Photo by Emily Campbell
Elaine Zelker
Serial Entrepreneur | elainezelker.com
Whether crafting the perfect headshot, co-owning the local café/catering company Zekraft or adding another book to her publishing credits, Elaine Zelker doesn’t let any grass grow under her feet. This go-getter, mom of three and champion of women entrepreneurs is often asked, “Is there anything you can’t do, Elaine?” To which she lightheartedly responds, “I can’t throw a horseshoe for the life of me! Seriously, though, there’s plenty I can’t do but when I want to learn something new, I’m all in. I study, research and read to figure things out.”
In Zero Limits: Breaking the Boundaries That Hold You Back, Zelker is clearly “all in,” taking readers on a transformational journey from “A to Z,” and empowering women to create a life that aligns with their mission, vision and values—even if they don’t know what those are yet. “I wish I had this book as a guide 25 years ago,” Zelker says. “Many people I know stay stuck in a rut and don’t know a way out. My goal is to teach women to embrace their passions so they can seize new opportunities.”
Accountability
Having a reliable support system can make all the difference in the world on the journey toward meeting your goals, Zelker says, and finding an accountability partner is the first step. This is the person who knows when to “give you a good kick in the pants, and high-fives you as you progress toward your goals.” What makes a good accountability partner? Zelker says you want someone who provides unfiltered, honest feedback, addresses tough issues and challenges you when necessary. This person is also fully invested in your growth and success.
When asked if a spouse or other family member would make a good accountability partner, she says that it’s important to keep in mind that these people may be too emotionally involved, which can sometimes make it challenging to remain objective. Ultimately, Zelker says, an accountability partner should “prioritize a commitment to understanding your vision and goals, provide unbiased guidance and hold you accountable for your actions.”
Facing Your Fears
How is it that fear seems to rear its ugly head once we’ve decided to take up a new sport or hobby, finally make our side hustle a full-time business or decide that this is the year to take that solo trip to the Maldives? By embracing a proactive approach, Zelker says, you can overcome fear and enable the pursuit of your passion. The process “begins with consciously acknowledging your fears, followed by a mental reconfiguration to perceive them as a challenge rather than a hindrance.” The first step, she notes, is admitting that you have fears. Then, rethink them. Ask yourself how your perspective would shift if failure weren’t an option. Next, pursue what excites you and take time to reflect on what inspired you in the first place. And finally, take action: “By diving into action, you confront your fears head-on and build confidence through practical experience,” she says. “Each step you take is a testament to your courage and growth.”
"I Am" Statements
Women tend to be especially hard on themselves when making life or career changes, even when they know, logically, that negative self-talk doesn’t help. “The language you use to talk to yourself,” Zelker says, “can either lift you up or tear you down, and the words you use have a profound impact on your thoughts, feelings and actions.” Positive “I am” statements are powerful tools for self-affirmation and personal growth, she says, and by consciously using these statements, you can shift your mindset and edit your thoughts to focus on your strengths, capabilities and positive qualities. Getting specific, using the present tense and staying positive is key. Case in point: If you want to become an interior design consultant, for example, you would complete the necessary training, set up office space and a website, and start networking. When others ask what you do, your response would be, “‘I am’ an interior design consultant,” not “I’m planning on becoming an interior design consultant,” even if you don’t yet have any clients. The key here, Zelker says, is to tell yourself that you are already “living the life you want, rather than waiting for it to happen in the future.”
With the right mindset, you can unlock your full potential…
The Power of the Pivot
If nothing else, the pandemic taught us how to pivot. (According to The Motley Fool, 20 percent of people changed careers since the pandemic began.) Zelker says pivoting can be a game-changer for your business or career, and to truly utilize its power, “It’s important to have a clear road map.” What to do first? “Keep an open mind,” she says. Evaluate yourself and your current strategy and consider whether you’re getting the results you’re looking for; then, identify areas of improvement. Next, test things out. If you’re a restaurant owner, for example, try out a new menu and obtain feedback from some of your regular customers. And the pièce de résistance: “Take the leap and repeat if necessary,” Zelker says. “Remember that pivoting is an ongoing process. With the right mindset, you can unlock your full potential and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.”
Elaine has been nominated for Visionary of the Year by The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Her fundraising efforts kick off this month! To read her story—or support Elaine on her journey—visit https://pages.lls.org/voy/lv/lehigh24/ezelker.
Published as “Ask the Expert” in the March 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
