The Self-Aware Solopreneur: Uncover Your Genius Blueprint

5 Big Signs You Need an Energizing Vision

January 26, 2024 Humaira Akhter Season 2 Episode 2
5 Big Signs You Need an Energizing Vision
The Self-Aware Solopreneur: Uncover Your Genius Blueprint
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The Self-Aware Solopreneur: Uncover Your Genius Blueprint
5 Big Signs You Need an Energizing Vision
Jan 26, 2024 Season 2 Episode 2
Humaira Akhter

Ever felt like you were on a professional hamster wheel, constantly churning but lacking direction? My own moment of clarity hit me hard, amidst life’s upheavals, and it brought forth the recognition of how vital an energizing vision is. This episode peels back the layers of frustration that come from a murky professional life, the kind that signals you're disconnected from your business's original purpose and leaves you mired in decision fatigue. I delve into the personal milestones that led me to this discovery, including the joyful anticipation of twins and the profound loss of my father, weaving the narrative of how these events underscored the need for a vision fueled by core values rather than fleeting motivation.

Having an energizing vision is like having a North Star for your solopreneurial journey—one that is as unique as your fingerprint and just as crucial for navigating the business world. It's not about blending in with the herd; it's about defining success on your own terms and staying true to what lights your fire, even when imitation seems simpler. Join me as I lay out the steps to uncover your own path, encouraging you to craft a vision that resonates with your core values and brings forth a sense of purpose. No guests join us this time—it's just you and me on this introspective ride, and I'm here to share the keys to unlocking your full potential. Remember to swing by the website for more nuggets of wisdom and leave a review to share the impact our conversation had on your vision quest.

Support the Show.

Thank you so much for listening, and if you want to check out free resources and information on each episode. Where we share every other week, tips and strategies and insights. You can find the show notes, downloads, and resources by visiting to my website, www.humairaakhter.com.

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Show Notes Transcript Chapter Markers

Ever felt like you were on a professional hamster wheel, constantly churning but lacking direction? My own moment of clarity hit me hard, amidst life’s upheavals, and it brought forth the recognition of how vital an energizing vision is. This episode peels back the layers of frustration that come from a murky professional life, the kind that signals you're disconnected from your business's original purpose and leaves you mired in decision fatigue. I delve into the personal milestones that led me to this discovery, including the joyful anticipation of twins and the profound loss of my father, weaving the narrative of how these events underscored the need for a vision fueled by core values rather than fleeting motivation.

Having an energizing vision is like having a North Star for your solopreneurial journey—one that is as unique as your fingerprint and just as crucial for navigating the business world. It's not about blending in with the herd; it's about defining success on your own terms and staying true to what lights your fire, even when imitation seems simpler. Join me as I lay out the steps to uncover your own path, encouraging you to craft a vision that resonates with your core values and brings forth a sense of purpose. No guests join us this time—it's just you and me on this introspective ride, and I'm here to share the keys to unlocking your full potential. Remember to swing by the website for more nuggets of wisdom and leave a review to share the impact our conversation had on your vision quest.

Support the Show.

Thank you so much for listening, and if you want to check out free resources and information on each episode. Where we share every other week, tips and strategies and insights. You can find the show notes, downloads, and resources by visiting to my website, www.humairaakhter.com.

Speaker 1:

Welcome to the Self-Aware Solokanar podcast. Hey there, fellow journeyers. I'm excited here today to talk about something that's been on my mind for quite some time. I want to share with you the five big signs that shows you that you need an energizing vision. Let me ask you this Ever had that moment when you're sitting in your car writing a letter to your future CEO self? No, just me. Well, strap in, because we're about to dive into the world of energizing vision. Picture this it's eight years ago, I'm still in the corporate world and everything seems fine, but something feels off. A little voice inside my head says hey, you know, there's something missing. Right, and fast forward to 2015,. It was not until our nurse broke the news. Guess what? You guys are having twins Boy. You should have seen the look on my husband. So now twins are on the way.

Speaker 1:

While I'm also grieving the loss of my father, life decides to throw me a curveball and I'm suddenly seeking meaning, like it's a treasure hunt. I'm talking about the kind of meaning that gives purpose to your 95 grind, your mom duties, your household chaos and your grand dreams of becoming a CEO. But let's face it chasing audacious goals with all the family responsibilities and household and while I was having twins not exactly a walk in the park, is it? To me, you see, life is like a book where chapters are filled with highs, lows and those pivotal turning points. Sometimes those chapters needs a bit of re-editing, sometimes those chapters needs to be rewritten, or even just a friendly nod to acknowledge that those things did happen. Most folks they cruise on autopilot, never really taking the time to craft their origin story. Now, what is an origin story? If you're still tuned in, you're in for a treat, because it's something I plan to dive deeper into this very topic into the next episode.

Speaker 1:

It's one of those things where it's the heart and soul of an energizing vision. So don't touch that dial. I want to talk a little bit about what is an energizing vision. So you're wondering well, I already have a vision and that's great. If you do. You have a vision, it's fantastic. But what is an energizing vision? To me, it's like the good kind of dopamine, not the one filled by fake motivational quotes and endless vision boards, or when you hit a dopamine with likes and follower counts. It's not like that. It's actually the magnetic force that guides your journey, filled by your core values. It's what keeps you going even when life throws your curveball. You're not relying on motivational quotes on the days when you don't feel like it. Imagine having a North Star that not only shows you the way but also pulls you forward, like the ultimate GPS for your life's journey. Okay, back to our energizing vision quest. Here's one of the first signs.

