Manage yourself first: your values & the Gingertool game

Lesson 10 of the FemFuel Fempreneurial Journey

Throughout my career, I've been privileged to encounter awe-inspiring stories of women who not only went big but also embodied a distinct entrepreneurial spirit.

These stories are not just tales of success; they are blueprints of resilience, adaptability, and unwavering determination. This is the 10th lesson, Manage Yourself first - your values

Ah, the noble pursuit of scaling a business or starting a business —because who needs personal growth when there are profits to be made? But hold on a minute, my dears, before you dive headlong into the expansion frenzy, let's talk about scaling yourself first. After all, what good is a booming business if the captain of the ship is drowning in a sea of self-doubt?

For all you ambitious souls out there, hitting a wall is practically a rite of passage. Feeling overwhelmed, burned out, uncertain, or defeated? Congratulations, you're on the right track! You've likely become the go-to problem solver in your circle, the one who juggles more tasks than a circus performer. But here's the kicker: whether you soar to greater heights depends on how well you scale yourself. So, let's roll up those sleeves and get down to business.

Scaling yourself isn't just about mastering your skill set—it's about harnessing your energy like a pro. Forget about balancing work and life; it's all about balancing physical, emotional, and mental energies. Who needs sleep when you've got ambition, right?

PLAY TIME #1 - Unleash Your Inner Values

These days, it is easy to get swept away by the allure of profits and growth. But amidst the chaos and clamor, there's one often overlooked element that holds the key to true success: your values.

Values aren't just fancy words or abstract concepts—they're the bedrock upon which your entire entrepreneurial journey rests. They shape your beliefs, thoughts, and perceptions, molding your very reality.

?So, are you ready to dive deep, unearth your values, and engage in the audacious act of discussing them with others? If you're up for the challenge, then brace yourself for a journey like no other—because the power of values is about to be unleashed.

Let's face it: in the dog-eat-dog world of business, it's survival of the fittest. But what separates the winners from the losers isn't just strategy or cunning—it's purpose. Your values serve as your North Star, guiding you through the murky waters of uncertainty and adversity. When the going gets tough, it's your values that keep you grounded, focused, and determined to press on.

But here's the kicker: values aren't just for show. They're your secret weapon in the battle for trust and credibility. In a world plagued by skepticism and cynicism, authenticity is your greatest asset. When you stay true to your values, you build a fortress of integrity that's impervious to doubt or skepticism. Your customers, employees, and partners will flock to you like moths to a flame, drawn in by the magnetic force of your unwavering principles.

Of course, discovering your values is only half the battle. The real challenge lies in embracing them wholeheartedly and having the guts to defend them in the face of opposition. It means being unapologetically yourself, even when the world tells you to conform. It means standing tall in the face of adversity, refusing to compromise your principles for the sake of expediency.

But here's the beauty of it all: when you stay true to your values, you attract a tribe of like-minded individuals who share your vision and passion. Together, you become an unstoppable force, capable of achieving feats that once seemed impossible. And as you bask in the glow of your collective success, you'll realize that your values weren't just a means to an end—they were the driving force behind it all.

So, let’s play!. Download the value test worksheet to list out 10 values that resonate with you. From integrity and honesty to creativity and independence, explore the full spectrum of values and consider how each aligns with your personal philosophy.

PLAY TIME #2 - Unveiling the Gingerbread Tool

Now, picture this: you're knee-deep in your master's in management program when you stumble upon the Gingerbread Tool. Yes, you heard that right—Gingerbread. It's like a GPS for your life, revealing the seven critical areas where you need to get your act together.

Completing the Gingerbread exercise is a breeze. Set a timer for five minutes, grab your crayons, and let your inner Picasso run wild. From reflecting on your brain's favorite obsession to envisioning your retirement oasis, it's all fair game. And remember, no words allowed—because who needs language when you've got art?

Here you go. Draw the things that are linked with you!?

1. Brain: Reflect on the recurring thought that occupies your mind.
2. Past: Recollect a significant aspect from your past that shapes your present.
3. Happiness: Identify the primary source of joy in your life.
4. Hobby: Envision your cherished recreational pursuit.
5. Future: Envisage your post-retirement aspirations.
6. Love: Pinpoint the central object of your affection.
7. Work: Articulate your foremost career aspiration.

Once you've decoded your Gingerbread map, brace yourself for a newfound sense of self-awareness. Armed with this knowledge, you'll navigate conversations like a seasoned diplomat, effortlessly deciphering the hidden agendas of your peers.

But let's not forget the real reason we're here: business. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about you—it's about the empire you're building. Your team is counting on you to lead with confidence and finesse, not flounder in a sea of self-doubt.

So, my ambitious friends, heed this call to arms: scale yourself first, and watch as the world bows to your command.?

Then, and only then, can you unleash the full force of your ambition and scale your business to unimaginable heights.

Yes my dear female founder, you can do it!

–

This is a series of posts, each uncovering a lesson I learned from entrepreneurship

Subscribe to our #FemFuel letter?! Share this article and give it 50 claps, so other people can get inspired!

#femfuel #fempreneurs #Womentrepreneurs #womeninbusiness #femaleleaders #startuplife #personalgrowth #femalefounders

#keepgoing #FemaleEntrepreneur #BossBabe #SheMeansBusiness #WomenEmpowerment #GirlBoss #Entrepreneurship #WomenLeaders #WomenInTech #BusinessWoman #FemaleFounders #WomenWhoHustle #BossLady #Mompreneur #WomenSupportingWomen #EmpowerHer #WomenInLeadership #FearlessFemale #HerWay #SheEO #FemFuel