Lan Phan

Keep on progressing and moving forward.

This includes leaving spaces and places where you’re not appreciated or that you’ve outgrown.

You were not made to live a small life. Live the life you aspire, but first you must grow.

You must change.
You must learn.
You must become.

Growth is painful.
But not as painful as being stuck in relations and places that no longer serve you.

You deserve better.
God didn’t put you on this earth to live small.

Can I get an amen?

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

Don’t let your past dictate who you are in the present.

See your past as a valuable lesson propelling you to grow rather than a life sentence dooming you to repeat past mistakes.

The past and future are all mental states.

In regards to the past, present and future: be in the present moment, it is the one thing that truly exists.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

In my 30s I left SF for NY heartbroken after a bad breakup. I quit my job and had nothing lined up. I was jobless for months and felt I had reached my peak. Hundreds of resumes and applications sent with no reply. I thought it was only downhill for me moving forward.

Little did I realize it was just the start of my journey, not the end.

I met my husband and got married in my mid-30s.

I had my daughter at 40.

I found my life purpose after getting laid off from what I thought was my dream job and soon founded community of SEVEN at 45.

God’s delays are not God’s denial.
Keep going.

This is only the beginning for you. Rewrite the story if you’re not happy with how it’s going. Just don’t quit!

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

As leaders within our homes, workplaces, and communities, our primary responsibility is to cultivate and nurture future leaders.

Our role involves:

Inspiring: We must serve as a wellspring of inspiration, igniting the passion and drive in those we lead.

Empowering: Our duty is to empower others to realize their fullest potential and excel in their pursuits.

Enriching the World: We are tasked with leaving a lasting, positive impact on the world, striving to improve it with our actions.

Legacy Building: Even when our journey ends, we aim to establish a legacy of influence that endures, shaping future generations.

Authentic leadership, fundamentally, is not self-centered. Instead, it centers on the collective growth of those we lead. Leadership's essence lies in elevating everyone in our sphere, motivating them to conquer the seemingly insurmountable.

Agree or disagree?

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

Quote credit: Alexander den Heijer

When I was younger, I eagerly anticipated my next vacation or PTO so I could just pause and breathe.

Sound familiar?

If you feel like you have to escape your life each day, you need to revisit the choices you make.

You shouldn’t be content on just surving when you deserve to thrive.

Schedule time for your mental and physical health. Prioritize joy and happiness. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you.

Self-care is more than bubblebaths and vacation days. Self-care is the output from the daily decisions we make each day that ultimately shape our future selves.

Here's the corresponding video/audio for this post: https://lnkd.in/gqycuWNb

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

As we come closer to starting a new year, let us collectively let go of the fears that hold us down.

Starting has always the most difficult part of the journey because all of our doubts and insecurities can be tied up with that initial step.

The funny thing is that once we take the second step, it gets progressively easier as we grow more confident — we build muscle memory.

Whatever you’ve been wanting to start, just do it.

Take that first step and then the next.

Don’t focus on your fears, just move towards the direction of your dreams.

You got this!

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

Don't let other people's expectations of you become your ceiling in life.

Not everyone is going to believe in you, and that's okay.

I wouldn't have done what I've done personally and professionally if I had listened to the naysayers.

Their doubt is a reflection of their belief system and limits. You can choose to believe them or not. The choice is yours.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

If you’ve ever been told you can’t because you don’t have the “right” experience, look, pedigree, or degree, this is the message you need to hear.

Other people not believing in you does not make it true.

You believing their statement makes it become the truth. Read that again.

The very act of believing in yourself and betting on yourself puts miracles into action.

Let’s shut off the doubt and keep progressing forward.

Each day, become a little bit more of the person God made you to be.

Let’s prove the naysayers to be liars.

Can I get an Amen?

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

#communityofseven #SundaySermon

Take care of yourself.
That’s it.
That’s the message.

What are you doing today to refuel?

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

If you like this posts, you’ll love my book Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life: https://lnkd.in/ehxiRfA9

As leaders within our homes, workplaces, and communities, our primary responsibility is cultivating and nurturing future leaders.

