WE GET WHAT WE BELIEVE

The past couple of days I have come across either a book speaking to beliefs or an article or people sharing about the concept of beliefs.

Yesterday, I heard:

"We don't believe what we say we believe, we really live out what we believe." 

How thought provoking, and so true.  What is reflected back to me is what I believe.

Then I read yesterday's daily guide from Science of Mind:

Our beliefs truly do shape our perceptions and our world. We do not get what we think we deserve, but we always get what we believe. If we believe we are entitled to something, we typically create a whole internal narrative to support that idea. If we believe the world is not safe, we will begin to gather evidence to support this theory and then go about building the structures and protection around us to assure our survival.

Or, if we believe we are supported and loved not for any achievement or accomplishment, but because our Divine nature is one of love, creativity and supply, we then make ourselves available for a whole new experience of life. If I accept the premise that I am not alive to compete and battle others, but rather to collaborate and create, I begin to see the world in a whole different light. I start to dismantle my agreements with struggle and open myself to possibility and joyful expectation.

Believing I deserve something without doing the required work to shift my beliefs and behavior to right alignment with that which I desire always creates disappointment. It is always the consciousness beneath the thought that gives it life and form.

To shift any condition in my life, I must start with what I believe about that condition and then engage in the spiritual practices that give birth to newness.  (Excerpt from Science of Mind, August 3rd, 2014)

There is so much opportunity available here to ponder. Ask yourself, what is being reflected back to you that is based on your beliefs?  Is there something showing up that you absolutely appreciate, or don't want?

Search deep inside and spend a few minutes in quiet stillness and ask, how is my belief reflecting back.  Be aware, everything encountered has been created with a conscious or unconscious agreement

You have everything you need readily available to you to appreciate your belief, or to create a new belief, a new perspective.

What belief do you appreciate?

What belief do you want to change?

Enjoy this day, as you believe.

Warmly - Debbie

Man is made by his belief. As he believes, so he is.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Our belief is that anything the mind can think, it can unthank.

”The Science of Mind,” page 86

COURAGE AND FEAR ARE INSEPARABLE

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage.  Anaïs Nin

Fear is an inevitable part of the landscape of our existence.  We have the results if billions of years of biological evolution built into every cell, every organ, and every system within the body.  Fear is an essential quality in the physical world, whether it is the awareness of danger or an encounter of with an unknown.  Fear just is.

So our goal cannot be to eliminate fear.  That would be like trying to eliminate skin - impossible.  What we must learn to do is to take greater dominion over our inner processes, including the fear response.  One way to do this is to develop courage.  Courage is also part of the landscape of our existence - another evolutionary gift from the ages.  Courage is the capacity to override fear where appropriate.  Courage is never present unless fear is also present.  every courageous act that we admire is performed by someone who overcomes fear.  And in order to overcome fear, we have to experience fear.  I have tired, but I cannot find a way around this.  We move through the fear, let the inner power express, and the experience is transformed.

So courage and fear are inseparable.  These two qualities go together.  As we develop the capacity to express courage, we do not rid ourselves of fear; we become the master of fear.  That is what we are to do in this life. (Science of Mind Magazine, July 2013, Jim Lockard; page 42)

Read this the other day and I felt one of my deeper inquiries was answered.  Last December I made an internal decision to conquer my fear as I am just tired of it.  It's paralyzing effects where it just stops me in my tracks.  I purchased quite a few books on "Fear" (Fear Thich Nhat Hanh,  The Transformation, Ainslie MacLeod, May Cause Miracles - A 42 Day Guide book, Gabrielle Berstein) to help me get to the point that I could stand on the top of the world and shout out.  . "I have CONQUERED you fear, Dam it."

Yet what I have noticed, I have read, listened, acknowledged and practiced recognizing what my fear is and just being with it.  Asking myself, "what am I learning about me and fear?"  What is needed?  I learned for me, it takes courage and compassion to stand up to fear.  With courage and compassion for self, I have developed a deeper connection and understanding of me.

Now learning that fear and courage are two qualities that hold hands and  that I will not rid myself of fear, I am able to be more purposeful when fear pops up.  I will ask myself, is this true fear of danger ahead, or is it because of the unknown.

