The Business of a healthy YOU!

      Let’s meet  Patrice Hooper and she lives in Maryland with her two wonderful children, Brandon, age 16 and Alexandra, age 12. She works for an unbelievable company that specializes in helping people improve their health. She is a passionate entrepreneur who cares about what we do and the difference we make in people’s lives.

How much research did you do before you made your move?

I have enjoyed what this company has to offer for nearly 8 years as a faithful customer. It was a

Natural transition to begin working with the company and sharing with others what I have enjoyed this entire time!

 What did your friends say when you told them about your dream

The response has been mixed. There are those that will support you no matter what you do and others that live their lives based on safety. I love my friends and cherish them dearly but I would not base my life decisions on their opinions alone. I value their input but the ultimate fire and belief has to come from within me.

Did you have any people who did not believe in you?

I am not certain they did not believe in me per se. The doubts were more industry based. There are many people that believe that the only successful career decision is to get a safe job. Any sort of entrepreneurial endeavor is not open for consideration.

Describe a life-defining moment of change?

My life defining moment happened after my marriage of 20 years, business and business partnership of 10 years all fell apart in a six month period. I was certain that my life was over. I was down for the count. I floundered for a little while but eventually decided that the only way out of any crisis is through. The more you avoid the hard trials, the more likely they are to follow you. Sometimes, it is only by facing all of your trials, tests and demons head on that you come up higher and propel yourself forward.

 Did you have moments of doubts about what you wanted to do, and how did you overcome it?

Trial and error to be honest. I knew that what I wanted was possible but I doubted I had the ability and tenacity achieve it. I tried taking an easier path and that was more difficult than actually pressing forward.

What did you do to stay motivated through the process

A desire to show my kids that it was possible to overcome adversity. I did not want them to think that throwing in the towel when times were tough was the right course in life. Life is full of challenges and sometimes you have to push through to a brighter tomorrow.

Did you ever get down on yourself because you felt like you were not making progress?

Absolutely! Fortunately for me I was surrounded by supported friends and colleagues. I was willing to listen, learn, try and re-evaluate when needed.

What advice would you give the person who is reading this blog and has been hesitant about granting themselves the permission to succeed?

Pray. Seek. Dig deep. Think about what your life will really be like if you do not step outside of your comfort zone. The prize is sweeter than defeat could ever be!

Five years from now what’s your dream? Five years ago where did you want to be and are you closer or have you achieved your dream?

10 years from now my youngest child will be graduating college. My home will be paid for in full. I will be debt free and in great health. I will travel. I will achieve these life enriching goals because my company and business will flourish between now and then. Five years ago I was six-figures deep in debt, in danger of losing my home, nearly 100 pounds heavier, spiritually disconnected and just interested in surviving. Where I wanted to be now is just surviving. Because I was not willing to dream big then, I did not give myself permission. In spite of that, I have paid off most of the debt, saved my home, have lost about 90 pounds and have a richer spiritual life than I ever have before. Now that I have given myself permission to succeed, I am looking forward to the next 5-10 year span.

 

What advice or motivation would you like to leave the readers about giving yourself permission to succeed?

No one else can grant it but you.

You can learn more about Patrice and her business  at

www.patricehooper.com

Email: PatriceShooper@yahoo.com