Sustainability in Business

How to Define Sustainability

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Are you trying to figure out how to define sustainability in business? Or are you just trying to find out the definition of sustainability, period? Well, Merriam-Webster.com will define sustainability as "able to be used without being completely used up or destroyed".  From that, we can deduct that the simple definition of sustainability, as it relates to business, is that you just want to stay in business. You want to be competitive and stick around in your chosen market, right? You want to make a go of it. You want to be successful! So if you're going to define sustainability as it relates to your business, then you're first going to have to clearly know what is sustainability.

An example of a definition of business sustainability is offered by the Financial Times Lexicon. They define sustainability like this: 

"Business sustainability is often defined as managing the triple bottom line - a process by which companies manage their financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities. These three impacts are sometimes referred to as profits, people and planet."

So that's the foundation of a sustainable business, according to one expert. And, obviously, there are many aspects of business sustainability that are under scrutiny as far as what works and what doesn't, and what business model is most efficient and most profitable. Here's a good example of somebody who's already put together spirituality and the triple bottom line: Maximizing the Triple Bottom Line Through Spiritual Leadership. You might also like to check out The Palgrave Handbook of Spirituality and Business. So there are some out there who understand the necessity for the connection between spirituality and sustainability. But we definitely need more leaders in that field.

Those leaders know how to define sustainability, as it refers to their business. But that's the old business model taught in colleges and universities in the past. Many who teach those prinicples have a PhD. I don't have a PhD. I don't have an extended education in business at all. I didn't go to college and learn how to run a sustainable business. I have only experience. But, as I've always said, experience outweighs education every time. Some may argue, but I'll stick to my guns on that one! I've been in the work force for nearly 45 years, and I've learned many a lesson in business. I've built a business and learned how to make it sustainable. I've run a business from every aspect and every level and, believe me, that's a great way to learn about business models and what works and what doesn't.

What is a Business Model?

There's a lot of talk and discussion today that raises a huge question: what is a business model? The answer, of course, is a sustainable business system that works; a business system that identifies a market and taps into a demographic that obtains a fair share of that market. And the goal, of course, is to be sustainable and profitable. So what business model should you choose? What's the most efficient system to follow?  

Well, that brings up what I believe is a very important, and much overlooked point: business principles. A business model must be based on principle - sound business principles. But here's something to consider; something that many, perhaps most, business owners overlook. Yes, it's important to consider the business model of economic interests, environmental interests, and social interests, as stated in the image of a business model above. But I believe it's time to start thinking outside the box.

Thinking Outside the Box

Many companies and corporations today are reaching out, trying to stretch the limits, trying to push the envelope; in essence, thinking outside the box. They're discovering that thinking outside the box can open up a whole new business model, where trying a new idea can morph into a wonderfully profitable business. "Thinking outside the box" has actually become quite the buzz word in business these days. Everybody wants to get on that wagon and ride it until the wheels fall off. And there's a whole lot to be said for that, and how effective and efficient it can be. 

However, in thinking outside the box, I believe there's one aspect that's been left out; one little thing that's actually a very big thing; one idea that could turn a failing business around. And it's something that you really have to think outside the box to connect with. Here's a word that I believe you don't hear in business often enough: spirituality. That's right! Spirituality! In business, you ask? Absolutely, I answer. Just think about it. How often is the word - or anything even close to it - used in the boardroom? How often does the CEO use anything even slightly resembling spirituality in any business discussions? 

Spirituality Brings Sustainable Development

When you're talking about business principles and sustainable development, the word spirituality rarely comes into play. But why not? There's probably an old school way of thinking that states that spirituality doesn't belong in business. You go to the office during the week; you go to church on Sunday. The two weren't connected in any way. But here's the thing: sustainable development in business would be so much more powerful and progressive -not to mention more humane - if the principles of spirituality were inducted into the mission statements and goals of every corporation and company across the globe. 

Just stop and think about that for a moment. Imagine it! Every business in the world - from the largest corporation to the smallest Mom and Pop business - indoctrinates spirituality as a foundation of their business principles. The world would definitely become a more peaceful thriving place - for everybody!

