So I caught a little fishy on our trip to Cabo San Lucas this summer.  Ok, so it is a really big fish.  When I first caught it, we sent this photo to a friend.  He was impressed with the size of the fish, but did not for an instant believe I caught it.  I don’t remember how long it took me but I did really truly reel this fish up to the boat.  Actually I reeled the fish near the boat a few times and each time it bolted back out to sea and I had to start over again until finally I landed this big and tasty dorado.

But I didn’t do it alone.

The captain kept a diligent eye on the seas to scope out where the fish were and brought us to the best areas.  The crew baited the poles with the best lures to catch the fish we desired.  The first mate was the actual person to place the lure in the right place to catch the eye and mouth of the fish.  As I reeled in the fish, my husband rotated the chair for me to keep me in the best position to fight the fish, the captain would back up the boat to help shorten the distance between me and the fish, and when the fish was close enough to the boat the mate with a hook pulled the fish into the boat.  Heck, I didn’t even hold up the fish myself for the photo.  So I guess I didn’t catch the fish.  It was really a group effort filled with the support and expertise of those around me.

How often in our businesses do we think we have to do it all alone?  We are trying to wear all the hats of sales, marketing, CEO, accountant, technician, and motivator.  Or we think we have to have all of the answers ourselves.  We believe that it is our company and that we are solely responsible for making everything happen.  And we are, but that doesn’t mean we can not receive outside support or accept and utilize the expertise of others.  In fact, things tend to flow more smoothly when we can admit to what is our expertise and what would be best to outsource.

Last year I started facilitating Power of 10 groups where business owners gather to support each other in their businesses.  I knew that it would be powerful, but I didn’t realize how powerful.  In creating the group, I expected there to be amazing insights as business owners from different industries shared their experiences and recommendations.  But what I didn’t expect were the strong connections made by the owners which resulted in empathetic support and constant accountability propelling each others’ businesses.  Just like having a knowledgeable crew supporting me while I focused on reeling in the fish, the Power of 10 members provided support, insight, accountability, and sometimes their own business services to help the other members focus and grow their businesses.

New Power of 10 groups are starting this September.  Contact me today to reserve your spot and powerfully grow your business.

We were fortunate to visit Cabo San Lucas again this year.  Besides doing a lot of fishing, we went snorkeling for two days.  Since I had a lasik procedure a few years ago, I really enjoy putting on the mask and viewing all of the beautiful fish.  Putting on and breathing through the snorkel on the other hand, is a challenge.  Even at my advanced age, I am still a novice swimmer.  I have the tendency to float a few feet under the surface and coordinating breathing while moving is still a challenge.  Gratefully the salt water in the Sea of Cortez helps with my buoyancy so there is just that breathing thing to deal with.

No matter, I jump in.  Once I relax and concentrate on my breathing, I get into an easy rhythm and head from the boat to the reef.  I enjoy seeing a fish or two as I glide through the water while I anticipate seeing all the gorgeous fish we saw at the reef the day before.  But today the water is a little rougher, the waves a little higher.  One swell over takes my snorkel and sends salt water into my mouth.  I cough, choke, and pull off the snorkel.  I am floating ok until I look around and don’t see my husband.  He knows I am an inexperienced swimmer and usually sticks around in case I need help.  I look toward the reef and don’t see him.  I look toward the boat and don’t see him.  I look out toward the horizon and don’t see him.  I panic.  My breathing becomes short and erratic.  Because of this, my buoyancy begins to lessen.  I panic more.  Realizing I float better while snorkeling and controlling my breathing, I put on my mask and continue to head toward the reef all the while wondering why my husband has seemingly abandoned me.

After a bit, I once again rise above the surface.  Again I look to the sea, the reef, and the boat with no husband in sight.  Again I begin to panic, breathing poorly, and start to sink.  More panic this time.  Then it hits me.  I turn toward the shore.  There, only a few feet from me, is my husband, my touchstone, my safety net.  I laugh at my stupidity and the deep guffaw fills my lungs with extra oxygen floating me safely above the waterline.

The next time you feel fear, panic, or anxiety, check your breathing.  Is it short, quick, and high up in your chest?  See if you can redirect your breathing down to your belly button.  Slow deep breaths fully expanding your abdomen then gently releasing all the air in the same slow steady rhythm.  What does changing your breathing do for your thinking?  Do to your fear?  Do you experience clarity and calm?  Does your panic lessen?  Are you better able to address the issue at hand?  Our bodies react to our emotional states, but we can also consciously change our bodies therefore also changing our emotional state.  Next time your emotions are out of control, try reversing your body’s reaction to those emotions and see if you can reverse your emotions as well.