Business and Marriage

Guess How Many Years in Business?
6 Lessons Learned

Guess How Many Years in Business?
6 Lessons Learned

August is a big milestone month over here at SimplyAlign – I’m celebrating my business anniversary! Can I get a virtual high five?

Two decades is how long I’ve been online, and that’s a lot! I started in 2003, with my “Living in the Flow” Newsletter, Tai Chi Flow videos, and energy sessions. And I recently stumbled upon an archive of my old newsletter/emails from 2010 going forward– talk about a blast from the past!

Wow, I was busy through those years. Guest spots on summits, podcasts, radio shows, speaking on stages big and small, teaching across the US and in Australia (7 times), hey I forgot that I even wrote a chapter in two best selling books – it’s been quite the ride and I’m still enjoying it…oh so much! And I’m excited about what’s coming up this fall -stay tuned more details coming in the next month.

In the meantime, I’ve been thinking of all the lessons I’ve learned along this 20-year entrepreneurial journey. I’d love to share a few of those nuggets with you because they relate to ALL areas of life, not just business. So here we go:

1. Use the 80/20 rule. Also known as the Pareto Principle: roughly 80% of outcomes come from 20% of effort. For example, 20% of a plant contains 80% of the fruit, 20% of a company’s customers bring in 80% of the profit, and I’d venture to guess – you wear 20% of the clothes in your closet 80% of the time. You get the point. I had to learn NOT to use 80% of my time for a 20% result. To instead, prioritize my highest impact tasks (20%) for the optimal, and easiest results (80%).

2. Honor the Struggle / Embrace the Suck. Running a business is fun…except when it’s not. There are parts of business that I don’t love: admin tasks, learning new technology, communication misunderstandings. But that’s like everything in life, you’ve got to take the unpleasant with the pleasant because those good parts are so worth it. I delegate what I can, and have learned to appreciate the unavoidable parts. I choose to see them as opportunities to rise and be bolder.

3. Time Blocking is my to-do list’s best friend. I started time-blocking to keep myself on task. It’s my daily to-do list put in certain blocks of time, so I never have to waste time mulling over what I should work on next, and getting distracted in the process. I prioritize that beforehand. It also helps me to totally focus on the task at hand during that block, even if another idea pops in my brain (which happens a lot). I just write myself a short note to remember it and keep on the task at hand.

4. You can’t grow what you don’t know. You can’t make a plant grow if you don’t know its soil, right? Same goes for business and life. You’ve gotta pay attention to those numbers, like that wise Peter Drucker said, ‘You can’t manage what you don’t measure.’ But here’s the kicker—once upon a time, I was hesitant about diving into my income figures. It felt like checking the scale every day when you’re trying to be healthy, ya know? Too much and it’s like getting overly focused on numbers. But fast forward to now, and I’m all about those digits. It’s one way of giving my business the respect it deserves.

5. Outdoors + Movement = Clarity. I love working and it seems there is always something to be done. That’s not a good combo…it means since there is always work to do and I like working…well, I’ve learned to get myself away from my office. Outside in nature is a great place to be – it “sharpens the saw” and can be pure gold for creativity. Some of my best ideas have come to me because of sneaking away from work to enjoy nature on a walk or high-speed bike ride.

6. Do Less Better. When overwhelmed, PRUNE. When I get too much on my plate for too long, I’ve learned the answer is to take a look at what’s feeling overwhelming and ask myself the 3-Ds: “What can I delegate, delay, or delete?” I find most tasks fit into one of those buckets. Pruning back the non-essentials makes it possible to do the essentials – to do less – better. It frees up more creative power for the most important things. Keeping it simple is always a good thing in my book!

Those are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned on this journey. I’ll probably share more in the future, but this is long enough for now.

Oh, and guess what?

August isn’t just about SimplyAlign’s birthday bash – it’s also my wedding anniversary month! Yup, Dean-the-dream and I are marking 42 years together! Holy cow, that’s a long time! Maybe next week I’ll have a list of what I’ve learned from marriage, but probably not because even 42 years does not an expert make, haha!

Business and Marriage

But have you ever noticed how business and marriage share a bunch of similarities? They both involve navigating tough times and celebrating victories. Both demand care, patience, teamwork, and a good sense of humor.

Just wanted to say thanks for being part of my journey. Your support means a lot!