Our role involves:

Inspiring Others: We must serve as a wellspring of inspiration, igniting the passion and drive in those we lead.

Empowering our Teams: Our duty is to empower others to realize their fullest potential and excel in their pursuits.

Leaving the World Better Than We Found It: We are tasked with leaving a lasting, positive impact on the world, striving to improve it with our actions.

Legacy Building: Even when our journey ends, we aim to establish a legacy of influence that endures, shaping future generations.

Authentic leadership, fundamentally, is not self-centered. Instead, it centers on the collective growth of those we lead. Leadership's essence lies in elevating everyone in our sphere, motivating them to conquer the seemingly insurmountable.

Agree or disagree?

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

Yesterday I almost got into a spat with an online troll. I started writing a long reply to his vitriol. Then I deleted it. I proceeded to pray for him.

My realization?
I don’t have time for that $hit.

Stop entertaining negative people.
Stop caring about what they think of you. Some people will never understand you.

Here’s the thing, not everyone is going to like you, and that’s okay.

When you are authentically who you are, flaws and all, not everyone will understand you. People who are insecure or filled with hate will always look for perceived flaws in others or misconstrue your words.

Today, I choose to focus on people who fill my bucket.

Let the detractors stew in their own hate. I ain’t playing in their $hit filled sandbox.

Stop giving your time and energy to emotional and mental vampires. They don’t deserve it.

One last thing: you can't stop them from being jerks, but you can decide whether to let them in your head or not. Remember that. You have always had the power in the situation.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

The trials and tribulations in your life have made you stronger and wiser. Never forget that.

For those that are job hunting and have been out of work for too long, for those laid off recently, and for those who are starting their careers, your dream job or business is out there.

Oftentimes rejection is redirection.

If I didn’t get laid off from Fortune Magazine at the beginning of the pandemic, I would not have founded community of SEVEN - my dream company; I would not be writing my first book; I would not be training thousands of people each year on mindset and leadership development; I would not have had the freedom or time to spend with my family and friends. I would not be posting on LinkedIn and talking to you right now; I would not be reaching millions each year with my message of hope.

It’s difficult to stay positive when you keep on getting rejection letters. I know the feeling. Trust me, I’ve been there.

However, this is when your faith needs to kick in — even if it’s the size of a mustard seed.

Don’t forget, at the end of the day, faith is literally defined as being certain of what we do NOT see.

That’s the whole point.

Faith and fear cannot coexist.

Which do you choose?

And if you have a story you can share to inspire our community and help someone reading this post, let me know in the comments.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

Don't settle.
That's it.
That's the message.

God put you on this earth to live your purpose.
You weren't put here to be mediocre.
The fact that you are alive is a miracle.
Don't waste the blessing.

When you are at the end of your life, make sure you're able to look back and say, “Wasn't that an amazing life! Thank you, God. Amen!“

Let's go!

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

Boundaries are how we teach people how to treat us.

Trying to please everyone around you while forsaking your needs is a ticket to burnout and stress.

Put your oxygen mask on first.

You can’t help anyone if you’re not breathing.

Honor your needs and remember that “NO” is a complete sentence.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

There's no such thing as a true overnight success. Success typically doesn't happen suddenly — though it might look effortless to outsiders.

💪🏽 They didn't see the hundreds of hours you spent on your craft
💪🏽 They didn't see the rejection letters
💪🏽 They didn't see what you sacrificed to get where you are

And if you aren't where you want to be right now, keep moving forward.

No. This isn't a hustle-harder post.

This is a believe in yourself…
Don't give up…
You got this post.

But.

✔️ You need to put in the work.
✔️ You need to believe in yourself when the world doesn't.
✔️ You can't let what you lack or your past dictate your future.

You have always been the hero in your story.

I'm just here to remind you.

Let me know if you hear me.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

I see you.

Keep shining your light in the world.

It makes a difference for those around you.

And if they can’t handle your sparkle, let them stand in the shade.

Don’t dull your light for anyone.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

When I was starting my career, I worked hard to ensure that everyone liked me.

