By Megan Sayles
AFRO Business Writer
msayles@afro.com
After suffering four heart attacks and facing open heart surgery, former educator Tawanda Prince was told her heart functioned at just 25 percent of its normal capacity. The news transformed her world completely.
Surviving the health scare led Prince to consider her mission in life. Through reflecting, she determined it was to help others identify, understand and live out their own purpose. In 2012, she became a certified life coach and began showing people how to find “the good life.”
“Activities change, but purpose doesn’t. It just manifests differently,” said Prince. “Today, I might be doing this, and tomorrow, I might be doing that, but it’s still the same mission and purpose.”
Since taking on the moniker, the ‘Good Life Coach,’ Prince has published several motivational books and led visionary, leadership, career, relationship and transitional coaching sessions for individuals and organizations.
As an entrepreneur herself, Prince understands the tribulations that come with running a business. The AFRO recently connected with Prince to learn how business owners can stay motivated and enhance their wellness.
What sort of toll can running a business have on people?
Running a business is definitely not for the weak. You have to know that this is what you are called to do. If you are not operating in your divine purpose, then you’re swimming upstream. That’s not to say you can’t get it done, but if it’s not what God is calling you to do, you won’t prosper in the way that you should. When I say prosper, I don’t just mean that you have a lot of money. It’s about your whole self prospering and flourishing.
You have to learn what you need to know to run your business, and then find the people you need to know to run it. You need connection and support. No person is an island.
How can entrepreneurs take part in self-care and manage their wellness?
You have to know when enough is enough. You have to build time for recharging and rejuvenating yourself. I make every effort to not do any business on Sunday. I don’t look at emails or take business phone calls unless it’s a situation where it absolutely cannot be avoided.
You should also indulge in things that bring you happiness. I’m also an artist. I have an art studio in my home that is my happy place. You have to find things that bring you peace and joy and engage in them.
I teach my clients that each day, you need to do something for your house, your health, your wealth, for yourself and for someone else. By practicing that, you maintain balance. Health could be exercise, having a cup of herbal tea, breathwork, managing your diet or taking your medications. Wealth is not just getting a bag, but also taking care of administrative tasks and managing your personal finances. Self-indulgence could be taking an extra long shower, shopping, eating with friends or even going on a date with your partner.
Another simple thing is journaling. This is something I do on a daily basis. It’s therapeutic because it gives you a chance to capture everything that’s going on in your life. You can break down your day and write about the things you’re grateful for.
What tips would you give entrepreneurs for staying motivated?
Use vision boards. Put the things you want to achieve on a goal poster along with motivational sayings or scriptures. You should also share your goal with the people who matter. That way there’s accountability and encouragement.
Know that this is what you’re supposed to be doing. That helps me to continue on and stay the course even when I’m struggling. You should also keep track of what you’ve accomplished so far. That will become the motivation for the things you pursue in the future.
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