How To Honer The Ultimate Ancestor

A Message of Hope: The Gospel for a Japanese Audience

In Japan, the beauty of nature, the values of harmony and respect, and the deep longing for peace and purpose reflect something profound about the human heart. These qualities point to a greater reality—a Creator who made us and everything around us with love and purpose.

This Creator, whom the Bible calls God the ultimate ancestor, is the source of all life. From the beginning, God made us to live in a close relationship with Him, experiencing His peace (what Christians call shalom) and joy. However, we see that the world is filled with suffering, conflict, and emptiness. This separation is because of something called sin—our tendency to live apart from God's ways and design.

In the Bible, God reveals His love for all people, including the Japanese people. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to restore what was broken. Jesus lived a perfect life, full of compassion, wisdom, and power. He healed the sick, welcomed the outcast, and taught about God's Kingdom—a kingdom where justice, love, and peace reign.

But the greatest act of love came when Jesus willingly gave His life on the cross. He died to take the punishment for our sins, so that we could be forgiven and made whole. His sacrifice was not the end of the story—Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death itself. Through His resurrection, He offers eternal life to anyone who believes in Him.

What does this mean for you?

Forgiveness: No matter what your past holds, God offers forgiveness through Jesus.

Purpose: Your life has meaning because God created you uniquely, with a role to play in His plan.

Hope: Even in the face of life's struggles, Jesus promises to be with us and lead us to eternal peace.


Becoming a follower of Jesus is not about abandoning your culture or traditions. Instead, it is about letting God bring His light and love into your life, transforming everything from the inside out. Just as a cherry blossom tree blooms in season, God desires for your life to flourish in a new and eternal way.

If this message speaks to your heart, you can respond by turning to God in prayer.

> A Simple Prayer
"God, I want to know You. Thank You for loving me and sending Jesus to save me. I confess my sins and ask for Your forgiveness. I choose to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow Him. Please guide me in this new life. Amen."



This is the beginning of a journey. God invites you to walk with Him daily, learn more about His Word, and find encouragement through others who follow Jesus.

The Gospel is good news for all nations, including Japan, and it is an invitation to the life of peace, purpose, and hope that only God can give.

How To Survive A Witch Attack.

 How to survive a  witch attack 

If you are unlucky enough to be singled out by a witch, its not easy to shake off their attacks. Witches are sneaky, experts at gas lighting and very precise in their craft. 

That said, other then the obvious rebuking the attack in Jesus name, their are a few things you can do.

Firstly don't be isolated, it makes you an easy target.

Secondly, identify what the witches end goal is. Are they looking to kill you? Drive you mad? What exactly is the witch going for that is attacking you?

I've had witches attack this blog, their goal was to get me to shut up.

Not happening.

Once you know what the witch is going for, identify their territory's. It might be possible to physically move out of their space. It might be necessity.

Running is not weakness, but at the same time don't be chased out of a space in which you are fulfilled. 

Stay grounded, protect your emotional regulation because you may need to make some firm decisions to deal with this, and its best to do that from a sound mind. 

Practice self defense but don't fight back unless you know what you are doing. 


Letters to life 2 - My Spiritual Awakening Journey

Ok life, it's been a while since I've written to you. Sorry about that. You got in the way of time to sit down and type. 

Anyway, to day I thought we'd talk about my spiritual journey. You see i have now expirenced "enlightenment" and I gotta say it's not all it's cracked up to be. 

I had the inner peace, sense of zen and connectivness but it has nothing on the peace I experience in Jesus. 

I had the "light of many occultic truthes shining on me" but not one of those truthes had anything on the truth found in Jesus. 

