I Think I Can, I Think I Can

The Little Engine That Could certainly had it right when he proclaimed his ability to do anything if he set his mind to it. In fact, it is my firm opinion that in most cases it is our self-limiting beliefs that prohibit us from attaining what it is we both want and deserve. The human mind is incredibly good at negative self-talk that can debate the opposing side of any argument regardless of its owners stance. The key is to be smarter than our brain.

Every day I encounter daycare providers who do not share the positive outlook of The Little Engine. They come up with reasons and excuses why they could never operate like the successful daycare provider down the street or across the city or on-line. They tell themselves that contracts would refused, policies disregarded and that fee increases would result in empty nap mats. They wallow in their self imposed limitations and lack of faith. In short, they are not willing to put it all out there and demand what is rightfully theirs. Instead, they continue to live in unhappy business relationships out of fear and lack of assertion. These providers are scared.

When the leaves began falling from the trees and the smell of fermenting foliage started to permeate the air I ran into a fellow neighbourhood provider on one of our park outings. We exchanged small talk and openings and then, as always, the conversation turned to rates. The provider confided that she charged thirty dollars per day and was very much wanting to increase her rate schedule to match the current inflationary times. This provider asked me what I charged for daily care. When I informed her that my current fees were thirty-five dollars a day and I anticipated an increase to thirty-six dollars in January her eyes became Pug-like. The look on her face said it all. She was envious and at the same time a little unnerved by the fact that a colleague, less that a kilometer from her own home and daycare was earning twenty-five to thirty dollars more per day. She then asked me how it was I managed to collect such exorbitant fees. My response - I simply demand to be paid what I am worth.

Why do so many providers share the mindset of my neighbourhood park provider? Why is it they live in fear of money? Why do they not demand what is rightfully theirs - a fair wage for a fair days work? It boggles my mind. I know a secret. And that secret is that if those same providers just changed their mindset their lives could be a lot more fulfilling. They could attract parents and children who regard their polices. They could attract parents who value their worth and therefore their fees. And when a parent, or anyone for that matter, places value in something they pay on time and never complain about the cost. But, as they say, you can not sell what you do not own. So, how do you "own it" ? Owning "IT" refers to the sense of self. It is knowing, unequivocally that you are worthy. That you are desiring, and that dammit, you are going to be rewarded for your worth.

Often times in life a change will be made in business relationships when you reach the final straw. There will come a time when a situation will occur with a daycare family wherein you get so angry and resentful, feeling used and unappreciated that you tell yourself, "never, ever again". In these times anger is your friend. It propels you into action and is a strong motivator for change. Luckily for me, this moment came very early in my daycare career. And, being a type A personality it took only one incident before I learned that there will never be a parent who takes care of me. Judy must take care of Judy. Only Judy is responsible for the misgivings of others when they take advantage. We teach people how to treat us.

I wonder if that same park provider would find her eyes bulging out of her head if she knew that along with implementing that fee increase I also included some policy changes and a few stringent rules into my 2010 contracts? I'm pretty confident she would think my contract too strict and far too risky. I do not share her doubt. I know I am worth every penny. I would like to assume the parents of the children in my care share that sentiment as well. However, as always, there is my favourite word hollered out when a family does not wish to succumb to my worth. That word is "NEXT"!

If providers wait for someone else to find their worth for them they will die waiting. Financial opportunities will be missed and many headaches will be experienced. The wonderful fact is that every provider has the opportunity to dispel those self-limiting beliefs; that negative doubting Thomas that lives within our brains. My advice? Invite doubting Thomas to lunch and give him a bag to go. He is not worthy of your worth.

Now is an opportune time to think about you. Clear out those cobwebs of doubt that create obstacles to your path to success and fulfillment. Demand what you want. Demand what you deserve. Once you have realized your full potential open up your word processor and amend your contract. Hand out that contract to all your families with assertiveness and faith. You might be amazed what you will attract.

If the Little Engine can do it so can you. After all, isn't that the story you tell all the children in your care each and every day? Start walking the walk and talking the talk. In short, stop the hypocrisy. You too can do it!

For concerns, advice or suggestions I welcome your email at judytrickett@yahoo.ca