Why you Can't Focus...and what to do about it.

Hello!

2022 is here and so far, the promise of a new year and new start hasn’t exactly come true. TBH, for many of us, it might feel just like 2021 and 2020. With everything going on right now, it's no wonder that our ability to focus is being seriously diminished.

So what's an aspiring entrepreneur to do? Read below for some common challenges to determine which ones are behind your lack of focus. And then try the suggested solutions to see which resonate most with you.

Too Many Distractions: Lots of us have a real deal addiction to all the things: email notifications, news alerts, social media scrolls.

• If you want to stop feeling like a mental pinball: silence alerts, put time limits on apps and go tech-free for at least an hour a day. At first this might feel very hard, but within a few days you will notice an amazing improvement in your ability to focus.

Empathic Overload: If you are a highly sensitive soul, the last two years have felt like the longest endurance run ever, amiright?

• If you want to stop taking on everyone else's emotions, it's time for some serious boundary creation and daily energy protection, even if that means changing your relationships with friends and family. By being more aware and intentional with your emo-capacity, you will find more ease and peace.

Stress, Anxiety, Overwhelm: We can probably all agree that the world is banana pants right now. Adding the January hype can bring pressure to an all-time high.

• If you want to get a handle on the constant overwhelm, take everything off your list that isn't urgent, prioritize quiet walks in nature & try daily meditation or journaling. Yep, I'm saying it again: Self-care is not selfish, it's essential. Do what you have to do to take care of you.

You have ALL the Ideas: The new year might give you a super-boost of creativity, but without all the clarity and organization you need to take action.

• If you want to harness the idea avalanche, do a daily brain dump, categorize your ideas and then start prioritizing based on what is easiest to accomplish or feels most exciting to tackle. Not every idea needs to turn into something actionable, but using these tips will help keep them flowing without being overwhelmed.

I know it seems extra hard right now, but we've got this. One moment at a time you can get back to your focused self.

If you need some 1:1 help, reach out to grab one of my remaining Entrepreneur Energy Assessment & Activated 2022 Planning packages. It's the ultimate Part Woo - Part Work package to help any current or aspiring small business owner start the new year with the clarity, confidence and cohesive plan you need, but without all the hustle and grind.

And if you are looking for some inspiration on showcasing your originality & being in creative flow, check out my lastest Open to Alchemy podcast episode!

To finding focus,
Lauren

How to Determine if your Small Business Idea is Viable

Hey Love,

Have you been thinking about starting a new business, but aren't sure if your idea is the "right one"? Congrats! You are in the exact place you need to be!

Here are three questions to ask yourself so you can start your business journey strong:

Does it provide a solution to a problem that needs solving?

Your business has to fill a need or want enough to get people to spend money on it. Make sure you get clear on the challenges your perspective clients are experiencing so you can feel confident addressing them.

Can you reach your target client or customer with relative ease?
Understanding who your ideal clients are and how to reach them is crucial, while keeping your budget, time and energy resources in mind. This will help you meet your audience with the right message, at the right place along their journey.

Are you truly excited by the idea?
Passion is the #1 thing to keep you going through the ups and downs. If you are only lukewarm about your idea or offering, continue exploring other possibilities until you find one that consistently lights you up.

Not sure how to answer these questions? Just ask me! I can help you get clarity at any part of the process. And don't worry if your answer(s) end up being NO; that's all part of the process in launching a new venture. Every aspiring entrepreneur will learn to pivot, change, retool many, many times on the way to success. Remember there is no failure, it's all just information to get you closer to your goals. And while the entrepreneur journey is not always easy, it is soul-fulfilling in a way that's hard to even put into words.

If you are feeling inspired to create a business that combines your passion and purpose, feels aligned and impactful, then check out my new offer, booking now for January sessions only. The Entrepreneur Energy Assessment + Activated 2022 Planning Session is the ultimate Part Woo - Part Work package to help any current or aspiring small business owner start the new year with the clarity, confidence and cohesive plan they need, but without all the hustle and grind.

To stepping into the business of you dreams,
Lauren

When you Have so Many Ideas: Multi-passionate Productivity Hacks

Hi Dear!

So many ideas, such little time. Such is the life of a multi-passionate. I like to call us energy hummingbirds because we get so excited by so many different things, it can feel like we are speed buzzing from one idea to another.

And while that energy is super powerful, it can also leave us exhausted and overwhelmed from spinning our wheels. So if your motto is More is More, consider these tips to help harness your multi-prong passion into a more productive superpower:

Brain Dump: There is nothing worse than feeling scattered, trying to make sense and keep track of all your ideas in your head. The seemingly obvious (but not always followed) solution - write them all down. For those sudden a-ha's, keep a notes file on your phone or use a voice-to-text memo. To keep things more manageable, try scheduling a daily or weekly timeslot to unload all those creative bits and pieces. Maybe they are amazing offerings, content pillars or future projects, but it won’t be clear if they stay in your head.

