Life Change: an interview with Lynn Terry

I want to introduce Lynn Terry I interviewed Lynn, asking her some questions about what made her tick and how she got to where she is today, a very successful woman.

Lynn Terry has overcome a lot of adversity in her life, to reach success. And not just financial success, but a complete lifestyle change as well. A single mother of two with no college education, and an incredible number of life challenges you wouldn’t wish on anyone – she turned it all around in a few short years. She now has a lifestyle to envy: Lynn travels the world, works from home, employs both of her children in her successful business, and is happier than she has ever been in her life…

• Have you always considered yourself a strong person?

No, not at all. For many years, especially through my 20’s, I really felt like a victim of circumstance. I used to jokingly refer to myself as the “queen of adversity” (laugh).

Even with a strong vision, and a genuine desire to make dramatic life change, I never imagined just how good it could get. But no, I wouldn’t say I was a strong person. I was unsure of myself, but also desperate for change – enough so to try anything, do everything, and *make* it happen.

• When you were at your lowest point, what kept you going?

My two children. Definitely. Anytime I felt discouraged, or tired, one look at my children would remind me of what I wanted out of life – and why.

Often we will do things for others, that we wouldn’t do for ourselves. I am grateful for the drive and motivation they’ve given me to create a better lifestyle, and to be a good role model for them.

• Do you have any regular practice to help you stay sane? (meditation, going for walks, drinking a bottle of scotch, that sort of thing )

LOL – no scotch here

But yes, I do have ways to keep personal balance and to stay grounded in my goals. Life can be overwhelming sometimes, no matter what your circumstances. For me life is a combination of home owner, business owner, and single mother to two teenagers – among other things, of course.

I make it a point to celebrate the small things. Sunrise and Sunset for example – I like to spend a few moments on the deck every day to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of another day starting and ending.

I also take afternoon naps. Non-nappers tend to think that us nap folks are “lazy” (laugh). I am one of the most driven and productive people you’ll ever meet, so that’s certainly not the case. For me, a nap is a great way to take time for myself, stay rested, and renew my energy. I’m a big fan of The Power of

Full Engagement – a great book, highly recommended if you haven’t read it yet.

A 2-mile walk, preferably in the early morning, does wonders for my energy levels, and is a time I do much of my thinking and planning.

I also treat myself frequently – favorite meals, time with friends, day trips, movies, etc. Too much of life can be spent working towards the future, which is important, but we also have to enjoy the present as well.

• Do you have any heroes/heroines that you try to pattern your life after?

My grandmother inspired me deeply, and continues to inspire me even now that she’s gone: http://www.clicknewz.com/2050/personal-inspiration/ . I always considered her to be an incredibly strong woman, but in that note I reveal how I discovered some of her doubts and weak moments… and how incredibly inspiring that was.

There are a lot of people that I look up to and admire, and I am a big fan of success stories. Conversations With Millionaires, and similar anthologies

make up some of my favorite reading.

No matter where you are in life, there are always people behind you and ahead of you. I love looking forward and seeing new examples and models to consider for my own path. And as I’ve progressed in my own life and business, I’ve had the opportunity to help others move forward as well.

We are all exactly where we are, right now. It’s a great thing to accept that as it is. But to also look around and take note, both of where you want to be – and where you do not want to be.

• If you had to rank the following items, how would you rank them? Persistence, faith or belief, confidence, positive attitude.

Persistence
Positive Attitude
Faith or Belief
Confidence

I ranked them in that order, because sometimes you have to achieve a small taste of success before you can feel positive – or before belief truly kicks in. And certainly before you feel confident.

Even when I had no idea if I would achieve the desired result, was full of personal doubt, and not at all sure of myself… it was being both persistent and consistent that got me where I needed to be.

• If you were left penniless and alone tomorrow, what personal quality would get you back on your feet?

Desperation? haha…

Great question. When we’re put in a situation of “sink or swim” – we swim. That’s human nature. Sometimes the worst of circumstances… can be the greatest turning point of your life.

• Knowing what you know now, what would you tell yourself twenty years ago?

I often think how nice it would be to revisit the woman I was then, and assure her that the change would indeed change. That great things would happen… and that all would turn out well.

I would paint her a picture of who she would become, and encourage her to push harder – and to work faster – to make it all happen even sooner.

I can only imagine how much easier my life would have been… if I could have known, and felt confident in my path. Doubt and fear, and uncertainty, are such negative forces. But they can also be that necessary driving force to perpetuate life change.

Thanks Lynn,
Here’s to You!

P.S. Lynn gave you the link to her blog and the post about her grandmother, here is the link to the forum that she runs and I belong to. If you are interested in her Elite membership here is the link for that. I am an Elite member and cannot believe all I have learned!