Sunday, March 18, 2012

Take the First Step

Why is it that getting started, with any project, can seem so ginormous?



I am one of those people who has a history of over thinking things WAAAAAY too much. I have been this way my whole life. I debate, weigh out the options, debate, talk to trusted friends, worry, decide, then change my mind..... and on and on. I over analyze, over worry, over everything, just to put off what needs to be done. If I am "carefully considering" a certain situation I am not really having to commit to it. 


Now, that is not to say that many decisions we make need a bit more time to consider than others. But putting off the inevitable is just delaying what needs to be done.........making a DECISION and choosing a course of action.


Now this may seem funny to those of you who do not suffer from SLOW DECISION MAKING DISORDER (a term I just thought about and quickly decided to create. LOL) Yay me! See I am getting quicker. 


But ever since I was a little girl I have struggled with decision making. When I was about 8 my mom took my sister and me shoe shopping. My sister walked right into the store and picked out a pair of sandles within a few minutes. Me on the other hand,  took an hour to properly decide what would be the perfect pair of sandles for me. I have no idea how my mom had the patience to let me take so long. But needless to say I did finally decide. 


So this past year or so I have been just deciding and going with my decision. Not over thinking things. And guess what?! It is getting easier. Who knew one could actually practice making decisions?


So, if you are anything like me, I challenge you to take the first step. Make that decision you have been putting off and go with it. Actually making a decision takes away the stress that builds up as you are trying to make the decision. Seems so simple, but it is true. 


Now, I am not perfect and this is something I will continue to practice....but I can tell you that things are getting better for me. Besides not being as stressed about stuff, I actually feel more productive because instead of wasting time pondering and over analyzing, I am actually DOING. 


I think about when I started my Tiny Touches business there were SO MANY decisions that needed to be made. But looking back, I did it. I just kept going. One thing at a time and low and behold everything that needed to happen happened. Running my business has helped me in my "slow decision making disorder".  When running a business, if you sit back and think too long, business will just fly by and not wait for you. Tiny Touches has helped me in so many ways. It is funny when you take on a big challenge you don't always know the lessons you will learn. I got in to this business to help make some money for my family. But I think one of the best parts about Tiny Touches has been the personal growth that has come from it and that is something I could not have foreseen. 


When I let my thoughts get in the way of this philosophy I get all stressed and overwhelmed. But when I just take action and actually do something, working towards my goal, things seem to go so much more smoothly.


Apply this philosophy to everything you do. And just so you know I am talking to myself here.........I do have to remind myself of this advice all the time. I am not perfect at it, but I am taking it one step at a time.    


Much Love,
~Amy

Monday, March 12, 2012

My Little Hand and Footprint Empire......




Oh boy! I have butterflies in my tummy today. It is the day of my big announcement with Tiny Touches. After a lot of thought and tender loving care I have decided to sell my little local Hand and Foot Impressions business. Many reasons have brought me to this point, but I will start with the letter that is going out to my customers......


Hello, dear ones . . .
I'm nestled in your inbox today with an exhilarating — and bittersweet — announcement.
I'll set the tone with a little Tom Petty:
It's time to move on, time to get going.
What lies ahead, I have no way of knowing.
But under my feet, baby, grass is growing.
It's time to move on, it's time to get going.
Tom says it so well. And now, I'll say it my way: I've decided to sell TinyTouches.  I am looking for the perfect person who'll pick up the business & carry it forward, with love. The details are still in flux, but I expect to have everything finalized by the end of summer 2012......or sooner if the perfect person arrises! Till then, I'm still in full swing — and I'd love to see you & your little ones at my home studio, as often as you like.
If that certain person is YOU - or someone you know - we should talk. Please call me, email me, or text me, any time. I really am looking for the perfect person ready to invest and carry on the love of this wonderful business.
This business transition reflects a big step in my entrepreneurial evolution. I'm rising into a new role as a teacher & trainer for aspiring home-preneurs. The training program of my business is going so well that I am going to focus on helping others build a successful business of their own.
Thank you for supporting Tiny Touches all these years — I promise to leave my little empire in tender & capable hands. And I hope to see you & your family in my studio, through the summer & fall . . . right through to the final farewell.
With love,
Amy


There it is.....I am teary and excited and nervous and ready. Crossroads are always a time for pause and reflection. I have given this decision much thought, tender consideration, and energy. It is time for me to move forward and I am looking onward and upward. 

To you, the perfect person, who is waiting for your answer to your prayer....I have just the right idea. Let's talk. There is much to do and I can't wait to get you started. :)

Much Love,

~Amy