Stop comparing yourself to your competition.

Sure it helps to know what your “competition” is up to. However, if you constantly compare yourself and let your inner critic tell you all the reasons why you’re not as good as everyone else, you’re only going to shut  yourself down.

Instead, think of your best “competitors” as your peers or even virtual mentors who you get to learn from.

Take one dose of Left-Brain Chill Pill as needed to quiet your judging mind.

Valentine’s Day is almost here and love is in the air. So speaking of love, I’m curious… Do you love your business? Or if you work for someone else, do you love your job? I mean really, really love it?

We spend so much of our time working, why not be absolutely head over heels in love with what you do for a living?

5 ways to fall in love with your business all over again:

• Focus on your passion. Are you spending most of your day on the work that lights you up or on tasks that you loathe? What do you need to say no to so you can say yes to the things that make your heart sing?
• Find ways to bring fun and joy into your work. What are some small things that bring a smile to your face? Is it using fun colored markers or post-its? Is it being barefoot? Is it getting to try something new?
• Work with people you love. When you surround yourself with good peeps, you’re bound to feel good. Who are your perfect customers? The ones who light you up when you work with them and you know you’re helping them in the best possible way. Who are your perfect partners and creative cohorts? The ones who you know you can count on, delivery quality, and appreciate your relationship.
• Invest in yourself and in your business. Is there a new skill you want to learn that will give you an edge? Are there events you know will give you tons of exposure or tools you know will help you create your next great product? Be willing to spend money on things you know will help grow your business in the long run.
• Show yourself some love. How can you take better care of yourself? When you’re healthy and happy, everything just seems to flow more easily. Instead of working yourself to the bone, make sure to take gentle breaks, celebrate your successes, and practice compassion toward yourself and others.

Pick one or two things to play with this week and see what that sparks for you and your work. When you love your business, your business loves ya right back.

If you long to have a more fun and fulfilling relationship with your business or you just want to turn up the heat on your professional passion meter, then please join me for a fabulous and informative event that will make your creative heart flutter – the first-ever Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit.

Get up and move your body.

Shake your arms and legs. Circle your hips. And hey, while you’re at it, make some noise, like a sigh or maybe even a roar.

Take one dose of Right-Brain Booster as needed to enhance your creative intuition.

Name: Jen Landis
Company Name: Pincurl Girls
Website: http://www.pincurlgirls.com

Note from Jenn: I *heart* this week’s spotlight on Jen Landis of Pincurl Girls. Her message about encouraging girls and women to love themselves is perfect for Valentine’s Day! Jen created these fabulous “Believe in Yourself” bracelets that help remind you to think happy thoughts throughout the day. What can you pat yourself on the back for today? (All images courtesy of Jen Landis.)

What is your business and what makes your business unique?

All of my products are made with the intention to encourage happiness and positive thinking. My goal is to encourage girls and woman to love, express and believe in themselves.

How has the Right-Brain Business Plan™ helped you? What is different for you and your business after approaching planning in a creative, visual way?

The Right-Brain Business Plan™ was a huge step for me in creating my business plan. I had been procrastinating writing a business plan for a while because I didn’t know where to start. And truthfully the old fashioned way of writing a business plan seemed boring and not very much fun. So when I came across this plan I was very interested in it. Finally being able to put something down on paper was just the start I needed. By using magazine clippings and art supplies, I felt the freedom to enjoy myself and dream big.

What goals (big or small) on your business plan have you already accomplished or have made progress on?

Taking the time work on the The Right-Brain Business Plan™ made me attach real concrete time lines to my goals. I have always had goals in my head but it wasn’t until I put them on paper that I really took ownership of them. For example, one of my 2011 goals is to sell my work to 100 shops across the U.S. I already have 6 shops purchasing Pincurl Girl products now, only 94 to go!

How do you use your creative intuition in your work?

My creative intuition influences 100% of my work. The Pincurl girls teach and give me ideas all the time. So far they are leading me in the right direction.

What’s your vision for your business?

2011 will bring a successful list of wholesale and online sales. I also want to continue to speak girl groups and organizations and help them raise money by selling the Pincurl Girl products.

What advice do you have for other creative entrepreneurs?

Imagine your successes as if they are already here. Feel for that feeling of excitement you get after achieving a goal and milk those good feelings for as much as you can. The more you think about what you want the quicker it will come to you.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Girls’ self-esteem on average peaks at about nine years old, but drastically falls in the coming preteen years. According to the NYU Child Study Center by the age of 13 girls are twice as likely to become depressed as boys. The “Believe in Yourself” and “I Believe in Myself” bracelets encourage teen girls and women to think positive thoughts. Each time she thinks or does something nice for herself or another, she moves a bracelet to the other wrist. The goal is to do this 12 times a day.  Positive thoughts = self confidence and happiness!

Love, express and believe in yourself at http://www.pincurlgirls.com

Creative Resources

Last month the Lincoln Journal Star did a wonderful write-up of Jen’s journey. I’m sure it will inspire you.

Click here for more information about Jen Landis

Click here for the upcoming Right-Brainers in Business Video Summit and here to pre-order the book The Right-Brain Business Plan: A Creative, Visual Map for Success.

A great article that talks about the 8 steps to creating a great vision.

A report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development on how Creative industries are stimulating economic recovery

An inspiring list of creativity-focused TED talks: 10 short talks on creativity to refuel even the emptiest tank. I haven’t seen all of them yet, so since I’m still a little sick, I just might snuggle up in bed with my iPad and watch the rest today.

Shout, shout, let it all out.

If spreadsheets and numbers make you want to scream, then by all means, scream! Find a private place to shout into a pillow. Yell and shake your fists. Rather than keeping the frustration pent up inside, let the feelings flow through you until they dissipate.

It’s quite cathartic. And, yes, I’m speaking from personal experience here.

Take one dose of Left-Brain Chill Pill as needed to quiet your judging mind.