I have ventured the road less traveled and less recommended and it has taken me to some dark places. That's ok though, the holy spirit was always with me lighting the way. I learnt the secrets of the occult for educational reasons but upon the discovery of frequency I felt no need to engage in ceremonial magik although I read the books. I witnessed the deception first hand. 
You life, led me on a winding road, one that ventured into the darkness even when I felt the tugging of Christ on my heart. Had I listened, maybe I'd still be in London. I did not though and I instead found myself flat on my face home in Wales. There are ofcourse other reasons but falling in the dark when holy spirit had gone ahead of me home to Wales , was a big part of my journey. 
I have had involvement with several secret societies, but of course they don't exist so what more can I say? Delusion. It's hard to see through the thick fog of spiritual depression but somehow I made it through that. I learnt all about dark enlightenment then the vanilla breed, I learnt the secrets of the light are black. They fall so short of Jesus the genuine article . We've done eastern mystisim and western esoteric teachings. A myrid of religions and schools of thought but nothing has landed so solid as standing right back where I started. Standing on the rock of Christ Jesus. 

That is where I am now, right at the begining back to my first love, Jesus Christ. 

From here, life we build you up.

With the right foundations in place this time I can't wait. 

The Dangers of "Enlightenment" from a Christian Perspective

The Dangers of "Enlightenment" from a Christian Perspective

In our culture, the idea of "enlightenment" is often portrayed as the pinnacle of human achievement, a path to ultimate freedom, knowledge, and personal fulfillment. People pursue it through philosophy, spirituality, and self-help trends, aiming to transcend ordinary experiences. While seeking truth and meaning is natural, enlightenment as understood in many contemporary movements may pose real dangers from a Christian viewpoint. Below, we’ll explore why the quest for enlightenment, when it steps away from God, can lead to spiritual peril, moral confusion, and disconnection from the very truths that set us free.

1. Self-Deification: The Idol of Self

At the core of many enlightenment movements is the idea of self-deification—becoming "god-like" in wisdom or power. Some approaches to enlightenment advocate self-realization, not merely as growth, but as a divine awakening where the self becomes central. This philosophy echoes the oldest temptation in Scripture: when the serpent tempts Eve in the Garden, he says, “You will be like God” (Genesis 3:5).

For Christians, however, this emphasis on the self as the source of all truth and divinity is dangerously deceptive. Scripture tells us that there is only one God, and that we are His creation, designed to worship and glorify Him. Isaiah 42:8 reminds us that God will not share His glory with another. When enlightenment moves into self-worship, it draws us away from God, encouraging us to trust in our own wisdom rather than in His divine guidance.

2. Undermining the Authority of Scripture

Enlightenment philosophies often promote the belief that truth is relative or that it can be found by looking inward. But Christianity teaches that ultimate truth is found in God’s revelation through Scripture. Proverbs 3:5-6 instructs us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”

By looking within for truth, enlightenment philosophy may subtly push Christians to question or devalue the authority of the Bible. Instead of seeking God’s wisdom, people are encouraged to rely on subjective feelings or insights. This can lead to a type of spiritual relativism where individuals may create their own personal beliefs, cherry-picking doctrines and practices from various sources without accountability to God’s Word. The outcome? A shallow, subjective faith that lacks a firm foundation in God’s truth.

3. Spiritual Warfare: The Risk of Deception

Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Enlightenment practices can open doors to spiritual experiences that may feel enlightening but are, in reality, spiritually dangerous.

Many traditions, especially in New Age or esoteric practices, advocate meditative techniques or mystical practices that aim to open the mind to otherworldly influences. For Christians, engaging in practices that invite unknown spiritual forces poses a grave risk. The Bible is clear that we are to avoid anything that connects us to spirits or forces other than God, as such practices can lead to spiritual bondage rather than freedom (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

In pursuit of enlightenment, people can be drawn into deceptive, dark, or even demonic influences without realizing it. Scripture encourages us to remain vigilant and spiritually sober, discerning every spirit to avoid being led astray by false teachings or deceptive influences (1 John 4:1).

4. The Illusion of Self-Sufficiency

Another core danger of enlightenment philosophies is the idea that we can achieve fullness or wholeness entirely on our own. The Christian understanding of human nature is that we are deeply in need of God’s grace and love. Romans 3:23 states, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” emphasizing that we cannot achieve salvation or righteousness by our own efforts.

