Corinne Ellison

Supposedly 3 weeks into marathon training, today was my first ‘long run’ of the year. After a slow but successful 7 mile run last Sunday with no gliches, I felt up to the challenge of a 9 miler today. After working until 4am last night, I expected to wake up groggy and not all motivated. But, ping! my eyes were open at 11am and I was raring to get out. Having run round Bournemouth and Poole a LOT in the past, I didn’t bother to plan a specific route but took  my Garmin. I also made the effort to strap up the heart rate monitor, despite having problems with it rubbing on my scar in the past.

I set off at a steady pace, with the aim of maintaining 10:00 – 10:30 min/miles. As a glanced down at the Garmin, I kept slipping back to 9:30! Pre heart op, this just did not happen. I am almost in disbelief. As I ran down the beach at Bournemouth, I was feeling great. I had my iPod on after several runs without music. My mood took a turn for the worse as I turned onto the seafront and faced a hideous headwind, blowing sand and rain everywhere! It was one of those stretches of a long run that tests you to the limits. For the next 4 miles, I looked down, dug deep and fought the elements whilst trying desperately to maintain my pace. Finally, at the end of the beach, I headed through Poole and back home. Again, the endorphins kicked in and I felt on top of the world. I finished in 91:00, an average of 10:07. So pleased.

With many more weeks of marathon training ahead of me, I am determined to keep my commitment and focus directed towards the sub 4 goal. Some might say this is ambitious after having a long stretch off after my operation but I believe if I am careful and sensible, I will reach my goal. As I have been reading about recently, it is mental strength that often leads you through difficult times. In an endurance race, whether triathlon, marathon or anything else, your passion for succeeding will carry you to the finish line. My tactic of focusing on how fortunate I am to be out running when others can’t, is the ultimate kick up the bum when you physically start to tire. Try it! Sometimes, guilt is good!

I celebrated my small success with a delicious cinnamon and raisin bagel plus a banana milkshake. Next week I have a photo shoot for a piece about me running the Brighton half marathon – my first race since my heart surgery. I am also getting some shots of my scar as I feel it is important to share my experience with others (male and female) who might be going through something similar. Pictures coming soon!

Happy Sunday

Change

Much is changing in my life at the moment, all of which is welcome!

• We have sold the largest of our businesses, which is a huge relief financially and frees up much needed time for new business
• The exciting start to a new business begins
• I have signed up to a diploma in personal coaching, a long term ambition of mine.
• I am in the process of making decisions about my working role, involvement with various businesses, and possibility of going back to nursing
• Sorting out of my home life is underway, e.g. putting pictures on walls, clothes in wardrobes! We have been in our apartment for 6 months and still haven’t done these things!
• Jobs on the ‘to do’ list are getting ticked off at long last
• My fitness seems to be improving, almost to the same level as before I started experience symptoms relating to my heart defect
• The reality of next races are becoming real. Having entered several races, time is ticking by and training plans are beginning to be considered. It’s been fun training with no strict schedule!
• I am almost back to ‘normal’ physically, no pain or lingering effects from the surgery.

Business is a huge part of my life and has been since my early twenties. My experience has spanned student lettings (age 21), property development (age 22), online childrens’ clothing retailer (age 23), nationwide chocolate fountain hire company (age 24-27) and photo booth hire business (current). Even as a teenager, I spent my spare time running a small Avon cosmetics business and worked endless shifts as a care assistant. At university, my work ethic continued and fitted in around partying, I worked all my weekends, days off and holidays. I have always had the belief that hard work pays off in the long run. As I have gained confidence with aspects of business such as online marketing and sales, I have set my sights on a career in something I am passionate about.

At university, my tutor and class leader was a certified coach and had trained in NLP. Her lessons incorporated aspects of coaching theory and this intrigued me. Throughout my nursing career and personal life, I have found people come to me for motivation. I enjoy seeing others succeed and would love to be a part of this process with personal coaching. Can’t wait to get started. I feel I am at a stage where I have enough life experience, business experience and increased confidence.

Goals

When you run a business, committing to personal goals is sometimes difficult but not impossible! I have found my social life has suffered from my busy lifestyle and I don’t see friends or family anywhere near as often as I like. The benefits of mini goals such as a monthly target make long term aims more achievable. Rewarding yourself for completion of a monthly goal is satisfying! My October goal of running 6 miles in 60 minutes was great for motivation on a cold, wet morning. I am yet to set a goal for November and whilst, I am continuing to train regularly, I have lacked the dedication to a particular target. A group of women and I weigh ourselves weekly (called Tweigh!) and I also record my body fat. Having someone to share this information with spurs me on, even if sometimes I am the only one to post my results!