And despite how much I shapeshifted to be the person everyone wanted me to be, inevitably, there was always someone who didn’t like me. Shocking, right? 🤣

Not everyone is going to like you, and that’s okay.

It’s their loss.

Your job is not to be someone else in order for anyone to like you.

Your job is to be authentically yourself.

Your job is to be kind and considerate to others regardless of their seniority or title.

Your job is to bring the elevator down and help those around you.

Your job is to be helpful.

Your job is to make those around you better with your presence.

Your job is to be a good person.

And even then, some people will hate you.

And that’s okay.

Stop letting people who can’t see your worth judge you based on their faulty measuring stick.

Their inability to see your worth does not decrease your value.

Know your worth.

Let me know if you hear me in the comments.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

If you’ve found value in my posts, order my book Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life: https://lnkd.in/ehxiRfA9

No one is on their deathbed wishing they spent more time at the office.

Today, I cleared my calendar and took my daughter swimming.

When we look back at our life, these moments are what we will remember the most.

Take the PTO.

That’s the message for today.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

We are one decision away from the life we want. This adage goes both ways.

Let’s make the conscious decision to be headed in the right direction.

We do this my making decisions aligned with our values, intention and life goals.

Let’s go, you got this!

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

You are not broken.
Your cracks and crevices,
your trials and tribulations,
your rejections,
have shaped who you are today.

One of the lessons I walk leaders through is the art of Kintsugi, the Japanese art form of putting broken pottery pieces back together forged with gold. It is built on the idea that when you can embrace flaws and imperfections, you can create something even more beautiful, even stronger than before.

Each crack, each crevice is filled with gold. Every break is unique. Instead of repairing the item like new, artisans highlight the “scars“ as part of the design.

In many ways, the broken pottery is a metaphor for healing ourselves. It teaches us the following lesson: sometimes, in repairing what is broken, we create something more beautiful, substantial, and unique.

Whether you're going through the loss of a job or a loved one, or other personal hardship, know that you can come out the other side stronger.

Scar tissue has always been stronger than healthy skin.

You won't realize your full potential until you go through the tough times. Growth occurs on the other side of the challenge. Remember that.

Lastly, in a society that prioritizes perfection, be the person who embraces flaws, scars, and imperfections. It is proof that you have lived.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

Stop waiting for someone to save you.

Your life transforms when you abandon self-doubt, step out of your comfort zone, and embark on a journey of personal and professional growth.

Your path to success is closely tied to your commitment to daily, consistent personal and professional development.

Success isn’t something that randomly happens to people; you create it by becoming the best version of yourself.

If you desire change, remember that it always starts with you.

Stop waiting for someone to save you. You have always been the hero in your story.

Let me know in the comments if you understand this message.

p.s. Pre-order my book Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life: https://lnkd.in/eK5ghJd8

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

Excerpt from my book Do This Daily: How to Find Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work in Life, coming out April 2.

You hear that sound?

It’s the sound of my footsteps walking away from an argument.

Stop replaying the hurtful words of people who couldn’t care less about you.

To be honest, you don't like them anyway.

I’ve spent too much of my life worrying about what others think about me.

As a recovering people-pleaser, I’ve come to realize that where we direct our attention profoundly affects our mental—and sometimes physical—well-being.

We shouldn’t allow those who don’t value us to occupy our thoughts.

Instead, we should focus on the people who love us as we are and give them the care and attention they truly deserve.

If you're ruminating about what a toxic coworker or client did or said to you, it’s time to evict them from your mind.

They don’t deserve any real estate in your mind.

Focus on the love and kindness around you. We get more of what we focus on.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

If you like this posts, you’ll love my book Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life: https://lnkd.in/ehxiRfA9

When a post shakes you to your core.

Justin, I see you.
I hear you.
I understand.

I’m sure the pivot table you created was breathtaking.

Big Hug of support,
Lan
community of SEVEN

#justforgiggles

Image credit: Justin Miller (if anyone knows him, please tag him)

I hope this message helps someone reading it.

Be patient.
Have faith.
God’s delays are not God’s denial.

