“Every decision in your life is controlled by your beliefs and values. You may not realize it, but you have the power to choose what you believe about your life, people, money and health. You can either choose beliefs that limit you, or beliefs that empower you to move toward success. Your beliefs energize you to create the world you want to live in right now. What you value determines what you focus on.” – Tony Robbins

Tony Robbins is my hero. We all have one. That person who just proves that anything is possible. Richard Branson is another one of my heroes. What do they have in common? Well, to me, they are always happy, always positive and always motivated.
Recently I was nominated for an AusMumpreneur award in the “Emerging AusMumpreneur” category. The nomination alone was a wonderful surprise but when I found out this week that I was a finalist, it absolutely blew me away. These awards focus on mothers in business and there are some amazing, inspirational women who are in my category. All have grown businesses as well as raising a family.

There has been quite a bit of welcomed publicity around the awards, especially where I live in Cairns, Far North Queensland and this week a photo of myself and my son was on the cover of the Cairns Sun. However, in speaking with journalists and others in the past few weeks, I have had a lot of time to reflect on what I do and why I do it but most importantly – What MOTIVATES me? What gets me up every day and what drives me?

Being a solo parent to a 15 month old amazing little boy has opened my eyes to many things. I have always been career driven, always loved what I do and always worked very hard. However, I now have this little person counting on me; looking up to me, his Mamma, as a role model. It has humbled me a lot.

But one thing that people keep asking me is “How do you do it”? How do I balance family life with running a growing business? I have to say the first thing that comes to mind is passion. I am passionate about what I do and I love what I do, but more than anything, I believe in myself. I know I offer a highly professional service, I have very strong values that drive me each day and I remain positive, regardless of the challenges I might face. Positivity is amazing. Trust me, I have bad days, days when I wonder why on earth I put myself through it all and then there are uplifting days that make me grateful for the opportunity to work with, and provide a service to, such an array of interesting and accomplished people. These good days make up for the bad every time.

I also believe in having a mentor and a support network. Surround yourself with people who are better than you so you can aspire to be as good as they are (this goes for your personal life as well!). These people will empathise with you and encourage you on the bad days and congratulate you and inspire you to stretch yourself on the good days.

We all have a lot to be positive about but sometimes we need to remember to not sweat the small stuff! Keep smiling, be positive but most of all BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!