As an entrepreneur committed to creating a world where people, the planet, and business co-exist in harmony, I’m deeply inspired by the notion that ‘the world we live in is a reflection of our hearts’. This notion seems, at times, impractical and woo-woo. Yet there’s mounting evidence to the contrary. So, this December I’m going all-in on exploring these insights. As a visionary, I like to start out December with a 30,000 feet view. This helps me hone-in and focus on what will work best for my life and my family’s lives on a daily basis. I hope you find it beneficial in designing your own life in the new year. Good ideas take time to sprout, so starting at 30,000 feet gets my mind focused, and opens my heart to discovering what feels right. Starting early December gives me a full month to re-imagine what’s possible with each passing year. To kick off this this annual ritual, I’ve selected three luminaries, 2 institutions who are known for their extraordinary thinking, and quotes that resonated with me. I wondered what they’d say about the power that lies within our hearts as a human species? From there, I’ll see how it all unfolds. Life can be a beautiful experience when we feel purpose and know that what we do has meaning. Here we go!
Inspirational Leaders
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Mother Teresa; Embracing Empathy
Mother Teresa, an embodiment of empathy, believed that our actions mirror the compassion in our hearts. By serving others she brought about changes in numerous lives, despite significant difficulty and bouts of depression. She still did it. In the realm of entrepreneurship, embracing our hearts desires can lead to businesses that not only thrive financially but make positive contributions to society. I’ve always found that what pains a person the most in the world is the place they’ll find their purpose and breakthrough business ideas.
“May God break my heart so completely that the whole world falls in.” – Mother Theresa
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Yogananda; The Science of Life
Yogananda, a leader and guru who taught about life’s interconnectedness, emphasized how our internal state impacts the external world we experience. Entrepreneurs can learn from Yogananda about the interconnectedness of all life. Steve Jobs, for instance, credits Yogananda for his commercial success. Aligning our business practices with the highly magnetic vibration of our souls can create a ripple effect that fosters success and well-being on a massive scale.
“Let my soul smile through my heart, and my heart smile through my eyes, and that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts.” – Paramahansa Yogananda
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Jesus Christ; Love as a Transformative Power
Jesus Christ’s teachings revolved around love and forgiveness—a testament to the power residing within our hearts. Applying these principles in business can cultivate a workplace culture that goes beyond expectations and promotes growth and unity. At EarthKind, we recently received a Top Workplace award, landing in the top 20 amongst thousands of companies. The reason for the award, as our employees shared, is our culture where diverse thinking and backgrounds are encouraged; and how we harness kindness as a competitive advantage to winning in the marketplace and in our households.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” – Proverbs 4:23.
Inspirational Institutions
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Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic asserts that beyond the vital pump circulating life through our bodies, the heart symbolizes the core of our emotional and interpersonal well-being. They have become pioneers in health care by emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical and emotional health. In the workplace, this translates to creating environments where empathy, collaboration, and employee well-being are prioritized. We can all agree that a safe, healthy, and fulfilled workforce contributes to business success.
“The greatest wealth is health. And true health is not only the absence of disease; it is the balanced integration of the body, mind, and heart.” – Amit Ray
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HeartMath Labs
Here, they explore the connection between the heart and brain, known as coherence. They have decades of research trials with evidence that suggests our heart is really our second brain. They assert that our heart is our ‘first brain’ that activates hormones to direct the second brain. Its fascinating to read and follow. Entrepreneurs can utilize this understanding to create a work environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and innovation.
“Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” -Carl Gustav Young
Heart-powered Insights for Better Living
After I reflect on these powerful insights from extraordinary thinkers, my next step is to define my current state: personally, professionally, spiritually, and financially. At EarthKind, I feel pretty good that we embody many of these principles through our business model called the EarthKind Way. All of which were born out of my hearts’ desire to care for people, our planet, and to achieve profitability so it could become a thriving business. Professionally, I’m exceptionally proud of being able to provide a comprehensive benefits package to EarthKind employees, making sure they know their well-being is a matter of heart. Personally, I’m entering a new decade at 60, and there’s a lot of exciting things in the works for Jim and I. Spiritually, I feel like I’ve never been better.
In this month of reflection, planning, and festivities, please remember that within each of us lies the power to shape the world we see, and to build our lives and businesses accordingly. As entrepreneurs may we embrace the connection between our hearts and the success of our ventures fostering a prosperous future in harmony with our deepest hearts’ desire.
What will you be creating in 2024? I’d love to hear.