The belief that one can be entirely self-sufficient or "self-enlightened" promotes a false narrative about our human limitations and need for God. While we can certainly grow in knowledge and wisdom, our deepest spiritual needs—salvation, grace, and redemption—come only from God. When enlightenment becomes a way to bypass that dependence, it distances us from the redemptive work of Jesus and from the saving grace we are offered.

5. Loss of Humility and the Call to Serve

Christianity teaches that humility and service are essential virtues. Jesus Himself, though He was God, took on the nature of a servant, humbling Himself even to death on a cross (Philippians 2:5-8). Many enlightenment philosophies, however, subtly or overtly focus on personal greatness, power, or superiority, leading individuals to pursue self-glory over humility.

The drive for enlightenment can create an inward focus that leads to pride rather than humility, making one’s own “higher state” or awareness the goal. When we lose sight of humility, we also risk neglecting our call to serve others. The Christian life is not one of constant self-improvement for personal gain but one of growth that brings us closer to God and leads us to serve those around us in love.

6. Turning Away from the Ultimate Source of Light

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). True enlightenment, from a Christian perspective, is found in Jesus Christ. He is the source of all wisdom, truth, and life. Seeking enlightenment outside of Christ is ultimately a pursuit that leaves us empty because it turns us away from the one who is Himself the Light.

The danger of enlightenment outside of Christ is that it can feel like illumination, even though it ultimately cannot lead to the fulfillment, peace, and freedom that only Jesus provides. Without Christ, any enlightenment we experience is incomplete and, in the end, will not lead us to eternal life.

Conclusion: Pursuing God’s Light over Human “Enlightenment”

While seeking knowledge and understanding is natural and good, Christians must be discerning about where and how they seek this enlightenment. True enlightenment comes not from transcending human limits through self-deification or subjective truths but from a humble submission to God, a faithful life grounded in Scripture, and a commitment to serve others in love.

As we pursue deeper understanding, let us remember that only in Christ will we find the truth, light, and life we seek. By aligning our lives with Him, we protect ourselves from the subtle dangers of enlightenment philosophies that promise much but ultimately fall short of His perfect truth. The goal is not personal glorification but the glorification of God, who is the true source of all light and life.

How To Reach Enlightenment

### Reaching Enlightenment: A Guide to Inner Peace and Higher Consciousness

Enlightenment has been a central pursuit in spiritual and philosophical traditions around the world, from Eastern philosophies like Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism to Western mysticism and modern psychology. Defined as a profound understanding of life’s nature and a liberation from suffering, enlightenment represents the ultimate form of self-awareness and inner peace. But achieving it is neither quick nor easy; it requires deep commitment, introspection, and the transformation of mind and spirit. Here is a guide on how to navigate this journey to enlightenment.

#### 1. Understand What Enlightenment Means to You

Enlightenment is a deeply personal experience, and it can mean different things to different people. Some view it as reaching a state of pure joy or inner peace, others as liberation from the ego, and others as an awakening to universal truths. In Hinduism and Buddhism, enlightenment is described as transcending the illusion of a separate self, reaching a state of unity with the cosmos. Clarity about what enlightenment means to you will help guide your path.

**Ask yourself:**
- What do I want to understand or achieve through this journey?
- How do I define inner peace, wisdom, or unity?

#### 2. Commit to Self-Inquiry

Self-inquiry is a foundational practice for anyone seeking enlightenment. Question your assumptions, beliefs, and fears to uncover your true self beyond the roles and labels society has placed on you. Begin by asking, “Who am I?” beyond your name, occupation, and personal history. This question leads you inward to discover the aspects of yourself that are constant and unchanging, beyond the fluctuations of daily life.

**Methods of Self-Inquiry:**
- **Meditation**: Develop a daily meditation practice to quiet the mind, making it easier to observe thoughts without attachment. Vipassana, Zen, or mindfulness meditation are great starting points.
- **Journaling**: Write about your emotions, desires, fears, and beliefs to deepen your self-awareness.
- **Contemplation**: Practice holding questions in mind without needing immediate answers. Let insights arise naturally.