Categorize, Strategize, Simplify: Once your ideas are on paper, you will start to see how they can go together. Look for the overarching themes and put alike things in common buckets. Next, see where pieces can be used in a sales funnel or how a client could naturally follow a path from one topic or offering to another. This is the place to sideline anything that seems too complicated, requires a separate system or pulls your core messages in a different direction.

Get Client Focused: It's more than okay to have multiple revenue streams, it's actually beneficial. In fact, the average millionaire has 7 revenue streams! So while you can offer lots of things, they need a common theme and focus so it’s clear to your audience what you do, who you serve and what your mission is. Remember to embody your target client. People need to file you away in their mental rolodex with a specific theme/need they associate you with.

Remember, the point of all this isn't to hinder your creative process, but to practice techniques that allow you to make the most of it! Your work is more than just work; it’s how you express yourself, how you are meant toshine your light. And your seamingly disparate ideas, can often come together in the most magical of ways.

If you are an aspiring solopreneurs,I'd love to work together to help you activate your creative spark. And I've created the perfect first action step for you. Getting Started: The Clarity Workbookis an incredible tool in helping you get the clarity you need on the what, why, who and how of your potential start-up. It’savailable nowat the intro price of just $11! Or pair with a 1:1Empowered Alchemysession for an epic transformation. One client told me it was the "catalyst to help me see the worth in risking a dream!!!" and "created a waterfall of momentum within me to consider this dream of mine doable".

To sharing your many passions with the world,
Lauren

Determine your USP (unique selling proposition) and Finding your Value

“There are no new ideas. There are only new ways of making them felt. “
Audre Lorde

If you are wondering if what you have to offer is special, look around at the thousands of doctors and lawyers (no offense, love you all!). Do you think they question whether what they offer is unique? They have found something they enjoy and are good at, knowing that since they are unique individuals, they will have distinct practices, attract a specific group of clients/patients and create their own brand.

By doing some deep self-exploration, you can begin to better understand yourunique positioning. Here are some writing exercises to help you tap into the value of your story:

• Start with a list of all the work-related things you’ve done: job experience, classes, certifications, freelance projects, etc.

• Now expand that list to all your out-of-office accomplishments: volunteering, major home-life endeavors, all-star help you’ve given friends, family, colleagues.

• Write down any challenges you’ve experienced, life transitions or other obstacles you’ve overcome.

• Think about limiting beliefs and/or fears that used to hold you back and blocks you’ve moved past, exploring what helped enable that massive changes.

• When you think about all that you’ve experienced, which stand out as the most transformative or make you feel the most proud and confident?

As I’m sure you will quickly see, no one else has your unique magic formula of innate talents, interests and life experience. You aren’t exactly like anyone else and you don’t need to follow any pre-laid path.Your voice matters.We need your new take on the problem you are trying to solve.

Remember, for you, work is more than work; it’s how you express yourself, how you are meant to shine your light. I also know it can be overwhelming to start a new business, side hustle or passion project. And that’s why I created a new guide, specifically foraspiring solopreneurs.Getting Started: The Clarity Workbookis an incredible tool in helping you get the clarity you need on the what, why, who and how of your potential start-up, so you can keep moving towards the worklife of your dreams. It’savailable nowat the intro price of just $11!

To sharing your unique light,
Lauren

Why are you Stuck?

Hey love,

Have you always dreamed of starting your own little business? Maybe you aren’t looking for 7 figures or to build a massive empire, but you want to do something that you really love, feels good and helps others.

So what do you think is getting in your way? Why are you stuck moving from your seed of an idea into inspired action? See which of these barriers resonate the most:

• You haven’t given yourself the time and space

  • Just like anything you’d like to grow, it needs the right conditions and proper nurturing. And without prioritizing time to research, create or practice, your dream will unfortunately stay just that, a dream. Dedicating 30 minutes a day or a 2 hour time block on the weekend builds momentum and focus.

• You need more clarity

  • It’s not very easy or productive to take action on something if you aren’t clear on the specifics. I have found this to be such a frequent challenge for clients, that I created a brand new 6-part Clarity Workbook specifically designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs get clear on some of the key components of any business launch, while tapping into their passion and purpose.

