There are two rules to this post: 1. you need a pen and paper, and 2. put on some great music. Rule number 1 is because this post is interactive. Don't read any further if you're not up for the challenge. Rule number 2 is because you only live once. You might as well enjoy it!
In my inbox today: "How do you "make things happen?". I love what I do and I'm really driven but also really shy and think that is kind of holding me back from really breaking into the industry and building great relationships. Do you have any advice?"
I wrote this post like I talk to myself and, while I could have padded it more, lots of people have been coming to me recently in dire need of "straight talk". This post is dedicated to my dear friends and clients who have shared their lives and fears with me lately. What is it about the fall? It's a season of change, reflection, and getting charged for the year ahead. It's a time for transformation. If you really want to make things happen, you have to ask yourself some hard questions first. While this isn't the complete formula, here's a kick-start: it takes 1 part Nike (aka "Just Do It"), 1 part people, 2 parts discipline, 2 parts humility, and 5 parts crazy. Read on, friends.
Fear. Every "big" thing I've ever accomplished in my life I was terrified of at one point. Fear is the biggest thing preventing you from really making things happen. Right now, you already know the answers. You know not-so-deep down what you have to do. You just have a million excuses and fears as to why you can't get there. My job as a consultant is to hear the fear. I was a personal trainer in Manhattan for several years, during which time I learned more about self-imposed limitations than I care to share. I have heard every excuse for living an unhappy life and the truth of the matter is (and no one likes to hear this)... it's all in your head. Face real facts, not the constant mental chatter that holds you back from living the life of success you deserve. When you simply identify your fear, worlds of possibility open up.
Write down what you are really afraid of and get as specific as possible... "I'm afraid of ___ because ___." Sounds easy, but did you actually do it just now? I have a favorite phrase: feel the fear and do it anyway. That does not mean blindly dive in. Fear does exist for a reason. It makes us question ourselves, weigh the pros and cons, and get connected with our gut instincts. Listen to that; there's the feel the fear part. Then, accept it as fear, not fact. Act on it strategically, purposefully, and with support. Which brings me to my next point...
People. You are a product of your environment and the people you surround yourself with. This was a big point of discussion in Outliers. Our level of success is directly related to the people we interact with on a daily basis. “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” --Jim Rohn I'm sure, as you are reading this, you may be thinking of that one person who sucks your energy dry. How is that affecting you? Why are they in your life? Yes, there are some people we can't wish away in our lives, but we can surround ourselves with others to balance that out. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, and work hard to inspire them, too. Creating an environment where you can learn and, at the same time, infuse others is the most fulfilling way to grow.
Who are the people you spend your days with and how do they make you feel? Write them down right now. Do not read the rest of this post, do not pass go, and do NOT collect your $200 until you make your "inner circle" list. This may just be your most important step to achieving a "making things happen" breakthrough. This is a step I have been bad at taking in the past. I let those energy leeches stay in my environment for way. too. long. I'm not good at cutting ties with people because I always feel like I can just "make it work". No, I can't, and you can't either. You cannot change people. All you have the power to do is invite people into your inner circle (I use the word "invite" purposefully here because you need to put a lot of thought into crafting this life guest list) who uplift you, share your life's visions, ideals, and whom you can really trust. Kick the life-suckers to the curb and get on the train with people who dream like and with you. Jeff Holt and I have had this conversation a hundred times over and every time we talk about surrounding ourselves with people we believe in and who believe in us, magic happens.
This is why I have made a great effort to go to conferences and events where I know I will be surrounded by people who I can learn from. The first Engage I attended completely blew my mind. (You can read my last two recaps here and here.) Meeting people like Rebecca Grinnals and Sean Low made me want to raise the bar. I credit them with helping me dream bigger, opening up worlds of opportunity for me, and unknowingly encouraging me with every step. If you can't invest in going to conferences, get out and meet people where you are. Get on the phone, iChat, whatever it takes to connect with people who dream like you do.
I am a firm believer in the power of counsel. "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise." Proverbs 12:15 Who do you bounce ideas off of? Who gives you sound advice? My sounding board is about 10 people deep, starting with my husband. We are the yin to each other's yang. I am innately the active big picture thinker and he's the logical realist. I have a team of dear friends and paid experts that I trust to tell me when I'm out of line so I can get back on track to making the right things happen. In 2010, I plan on adding a few more people to my team to help take us to the next level. You are not an island. Get help... especially if you think you are one of those people who just doesn't need it.
