How to Focus Your Way to Success Partnering With a Mastermind
Have you ever had a time in your business when you simply felt “stuck”?
These past few months have been that kind of time for me. Yes, even The Fiery Grandma has times when overwhelm simply takes over. My mind couldn’t focus and success seemed unreachable. I didn’t know where to turn. There was a time in the past that this obstacle would have paralyzed me forever. It would have caused me to once again give in to fear.
How did I overcome this fear this time around? I met a lady named Rachel and we began forming a mastermind group. Sometimes the people that enter our lives come at just the right time for all the right reasons. (tweet this) Rachel and I have become good friends who have much in common. We have partnered up and formed a mastermind group. It helps each of us focus on the daily steps we need to work on to achieve our goals.
What is a mastermind?
According to the dictionary, the word mastermind can be:
- a noun meaning “a person with outstanding intellect”.
- a verb that means “to plan or direct an ingenious or complex scheme or enterprise”.
Napoleon Hill, a very successful businessman and author-defined mastermind as “a coordination of knowledge and effort, in a spirit of harmony between two or more people, for the attainment of a definite purpose. This form of cooperative alliance has been the basis of nearly every great success”.
According to a paper written by Rutgers University students, a mastermind can be:
- he or a she
- young or old
- born in any country
- of any religion and ethnicity
- can be poor, middle-class or rich
A mastermind can be anybody whatsoever because it’s not the background that counts; it’s what lies in his/her mind.
All that masterminds need is a willingness to learn from each other and from themselves. (tweet this) It’s sort of a self-discovery as well as success in life.
How can a mastermind help you focus?
Each of us has strengths and weaknesses. Any partnership worth its salt takes both pluses and minuses to make a balanced formula. Doesn’t it make sense to build on your strengths, what you are naturally good at? When the other person runs with what they are good at it adds to your strengths, too. What would happen if we combined all of our strengths and disregarded the weaknesses altogether? You would have strong mastermind groups that’s what.
When using mastermind groups to help you focus each person takes a turn sharing their thoughts and ideas about the question or idea on the table. Taking careful notes and setting judgment aside allows the creative juices to flow. After each party has had their turn then the ideas mentioned can be readdressed and fine-tuned to allow each to consider the final plan.
By allowing Rachel to share her opinion freely with me it gave me more ideas and clearer focus on what mattered more to her…not me. It was like having my ideal customer telling me what they wanted me to give them. Then in return, I helped Rachel with her project and ideas. It was a true meeting of giving and taking, both of us walked away with a clear focus on what our next step was.
Mastermind groups lead to focused success
Imagine if you had your ideal customer standing beside you, like a girlfriend, sharing what they wanted from your business. Would that make it easier for you to do your job? Would profits increase if you could deliver exactly what your customer wanted every time?
The power of mastermind groups gives you a look inside the mind of your ideal customer. It gives you the upper hand on your competition and saves you so much time.
Since Rachel and I have been working together I’ve been able to prioritize the many projects on my plate. By focusing on one project at a time to it’s completion I’m getting more projects done. Having accountability partners online helps both of us stay on track. If I find myself drifting off track I can hear her voice telling me…back to the assigned task at hand.
You’re probably saying “Well, yes – but I have a coach for that”. I know, I’ve been there and done that, too. All I can tell you is that coach or no coach, since working with my accountability partner it has enhanced my productivity and success every single week.
My advice to anyone, man or woman over 50 who is looking to redefine success and design your business working from home – “get an accountability partner”. Find a mastermind group to be part of, work with and get your focus on successful actions back.
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"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."
You have defined what a mastermind mind is very well. I’ve never been quite sure what the meaning of a mastermind is? Having an accountability partner is wonderful. Having someone to bounce ideas off of is wonderful. I’m so happy you have found that person to be your mastermind.
Pat thank you for being so transparent. You know, I didn’t understand what a mastermind group was or the significance of it either. Then, I met a marketer in a group, we clicked got to know each other and voila…our mastermind group was borne. The definition of a mastermind is two or more people meeting to collaborate on ideas and strategies for the common good. We are both different, yet the same. Each of us has different strengths that we bring to the group. We help each other with ideas, strategies and technical stuff. It’s like group coaching without the expense…I absolutely love and recommend mastermind groups!
I believe you hit the nail on the head – accountability partner & master mind groups. Without these 2 I feel focus would be really painful. I belong to a mastermind group & have an accountability partner. Without them I would not be where I am today. Thanks for sharing this valuable information with us Carla.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Gary. When starting a new business, a wise entrepreneur will follow the lead of those leaders who have gone before them. So sad to watch those who don’t as they struggle, flail around like fish out of water and many end up failing as a result. The mastermind group has been the best business tool I’ve ever found and used.
Loved the post Carla! I have a mastermind group and think that is an amazing experience for every business owner, and helps a lot with the accountability too!
That’s great news to hear, Meire. I’m so glad to hear that many in our group are using the power of the mastermind group!
Carla I love this post. I have created a mastermind group about a year ago and together we have launch Mastermind Business Expo and Small Business Mastermind University.
We are stronger together and it is an amazing group. Blessed to have them in my life.
Wow, that is exciting Katrina. Wishing I were closer and could be part of your mastermind group :0)
That is so great that you have found the key to getting yourself moving forward again. Knowing you have someone else can really help you get focused and get productive.
Thank you Marie. Sometimes as solopreneurs it’s tough to hold ourselves accountable for daily actions. Having an accountability partner who doubles as a mastermind is the most valuable asset we can possess.
It is so important for everyone to have a mastermind to confide in and to get advice. There are so many people that are not willing to listen, they just want to speak, so this is critical:) Thanks!
I have to admit Dani that I used to be one of those you are talking about…the talker. After failing miserably and wanting to succeed I decided to become a better student. The mastermind concept is brilliant and so very valuable. Thank you for reading and sharing I appreciate you and your time so much.
This is a great key to success! I love masterminds 🙂
They are the bomb, aren’t they Anita. Thanks for stopping by and sharing.
You are an inspiration!
Awe, thank you Yvonne. Appreciate you so much.
This is a great suggestion, Carla. We have found it to be very helpful. Thanks for sharing your experience so we may all benefit from it.
Thank you Shari. Appreciate you taking time out to share our information.
I am fortunate to be a member of a mastermind group that meets in real life, as well as having a dedicated group in Facebook. It is a wonderful space to brainstorm, to receive feedback and get support. Having an accountability partner (or more than one) is fabulous. What a spot on post, Carla!!
That would be awesome to meet face to face for masterminding Sherie. Good for you…maybe one day I’ll have access to a group here locally, too.
I try to attend several weekly chat sessions on twitter each week so that I can keep up with the latest trends and learn new information. As far as my content on my blog goes, I often think of things that my own kids do, something on tv triggers a memory or topic, or I browse the internet for suggestion. I always add my own experience so that my content isn’t too bland and dry. I have found that writing down a list of topics, when I think of things. I can fall back on my list when i can’t think of a topic on the fly.
Thank you for sharing your success strategies Christy. These are really great ideas and I’m going to implement some of them. Thanks for sharing our mastermind article, too.
Having an accountability partner is so helpful…in business or personal life. So glad you have one, Carla. Thanks for sharing this great article.
So appreciate your input Alexandra.
How wonderful you have found an accountability partner! The benefits are tremendous I am sure! Great article!
Denny you are so right. Being accountable with a partner who uses “tough love” is very beneficial.