Sunday Newsletter - Wisdom and Competencies (25 Feb 2024)

Sunday Newsletter 

Hello Friends,

I am sipping water today and having a snack while I write (a bacon butty – lunch really).

I am hoping you are enjoying the perfect day, no matter the weather and that you are having a blessed and joyful weekend.

This Weeks Business Boost!

This week I am sharing a blog on wisdom from Ray Edwards.

Personally, I feel we’re all being called to be wiser in our lives.

Much of life today, in my opinion, is lived at a surface level, with fast and short lived ‘stimulants/rewards’ often the focus of our attention. Whether that’s in the form of Netflix, Alcohol, Celebrity Gossip, etc., with little use of critical thinking, intuitive guidance and wisdom.

What is Wisdom – (Heather’s perspective)

When I trained as an NLP Practitioner, Master practitioner and Trainer we were shown the Four Stages of Competence. You may be aware of them.

Here’s a quick overview:

The Four Stages of Competence

Unconscious incompetence

The individual does not understand or know how to do something and does not necessarily recognize the deficit. They may deny the usefulness of the skill. The individual must recognise their own incompetence, and the value of the new skill, before moving on to the next stage. The length of time an individual spends in this stage depends on the strength of the stimulus to learn.

Conscious incompetence

Though the individual does not understand or know how to do something, he or she does recognize the deficit, as well as the value of a new skill in addressing the deficit. The making of mistakes can be integral to the learning process at this stage.

Conscious competence

The individual understands or knows how to do something. However, demonstrating the skill or knowledge requires concentration. It may be broken down into steps, and there is heavy conscious involvement in executing the new skill.

Unconscious competence

The individual has had so much practice with a skill that it has become “second nature” and can be performed easily. As a result, the skill can be performed while executing another task. The individual may be able to teach it to others, depending upon how and when it was learned.

I think of Unconscious competence as having a big part to play in gaining wisdom.

Wisdom for me is about having lived the experience.

For example, you can read a book about swimming, you can even dip your toe in the water or paddle in the shallows. True wisdom about swimming comes from hours of practice and swimming in different environments, understanding how temperature and location impacts style and ability. You may be a competent swimmer in an Olympic pool, yet out at sea is a whole different experience.

I personally believe it takes massive self-awareness to be wise about something. To be able to learn from mistakes and successes so that your learning, is conscious, unconscious and beyond. It becomes a level of knowing.

Let’s hear from Ray Edwards…

Above All, Get Wisdom!

Many speak of accumulating wealth, but few about gaining wisdom. Yet wealth without wisdom spells disaster. 

The awful plight of lottery winners is legendary. A person who has not experienced the self-discipline and hardships necessary to accumulate, manage, and view wealth in a healthy manner suddenly comes into a vast fortune and it becomes their ruin. Experts tell us that within a few years they’re broke not only financially but often morally, relationally and in every other way.

They and we need wisdom!

Wisdom is like love in that it possesses infinite application. Like love, wisdom’s depths are unfathomable and its resources and benefits beyond measure.

In the Bible, there’s a book called Proverbs, or The Book of Wisdom. King Solomon, purportedly the wisest and one of the wealthiest men who ever lived, wrote this book on wisdom.

Solomon urges us to gain wisdom above all else.

 “Wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” (Proverbs 8:11) He counsels us to obtain wisdom regardless of the financial cost.
He tells us to never forsake wisdom but cherish and embrace it and wisdom will reward you beyond your wildest dreams! (Proverbs 4:5-9) But what is wisdom?

What is wisdom?

Wisdom is applied knowledge. Knowledge by itself can make one proud and foolish, but properly applied knowledge is winsome, thoughtful, and prudent.

In fact, true wisdom has many companions. Some of which include:

‹ Prudence

‹ Knowledge

‹ Discernment

‹ Discretion

‹ Understanding

‹ Righteousness

‹ Humbleness

‹ Focus

‹ Generosity

‹ Patience

‹ Perseverance

‹ Forgiveness

‹ Grace

‹ Mercy

‹ Willingness to receive correction

‹ Self-discipline

‹ Diligence

‹ Insight

‹ The fear of God

From this list we see that wisdom is as much a moral character trait as it is an intellectual one. That’s perhaps the biggest difference between knowledge and wisdom.

