Hey! Welcome back!
This blog is for anyone who like me, wondered if they could ever have their own business based around kindness. Translation “Can you make a living from being kind?” Of course if you fancy an inspirational read, it’s for you too! Maybe you’re timid, shy an introvert and just want to help people but can’t think who’d pay you for those qualities within a service or product? You want out of the 9 to 5 and long for financial freedom and autonomy over your life? But you lack the skills, knowledge or money you think is required?
In my later years with more serious thoughts about how I could make my dream a reality, I pondered on services or a product I could provide… With my career based around helping, supporting and teaching people, I wondered if I could ever have a business in this area. But how could I possibly be self-employed on the basis of helping people…a business based around kindness?? Do kindness and business go hand in hand…. Can you truly come from a place of kindness where business is concerned?
My ideas around what business meant and the type of person you had to be to succeed were possibly based around 90’s Hollywood movies;
1. Always look out for #1
2. Trample on people to get to the top
3. Do whatever it took to achieve your goal
4. Be a workaholic
5. Never sleep until you’ve achieved your goal
6. Disregard your personal values to get what you want
7. Be a sales person
8. Be an extrovert
9. Be overly confident
10. Have lots of money to get started or get a business loan
11. Business is never personal and all other ruthless business mentalities….
The Wolf of Wall Street springs to mind! The industry I work in is centred around the individual, their needs, personal development, care and support by; informally educating, researching and sharing knowledge. As well as challenging systems in place by teaching or facilitating sessions and I couldn’t see myself in any other industry that ‘fit’ with my core values. Over the years people have often confided in me or they felt comfortable enough to talk of their fears or concerns. I feel a huge amount of honour when people trust enough in me to divulge such personal information. Kindness has always been a natural approach to a way of working with others and it’s what I’ve always wanted to do and be…kind.
I came across this book ‘When Soul is Life’ by Kylie Riordan and she speaks of kindness, compassion and love being the vehicle to world peace and if you’re kind, genuinely from the heart, the universe will reward you, so to speak.
This led me to reflect on my own life and moments when I had given much kindness from the heart but I struggled to locate in my memory bank when acts of pure kindness were given to me. Where were my acts of kindness in return? Well there was this one time….
Back in my early twenties, living alone in the City Centre, still trying to figure out the world and dealing with being a fully blown adult (whatever that is!), I decided that I’d have a go at one of my favourite past times… acting! I did drama at college for 2 years after school and always loved acting! So, I contacted a local theatre that was holding auditions and thought “What the hey!” Off I went to audition…how bad could it be right….?
Well…I bombed hard! I stuttered and bumbled through the script and felt like an absolute fool! There was another girl there about my age, who probably took pity on me. I went to sit back down, she offered me words of encouragement and made me feel better about myself. I can’t remember word for word what she said, but it helped and she was very kind…The room we were in was cold, uninviting, unwelcoming and having forgotten my own coat, the kind girl offered to share hers. She wrapped it around us both like a blanket, as we chatted and giggled and continued to watch the others audition. I’d never met this girl before, I didn’t even know her name, but she offered me genuine kindness after I felt so s##t! And what was more heart felt, is that she didn’t have to do that at all. I went home that night, not feeling rubbish or beating myself up, I went home saying to myself “At least I gave it a try!”
Then I began to think of my own life and its story…
From there I remembered more random acts of kindness that people had given me, present and past…
So, where are my rewards for kindness again…? Everywhere and have always been there…. This is why exercising gratitude even on your darkest times of your life is important.
I admit, much of my life I have been ungrateful and felt that life was done to me and that most things were out of my control…
Some of my self-limiting beliefs were;
- I had to work 5 times as hard than anyone else to get to my destination . I said this all the time! Out loud!
- That I always had to have a plan – Another self-fulfilling prophecy….
- I had to grab any opportunities that came across my path . Even if they didn’t match with what I wanted!
- I would always struggle with money and never quite have enough. So guess what…??
I was almost affirming these beliefs by saying them out loud!
However, going forward I knew the following was required;
- To keep being kind in my work, in my personal life and to strangers that I come across.
- That the universe has and always will support you always.
- That you do not have to be in control, have plans or know every next move to make.
- That the only opportunities to be explored are those that support and serve your current life purpose.
- That living in the now, is where you find contentedness and happiness.
