I find myself wrapping up the year, 2010, already. Where did it go? Do you feel like time has no relevance anymore? With the internet and all the social media information traveling so fast, it is easy to get lost in the flux of information. I am overwhelmed with all the "I can help you" emails and blogs I recieve that will potentially help me be successful with my coaching business. At times I feel like I am pulled in so many directions that I lose focus on what it is I want to accomplish.
I decided this morning, I need to close the computer, turn off the news, put down the books and focus (without any outside influence) on "my" short term goals. Typically, I set personal and business goals separately. I realized today, they can no longer be separate. Being pulled in so many directions sets up a kind of "duality" that dilutes my energy. I need all the focused energy I can get to keep my life heading in a positive, abundant direction.
So how can my personal goals and professional goals be aligned?
After shutting the world out this morning, I sat down and looked at my values. In coaching, one of the first exercises coaches conduct with clients is discovering their values. These are descriptors of what we need in life to make us thrive. They are different for everyone. I listed all of mine. As I read each of them, I thought of what I wanted to achieve in the New Year and I listed all that illuminated me. To keep it simple, I chose three values that I MUST HAVE in the New Year to thrive:
1. Freedom
2. Engaged
3. Abundance
With these, I started setting up goals. A bit tougher than I thought!
1. Limit my online presence for searches to 1 focused hour a day. Checking and responding to email only 3 times per day. This give me the Freedom to make other choices in my day.
2. Join two new organizations that align with the causes I support... Making the world a better place for children by providing essential life sustaining goods and services across the world. This meets my value of being more engaged.
3. Create a cutting edge workshop/seminar that will assist professionals in finding solutions to their challenges in the new year. This seminar will set the basis for my book I plan to write. This goal supports my value of living abundantly in 2011 as it will provide a forum to meet and work professionals that can benefit from coaching. It promotes interaction personally and professionally with like minded professionals and it allows me to share my passion of helping people take the next step in living a full life.
Do you know what your values are? Can they assist you what you want to accomplish in the new year? What can you do to focus your energy around what you desire and deserve next year?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Are you thankful?
In the United States and Canada, we have a day designated to celebrate "Thanks". There are many things that most of us can think of to be thankful. But typically, it is just a fleeting thought because we are so accustomed to worrying about what is wrong. Worry is a negative thought. Thankfulness or gratitude is a positive thought.
There have been many studies about the brain. One important finding is that our thoughts actually form neuro pathways. When we consistently think negatively, we are actually forming pathways to that part of the brain. Once the pathways are formed, our thoughts "naturally" go the path of negativity. The great news is that we can change those pathways by retraining or "feeding" our brains with positive thoughts.
Being thankful, is a positive thought but it can be much more. It can be a very powerful way to change your life. Years ago when I was running a large organization, I found the way to motivate people was to always be positive about what was going on. I noticed is was very hard for me to be positive. It didn't come naturally. So, I challenged myself. Every time I would think a negative thought, I would envision this electrical current making its way to a "negative" place in my brain. I would quickly reroute it by thinking something positive or using a positive affirmation. It became a game for me! I would actually visualize the electric current going to a "positive" place in my brain. Every day I became much more positive.
As we approach this holiday we call "Thanksgiving", I challenge you to be aware of your negative thoughts and quickly think of what you are grateful for. Really think about what is positive in your life. Say your positive thought out loud every time you think something negative. As you do this, you will find, life will become much lighter. Being positive fuels our zest for life, making it fun and joyous and more productive at work!
There have been many studies about the brain. One important finding is that our thoughts actually form neuro pathways. When we consistently think negatively, we are actually forming pathways to that part of the brain. Once the pathways are formed, our thoughts "naturally" go the path of negativity. The great news is that we can change those pathways by retraining or "feeding" our brains with positive thoughts.
Being thankful, is a positive thought but it can be much more. It can be a very powerful way to change your life. Years ago when I was running a large organization, I found the way to motivate people was to always be positive about what was going on. I noticed is was very hard for me to be positive. It didn't come naturally. So, I challenged myself. Every time I would think a negative thought, I would envision this electrical current making its way to a "negative" place in my brain. I would quickly reroute it by thinking something positive or using a positive affirmation. It became a game for me! I would actually visualize the electric current going to a "positive" place in my brain. Every day I became much more positive.
As we approach this holiday we call "Thanksgiving", I challenge you to be aware of your negative thoughts and quickly think of what you are grateful for. Really think about what is positive in your life. Say your positive thought out loud every time you think something negative. As you do this, you will find, life will become much lighter. Being positive fuels our zest for life, making it fun and joyous and more productive at work!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Our thoughts are so powerful.....