Management Styles

There are many management styles around the business world. Some work; some don't. My idea of a management style that works is one that's based on spirituality. In other words, a management style that looks for win/win situations, always searching for ways that profit the business without hurting anyone. Those are the decisions based on spirituality.

Here's my view of what the induction and injection of spirituality in business would look like. All decisions would be made based on love, not fear. Many companies these days make decisions based only on profit, and when they do that, they leave out the most powerful tool available to help guide the business in a positive direction - and that's love! 

When companies make decisions based on profit, their thinking is actually based on a foundation of fear. Greed is a fear-based quality. Decisions are made from a negative standpoint; e.g. It doesn't matter if our product isn't benefiting the consumer, as long as it's benefiting us. The decision is made because the company - or the person making that decision - is afraid. They're thinking from a foundation of fear. And that is Panic Management or, if you will, Negative Management - making decisions based on fear. And everyone knows that what you give, you get back. So why would you want to make a decision to do something that's going to bring more fear and negativity back to you? That's not one of the management styles I believe would benefit everyone in the long run.

One program that I believe would  benefit you in the long run would be one called The Noah Crew. Noah St John's programs create breakthrough performance that can turn your business around - from a fear management style to one that's more positive, using what he calls "afformations".  You can check out his program here.

What is Spirituality in Business?

In order to find out what spirituality in business actually is, first we'll have to define "spirit". Merriam-Webster.com defines spirit as "the force within a person that is believed to give the body life, energy, and power". So then, a spiritual person is one who is aware of, and acts upon, his spirit - his life, energy and power.

Spirituality in business, then, would refer to the life, energy and power of that business. Now then, how many businesses can you name off the top of your head, who have mission statements and ethics relating to life, energy and power? The "power" part probably comes into play for many. And perhaps the "energy" part does, too (not including the actual energy companies). But life? Do businesses really think about having a life - and even further, a spiritual life? Probably not.

Now, of course, there are a few exceptions these days. And they're to be commended! Somebody was telling me the other day about a business owner who forces his entire staff to take a one-month vacation every year...with full pay! How would you feel if your employer did that for you? Another business owner lost his factory in a fire. He paid his entire staff full pay for the year it took him to rebuild the factory. In my opinion, that is injecting spirituality into business. It's showing that you care about and love the people who make your business work!

When you make that kind of decision, you're acting out of love, not fear. You're following that principle of life that everyone knows: The Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. You can't state it any more clearly than that! That is a principle based on love, and when you base your business on that foundation, then the business will be solid and will always stand tall in the business community. Here are a few books which specialize in bringing spirituality into business.

Leadership in Business: What is a Successful Business Leader?

We've talked about sustainability in business and how management styles can affect that, but it all comes down to the leadership in business and how a successful business leader can make his mark in growing his company.

So what is a successful business leader? From my experience, I've discovered that the really successful business leader is one whose business has a foundation of love. That love reaches out to every aspect of his company and his success proves the power of love and spirituality in business. One of my favorite successful business leaders is Brian Tracy - one of the world's most sought-after leaders in personal and professional development. His famous "Kiss That Frog" book has helped many people turn their negatives into positives, both in their personal and business lives.

There are many more programs to help you make that progressive and powerful step towards a more sustainable business. If you're ready to move your business from fear to love, you can take that spiritual journey yourself - just Click Here! 

This blog uses affiliate links. If you click on any of these links and make a purchase, I’ll earn some income. But rest assured that I love to share goodness in whatever form I can, so this is only an added bonus for me – my main focus is to provide you with relevant and helpful information. Thank you for your support.

And if you feel that affiliate marketing is right for you; if you believe that a few – or a lot – of extra money can help you in your life, check out the program that taught me how to do it – in a simple step-by-step way: Click here to learn more!

Pajama Affiliates

Okay folks, it's time to lay the cards on the table. I'm going to give you some straight talk here, and it comes from the heart, with the sole (or soul) intention of helping you to manifest all of your dreams.