Discipline. Making things happen isn't about setting goals, having a strong cup of coffee and diving in. Back up 20 steps. It's about giving yourself the ability to make clear, intuitive choices by having your life together. I make my best, most successful decisions when I feel a sense of health, wholeness and clarity. A verse I always think of when I get overwhelmed: "Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” 1 Peter 4:1-7. Same goes for all of life - be clear minded and disciplined so that you can make the right things happen. For me, this involves several factors: sleeping enough, eating well, laughing often and working out every day even when I'm tired. If I don't practice extreme self-care, I am no good for the people around me. I say "extreme" because you have to be a parent to yourself and stay disciplined. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.” -- 2 Timothy 1:7 What are the 5 essential things that make you feel whole and like you have your life together? Write them down.
Some notes on discipline, drive, and staying up until 6am: For one, the latter should not be in your vocabulary. There are things I twitter and share here because I want you to know what really goes into this. I wouldn't have to stay up until 6am editing a magazine for a week if I had planned better, had a staff of designers working for me, hadn't overloaded my schedule with projects I'm passionate about and clients I want to see soar, and (insert million reasons here). I am not the best example when it comes to work balance. I'm working actively on this. I have lots of people helping me work on it. I am generally a very happy healthy person, but when it comes to getting what I really want, I tend to go to extremes. Please refer to the very first post I wrote on this blog.
So, do you have to be innately driven or can you harness that type-A mentality and still make things happen? First of all, define where you fall on the Type-A vs. Type BCDXYZ spectrum. I fall into the former category, unfortunately. Minus that time I got a C in handwriting in 2nd grade, I was always driven. I get it from both of my parents. I grew up with my mom being superwoman in the kitchen and my dad superman in the operating room. They work hard and make it seem effortless. My dad, the man who starts his day by biking 30 miles before sunrise, is 76 and has no plans to retire. A lot to live up to. I went to my first Yale class for summer school when I was 17. I double-majored in college with 56 credit hours a semester. Insanity. I was at school from 8am to 11pm most weekdays and rehearsals on weekends. Every day of college, I'd say to myself "nothing will be as bad as this. When I'm done here, I'll be able to handle anything!" Well, I can't handle anything, but I sure can endure a lot of [self-imposed] stress. I was taught to push myself and lived in a world where that was the norm.
Since many of you B, C, and XYZ personalities are now about to leave this blog post in search of greener pastures, I'll give you the good news. You don't have to be born with a color-coded to-do list in your hand. Some of the most successful people I know did not grow up with instilled discipline. In fact, quite the contrary. But, one thing is certain. All successful people start with a spark of passion. They discover what makes them tick and will stop at nothing to get it. They develop the ability to make decisions and follow through, even if the result is a major bomb. Living in NC, I think of the Wright brothers. Fail fail fail fail fail fail fail and then finally... success. All because they discovered a passion, made clear decisions, went full force with each, accepted defeat, and tried and tried again. Something we always talk about here in the office: it's better to make a clear decision about something and fail, then make no decision at all.
Some tough love for the XYZ's. (I have a few XY#!Q$E#X's as clients.) My advice to them is always as follows: stop making excuses. I get the laundry list of excuses accompanied with lots of whining and in the end... "buuuut Lara... ok, ok, I know you're right buuut... I just... I...". Get over the idea that you just aren't good enough, you'll never get caught up, and you'll never be great. You are, you will and you have the choice to be. If you don't believe that, first of all, I want to give you a hug, then a swift kick in the pants because you have much more potential than you give yourself credit for. On my bulletin board: "The greatest human temptation is to settle for too little." - Thomas Merton Are you settling for too little? What excuses do you make on a regular basis? If you need help with this one, be brave and ask your spouse or your best friend to tell you the excuses they hear you make often. Write them down. Time to get real, friends.
