S hanna is an inspiring and wonderful business consultant whom I found through Instagram. She is currently sold out until 2015 but she is hosting a retreat early in the new year which might be what you are looking for!

Name: Shanna Skidmore

Occupation: Business development coach + consultant

Website/Blog: shannaskidmore.com

Please tell us a little about you:

I am big believer in living an intentional life with your time, money, and gifts. I’ve spent the last four years taking one step at a time to discover who I am at the core and what I am called to do. I now encourage and equip others to do the same. I am married to my best friend in the entire world. He keeps me sane, encouraged and challenged to continue chasing after my dreams. We have a sweet Siberian husky who sleeps away most of the day. I love coffee, music and good friends. My heart is happiest outside, on the water, adventuring. Nature inspires me. I absolutely LOVE meeting new people, hearing stories, and building others up. I’d love nothing more than to spend my days loving on others and helping them see the beauty of who they are. I am thankful.

Three of your favorite things to get you through the day (apps/drink/workout):

Sweat. Seriously. The days I am the most productive, happiest and have the biggest ideas come after a great workout.

I get out of bed in the morning for breakfast. I know people wonder how I eat so much.

My sweet, sweet husband. He really makes me smile.

Who are you inspired by, and why?

My husband, Kyle. He is ambitious but patient. He is passionate but not fearful. He is not easily frazzled. He compliments me in the best ways possible.

Nick Woodman – The founder of GoPro. His story inspires me to dream bigger and to TRUST that small ideas founded on passion can impact the world.

To get where you are today, how did you ‘feel the fear and move through it’ anyway? Where there any moments you thought you’d just simply quit?

I think most people quit at least once… a day? A week? Being a business owner is hard. It’s not only hard, it’s vulnerable. You put yourself out there to the world and it’s easy to find your worth in the response. Daily I give my fears back to the Lord. I know that ultimately “success” is found in Him. I take one day at a time and focus on every win – A new client inquiry, a new follower, every “like”. The trick for me is to not focus on how far I have to go but where I am right now.. and all the good today has to offer!

We always want to know how others balance it all, and I’m sure you feel like you don’t, but tell us some ways on how you stay on top of your game. What gets left behind, what gets top priority, and what helps you stay grounded?

I start every day with some quiet time; reading, writing in my journal and asking the Lord to prepare my heart for the day. This is my time to refocus my mind on what really matters and not get caught up in all the minutia. I then look over my to-do list for the day and start working on top priorities. I DO NOT check my email first thing. I want to dictate my schedule and not let emails throw me off or rearrange my calendar.

What are your must-have tools to keep on top of every day tasks as well as your busy life?

Every Sunday I make a “brain dump” list of ALL the things that are swirling around on my mind – both personal and business. Then I circle the things that are priorities. Those items get moved to my weekly to-do list. For me 3-5 things a day is MAX! Some days may only have one “to-do” based on how large of a project and my meeting schedule. A long to-do list is deflating. Breaking things down to a manageable workload allows me to be most productive and feel accomplished.

Living intentionally takes action and dedication, is there a specific moment in your life where you made the decision to live intentionally? Or has it always been the way you’ve lived life?

When I worked in finance after college we used to always say “live life by design and not by default”. I took this idea beyond the world of financial planning and investing and straight to the heart. In all things, I want to be designing the life I want to live. Without intentionally choosing the direction we are going, we will go somewhere we may not want to end up. This is true with our health, relationships, spiritual and professional lives.

How has your life changed since you’ve been living it intentionally? Have your family/friends been supportive?

A few years ago I had a “good job”, acceptable for my education level and smart for our financial situation – but I came home everyday crying. My husband encouraged me to leave the safe in pursuit of the unknown. It was crazy – to everyone, but especially to me. I am a planner. Walking away, jumping off the ledge, and following the unknown changed my life. There are still days I cry; I still get overwhelmed and feel discouraged – but I know that even if I fail that I will go down with passion. And for me, passion trumps safety every time.

Do you have any rituals or friends you call upon when you need extra support or encouragement?

I go for a run, I spend time reading and being in the Word. I unplug from all work, social media and email access. My most discouraging times come from comparison and fear. Clearing my head in order to hear truth is the only way I don’t give up.

What is one piece of advice you’d give to someone who wants to live intentionally but doesn’t know where to start?

First you have to know what you want, where you want to go, and what living intentionally means to you. Financial? Physical? Business? Home? What are your priorities? Once you know your priorities you have to choose actions that align with those priorities.

The key to intentional living is in your actions. But first you have to know what those priorities are and what actions will help you reach those goals.

Where do you look to draw from when you want inspiration, visual or narrative, for the life you intend to live?

Reading is my favorite source of inspiration. I read a lot of books about life, business, and pursuing dreams. I’ve always had a fascination with others’ stories so I like to hear how others have gotten to where they are. I always have a notebook handy and jot down ideas that come to mind.

I’m always inspired to hear what other people’s dreams are, what dream of yours are you currently working towards that you envision happening in the next year?

Kyle and I want to be debt free. That is our dream for 2015.

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