#### 3. Cultivate Mindfulness and Presence

Mindfulness, or being fully present in the moment, is essential in reaching enlightenment. This practice helps break habitual patterns of thought and emotion that can keep you trapped in negativity or illusion. When you’re present, you’re better able to see things as they are, rather than as you wish or fear them to be.

**Practical Tips for Mindfulness:**
- Focus on your breath, paying attention to its rhythm and flow, to anchor yourself in the present moment.
- Bring mindfulness into everyday activities like eating, walking, or listening, noticing the details without rushing.
- Practice “letting go” of distractions, judgments, and worries to enhance your ability to remain in the here and now.

#### 4. Detach from the Ego

The ego, our sense of identity, is a powerful force that can keep us stuck in cycles of desire, attachment, and fear. Enlightenment requires transcending this sense of separateness. Learning to observe the ego, rather than identifying with it, is a profound step toward enlightenment. Many people find that the less they are attached to their own desires and self-image, the more they experience true freedom.

**Practices for Ego Detachment:**
- **Meditate on impermanence**: Reflect on the transient nature of all things to reduce attachment to objects, people, and ideas.
- **Practice humility and gratitude**: Shift focus from self-centered thoughts to appreciation for life and others.
- **Observe your inner dialogue**: Catch yourself when you’re overly critical, defensive, or needy. Learn to witness these reactions without identifying with them.

#### 5. Embrace Compassion and Love

A heart filled with compassion is essential for enlightenment. Compassion opens you to understanding others without judgment and expands your awareness beyond the self. This creates a sense of unity and interconnectedness with the world, which is key in spiritual awakening.

**Ways to Cultivate Compassion:**
- **Loving-kindness meditation**: Visualize and send love to yourself, friends, family, and even people you struggle with. Extend it eventually to all beings.
- **Practice empathy**: Listen deeply to others, truly aiming to understand their perspective and feelings.
- **Serve others selflessly**: Acts of kindness can reduce the grip of the ego, opening the way to deeper spiritual experiences.

#### 6. Study Spiritual and Philosophical Texts

Reading the teachings of those who have attained enlightenment can serve as a valuable guide. While each path is unique, these texts can provide you with insights and practical tools. Scriptures like the **Bhagavad Gita**, **Tao Te Ching**, **Dhammapada**, and the works of modern sages like Eckhart Tolle or Ram Dass offer timeless wisdom.

**Some Valuable Texts to Explore:**
- **Bhagavad Gita** (Hinduism) – for insights on karma and devotion
- **Dhammapada** (Buddhism) – for lessons on mindfulness and right action
- **Tao Te Ching** (Taoism) – for understanding the harmony of life’s natural flow
- **The Power of Now** by Eckhart Tolle – for an introduction to living in the present moment

#### 7. Let Go of Attachments

Attachment to ideas, possessions, or people can anchor you to suffering. Enlightenment involves a practice of non-attachment, where you engage fully with life without becoming attached to outcomes. By loosening your grip on what you want or fear, you open yourself to greater peace and adaptability.

**Practices to Release Attachment:**
- **Reflect on impermanence**: Understand that all things change, and clinging to anything as permanent leads to suffering.
- **Embrace detachment, not indifference**: Love and care, but recognize that everything is subject to change.
- **Meditate on desires**: Notice desires as they arise, but resist acting on every impulse, cultivating a sense of contentment in the present moment.

#### 8. Practice Acceptance and Surrender

Enlightenment requires surrender—accepting life as it is, without resisting or trying to control every aspect. This is not passive resignation but an active choice to let go of unnecessary resistance, which often fuels inner conflict and suffering.

**Steps for Surrender:**
- **Focus on acceptance**: When faced with difficulties, practice acknowledging reality without denial.
- **Recognize the limits of control**: Trust that you don’t need to control everything for life to unfold meaningfully.
- **Flow with life**: Embrace change as a constant and respond with flexibility rather than rigid attachment.

