The Year To Do All The Things

There's a timeless question that reverberates across stages of countless keynote speeches and shows up in one form or another in the pages of self help books. You know -- they always ask, "what would you do if you knew you could not fail" ...? It's a thought provoking question that stirs the pot of dreams, inviting us to peer into the depths of our desires.

But let's take it to a higher octave.

Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of the book-turned-movie Eat Pray Love and the brilliant mind behind a book called Big Magic talks about something she calls "fierce trust". The book is written for artists and visionaries who ingest the wisdom of her motivational pages to feed their longing to be great, or to "do big things". Throughout the book she's encouraging readers to trust in their creativity and to believe their ideas are worth pursuing with unwavering devotion. She believes the most important thing someone can do as a creator is to develop a fierce trust that enables them to just put their work out there. She says not to think about what you would do if you could not fail. But instead, ask yourself "what would you do even if you did fail?"

What would you do even if you did fail?

What do you love even more than your ego's grasp? More than your desire to be perfect or your need to control things. Even more than the voice in your head that says it's not the right time or it's too crazy of an idea.

When you're steered by a love for what you do and you know your "why" it acts as a true north or guiding star of sorts. There's suddenly this relentless light surrounding you, attracting the right people, the right opportunities and the ideas don't stop flowing.

But we all know passion and desire don't keep entrepreneurs protected from having failures and setbacks. Our willingness to persevere despite the shadows of uncertainty is what makes us entrepreneurs in the first place.

Every business owner and leader is going to find themselves in challenging and uncomfortable situations. They'll have to find gumption –– and confront and conquer fears. Bold responses to the most difficult life events or tough times don't always come without being coached. And like one of my mentors once told me, even coaches need a coach sometimes.

For me, it always comes back to the word Moxie. Moxie is when Passion and Perseverance come together with audacious action. Moxie is what compels us to write books other people will read... or to record videos without obsessing over our delivery of a line, because what we want to say is more important than our insecurities. The greatest gift a person can receive? Perhaps it's being clear about what you love, what lights you up... and then harnessing Moxie.

Moxie is when passion and perseverance come together with audacious action. Moxie is what compels us to write books other people will read... or to record videos without obsessing over our delivery of a line, because what we want to say is more important than our insecurities.

I learned a long time ago that sometimes God takes things away from us. It feels cruel and unfair and is often coupled with pain. But sometimes when that happens, it was never ours to begin with. You learn to trust the process when you experience a loss, whether personally or professionally. And hopefully the wins surpass the missteps or failures. As leaders we know we need clarity, dreams, and goals to achieve success more often than failure.  A vision board on the wall or a simple note in your phone; just having something written down to reflect on is essential.

It's a new year! And like a lot of people, I just came out of several weeks of reflection and a beautiful reset.

2023 was a pivotal year for me.

I began the year feeling frustrated and depleted but incredibly optimistic; dedicated to making that trip around the sun a year of which to feel proud. I had some professional goals, but most of the things I was thinking about were deeply personal.  I had been battling waves of autoimmune flare ups for months and then ended a long term relationship. It was hard to come to terms with it, but I have been trying for years to learn how to give all of me away and still come home to myself. I wanted to find more balance in my personal and professional relationships while still making space for my lone wolf need for solitude as a form of self preservation. And, I wanted to feel like I was continuing to be the best damn mama I could be while still having the energy to use my talents and gifts to make an impact, to build companies, and leave a legacy behind.

Yes, I know. If we're cut from the same cloth then you're all too familiar with this game we play with ourselves. The aspirations continue to swell, dream ladders get longer and taller, all while we stay the same size with access to the same amount of hours in the day. Oompha.

In 2023, I focused inward. Exactly one year ago, I spent three full days doing nothing but praying, visualizing and planning and within a matter of weeks I experienced a complete health transformation and started a new romantic relationship. I made more space for my love of writing and photography.  I let myself lean into the chance to take on more creative projects. I made even more space for a deep connection with my daughter and we took an epic trip to Paris together because time keeps passing, children keep growing like weeds, and then they fly the coop. Not everything went exactly according to plan all the time. There were moments of loss. Deep sadness. Tears. Failures.

But hell, sunshine all the time makes a desert.

There's another year in books where I was living out my passions on an incredible entrepreneur journey, and 2023 was one of the healthiest, happiest and best years yet. It was a year of NEW and CHANGE.

Sometimes I got knocked down, even when I didn't have time for it, and I had to choose to keep moving. And if you know me, you know that I always find a way to keep moving.

I'm so incredibly proud of my team and my clients. It's an honor and a privilege to do this together.  And I'm so grateful for my family. Thank you. We saw incredible growth and helped a lot of people and companies be more and do more -- and for that I can kick off 2024 with joy and enthusiasm for what's ahead. We are rested and full of Moxie!

It's WEEK 3 of 2024. How's everyone doing out there?

Here's to health. Here's to dreaming big and taking action. Here's to not giving a shit about the possibility of failing. Here's to resounding "Yes!" and "Let's Moxie This!"

If you've made it this far and you're still reading, let's connect! How was your year in 2023? What are your big plans for 2024? Maybe we haven't talked in a minute but I'd love to share in your excitement.

Are you manifesting something in particular?

Angela Robbins, Moxie Brands