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A lot of times (and especially as entrepreneurs), we focus too much on what other people are doing. While we may be doing our own thing, we often get side tracked and start looking at what the next woman is doing to see if she’s supposedly moving ahead more quickly or more easily. Then, we start feeling discouraged, like what we’re doing is not good enough, and it can turn into something negative.
For example:
as I have been working on expanding my business and brand, there have been quite a few times when I was looking at what someone else is doing, wondering what she was doing that I’m not, asking myself things like, ‘Why does it seem like it’s easier for her?’ or ‘Why does it seem like she’s reached success way more quickly than me?’ And when I do this, I start feeling discouraged, down and like I’ll never accomplish the things I want. And how could I not feel that way? That’s what happens when you stop focusing on your path and start focusing on someone else’s.
Of course, staying in your lane is easier said than done, especially when it feels like all the other “cars” around you are getting to their destinations faster than you are, or maybe it seems like their “cars” are nicer or their journeys are easier. But, I’ve found that the…
…way to stay in your lane is to realize that it’s your lane.
I’ve started thinking of it like this: I am a unique person with unique talents and gifts. It doesn’t matter if the woman beside me does the same thing I do because she can’t do it like it me – she is not me – I am me! Even if both of us do the same thing, we each bring our own flavor to the table. There’s enough room for both of us to do what we do, so there’s no need to feel like I need to change lanes. I should stay where I am…
…focus on me and what I’m doing and concentrate on getting to my destination.
When you are focused on your lane and doing what you do, you will begin to see that you actually are making strides, that great things are happening (slowly but surely), and in the end, you’ll be much happier about where your life is headed….guaranteed.
Vist Her at JamieFlemingDixon.com
Jamie Fleming-Dixon, Author & F.A.B. Life Coach
Dreamer. Lover of life. Goal getter. These are just a few words to describe Jamie Fleming-Dixon, inspirational writer, blogger, editor and F.A.B. Life Strategist. She is the founder and editor-in-chief of For Colored Gurls, a personal development blog with the mission of inspiring and empowering women to live their most Fabulous lives. Additionally, she is owner of Mocha Writer, a boutique copy editing and proofreading service.
Jamie is also the author of How to Change Your Mindset + Live Your Most Fabulous Life, a motivational book, providing practical tips for creating a more positive mindset and living the life of one’s dream. She has been featured in several websites, blogs, magazines and Blog Talk Radio Shows, including TheCEOMamma.com, AfroElle Magazine and Prominence Magazine and was recently named one of the 2012 50 Fabulous Women Entrepreneurs on BBWO (Black Business Women Online). Visit her online at jamieflemingdixon.com.
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I’m in agreement that event though we encounter many in the same field, everyone brings a different kind of flavor to the discussion. There IS enough to go around and once more people realize that I believe their business will grow. You’ve made several good points and I hope more people will find value in the points you shared.
I totally agree with this post. It was when I decided to stop worrying about what everyone else was doing (or how they were doing it) and just go with what felt right for me is when things began to change. That’s where your own uniqueness comes into play. It is true, no one can deliver the way I can (or you can) and that’s what makes each of us different and better able to connect with our audience.
Jamie is so right. It looks easier when looking in. We don’t know the struggle and sacrifice that person had to endure to get where they are. Once you know your lane, then you need to really dedicate yourself to learning how to progressing forward in your lane.
This is a great discussion and a very important topic to be aware of. Thank you, Jamie, for sharing and thank you everyone for taking time to visit and comment. I agree with all of you … DO YOU and BRING IT! Bring what YOU offer to the table and everyone that needs what you have will be blessed.
[...] thinking bigger than before. But most importantly, I’m acting. I am making changes to stay in my lane and fulfill my [...]