• You are afraid of failure

  • If you remember only one thing from this email (besides ordering my Clarity Workbook) this is it: failure, as we know it, doesn’t exist. Every experience is a valuable opportunity to learn, get new information, pivot. Sure, something might not turn out how you expected, but that’s not failure, that’s life. Don’t deny yourself the beauty of your entrepreneurial journey, just because of some old-school view on “failing”

• You are afraid of success

  • Most people immediately dismiss this idea, amiright?! Who would be afraid of success and why? Well, this is one of those sneaky limiting beliefs that may actually be holding you back. Fear of increased responsibility, changing schedules, higher levels of stress and unpredictable family dynamics are some common concerns. So be honest with yourself and if these might be issues you haven’t consciously acknowledged, now is the time to get to the root.

It can be overwhelming to start a new business, side hustle or passion project. Believe me, I've done it many times over! And that’s why I created this new guide, specifically for aspiring entrepreneurs. Getting Started: The Clarity Workbook is an incredible tool in helping you get the clarity you need on the what, why, who and how of your potential start-up, so you can keep moving towards the worklife of your dreams. It’s available now at the intro price of just $11!

Feeling Stuck, Overwhelmed & Unmotivated: How to move into Inspired Action

Hey love,

Ready for some real talk? Trying to start (and run!) a small business, side hustle or passion project is challenging. You can quickly swing from feeling completely excited and determined to being totally overwhelmed and full of doubt. And even though it's amazing to work for yourself, sometimes we all need that extra support, encouragement and collaborative spirit.

So if you are feeling stuck, overwhelmed or unmotivated, I've got you! Below is a 6-step guide to moving out of that rut and back into your rightful place of inspiration, confidence, clarity and enthusiasm for that soul-aligned magical work you are here to share with the world!

1. Take a Breath
Do you remember taking any today? Breathing slowly and deeply can immediately start to stabilize your nervous system, moving you out of flight, fight or freeze and back into more grounded, clearer space.

2. Move your Body
It might seem like procrastination, but moving your body activates those feel good hormones which can change your energy and attitude helping you approach work from a better mindset.

3. Make a Brain Dump List
Write down literally everything you are thinking about: must-do's, deadlines, ideas, opportunities, follow-ups. There is a magical shift when you let your mind release the responsibility of keeping track of it all.

4. Categorize the List {you can do this 2 ways based on your type of work/biz}
A) Group by activity/core function so you can batch similar work together (great if work isn't time-sensitive)
OR
B) Group by priority/deadlines so the more immediate things can get done on time (great for more linear work)

5. Review the List Again
Thinking like the CEO you are, what can be eliminated, delegated, systemized? Remember some of the reasons you are doing this in the first place (freedom, fulfillment, fun) so here is your permission to stop doing the things you don't want to do.

6: Take Inspired Action
It’s time to set your intention & get busy. Feel into your energy and start with a task that feels the most aligned; are you ready for something exciting, impactful or challenging?

And if you aren't clear on what that business is or how to get it started, I'd love to help you align your passion + purpose to create sustainable, soul-fulfilling work. Check out my Empowered Alchemy sessions designed to get you exactly the guidance you need to start living the work-life you've dreamed of.

We are all ready for your magic!

You've got this,
Lauren

How to Move Forward with Clarity

Hello love,

There’s a popular saying about Fall, that it reminds us to see the beauty in change. With so many seasonal changes: shorter days, cooler temps and leaves popping with color, are you feeling the call to change too?

🙌🏻 Ready to stop feeling depleted by your current work/environment and start something on your own
🙌🏻 Want to spend your valuable time doing work that’s meaningful, fulfilling and fun, but will also fit into your busy family life
🙌🏻 Know that you have something to offer that could really make a difference in others lives, if only you could figure out how to turn it into something tangible

If you are unclear about your next move, you are not alone! Literally millions of people are in the same place as you. Here are some clarity questions to get you thinking about what you could create, offer or provide as a business, side hustle or solo-practice:

➡️ What am I really good at?
➡️ What do I enjoy and could spend all day doing?
➡️ What did I want to be as a kid?
➡️ What would I do if money, training, logistics were not a thing?

Take some quiet time and answer these questions, paying attention to any overlapping themes that emerge or ideas that start to take shape in your mind. And remember, don't just include traditional "work" skills...the wider you expand your thinking, the more creative possibilities will come in.

If you are ready to get even more clarity, check out my Empowered Alchemy sessions for incredible insights on how to mix your passion + purpose to create soul-fulfilling work. And for some fun and inspiring conversations from others who have walked in your shoes and made a change, check out some recent episodes of my Open to Alchemy podcast. You can find them all via Spotify and Apple.

You are being called to change for a reason. It’s time to make that next move and show the world what you are here for.

All my best,
Lauren

The Summer that Was(n't)

Hello Dear!