- That behaviours /ideas that no longer serve you need to be recognised, challenged and changed.
I’ve always wanted to work with people around issues and obstacles of life that we all face from time to time, rather than consumerism; buying or selling. I’ve had a business idea in my head for years, but dismissed it and never allowed myself to explore it, because my belief was; I’d need lots of money or I’d need to go back into full-time education at my expense etc…. Isn’t it amazing what stories you tell yourself to suit your ego!
Anyways, this story followed me for years until…it was replaced with the true story. This meant the story I had been telling myself was false… this new insight was profound to me!
It opened up a whole new belief and story that said it’s an option for you and you do not have to give up anything or have thousands of pounds. You will just have to put in more and be focused.
But the steps and attitude that would get me what I wanted was completely in my control…this is what I would have to do;
- Invest and take a chance on myself
- Self-directed study (Reading and research)
- Take constructive criticisms
- Be open to change
- Exercise self-care and self-love
- Make time for the things you enjoy
- Sleep well
- Eat Well
- Exercise
- Be willing to be stretched and develop from my comfort zone
- Meet new people
- Stay focused
- Set boundaries
- Have support from my family
- Be mindful in how money is spent
- And most of all…trust in the process
So back to the original question; can you truly come from a place of kindness where business is concerned?
Abso-figgin-lutely!
I’d say more so in this consumerist society! As a consumer myself I am motivated to buy into a product or service, if I know the individual shares some of the same ethos, ethics or values as me i.e. diligence, drive, friendly, altruistic and kind…. I’ve said to my hubby before, if someone starts a business with one of its main objectives (as well as a profit of course) of being person focused and bringing back a bit of that old school philosophy of great customer service, quality products/service and going that extra mile, they will make a killing! My opinion is that those sentiments have been lost along the way, led by big corporations and more of this mentality “If you don’t like it, lump it!” feels more appropriate. People are becoming weary of this and are being more conscious with how they spend their money. I know I am!
So what do I wish for you to take away from this blog post…??
- Don’t limit yourself to the stories you have been telling yourself! Go do your research and see if you’re correct in those stories or if there’s another way.
- Be kind, as it comes back to you. Even if you don’t immediately realise it. This doesn’t mean be a pushover…which leads me onto the next point….
- Set your boundaries and know your own limits. Don’t be kind to your own detriment.
- Understand that you have everything you need to achieve what you wish in life…
- Where there’s a will, there’s a way…
So, what out dated stories have you been telling yourself?
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Until next time….xx
Keywords: positivity, self belief, business, self employed, dreams, aspirations, kindness, she believed she could so she did,
61 thoughts to “Can You Have A Business Based On Kindness? | Journey Towards Positivity & Self Belief”
Good for you! Way to take control and go after your dreams. I absolutely agree that our limiting believes can hold us back. I recently took on a project that I would have never taken a year ago. I would have told myself that I didn’t have the skills needed to finish the project. Well I finished the project last week and had a blast with it.
Thank you and well done to you too! It opens up so many doors when you start challenging self limiting beliefs!
believing in yourself brings you the biggest confidence! your post is so good! thank you for sharing!
This is a great post! It was very inspiring. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment! 🙂
I love your viewpoint! I’m lucky enough to work for a company that also believes in building a business based on kindness!
Thank you! And it feels so much better when you’re aligned with your values.
So meaningful! I like how you shared your limiting beliefs – these are mine too, especially, having to work hard to earn money. I am slowly learning to unlearn these beliefs. Loved the book recommendation, let me add to my reading list!
I’m totally a workaholic but also started including boundaries so I can have down time.
Nothing wrong with that if you’re happy, but down time is important for everyone.
Thanks for this post, I am an introvert and I struggle talking in the crowd. I work with customers everyday, so I am trying to be positiveve too!
I’m an introvert too (which some wouldn’t believe) but it doesn’t mean you don’t have most of the qualities to do well in life and be happy 🙂
It might but a bit of a struggle at times, but yes I believe you could. Great post, it was a engaging read.
Oh you definitely can and should! People are spending more ethically and want to know the person/s behind the business. I think businesses would do better if they incorporated kindness into their overall plan.
