www.TheChrisChaney.com

Tag: SmallBusinessTips

  • “Yooo…Dear Entrepreneur:”

    If Your Money Isn’t Making Money, You’re Losing Money

    Dig this, I don’t care how hard you work or how much money you make—if your money isn’t making money, you are losing money as fast as you make it.

    Read that again.

    If your money is just sitting in a savings account, a CD, or under your mattress, you’re not playing the wealth game. You’re playing the slow-loss game. The longer you wait to put your money to work, the harder it will be to achieve financial freedom.

    The value of the dollar goes down year over year due to inflation. That means the $100 you save today won’t have the same buying power five years from now.

    Meanwhile, everything around you—rent, gas, food, healthcare—keeps getting more expensive.

    Here’s the bottom line: If you’re not investing, you’re falling behind.

    Too many people think “multiple streams of income” means doing more things to make more money—starting a side hustle, selling products, or picking up another job.

    That’s not it.

    Multiple streams of income mean:

    1. Building assets that work for you.

    2. Creating passive and leveraged income.

    3. Investing in vehicles that multiply your wealth without requiring more of your time.

    I’ll break down multiple streams of income in a future post, but for now, understand this: Wealth isn’t about working harder; it’s about making smarter moves.

    If you don’t have investments—aka “your money making money”—and if you’re NOT paying taxes (or paying very little in taxes), the odds of you being able to retire comfortably are slim.

    Think about it:

    • Do you want to be 50, 55 years old still “hustling” just to make ends meet?

    • Do you want to spend your golden years working for a business that you are paying for instead of it paying you?

    The wealthy don’t work for money. Their money works for them.

    Where You Are Now

    Are you saving money, but it’s not growing? Are you constantly trading time for dollars? Are you unsure how to start investing?

    Why This Matters

    • Because time is money—and the longer you wait, the harder it is to build wealth.

    • Because inflation is eroding your purchasing power every single year.

    • Because retirement isn’t an age—it’s a number, and most people won’t reach it without smart investments.

    What You Need to Do

    • Invest: Stocks, real estate, index funds, businesses—get educated on your options.

    • Tax Planning: The tax code is designed for investors and business owners, not employees. Learn how to pay less in taxes and keep more of your wealth.

    • Retirement Strategy: If you’re self-employed and don’t have a plan for retirement, book an appointment with a competent financial advisor.

    Your financial success isn’t just about wealth—it aligns with your core needs:

    1. Safety & Security: A strong investment strategy ensures you won’t have to stress about money later in life.

    2. Esteem Needs: Building wealth gives you confidence, control, and the ability to make choices based on your values—not just your bills.

    3. Self-Actualization: When your money works for you, you gain the freedom to do what matters most—travel, create, give back, and live life on your terms.

    Here’s your next step:

    1. Take a hard look at where your money is sitting right now. Is it growing or just sitting?

    2. Learn about investment opportunities that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.

    3. If you’re self-employed, talk to a financial advisor about tax strategies and retirement planning.

    Wealth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens by design. Are you ready to start building yours?

    Drop a comment below—what’s your biggest challenge when it comes to investing? Let’s talk about it.

    Key Takeaway

    Your ‘Where’ today is a reflection of your financial habits, but it doesn’t define your future. If your money isn’t working for you, you’re working for it—and that’s a game you’ll never win. Invest wisely, pay less in taxes, and build a future where money isn’t a limitation—it’s a tool for freedom.

    “Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

    Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

    📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

    📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

    – Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

    https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

  •  “Redefine Your Journey: A ‘Where, Why, What’ Approach to Clarity.” 

    Choosing Clarity Over Comfort: The Power of a Long-Term Vision

    When faced with two seemingly good choices, how do you decide which one is right for you? Recently, I had the opportunity to guide someone through one of the most important decisions in their career—a career shift that wasn’t just about choosing a job but about shaping their future.

    They were at a crossroads:

    1. Stay in a job with no upward mobility and little room for growth.

    2. Choose between two job offers:

    • Option A: Better pay but limited future growth.

    • Option B: A slightly lower-paying job but significant upward mobility and long-term benefits.

    On paper, the choice wasn’t straightforward. The higher-paying job was tempting, but something wasn’t sitting right with them. That’s when they called me for help—because they knew the decision wasn’t just about right now. It was about their Where.