#### 9. Commit to the Journey

The path to enlightenment is lifelong, requiring patience, resilience, and humility. Be gentle with yourself, recognizing that enlightenment isn’t a final destination but an ongoing process of becoming more aware, compassionate, and open.

**Remember:**
- Progress may be slow or challenging; honor the effort you put in.
- Celebrate small moments of insight and peace as milestones on your journey.
- Know that enlightenment may come unexpectedly, as it is often realized in the quiet simplicity of being fully present.

### Conclusion

Enlightenment isn’t something to chase or force; it is a natural unfolding that occurs when you remove the mental and emotional barriers obscuring your true self. By practicing mindfulness, compassion, self-inquiry, and acceptance, you gradually peel away the layers of conditioning, allowing your inner light to shine. As you deepen your commitment, remember that enlightenment is both the journey and the destination, manifesting in each present moment of awareness and connection.

How to Make Over Your Soul: A Guide to Inner Transformation

How to Make Over Your Soul: A Guide to Inner Transformation


When we think of a “makeover,” we often picture a refreshed appearance—a new wardrobe, a stylish haircut, or a redecorated living space. But what if the most impactful makeover was one we couldn’t see in the mirror? What if we could revamp our soul, uncovering layers of authenticity, resilience, and peace that may have been hidden under years of stress, hurt, and distraction?


A soulful makeover is more than self-improvement; it's a transformation that aligns you with your deepest values and the most empowered version of yourself. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating a lasting, soulful change.


Step 1: Begin with Radical Self-Honesty


Before any transformation, we need to understand where we are. Ask yourself the hard questions. Are you living a life that aligns with your values? Are you making time for what truly matters? Radical honesty means being real about your strengths, weaknesses, dreams, and fears.


* **Exercise:** Journal about your current state. Write freely without judgment. Reflect on what brings you joy and what drains your energy. What areas of your life do you feel you’re neglecting? This clarity is the foundation for meaningful change.


Step 2: Let Go of Old Narratives


We all carry stories—stories about who we are, what we deserve, and what we’re capable of. Some of these narratives serve us well, but others keep us trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and limitation. To make over your soul, it’s essential to identify and release these outdated narratives.


* **Exercise:** Identify a recurring negative thought or limiting belief. For example, "I’m not good enough" or "I always fail at relationships." Challenge these beliefs by writing down evidence that contradicts them. Then, rewrite them in an empowering way, such as "I am growing and learning" or "I am worthy of love."


---


Step 3: Prioritize Mindful Connection


One of the quickest ways to restore your soul is by being fully present. Practicing mindfulness helps us connect with our inner selves and with others in a more profound way. When we quiet our minds, we’re more open to inner guidance, intuition, and inspiration.


* **Exercise:** Commit to a few minutes of mindfulness practice each day. This could be meditating, practicing deep breathing, or simply observing the sights and sounds around you. Over time, this habit can help you feel more grounded, less reactive, and more open to transformation.


---


Step 4: Embrace Forgiveness


Forgiveness is often misunderstood as something we do for others, but it’s ultimately a gift we give ourselves. Holding onto resentment, guilt, or regret weighs down the soul, blocking us from peace and fulfillment


Step 5 : Read this free book. 

  designrr.site/?i=14nv8&t=4491dd&page=1

The Truth About Enlightenment

The Truth About Enlightenment.

I'm on my own journey and here's where I'm at .. 

The truth about enlightenment is that it is not one size fits all. Some people find enlightenment in their chosen god or goddesses, others find it in the idea we are gods and others still find it in the aha! Moments of understanding enough of the worlds workings to feel satisfied. 

The sad truth however is that enlightenment is not the end of the journey it is the begining. When you reach that enlightened state, you realise thàt you know nothing despite knowing things. 


Holy Masonry - The Art Of Building With God

This series has been a long time coming and I intend for it to be a long one. 

The opposite of building a empire for Satan is building Gods Kingdom. 

I can't put scripture references in my work because it would be banned in certain countries so I'm going to retell biblical examples in my own words. 

The first step in holy masonry is surrunder. 
We surrunder to God and let Him break and remake us into something He can work with. 