Do you realize how powerful you are? I am reminded of it daily as I work with clients that have been directed by their own personal critic. Today it was loud and clear as I re-read a quote (author unknown) that has been around for years:
Watch your thoughts.....for they become your words
Watch your words........for they become your actions
Watch your actions......for they become your habits
Watch your character....for it becomes your destiny
It all starts with what you tell yourself....your thoughts. From there it becomes what you say and then what you do. Next it becomes how you act and finally, you have created a life based on what you have told yourself throughout the years, true or untrue. We create what our life looks like. Nobody else has that much power over us.
Think for a moment about what you are telling yourself right now. Take that statement and carry it through...what are you saying about it? How does it guide your actions? Is it now a habit? Have you created a destiny you are happy with?
A simple example of this comes to mind. I took a trip this weekend to a ranch in Northern California. There were so many people in attendance that they ran out of horses for the morning ride. I had struck up a conversation with a guy about taking the morning ride. He explained he hadn't signed up so they didn't have a horse for him. Well, I realized I hadn't either. I quickly told myself (my thought) "no problem" I will have a horse to ride" I will talk to the Head wrangler as soon as I finish breakfast. I suggested the same (my words) to my breakfast mate. He said, it won't happen, I won't get a horse. I proceeded to the stable (my action) and I put my name in as a back up. I stayed there, in front, knowing I would get a horse (my character). My new friend showed up but stayed behind until all the riders were accounted for. I kept urging him to go up and put his name down, but he said, its worthless, I won't get a horse. WELL.... you know the end of this story....I had a beautiful ride surrounded by acres of beautiful trees and wildlife (my destiny). My breakfast mate was left behind in his anger and sorrow.
Are we afraid of our own power? What happens if you take accountability for your life by observing your self talk, your words and your actions? Challenge your self talk. Is it leading you to a place of your dreams?
Watch your thoughts.....for they become your words
Watch your words........for they become your actions
Watch your actions......for they become your habits
Watch your character....for it becomes your destiny
It all starts with what you tell yourself....your thoughts. From there it becomes what you say and then what you do. Next it becomes how you act and finally, you have created a life based on what you have told yourself throughout the years, true or untrue. We create what our life looks like. Nobody else has that much power over us.
Think for a moment about what you are telling yourself right now. Take that statement and carry it through...what are you saying about it? How does it guide your actions? Is it now a habit? Have you created a destiny you are happy with?
A simple example of this comes to mind. I took a trip this weekend to a ranch in Northern California. There were so many people in attendance that they ran out of horses for the morning ride. I had struck up a conversation with a guy about taking the morning ride. He explained he hadn't signed up so they didn't have a horse for him. Well, I realized I hadn't either. I quickly told myself (my thought) "no problem" I will have a horse to ride" I will talk to the Head wrangler as soon as I finish breakfast. I suggested the same (my words) to my breakfast mate. He said, it won't happen, I won't get a horse. I proceeded to the stable (my action) and I put my name in as a back up. I stayed there, in front, knowing I would get a horse (my character). My new friend showed up but stayed behind until all the riders were accounted for. I kept urging him to go up and put his name down, but he said, its worthless, I won't get a horse. WELL.... you know the end of this story....I had a beautiful ride surrounded by acres of beautiful trees and wildlife (my destiny). My breakfast mate was left behind in his anger and sorrow.
Are we afraid of our own power? What happens if you take accountability for your life by observing your self talk, your words and your actions? Challenge your self talk. Is it leading you to a place of your dreams?
Friday, August 27, 2010
Where's our energy?
Are you feeling a lack of energy these days? Finding it hard to stay focused?
Our 'human' nature is to keep things steady and consistent but our world today is not cooperating. With the economic woes, the war, the political polarization, the weather and everything in between, our sense of purpose, our drive and our vision is surely affected.
There is a ton of advice out there on what we should do to stay focused and to be positive. I have found that 'being' in the present is the most effective way of staying productive. A quick easy way to do that is when you get up each day, ask yourself how you are going to show up in the world today? Pick an adjective that best describes it. Write it down on a small piece of paper and put it where you can access it frequently during the day. Maybe in your pocket or on your phone or your computer screen. When you see it, assess whether or not you are being what you set out to be.
At the end of the day, reflect back on the day. Did you show up the way you wanted to? If so, celebrate it....and start the next day with another word that describes how you want to be that day. If not, gently remind yourself to do it again tomorrow and keep doing it until you do. We may not have an abundance of energy, but we do have the ability to affect how we are showing up in the world.
Our 'human' nature is to keep things steady and consistent but our world today is not cooperating. With the economic woes, the war, the political polarization, the weather and everything in between, our sense of purpose, our drive and our vision is surely affected.
There is a ton of advice out there on what we should do to stay focused and to be positive. I have found that 'being' in the present is the most effective way of staying productive. A quick easy way to do that is when you get up each day, ask yourself how you are going to show up in the world today? Pick an adjective that best describes it. Write it down on a small piece of paper and put it where you can access it frequently during the day. Maybe in your pocket or on your phone or your computer screen. When you see it, assess whether or not you are being what you set out to be.
