Recently, I had an insightful conversation with Lizette Volkwyn, a master life coach, NLP practitioner, published author, and known as the "human lie detector."
We delved deep into the importance of self-awareness and personal growth for business owners.
I wanted to share some key takeaways from our discussion.
Let's dive in.
The Foundation of Authenticity
Lizette emphasized the significance of being authentic in both personal and professional realms.
She shared that true success comes when you focus on who you are and feel comfortable in your own skin.
"Our biggest challenge is realizing we cannot be somebody else," she noted.
By presenting your authentic self, you create genuine connections that make others feel more comfortable doing business with you.
Detaching Emotionally from Your Business
One critical point we discussed is the tendency of entrepreneurs to become overly attached to their businesses.
Lizette cautioned against viewing your business as your baby:
"It's not your baby; it's a means to make money, feel comfortable, and achieve something."
By detaching your emotions from your business, you allow it to develop its own identity, separate from yours.
This separation prevents you from projecting insecurities onto your business decisions.
Recognizing and Breaking Patterns
Patterns play a significant role in how we operate.
Lizette stressed the importance of identifying and breaking unhelpful patterns:
"Nothing changes if nothing changes."
By becoming aware of these patterns, you can make conscious choices to change them, leading to personal and professional growth.
Insecurities Manifesting in Business
We explored how personal insecurities can manifest in business operations.
For example, hiring people who are less skilled to avoid feeling threatened can hinder your business growth.
Lizette pointed out:
"Our insecurities lead us to project blame onto others, affecting our ability to succeed."
Addressing these insecurities is crucial for effective leadership and business development.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery is essential for personal and business success.
Lizette shared her own story of self-realization and emphasized the importance of being brutally honest with oneself.
She recommended starting with a self-audit:
"Look at who you are right now. Do an audit on yourself."
This process involves acknowledging your strengths and confronting your weaknesses without judgment.
Letting Go of the Ego
The ego often stands in the way of personal growth.
We discussed practical steps to shed the ego:
"Park the emotions and the ego," Lizette advised.
By setting aside pride and embracing vulnerability, you open the door to significant personal development.
This allows you to listen to others, accept help, and make better decisions.
The Power of Accountability
Taking full responsibility for your life is a game-changer.
Lizette shared a mantra:
"All you have to be is 1% better than you were yesterday."
By holding yourself accountable and making incremental improvements, you set the stage for continuous growth.
This mindset shift moves you from a victim mentality to a position of empowerment.
Understanding Perception and Projection
Our perceptions significantly impact our reality.
Lizette explained:
"Perception is projection."
What we believe internally, we project externally.
By altering our perceptions, we can change how we interact with the world and, consequently, the outcomes we experience.
Embracing Vulnerability
Vulnerability is often seen as a weakness, but it's actually a strength.
Lizette shared how embracing vulnerability allowed her to grow exponentially:
"If you can't be human, you can't grow."
By showing our true selves, we build deeper connections and open ourselves up to new opportunities.
Offense Is Taken, Not Given
We touched on the idea that we choose how we react to situations.
Lizette highlighted:
"Offense is taken, not given."
By controlling our reactions and not taking things personally, we maintain our emotional equilibrium and make better decisions.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Emotional intelligence is crucial for personal and professional success.
High IQ alone doesn't guarantee success; understanding and managing emotions do.
Lizette emphasized the need to get out of our heads and into our hearts:
"Our biggest challenge is that we think too much."
By balancing logic with emotional awareness, we become more effective leaders.
Actionable Steps to Begin Your Journey
Lizette offered practical advice for those ready to embark on this journey:
- Park Your Emotions: Set aside your ego and emotions when evaluating yourself.
- Conduct a Self-Audit: Honestly assess your strengths and weaknesses.
- Identify Your Gremlins: Acknowledge past experiences that may be holding you back.
- Take Accountability: Accept that you are responsible for your life and business.
- Seek Support: Consider working with a coach or trusted advisor.
- Implement Incremental Changes: Focus on improving one thing at a time.
Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
Conclusion: Fix Yourself to Fix Your Business
Our conversation underscored the profound impact that personal development has on business success.
By focusing on self-awareness, shedding the ego, and embracing vulnerability, you can transform not only yourself but also your business.
As Lizette wisely said:
"If you don't like what you see, be grounded enough to seek help."
It's time to take that step towards authentic leadership and unlock your true potential.
Connect with Lizette Volkwyn
If you're interested in learning more from Lizette, you can find her at:
- Website: www.lizettevolkwyn.com
- Instagram: @lizette_volkwyn
- WhatsApp: 074 312 0023
She's an incredible resource for anyone looking to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.
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