We die to our flesh in order to come alive to Christ and this is done through prayer. We ask Jesus to mold us and make us acceptable to the father. 

The second step in holy masonry is self image. 
We accept that we are wondifully made and beautiful to our father, we look at our gifts and talents as an extension of ourselves and offer them in service to the Father. 

The third step in holy masonry is we acknowledge that we are better together. We seek strong partnerships to fulfil our builds of self, our projects and Gods kingdom at large. 

With the mix of these three steps we have completed the identity portion of holy masonry. 


My Bloggers Tool Box





One of the key things bloggers need to do in order to keep working towards their dreams is to keep learning new skills to grow and expand.


I have been using Udemy for this for many years now, here are a few of my favourite courses that have made a very big difference to my blog and business. 


Quick note some of  these are affiliate links, if you do decide to do one of these awesome courses, you will not only learn great skills to further your business, but the small commission I will earn from these recommendations will go straight back into making Daisy Change as awesome as possible for all fo you lovely readers. 


I love Udemy for online learning. It's awesome because this platform lets you work at your own pace and many of the instructors are really lovely and very helpful. They have courses in multiple languages and the slick U.I is very user-friendly. 



Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Experts  

The Essential Guide to Entrepreneurship by Guy Kawasaki 

An Entire MBA in 1 Course: Award Winning Business School Prof ** #1 Best Selling Business Course! ** Everything You Need to Know About Business from Start-up to IPO 

Seth Godin's Freelancer Course Become Remarkable, Find Better Clients, and Do Work that matters 


Think Like a Leader with Brian Tracy  


Selling More by Talking Less 


Business Coach Certification Digital Marketing 


A blog for a Living: Complete Blogging Training [2019 Update] 


Affiliate Programs & Extra Earnings 


I use very few in this category but the ones I have I am very happy with, I'm sure you will be too. 


Viglink - I mostly use this for this website.  


MagicLinks - I mostly use this for social media. 


https://www.Swagbucks -


More to come, along with books and other resources.....


Watch this space! 























Great Books For Savvy Artists.

So I talked it over with the king, and we've decided that there's something to be learnt from recent events. One tiny little lesson before I give you what you came for, our book recommendations for savvy artist's life and business. I read a lot so I have a lot to say in just a moment but before we get there.

It doesn't feel right to overload my awesome readers with content after such a heavy post like the last post. Click here if you didn't see it.

So instead of that, we have decided to put out today's post celebrating world book day, then leave posting for a while to give time and space and respect to our loved ones currently grieving.

Hope that's cool with you guys!

Anyway, 's let's get on with it, shall we?

I have decided to put this in 3 sections and there are roughly 12 books in all. Again I remind you pretty much all of these are affiliate links, this means that we may make a little tiny commission if you buy any of the books we suggest, but this will be no extra cost to you. It basically just means we get more jaffa cakes and hot chocolate to keep churning out content to inspire and encourage you guys.

Sound good?

Great!


Our First Section Is Life


Ok, guys, the whole point of these books is to help you be a better you. A better you will likely be able to produce better art. Get it?

Quick note, there's nothing wrong with the you, you are now, but we as humans are always moving towards something, it may as well be something better.

Here's the list.

Off-Balance On Purpose - Dan Thurmon I believe that work/life balance is a myth that can interfere with our art. Dan explains what's better to do instead of trying to balance things. 

Shut Up, Stop Whining, and Get a Life: A Kick-Butt Approach to a Better Life This book was life-changing for me. If you are fed up of fluffy little self-help books and need something with a few more nuts to chew on. This is your book. Loved it! Still, live by many of the principles in this book.

Calm - Fearne Cotton  If you want something a little more gentle then Fearne Cotton has got you covered. All of her books are fab, but this is my favourite.

Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway - Susan Jeffers This was such a good book that really helped me get over myself so that I could just get on with getting my art up online. It's been one heck of a journey ever since, and I owe that in part to the lessons and simple writing style of the late, great Susan Jeffers.

