What the heck is The Green Couch Project?

A few years ago, my husband and I were walking around a furniture store, not really looking for anything in particular, when I walked around the corner and fell in love. There she sat, the green couch I never knew I needed. It felt as though she was waving at me saying, "Hey Laura! Lets do great things together!"

Rewind to 2007, the year everything started. I guess you could say I had gutsy because at 6 months pregnant, I quit my full time job to develop Worx. My first desk was a couch and a coffee table (as you can see, I have a thing for couches). So then, when I saw the green couch it reminded me of a time that once existed. It took me back to that uneasy and excited moment when I decided to start a business: How many late nights I worked on that couch to create a voice and how passionate I was (and still am) about making a difference in other entrepreneurs' journeys.

It took me back to that moment when I knew I wanted to be in control of my own destiny.

Fast forward to today and a little something we like to call The Green Couch Project©. It's all about authentic risk takers spilling their gutsy. What the heck does that mean? As entrepreneurs we share similar strengths, weaknesses, victories and obstacles. Gutsy means to be bold, courageous, daring and adventurous.

We found 6 risk takers to share their stories and Spill Their Gutsy©. They dug into the depths of their hearts and shared insights on questions like:

• What fires you up?
• Why do you do what you do?
• What do you fear loosing the most?
• What was the moment that made it all worth it?
• What was the moment you almost quit, and why didn't you?

Check out the teaser video here!

The Green Couch Project is all about empowerment. From positive quotes posted on social media everyday, to rich stories about people just like you. We want you to know that you're not alone. You're among a unique group of people that think differently. You have gutsy, and we celebrate that.

So what's next? We've created the promise form (download here) which is your way of committing. Not to us or anyone else, but yourself. And if you choose to, take a snapshot of yourself holding your promise, upload to Instagram or Twitter and tag us in it with #spillyourgutsy. Let's create a community that empowers each other! 

And last but not least, the stories. By the end of March, you'll be able to visit the website to view the full-length stories, videos and pictures of our 6 participants. We'll even give you the tools you need to succeed by building a base brand that stands for who you are, what you do and why it matters.

So stay tuned as we, and so many others, spill our gutsy.

Photo credit to the amazing Anderson Photographs team!

When to act on an idea

I don't know about you, but as an entrepreneur I always have an idea brewing in my head. Sometimes they're great ideas, like the time I decided to start a business. Others, not so much. We really could have done without the time I decided to code our own website. We've, since, hired amazing developers that, unlike ourselves, are actually good at it. Designers should never code. Ever.

The gray area here is defining when it is a passing thought and when it is something in which you should invest your time and energy. Here are a few things I evaluate to differentiate these two:

1. Does it keep appearing? As the above illustration states, if you can't stop thinking about it, don't stop working for it. Ideas don't have to be small to be obtainable. 
2. Does it make you tick? When you think about your idea, does it excite you? Does your heart start to flutter and your eyes light up?
3. Who does it affect? Does this idea improve your life or someone else's? Will it have a positive impact on those around you?
4. Are you ready to dedicate yourself? Ideas are only passing thoughts until they are put into motion. Are you ready to commit?

Essentially, I have a general rule by which I live. If it doesn't scare me a little, it's not a good idea. Keep in mind there's a difference between feeling intimidated and having that gut feeling that something is not right. If I can't stop thinking about an idea and I get a fluttering feeling about it, chances are it's an idea to act upon. 

What idea have you been sitting on that is begging for you to breathe life into?


(image via kushandwizdom.tumblr.com)

Do What Fires You Up!

How you spend your time is how you spend your life. You know all of those things you’ve always wanted to do? The time to do them is now. The circumstances will never be aligned perfectly, and you will never have forward movement without taking risks. If you remember one thing from this post, remember this: You, playing small, will not serve the world.

Say yes to what fires you up. But, how do you get there? Fill your environment with what matters most to you. Physically get out there and do what matters most. You will know it when you feel it. When you are continually focusing on it, your mind becomes quiet, you find peace and clarity, and your renewed state-of-mind will elevate your work and business. When you can define your core, you will attract clients that think like you.

Risk success, because it is not guaranteed. Saying no to one thing is saying yes to something better. Choosing one or the other is always a risk. Maybe this will mean less income, you may lose clients that don’t share your values, or your family and friends may not support it. It’s worth the risk when it matters most to you.

What is physically keeping you from doing what fires you up? Are you worried about what people will think or have fear of failure? Most emotional fears are irrational bi-products of our own thinking. Just because everyone is headed in one direction, doesn’t mean you have to go follow along. Make decisions based on your values, because you can’t be everything to everyone.

You are more than enough, and you are here for a purpose. Everyone ends up somewhere, but few end up there intentionally. To be different, you have to be yourself.

The ability to make decisions will come naturally once you can define what is most important to you. Do what fires you up. Do what matters.