Pat Mussieux

Yes, You Can

Our kids were grown, in university and well into living their own lives. My husband and I decided it was the perfect opportunity to do what we had always wanted to do. For me, I wanted to work in the field of positive psychology and made the decision to become self-employed and focus strictly on the business of speaking and coaching. My background in marketing, sales, HR and training positioned me well for this.”

My biggest challenge was always going home to a very negative atmosphere. While I continued to learn, grow, develop, meet some amazingly positive people and leaders from around the world – I always went home to Mr. Negativity.

Finally, I made the decision to leave my 22-year marriage and focus totally and solely on building my coaching and speaking practice – with all the positive energy I could muster. Divorce is not easy! I experienced significant financial hardships going through the process and then made the decision to pick up, move across the country and continue to grow the business in eastern Canada. All tough stuff – especially at age 55!!

One thing I realized is that ‘if you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting.” At age 55, in a new city with no contacts, financially challenged because of the divorce and the move, no client base in Ontario – I knew that I had to do business differently. I researched and hired the absolute best business coach I could find, made the investment in myself and in my business.

What has surprised me about running my own business was that I could, in fact, survive – despite the energy drain that was going on at home, on a daily basis! It takes a lot of energy to reach one’s goals and I was using every ounce I had to succeed. What also surprised me was that people were willing, and wanting, to pay me for coaching on techniques/strategies that had become so second-nature to me – I thought everyone ‘thought’ that way and did business ‘that way’.

I had been so immersed in my work for all those years that it really did not dawn on me that I was thinking, and doing things very differently. I had developed such a strong ability to be resilient, flexible, positive and successful – which was testament to the very powerful, and scientific, mindset techniques that I had been exposed to, and that I was delivering to many organizations over the years.

There is nothing I would do differently. It’s been a challenging, interesting, exciting, rewarding, difficult, enlightening, happy journey for me. Well maybe, I would have hired a book-keeper sooner!

I am living proof of that women can break free from the past, from limiting beliefs, from past conditioning – and help them to live the life of their dreams – because miracles happen and dreams do come true. Our present thoughts determine our future! It’s all about the way we think.

Check Pat’s website at www.confidenceandcourage.com a

My advice to anyone starting out is to:

1) Continue to study,grow and develop, especially in the area of mindset

2) Surround yourself with very good, strong, positive people

3) Help others along the way

4) Be true to yourself! Do not compromise your values, integrity or reputation.

5) Take risks – it’s not crowded at the top

6) Be clear on what you want, stay focused and go make it happen

7) Take care of your health – eat properly, exercise, sleep – take at least one day a week just for you

8) Do your talent – and outsource the rest.

9) Be happy!