Marissa Nelson is the Master Relationship Therapist of IntimacyMoonsTM with specialized training in Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Imago Relationship Therapy, and Sexual Health, her therapeutic approach is to provide support and understanding to help her clients effectively address personal life challenges. Here are her tips on being a minority entrepreneur:
Quiet The Internal Critic
As a minority you are constantly working through the mental chatter, as feelings of inadequacy, and self doubt come to the surface. Those thoughts are not true, and to be successful you have to conquer your internal critic. You have to make a plan to embrace the unknown, lean into the uncertainty and learn to feel the fears you may have and be courageous enough to act and take the leap into greatness. Always remain positive and have gratitude even in the fire, and life will begin to shift in your favor.
Have Vision
I believe when you write it down you manifest it. Simply having it all in my mind is great, but when you put it on paper you can look at all that you want to achieve personally and professionally. Create the blueprint by looking at the big picture on paper, you are able to start looking at ways and resources that you need to get you to your goal. Having and creating a vision also keeps you laser focus and less likely to stray away from the path.
Make Relationship and Family Time Sacred
Its a 24 hour business as an entrepreneur and/or professional, so maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging. I see many business owners and professionals that don’t turn work “off” and it affects the connection with the people they love, so its important that you have enough time with loved ones with total presence (no work, cell phones or devices), and give your undivided attention. If you have a spouse or family, have a genuine and authentic conversation about this very demanding period of your life, and having the openness to understand what their needs are, and being able to come up with a family plan of how time is spent everyday and on weekends together.
Self-care
Professionals live in their head and we get validated rewarded for being precise and exact. I’m sure your used to going above and beyond for people at the expense of yourself, time (and sanity!)Self-care is the ability to take care of yourself, mind body and spirt and give back to yourself so you can recharge and come out feeling more energized. Its the ability to be present in the here and now, and tune out the world when you need to. Self-care is also about boundaries: learning to say no and not taking on so much that you end up feeling overwhelmed. Start doing something everyday that grounds you, like morning meditations, or listening to a calm playlist on your car ride to work. Choose activities and hobbies that are nourishing your soul.
You are in charge with charting your own path, and believe that what you have to offer as a person of color is unique, valuable and an asset, just like you!
Marissa Nelson is the Founder & CEO of IntimacyMoons Couples Retreats. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Therapist & Divorce Mediator, and specializes in couples & intimacy issues. She has served as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients in the Greater Washington DC, and now conducts workshops and speaking engagements about intimacy and connection.
Young, dynamic, articulate, and exceptionally qualified, Marissa possesses a Master’s of Family Therapy (MFT) from the esteemed Couples and Family Therapy Department of Drexel University in Philadelphia. Marissa also holds a Certificate in Sexual Health and Therapy from the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work.
For additional information please visit http://www.intimacymoons.com/