Take time for yourself with courage and inquire deep within you what is your fear.  Know there is nothing to fix, just be curious to explore what it would take for you to move forward, if you feel stuck or paralyzed.

May this affirmation speak to you:

" I am a being of great courage.  I know that my inner strength is unlimited.  I face my fears from a place of deep knowing that there is more to me than fear -infinitely more."

 

Warmly -

 

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

 

 

 

DIVINE DISCONTENT

Have you ever been in a job, relationship or pattern of behavior that used to bring you pleasure but is no longer satisfying? 

Nothing has changed except you: you are bored, antsy or are witnessing a yearning, a hunger for some part of your life to be different. That is actually good!  It's called divine discontent.  It often comes right before a big shift or next step: it's Spirit nudging your forward.

Divine discontent happens when something new beckons, and you are hesitating.  You are trying to find satisfaction in a world that's too small for you.  You want to stay there because it's familiar and yet it no longer serves you.  It's like a chick in an egg.  First, it's comforting, and then as the chick grows, it feels cramped and prays for a bigger egg.  however it's the Universe's intention for the egg to crack open and the chick to find a new expansive world outside.

Are you noticing your egg is cracking? Are you being nudged? Experiencing divine discontent?

Ask yourself, have I settled for a life that feels cramped?  If so, what's stopping me from breaking out and moving forward? Fear? Procrastination? Habit? Trust that you're OK and then take tiny steps.  Say YES instead of No.  Don't settle.  It's never too late. You are not too old, too unhealthy, too broke, or too wounded to start.  Remember that chick mentioned earlier?  We can learn from her.  What is one small step you'll take this week to begin cracking the shell?   (Excerpt from Science of Mind, March 26th, 2013.)

What are you yearning for to be different?

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

FRIDAY'S STORY TO INSPIRE - The Great Challenge of Life

Today's story to inspire is from Jim Rohn who shares a bit of wisdom - YOU count.  You matter. It takes you, no one else but you to choose what you want. 

How does this apply to business, and finances?  read on . .  enjoy!

The Great Challenge of Life

Here's the great challenge of life - You can have more than you've got because you can become more than you are.

I have found that income seldom will exceed your own personal development. Once in a while income takes a lucky jump, but unless you grow out to where it is, it will go back to where you are.

Somebody once said if you took all the money in the world and divided it among everyone equally; it would soon be back in the same pockets. However, you can have more because you can become more. You see, here is how the other side of the coin reads - unless you change how you are, you will always have what you've got.

The marketing plan won't do it. It's a good plan but it won't work without you. You've got to work it. It is the human effort that counts. If you could send a sales manual out to recruit - wouldn't that be lovely? The major thing that makes the difference is what YOU do.

In order to have more, you need to become more. The guy says "If I had a good job I would really pour it on, but I have this lousy job so I just goof off." If that is your philosophy, you are destined to stay there.

Some people say if I had a lot of money I would be really generous, but I don't have much so I'm not generous. See, you've got to change that philosophy or you will never have "the lots of money." Unless YOU change, IT won't change.

Amazingly, however, when we throw out our blame list and start becoming more ourselves - the difference is everything else will begin to change around us.

Jim Rohn
1930-2009, Author and Speaker
www.jimrohn.com 

What spoke to your heart about this story?  What spoke to your head?  What ever challenges you have in life around finances, it will take YOU to step up and choose to want to do it differently.  There is no magic formula, no magic pill, or magic wand it just takes you.

What's stopping you with your finances?  Business or personal?  How do you know what you don't know?  Start asking questions. Start asking for help. It's that simple, it's that easy.

I would love to be your financial coach,  are you ready?

Please share your comments below and share this blogpost with your friends and colleagues.  I am here to support you with moving forward.  d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

FRIDAY'S STORY OF INSPIRATION - KEEP PRESSING ON

A few thoughts to share . . I have been working away in the background seeking and searching what to share with all of you that will help you with your business finances.  For me it's not about telling you what to do, I want to lead you as I know you just want direction, support and learn what the next step is for your business finances.

In the 28 years I have worked with many CEO's, entrepreneurs and small business owners, to stay afloat, make sound business decisions, the bottom line is, business finances need to be organized.