Any fool or jerk can possess knowledge. But it takes someone with integrity to possess wisdom.

How We Gain Wisdom

We are not simply endowed with wisdom at birth. Instead, wisdom comes with deliberate pursuit and application.

So how do we obtain wisdom—this all-important trait?

1. Fear God.
In the list of wisdom’s companions above, fearing God may have surprised you. But Solomon insists that the beginning of wisdom, or the place to start for obtaining wisdom is to fear God. (Proverbs 9:10) Fearing God in this sense is not being afraid of Him, but rather revering and honoring Him.

And Solomon explains further, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6)

You may not consider yourself a religious person. That’s okay. This isn’t about religion, but a relationship. Seeking a relationship with God is a great place to start in your pursuit of wisdom. God’s words are recorded in the Bible, so we can gain wisdom and understanding through reading the Bible and applying its truths to our lives.

2. Spend time with wise people.

Solomon explains, “Walk with the wise and become wise.” (Proverbs 13:20)
We become like those with whom we spend time. At the end of that passage, Solomon warns, “But a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Even without conscious thought about what we’re doing, we become like those we hangout with.  

This principle not only applies to our daily lives and those we socialize with, but also concerns the events and seminars we attend and even the podcasts we listen to.

When we associate with others who are wise, their wisdom rubs off on us.

We become like them in this respect. We become wise through interaction and relationship with them.

3. Read much.

We already mentioned this in passing, but it merits its own point. If wisdom is applied knowledge, then obtaining knowledge and understanding goes hand-in-hand with wisdom. Read a wide variety of literature that will help you grow both as a person and an entrepreneur or business owner.

Reading the wisdom of others who have experienced the hardships and struggles of building a business and dealing with life itself is another way of spending time with someone we might not otherwise meet. In this way, we can learn from the greats!

4. Accept discipline.

Solomon advises, “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.” (Proverbs 19:20) This refers to receiving counsel, or even a rebuke from someone we trust.

But this also applies to implementing self-discipline in our lives. There is no wisdom in living a reckless, undisciplined life. At the same time, we’re not talking about a super-structured, vanilla, dull, boring lifestyle here. Wisdom is always coupled with moderation and prudence.

5. Put away pride.

“With pride comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” (Proverbs 11:2) This is a no-brainer!

If we are going to fear God, spend time with wise people, read and learn from others and accept their counsel, all that requires a level of humility. We’re admitting that we don’t know it all. We don’t have it altogether. If we did, we wouldn’t need anybody else.

Wisdom admits our own need for the help and guidance of others. Pride is off-putting. Humbleness is winsome.

With humility and wisdom we attract others. In fact, as we become wise, we become for others what we sought in those to whom we go for wisdom. 

Let’s run with those thoughts for a moment. If wisdom really is more precious than wealth, that’s what we want to attract others to—our wisdom, not our wealth.

Think about this in terms of your business. In what ways can you offer the precious gift of wisdom to others today?

Whether we realize it or not, people are hungry for and clamouring after wisdom. Will they find it embodied in you?
Ray Edwards

Choosing Happy Podcast Update

In this week’s episode I am exploring ‘Doing the Unthinkable’.

When was the last time you did the unthinkable in your life?

I share a tale or two about times that I have done the unthinkable, and a 3 step process for Unthinkable Living.

Episode 58 – Doing the Unthinkable,  - Have a listen and let me know what you think.

The episode is published tomorrow (Monday 26^th Feb) at 10 am (UK).

You can listen on your favourite podcast host or on the website at www.choosinghappypodcast.com

A Very Special Offer for February - Updated!

I have added additional Business and Life Coaching Sessions at rock bottom prices this week. We’re in a time of tumultuous change. If you are caught up in overwhelm or you just want to work out a pivot or updated business strategy, then book a call and let’s get you moving.

If you are looking for clarity and direction these sessions are perfect for that.

If you find you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious or fearful, you may find these sessions massively beneficial in helping to release blocks and get back on track. 

