We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Josephine Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Josephine, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?

As a successful entrepreneur, I often shared some of the same habits as other entrepreneurs in the same mental health field that contribute to achievements. While individual experiences may vary, some common habits that helped me succeed include:

Vision and Goal Setting: I had a clear vision of what I wanted to achieve. I set ambitious but realistic goals and create plans to work toward them.

Adaptability: The business landscape is constantly evolving, and successful entrepreneurs are adaptable, so I was open to change, and quick to pivot when necessary, and I embraced innovation.

Hard Work and Persistence: I am a hard worker, and I have the willingness to persevere through challenges, with a strong work ethic and the ability to bounce back from setbacks is important to me; I call this resilience.

Risk-Taking and Decision-Making: As an entrepreneur, it is often required to take calculated risks and make informed decisions, even in uncertain situations, which is a crucial skill.

Continuous Learning: I am a lifelong learner. As a mental health professional, I stay informed about industry trends, market changes, and new technologies, and I am open to acquiring new skills and knowledge.

Networking and Relationship Building: Building a strong network is essential for entrepreneurs, like me. I often prioritize relationship building, both within and outside the mental health industry.

Time Management: Most importantly, I managed my time effectively to juggle various responsibilities. Prioritizing tasks and staying organized are key habits as well.

Customer Focus: Understanding and meeting customer needs is fundamental. I often maintain a customer-centric approach, seeking feedback and making improvements based on customer input.

Financial Discipline: Effective financial management is crucial for the success of any business. Therefore, I make it my business to understand my company’s finances, manage cash flow wisely, and make informed financial decisions.

Resilience: I also can bounce back from failures and setbacks, which I believe is a common trait among successful entrepreneurs. Being resilient helps me navigate challenges with a positive mindset.

Leadership and Delegation: Having strong leadership skills, combined with the ability to delegate tasks, is important. As an entrepreneur, I build and lead effective teams to achieve their business goals as well.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
This probably isn’t surprising coming from a psychotherapist, but I love serving people of all cultures, especially military spouses because I know how difficult it is to struggle with knowing who you are and hiding behind the mask (which I called a shield of military shadow) and trying to find your self-identity while going some mental health challenges. For example, when I started my journey, as a military spouse, I began to lose myself in the process of supporting my husband’s military career. I had to teach myself and develop the tools to find resources that help me overcome challenges dealing with my self-identity and confidence. I enjoy helping and giving individuals, especially military spouses a platform to give them a voice and tools as well as resources so that they can overcome mental health challenges, not limited to these challenges but also personal and professional growth. It’s exactly why I enjoy what I do all day as a psychotherapist and Certified Master Mental Health Life & Wellness Coach and Advocate, and Psychotherapist, which I am the founder of Calming Minds LLC, a multidimensional coaching practice, that helps clients connect with the mind, body, and soul, by way of inspiration, facilitation, coaching, and other dynamic mechanisms.

Most importantly, starting a business is a significant achievement for many entrepreneurs, but maintaining one is the largest challenge. There are many common challenges that every business faces, whether they are large or small. These include hiring the right people, building a brand, developing a customer base, and so on. However, for me, the biggest challenges I experienced were fatigue, which the hours, the work, and the constant pressure to perform wear on even the most passionate individuals. I thought about how other business owners (even successful ones) get stuck working much longer hours than their employees. Moreover, I fear that my business will stall in my absence, so I sometimes avoid taking any time away from work to recharge. However, I had to learn that even people in corporate America take time to recharge. I also learned the importance of self-care and the importance for a business to have a diversified client base to pick up the slack when any single client quits paying.

My motto is “I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me.” ~Philippians 4:13

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Washington State offers a diverse range of experiences, from vibrant cities to stunning natural landscapes. Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary to show my best friend the best time:

Day 1-2: Seattle

Morning: Start the day with a visit to Pike Place Market. Enjoy fresh produce, local crafts, and the iconic fish-throwing.
Grab breakfast at Lowell’s Restaurant for a classic Seattle experience with a view of the Puget Sound.

Afternoon: Head to the Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass for panoramic views of the city and stunning glass art.

Evening: Explore the historic Pioneer Square district, known for its architecture, art galleries, and lively atmosphere.
Dinner at The Pink Door, an Italian restaurant with live entertainment.

Day 2:

Morning: Stroll around Kerry Park for breathtaking views of the Seattle skyline.
Visit the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) to explore exhibits on music, science fiction, and pop culture.

Afternoon: Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island for a relaxing afternoon. Enjoy the scenery, visit local shops, and try the renowned Mora Ice Cream.

Evening: Dinner at Canlis, a fine dining restaurant with panoramic views of the city.

Day 3-4: Leavenworth and Wenatchee Valley

Drive to Leavenworth, a charming Bavarian-style village nestled in the Cascade Mountains.

Morning: Explore the village, visit shops, and enjoy a German-style breakfast at one of the local cafes.

Afternoon: Head to the Enchantments for a nature hike or explore nearby Waterfront Park.

Evening: Return to Leavenworth for a Bavarian-themed dinner at Andreas Keller Restaurant.

Day 4: Drive to Wenatchee and explore the Pybus Public Market for local food and crafts.
Visit Ohme Gardens for a peaceful stroll through beautiful landscapes.

Day 5-6: Mount Rainier National Park

Drive to Mount Rainier National Park for a two-day nature getaway.

Day 5:

Explore the Paradise area, with its wildflower meadows and stunning views of Mount Rainier.
Go for a hike and consider the Skyline Trail for breathtaking scenery.

Day 6:

Visit the Sunrise Visitor Center and hike the Sunrise Rim Trail for more spectacular views.
Enjoy a picnic in the park or dine at the historic National Park Inn.

Day 7: Tacoma

Head to Tacoma, a city south of Seattle with a vibrant arts scene.

Morning: Visit the Museum of Glass and watch artists at work in the hot shop.
Explore the Chihuly Bridge of Glass and the nearby Washington State History Museum.

Afternoon: Stroll along the Ruston Way waterfront, lined with parks and restaurants.
Have lunch at Harbor Lights, known for its seafood.

Evening: Visit Point Defiance Park, home to the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium.

Have a farewell dinner at Over the Moon Café, a charming eatery in downtown Tacoma.

This itinerary combines the urban excitement of Seattle, the charming atmosphere of Leavenworth, the natural beauty of

Mount Rainier, and the artistic flair of Tacoma, offer a diverse and memorable experience in Washington State.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my pastor and first lady (Senior Pastor Kevin & First Lady V. Rodgers), who taught me about faith and revelation knowledge. I also want to shout out to Dr. Nikki Zeigler and The Herprenuer Network International, who push me to do more and never stop learning new things. Also, Kellene Dianne and the Green Heart University community for helping me thrive and become a much better person, whether it was through personal or professional development. Finally, my wonderful husband, Keith Harris, who has always been my biggest support and always encouraged me to thrive and keep pushing through this journey, I called “Life.” Last but not least, my fans and clients of Calming Minds LLC and my international clients of Seoul Counseling Center in South Korea. I will always be thankful for all of the most influential people in my life. Thank you and love you all!

Website: www.drjosephineharris.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoharris/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-josephine-harris/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrJoharris5

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoHarris

Youtube: https://bit.ly/DrJoYoutube

Other: www.calmingmindsllc.com

Image Credits
DeAngelo Rose (“The Rose Tours'”) pics

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