With that said, I am struggling, thinking "am I sharing the right message?", do they hear me, what more do business owners want to hear, what does my community need to hear. Struggle, struggle, struggle, struggle. . .  does this sound or feel familiar?? 

And when I woke up this morning I walked thru my morning ritual of vitamins (usually at the gym, didn't go this morning as my body is feeling yesterday's workout with my trainer) feeding the cats, reciting my "Gratitude Prayer" from the Four Agreements By Don Ruiz, read the daily message from the Science of Mind an last read my morning inspiration.  Since it is Friday, I receive a "Friday story" and it is exactly what I needed for me.  If I needed it, I thought possibly a few of you might like to hear it, so I am passing it on to you.  PLUS, I am committed to sharing an inspired story with YOU each Friday, so you have something to look forward to, just as I do.

As you read this, think of where you are right now, and breathe it in, soak it in and hold the space for you, just allow the beingness of right now to be ok.  Happy Friday!

Keep Pressing On

A famous mountain climbing resort in the Swiss Alps caters to businesses that encourage their employees to hike up the mountain trails together. The goal is to build camaraderie and to teach teamwork. Although it is about an eight hour trek to the summit, anyone in reasonably good shape can ascend to the top. In the morning, the hikers gather at the base of the mountain for a pep talk before starting the climb. Usually the group is so excited, they can hardly wait to head up the slopes, have a group picture taken, and celebrate the excitement of the journey they are embarking upon.

They hike for several hours before taking a break. Approximately halfway up the mountain stands a quaint alpine restaurant. About noon, the weary hikers trudge into the restaurant, peel off their hiking gear, and plop down by the fireplace to have a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and eat their lunch. With the mountain as their backdrop, the hikers savor the warm, cozy, picturesque setting.

Interestingly, after they are full and comfortable, fewer than half the hikers choose to continue climbing to the top of the mountain. It isn't because they aren't able; it isn't because the climb suddenly appears too difficult. Their reluctance to continue is simply because they are satisfied with where they are. They've lost their drive to excel, to explore a new horizon, and to experience vistas they'd never previously imagined possible. They have tasted a bit of success, and they think it is good enough.

Many times, we approach life a lot like those full and comfortable hikers sitting in the restaurant enjoying the view. We have a goal to break a bad habit, to lose some weight, or to pay off our credit cards. At first, we're so excited. We're fired up and we go after it! The first leg of the climb up the mountain is powered by enthusiasm for our new goal. But over time, we get lazy and complacent. Maybe we see a little improvement, but then we get comfortable right where we are. This might not be a bad place, but we know it's not where we're supposed to be. Like those hikers sitting in that quaint restaurant, we are still perfectly capable of craning our necks and looking up the mountain. We're not stretching our faith or our potential and we know it. Maybe you own a business, and you've experienced a bit of success. Lately, however, you've been coasting. Or maybe you set out to lose 20 pounds, you lose 10, and feel like all is good and you get complacent. Don 't stop halfway just because it's easy! Instead, remember what it is that you really, really want. Put out the effort and go the whole way. to the top of the mountain.

Step out of your comfort zone today! Keep pursuing and keep believing. It doesn't take any more effort to believe and stay filled with hope and faith than it does to develop a negative and defeated attitude. Get up every day and say, "This is going to be a great day! I believe my dreams are coming to pass. There are great things in store for me and everyone around me." When you have that kind of attitude you are releasing God's goodness. But it doesn't come easily.

People who see their dreams come to pass are people who have resolve and backbone. They are the ones who refuse to settle for the little victories along the way and see themselves at the finish line, instead continuing on, pushing on toward the ultimate goal. No one wants to be mediocre. You are made for so much more. Realize that what your mind focuses on, it can achieve. It is up to you. Pay attention only to those silent whispers within that say "You can do it!"

Linda McLean

Linda McLean is an internationally respected business and life coach. Her company, http://www.mcleaninternational.com/, helps businesses and individuals reach their next level using a customized solution-oriented approach to business and life planning. This story was from her newly released book: Next Level Living: Today's Guide for Abundant Life. Next Level Living

HOW CASH IS KING

My husband and I are business partners with my son, Bryan.  He purchased a franchise, in October 2007 and started the business from the ground up.