    At the heart of their struggle was this question: How do I balance financial stability today with opportunities for growth tomorrow?

    It’s a question many of us wrestle with when we face big decisions. The immediate temptation of a higher paycheck is hard to ignore. After all, our basic needs (Maslow’s Physiological and Safety Needs) often drive our decisions. But what happens when you realize that staying comfortable today could mean feeling stuck tomorrow?

    To help them make the right decision, we walked through the Where, Why, What philosophy:

    1. Where Do You Want to Go?

    We started with the end goal. I asked:

    • Where do you see yourself in five years?

    • What does your ideal career look like long-term?

    • Is entrepreneurship something you’ve ever considered?

    Their answers pointed to a desire for growth, leadership opportunities, and eventually using their skills to start their own business.

    2. Why Is That Important to You?

    Next, we unpacked their motivation. I asked:

    • Why does upward mobility matter to you?

    • Why do you want to leave your current job?

    They shared that being in a stagnant position left them feeling undervalued and stuck. They wanted to be in an environment that supported their growth and allowed them to learn—ultimately preparing them for their dream of entrepreneurship.

    3. What Steps Will Get You There?

    Finally, we looked at the options through the lens of the Where and Why. The choice became clearer:

    • The higher-paying job (Option A) offered financial comfort now but no clear path forward.

    • The lower-paying job (Option B) offered an opportunity to grow, learn on the job, and eventually transition into entrepreneurship.

    We realized Option B aligned more with their long-term vision. It wasn’t about immediate gratification; it was about setting the foundation for the future.

    In the end, they chose the job that offered upward mobility and long-term growth (Option B). Why? Because:

    • It allowed them to get paid to learn—a key step toward self-actualization in Maslow’s hierarchy.

    • It supported their future goal of entrepreneurship.

    • It aligned with their Where, which was to be in a position of growth and impact.

    While the higher-paying job would have provided short-term stability, it would have likely left them stuck in another cycle of stagnation—a pattern they wanted to break.

    Key Takeaway: Short-Term Comfort vs. Long-Term Clarity

    This experience highlights the importance of asking yourself:

    • What is my “Where”?

    • Why is it important to me?

    • What steps can I take now to get closer to my vision?

    When we factor in long-term clarity over short-term comfort, our decisions become intentional and future-focused. It’s easy to be swayed by what feels good today, but the real growth happens when we prioritize what gets us closer to the person we’re striving to become.

    Your Turn: Redefine Your Journey

    Are you at a crossroads in your career, relationships, or life in general? Take a moment to apply the Where, Why, What philosophy to your own situation:

    • Where: What is your long-term goal?

    • Why: Why is that important to you?

    • What: What is one step you can take today to get closer to your Where?

    Let’s redefine your journey together. Share your reflections or reach out—I’d love to hear how this philosophy works for you.

    ” Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

    Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

    📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

    📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

    – Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

    https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

  • “Yooo…Dear Entrepreneur:”

    Plant Your Financial Seeds

    Too often, we treat our money like sunflower seeds—we eat them instead of planting them. The truth is, investing is planting. It’s the act of sowing your resources into areas that will yield fruit over time.

    Whether you’re investing in your business, another business, your education, or your health, each investment is a seed planted in fertile ground. The question is, where will you plant your seeds?

    Many entrepreneurs focus on immediate gratification—spending money instead of investing it. This short-term mindset can keep you from achieving long-term success.

    By failing to invest, you risk:

    • Running your business inefficiently.

    • Missing out on wealth-building opportunities.

    • Staying stagnant in your knowledge and skills.

    • Sacrificing your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

    When you eat your seeds instead of planting them, you deny yourself the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reap the fruits of your labor.

    To create lasting financial success, you must be intentional about where you plant your seeds. Here are four areas to prioritize:

    1. Your Business

    Invest in the systems that allow your business to grow and operate efficiently.

    • Develop workflows, automation, and processes so you can focus on working on your business, not in it.

    • Hire the right people, tools, and resources to scale effectively.

    Example: If you’re constantly stuck in day-to-day tasks, investing in a CRM or automation tool could free up your time for higher-level strategy.