So many of us are stuck in the rut of our daily lives, as outlined by all the "sage advice" we received as we grew up. You know the stuff - grow up, meet the girl of your dreams, get an education, start a successful career, raise a family, buy a home, etc. etc. etc. Well, have we got to the point yet where we realize that all that etc. etc. etc. is just more yada, yada, yada? Have we finally realized that if we want what we want, then we have to change what we're doing? It should have become clear by now that, if you keep doing what you're doing, you're going to keep getting what you're getting. It's a fact of life!

If you follow sports, you'll know that when a team gets down and is losing, most times, the coach brings the players to practice and clearly states that we're "getting back to basics". And in life, what are the basics? For me, it's a desire (and if you want quick success, a burning desire) to do what you need to do to succeed. I've read many a book on how to succeed. There are thousands of them out there. But interestingly enough, if you've read as many of them as I have, you'll find that there's a common denominator throughout them all. And I believe that common denominator is commitment. When you commit to something - truly commit - then you decide that you're going to do it, no matter what. And that commitment is backed up by a burning desire. It doesn't matter if you have to stay up all night with your sick child. It doesn't matter if your car broke down and you have to take the bus to work. It doesn't matter if your boss is nagging at you to do a better job. All of those ting are superficial! They're not important! What's really important is that you focus on what you want and do whatever it takes to get there.

So, that brings me to where I am now and what I'm doing to manifest my dreams. I've been dabbling in affiliate marketing for a number of years now. I've bought a few courses and built a few websites and made a few dollars. But, really, it's never amounted to anything near what I expected or wanted. It just wasn't getting me to where I wanted to go; to where I wanted to be; indeed, to who I wanted to be. 

However, recently, I "just happened" (what I refer to as synchronicity, and you can read more about that on one of my other blog posts here) to come across a course in affiliate marketing that caught my eye, probably because it was offered by a Facebook friend, whom I've never met, but have garnered an insight into who she is through posts in the Intenders of the Highest Light group page on Facebook. Incidentally, if you're not familiar with this page, and all the writings and teachings of Tony Burroughs, the co-founder of this wonderfully inspiring group, check it out here.

So enter Robin Cockrell into my life. Robin Cockrell's story is one that inspired me greatly because she came from a life of desperation to a life of joy and abundance. The thing I like most about that is that she is an ordinary person, just like you and me. Yes, she's special, but she's no more special than all of us. After all, we're all special, in our own ways, aren't we? Robin has a very special program called Pajama Affiliates. I love that name because it paints such a great picture of getting out of bed and going downstairs, or down the hall, to your office, where you go about your business...and still in your pajamas! How many people would love to do that?! That's working from home. That's freedom! That's living your life on your schedule. That's earning whatever you want to earn, at whatever pace you decide. Isn't that what everybody ultimately wants? That's financial freedom - being able to do whatever you want, whenever you want. Aaahhh yes!

So the purpose of this post is to help you, because helping and giving is what I'm all about. I'd like to help you reach the levels of financial freedom that Robin has. Now, let's be honest here; I haven't quite got there yet. And I've been lacking some positive energy and motivation lately that's kept me away from the computer (except to play games and pass the time). But the point here is, getting back to that powerful word "commitment", if you commit to Robin's Pajama Affiliate program, and follow the simple step-by-step program she presents on her website, then you have all the tools to make your dreams come true. I've always said that, if you have the right tools, you can successfully complete any job, no matter what the extent of your knowledge. It's like McDonald's. They have a system in place that is easily duplicatable. You follow the system and everything comes out as it should. All the tools are there. That's true with any business. In fact, that's true with anything in life! I follow that system in my kitchen when I'm cooking. Follow the system - enjoy the results! Yeah, baby!

So I'm suggesting here that you take an open-minded look at Robin's Pajama Affiliates course. The cost is minimal, and absolutely worth it! I watch the posts on her Facebook group of those who invest in her course, and I see the numbers. There are people making money out there, and some are making big money! Now, of course, it'll take a while to get to the big money but, in the meantime, wouldn't an extra $100-$500 a month help out with that tight budget? Robin is a great example of the process - she didn't make any progress in her first year in affiliate marketing. But now, in her third year, as a single mother, she's bought her own house and is thriving. Isn't that a lovely word - thriving? It has a sense of success, of abundance, of freedom! Robin has all those! And the good news here is that you can do it too!