Humility. Humility's purpose in making things happen is to allow us the freedom to fail. It's about letting go. If you aren't failing on occasion, you aren't dreaming big enough. You are hiding from your true potential. I've failed more times than I can count. You know why I'm speaking on "Taking Interns to Associates" at Eventology? Because I've made every mistake in the book and it has taken years of learning the hard way to get me to the right way. I now have a team of equals that infuses me as much as I infuse them. Granted, I don't take credit for them being so awesome. Katharine, Emily and Whitney arrived on the awesome train together. But, we've made a conscious effort to create an environment that allows us to fail and not fall.
We learn together and communicate honestly and openly about fears, mistakes, money, family, and all the hard stuff I used to hate talking about. We all put in an equal effort to keep the atmosphere positive, encouraging, and honest. We have built trust to the point where I can say, "I made a mistake. I'm sorry. Here's how I intend to fix and learn from it." It takes failing gracefully --and sometimes not so gracefully-- to start to "get it." It's a practice, an awareness, and for me, a life-long journey that I'm excited to take because with every wall I break down, I feel more genuine pride. Healthy pride. Humility is not about being timid. Don't confuse the two. Practicing true humility means embodying one's strengths and God-given gifts with grace, allowing for self-reflection, keying into the ability to listen to the feedback the world is giving us, and -here's the kicker- doing something about it. What are your unique strengths? Write them down. Get specific. For example, I know I am great at motivating and encouraging people. Specifically, I have the ability to see people's potential and can define active steps for them to get there. It's important to know what your strengths are when facing failure so the pain of facing it doesn't paralyze you.
I know when I'm exercising humility, I can feel it. It's a very silent moment. I'll get mad about criticism or a comment, start to feel my blood boil and that defensive lawyer emerge in me and I just have to stop. I stop, breathe, and there is a small painful moment of letting go when I pause to consider "maybe they are right and I am dead wrong". Let yourself at least consider it. Most of the time, the things that anger us the most about others, are a reflection of ourselves. I can't emphasize enough how much learning how to stop in those moments has helped me in business.
As an INFP (translate that to sensitive person), I like to put up walls to protect myself from the vulnerability that comes with true humility. It gets me nowhere. Anger, I have learned, is a call to action. I can do something about it or continue to ride my high horse in circles. Do you always feel like you are on the defense with clients? Are you going in circles with your progress? If so, it's time for a reality check. No one is perfect. You are not your thoughts. You are not your fears. You are not defined by past actions and missteps. You are defined by how you express them in this moment and in every moment from hereon out. Practicing humility is just that... it's a process. Accept that you make mistakes and resolve to fix them, one baby step at a time. You'll fail a thousand times, but every single failure is worth experiencing if it brings you to greater clarity and renewed genuine confidence.
Crazy. Last and greatest: this is the part of the formula entitled "5 parts crazy". You have to have a little wild card in you to experience the success you deserve. I'm pretty sure that if you are reading this post, you do. I love when a client starts a conversation with "I have this crazy idea..." Those are always the ones that take wings because they take a deeply-rooted passion to even dream up! Seize them and run with them. Everything I've accomplished started as one of those "I have this crazy idea" moments. Talking about creating a blog many years ago, starting an event planning firm, being a consultant for luxury wedding pros and hello.. starting my own magazine all seemed ludicrous at the time! What are your big ideas? What are the things you want to make happen? Write them down.
Sometimes making things happen is simply about showing up. You have to seize opportunity when it knocks. I learned this year that taking too much opportunity and always saying yes can hinder happiness, but if you want to play with the big boys, you have to act like it. Get off the couch and get out there. Opportunity doesn't exactly come and find you while you are holed up in your office messing with Aperture. Opportunity is born out of relationships and you can't make those in front of a computer screen. [side note: Twitter and social media of all forms are not a replacement for one-on-one time, but are valuable because they can help start the conversation. When I meet people at events, I have a great point of reference and feel like I know them a little, even though we've never actually met in person. I have met 90% of the people I follow on Twitter now and have real relationships with many of them, not just "tweelationships". (Kyle Barnes, you might have "wediting" but I just coined that one. 25 cents, please.)]
This post took me two weeks to write because I was afraid to put it out there. In the end, I had to take my own advice and "feel the fear and do it anyway." These thoughts are the real deal... the things I think about all day long.
