Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? That was one of the questions, and the overall theme, at the recent Oprah Life Class event that I attended.

In this article, I want to focus on some of the key concepts that were shared at this life class. As women entrepreneurs, it is often NOT the technical skills that are holding us back. Most of us are committed to learning what it takes to build a business and make money.

Where many women entrepreneurs fail, or experience setbacks, is due to the emotional blocks that we have and the resulting decisions that we make (or don’t make)! I highly recommend that, on a regular basis, we self-examine our habits, attitudes and beliefs – and here is some information to help you with that.

1. “Unforgiveness unchecked becomes a cancer of your soul”– Bishop T.D. Jakes.One of the brilliant comments that Oprah made on this topic was ‘I am not going to allow what you did to me to negatively impact how I am living today.” The exciting part about this is that we have the power to change our lives – when we change our thinking, we change beliefs and therefore change performance. The key to your happy and successful future is right in your own pocket. When we forgive someone, we free ourselves to live a more satisfying life.

   Question: Where are you holding yourself back in business because you are allowing something from the past to negatively impact your actions today?

2. “Holding on to resentment is like holding your breath – you will suffocate”– Deepak ChopraWow – good one, Dr. Chopra! I experienced that, personally, after my separation and divorce. I was resentful of the fact that my ex-husband moved forward, was financially secure, had the close relationships with the family………right through to resenting how each of us then celebrated major holidays. I needed to constantly remind myself that it was MY decision to leave – MY decision to change my circumstances – and therefore, MY responsibility to create a new life. Once I let go of the resentment, I could not only breathe easier – but am much happier focusing on my own life. (If God wanted us to live our lives by constantly re-living our past – He would have put our head on backwards! I heard someone say that recently and it stuck w ith me.)

   Question: When are you going to let go and start breathing again?

3. “Forgiveness: giving up the hope that the past could be any different”– Iyanla Vanzant.True forgiveness means it is over. You move on and let go. Let go and let God, in some circumstances. But let go. You can’t sail into the horizon with one foot anchored to shore. Let go!

   Question: Where do you have a foot in ‘both camps’ – the past and the future? Is that helping you or hurting you?

4. “Do what you did in the beginning of your relationship and there won’t be an end TO the relationship”- Tony RobbinsTony, where were you when I was still married??????? Good grief, I could have used that advice. In any event, what I love about all of these tips is that they are also readily applied to our business. When you get a new client – do you love them to pieces……and then……….move on to get another new client? Do what you did in the beginning to ensure a continuing relationship.

   Question: When is the last time you showed appreciation to your current clients?

5. “When God gives you the vision, he also gives you the PROvision”.– Iyanla VanzantIt is critically important to have a vision for your life and for your business. And know that once you have a vision of where you are going – everything you need is right there. It’s right under your nose. Until you make a decision, you don’t need any kind of resource.

   Question: What is the vision for your business? For your life?

6. “Your eyes will adjust to the level of deficiency present.”– Iyanla VanzantIt’s now very obvious to me that I took lots of notes when Iyanla was speaking – and felt that she was speaking RIGHT to me! I had a conversation with my clients about this concept – and it is so clear that we all need ‘special glasses’ when it comes to learning, implementing and growing our business. We just don’t know what we don’t know – so be sure to surround yourself with a business coach and the right master mind members.

   Question: Where are you holding yourself back because you are working as ‘the lone ranger’? (thinking you can do it all yourself – that you know what you need to do)

7. “You want to change your life? Then, change your story!”– Tony RobbinsTake time to listen to the ‘stories’ you keep telling yourself and that you tell the people around you! This is what I hear all the time: I’m broke; I have no money; that’s too far for me to go; you’re so lucky (that one really irks me – luck has nothing to do with my success……..it’s about having a coach, having a plan, working the plan and doing the work! – you can do this, too, if you wanted it bad enough.) What is your story?

Question: Where are you allowing your ‘story’ to hold you back? What are you going to do about it? Your past does not determine your future.

Oprah’s Life Class was life-changing for me. The speakers were amazing – and the content was relevant, meaningful, thought-provoking and it is just another step in my personal plan of self development. As an entrepreneur, it is important to keep learning so you can grow your business. My philosophy is that I also need to grow ME in order to grow my business. So, I continue to invest in ME first and continue to do the work. It is a D-I-Y and I am a work in progress! What about you?

How have you invested in continuous learning lately? Tell me about it……