Nothing free ever shows up (well we know that’s not true as we’re constantly being offered free teleclasses, e-books and reports)
• People like her who can’t afford to invest … (there is a belief that will constantly show up to be true, so it will prevent her from attracting money towards her)
• That she needs money to grow her business (again not true – there are so many resources available. Of course at some point we DO want to invest, but it doesn’t have to stop us growing with other free or low cost resources)

So those were just some that showed up in the initial interaction.

Then the following email was about a prize I offered on my show – a full scholarship to the upcoming Visibility Mastery program. One of the caveats on my show for participating in this special draw, was that the participant had to be willing to doing the work in this program and show up fully committed.  That’s all.   In response to the opportunity the same dear individual, sent me an email, saying the opportunity was wonderful, but she didn’t know that she could.  Here are more beliefs that showed up:

• That her illness might get in her way.  (sure, this is a possibility – and what you focus on expands, and it might not! do the best you can)
• She won’t be able to grow her visibility because she won’t have money to buy the tools to create visibility (whew – again the money belief there, and the belief that you need money to become visible!)
• She also said ‘I don’t want to take the place of someone else’  – so a belief about not being worthy enough…

So ultimately with these beliefs and unsupportive thought supporting these beliefs she shut herself off from being open to the wonderful opportunity that come her way, and ultimately lost the opportunity because of it.

See that!  If we don’t believe in ourselves, how can we expect others to?

One thing she was clear on and so was I, was that she wasn’t committed to her own growth as well as that of her business.  Not that she was consciously aware of this.  I know she is committed to her vision, and her passion – but her beliefs were running her.  See that?

So I am passionate about supporting you and myself and everyone out there doing great work helping others to really look hard and deep, because ultimately you’re probably getting in the way of going for your vision, living your passion and doing great work!  We all do, all the time! The question is ‘are we willing to keep doing the work?’

For an in depth radio show on this topic join me on Wednesday at 3pm ET 2nd March                                                                         Call in on 347-945 6963 to listen or through the web on http://blogtalkradio.com/keystoclarity

If you would like to submit questions or share beliefs you’re struggling with, send them to info@keystoclarity.com and I’ll address them on the show.

And if you have any comments on this post, I would love to hear them. Its always to so great to get your insights and feedback.

Louise x

PS  Let’s choose to love our limiting beliefs – they’re a gift to keep tuning into what’s most important to us, to keep us growing and awakening.  And their also our little sentries, trying to protect us.  Have compassion and love for them and for you.  Love leads to releasing.

When we’re conscious of being fearful about something, we can choose to do something about it. If not then the opposite is true. I believe that’s a universal truth for all of us. Whether we choose to work through a fear that’s apparent to us, is our choice. Sometimes as human beings we’ll live in that comfortable space of denial; some of us will be aware of our fears and hang out with it – perhaps putting some avoidance behaviors in place; and some will tackle their fears head on.

Feel stuck? Like climbing a mountain?...

I can happily say that I have dealt with some huge fears eg. the fear of public speaking! Some of you might relate to that. What I realized was that I had an intrinsic desire to be in the spotlight (probably the Leo in me), I knew speaking was a powerful way to grow my business, and also knew in my heart that I would reach many more people who needed my support in growing their soul-driven businesses by speaking on bigger stages. I took a leap! I made a commitment to give a workshop 3 months out, so it didn’t feel so scary and I knew I would deal with whatever came up later. Oooh boy, did stuff come up! In the week before the talk, I had a visceral reaction to my fear. Real fight or flight symptoms. I felt sick, couldn’t eat, everything passed through me like water (too much information?), couldn’t sleep – I was a wreck. Funnily, it didn’t ever occur to me to try to cancel or get out of it in some way. I was in for the long haul – probably my deep desire to resolve this fear and use this powerful tool! Happily I can share with you that after some hypnotherapy and EFT, I was able to give my first talk to 20 people for a whole hour, and really ENJOY the experience. Now 4 years later I’m talking on International stages, and have a successful speaking career as part of my coaching and mentoring business supporting soulopreneurs like you!