A final thought: if you're not having fun along this journey, just stop. Running a busy business makes me want to cry and fall to my knees at times, but experiencing life with the inspiring women I work with and laughing every step of the way makes it all worth it. Asking yourself these questions is not at all easy and accepting facts about where you are can be daunting, but just remember that you don't have to figure it all out today. Take time to celebrate your successes. Laugh, dance, sing, and play along the way. What's the phrase? ... work hard, play hard? Yeah. Do that. You'll thank yourself.
Since making things happen is so individual and cannot possibly be explained in a single blog post, I have a big announcement coming up next.
xo lc
Happy Thanksgiving week! I'm giving away 2 copies of Outliers and 2 copies of Tribes, books that have really fired me up. Simply leave a comment here. Winners announced December 1st via Twitter.
image credits :: Our Labor of Love epic Smilebooth from our issue launch party at Bridal Bar Atlanta. Amazing backdrop by Dolci Odille.
I love the idea that making things happen requires a little bit of “crazy”! You have to have guts to make things happen and kick up a little dust (or so us Southern girls like to say!) :)
Cheers,
November 24, 2009 10:41 amEmily
Lara You are sooo right! Music will move you and inspire you; fear will stop you dead on your tracks! I LOVE your fearlessness and am grateful that as a leader, you show by example. So today, I’m thankful, grateful and honored to know you and your wonderful team of true professionals.
November 24, 2009 10:46 amGreat article, and hey…can you tell the Borders/Barnes & Nobles in NY to start to carry your magazine? I think the norther girls would love to see how it’s done in the south.
You rock!!
Sending Big Baked Apple Love and Thanksgiving,
Lisa
This is a great post, it truly pushes me and fires me up! I have not read Outliers yet but it’s on my list;)
November 24, 2009 10:55 amI could write a book on how much wisdom you have inparted to all of us but I won’t because it’s not for me to get out there and “make things happen.” Thanks for such practical advice. Very inspired right now!
November 24, 2009 11:07 amTwitter: ValMarieMet
Edit!!! It’s TIME for me to get out there and “make things happen!”
November 24, 2009 11:08 amTwitter: ValMarieMet
Lara, you are an absolute goldmine! I love the quotes too, I’ve learned far more about how to run my business from scripture than I ever did in school! God bless you and all your endeavors!
November 24, 2009 11:19 amThank you, how timely. I’ve decided now is the time to make things happen. Hopefully, if all goes to plan, by next summer you will know who I am :)
November 24, 2009 11:21 amLara, I love your honesty and I love this blog post. I have a project that’s been slow going mostly because I’m afraid of what will happen if it fails – I’m going to call up my inner circle, go for a run, add some crazy and go for it. Thanks:)
November 24, 2009 11:34 amThanks, great piece of inspiration and direction leading to 2010. Thankful for your willingness to inspire.
November 24, 2009 11:37 amTwitter: chrismhunt
absolutely fabulous post! :) thanks for putting so much heart, time and thought into this piece — it is a wonderful encouragement! xo
November 24, 2009 11:44 amLara, thank you for this motivation, encouragement and inspiration! I am currently working on an endeavor that will be a new direction for my business, and I will keep these words close! Happy Thanksgiving!
November 24, 2009 12:27 pmAwesome post Lara! I love that you pulled in bible verses too to make your points! :-) Happy thanksgiving!
November 24, 2009 2:09 pmGreat post Lara. Well timed too, since I was just mentally firing myself back up this morning to get back on my desired-big-success-bound train that has been resting for a bit :-) Thanks for taking the risk and putting it out there and giving me a few great nuggets that will go on the vision board!
November 24, 2009 2:19 pmLove this post and will be sending this in an e-mail for all to read.
November 24, 2009 2:25 pmTwitter: KiaGregory_
I really needed this post, thank you for instantly making me feel better about everything. Your honesty actually brought tears to my eyes..beautiful post.
November 24, 2009 2:27 pmOk…this is a print and process post. I cheated a little and read through “People” and started reading “who do you spend your time with”…at which point I decided to glance at the other paragraph headings and then STOPPED. I’m at a crossroads and need to stop, reframe and become clear and focused on my goals. So…I want to take some quiet time and actually go through this with true intent. Thank you for always being a light of integrity and encouragement! Love ya ~ Denée
November 24, 2009 2:35 pmLOVE this post. :)
November 24, 2009 2:37 pmAMAZING! And I only skimmed through it because I thought this was a typical 1 paragraph blog post. I will come back later with my pen and paper and finish digesting this beast. Way to be a hustler, Lara. I love how you stare bears in the face and roar louder.