    2. A Business

    Investing in other businesses is one of the simplest ways to grow wealth.

    • The stock market is an accessible starting point, but it’s not the only option.

    • You could explore angel investing, real estate, or partnerships—just ensure you do your due diligence.

    Pro Tip: Think long-term. Successful investing requires patience and a commitment to consistent growth.

    3. Your Continued Education

    Your income is directly tied to your ability to solve problems. The bigger the problems you can solve, the greater your financial potential.

    • Attend workshops, conferences, or online courses.

    • Learn new skills that make you more valuable in the marketplace.

    Example: If you’re struggling to market your business, taking a course in digital marketing could transform your ability to reach customers and grow your brand.

    4. Your Health

    Health is wealth. Without mental, physical, and spiritual well-being, financial success is meaningless.

    • Invest in regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices.

    • Take time for self-care to avoid burnout and maintain focus.

    Reminder: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your health allows you to show up fully for your business and your life.

    Where, Why, What Philosophy

    • Where: Your current financial habits—are you planting seeds or eating them?

    • Why: The purpose behind planting your seeds—what are you working toward?

    • What: The specific steps you’ll take to invest in your business, another business, your education, or your health.

    Key Takeaway:

    “Your ‘Where’ today reflects your habits, but it doesn’t define your future. Be intentional about where you plant your seeds to ensure you eat the fruits tomorrow.”

    Take a moment to reflect on these four areas. Where are you planting your seeds right now?

    Here’s your challenge for the week:

    1. Identify one area—your business, a business, your education, or your health—where you could start planting today.

    2. Write down one step you can take this week to begin that investment.

    3. Commit to tracking your progress and celebrating the fruits of your effort.

    Key Closing Thought

    Plant your seeds and eat the fruits. Your financial success depends on what you sow today. Don’t let the fear of the unknown or the pull of immediate gratification keep you from investing in your future.

    What’s one seed you’ll plant today? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear how you’re building toward success!

    “Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

    Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

    📖Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

    📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

    – Don’t wait—Start your journey today:

    https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

  • “Redefine Your Journey: A ‘Where, Why, What’ Approach to Clarity”

    The Subtle Difference Between Evasion and Avoidance: A Mindset of Lack vs. Prosperity

    I just got off the phone with one of my business partners and mentors. I reached out to process some conversations I’d had over the past few days, and through our discussion, a profound realization emerged.

    We boiled it down to this: people who believe in the concept of business but don’t believe in the principle of profit often practice tax evasion instead of tax avoidance. The difference between the two isn’t just legal—it’s rooted in mindset.

    Tax evasion stems from a mindset of lack. It’s driven by the belief that “what I’ve earned is all I’ll ever have.” People in this mindset practice evasion to preserve what they have, fearing they won’t get more. Their decisions are focused on immediate survival rather than long-term growth.

    Tax avoidance, on the other hand, is rooted in a mindset of prosperity. It reflects an understanding that minimizing tax liability legally creates opportunities for reinvestment. Those who practice tax avoidance see their earnings as seed money—resources to multiply, expand, and create more abundance.

    This difference hit home even more as I shared two stories with my mentor:

    • One evening, I found myself between two entrepreneurs with vastly different views on taxes. One had a positive outlook on expenses and deductions, sharing how this understanding helped him grow his business. He embraced the potential of his profits and used tax strategies to fuel his expansion. The other entrepreneur, however, was resistant to growth. He didn’t want his business to grow any larger because he saw taxes as a burden and believed growth would only increase his liabilities. His fear of tax liability kept him stuck.

    • I also shared the story of a family whose focus on where they were—rather than where they wanted to go—prevented their progress. They saw lack in their current situation instead of recognizing their potential. This scarcity mindset blinded them to opportunities for growth, trapping them in a cycle of limitation.

    It’s wild how lack and scarcity creep into our decisions in such subtle ways, creating significant barriers to growth. These stories illustrate how our “where,” “why,” and “what” shape our outcomes:

    • Where are you focusing? Are you stuck in your current circumstances, unable to see beyond them, or are you looking toward the potential of what’s possible?

    • Why are you making these choices? Are they rooted in fear or intentionality? A fear-driven mindset leads to evasion and stagnation, while intentionality allows you to sow seeds for the future.