As a dentist, I have always been focused on the service part of my job. Of course, I have to make money. But I have never “sold” a treatment my patient doesn’t need. I know some dentists who do that. Some charge obscene amounts on treatments that are not even necessary and I don’t that’s not kind.
I believe in helping people. I may not make as much as others, but at least I am happy with my work.
Exactly! And you can sleep soundly knowing that you made an honest living.
I think we need to be kind in our business and we need to throw away that our business is a secret, we shouldn’t share it with anyone. We should seek help and help our businesses with like-minded individuals in order to level up our business but also ourselves.
I’m so with you on that!! Collaboration is a big part of being successful I think, in any area of life.
My blog platform is about having a positive outlook and being kind to others and yourself. It has really taken off! So, I believe a business based on kindness will definitely work.
OOhh I must check it out! Well done that your site has taken off!
lol #2 trample on people to get to the top… thanks for the tips and insights
haha glad it tickled you 🙂
I’ve read When Soul is Life – I especially liked the chapter on compassion. It helped me to remember to put myself in others’ shoes to understand them more. And I agree with the steps and attitudes to get what you wanted, specially in investing in oneself and taking chances! This is an inspirational post.
Thanks lovely! Cool that you’ve read her book too! I wouldn’t have 2 years ago if I’m going to be completely honest, but I’m so glad I did!
take control and have confidence, then you’ll succeed. i hope every business will have this positive vibes.
Thank you!
Being kind will take us to everywhere, will meet new friends, and of course will give us a happy life. Always be kind.
Absolutely what we should all aspire to be!
I loved this blog about the business of kindness. It’s great that you are sharing your journey with others and allowing them to see, how self development can be a really positive and empowering move, in so many areas of your life. I am a Counsellor and have been on that journey but still continue to learn all the time. Only yesterday I went to my own personal Therapy to work on a block I had, a limiting belief that was causing me pain and blocking my flow of living in the now on occaisions. It’s very freeing to removing limiting beliefs, and work on your pd, so I love what you do, your social message, and your blog. I’m so glad you’ve are leading the way in changing the mindset of you and inspiring people and business. Much kindness to you lovely ?
AAhh thank you! I’m so glad that you enjoyed reading my post! I think no matter what profession you’re in you should always be open to learning and not close yourself off. I love learning and passing that on to whoever will listen! Thanks again! Really appreciate your support! 🙂 xx
It is really inspiring. I loved the way you ended your tips “And most of all…trust in the process“ Of course! it`s all about trust.
It’s so important! Even if you don’t understand or can’t see past your own imagination, trust that things will work out just right for you. It’s something I’m still working on in some areas, but I’ll get there when it’s right for me.
I love the idea of leading forward with kindness. In my sales supervisor job, we talk about the importance in the customer experience. It is what changed our whole business.I think it makes a huge difference.
That is great to hear!!! A little bit of kindness goes a long way! Fab!
I believe that being kind when you run your own business is an important virtue. However, you shouldn’t let others step over you because of that. It happened to me and it was awful.
Ah, what a breath of fresh air. If only more people thought like this
I foudn your title quite funny because my company is called ‘Kind Tutorials’ and it’s all about helping people with their fear of maths as well as donating 10% of all earnings to an NGO. I think you’re spreading a fantastic message in this article, so thank you ?
Its good that you put yourself out there! Trying is better than wishing you took a chance!
being kind should be something obvious but then there are people who take advantage of that kindness… everything has a time and place. being bold is more my route
It’s always important to move forward with kindness and also be able to try and put ourselves in other people’s shoes great post
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I think you and I are on the same journey. I absolutely believe that kindness wins out. . .after all, they do say that ‘you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar’. Love.
Time management is the key to everything to avoid to much focus on your work because it makes you feel pressure and pressure. Make time to yourself and do the things to enjoy yourself life is short so enjoy yourself!
Putting in hard work and believing in yourself are key to achieving anything in life!
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Everyone loves it whenever people get together and share opinions.
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I am working in a place where being compassionate is part of our culture. The world needs more kindness and compassion. Thanks for sharing another wonderful to inspire us.
It is really an inspiring post. Thanks for sharing.
Good advice, Thanks for sharing. It is very hard to find a good conscious business in a culture of consumerism. It will take a long time but hopefully, it will change. When we start to be aware of what we do every day, it can make a bit of difference. Compassionate and kindness culture hopefully will take over.
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