Have you ever wondered what it might be like to start your own business? To write the rules? To have something that's yours?

Years ago, someone said to me, “Do what you love and the money will follow.” Deep inside, I wanted to believe her, but it seemed so idealistic. So irresponsible. So impossible. 

Maybe that's because when I wanted to leave my first job, my dad said to me, “Carin, it's not supposed to be fun; that's why it's called WORK.” 

He said that, but he modeled something completely different. My dad was a talented and passionate architect who after 6 months of working for the top architecture firm in Detroit, left to start his own firm. It was hard work. He built the business from scratch, attracted clients, and struggled to survive the economic recession right when I was born. 

I know it wan't easy, but we always had food to eat, a roof over our heads, clothes and an annual vacation. 
He did what he loved and with a LOT of hard work, the money followed. 
We weren't millionaires, but we had enough, and most importantly, I saw my dad work his passion. 

So when I realized I wanted to do this empowerment work in the world, I knew the only way was to have my own business. 
But I was terrified. My Fear Brain screeched:
“Are you crazy?”
“Who do you think you are?”
“What if you don't make any money?”
“What if everyone hates you and you lose everything?”

So I held back from moving forward for 8 years. 8 years of depression. 8 years of feeling stuck. 8 years of feeling like a loser for not following my dreams. 

I wish that I knew then what I know now: It won't be easy, but it is possible. You can have work that lights you up from the inside out. There are so many people who can teach you what you need – from video to social media to accounting to legal needs. And if you put the time, energy, focus, and work in to doing what you love, the money will follow. 

I've learned a lot of this the hard way, so I want to make it easier for you. That's why on this week's episode of The PurposeGirl Podcast, I interview Genecia Alluora, the Founder of Soul Rich Woman, South East Asia's leading network for female entrepreneurs. Growing up in poverty, she started working when she was a child to pay family bills. She's overcome so much in life to lead a network of 11,000 female entrepreneurs across Asia. In this episode, she talks about mindset, overcoming limiting beliefs, and stepping out of your comfort zone. You can listen to it here!

She even inspired me to think bigger about my potential and impact. At one point, she said, “Put a dollar sign in front of your phone number and make that your goal!”

I laughed out loud, but I knew she was serious. Someone somewhere makes $6,464,830,000. So why not me? 
Why not you? 
That's what I love about Genecia – she makes you think!

If you've been thinking of starting your own business and you want some inspiration and motivation, listen here. Or if you have friends who have wanted to start a business, send them this link to listen. 

And in the meantime, here are a few Purpose Power Tips for you:
1. Get clear on your purpose: Purpose is the active way you uniquely impact the world in a way that lights you up. It's being your true self and doing all that's in your heart. It's your why. Research shows that people who have purpose are happier, less depressed, and more optimistic and resilient through challenges. Get clear on who you are, what you're passionate about, and the impact you want to make on the world. 

2. Write your goals: People who have written goals are more likely to achieve them. Be clear and specific, and hold yourself accountable. Even better to have someone else hold you accountable! Then celebrate EVERY small step! Even Googling “how to set up taxes” is a step, so celebrate that. Brain research shows that positivity tells your brain “do more of this” so celebrate it all!

3. Adopt a positive mindset: Our brains try to stop us by telling us what we can't do, so we have to flip our mindset from “I can't” to “How can I?” From ‘I don't know how” to “Who can help?” Even if you have a “failure” – ask what you can learn and move on. Take every objection your brain says and flip it into a question that puts you into forward action. 

You have it in you to create anything you desire. It probably won't be easy. And it will definitely take work. But my love, you've done hard things before and you do hard work EVERY DAY. You may as well do it for something you're passionate about and is on purpose for you. 

To your success!

XO,

Carin