There are a few good questions that business owners, teachers and leaders ask when they are planning for growth in their classroom, their company or their life. Who are my students or clients or friends - really? What makes them tick? And what is unique about the people I serve and regularly connect with?



I have given these questions a lot of thought over the last few months. When the answer hit me it was a revelation I almost missed. I have identified one characteristic that runs through the hearts and minds of the majority of my clients. This one thing shapes their lives and our relationship.

My clients, my family and many of my friends have an entrepreneurial spirit. Some would not think of themselves this way, and others know it in their bones. Some own their own businesses. Some are dreaming of stepping out on their own. Some want to manage their lives with the motivation and healthy vigor of an entrepreneur. And others work collaboratively with others hoping that everyone they interact with achieves success on their own terms.

The Entrepreneurship Center at the Miami University of Ohio describes the entrepreneurial spirit this way: "Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying, developing, and bringing a vision to life. The vision may be an innovative idea, an opportunity, or simply a better way of doing something. The end result of this process is the creation of a new venture, formed under conditions of risk and considerable uncertainty."

The Dictionary describes an Entrepreneur as one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise. What bigger enterprise than the organization and management of one's own life? It is your passion, your purpose and your own aliveness that generates growth in love, at play and in your business as well.

As an adult educator, I believe that having knowledge and being conscious allows entrepreneurs to feel happy with their work experience where others feel discontent and uncomfortable.

I invite you to explore the Three Practices that follow. They will help you to bring your own spiritual essence alive in your life and in your work environment.

Practice Number One:

Remember Who You Really Are

-The Aware Entrepreneur knows who he or she really is. Conscious of their own spiritual qualities, they are not afraid to tap into their own creativity, wisdom and power and use them. The have some form of personal practice - meditation, journal writing, movement - that helps them to remember their own essential wholeness.

Practice Number Two:

Create and Maintain a Personal Support System

-When they forget who they are, aware entrepreneurs have a support system of mentors, colleagues and like-minded friends who remind them of their source-connection. They choose to surround themselves with people who see and celebrate their magnificence. Aware Entrepreneurs are not afraid to seek guidance and to receive support.

Practice Number Three:

Build and Contribute to the Success of your Team

-Aware Entrepreneurs also know that success does not happen alone. Working with others for mutual satisfaction expands feelings of joy and increases the likelihood of personal and professional success for everyone.

Since living spirituality at work is a process not a fixed product there are many ways to integrate these ideas into your own workday. To begin ask yourself if you have these three practices in place.

-Do you have a personal practice that helps you to stay connected to your own spiritual essence?

-Do you have a personal support system that you trust will help you reconnect with your magnificence when you forget about it?

-Do you have a team and are you actively contributing to their success and happiness?