A Question Worth Asking Right Now
As I say often in the context of business (and life, and, well, everything important): Imperfect Action is the only way forward.
It feels challenging to thoughtfully, appropriately acknowledge current issues of racial equality/justice in a space that is primarily focused on helping small businesses grow. -But I don’t want to pretend that things are normal or "just fine." So here are some thoughts, imperfectly put together:
One of the main reasons I love helping people create their Dream Business is the transformation that happens for them in the process. (The transformation of their clients, who are receiving their good work, and especially the transformation that happens for the business-owner).
One of the transformations I get to see involves people's relationship with their own Power.
"Power" can be a loaded word.
When I say Power, I am referring not to "Power Over", but "Power To":
*Power to use your Voice,
*Power to make money for your gifts and skills and work,
*Power to change your own life and that of those you love,
*Power to own your story,
*Power to trust your intuition,
*Power to use your talents and creativity,
*Power to Become your truest, best, most you self you can be.
This Power To also includes: Power to make a difference.
One reason I only agree to coach people after we’ve had a detailed conversation first is that, by hearing their story, I can get on board with their goals and hopes, and thus get excited to help them get there.
Another is that I can know my coaching community consists of people who won’t use their increased personal power in a way that is intended to harm or exploit others. -Or even better— and stay with me here— they’ll actively intend not to harm others.
(Side note: This may seem like insignificant semantic minutae, but there’s a big difference between passively “not meaning to hurt” and actively, thoughtfully “meaning not to hurt.” —i.e., I’m aware that I’ve probably caused plenty of hurt in the past without intending to, but that still wasn’t enough effort on my part. I could've been more proactive. Side note over).
So. In the context of all this personal power we’re gaining through business: As solopreneurs, let’s take time to ask ourselves how we also want to make a difference.
For my part, I'm working on listening more, being willing to endure the discomfort of self-examination (especially examining the power that's come with my own privilege), and considering the ways I want to create a kick-ass business so that I have even more power to help make change where it's needed. I want to write big checks to good causes. I want to help level playing fields. I want to influence others to have a positive relationship with their own power (to counteract those who are focusing on "power-over"). I know I’ve got more to do, too (#imperfectaction).
Please consider the question for yourself. If you don't know the answer, that's okay. If you have ideas, but need to change or shift them, that’s okay, too. Keep asking. Keep learning. Keep taking imperfect action.
Keep doing the work.
Keep doing YOUR work— like I've said many times, the world needs it.
It’s more important than you may know.