November 24, 2009 2:38 pmI haven’t failed, I’ve had 10,000 ideas that didn’t work.
November 24, 2009 2:44 pmThis was just exactly what the doctor ordered. I really appreciate you sharing your heart and soul. Thank you, you made my day. Thank you.
November 24, 2009 2:48 pmWhat a great post Lara! Thanks for being so open and honest. It’s that kick in the butt I needed. I feel truly inspired – thanks for the encouragement!
November 24, 2009 3:07 pmlara, you are “the bomb.” thanks so much for sharing this. xo
November 24, 2009 3:24 pmWow-what an insightful and timely post!! It was exactly what I needed to hear and I am so inspired to keep moving forward. I know I have a long way to go but I took a big step this fall and started crafting a better team-starting with an amazing biz consultant who is helping me move mountains. Thanks for sharing so honestly-I deeply appreciate your candor and perspective.
November 24, 2009 4:16 pmCongrats on all your success!
Lara, I always love your blogs, but this one was truly inspiring and practical. Love it!
November 24, 2009 4:20 pmNothing to say but THANKS!
November 24, 2009 4:39 pmLara – “I have this crazy idea…” is EXACTLY how I started my conversation with you about The Stylish Planner! Thanks for keeping me motivated and directing me at every turn. I just lived this blog post-what a ride!
November 24, 2009 4:44 pmAmazing post, I think I need to read this at least once a week to give myself a kick in the rear. Thank you!!
November 24, 2009 6:53 pmUmm, can I just tell you how much I love Jory’s comment? He called you a hustler for gosh sake.
Also, you can leave me out of the giveaway. Been there, done that :)
November 24, 2009 10:32 pmWow. This post was simply amazing and I read through the whole thing on my bitty iPhone screen. Lara, you inspire me and have reignited a fire in me that had started to cool off. Thank you so much for all that you do for the wedding industry. You truly are an inspiration and a leader! I’m ready to make things happen!
November 24, 2009 10:59 pmTwitter: CatieRonquillo
What a great post Lara! I want to print it out and stick it in my brain book!
November 24, 2009 11:17 pmI just wanted to let you know that this is SUPER timely in my life, like to.the.day. thank you for sharing, and for not sugar-coating. I truly appreciate it!
November 24, 2009 11:22 pmThank you for the kick in the butt, it was much deserved! Will be sending this to others. Great post.
November 25, 2009 8:14 amThanks so much for this post! Something that we really needed to hear! We are at a place where I think we have to go ahead and dive in full-force…we’ve been dancing around the edges and have yet to go full-force in!
I’ve read tribes great book! Would love to read the other!
November 25, 2009 8:26 amLara this is a great post! I will be referring all my interns to this for sure. I have another thing to add … my own two cents, if you will … a lot of people have passion, but in order to succeed you also need determination, discipline, and a good attitude. Don’t skim over that discipline bit, people. Thanks so much for the inspiring post.
November 25, 2009 10:10 amLara;
Thank you for your vulnerability, transparency and humility. It is obvious that a lot of thought went into this and even more courage to post your message.
Know that you are an inspiration to people who read your blog, even those not in the wedding industry. This post in particular has inspired me to finally do what God has called me to do, something that requires His hand as it is much bigger than I am or could even imagine. What scares me and keeps me from stepping out in faith is what if I fail? What if I succeed? We all know what to do when we fail – sleep, eat chocolate, cry and have pity party after pity party. But, how do you handle success? What if you get tired in the middle of it and just need to rest, especially if people are counting on you? Your post answered these questions in many different ways and when you think about it, actually take the pressure off.
Thanks again, for inspiring your readers. You are more awesome than you may think.
Be blessed!
November 25, 2009 12:18 pmMonica
Thanks for the inspiration. The military life (spouse) has me currently living as a SoCal girl, but my heart is still in South Ga! Love to see you share your pride in being from the South. I profess, I think my deep southern accent actually goes against me out here!
November 25, 2009 4:37 pmMuch needed inspiration and motivation! Thank you!