I recognize that there are some other deep-seated and perhaps irrational fears that lurk, that I could choose to deal with, but they don’t feel like they’re getting in my way of generally living the life I desire, and I can choose to deal with them at some point when I’m ready. I also know that there are other fears in there that need attention that ARE getting in my way. They have become obstacles to me moving forward in my business, and I’m becoming aware of how they’re stopping me. Fortunately I’m recognizing them by noticing how I’m not getting on with certain programs and projects that have been on the calendar. And I am asking myself why that is. What I’ve realized is that there is some fear stopping me, and some limiting beliefs I’ve created that are acting as roadblocks. AND I’m choosing to deal with them proactively.

It’s interesting because I sense that many of us think that our fears or limiting beliefs are only created when we’re much younger. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We’re constantly judging, assessing and observing our experiences and when they don’t feel good we make unconscious decisions about those experiences. Of course some of these are deep-seated from childhood, but it is important to be aware that it’s not always the case!

It’s not always possible to deal with our fears or limiting beliefs on our own, in fact, it’s actually unlikely. We also don’t always recognize when we have them. We most often just notice when certain situations feel yucky, or when we avoid certain situations, or when we feel stuck or blocked and don’t know what to do to move forward with a sense of flow again. I am grateful for the fabulous tools and processes I use (with the help of a facilitator) that help me move beyond these fears and beliefs. I am also so excited to be working with a coach/mentor this year who will be helping me get out of my own way by helping me to identify and shine the light on fears or beliefs that I’m not even aware of, so I can move forward in leaps and bounds in my business! Woohoo! Look out for exciting things happening on the KeystoClarity front in 2011!

The question, now is what are you willing to do for yourself and the success of your business this year? How are you going to get out of your own way? And do you think you can do it on your own? If you do, I can assure you it’s most likely going to be a slow road full of struggle to take you to where you’re going. I’m not pulling any punches here. I know from personal experience that we can’t do it on our own – not if we want success easily and with relative speed.

Part of my job as a great business coach is not just to guide and mentor you with exciting tools and resources (which of course I do) but also to help shine the light on those fears and beliefs that are getting in the way of moving you forward. And I’m blessed to have a toolbox of skills that can move you through those fairly quickly, once we’ve identified them. I often have clients share how they had never realized how something was showing up and constantly getting in their way – and they would most likely never have discovered it on their own.

If you’re ready to take that step of being truly committed to your purpose, your mission, your passion, then I invite you to consider working with a coach, to allow the results you’re going for to happen in a powerful way, and help you overcome some of those conscious and unconscious obstacles! And if you would like to explore working with me, I would welcome you to send a message to me through the contact page. I’m going to take 15 consultations in the next couple of weeks to fill an unexpected opening of time in my coaching practice, and I would love you to be one of them. The consultation is complimentary, and we’ll take a little time exploring what’s going well in your practice, what the challenges are, and explore whether working together is a good fit. There is never any obligation, just a wonderful and inspiring conversation. Remember if you want to be one of the 15, get your request in as quick as you can.

In the meanwhile if you’re in cold climes like I am, stay warm and safe! And if you’re not, well the green-eyed monster might make an appearance if I don’t finish quickly! This post was inspired due to a big power-outage tonight due to an ice storm! A silver-lining to every cloud you might say, as it created the space for to devote my time to you.

I had a fabulous experience this last week, where an organization called The Journey (that is very close to my heart) put on a series of 8 calls called The Journey Cleanse Calls 2011 (free to listen to the recordings) and culminated in an all day in-person workshop yesterday called D-Day …Decision Day.  What an amazing way to start the New Year.  The reason why I’m sharing this with you, is because I realized that we need to do more than planning and goalsetting.  There is actually something you want to do before you get into the nuts and bolts of what lies before you.  It’s like laying the foundations of a house, or growing the roots of a solid tree – those things need to be in place in order to have a sturdy house or a healthy tree that stays in place in  heavy winds and gets the nutrients it needs.  It’s the same for us!

So what is it, I should be doing you might ask?  Its about getting clear of all the old beliefs and vows we’ve made that are getting in the way of our success.  You might at this point not know what those beliefs are that are holding you back, or even think that nothing is holding you back – well, you might be surprised…

I had a breakthrough yesterday on a belief that I didn’t even realize was holding me back. I am one of those people that just goes ahead and does it anyway, so it didn’t feel like there was anything there getting in my way.  I realized that I had a hidden belief of ‘not being capable’ that was attached to a memory from my childhood, that in effect was cancelling out the energy of all the big things I was doing and getting in the way of great success.  This sometimes manifested with a feeling stuckness or wading through mud.  NOW I know I can claim ‘the power and capable-ness’ of my new belief that I got to create during the workshop.  Whew! what power that gave me – the clarity of my year, the momentum I could feel being generated, the success of all I was doing  in 2011 was immediately apparent in a way I had not felt before.  So the realization that I was getting in my own way was huge.