Pajama Affiliates isn't going to cost you a fortune. It isn't going to require hours and hours of work - just a few hours a week will do it. And as you progress, you'll find that you actually want to spend more time on it because the more time you spend, the more money you make. And you're doing this to make money, right? 

I have to honestly say that I've actually inspired myself, right here, right now, just in writing this blog, to spend more time and effort in my Pajama Affiliates program because I'd forgotten how powerful this tool is in providing me with all I want in my life. Remember, all it takes is a commitment to be the best you can be, for you, and for your family.

Okay, that's all I have to say. Now, listen to what Robin has to say about what she has to offer and what she can do to help you change your life for the better. Think about it - financial independence! Doesn't that have a wonderful ring? Isn't that what everybody strives for? Wouldn't you like that for you, for your family? Dump the boss. Dump the job. Dump the nine to five. THIS is the solution to your worries! THIS is the path to financial freedom. Do you want it? Then GO for it! Here's Robin: (Click on the link)

Robins Cockrell's Pajama Affiliate Program

And remember, it's not about what Robin does or what I do. It's about what you do! You control your life. You control your income. You. Only you! So remind yourself of the old - and very wise - saying: if it's to be, it's up to me. Yes you can! Enjoy your new-found success and financial freedom!

Reflections

I was browsing through my old photos and I came across this one. I call it "Reflections". And as I sat quietly appreciating the beauty, it came to mind that reflections can be a wonderful thing.

Whenever we sit quietly and reflect, we're inviting the sounds of silence that come within our connection to the Soul. Many times, we think of our past, and reflect on all the things we've done. Some of those times may bring sadness, some may bring joy. But if we focus on the happy reflections, the memories of goodness, then we'll bring ourselves closer to our Inner Being - that place where the subconscious meets the super-conscious. We find a place of peace - a place where we can look at a picture such as the one above, and feel the beauty of this planet, and see the natural artistry of God.

When you're thinking of and reliving those happy moments in your past, you're elevating your vibration level to a place where you easily and gracefully connect with the Power and Love of the Universe. Here's a wonderful program that can help you reach that level at time you want...

I took a few moments of peace and quiet and opened my mind to love. Here's what came back to me:

Reflections are a time for peace,

A time to see this life we lease,

A seamless time without a crease

That fills our hearts with joy.

Reflections are a happy time,

A time to sing a joyous rhyme,

To write a story so sublime

It takes our breath away.

So spend some time in quiet reflection. Get close to your Inner Being. Feel the joy of touching your Soul. Be Who You Really Are. Reflect.

Brad Yates, an expert on EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and Tapping, can help you along the way to slowing yourself down...

One of the most beneficial and productive ways of getting close to your Inner Being is to meditate. Sometimes when we meditate, our mind chatter gets in the way and we have trouble shutting out our everyday worries and challenges. But now there's a great way to reach those deep levels of peace - Omharmonics:

Spreading your Wings

 

What a beautiful sight to behold - a graceful swan spreading its wings, stretching for lengths yet unknown, reaching for greater expansion!

And doesn't that sound like a wonderful feeling? Have you tried it lately? Not just physically, but mentally, too. Stretching creates expansion. And expansion is what Life is all about. As long as we continue to expand, day to day, we continue to benefit from all the joys that Life offers us.

Every time we expand, we send out energy into the Universe, and the Universe, which is constantly expanding, sends us back exactly what we give it. So focus today on expanding, and offering out to the Universe, whatever we wish to experience. And that experience will always return to you, sometimes multiplied many times over.

Send out joy, receive joy.

Send out Love, receive Love.

Send out abundance, receive abundance.

That's the way Life works. If you want something, give it away, and it'll come back to you. It's the Law!

WYSIWYG

WYSIWYG. Do we all know what this is? For those who don't, WYSIWYG is an acronym for What You See Is What You Get. It's a term that was originally created for computer technology. 

But here's my twist on this acronym: What You SAY Is What You Get. You can simplify that by using the term "self-talk". Self-talk is what we all do, every moment of every day - creating what we get in our lives. That's right! We create what we get in our lives.