    • What actions are you taking to align with abundance? Are you preserving what you have or multiplying it through thoughtful decisions?

    Key Takeaway: A mindset of lack sees only what is, while a mindset of prosperity sees what could be. Recognizing and embracing the principle of profit isn’t just about growing wealth—it’s about planting seeds for long-term impact.

    Your “where” defines your perspective, your “why” fuels your intention, and your “what” determines your growth. Choose wisely.

    “Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

    Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

    📖 Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

    📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

    👉 Don’t wait—Start your journey today: https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

  • “Yooo…Dear Entrepreneur:”

    Solve a Problem, Build Your Business

    Sometimes, what we do for business doesn’t solve a market problem—and that’s where we miss the mark. But when you focus on solving a real problem in the market, success naturally follows.

    When I first entered the world of business, it wasn’t about solving problems. It was about making more money to fund my rap career. My first venture was a janitorial company. By the grace of God, I carved out a small slice of an already saturated “red ocean” market. My success was largely built on relationships I had at the time, but when a larger company came in with a better offer, my business folded.

    Where: Early in my journey, my “where” was unclear. I started businesses to meet personal goals, not to solve meaningful problems in the marketplace. This approach limited how far I could go.

    Later, I got into barbering. Initially, it wasn’t about solving a market problem either—it was about helping my cousin build his vision. Together, we assembled a dream team of barbers. But after a few months, things shifted, and I opened my own shop. That’s when I realized I needed to ask a vital question: What problem does this solve?

    Why: The “why” behind this question is simple: solving problems creates opportunities. Our industry was oversaturated. To stand out, we focused on reducing wait times while maintaining high-quality cuts. This allowed us to carve out a loyal customer base from bigger competitors. Over time, we shifted our focus from cutting hair and found new problems to address—and that kept our business relevant.

    What: Asking “what problem does this solve?” is now central to everything I do as an entrepreneur. Along with other criteria, it drives me to think beyond personal goals and create blue ocean opportunities—spaces where innovation thrives and competition is limited.

    Key Takeaway: Your business’ success lies in solving real problems. When you align your “where” with your market’s needs, define your “why,” and take intentional steps for your “what,” you set yourself up for long-term success.

    If you’re starting—or reassessing—a business, ask yourself: What problem am I solving? The answer may unlock opportunities you never imagined.

    “Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

    Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

    📖 Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

    📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

    👉 Don’t wait—Start your journey today: https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

  • “Redefine Your Journey: A ‘Where, Why, What’ Approach to Clarity”

    Desire Is the Seed: Balancing Desire, Emotions, and Thoughts

    When I reflect on desire, I see it as a seed—small yet profound, holding within it the potential for transformation and growth. But here’s the key: not all seeds are the same. The most powerful desires—the ones that lead to purpose, fulfillment, and connection—are those that come from a place bigger than ourselves.

    These desires don’t arise from fleeting cravings or material wants. Instead, they emerge from a deep yearning to connect with something greater—be it a purpose, a calling, or even the divine. And just like seeds, these desires carry within them the directions for their own fulfillment.

    But a seed, no matter how perfect, needs the right environment to grow. This is where emotions and thoughts come into play.

    The Role of Emotions: Cultivating the Internal Environment

    Emotions create the subconscious environment in which the seed of desire can thrive. Think of emotions as the soil, water, and sunlight for the seed:

    • Positive emotions like gratitude, hope, and joy create fertile soil. They nourish the seed, allowing it to grow freely and naturally.

    • Negative emotions like fear, doubt, or impatience act as poor soil, stifling the seed’s potential before it even begins to sprout.

    Our job is to nurture an emotional state that aligns with our desires. When we align emotionally with the seed of our desire, we create the conditions for growth, even if we can’t yet see the results.

    The Role of Thoughts: Building the External Framework

    While emotions create the internal environment, our thoughts form the external framework. Thoughts organize and direct the growth of the seed. They are like a gardener who plans, structures, and protects the seed’s growth:

    • When emotions inspire positive thoughts, we begin to envision what the seed could become.

    • Our thoughts translate this vision into actionable steps, creating a pathway for the desire to manifest in the external world.

    Importantly, these thoughts aren’t about controlling or forcing growth. Instead, they guide our actions in accordance with what the seed is meant to become, not necessarily what we think it should be.