Much Love,

Carolyn Cooper

PS – If you missed last week’s email and the downloadable PDF of “Time Affirmations,” it’s waiting for you below:

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Time scarcity

Affirmation List to turn Time Scarcity to Time Abundance

Affirmation List to turn Time Scarcity to Time Abundance

I hope you’re well! Today, I have a treat for you – a downloadable list of empowering time affirmations! But first, I hope you don’t mind me sharing…

Dean and I just got back from a quick trip to Utah to surprise our ‘diplo-daughter’ when she flew in from India. She’s in the foreign service so has been working at the Embassy in Chennai, India and we haven’t seen her in 2 years! She thought we’d see each other when we’re in back in Utah in 2 weeks (which we will), but we decided it would be a great fun (and it was!) to be at the airport with flowers, balloons, and posters! She was completely surprised…and a bit jet-lagged. I’m really happy we chose to take that last minute trip and not miss out on that special time.

Time scarcity

And speaking of time, let’s get on to this week’s message:

Last week on a Zoom call with my SimplyAlign Practitioner Community, someone sent in a question about “time scarcity”. One of our practitioners said she has so much she wants to do and feels she is often behind.

She asked what I personally do to get so much done. Truth be told, others don’t see everything I WANT to get done, only what actually gets done. I too, often feel behind with all my ideas of what I’d like to get done. Like you, I’m balancing dreams with what realistically gets checked off my list.

So, here’s what I’ve picked up to give my days a bit of a stretch. These are tailored to my business/work life, but I’m sure you can tweak them for whatever you’re up to.

1. Evening Unload: Every night, before bed I take just a few minutes and quickly jot down all the thoughts swirling in my head (aka: brain dump). It’s like a mind cleanse. It helps me sleep better, and preps for a fresh start in the morning.

2. Top Three Focus: From that list, I choose three things for the next day. I usually end up doing more, but focusing on these three helps me stay on track and not feel overwhelmed with too many tasks.

3. Acknowledge Wins: At the end of the day, I reflect, give myself credit for things accomplished, and remind myself that I’ve done enough. I literally say to myself, “You’ve done enough for today”. There’s always more, but it’s important to celebrate progress.

4. Idea Priority Check: When new ideas or opportunities pop up, I rate them on a scale of 1 to 10. If it’s an 8, 9, or 10, it’s worth considering. If it’s not, I know how easily something new can steer me off course. Those 8s and 9s can distract me from my 10s -so being aware of that is super helpful! Clear 10s make it to my list.

5. Boost with Positivity: And here’s my secret sauce – SimplyAlign. It helps me shake off any thoughts of not having enough time, it releases limiting patterns, and keeps me grounded and confident in my goals.

For that call with my SimplyAlign Community, I put together a PDF of TIME AFFIRMATIONS that I’m sharing with you too! I’ve attached it here – take a peek and print it off if it’s helpful.

Wishing you more time for all that brings you joy ~

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Lessons From a Witness Tree

Lessons From a Witness Tree

One of the things I love about living here in DC is that there is so much HISTORY all around us. Dean-the-dream and I have a list of “day-trips” and “weekend trips” we’re working our way through, and having a ball doing it!

Last weekend we finally made it to Gettysburg, where 160 years ago this week, the bloodiest battle of the Civil War took place from July 1 to 3, 1863. The details are gruesome and heart-wrenching, as all war-stories are.

Wait! Gosh, what a horrible way to start an email (gruesome?) – Stay with me I actually have an inspiring message, keep reading…

Amidst the weight of history, this beautiful little town has shown incredible resilience. It’s so clean, the locals are so nice, and many of them even dress in 1863 attire…just because they can (love that!).

During our visit, they had battle re-enactments. Hundreds of men and women from around the country traveled to play their part (for no pay, this is a hobby for them). And wow, do those “soldiers” and their ladies, (in their beautiful Scarlet O’Hara-ish gowns complete with hoop petticoats), know their history!

In the middle of this charming little town stands two very large, very old “Witness Trees.” A witness tree is a unique tree that has experienced history first hand. These two trees were there during those dreadful battles, and are a living connection to the past. Through the years, these trees have become guardians of history, quietly testifying to the events that occurred on this hallowed ground.