Well, there went June. I started off with all the best intentions to crush some work projects, but #summervibes had different plans. Between family travel and summer camp prep, exploring new passions and digging into old beliefs, it’s been hard to keep to my regular schedule.

Are you in the same situation, where daily or weekly habits aren’t fitting in? Don't be too hard on yourself. I think there's a reason the seasons feel different, as we are meant to shake things up a little and find a new flow. Maybe we can all benefit from extending ourselves some extra grace and self-compassion, knowing we'll get back to rituals and routines soon enough.

If you are feeling the pull to carve out a little YOU time this summer, I’d love to connect. Here are a few different offerings I’ve created with everyone’s seasonal energy flow in mind:

• If you are interested in learning more about the best way to use your energy, sleep, create boundaries, find joy and more, book a Human Design Self-Care Session.

• If you have a specific area you are looking for clarity or guidance on and are ready to tap into your most powerful source, book a Soul Session.

• If you’ve been feeling a creative spark to start a new business or program, but aren’t sure how to bring it to life, book a free Connection Call.

One thing I have been doing every week and absolutely loving is recording new episodes of my podcast, Open to Alchemy. It brings me so much joy to learn from all of my incredible guests and be able to share their wisdom with all of you. Recent topics include Money Mindset, Past Lives, Holistic Skincare, Mental Health and monthly Energy themes. If you’ve missed the recent episodes you can find them all via Spotify and Apple. And, if you have a topic you want me to dive into or an interview guest to recommend, send me an email!

To feeling into summer,
Lauren

Human Design and Spirit Animals

Hello love!

It’s halfway through May, which hopefully means you’ve had some time activating and honoring your inner Peacock. Our Spirit Animal Alchemy for this month is a powerful reminder that we are all brilliant and beautiful creatures, here to shine our unique light.

I thought it would be fun to use your Human Design Energy Type to tap into Peacock spirit in the way most aligned for you. If you don’t know your design, here is a link to grab your Free chart.

• Generator: Shining your light means reconnecting with the highest potential version of yourself. Letting go of all the shoulds gives you more time to focus on what you really love. And spending time on what you love is your most magnetic frequency.

• Manifesting Generator: You are meant to create your own unique journey, not follow other's path. To express yourself in your truest, fullest capacity, let go of fear or judgment about what anyone else thinks. Be proud of your experiences and all the wisdom and perspective you’ve gained along the way.

• Projector: Just like each peacock has their own unique feather size, color, pattern, so do you! Your gifts are more easily recognized and invited in by others, when you first see them in yourself. It’s time to hone in on your niche, skills or craft.

• Manifestor: You are designed to be big and bold, not for people pleasing or playing small. Take all the cues from the proud, majestic peacock and strut your stuff. You can’t worry about how others see you; only that you keep moving forward following your driving truth.

• Reflector: Your energy is one of a kind. Since you are meant to experience life through your connection with others, it’s critical that you cultivate a healthy, supportive environment. Take your time and embrace the idea that you might feel like a different version of yourself each day.

I'd love to connect with you, so please visit my website to schedule a Human Design or Mind, Body, Soul Session and follow me on social at Instagram and Facebook. My Open to Alchemy podcast drops new high-vibe episodes each week, so make sure to subscribe!

To your authentic self,
Lauren

Spirit Animal Alchemy: Peacock energy

Hello Beautiful Soul!

Welcome to May! A new month means new Spirit Animal guidance. For this month, the majestic Peacock is our teacher, reminding us to show our full, colorful self. Here are some high vibe lessons from this unique bird:

Let your true self shine.
You are an amazing, one-of-a-kind soul.

Strut your stuff.
Allow us to see your gifts and learn from your wisdom.

Stop hiding or playing small.
You are here to help inspire others to express themselves.

I got the ping to go even deeper with the Spirit Animal Oracle cards I pull each month, so get ready for expansion! I have so many resources I'll be sharing to help you embody all the beautiful qualities of the Peacock. First up is my latest podcast episode where I share a bunch of Peacock-inspired wisdom about:

• How to step into your authentic self

• Starting a journaling/channeled writing practice

• Balancing consumption and creation

• Breaking free from conditioning

If you are looking for some empowering words, then this episode is for you! It is time to embody the spirit of the Peacock and let your beautiful truth shine for all to see!

I can’t wait to see how all of this unfolds. Thank you for always showing me love, encouragement, support! It’s such an honor to be on this journey with all of you 💖

I'd love to hear from you, so please visit my website to schedule a Human Design or Mind, Body, Soul Session and follow me on social at Instagram and Facebook.

Shine bright,
Lauren