    Minimal Action and Natural Processes

    In nature, seeds grow with minimal interference. The same is true for our desires. Once we’ve cultivated the right emotional and mental environments, our actions should flow naturally, guided by the potential embedded within the seed itself.

    This doesn’t mean inaction—it means aligned action. Acting in a way that reflects the essence of our desire, even before the results appear. For example, if your desire is to start a business that empowers others, you act as though that reality already exists, letting each step align with that bigger vision.

    The Where, Why, What Framework

    To balance desire, emotions, and thoughts, we can use the Where, Why, What framework:

    1. Where: Where does this desire come from? Is it rooted in something bigger than you? Identify its source to ensure it aligns with your purpose.

    • Example: “This desire to build a community isn’t about me; it’s about helping others find clarity and connection.”

    2. Why: Why is this desire important? Understanding the deeper purpose behind your desire gives it meaning and ensures your emotions align with it.

    • Example: “The ‘why’ behind this desire is the joy of seeing others succeed and grow.”

    3. What: What steps can you take to nurture this seed? These steps include cultivating positive emotions, thinking constructively, and taking aligned actions.

    • Example: “I can start by fostering gratitude for what I already have, envisioning the community’s impact, and taking one small step, like writing a blog or hosting a discussion.”

    Key Takeaway:

    Desire is the seed, emotions are the soil, and thoughts are the gardener. Together, they create the conditions for the seed to grow into its fullest potential. The process is natural, guided by something bigger than ourselves, and when we balance these elements with care and intention, we discover that the seed already knows how to grow—it’s our job to simply create the right conditions.

    Take a moment today to ask yourself:

    • Where is your desire rooted?

    • Why does it matter?

    • What can you do right now to nurture it?

    The answers to these questions will guide you to cultivate the life you’re meant to create.

    “Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

    Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

    📖 Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

    📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

    – Don’t wait—Start your journey today: https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

  • “Yooo…Dear Entrepreneur:”

    The Power of the Pivot

    Pivoting in your business is never a sign of failure. It’s a sign of growth, awareness, and adaptability. When you pivot, you’re recognizing the need to reassess, adjust, and realign your business with the needs of the marketplace. It’s not about giving up—it’s about leveling up.

    Where: Every entrepreneur begins with a vision, a “where” they want their business to go. But as the market evolves, consumer needs change, and industries shift, it’s important to evaluate whether your current path is still leading you to that destination. Sometimes, the road you’re on isn’t the right one anymore, and that’s okay. A pivot is simply a new route to your goal.

    Why: Many businesses fail not because they lack potential but because they resist change. They hold on to outdated strategies or products, ignoring the signals that it’s time to pivot. Learning the art of the pivot is what separates successful entrepreneurs from statistics. The ability to adjust shows that you’re not just running a business—you’re leading one.

    Pivoting allows you to meet new opportunities, solve evolving problems, and stay relevant in a fast-paced world. It’s a decision rooted in awareness and intentionality, not fear or failure.

    What: So, how do you pivot effectively? Start by assessing your business. Ask yourself:

    • Are we meeting the current needs of our audience?

    • What trends or shifts are happening in the marketplace?

    • How can we adapt to better serve our customers while staying aligned with our vision?

    A successful pivot requires humility and courage. It’s about recognizing what’s not working, letting go of old ways, and embracing the opportunity to grow in new directions. Whether it’s refining your product, adopting new technology, or targeting a different audience, the key is to move forward with clarity and confidence.

    Key Takeaway: Pivoting is not failure—it’s strategy. It’s the recognition that growth requires change. Businesses that refuse to adapt fade away, while those that pivot thrive. The question isn’t whether you’ll face the need to pivot—it’s whether you’ll have the courage to embrace it when the time comes.

    Remember, your “where” may stay the same, but the path to get there might change. Trust the process, listen to the market, and be willing to make the necessary adjustments. The art of the pivot could be the difference between your business becoming a success story or just another statistic.

    Does this capture the essence of what you’re sharing? Let me know if there’s anything you’d like to adjust or expand on!

    “Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

    Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

    📖 Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

    📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

    – Don’t wait—Start your journey today: https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

  • “Redefine Your Journey: A ‘Where, Why, What’ Approach to Clarity”

    Reframing Your Past

    What if your past didn’t hold you back but instead became the foundation for your growth?

