Mary Cravets

How She Wrote 5 Books

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Several years ago, I had the pleasure of consulting with a wonderful woman named Lakota.  When we began our consultation, she had three primary activities that occupied her time. She wanted to determine how she could best utilize her time to make these successful and meaningful.

As we worked together, it became clear that one of her activities was not in alignment with her goals, and was also emotionally taxing, pulling energy from other areas of her life.  Together we determined she should phase out the most stressful activity, leaving more time to focus on other valuable things. With a newly aligned course of action, Lakota took steps in a direction more to her liking.

For the next four years, she devoted much of her newfound time to her passion for writing. I happen to know that throughout those years she still faced serious adversity— she wasn’t just holed up peacefully writing in a cabin in the woods! Despite the adversity, she continued writing, and today I’m happy to report that Lakota has created not one but FIVE novels! Her books are slated for publication over the next 18 months, beginning with her first mystery novel, Death in Copper Town.

In a recent email, she wrote me to express her profound thanks for offering clarity and helping her succeed at this accomplishment. I’m so proud of Lakota’s drive to pursue her goals, first by asking for some guidance to find the right path, and then by persevering with her passions! She’s achieved a great win over the last four years.  What win are you willing to spend years to achieve?

If you’d like to draw inspiration from Lakota’s win, check out Death in Copper Town, available now on Amazon!

When Your Business Choices are Challenged

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Recently, I forwarded a resource out to my email list, because it offered me some helpful insights, and I believed it would do the same for others. Within 24 hours of sending, I received two emails in response.

The first email said, “This is brilliant! I really found value in it.” Well, great! I thought. Mission accomplished- I’m glad I could help!

I opened the second email expecting a similar message. Instead, it said, “This is pretty offensive! Why would anyone want this?” Wait… what?! This is the exact opposite of the first response! How could two opinions differ so drastically about the same subject?

I had a moment of debate with myself: Had I missed the point? Was I actually unhelpful? Should I refrain from sending similar resources in the future?

After a quick assessment, the answer was clear: Nope! I have a clear vision about my business and my clients, and I know what path I’m on to see success in both. The resource I sent was important to me, and others had found it valuable—even if there had been a difference of opinion.

The problem with hearing conflicting opinions is that they can lead you down a wrong path if you aren’t clear about your path. Being uncertain when confronted with differing opinions can leave you terrified to try a new approach, doubtful of your strategy, or paralyzed in the pursuit of your goals.

In order to stay moving forward with purpose down the right path—the one you’ve mapped out for yourself and your business— it’s important to always be clear about your vision and your ideal clients. That way, when conflicting opinions cross your path, you can decide quickly whether you need to adjust or stay the course!

Ever Hesitate to Promote Yourself?

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Do you ever hesitate to promote yourself to your email list? If you’re concerned that you’re being too salesy by promoting yourself, don’t panic! I learned something very interesting lately that might help you step up and make offers with less fear.

For some quick insight on striking a balance between promoting yourself and offering valuable content, enjoy this video!

A Lesson From a Rock Wall

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You probably don’t know this, but my sister loves rock climbing and I’ve gone to her climbing gym several times. I always enjoyed the experience, but didn’t actively look for more rocks to climb.

Then, I was invited to go rock climbing in Alaska.

I was tired. I didn’t want to hurt myself. And I could have very easily just gone and relaxed somewhere much more comfortable (and safe!).

But… I couldn’t go all that way without at least trying, right?

I decided to go for it, and gave myself permission to only go as far as I wanted to, and to stop when I felt like it. I didn’t have to make it all the way to the top that day, I just had to try it.

I started the climb. What happened completely defied my expectations. At the climbing gym, the climbs are color coded and pre-set to be accomplished.  There on a natural wall in Alaska I had to figure out how to get to the top on my own (with a little guidance from the climbing instructor).

The rock wall was like a puzzle, and all I could do to solve it was focus on my next move. Right hand first. Then left hand. Right foot, left foot. Moving upward became a challenge in advancing, assessing, and correcting.

Can I get a handhold here? Nope, try over here!

Left foot is slipping, try a better grip!

Advance, assess, correct.

Before I knew it, I was advancing up with careful moves — and with focus, focus, focus.  Instead of thinking about how tired I was or how I might not reach the top, my goal shifted to pure enjoyment of the process.

Sure enough, I made it to the top. But it was the experience of trying that was the real win.

Are you standing at the bottom of a new challenge? Focus on the experience.  Advance, assess, and correct. Hire an instructor or coach if needed. And above all, start the climb!

Why Your Work-Life Balance Isn’t Working

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Welcome to the half-way point of your year!

This is a great moment to step back and evaluate how things are going. One of the most common complaints I hear is, “I feel totally out of balance!”

In this short, funny and insightful video, the speaker gives one of the best perspectives on why your work-life balance isn’t working. Take the time to watch it, and see if you catch the same insight I did!

A Little Alaskan Fun

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I am currently taking some well-deserved time off and thought I’d share a few photos of the experience. I hope this inspires you to remember to take time off for yourselves!

 Me in front of Mendenhall Glacier!

A water view from Juneau.

 Rock climbing in Skagway.