November 25, 2009 8:27 pmWow, Lara, you’re amazing. This post was a much needed read for myself. I needed that boost of motivation and inspiration. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, cheers!
November 26, 2009 12:53 am1 word…..GIRL!
November 26, 2009 12:55 amAwesome post Lara :)
November 29, 2009 3:29 pmThis post was fabulous! Sometimes it really takes hearing another person is going through the same exact things that you are to give you the courage to step up and get things done. I’ve heard amazing things about both of these books, and I can’t wait for the possibility of reading them! Happy Holidays girl, can’t wait to see the results :)
November 29, 2009 3:31 pmLove this post!! Great inspiration for starting a new year and a new attitude!!
November 29, 2009 3:35 pmLara you are so inspirational to me! I love the fact that you are honest about your short comings/fears but also your achievements! Love reading your posts keep them coming! Just do it!
November 29, 2009 3:42 pmTwitter: eventthis
Thank you Lara! This was so inspiring to read and something I will now read every day as I put my excuses away and conquer my fears. I used to say “I know what I need to do and now I need to do it.” Now I will be saying “I know what I need to do and I AM doing it.”
November 29, 2009 3:47 pmThank you so, so, SO much for this post. I am feeling very stuck and I think I need to staple your post to my shirt as a daily reminder of what I need to do in order to get where I want to be. Thank you :-)
November 29, 2009 3:47 pmI already book marked your post… talk about a revealing half hour. I think it’s important to realize that all dreams are not meant to become reality but by referring back to my notes and your post hopefully I can continue to stay focused and keep my “eyes on the prize.” Owning a business is so overwhelming at times that I don’t know where to go next- it seems like there are so many roads to travel down. Thank you for putting this awesome inspiration out there- you truely are inspiring!
November 29, 2009 4:12 pmIt’s been a really difficult year for me personally (to much grieving!). I’ve reached the “enough is enough” point and am ready to shake things up. This is a fabulous post. You, my dear, are a true gem.
November 29, 2009 4:37 pmI need a little time to fully process this, but I can tell you that I am so incredibly moved and inspired by your honesty and generosity of information, that I hardly know what amazing dream I want to tackle first :)
Thank you so very much.
November 29, 2009 5:03 pmThank you so much for this article! This last year was the worst year of my life. I recently chose to act on one of those “crazy ideas”. At first it was incredible but I hit a few road blocks and have been slowing down. Thanks for the kick in the pants!
November 29, 2009 5:21 pmThis post is so inspirational, Lara. I certainly struggle with fear impeding me and appreciate hearing that others struggle with it as well!
November 29, 2009 5:23 pmWhat a great idea! Thanks for the opportunity to win some great books:)
November 29, 2009 5:28 pmTwitter: nancy_mitchell
Lara, you can totally write a book. I found myself copy and pasting some of the sentences that you wrote to add to inspirational sayings that I keep. This post is probably the most inspirational blog post that I’ve ever read in the my history of reading blogs! I absolutely LOVE what you’re doing for the industry and for brides all over! Thank you so much!
November 29, 2009 6:14 pmI needed something like this so bad right now! Thanks so much for the inspiration.
November 29, 2009 7:13 pmI think I need to read that post a few more times…thanks for the wisdom!
November 29, 2009 7:38 pm[...] This post was Twitted by EmilyLey [...]
November 29, 2009 7:39 pmIt’s so awesome to have someone write all this out, especially as I start my career after getting out of school. Keep up the good work!
November 29, 2009 9:46 pmThank you for sharing! The part about having to parent ourselves really hits home for me. And I’m trying everyday to make time for exercise. It instantly changes the outcome of my day when I look back and realize it was an important part of my day.
November 29, 2009 10:15 pmAmazing post Lara! I found this post extremely motivating and I appreciate your honesty in your writing. I loved “Tribes” and have put “Outliers on my XMAS list :)
November 30, 2009 12:00 pmLara, thank you for this inspirational post. I appreciate your honesty and commend you on your success. Starting a new business, there have been a lot of fears and frustration, but I am determined to make it – I am grateful for your motivational speech and words of encouragement. You have been posted on my wall =).