So I want to put this to you….

• What belief do you have around money, success, the economy, your abilities, your worthiness or deservedness, that might be lurking under the surface?
• What vow have you made that might not be serving you any more?  (when I was younger I made a vow never to be the center of attention in front of an audience again – lol look at me now!)
• What is constantly getting in your way?
• What is a common challenge that keeps arising?
• What mindset do you know intrinsically is not helping you?  (what is the belief underneath that…)

These are all questions that might give you some insight into a belief that is lurking under the surface that’s not helping or supporting you or your cause.  It might even be something obvious!

So now you’ve identified the belief.  Ready to change it?

Create a quiet space, close your eyes- get really still, and ask yourself if you have a memory attached to that belief.  Just let whatever appears, just surface in your mind.

Now invite all those in that memory gather round an imaginary campfire – one that offers safety and understanding.   Tell the people at the campfire that this belief is no longer serving you. (feel free to tell them why)  Then tell them what your new and supportive belief is to replace the old unsupportive belief. (repeat this belief to yourself a few times out loud to embed it in your mind and body).

Now forgive those at the campfire for contributing to the formation of the old belief. Forgive the universe/God for it being part of your existence. And finally allow forgiveness for yourself for holding onto that belief.

Then let your higher self give you sage advice or a message if  there is one to be given.

Now imagine….

What life is like with this new belief in place a day from now…

What  life is  like a week from now with this new belief …..

What  life is like a month from now….

And 6 months from now….

And now come back to the present.

Gosh I would love to know how you are feeling right now! Let me know in the comments if you have something you’d like to share…

I know clearing out like this, creates a beautiful foundation for the work on planning and goal-setting. The slate really is clean to start afresh and create the momentum for yourself this year in a powerful way.

So whatever your new belief is, I wish you a fabulous and prosperous 2011.

Louise x

PS One of my intentions for 2011 is to write a post once a week. If you see that I’m not fulfilling that expectation I’ve now set, give me BIG nudge!   I hope you enjoy all my sharing to come. And let me know what your thoughts are by commenting below.

PPS If you’re ready to create momentum in your business this year, and don’t want to ‘struggle’ and do it in isolation, then feel free to contact me for a complimentary ‘take the temperature of your business’ consultation, and let’s see what’s possible in your business and for you – whether you’re starting out, or have been in business for a few years.

Reference material: some of what I have shared with you today is part of the work I have experienced with The Journey (I have changed it slightly), and by its founder Brandon Bays, author of The Journey – a book I highly recommend, if you’re ready for a journey of emotional and physical healing on a cellular level.

Is your mind cluttered?

If you want to work on identifying obstacles that you’re creating without even realising it and want  different and more impactful results in your life and/or business , consider working with a coach!  And yes, even coaches work with a coach, as we often can’t see what we’re blinkered about in our own lives and business. A coach partners with you and sees the obstacles really clearly when we often have blinkers on around those things, habits or beliefs that are holding us back, thinking if we just keep trying, we will eventually be successful. The point clearly illustrated here through the beautiful quote from Einstein is ‘ The Definition of Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results!’   Partnering with an objective party, will move you forward in ways you can only imagine. But do imagine.

PS!  I just realised, my husband and I together are hoarders of bathroom products from hotels!  lol you know the shampoo bottles, and sewing kits etc. mmm……

PPS!! If you’re not aware already, just a quick heads up that the lovely Michelle Schubnel from Coach & Grow R.I.C.H. is joining me tonight on my radio show at 7pm EST, to talk about  ‘More Clients, Higher Profits,and Maximum Impact in 2010′  – just click on the big radio button on the right side of the page to join us.  And there will a recording available there shortly after the show.  I hope you can join us!

