Leza Parker: The Key is Focus.
As much as 2016 is full of peaks and valleys, a lot of things happened that I would least expect. The best highlight is meeting my Venture Capitalist, still one the greatest man I admire. He is wise, calm and ever so supportive. The only thing I would worry is not fulfilling the expectations he has of me, so I hope with continuous progression this 2017 would be a year, he can confidently conclude I am worth the investment.
Everything else in between from meeting people, connecting with people, leading people and investing in people are challenges that did not work out for me. People are more of a distraction that they actually give me real benefits, and I probably have always been positive when it comes to hiring – that they can potentially prove to add real value. Honestly, 2016 taught me that not everyone adds real value. Some do add value, but not real value. There is nothing entirely wrong with that, it just that they and me, aren’t a good match to begin with. I hope I would be able to tell that right from the beginning.
You can only tell if someone is worth any value, the moment they leave. If their presence had added any value, their absence would make no difference. Being a person of strong character, I do have issues with questionable behaviour. That’s one of my biggest distraction.
In 2017, as we spent this last day in 2016, I am re-looking deep into everything that has happened and how I want to kick start the new year being a more progressive, positive and hardworking.
Here are some of my resolutions to kick it off:
1. Everyday, on my list to do, must be at least 3 productive things. You know, doing things for work or personal that contributes something to others or myself. In simple words, not to waste time on things or people who no longer matter. Even social media in this regard.
2. I wanted to start writing a BLOG a day to keep people more engaged in what I do. I was worried in 2016 people are more distracted from my regular postings, than my educational ones and I want the fans and followers to learn so much more from what I have been learning each and everyday. This is not limited to articles, tutorials answering business questions and definitely writing books.
3. Reducing liabilities. It’s tough on months with low cash flow, and high liabilities. In business, having high liabilities i.e. leases etc contributes a lot to stress. It was easy to disburse funds, but during tough months, every dollar becomes more valuable than ever. I did make arrangement to close down anything that is brick and mortar, to concentrate on making real revenue from technology firms investments and subscription business model. And I look forward that with the lower liabilities, incoming investments and focus on the technology based businesses – I aim to excel further.
We are often distracted by reading things we should not, by spending too much time that brought us no benefit, by changing ourselves to blend in social circles we don’t belong, or by contributing efforts and energy on other people instead of ourselves.
That is the problem, even I have. Which is why, I need to re-align my focus to pour my time and energy to things and people that truly matter.
Some of you might know this, but I am actually an introvert. So I have always appreciate deep meaningful connections, with a few people than to be in crowds, bond with masses and spend time in large social gatherings. Over the years, I did become more closed up in person which explains how less frequent I am with running seminars, talks and invite to speak. And I thought I should change, but someone told me on Facebook – that I should not change for anyone or anything. She told me I was never meant to blend in, and that is completely okay.
I love social media, for the opportunities to continue to connect with people. I know, being a public figure, I have already lost a lot of privacy, movements monitored, decisions questioned and that often left me violated and unappreciated. But I still believe strongly, that despite the successes and failures I come with, I have so much still to offer my community and I know, there are many of you who still appreciate my work last many years.
I read an article the other day that says ‘People are hated or mocked because they are doing important things.’ If you are doing nothing important, or is someone not important, then no one cares about giving time, attention and energy on you.
So with all that said, I want you to take away an important lesson.
In your pathway to success, you will come across challenges, problems, ordeals beyond your expectations. Some days, they will break you, bring you down or wear you out. Sometimes you will lose relationships, money, businesses and more. But nothing, is worth a distraction. A problem comes and go. What bothers you last year did not matter today, what bothers you today will go away in a year. The storm always passes, so do not bother losing sleep over it.
Stay on path, focused and disciplined, follow your dreams.
Repeat. And 2017 will be an amazing year!
Hi I am Leza Parker. Aged 32, I have three children. I started a business from home some six years ago and currently the CEO of SC Beauty Network that operates in six countries with over 350 full time and contractual employees. I am also an angel investor having invested in small start ups in the baking, education, training, beauty and fashion industries. I have over 100,000 accumulative followers on social media and am dedicated to inspire thousands more through my Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and Facebook channels. I have published several books, appear in numerous media articles and I lecture in several universities to educate future entrepreneurs local and overseas. Two of my start ups are VC-funded and have expanded globally since.