As a yoga instructor, Karen Whittier knows how valuable yoga can be in improving the practitioner’s health and wellness. She believes having good health translates to a high quality of life. She is passionate about extending yoga’s health & wellness for all and is commited to not only empowering people to take control over their own health, but make a difference in the health of others. She can be reached at www.EmbraceActivism.com.

Each week we offer a brief Passioneer® podblast on an aspect of thriving and giving back.  If you would like to share one or other wisdom, ideas, or comments, please let us know below.  Thanks and Happy Passioneering!

Karen’s PodBlast (downloadable version at bottom) and below is the transcript:

SZO:  What are the biggest barriers for budding Passioneers as they move into activism or philanthropy?

Fear of failure or not doing enough. When you’re fueled by passion for a cause you want to make an impact, not just participate. I participated in many events to raise funds/awareness for a variety of diseases—mostly to help in the fight against breast cancer.  Those were amazing experiences where I met people that’d gone through so much.  The admiration I have for  them knows no bounds.   I learned of others that also had gone through a lot, but whether their disease wasn’t found in time or they were under-insured—whatever the reason, the disease ended their life.  I saw the pain of that loss in their loved ones…and empathized, then got angry, and finally determined.  I wanted to empower people to take more control/responsibility over their own health AND contribute to making health better for others.

It can be a daunting, even overwhelming, task once you decide to take the risk to DO something.  Keeping realistic expectations and understanding this is the beginning of a journey can help keep things in perspective.  A quote of Helen Keller’s speaks to doing and doing what you can:  “I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;  and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse something that I can do.” And think of the ripples made from tossing a stone into a lake–that single act has discussions that expand and grow.  You may never know the extent of your actions, but they might be just the spark that sets aflame another’s passion.

SZO: What are your top three tips for these Passioneers to succeed and thrive as activists?

1.  Crystallize your vision–What are you trying to accomplish?  Who are/what are you wanting to benefit?  Setting your goals in clear and specific language will insure you don’t get sidetracked and avoid expending resources–often limited resources– needlessly/unnecessarily.

Typically Passioneers are caring individuals–caring about a lot of things.  But you need to be careful.  For example, if you’ve got products that are specifically suited to children, it wouldn’t make any sense to donate your products to an auction benefitting the environment.  Sure, there could be parents there, but more than likely your products just wouldn’t be on the radar screen of the environmentalists.  If you do want to get some product exposure AND help raise funds for an organization the more effective route would be to align yourself with a charity geared to helping children.

2. Form your support group, a group consisting of people who can advise on business matters  offering honest feedback/advice with individuals that are knowledgeable in their areas of expertise.

I saved myself a ton of headaches and probably a lot of money by using a company leader in importing.  They were more expensive than some, but the personal, customer service I received and the peace of mind knowing all the i’s were dotted and t’s crossed were invaluable.

3.  Recognize the path to success rarely goes straight forward

In addition to the business support group, have a personal support group; one that gives encouragement during those inevitable hiccups.  Posting inspirational quotes like the one above from Helen Keller can help keep your eyes on the goal and periodically reviewing the why(s) and for whom you started this passioneering will help you ride out the bumpy road to success.

I have 3 quotes that resonate for me and together with the Helen Keller quote that essentially sum up the how and why of me and what I’m doing:

• “You create your own destiny.” Anonymous
• “The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” William James
• “Yoga teaches us to cure what cannot be endured and endure what cannot be cured.” BKS Iyengar

SZO:  What three resources do you recommend for these Passioneers to check out in this area?

1. Make use of groups that are in the business of supporting business such as the SBA, Chamber of Commerce.  Networking groups offer great opportunities to meet like-minded  people; get advice or recommendations; and make contact with potential customers/clients.  Similar to the donating product scenario above, checking on the networking group’s focus/interests will save you a lot of time and effort.  Sure the people could be fascinating and engaging, but if their businesses revolve around high fashion, how will that help you with your children’s products?  Also be wary of groups with members that thrust their business card in front of your face; give you their elevator speech and scan the room for their next conquest even before you’ve had time to give your name.  Again, in these situations they will NOT remember you or what you do.
2. Get involved with social media.  Create a Facebook fan, Twitter and LinkedIn pages to name a few options.  This is another situation where you must evaluate the sincerity of the other person/business before liking or following.  You’ve got to weigh whether you clutter up your page with a non-stop pitches from a serial poster or think of it as a potential link to a possible consumer.
3. Introduce yourself/company goals to the organizations you want to support.  I would recommend writing a letter as opposed to email and following up with phone call.

SZO:  Anything else?

Take time for yourself.  Indulge in something that brings you joy.  Passioneers have incredible amounts of energy, but even they can suffer burnout.  Don’t expect to be superhuman or selfless…take care of yourself so you’re able to take care of others.

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