The first couple of years were financially and emotionally tough.  This was during the downturn of the economy and my son Ken, (Bryan's brother) passed away. 

The business opened in February 2008 with enough cash to operate for the first 8 months, or so we thought with the projections we created.  Revenue was not pouring in as we had projected.  With revenue not supporting the business expenses, Bryan had to stop taking a pay check in June 2008.

The challenge - growing a business to be cash flow positive.  2009 sales were growing at a snails pace and rent was increasing 3%, beginning March 1st.  OUCH!

Bryan trimmed expenses down to the bare minimum.  For this franchise business, there were not very many expenses.  Yet the rent was running at about 45%.  YOWZA!!  That was the only expense left to trim down.

In February 2009, we went to our landlord (at the time, that's another story on a different day) and asked for a reduction in rent. 

YES, you ask, if you don't ask, you don't get.

He said "No", "however you can pay us half rent, and then pay us back with interest at the second half of the year."  We explained that Bryan stopped paying himself in May of 2008 and we needed his help.  The landlord explained times were tough for them as well.  That was the best they could do at the time.  We said, OK, we will make it work, sales needed to grow.

Sales were growing, yet not fast enough to pay the increased rent and salary for the owner.

When July rolled around, the business started paying back the landlord in increments of $1,000 a month, or more when the cash was there.  However, when cash was still tight, my business was able to provide a loan when bills needed to be paid.  I'm not talking much here.  $1,000 here or there. 

In November 2009 when the property taxes were due, there was enough left over at the end of the month to pay the taxes. Here comes December 2009 , at the home stretch of paying back the landlord.  We were not quite there, so one more time we provided a small loan to pay off the balance to the landlord.  I sent him a letter explaining the business was not in a financial position to pay the balance of the interest, yet the principal was paid off.  Whewwww. What a relief. It felt good to ahve that behind us.

We went back to the landlord again in January 2010 requesting a reduction of rent, he conceded and lowered the rent to a very reasonable amount.  From then on the business has been carrying itself with Bryan receiving a pay check again.

In 2011 the business began paying back the loans my business provided.

So last night, Bryan and I sat down to review January's cash #'s to balance the cash account, compare sales from the previous year and see what was left over to pay down the business credit card.  Once we confirmed the cash ending balance, Bryan took a HUGE sigh of relief and said, - let' put $1k in savings, pay down the credit card by $2k and leave the balance in the account for February.

What are the benefits for managing cash daily; peace of mind, the facts jack, (knowledge) the ability to know what is needed to pay down your business credit card or vendors and place money in savings.

Here's how to get started, track cash daily with the 12 month check register tool, and cash management map.  Enter in deposits daily, NO slacking, and transactions daily.  Once you build rhythm and see common recurring monthly charges, such as rent, utilities, loan payment(s), commisions and payroll, make it easy for yourself and copy over to the next month.

What will you learn about your cash needs for your business?

Was this tip helpful?  Leave your questions below or e-mail me directly at d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com

Warmly -

Debbie Rosenfelt

Chief Heart Officer

The ABC's of the Heart of Your Business Finances

Let's keep this easy. 
What do you need to get started on the heart of your business finances?

Awareness - Make a decision to consciously learn and understand the heart of your finances.

Build Confidence - Create new daily habits to embrace the heart of your finances. 

Clarity - When we are clear about what we want we can create a plan to manifest our financial goals for our business. When we have a good plan there is no way to fail.

What do you need to get started?

Debbie Rosenfelt
Chief Heart Officer

Compassionate support that transforms financial frustration into financial power.

REVENUE PATROL ALERT - CALL 911 - MISSING REVENUE

What will you take away from this?  Found revenue. LITERALLY!

Yesterday I shared I was working on 1099's.  I sent an e-mail asking for a W-9 from a couple of business owners I do business with and we found $300 that had not been paid.  We both thought a transaction had been paid in full. Yet low and behold, missing revenue was found for a fellow colleague.

A couple of weeks ago the same scenario popped up when a client was reconciling their bank statement to QuickBooks.  We found $1,700 that had not been paid by a client.