I know, for my clients, the energies of change are challenging and a lot of limiting beliefs and patterns seem to be coming up for clearing.

That's why I am adding dates to my February Coaching offer for the final week.

You can join a Group mini-mentoring and strategy session - max of 4 people to unpack your challenges and identify success steps in your business, 2 hour session for £57 each. 
Tuesday 27th Feb - 11am - 1pm.

1-1 business coaching (clarity, copy, clients) clearing blocks, strategy review, tech funnel support, or whatever you are struggling with - 90 minutes £120

or 1-1 personal laser coaching (90 minutes) working with your fears, challenges and show-stoppers, using intuitive coaching, NLP, hypnosis, timeline or whatever the universe indicates (£97). Sessions available between 11am and 2pm Wed 28, Thurs 29 and Fri 1st.

Message me (or email [email protected]) if you want to book a session or if you have any questions.

If you are struggling in your business and want to explore strategies, growth options and more, why not arrange a chat to see if this is the right fit for you? 

For February only, I am offering 1-1 sessions at over 50% of my usual fee. 

 Advanced Booking is Essential. Email: [email protected] for the session and booking details.  

Are You Concerned About The Increasing Risk of A Global Financial Crash?

Wednesday 28th February 2024 - 8 pm UK
Limited to 40 attendees. 

If you are unsure of how to prepare to thrive through a global financial collapse, this short workshop cuts through the fluff and presents 5 options you can begin to take action on today!

I will give you the tools to navigate the choppy waters. I'll show you how to look at the entire picture, rather than just focusing on the immediate situation. I’ll help you to understand what changes can be made today that will have long-term benefits, as well as short-term relief. 

I am excited to facilitate a masterclass that helps you  identify the steps you can take to create a secure foundation for you, your family and your business, and to create a map for yourself for to to navigate your unique journey.

I invite you to think differently and take new steps to discover the possibilities and solutions for thriving through a financial collapse.

NOTE: this is an educational workshop based on my experience, knowledge and opinion, and is NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE.

Find out more and how to register here:
https://www.takingyourbusinessonline.com/registration-page 

That's it for this week!

Details of current ways to work with me are below.

And always remember, if you fancy a coffee and a chat, I am only an email away.

Wishing you a week blessed with new beginnings, happy endings, good health, prosperity, grace and ease!

May love, peace and healing surround you. May your families and friends be safe in these times.

Until next week!

To your happiness and prosperity, 

Heather 

Heather V Masters

Chief Coach, Trainer and  Facilitator of Magic 

Taking Your Business Online and Choosing Happy Podcast 

Email: [email protected]

P.S. If you are interested in copywriting services and creating a portfolio for your business drop me a line and we can arrange to chat. I have 1 space left.

Exclusive invitation

I have a VIP Mastermind day in March, for 4 Entrepreneurs who are wanting to review goals, strategies, growth, content and more. You can find the details here:
https://heather-masters.mykajabi.com/VIP_mastermind 
 

New 1-1 coaching Package- It's here!

Finally, It’s Your Turn to Experience Magic Business Growth  

When you enrol in the Facilitating Magic Business Growth Coaching program today, you’ll get the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving extraordinary success in your business.  

✅ Master the art of business growth and expansion
✅ Release limiting beliefs and blocks that are holding you back
✅ Harness the power of mindset and intuition for unstoppable success
✅ Build resilience and leadership skills to navigate any challenge
✅ Create a business that thrives independently from traditional financial systems  

It all comes as part of this comprehensive six-month coaching program. You'll receive personalized 1-1 coaching sessions, along with access to a supporting video series that will provide additional guidance and insights. With a total value of £15,000, this program is designed to help you achieve extraordinary results and take your business to new heights. Don't miss out on this opportunity for transformational growth. Email me today to find out more!  

Over the course of six months, you'll receive personalized 1-1 coaching aimed at unlocking your business's full potential. We'll work together to release blocks, develop a growth mindset, tap into intuition, and build resilience and leadership skills. Our goal is to help you create a business that thrives independently of traditional financial systems and centralised control, and irrespective of the chaos in the world.

If you would like to know more, drop me an email and Iet's get your questions answered.
Email: [email protected]