Have you thought about ditching your corporate job for a chance to work for yourself? Does the idea of making your own decisions and learning lots along the way appeal to you? Do you have the heart for risk and reward? If you said yes, then idea is already in you – and yes you can make it happen. I’m doing it and you can too.
On March 21, 2014 I left the day job and opened YogaVision Studio. I had the golden handcuffs – great hours, benefits, and clients. I also had a yearning to be more and do more and contribution more than I could when I was working for a big organization. I watched my parents run their own business and was a little unnerved by the kinds of ups and downs they went through – so I stuck with corporate life as long as I possibly could. After awhile, I looked at the long road ahead to retirement and decided that it was too long to wait to have the life I really wanted. In the past few months, I tested my capacity to grow, learn, trust and transform beyond what I thought I could. Guess what? I like this way much better.
Here’s what I have learned along the way:
1. The Answer is Always There
Stuck in a rut? Not sure where to turn? Working harder or longer doesn’t solve the problem. The answer always shows up when I still my mind. Usually sooner than it takes to complain about the problem again. This goes for everything including money, time, people and love.
2. It’s in You to Give
In the beginning my objective was to fill the studio. It was a tough go. Everyone I met became a make it or break it situation. Then I shifted to thinking about how to serve. Starting every task or phone call or meeting with a desire to serve is a game changer. Walking into meetings with something to offer – a relaxation technique, a calming presence, or a strategy for transformation is the key to being called back.
3. Its all about connections (aka Sales)
This one hit me kinda hard. Welcoming people into the studio or into the practice is about connecting. Connecting is also known as sales. When I got that – it helped me see my role more clearly. Be clear on what you are selling. Be clear that what you are selling requires a personal touch and an understanding of the person in front of you. It can only happen if you are willing to ask questions and listen to the answer.
4. Let Go of the Old
Without a doubt all of my relationships, routines, preferences, and habits changed – dramatically. The people I had around me when I had a desk job mostly worked in offices too. We could lament for hours about the travesty of it all. I started every day with a coffee as my reward for making it in to work. Now I look for opportunity and see opportunity, the miracles and the magic. And when I do have hang out time – I am extra careful about what I do and who I do it with.
5. Count Your Blessings
There are tough days – and on those days in particular being grateful for what is happening is really important. No matter what – the good is always flowing. Not always on my time but always on god’s time. Trust. And always hug your spouse/partner at the end of the day. It goes a long way.
6. The Best Part
I love all the people who come into YogaVision everyday. People from all walks of life come into YogaVision to learn, to practice, to look after themselves, to heal, to explore, to connect and to discover who they really are. It’s inspiring and a refreshing reminder of how important this work it.
Salimah Kassim-Lakha is a Yoga Therapist and Director of YogaVision Studio in Mississauga. Visit her website at www.yogavision.com. Mention this article and your first class is on us.
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