At the end of the day, reflect back on the day. Did you show up the way you wanted to? If so, celebrate it....and start the next day with another word that describes how you want to be that day. If not, gently remind yourself to do it again tomorrow and keep doing it until you do. We may not have an abundance of energy, but we do have the ability to affect how we are showing up in the world.
Monday, June 28, 2010
High Achievers
I am in the process of reading a book by Marcia Reynolds, PhD and Master coach. The books is about high achieving women and their search for fulfillment. While reading it, it came to me that we are all trying to find balance in life. Although, most of us believe balance means more time at home,time with family, time to practice hobbies, time, time, time.
In my world, a balanced life is really about integrating that part of you that doesn't typically show up in the world. The inner voice that is all about "being" not doing. It already knows your purpose but it is over shadowed by that side of you I call, the ego....the part of us that takes care of our survival.
If we are always in the survival mode, how can we enjoy the simpler things in life. A brisk walk in the sun or an evening with the kids playing a board game.
Do you have balance in your life? Have you integrated that side of you that just loves to be? The side that doesn't need to do anything but show up?
In my world, a balanced life is really about integrating that part of you that doesn't typically show up in the world. The inner voice that is all about "being" not doing. It already knows your purpose but it is over shadowed by that side of you I call, the ego....the part of us that takes care of our survival.
If we are always in the survival mode, how can we enjoy the simpler things in life. A brisk walk in the sun or an evening with the kids playing a board game.
Do you have balance in your life? Have you integrated that side of you that just loves to be? The side that doesn't need to do anything but show up?
Friday, June 11, 2010
Fear or F.E.A.R?
Okay, so I haven't blogged in awhile, and of course I ask myself "why"? Well my excuse is that I fell into that negative mind chatter that I often coach my clients about. I am telling myself there is no need to blog, nobody listens, I have nothing to say, its already been said...blah blah blah... Hmm....sounds like FEAR is woven into all of those thoughts. So, if I believe FEAR is "false evidence appearing real" how could that change my negative thought process? Fear is the single most limiting factor in our lives. We stay so stuck in life, whether it be situations, jobs or relationships, when we FEAR. I challenge myself to walk through every FEAR that comes up for me. So here is my blog. What is it that you fear today? How can you walk through it?
Monday, January 18, 2010
Try somthing "new" for the New Year
Happy New Year!
Has the new year started out fresh and new for you? We all tend to get energized by the change in the calendar year. Some look at new resolutions and others at setting new goals. New years resolutions are typically trying to change something you don't like about yourself by forcing abstinence from it. The meaning of resolution is the process of resolving something, a firm decision to "do" something. The meaning of a goal is something that someone wants to achieve. So whether you are resolving something or wanting to achieve something, both are focused on "doing".
This year, I have committed to "being". Who are you "being" this year? How are you showing up in the world? Can you bring your whole self to a job search? to a project at work, to what's going on at home? If we are focused on changing things on the outside it may distract us from being who we are on the inside. What are our inside strengths? How can we use them to make this year a fulfilling one? If you not sure of your internal strengths there is a great website www.authentichappiness.com that offers free questionaires that will help you discover your inner strengths. Take the questionaire "VIA survey of Character strengths". You will get your top 24 internal strengths after you complete the survey. What are your top 5? Are you living in those? Who are you sharing those strengths with? How can your inside strengths help you in your job? In your personal life? Focusing on your core strengths will help you "Be" in the new year, showing up fully and whole in everything you "do" this year.
Has the new year started out fresh and new for you? We all tend to get energized by the change in the calendar year. Some look at new resolutions and others at setting new goals. New years resolutions are typically trying to change something you don't like about yourself by forcing abstinence from it. The meaning of resolution is the process of resolving something, a firm decision to "do" something. The meaning of a goal is something that someone wants to achieve. So whether you are resolving something or wanting to achieve something, both are focused on "doing".
This year, I have committed to "being". Who are you "being" this year? How are you showing up in the world? Can you bring your whole self to a job search? to a project at work, to what's going on at home? If we are focused on changing things on the outside it may distract us from being who we are on the inside. What are our inside strengths? How can we use them to make this year a fulfilling one? If you not sure of your internal strengths there is a great website www.authentichappiness.com that offers free questionaires that will help you discover your inner strengths. Take the questionaire "VIA survey of Character strengths". You will get your top 24 internal strengths after you complete the survey. What are your top 5? Are you living in those? Who are you sharing those strengths with? How can your inside strengths help you in your job? In your personal life? Focusing on your core strengths will help you "Be" in the new year, showing up fully and whole in everything you "do" this year.
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