Tomorrow night at 7pm I will have a very interesting guest, Greg Mooers. The title of this post says it all, but needless to say its going to be fascinating have a conversation with Greg because of all the amazing things he’s done, his spiritual path, and the wonderful book he wrote called Learn Your Heart Virtue To Be Who We Are, which explains the path to finding your purpose in life. Greg spent time researching the Heart Virtue of people like Mother Theresa and Martin Luther King. We’ll get an opportunity to explore his experiences. We’ll also discuss a part of his book I found really interesting which discusses how our tribe or society has a comfort level of where we fit in society, and when we stretch out of that there is the propensity to be pulled back down. We’ll shine a light on this phenomenon and methods to use to keep us moving forward on our journey! Don’t forget to set the reminder on the profile page or schedule it into your day planner! You won’t want to miss this one!

Warmly,
Louise

Click on the Blogtalkradio button on the left!   for live shows or archived shows!

To find out more about Greg, go to www.lifecamp.com or www.heartvirtue.com

This is so exciting!  I have been talking to small business owners and coaches even today, who are saying the same thing!  They are overwhelmed with how much they take on, and then can’t organise themselves.  It also doesn’t help them to take on more and try to accomplish them because their heads are in such a spin, and it becomes Mind Clutter!  It stops us.  We get stuck in our tracks!   So many of us out there are like that, in our personal lives and in our businesses.  When we work on our own, it can be even harder to create that clarity and focus we want!   I invite you to join the group coaching program that is starting next week on the 30th September!  The Super Solo-preneur 100 Day Challenge.   If you look at the post at the top of the page it will tell you all about it!   Get clarity, focus, encouragement, coaching, motivation, inspiration, team support, momentum, and create results in a

mmmm... whats next?

 pro-active and measured way.  Don’t forget the Definition of Insanity, is to keep doing the same things, expecting different results!!!   Come and join us, have fun, and make things happen in the final part of 2008!!

For more info or contact me on louise@keystoclarity.com   

A REMINDER:  There is a limit of 8 people in this group.  A couple of spots are left, so call as soon as you can!

With intention,

Coach Louise Crooks

Reach for the Sky!

Forgiveness is so important if you are looking for peace, health, freedom, and happiness.   So few of us realise (so look hard and deep within yourself) that we harbor not just a little but sometimes a lot of resentment and bitterness, towards someone or something ( person or institution or country) even ourselves.   This is literally poisoning your soul and body!  I have read about tests they have done where they have tested saliva, and it is literally poisonous.    Anyway before I get too carried away lets get back to the topic at hand!    

Part of being healthy and happy is creating and allowing the ability to let go of the things we have been burdening ourselves with – often for years!  If  you are interested in Louise Hay’s work, she talks about how the emotions effect the body and the illnesses it produces.  Heart attack = Anger,  Cancer = Bitterness and Resentment.    Are you making yourself ill?  Is one of your clients making themselves ill?   I know I did before I something about it!

These feelings also prevent us from achieving the things we want in life, through the emotional blocks we create, and the limiting beliefs we instill in our selves.  We have a choice about whether we want to continue down that same path or not!  Do you want to succeed?   YOU are in charge.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning what that person / thing has done.  Its an act of self-interest where we can let go, so we can move on, and allow the wonderful, loving and healthy things to show up in our lives.  You know the adage about filling a vaccuum.   So thats what you will be doing – bringing the things/emotions you want into your life and letting go of the misery and physical effects (aging, overeating…and the list goes on)!

I want to share a website that I am a member of that is a huge advocate of ‘forgiveness’  – they have lots of free teleclasses, newsletter, inspirations to give to their subscribers.   So here is their link:

http://www.withforgiveness.com/events.html

Susyn and Sheri are hosting their next live teleclass on Tues 19th.  So check it out.  And don’t underestimate the power of forgiveness.  It can be truly freeing.   Holistic practitioners and coaches out there – let your clients know about this wonderful website.     The subject of this event is:  Forgiveness in Action – Simple Techniques for Big Results

(I will set up a link on the side of the page for future reference to the With Forgiveness website)

There is also another very powerful way to do this kind of work, and that is through courses that The Journey does.  Brendan Bays got rid of her cancer this way.    www.thejourney.com            A great experience to recommend to your clients (and yourselves).  I loved it. It was a truly amazing experience.

Freedom!

with love, and in the spirit of forgiveness,

Coach Louise Crooks