My Shine experience and lessons learned

Last week I attended Ali Brown’s Shine event in Las Vegas from Nov 5-7. 

Ali Brown is a millionaire entrepreneur coach and CEO whose company recently reached the prestigious Inc 500 list of fastest growing private companies.   Her story is nothing short of inspiring.  I’ve had the pleasure of following her career for the past year or so, but many have known her for 4+ years and have watched her transformation.  Her growth and success is a testament to the magic that happens when we align ourselves with a higher purpose and step fully into our power.

The Shine event for me was an incredible experience.  As is the case for many of these events, your experience often depends on your expectations.  Personally I approach these events with an open mind, knowing that if I am open and paying attention I will receive exactly what I need (and it’s not always the thing I’m looking for).

What I hoped to get at Shine, and what the event delivered was an amazing networking opportunity with a high caliber group of female entrepreneurs, inspiring examples from women who have achieved tremendous success, insight into the mindset shift of successful entrepreneurs and some sparks of ideas for my own business.  Each day featured key notes from exceptional business women including  – Anne McKevitt, who runs over 20 companies and recently sold one of them for over $975M (yes, you read that right); Julie Clark, founder of The Baby Einstein Company;  real estate mogul Barbara Corcoran, and Academy Award winning actress Marlee Matlin.   Each of their stories were unique and inspirational, but all had a common thread – perseverance.  They never gave up.

So did I get what I came for?  Yes and so much more.  Ironically enough, my biggest “aha moment” came during a conversation I had with someone on the last break of the last day.  How crazy is that?  I think that’s the key to getting the most out of these events (and out of life in general) be open and willing to accept messages from anywhere and anyone.   When it comes down to it, all the “how to’s” in the world can be irrelevant to some degree– they may not apply directly to our business, our target, the economic climate, our unique personality, etc.   What you need to focus on is not “what” they did, but “how” they did it.

Now do we all need to attend these events in order to be successful?   Probably not.  But I do believe we need to find a way to surround ourselves with people who think big, who see possibility and who are not afraid of following their dreams.  If you’re fortunate to have these people in your family or network of friends, then perhaps this is all a part of your psyche.  But for some of us, we need to seek it out in mentors, teachers, or coaches.  I believe this applies to all of us, regardless of where we are and what goals we have for ourselves and our lives.

Here is a summary of my lessons from Shine:

1)   Just do it. This is a big one.  We can meditate, visualize, plan, read and mastermind – and don’t get me wrong, I believe these are all important ingredients.  However, in the end it all comes down to action.   At some point, we need to take the first step.  No one can do this for you.  At some point, we need to stop looking for more “how to” and more answers otherwise we become stuck in what I like to call “analysis paralysis”.  Just begin to move in the direction of where you want to go and adjust as necessary.   To quote Ali Brown “it’s easier to course correct than get started. “ So just start!

2)   The power of mentors. The common thread in everyone’s story is that no one does it alone.  Somewhere along their path, there was an individual who played a key part.  So whether your goal is for weight loss, improving your health, changing your lifestyle, growing your career or launching a business, consider surrounding yourself with people to help you achieve those goals – mastermind groups, mentors, coaches, etc.  The resources are all around you, ask for help.

3)   Honor where you are. While success stories are inspiring, they don’t show us the full journey.  The reality is, life is messy.   The illusion of an easy life without any mistakes, fears, or self-doubt is just that, an illusion.   Our fear of making a mistake and looking foolish often keeps us stuck.  The events of the past and your plans for the future are not real in the present moment.   You are in the perfect place, right here and right now.

4)   Anything is possible. When you listen to people’s stories, where they came from and what challenges they experienced, you realize they are just like you.  Which ultimately means if they can do it, you can too.   There’s no bigger shift than realizing whatever stories you’ve been telling yourself about why you haven’t reached your goals, are just that, stories and thoughts in your head.  The good news here is that thoughts aren’t carved in stone.  They’re not permanent.  You can change them and believe anything you want to believe.  As soon as you see that you will realize that anything really is possible.

I hope in sharing my experience, I’ve in turn inspired you on your journey.

To your health and happiness,

Victoria