Our Second Section Is Business

This is my personal favourite section and narrowing this down to just 4 was hard, but here's the best of the best when it comes to business books.

Craft a Creative Business: Making & Marketing a Successful Creative Business This is such a good little handbook for all artists wanting to sell their work.

She Means Business: Turn Your Ideas into Reality and Become a Wildly Successful Entrepreneur Pretty self-explanatory. Enjoy the surprise.

Small is the New Big - Seth Godin  - Seriously if you haven't read any of Seth Godin's books you should! Bonus because I can't not include it Linchpin that book revolutionised my business!

Secrets of Closing the Sale by Zig Ziglar It's been a hot minute but from what I remember, it's pretty good.




Our Final Section Is Art

So for this section, the listings are not going to be explained because I want to list a fair few and I know that these books will impact different types of artists in different ways. Enjoy guys! 


The Simpsons Handbook Secret Tips from the Pros 

How To Draw Comics The Marvel Way

How To Draw Stupid And Other Essentials Of Cartooning By Kyle Baker

Manga Martial Arts: Over 50 Basic Lessons For Drawing The World's Most Popular Fighting Style

The Animator's Survival Kit (Paperback) Richard E. Williams


If you like my style of books, please come follow me over on GoodReads

My Tips For Business + Resources (That Totally Work For Blogging)

Dear Readers,

Happy New Year! 

In order to help you make  your year as successful as possible, I have compiled a list of my tips and go to resources to help kick start  your business. This is my new year gift to you. 

You are welcome. 


Before I get started, please feel free to read only the sections that apply to you, although you are very welcome to read the whole thing.

If you have any questions please do get in touch, I'm more than happy to help you if I can.

Okay then, let's get started by getting the longest section out-of-the-way!


1.Preparation Is Everything.



Organisation is very important to ensure that your business runs as smoothly as possible and you don't waste valuable time.That's pretty much a given, but what people don't usually think of is how important it is to have a backup plan. It's really important to spend some time working out what you will do if your business starts to fail.

Do you have some ideas of how you could get your business back on track?

Do you know where you're going? 

Gaining clarity on where you are going is super important and this needs to happen right at the beginning of your business, preferably before launch.

If you fail to do this, you will be setting yourself up for failure.

Also be aware that no matter how amazing your business is, not everyone is going to like you or believe in you, that is completely okay, they are entitled to their opinion, but don't let what people, even people in your close circle, think of you take you off base.

Again this is far less likely to happen if you plan for it. Have some polite but firm statements on your position rehearsed and written down for when you can't just ignore the naysayers ( because maybe the naysayer in question is a family member)

Make your statement, stay polite and focused but if the person questioning you refuses to listen, don't let that get to you. It can be so tempting the early stages of a new blog or business, to give up when people you care about don't share your dream but remember this is your dream, don't expect anyone else to see it the way you do because they won't. ( especially if your dream goes against the grain of what is deemed a proper job these days)

All of this perpetration stage could be covered if you make a business plan, even if your business or blog is not intended for making a profit, it's still a really important step. There are lots of different ways to do this, it's even possible to make a one page business plan, how you do it is not important. It's just really important that you take some time to do a bit of planning. It makes all the difference.




2.Have A Good Key-Chain.





There is not just one key to success in business, there are several but establishing a really strong network is really vital because sometimes the key you are looking for, is a person.

Not only is a good idea to connect with people in your industry, or similar industries via social media, but it is also a good idea to have a look at your friendship circle and see if you know anyone that could help you in a certain area of your business. One of my closest friends is a marketing expert. Another of my close friends is really good at coding ( something I hate) and others still are artists, writers of a different field and fantastic administrators and researchers.

Life is about helping each other and growing, if you think about  blogging, what this looks like is simply leaving genuine comments on other people's blogs. People are far more likely to check out your work if they see you care about what they have to say.

Also be engaged with your audience, if you get comments, tweets etc...make sure you reply.


3.Be True To You



I know I just said that networking is important and it is, but at the same time you need to make sure that you are only networking with people who enrich your life and business.