Faith is knowing there is a better plan for you, even when you can’t see it.

This is my testimony.

Now I want to hear yours.
Tell me in the comments.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

For all the empaths and givers reading this right now, learning to let go is a lesson you must learn.

I was a “bag“ lady earlier in my life.
Guilt weighed heavily on me,
I carried the weight
of the world
on my shoulders.

I enabled takers, unable to understand the meaning of reciprocity, to take till my well ran dry.

Past regret and future fears were a constant load I held onto
as if it were a security blanket.

As I got older and wiser
I learned that it was not my responsibility alone to carry this load.
And so I shared the load with my loved ones
I left some bags behind that did not belong to me
I gave away some bags that did not reflect whom I was becoming.
I healed generational curses.
I built generational wealth.
I became whom they said I could not become.

Growth takes many forms.
But just as much as it is about becoming,
it is about shedding that which you are not.
It means letting go of the baggage you no longer need to carry.

If you hear me, let me know in the comments.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

Always choose kindness.
This is how we change the world.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

QC: A.A. Malee

Take control of your life and break free from negativity with a powerful tool: CTRL + ALT + DEL!

Like when our PCs freeze, sometimes we find ourselves stuck in a negative loop. But fear not! We can hit the reset button and start fresh, just like with CTRL + ALT + DEL.

🔑 CTRL yourself, 🔄 ALT your thinking, and ✖️ DEL negativity!

Let's reclaim our power and transform our lives for the better. 💪

It's time to break free from the chains of negative self-belief, unhealthy habits, toxic people, and doubt. CTRL + ALT + DEL those obstacles that are holding you back from reaching your full potential!

What do you need to CTRL + ALT + DEL out of your life? Let's support and inspire each other on this journey of growth and empowerment.

Let's take charge and create positive change together!

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

If you like this posts, you’ll love my book Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life: https://lnkd.in/ehxiRfA9

When I was younger, I eagerly anticipated my next vacation or PTO so I could just pause and breathe.

Sound familiar?

If you feel like you have to escape your life each day, you need to revisit the choices you make.

You shouldn’t be content with just surviving when you deserve to thrive.

Schedule time for your mental and physical health. Prioritize joy and happiness. Surround yourself with people who uplift and encourage you.

Self-care is more than bubble baths and vacation days. Self-care is the output from the daily decisions we make each day that ultimately shape our future selves.

Let me know if you hear me. What are you doing in the form of self-care?

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

If you like this posts, you’ll love my book Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life: https://lnkd.in/ehxiRfA9

Your life changes when you decide to let go of comfort and grow.

“Your level of success will seldom exceed your level of personal development because success is something you attract by the person you become,“ — Jim Rohn.

Read that again. Commit it to memory. If you want to change, you need to change.

Is change hard?

Absolutely.

But so is staying in places you've outgrown.

So don't let your fears limit your growth and potential. You got this.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

Don’t give up on your dreams.

Cue every self help book: this is the part where I’m suppose to tell you that your dreams will come true if you work hard and grind.

Sometimes it won’t.

Here’s the thing, you won’t always get what you want but you will always get what you need.

Sometimes it’s a lesson.

Sometimes it’s being a little bit better than we were yesterday.

Sometimes it’s becoming who you were meant to be.

Sometimes it’s realizing that you didn’t really want what you thought you wanted.

Sometimes it redirecting you to your calling.

Never give up on the person you are becoming.

The point was never to reach a destination you made up in your head, it’s about the person you are becoming in the process.

It’s the process of chipping away at everything you are not and finding who you truly are underneath it all.

Sometimes we can’t see the lessons till we look in the rear view mirror.

Social Media glorifies the wins but they never talk about the failures and rejections to get to success. I’m here to remind you that you are growing and becoming by betting on yourself and believing in yourself…win or lose.

Let me know if you understand this message.

Love,
Lan Phan
community of SEVEN

For more content like this, order my book Do This Daily: Secrets to Finding Success, Happiness, and Purpose in Work and Life: https://lnkd.in/ehxiRfA9