I have proven to myself many times that I am good at sticking to a schedule or training plan. Similarly in business, ‘to do’ lists feature heavily! To achieve all I want to in the next 12 months, I must implement plans, lists and more plans!

I had a rambling thought over the weekend about how pop stars and their success are similar to establishment of a small business. Crazy?? Well here is my comparison:

A ‘manufactured’ pop singer or band becomes successful in the charts as a result of an team of experts. This includes:

PR, sales, marketing, management, talented songwriters /lyricists e.g. creative experts, accountants, legal advisors, administration, PAs, stylists, fitness advisors, hair and beauty.

In your own business, you often have to wear all hats. Even when your business begins to grow, the responsibility of  delegation still lies with you, the business owner. So, how can you cope with all of these roles?

From my experience in a small business, it is best to approach each task one by one. This may mean spending a morning on your administration and the afternoon on marketing. OK, you may not need a stylist to look good for work, but you still need support from others. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice, preferably from an expert. Employing the help of an expert company or learning a topic such as online marketing yourself can mean expontential grow of your business.

Consider the music sales industry as few years ago. Online downloads have transformed both music sales and the charts. The internet will continue to grow and methods of online marketing / social media will be well known.

To succeed in your own business, become an expert in an areas of interest to you. My area of interest is currently two fold; lifecoaching and online marketing. Diverse subjects some might say. However, from my studies, I see many similiarities between business and success in life.

I passionately believe riches in life are as important as financial riches. I hope to use my experience of working with people in a healthcare enviroment in combination with my business knowledge, to encourage others to achieve their dreams in life.

Seven Secrets To A Rich and Successful Life

1. Positivity

Be positive in all you do, all you think and all you say. Be careful what you tell yourself, your inner voice is often the most influential. Take time to consider your thoughts and feelings. These tell you how you are affected by the world around you. Control your actions by learning to focus on positive thoughts everyday. This takes time and practice, but is worth every minute.

2. Negativity

Remove negative aspects of your life. If friends or family members provide unconstructive criticism, ignore this advice. Block out your own negative voice, problems with self-confidence and replace with positive thoughts. Try to avoid using excuses, either to yourself or spoken outloud to others. Above all else, ban the word ‘can’t’.

3. Get Inspired

Read inspiring books by authors in a field that interests you greatly. Watch films that will cause a stir in your beliefs, research your choices carefully. I can recommend several great films to make a difference in your life. Consider a lifecoach to help with your success planning and to evaluate your progress to obtaining the happiness you deserve.

4. Environmental Factors

Surround yourselves with people who have qualities you aspire to. For example, if you desire riches, work in a high-end market in business, move to the best house or flat you can afford in an area you know to be affluent. This will have the effect of raising your standards and, before you know it, you’ll be earning the riches you surround yourself with.

5. Passion

Focus on something that you are passionate about. Whether a job, business, sport or family, do what makes you happy and tell the world about your passion. You never know where this may take you, humans are drawn to passionate people and listen to sincere advice from experts in their chosen field. Instead of chasing money, let your enthusiasm for a subject you love lead you to riches.

6. Your Plan

Make a clear list of your life goals and break these down into yearly achievements to aim for. Create a plan with quantitifiable and specific targets, implement this plan and make continued commitment to all it entails. Develop a strategy to help you pick yourself up when life throws you off course. Everyone has a bad day or troubled chapter, this is when trusted friend, supportive family and a mental strength can keep you focused on success. Commitment, dedication and determination are essential for a rich and successful life.

7. The Power Of A Smile

Smile. Everyday, when alone, to friends, and to strangers in the street. Sounds simple but oh so effective. Remember, you get one shot at life so make the most of your talents, gifts and passions. You have the power to create the life of your dreams, a smile will make this all the more easy!

The above seven secrets have enabled me to work towards a rich and successful life. This means different things for different people. ‘Riches’ does not simply apply to financial rewards. Effective relationships, a happy family, a fulfilling career; these are all aspects to add richness to your life.

To be successful is to achieve your goals in life, personally, professionally and psychologically.

For further information on motivation and success, follow me on Twitter