Every thought we have is based on our belief system. And if our belief system is founded on self-doubt and worry, then that's what we'll receive in our lives. But how can we change those negative patterns of self-talk? Simple! All we need to do is be aware. Awareness brings us to a place of examination - a place where we see all our thoughts and decide whether they're beneficial for us to keep, or to discard. As Mary Baker Eddy said, "Stand porter at the door of thought." Be ready to intercept those thoughts that can lead us away from the path of love. Be ready to throw away those thoughts that don't benefit us.

Self-talk is so important. It's the path we walk; it's the life we lead. And the good news is that it's so simple to merely change your mind. Change your thoughts to positive ones. Accept what occurs in your life and know that there's a good reason for everything. Tell yourself that everything is going to work out perfectly - for the Highest Good of yourself, and for the Highest Good of All. 

Now you don't have to take it just from me. There are a lot of experts out there who can coach you and guide you to a wonderful life of joy and abundance using self-talk techniques. Here are a couple of examples:

  

Say what you want - say what you desire - because what you say is what you get. Do you want happiness? Say it! Do you want peace? Say it! Do you want abundance? Say it! All the things you say to yourself are building blocks to your future. Build well and build solidly. There's nothing like a solid foundation on which to build a solid life!

Always remember - WYSIWYG - What You Say Is What You Get. Say it wisely...and say it with love!

If you want some coaching from one of the best in the business, check out 

Making Your Thoughts Work for You by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer; Byron Katie

Two Thoughts

 

Two Thoughts

Today, I'd like to take just a couple of minutes to talk about just a couple of things - two things, to be exact. And those two things are thoughts - two thoughts.

Here's something to consider: They say the human brain produces approximately 70,000 thoughts on an average day. Wow! Our brains are so busy. But busy doesn't necessarily mean productive, does it? And don't we want all our thoughts to be productive? Of course, there's a place for "down time", when we don't want to think at all - we just want to relax and chill out. But even then, we're having a thought. And when we're relaxed, we're probably thinking relaxed thoughts - good thoughts, soft thoughts, loving thoughts.

Aha! There we are - "loving thoughts". And there's the message here: we have a choice. We can choose every thought we have. And for every one of those 70,000 thoughts, we actually only have two! "What?!", you ask. "How can 70,000 thoughts be reduced to just two?"

It's quite simple. You see, there are really only two originating thoughts. There are thoughts of love, and there are thoughts of fear. Every single thought you have can be traced back to it's source - either love or fear.

Think about that. Take some of your thoughts, randomly, and think about them. Are they based on fear, or love? See how that works? It's amazing, isn't it? 

So now you know that you have only two thoughts, it's much simpler to choose to think from a foundation of love, instead of fear. Why not take a moment to make that choice? Because every loving thought you send out into the Universe, collects like thoughts, and sends them back to you. And all you have to do is say "Thank You."

You're Welcome!!

And here's an expert on loving thoughts: Neale Donald Walsch. In his Conversations with God series, Neale offers many reasons for and example of loving thoughts. This series of books was instrumental in bringing me from a place of fear thoughts to that wonderful place of love thoughts. It's well worth reading...check it out:

Here's a loving thought you can use to start every day with love:

"To those leaning on the sustaining infinite, today is big with blessings." 

- Mary Baker Eddy

                    

Procrastination: Why Do We Put Things Off?

Procrastination! That horrible word that conjures up all kinds of disappointments, stress and guilt. "Why can't I just get started?" is a common question for many of us. And I'm no exception!

Here's a great example. I got the idea to write this blog about a week ago. And here I am, finally doing it. Okay, it's great that I finally got around to it, but what took me so long? Well, I have a long list of excuses, but for me, there's a difference between excuses and reasons. Excuses tend to be made-up or imagined, whereas reasons tend to be more valid. So I don't think I legitimately have a good reason, only a list of excuses. 

You can find all kinds of research on procrastination, including how to stop procrastinating, how to overcome procrastination, and many others. But let's just check out the basics. Merriam-Webster defines procrastination as: "to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done".  They also tell us that the origin of the word "procrastinate" is from the Latin procrastinatus, broken down as pro, meaning "forward", and crastinus, meaning "of tomorrow". So the whole idea is based on putting something off until tomorrow, that could have been done today.