November 30, 2009 1:26 pmLara thanks so much for this article. On my lunch break with my hubby (we both own our own businesses) i sat down and read it out loud. It was a very eye opening moment for both of us. I appreciate your candindness and I am as we speak working on this as a tool for my 2010 year. much love Christina L
November 30, 2009 1:28 pmThanks so much Lara! Great advice for someone that’s going through this completely. Every second of it is great.
November 30, 2009 1:32 pmLara, I absolutely love it. Well worth me taking the time to sit down with pen and pad. Thanks for the inspiration and your direct yet thoughtful way of delivering it. More reasons to take 2010 by storm. It’s going to be a great year.YOU ROCK!!
November 30, 2009 2:16 pmWay to let the hair go wild! I think I have some new year’s resolutions to start making…
November 30, 2009 2:31 pmLara,
November 30, 2009 2:56 pmWhat inspiring words. I can honestly say that I am currently living in fear. Fear of failure in starting my own business, and fear of what will happen when I do begin. I have created my website and business cards, but I was stuck, and didn’t know where to go next. Then I saw your post on twitter, and I am glad that I clicked on the link. I was almost in tears because everything you said spoke to me directly. I will accepted my fears, I will work on surrounding myself with positive people, I will work on making clear choices and develop the discipline that I need to succeed. Finally, I will let go and allow myself the freedom to fail and have humility. I can now take the steps that I need to clearly step out in faith and not be fearful of what is to come. Thank you Lara for giving me that push in the right direction.
Lara,
Great article! Thanks for sharing what a lot of people know, but are afraid of. It’s been fun watching your journey over the past year and has really inspired me to stop dragging my feet and letting fear overtake me. Keep it up and God bless.
Van Klimetz.
November 30, 2009 3:21 pmAbsolutely thought provoking. Can’t wait to hear the announcement. In the meantime, I’m backtracking and make notes to move forward! Congrats!
November 30, 2009 4:00 pmTwitter: createmepapered
Brava!!! Brava!!! What a ballsy and empowering post.
November 30, 2009 4:05 pmThis is great, thanks for the inspiration
November 30, 2009 4:08 pmVery nice site, Blog and photography! IT ROCKS!
November 30, 2009 4:10 pmAWESOME WORK!
Thank you AGAIN Lara for the amazing motivation! Virtual hugs to you! Both of these books are on my to-be-purchased book list – I always find myself doing more (with the same amount of time I’ve always had) after reading Seths motivational masterpieces.
November 30, 2009 4:11 pmDefinitely words to live by and inspiration to do things bigger and better!
November 30, 2009 4:11 pmDec 1st is my Bday I’d love to win these super cool books!!! Loved your Blog post!
November 30, 2009 4:13 pmThis is a great post! Even if I don’t read those books, those are going to be next on my reading list, I think this is essential for the next step of my website.
November 30, 2009 4:16 pmGreat post, Lara. I love that you agreed to take this out there – this will benefit a lot of people in the industry!
November 30, 2009 4:32 pmWOW what an inspiring post!! I can really feel my adrenaline going, and I am so ready to really get out there and just DO IT. My hubby and I are in business together so we totally understand the struggles but also the joy of when we actually do something we never thought we could. It’s so easy to get discouraged but one of my friends just reminded me … “Discouragement is often the result of closing our eyes to the blessings we have already received.”
November 30, 2009 4:38 pmSo I will probably re-read your post a few more times to really get the meat out of it … then it’s go time. ;) Thanks so much for your inspiring words, they are truly a blessing to all!!!
Go Lara, Go! I really enjoyed your post. I’ve added Outliers to my holiday wish list but I’m printing this baby out and tacking it to my fridge. Cheers and thanks for all your good cheer!
November 30, 2009 4:39 pmThis post is pure genius! So heartfelt and wise. The inspiration you have written will stick with me for awhile, I am sure! You are such a wonderful person and your love for the industry and genuine care for helping others really shines through here. Great work! I would love to add those books to my collection. :)Thank you for the inspiring words.
November 30, 2009 4:47 pmThis post really hit home with me. Thank you for writing this and exposing yourself. It takes a lot of strength and courage to go after the unknown, and so often I have to push myself to jump and depend on my wings to allow me to fly. I’ve learned that often times the hardest and scariest decisions that we often have to make in our lives are usually the ones in our best interest. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
December 2, 2009 1:25 pmI can see why this post took you so long to write. It’s difficult to admit all of your fears and be so vulnerable then put it out there- for all to see. I’m sure it was even more difficult to endure, considering that you’ve dubbed yourself with a Type A personality. As a Type A personality, I feel your pain and will follow your lead. Thank you for such a moving post.
