Do you ever feel like everybody but you is running your life? Whether you are an entrepreneur like me or working for someone else, today I want you to stop and take stock of your life. I spent the first part of my career doing what I “should” do. I obtained my bachelor’s degree, I worked for a large accounting firm, I got my license as a CPA, was hired in industry as an accountant. I had the perfect life…the only problem was, once I had Derek it wasn’t the one for me. The first two years of Derek’s life were very difficult for me. I was so busy doing what everyone else thought I should do and inside I felt like I was dying. I had this perfect baby boy, a fabulous husband, a “great” job that paid well, but I was not a happy camper.

Once I realized I was living a life that really wasn’t cut out for me, I went ahead and started my own business. Trust me, I know it is not nearly as simple as I have made it sound. It has been a long, tough road as an entrepreneur, but I have loved every minute of it. However, I have also realized that I have spent an enormous amount of my time as an entrepreneur listening to people that I really should not have been. I found myself in the same trap, just in a little different way.

As an entrepreneur, we are told we have to have coaches and consultants, and we should listen to people who are doing better than us. You will get advice like you would not believe. I spent the first few years of having my business doing what everyone else thought I should do, whether I liked the idea or not. This turned into me running around like a chicken with it’s head cut off. Once again, I was doing what I “should” do and I found most of the time I would end up chasing my tail.

Now, don’t get me wrong, having mentors and coaches is a good idea for everyone, whether you are in business for yourself or working for someone else. Just make sure you check with yourself before you change things too much. I have had mentors and coaches that have given me good advice and bad. I have followed both and had to redirect once I realized something was not working for me. That is how we learn and grow. One of the biggest lessons I have learned recently is to always do a gut check before I make any major decisions with regard to my life.

I am totally over blindly listening to someone. The most important asset I have in my reach is my heart and my intuition. Don’t just do what someone tells you to do because it has brought them success. Only do it if it feels right to you. We are not all climbing the same ladder to success, there are plenty of ladders for us all. Find the one that is right for you…