Ever had something in your life that you kept trying to fix? The process of fixing usually involves adding in time and resources. If you’re not careful, the problem just gets bigger.

Trashing vs. Fixing

A better solution is often just starting over. Bite the bullet, take no prisoners, demo all the way down to the foundation!

About six months ago, I was in that “fixing” mode. As a result, everything about my life had become compartmentalized. You see, that was my method for trying to fix what was broken. I was frustrated with my corporate job, so I stuck it in a box. I did the job when I had to, but tried to forget about it the rest of the time.

I had a company I ran on the side. I liked it, and even believed in the superiority of its products. But did it really make my heart sing? NO. It went into another compartment. At the same time, I was the founding editor of a lifestyle blog. Yawn. Another compartment.

I was spread thin. In my heart, I knew it was time to start over. Time to leave my corporate job and streamline my own businesses. But I was scared. When you’ve achieved a certain level of success, it seems counter-intuitive to toss it away. Dragging my feet, I tried to put the thought out of my head.

Toddler Biz Tips

But then I saw a video from the Blog World Expo. At the very end was a story from Darren Rowse about his 4-year-old son, Xavier. (See condensed video version above.) The message from this small child brought tears to my eyes. Its effect on me was profound and within hours, I took steps to make a major course-correction within my life.

What was his message? “Tell the world something important.” Succinct. Brilliant. And just the kick in the ass, I was needing! I realized I needed to get in touch with my authentic self and rediscover my passions. Sleep-walking through life was taking its toll. More than anything, I wanted to tell the world something important!

How did I not see it?

There was a part of me I hadn’t ever given much thought to. I’d been doing it so long, that it was just a part of who I was. I helped individuals crank up their careers. It started while I was still in college, but really took off about 10 years ago. In early 2000, I landed a job in pharmaceutical sales. Seen by many as a great job, I suddenly had a list of people wanting my help in climbing their own career ladder.

As the years went by and I jumped into a position with a six-figure salary, even total strangers started calling. Through referrals, I worked with people in all walks of life. Leveraging personal branding, marketing, and eventually social media, I helped them fire up their spotlight.

The funny thing is, I’d never considered doing it as a full-time job. Yet, it was the one thing in my life that I was passionate about. (Besides my family.)

After hearing Xavier’s message I sat in our library. As I scanned titles on the shelves, it was so clear. From personal development textbooks to business books (ironically, it even included Darren Rowse’s book, both 1st and 2nd editions) I wondered how I’d not seen this before. Developing people and their businesses was what had always made my heart sing! Virtually every book in the room reflected this. Even my studies at the University pointed to it.  Bachelor’s degree in Advertising with minors in Psychology and Marketing.

Loose Ends + Forward Progress

So I made the jump. For the next three months I tied up loose ends with my businesses, worked with a life coach, web designer, etc…  I developed a business plan, new website, and most importantly, took the time to find my authentic voice. This site is the direct result. I guess you could say, it’s been a decade in the making.

Welcome to PiperLarson.com. Here you’ll find tidbits on social media, branding and marketing mixed in with a little personal development. After all, sometimes you have to fire up the inner game to achieve outward results!

I hope you’ll join the discussions. I look forward to hearing from you and learning from you! So, after listening to Xavier’s message, what are you most passionate about? What’s the “something important” you have to share?

XO