December 3, 2009 2:15 am[...] and am so overwhelmed with what transpired in the last 5 days. This shoot started out as a tiny crazy idea that Jeff Holt brought to me one day. I like crazy ideas because they are fueled with passion and [...]
December 7, 2009 12:04 am[...] honest but she is also so down to earth. I first became familiar with her after coming across this article. I had been following her for a while and had only known her as the editor and chief of Southern [...]
December 7, 2009 10:58 pm[...] to blogs and social media presence, and everything in between. In some ways, I believe I give my best advice in the first 5 minutes of a regular consult, and that’s the same sort of gut reaction and [...]
December 10, 2009 12:47 pmMissed this post back when it went on. November 25th I was on the road at 7am to the hospital only to meet up with the death of a loved one… This has enveloped my life ever since. I really think that things need to get back on track and maybe reading and re-reading this post may be able to help me. I don’t know… Why I’m commenting here… I guess It’s an attempt in the sort of right direction.
December 21, 2009 4:45 pm[...] Get Fired Up: How To Make Things Happen by Lara Casey [...]
December 25, 2009 10:08 pmThis post has taken me a month to really read. I wanted to make sure I took the time to read it carefully and participate as I needed to. I am SO grateful I did. This post did fire me up and enabled me to see what my major roadblocks are and why. I’m looking forward to *hopefully* attending a MTH2010 workshop, but even if I don’t, this has pointed me in the right direction. Thank you, Lara. Working with you has been a gift and this is the icing on the cake.
December 26, 2009 12:51 pm[...] [...]
December 26, 2009 10:17 pm[...] you haven’t done it yet you need to read this life changing blog post on how to get fired up and make things happen. This is a global message and can apply to anyone, [...]
December 27, 2009 1:15 am[...] reading her awesome post I haven’t been able to sit still. I have so much passion, excitement, imagination, determination [...]
December 27, 2009 1:16 amgood post!
December 29, 2009 4:20 pm[...] you don’t know who Lara Casey is or about her DYNAMIC life, please go read her post that birthed the MTH2010 [...]
January 5, 2010 4:59 am[...] You’re coming to join a community of like-minded creative driven people who really want to ignite a change in their lives and in the lives of others. We give you the simple tools and ask you the tough questions; you [...]
January 11, 2010 10:30 pm[...] video blog not only includes a sneak at the new office, but I share the things that fire me up. WARNING : You might encounter a mini dance or some air guitar in there. Like I said you were [...]
January 14, 2010 8:38 am[...] One of my new favorite blogs is- Lara Casey’s http://laracasey.com/blog She understands the importance of time and quite often says – “stop wasting time and just pull the trigger.” [...]
January 30, 2010 4:23 pmLara,
February 16, 2010 12:50 pmLove this post, after reading it I feel like I just left the workshop again. I am working on Making Things Happen, and this post just motivates me more. Thank you for inspiring me!
Twitter: tcreativedesign
older post but took a pen and said down, took me a while to read but glad I did, hope to meet you at WPPI, I have just discovered you thanks to Jasmine Star and love your vision and brand
February 16, 2010 2:01 pmTwitter: feuza
I truly enjoyed this post, Lara! Thanks for the inspiration and for the kick in the pants! :) See you soon!
February 16, 2010 3:07 pmTwitter: aspiretoplan
[...] It was really a fantastic month in which I had some great conversations with new friends and got a lot out on paper regarding my own dreams and goals for myself and for Lucky Mutt Photography. Taking that time out [...]
February 17, 2010 3:24 am[...] was the catalyst for this. Something inside of me woke up the day I read Lara’s blog post on pushing through your fear. I cannot wait to return to the Making Things Happen Intensive in 18 days. I feel such a change [...]
February 17, 2010 10:44 am[...] past November, Lara wrote an entry about “making things happen,” and the adage has caught on fire since then. About a week later, Lara announced the Making Things [...]
March 9, 2010 12:32 pm