    I used to feel bound by my present circumstances, held back by the stories I told myself about my past. But everything changed when I chose to reframe my experiences. It wasn’t just freeing—it was transformational. I realized that I could use my present perspective to reinterpret the reality I was raised in.

    Understanding My Past “Where”

    Growing up, I thought my family had less than others, but now I see that wasn’t the full story. My household was modest, but it wasn’t poor. My grandfather wore Stacy Adams shoes, drove Cadillacs and Lincoln Town Cars, and was an entrepreneur my entire life. That’s not the picture of scarcity—it’s a legacy of creativity and resilience.

    Sure, my grandparents didn’t always make the best financial decisions, but they taught me some key lessons: the value of saving, the rewards of hard work, and the satisfaction of paying for the things I wanted. For years, I wondered where my entrepreneurial drive came from. But now I know—it’s always been there, passed down through the examples I witnessed growing up.

    We even had moments of abundance, but I took those for granted. Looking back, I see that those moments planted seeds of possibility in me. Reframing my past allowed me to recognize that I wasn’t starting from a place of lack—I was starting from a foundation of abundance, lessons, and opportunity.

    Liberating My Present “Why”

    When I felt bound in the present, it wasn’t because of my circumstances. It was because of the meaning I had assigned to my past. I was holding onto a narrative that kept me stuck. Reframing my past gave me the freedom to reinterpret those experiences and reclaim their power.

    I no longer see my past as a burden but as a source of strength. Every challenge taught me something, and every setback helped me grow. This shift in perspective changed how I show up today. I no longer feel weighed down by the past—I feel empowered by it.

    The Power of Reframing

    Reframing is about changing the meaning you assign to past events so they empower, rather than limit, your present and future. Here’s how it works:

    1. Memory and Perception:

    Your memories aren’t static. Every time you reflect on them, you have the opportunity to reshape their impact.

    • Instead of focusing on what went wrong, focus on what you learned.

    2. Neuroscience of Reframing:

    When you reframe your past, your brain creates new neural pathways. You’re literally rewiring yourself to respond differently to challenges in the future.

    3. Causality in Psychology:

    By assigning new meaning to your past, you unlock a different present and future. For example:

    • Past Narrative: “That challenge defeated me.”

    • Reframe: “That challenge made me stronger.”

    • Result: Confidence to face new challenges with resilience.

    Living in Alignment with My “Where”

    Reframing my past has allowed me to embrace the idea that my past, present, and future are all connected. The lessons I’ve learned fuel my current actions, and my mindset today shapes the future I’m building.

    Here’s how I practice this alignment:

    1. Reflect on Abundance:

    I regularly revisit my past with a gratitude mindset, focusing on the abundance I experienced and the lessons I’ve carried forward.

    2. Celebrate My Entrepreneurial Legacy:

    I honor my roots by sharing my story and using it to inspire others. My grandfather’s entrepreneurial spirit is now part of my own journey.

    3. Visualize My Future “Where”:

    I actively picture my future self thriving and looking back on my past with gratitude. That future vision motivates my present actions and helps me stay focused on my goals.

    Key Take Away:

    Reframe, Reclaim, and Move Forward

    Your past doesn’t define you—it informs you. It’s not a weight you carry; it’s a resource you can draw from. Reframing your past allows you to reclaim its lessons and use them to build the life you want.

    When you change the way you see your past, you unlock new possibilities for your present and future. So, ask yourself:

    • What stories about your past are holding you back?

    • How can you reframe those stories to move forward?

    • What lessons from your past can you use to empower your journey today?

    The power to reframe your past is already within you. Your story isn’t fixed—it’s evolving. And with each new perspective, you have the opportunity to grow stronger, wiser, and more aligned with the future you’re creating.

    “Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

    Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

    📖 Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

    📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

    – Don’t wait—Start your journey today: https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

  • “Yooo…Dear Entrepreneur:”

    The Power of Being Right Once

    In the journey of entrepreneurship, you only need to be right once. That single “yes,” breakthrough idea, or pivotal decision can transform your business and set you on the path to success. But here’s the truth: while being right once can change your future, the missteps along the way can cost time, money, and energy. That’s where mentorship comes in.