Witness Tree

As I stood next to one of these magnificent trees, (now literally between the cider house and ice cream parlor), I was overcome with a sense of awe. As I touched its rough bark, I imagined the stories this tree could tell of the struggles and sacrifices it had silently observed. It is a living testament to the power of endurance and the ability to weather the storms of life.

The sheer presence of this towering giant was a humbling experience for me. It seemed I could feel the strength and resilience running through its ancient trunk, and for a long moment I could feel a deep connection to the past.

The quiet strength I felt from this tree reminded me that we, too, have the capacity to provide the strength and stability others need while navigating life’s challenges. Life can get so busy, and we often forget how much our presence can mean to others. Sometimes all we need to do is stand strong and be present.

Like the Witness Tree, sometimes what our friends
and loved ones require is just our steady support,
and a reassuring presence to lean on.

We don’t always need fancy solutions or wise words.
In fact, in a world filled with noise and distractions,
our quiet presence can speak volumes.

What truly matters is showing up, listening,
and being there for the ups and downs.

Yep, I got all that from standing next to an old, wise tree in Gettysburg, PA.

So let’s take a leaf out of the Witness Trees’ book and be that kind of friend, bringing light, support, and unwavering love to those who need it.

You’ve got this, and your loved ones will be forever grateful for the refreshing shade you provide in their lives.

And I hope you have that support in your life as well.

PS: If you missed my Group Call earlier this week on RECEIVING good things in your life (including receiving supportive, steady friends), you can still purchase the replay here.

PSS: If you want to see more Gettysburg photos, plus battle videos, I’ve got a lot posted on my personal Facebook page here.

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raise-your-vibration-shine

Summer Vibes: 5 Simple Reminders to Shine

Summer Vibes: 5 Simple Reminders to Shine

Last month, I had the privilege of teaching my SimplyAlign Training to a fantastic group of students representing 10 different states, and one student all the way from Poland (thank you, technology!). Together, we dove deep into the wonderful world of raising our vibrations and learning ways to align energy. But guess what? You don’t need to have taken the class to get in on the good vibes!

Today here’s a reminder of some down-to-earth, practical tips and prompts on how you can raise your vibration and let your inner light glow. So, let’s dive in and explore these simple yet effective methods that will have you radiating positive energy in no time:

  • Cultivate gratitude daily to shift your focus to the positive.

Ask yourself, “What are three things I am grateful for in my life right now?”

> Go on…you can do it right now.

  • Surround yourself with positive people and uplifting environments.

Reflect on, “Who are the people in my life who bring me joy and uplift my spirits?”

> How can I spend more time with them this summer?

  • Prioritize self-care activities that nurture your well-being.

Consider, “What activities or practices make me feel most rejuvenated and taken care of?”

> Schedule those activities into your day and/or week, put them in your calendar now.

  • Practice mindfulness and be fully present in the moment.

Ask yourself, “How can I bring more mindfulness into my daily routines and fully experience the present moment?”

> Throughout the day, create mindful pauses to check in with yourself. Take a few deep breaths, bring your attention to the present moment.

  • Align with your passions and purpose to feel fulfilled and inspired.

Reflect on, “What are my true passions and values and how can I incorporate them more into my life to feel a sense of purpose and fulfillment?”

> This summer be open to exploring something new. Take classes, join groups, or volunteer in areas that align with your interests. This allows you to gain firsthand experience and insights, helping you uncover your true passions or a new, fun hobby.

Remember, keeping your vibe up is a journey, not an overnight transformation. Be patient with yourself and embrace the process. Some days may be easier than others, and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to grow and learn along the way. Cheers to a vibrant summer!

Oh speaking of high vibes…

Are you ready to lose weight,
get rid of brain fog,
and feel super proud of yourself?

June is my month to do another 26-day detox. Are you ready? Want to do it too?

Here’s where you can learn more about it:
https://bd272.isrefer.com/go/gsgshop/Carolyn33/
(In the menu bar click on Programs, then from the drop down click on 26 Day Detox)

Disclosure: This is an affiliate link. I may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking the link.

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brilliance-diamonds-challenges

No pressure, No diamonds: 5 reminders to help your brilliance shine through!

No pressure, No diamonds: 5 reminders to help your brilliance shine through!