Once you have established the direction of your blog or business, then you should know what kind of people you want to be connected with, connect with the people who make you happy to have them in your contact list.

Don't feel like you have to talk to everyone because they might possibly be a future customer. Your focus matters but so does your health, convictions and happiness, don't compromise on any of these just to gain a new customer. 

You may gain that customer but you will lose many more that liked the real you and that is just really sad.

You will figure out your focus when you are true to your own heart because this brings out your passion and passion is something that impacts the success of your business greatly.



4.Move With The Times.



Trends change and grow, they evolve and take twists and turns, its important for anyone in business to make sure that they are keeping up with the trends of today so they can create the demand of tomorrow. 

There is no point in blogging about how to use video cassettes because they are now redundant for the most part.

A good way to make sure that your business is current is to see what else your customers are paying attention to and then what kind of content your competition is producing. Amazon comments can be great for this.


 

5.Balance it baby!



Life is not meant to be all work or all play. We need a balance of both in order to feel fulfilled.  I absolutely detest the idea of chasing happiness. I believe in chasing fulfillment instead. A key way of doing that is by living in the moment and enjoying the life you have and the people who are in it, and making sure you take care of yourself too. Yes, building your business is important to you, but if you don't have anyone to share your success with, then what is the point?

Family and friends matter, don't neglect them in pursuit of success. It's not worth it!

Also, the more enriched your life is by things outside of your business, the more you will have the energy to focus on your business.

There will be times when you have to make sacrifices but don't work too hard, burning out is not going to be a good thing for you or your business.

If you don't check out any of my other resource recommendations please do check out this one, it's really important you understand what working too much could do to you.

Please take care.


6.Don't be Beige.


Standing out is the only way to make people take notice of you. Don't be beige it's boring. Beige stays in the comfort box, doesn't take risks and doesn't make a difference. Some of you reading this will only be wanting to make success from your business, but some of you may well be looking to make history.

Did beige ever do that?

No, not unless it counts for being the most boring and depressing colour ever.
Being undecided is just not an option if you want to make it in the business world. Taking risks is just part of the deal. Running a business is hard work,beige would take the short cut, stay in the middle and be satisfied with less than the best.

Don't do that. 

If fear is an issue for you then Susan Jeffers book could be as life changing for you as it was for me.


7.If You Want Customers To Care, Your Customer Care Needs To Be Top Notch



You've heard it before but taking care of your customers should be your number one priority, you wouldn't even have a business without them. Again, this comes into the business integrity issue, but more than that it's about making someone's day and ultimately getting them to keep coming back and tell others about your business and how you gave them such good customer service!

 If you look after them, how can they not come back?

 


8. Be Tigger 



Those of you who know me in real life will know that I am the girl who has been knocked down more times than I can count,but I am also the girl who has gotten up more times than most. You have to.

Tigger never ever stops bouncing, you shouldn't either. 

You can't predict what is going to happen in life but you are responsible for how you react. Get up and keep going, if you have a dream then make it happen, no one else is going to do it for you and you are the right person for the job.

Business, like life is a roller-coaster, and you do have to learn to roll with the punches, but it is worth it in the long run. If being your own boss is the thing you need to do to be fulfilled in life, then get up and make something awesome happen!

Remember any issue you have in business is likely to already have been experienced by someone else and chances are that someone has written a book or uploaded a video on that very topic. Don't be afraid to reach out, it can create great working relationships  and is good for your health, well-being and business.

We are designed to grow, if we stay still too long, we usually wind up falling and looking back. Also, don't neglect your spiritual growth and take some time out just to relax and be at peace. 
Don't think you know it all, stay teachable and keep learning, keep growing and make your business awesome, because you can.

You just need to believe that and get to work.


Over the next few months we will be unpacking these tips once every two weeks.

Why so spaced out?

Because I want you to have ample time to apply each tip. Rushing this will only lead to a crash and I don't  want that for you, so please do take your time to use these tips as starting point to dive in deeper in each subject.

See you next post!

Love Hayley

xXx