So the top revenue tip for you today  . . get a check and balance system in place so you know if your business is missing CASH $$$.

Here are six to do's  -

Invoice your customers, using QuickBooks or another simple accounting software that is easy, peasy. 

Receive payment in the mail or online via credit card or PayPal.

Print the online receipt or photocopy the payment and bank deposit slip for your 2012 records. (something you can refer back to later if you ever question the invoice or payment)

Process receiving the payment in QB.

Create the deposit in QB.

Balance your business bank statement monthly in QB. This is a KEY step, as this confirms the check and balance system.

6 easy steps to make sure you are not missing cash $$$.

Isn't your hard work and time worth having a check and balance system in place so you are receiving the cash you earned?

If you need help or have questions leave a comment below or send off an e-mail to d.rosenfelt@cfomadeeasy.com.

Your Chief Heart Officer

Debbie Rosenfelt

Introducing CFO Made Easy

I am so EXCITED to introduce you to CFO Made Easy.  

In 2011 I took the leap to officially become a certified co-active coach. In August, (after I completed certification) I was asked by a fellow coach,  “are you going to combine your experience as a CFO and coach to support entrepreneurs?” I thought about it for a few weeks and said to myself, WOW, what an opportunity for me to passionately support a community of entrepreneurs.

While on my journey of coaching I worked with a coach that helped me define one of my creative, strong loving values, an “Italian family connection” . I have found throughout my life I have been surrounded with a community of people.  Be it family, co-workers, employees, customers, business colleagues and friends.

My most recent community has been with fellow coaches and leaders that live life on purpose, with passion and zest . . that are making a difference. So my community is similar to an Italian family (yes, I actually have an Italian family on my mother’s side) who speak from their heart, are passionate and love life.

Who am I you ask – Debbie Rosenfelt the founder and Chief Heart Officer of CFO Made Easy. My professional experience has been in the world of finance as a CFO or Controller for the last 28 years. 

What does CFO stand for and what do we do? 

A Chief Financial Officer and a Controller is someone who is responsible for the accounting and finances of a business.  I have primarily worked for and with CEO’s of small to medium sized privately held businesses ranging from $10 million to $35 million in revenue.

When I was hired I would go into a company, investigate, clean up and create a system with structure that would be simple and easy for the business to maintain.  Somehow I always attracted companies that did not have an organized finance and accounting system.

I always enjoyed creating something new, that was simple and easy to maintain.

So from that inquiry in August I asked myself, why not create a business based on what I am passionate about and love to do, coaching and finance . . oh yeah, and make it easy.  Easy because I see entrepreneurs and business owners struggle with the feeling of overwhelm, fear and frustration managing the heart of their business. 

The heart of a business is finances, and the key is to create a solid, organized foundation.

Recently I have heard painful stories from entrepreneurs ,  “I don’t know if I am going to have enough money to pay all my bills.”  “I don’t know where I stand with cash.”  “I don’t know if the business has a profit or loss. “ “ I’m not sure if revenue is properly recorded.”  Or “I feel overwhelmed, I don’t know how to keep track of everything, am I doing this right?"

As I would listen to their stories I thought, there must be other business owners and entrepreneurs who are having the same painful conversation.  Who do they have to talk to and ask?

Then I thought, what if I create a community and support entrepreneurs and business owners with letting go of the fear, overwhelm and relieve the feeling and thinking “am I doing my business finances “right”. And with the support, educate and share how working with your business finances can be easy.

So HELLO world of entrepreneurs and business owners . . . CFO Made Easy was sparked from an inquiry and I am igniting the idea . . NOW. . right now.

What can you do, I am going to ask you to step into entering each day with a mindset that is eager to learn, is not afraid of making mistakes and unleash your desire to grow.   Place the overwhelm, and the fear aside . . . leave being “wrong” outside the front door and give yourself permission to be with where you are, with the heart of your business and join our community and share with me how you would like support, and what you need to build a solid organized financial foundation.

So get ready for a warm, passionately supported heartfelt ride with your Chief Heart officer, Debbie Rosenfelt, and CFO Made Easy.

I look forward to connect with you and support you, with embracing the heart of your business.

Happy Passionate 2012!

Post questions, inquiries, and what you need and want for support below to connect with me.