Today my friend, I have 5 thoughts I want to share with you that can help you embrace pressure and thrive in difficult situations. You may have heard the phrase before: No Pressure, No Diamonds. It’s a great little mantra to remember when you’re facing challenges. Think about this…

  • Diamonds are known for their brilliance and beauty, but do you know what it takes for them to shine? Pressure!
  • Just like diamonds, our own potential shines brightest when we face and conquer the challenges that come our way. Imagine a diamond that never experienced pressure – it would remain hidden, dull, and never reach its full potential.
  • Similarly, when we embrace the pressures and difficulties of life, we have an opportunity to grow, learn, and reveal our true brilliance.
  • Remember, it’s not about avoiding pressure; it’s about harnessing it as a driving force towards personal growth and success.
  • So, the next time you feel the weight of pressure, remember that within you lies a diamond waiting to shine. Embrace the challenges, rise to the occasion, and watch yourself sparkle in ways you never imagined! No pressure, no diamonds – is a reminder that pressure isn’t something to fear, but rather an essential ingredient in the process of becoming the best version of yourself.

“Using time, pressure and patience, the universe gradually changes caterpillars into butterflies, sand into pearls, and coal into diamonds. You’re being worked on too, so hang in there. Just because something isn’t apparent right now, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening. It’s not until the end do you realize, sometimes your biggest blessings were disguised by pain and suffering. They were not placed there to break you, but to make you.”

— John Geiger, author

Start your summer off happy and LIGHTER with an energy balancing SimplyAlign session. This is the last week to use the 20% off Coupon: BIRTHDAY20

May time slots are all taken, but you can still use the coupon as long as you book on or before May 31st, even though your session will be later.

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Woop - Goal Setting - Generations

Transform Your Goal-Setting Process (We WOOPed it up!)

Transform Your Goal-Setting Process (We WOOPed it up!)

A few weeks ago we celebrated my little mama’s big 9-0! birthday with a “small” gathering of her family (5 kids + spouses, 18 grandkids, 9 great-grandchildren, +2 more grand-babes on the way!) and… over 150 of mom’s closest friends. Yep, this woman knows a lot of people!

My youngest daughter River wanted a 3 generations photo, so here we are at mom’s birthday bash!

Woop - Goal Setting - Generations

As you can probably tell, we had a blast. In fact…we really WOOPED it up!

And, today I want to share with you a different kind of WOOP.

This WOOP can be a game-changer when moving from aspiration to action to accomplished. Let’s jump in:

In the book Rethinking Positive Thinking, author Gabriele Oettingen, world class researcher, tells us that it’s simply not enough to visualize our ideal life.

She’s spent her career studying the science of making your dreams come to life and says that although it’s very important to start with a vision of what we want to create, we then need to as she says: “rub it up against reality.”

Drawing from her expertise, she created WOOP, an easy to remember acronym, but more importantly, WOOP can significantly enhance your ability to achieve your goals by bridging the gap between your dreams and their manifestation.

If you’re not familiar with the WOOP here’s how it works:

W – Wish. Imagine your dream scenario, the goal that makes you giddy with excitement. Think big, my friend, but keep it within the realm of possibility.

O – Outcome. Close your eyes and envision the glorious moment when you achieve that goal. Picture yourself dancing in a victory parade, basking in the sweet taste of success. Feel the rush, the feeling of accomplishment, and the pure exhilaration that come with it. You’re a goal-getting superhero!

O – Obstacles. Oh no. These sneaky little weasels might try to rain on your parade. No worries, though. By thinking them through ahead of time, you can come up with ingenious strategies to overcome them.

P – Plans. Break down your grand adventure into manageable steps. Each step is a mini victory that takes you closer to your ultimate goal. It’s like building a puzzle, piece by piece, until you see the big picture coming together!

By combining positive visualization with a realistic assessment of potential challenges, WOOP helps you strike a balance between motivation and preparation.

So my friend, I hope you’ll give WOOP a try and see how it transforms your goal-setting process. Remember, clarity of purpose and a well-structured plan can work wonders in propelling you towards success.

Speaking of wooping it up for birthdays, it’s still my birth-month, so my 20% coupon code is good until May 31st.

If you’re in need of a 50-min or 25-min SimplyAlign session to start your summer off right, go here to book and be sure to apply this code for 20% off: BIRTHDAY20

(NOTE: if all the May time slots are taken, you can still use the coupon as long as you book before May 31st, even if your session is later).

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