According to two experts on procrastination, Joseph Ferrari, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at DePaul University in Chicago, and Timothy Pychl, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at Carleton University in Ottawa, 20% of all people admit they're chronic procrastinators. That's a whole lot of things not getting done! So that raises the question, "Why do we procrastinate?"

Why Do We Procrastinate?

How to stop procrastinating is actually, at least to me, a fascinating study. Now, I'm no expert, but there are many in the field who can give you all kinds of perspectives on it. So if you're interested in delving deeper into the subject, here are a few ideas for resources:

I particularly like the subtitle of "The Art of Procrastination: A Guide to Effective Dawdling, Lollygagging and Postponing". And that's a pretty good description of procrastination, isn't it? Dawdling, lollygagging and postponing! We've all been guilty of at least one, and probably all, of those three at some time in our lives, haven't we? And I'm sure there's a whole long list of other words you can use in a similar way. 

So why, indeed, do we procrastinate? Well, as I've just illustrated, there are all kinds of reasons and excuses. But here are a few reasons that come to mind:

• Fear of failure
• Fear of success
• Laziness
• Boredom
• Lack of priority management
• Need for perfection (sort of like fear of failure)
• Self sabotage
• Strict child rearing (also associated with fear of failure)

Now those are just a few of, as I mentioned, many reasons why we procrastinate. The first step to take in learning how to stop procrastinating is to identify how many of those reasons apply to you. Sit down and give it some serious thought. Figure out what's stopping you from taking that first step, from picking up that pen, from turning on that computer, from cleaning that first room, from washing that first floor. Again, I'm only touching the very tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the things we tend to put off when we should be doing them.

How To Stop Procrastinating

So now that we've identified why we're not doing what we're supposed to be doing, the next logical step is to come up with a plan on how to stop procrastinating. Let's look at the example of this blog and how I put it off for a week. Putting aside the fact that I'm having some bothersome health issues, there really aren't any good reasons why I didn't just get started. Today, my health issues haven't changed, and yet I'm writing the blog. What's the difference?

For me, I probably suffer from the fear of failure because I'm a perfectionist. I want everything I do to be the best and I sometimes tend to worry about what others might think. Now that is a very important point. If you're going around always worrying about what others think of you, then you're never going to move forward. Here's a wonderful statement I used to turn this negativity around: "What you think of me is none of my business." What's important is what you think of yourself and what you do and who you are. If you're confident that you're a good person, then who cares what somebody else thinks. What they think is based on what's usually their own insecurities, not on you. So just consider the source and ignore it.

Now that you're feeling confident and energetic, you can move ahead and start your project, whatever it may be. It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be done. Did you get that? It's worth repeating:

It doesn't have to be perfect, it just has to be done.

Now the above conditions are some that tend to drive us to procrastination. I've looked at the list and I've identified with those that apply to me, and I've come up with a solution to the challenge of how to overcome procrastination. You can do the same, you know. It's not rocket science. It CAN be done! You CAN do it! Remember what Henry Ford said: "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't - you're right."

Here's another quick thought to get your mind going in the right direction: Your thoughts are the building blocks of your future. Henry Ford referred to what you think, and he was right! What you think defines what you experience. There's another one worth repeating:

What you think defines what you experience.

So take your To-Do List and start checking off those items. Can you imagine how you'll feel when you mark them off as done? Won't you feel a great sense of accomplishment? Won't you feel wonderful? Of course you will! And that's what life is all about, right? - feeling wonderful; feeling joy; feeling peace of mind. 

I have a sign I made and posted on the top of my computer screen. It says in big red letters:

Just do it!

So go ahead, take a deep breath, and dive into your project. Believe me, you'll be glad you did!

Here are some other resources to help you along the way. And above all, have fun!

Here's a great idea to keep your mind on the right path - a French Crystal Medallion to put on your desk right in front of you:

Recommended Reading

Here are a couple of books to help you organize your time and your life:

And here's one of my favorites, a classic from Brian Tracy: (Click on the link) Eat That Frog! 2nd Edition: 21 great ways to stop procrastinating, improve organization skills, and get more done in less time, By Brian Tracy

Have fun with the getting it done!