Speaker 1:

Now, unlike people with savings or a well late transitional plan, I had no plan B. I basically took the leap without a parachute. Some called it irresponsible, others maybe brave, but I felt neither. What I did know was what I didn't want. No more 95 grind, feeling stifled, unmotivated and confused about my career direction. You see, most folks are crystal clear about what they don't want, but when it comes to what they actually want, well, let's just say it's like hopping into a car without a map or your GPS, deciding to take a nap in the middle of the highway. Ever had that happen? Yeah, it's not exactly fun, right?

Speaker 1:

That nagging feeling of missing clarity can lead to frustration, anger, sometimes even resentment, and the brink of giving up that constant inner battle that is in search mode of seeking fulfillment. So you think taking the next course, or someone promising new 21 steps, will lead to six figure business. Don't even get me started on the amount of money, resources and programs I've spent to find the answers. Surprisingly, those answers lie in your deepest core. That requires you to dig deeper, but if you're nothing like most people otherwise, hey, you wouldn't even be here listening to this. You're someone who wants to make a difference. You want to stop wasting your energy on resources that give you all kinds of tactics that solves your immediate need but does not address the end outcome. That foundational clarity is what most people skip and hop and find themselves starting over and over again. But hey, if any of this sounds familiar, don't worry. In this three part podcast series, we're going to take you on a journey to define your energizing vision. So stick around.

Speaker 1:

Alright, let's talk about the second sign. It's that feeling of being underwhelmed and not charged at all, feeling disconnected from why you started your business. To begin with, you thought you were creating freedom, but sometimes it feels like you've just assigned yourself another job. My first two years in business, it felt like a never ending loop of my entire career. I was designing, creating brand guidelines, and always this need to make things look pretty. That nagging voice return Like is this? It Just deliverables. I wanted my work to be more than a collection of portfolios. I craved deep down. I craved making a real difference, and that's where I want to spend a little more time on our next episode, where we dive into how your energizing vision connects to your intrinsic motivation. And if you can't pinpoint it, you'll be on a quest for dopamine, like I talked about. It's the healthy kind of dopamine where you're on a challenging hike with an epic view waiting at the top.

Speaker 1:

Now the third sign decision fatigue. It's a sneaky trap the struggle of applying your various skill sets, experiences and life stories into a unique solution or product that can be exhausting. Sure, you're unique, but guess what? So are a million others. You ever see someone trying to copy your website content and social media? Like really guys? But here is the kicker it's not about them. It's not about people who are copying and trying to plagiarize and mimic your words. It's about your potential clients drowning in a sea of options.

Speaker 1:

I'll give you an example. Take a client of mine. She's been in the fitness industry for a very long time. She had her business for over 10 years. Super noisy, right? Fitness industry in general is a very noisy, saturated place, turns out, she had to find her unique path, otherwise stay lost in the noise. When we started working together, what we found is that not only she was undermining her true potential and the qualities that she actually honed, but her expertise was nowhere near reflected on the external point of view, and that's where you do need a mirror to give you an outside perspective.

Speaker 1:

Here's sign number four, and it's a major one. You're driving in the fast lane, and often in somebody else's lane, but you haven't taken a second to check the map. It's like you're driving without a destination, hoping for the best Ever seen. Those leaders whose words don't match their actions. Yeah, it's kind of like ordering a pizza and getting a salad. Don't you hate that? This disconnect is glaring when founders lack clarity on how their internal vision aligns with their external actions, not to mention that trust gets eroded. Right, it's easy to lose trust with people where the promise doesn't match. No one can tell where the company is going. Have you ever worked for those type of people where you're just driving every single day, not knowing what to look forward to? Yeah, finally, the ultimate sign that screams inefficiency Doing everything by yourself.

Speaker 1:

I've run into potential clients and people. They insist on doing everything by themselves. Let's get real. There's nothing solo about solopreneurship. You can't do it all. Remember the time you hired a social media agency or a VA without a clear plan? Yeah, me too. It's like letting someone else drive your car without giving them any directions. This is where your energizing vision shines. It's the bigger picture that helps you break down your commitments like an organized road trip, but for your business.

Speaker 1:

In the next episode, we're unveiling the essential ingredients and the key to defining your energizing vision. Think of it as your quest to create your own version of success not someone else's, but your own, because, my friends, your journey is as unique as your fingerprints. I hope you found some nuggets of wisdom in today's episode that will fuel your solopreneurial journey. Stay tuned for the next installment. Until then, bye. Now Check out free resources and information on each episode, where we share show notes, by visiting to my website, wwwhomiraoctercom. Please don't forget to leave a review for this podcast. Your ratings will also help other listeners to spread the word. Until then, please take care, and I will see you next time.

Signs You Need an Energizing Vision
Origin Story with Chapters
What is an Energizing Vision
The decision fatigue
The effects of Inefficiencies in Your Business
Unveiling Your Unique Path to Success