Meet Patricia Barnes | Book coach and motivational speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patricia Barnes and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I always been intentional about enjoying life and accomplishing goals to achieve work- life balance. For me all work and no play is no fun. Also, all play and no business goals is not fulfilling. I need balance in my life. Sometimes balance doesn’t exist because you need to focus on one thing at a time or you will get so overwhelmed that you won’t accomplish anything. When my schedule and to-do list is busy, I may not have time to cook or go to the gym because my priority is to take care of my sick grandfather or work is busier than usual.

Instead of trying to cook or go to the gym my priorities are to do what I need to do for the day or what’s important at the time. When life calms down then I will get back on track with cooking my healthy meals and going to the gym. In addition, I want to emphasize the need for self-care and mental health awareness. Mental health for me is not allowing myself to get overwhelmed so I will do something to help my mind not get stressed. It’s essential to know when it’s time to rest or get things done with speed and execution. Having balance will allow you to accomplish more and have a sense of enjoyment and satisfaction in life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets me apart from others in the speaking business is I am authentically me. I don’t play about my assignment to speak up to encourage and motivate others. Occasionally, I will say things that may offend people. Sometimes the truth hurts. My mission is to transform lives. I have to accept one day people love you and the next day they hate you. Either way, I will continue to speak up with pure intentions.

I’m most proud of keeping my pure heart. I genuinely support others and love to see people win. I’m your biggest cheerleader. I don’t compete with others. I’m not threatened by anyone doing the same thing as me. I will clap for you. I have notice some people even with a bigger platform and more money can see your greatness and begin to operate in a negative competitive manner. That’s never good. Once you understand your uniqueness and know God has a purpose for your life. You will develop the same excitement for other’s success. Don’t compete. Let’s collaborate and keep it positive.

I have been working consistently as a motivational speaker for seven years. The journey wasn’t easy because I had to evolve from an employee mindset to an entrepreneur mindset, overcome insecurities, and develop better interpersonal skills for healthier relationships. There’s no such thing as an overnight success story. It takes time, effort, perseverance, and dedication. I overcame challenges by making up my mind that my business is my purpose. It’s bigger than how I feel or the obstacles that I go through.

When you make up your mind, you’re going to do something, the obstacles don’t matter. You get it done! Even with tears in your eyes, pain in your heart, or uncertainty. That’s a winner’s mindset. Every failure becomes a lesson to improve for the next time. The biggest lesson I learned along the way is to not make decisions based on how you feel. Feelings are temporary. Focus on why you started your business because it will help you accomplish your goals. Furthermore, be mindful of who you share your goals with. Only share goals and dreams with likeminded people. Likeminded people will encourage you when you want to give up and challenge you to dream bigger.

I want to encourage someone who is about to quit on their goals or dreams to keep going. Usually, when you feel like quitting your breakthrough is around the corner. Don’t stop until you win! You were born to win.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Food and drinks: Breakfast at Barney’s and Toast on Lenox.

Tourist attraction:
Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Museum:
Trap Music Museum

Content creation:
Gurl Mobb Museum

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shoutout my motivational speaking coach Mr. Les Brown. He has been instrumental in my journey because I really needed a coach who understood purpose and profit as a motivational speaker. I have a calling to speak up for the masses who need encouragement and motivation. Even with my gift, I had to overcome shyness and self-limiting beliefs. Mr. Les Brown became more than a speaking coach. He prayed for me, encouraged me, was tough when he needed to be, saw my potential through my shyness, and pushed me to greatness.

I learned more than just professional speaking. There’s a saying “more is caught than taught” by John Maxwell. I’m blessed to sit and learn from a motivational speaking legend who is vulnerable, authentic, generous, and still have a profitable business after 50 years in the industry. Listening to him share his insights about life help me adjust and adapt to this life. Thank you Mr. Les Brown the world will hear my voice and I will remember what you said “the camera loves me”. I will give it all I got. As you say, “most people fail in life not because they aim too high and miss, but because they aim too low and hit.”

Website: https://gopatty.com/coach/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamgopatty?utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gopatty9?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Image Credits
Keith Gardner, Jr