Being an Authentic Entrepreneur Begins with Self-Awareness
Being authentic, doing business on your own terms…is a subject that’s very important to me. I believe that the only way to authentically align yourself with your beliefs is to develop self-awareness. I want to share a story with you to illustrate that point.
About a year ago I was working with three wonderful coaches in Tucson. During this coaching process, I got to work with Chester, a 1,400-pound horse. (Keep in mind, I’ve only ridden horses as a kid, so this was a big experience for me).
One of the amazing things about horses is that they’re incredibly intuitive; they’ve actually got 100 feet of “gut”. As the largest prey animal, their safety depends on their “knowing”. They know when you ARE and when you ARE NOT being authentic and aligned with your beliefs.
It was about 90 degrees and I was standing in a corral with Chester. Kendall, my coach, said “Kim, just start talking about your business. Tell us a little bit about it.”
I started speaking, and Chester basically put his butt in my face. “Kim, he’s showing you he’s not interested in what you’re talking about. You’re not capturing his attention.”
We went through about 10 or 15 more minutes in the hot sun and I started speaking about this idea I had percolating in my brain — to train and support communities of entrepreneurial women. What do you think happened? When I shared my vision aloud Chester turned around! (Take a look at the photo). I couldn’t believe it.
Kendall said, “Kim, you’ve caught his attention. I want you to walk toward him, don’t say anything, but stay in that place of speaking to these women who you have valuable information to share with. Walk toward him.” I followed her lead and when I got close to him, he nuzzled his nose into my neck.
“Kim, I want you to walk around the corral, saying nothing, just staying in that place of alignment.” Chester proceeded to follow me around the corral twice. “Kim, that’s a sign of what happens when you’re aligned with something you’re meant to do.”
Chester knew when I was being authentic (he also knew when I wasn’t). That day I learned a hugely valuable lesson – to be fully aware of my inner feelings so I could align myself with my true passion.
Tags: entrepreneur moms, Mindset, women entrepreneurs, work at home moms