    Where: Every entrepreneur starts with a dream—a “where” they envision. But navigating the road to that dream is rarely straightforward. Mistakes are inevitable, but they don’t have to define your journey.

    Why: The “why” behind mentorship is simple: it’s about leveraging experience. The right mentor doesn’t just offer advice; they provide a roadmap, helping you avoid the wrong turns they’ve already navigated. They shorten your learning curve, save you from unnecessary mistakes, and challenge you to think bigger.

    What: So, what steps can you take today? Seek out mentors who align with your values and vision. Learn from their successes—and their failures. Surround yourself with people who’ve been where you want to go. They’ll push you closer to your “right once” moment.

    The entrepreneurial path isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. With the right mentor by your side, you’ll spend less time worrying about what could go wrong and more time preparing for what will go right. Remember: you don’t have to be right every time. You just need to be intentional—and be right when it matters most.

    Key Takeaway: Your “where” is your destination. Mentorship bridges the gap between your “why” and your “what.” Choose wisely, act boldly, and success will follow.

    “Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

    Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

    📖 Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

    📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

    – Don’t wait—Start your journey today: https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney

  • “Yooo…Dear Entrepreneur:”

    Is Your Business an Asset or a Liability?

    As entrepreneurs, we often start our journeys with dreams of creating freedom—financial, personal, or otherwise. But as I’ve learned, the real question isn’t just about starting a business; it’s about evaluating whether the business you’ve built is an asset or a liability. This distinction can make all the difference between a life of compounded success and one tied to perpetual struggle.

    Where: The starting point for many entrepreneurs is the desire to deliver value to the world through their unique gifts. However, the path we take often determines whether that business brings freedom or chains. A liability drains your resources—time, money, and energy—while giving little in return. In contrast, an asset creates a multiplying effect, compounding its value over time and freeing you to focus on growth.

    Why: The “why” behind this evaluation is simple: sustainability and long-term freedom. Many entrepreneurs, especially those who look like me, unknowingly create businesses that operate as liabilities. These businesses take more than they give, tying us to constant work and preventing us from building true wealth. What was meant to provide independence ends up feeling like handcuffs.

    In the self-employed space, we’re often stuck in a cycle of buying our own jobs—working tirelessly day in and day out. This is not the same as owning a business that works for us. The difference lies in whether the business operates as an asset—something that compounds value—or a liability that merely adds to our workload.

    What: To shift from liabilities to assets, start by asking yourself these critical questions:

    • Does my business produce value that compounds over time?

    • Are there systems in place that allow the business to operate without me?

    • Is my business multiplying my life, or is it merely adding—and potentially subtracting later?

    True assets create a compounding effect. They multiply their value, whether through interest, passive income, or scalable systems. On the other hand, businesses that only add without multiplying eventually lead to subtraction and division. For example, a business reliant entirely on your constant presence and energy is a liability in disguise—it takes without giving back.

    The shift from self-employed to investor is key. As an entrepreneur, your goal should be to own businesses, not just work in them. This means building systems, leveraging resources, and focusing on scalable models that allow your business to thrive without your daily input. When you create businesses that can generate income and freedom simultaneously, you’re no longer just adding value—you’re compounding it.

    Key Takeaway: Addition without multiplication is unsustainable. Your business must work for you, not the other way around. The question to ask yourself is simple but powerful: Is my business an asset or a liability? If it’s the latter, it’s time to reimagine and rebuild.

    Assets give you freedom, scalability, and wealth over time. Liabilities take more than they give, leaving you stuck in a cycle of diminishing returns. Choose wisely. The world doesn’t just need your gift—it needs it packaged in a way that multiplies value for you and those you serve.

    “Two Books, One Mission: Your Guide to Clarity and Purpose”

    Ready to take the next step in redefining your goals and gaining clarity? Discover the tools and insights you need with my books:

    📖 Where Why What: Unlock the Secret to Clarify Your Goals – Learn how to clarify your vision, take intentional action, and achieve your dreams.

    📖 The Where Factor: From Adoption to Entrepreneurship – A powerful book aligning past, present, and future for success.

    – Don’t wait—Start your journey today: https://linktr.ee/thechrischaney