Traveling Down the Road of Happiness

“Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but a manner of traveling.”
~ Margaret Lee Runbeck

What a great way to create happiness!  Just imagine you are always happy and traveling life’s journey with a smile on your face, looking forward to each day. Bingo you will be happy!

You might be asking yourself,” Has Helen finally lost it? What is she thinking?” Hey guys, just a second! I have not completely lost my mind. I’ve been thinking about ways to enjoy life.

Simple things can make you happy.  Just looking out the window, seeing the sun shining, the trees blowing in the wind and the music playing in the background is making me happy. I refuse to be in a negative place right now, so I am happy and feeling positive.

Happiness is a state of mind. To enter the Happiness Zone start thinking about all your accomplishments and try some of the tips suggested below. Let me know what transpires.

Some quick ways you can begin to achieve happiness:

• Sit in a comfortable chair and, while taking deep breaths, tell yourself, “I feel so comfortable and happy.”  Believe me, you will begin to feel happy
• Give yourself a big HUG and say, “I love you.”
• Look out the window watch the trees dancing in the wind.
• Softly sing yourself a love song.
• Sing your praises in the shower.
• Continue acknowledging all your accomplishments.
• Start noticing the little things that you appreciate, like the beautiful spring blossoms and trees

Wishing you a beautiful and happy day!

Please post a comment below to share the tips and tools you use for bringing happiness into your day with the community. Together, the Love Yourself Community will continue to travel down the road of happiness.

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Helen

Creativity and Balance

“Creativeness often consists of merely turning up what is already there.”  
~ Bernice Fitz-Gibbon

Reading Fitz-Gibbon’s quote takes away my fear of being creative. When you stop and think about it, our creations are really just a thought away. 

Whenever I sit down to write a blog, the old nagging thought pops-up, “What am I going to write about?” The first thing I do is look for a quote that wakes up my writing juices and the words start to flow.

Today, I am focused on the word, “Action.” What does it actually mean? The Thesaurus suggests, achievement and accomplishment, with inaction as its antonym.

To me the word “Action” means doing something – not just waiting for things to happen. I consider myself a very action oriented person. In the past, everything had to be done perfectly and right away. Living my life this way caused overwhelm, fear and burnout.

I often forget about the value of “inaction,” which is really taking action by delaying the process until you are prepared to move ahead.  I have a friend who always says, “For today it is okay not to make a decision and see what happens.” It is amazing how, by not taking action, solutions start to materialize and creativity kicks in. 

Through the years, since receiving my coaching certification, I have learned about the word “Balance.” Now I live my life in a completely different way – most of the time. Being human and having ingrained habits I sometimes revert back to my old behavior. It’s a miracle because now, within days, I realize what is happening and start taking steps to bring balance back into my life.

What is balance? It represents moderation in all areas of our life. On a typical day, it would be working for 5 to 6 hours, spending time with friends and family;  and taking time for you, which is the hardest part. Remember, it counts even if you spend 10 minutes doing something nice for yourself.

I would love to hear from you. What thoughts pop into your mind when you read the words, “action”, “inaction” and “balance”? Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below. By sharing our thoughts and ideas with each other we can continue building a supportive community.

If you need support in anyway please send me an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net and we can schedule time to chat.

Take Care,

Helen

Be the Captain of Your Journey

“I’d rather be a failure at something I enjoy
than be a success at something I hate.”
~ George Burns

Recently, I was having lunch with Sheila, a very old friend who has successfully climbed the corporate ladder. I admired her for all that she had accomplished and, honestly, was a little jealous.

During coffee, we started discussing our lives and, to my amazement, Sheila expressed how unhappy she was.  She wished she had taken the same path I did by starting her own business. I sat there staring at her and explained how I admired what she had accomplished and wished I took the same path she did. We both started to laugh!

Of course, as a coach I explained it was never too late to explore other options. I suggested that she start working with a coach. Sheila became very interested in what I had to say and requested I send her the name of a coach with whom she could work.

The important lesson I learned was that we are all human beings with our own unique stories. What a gift we receive when we share ourselves with others.

On the way home, I was thinking how fortunate I am to love what I do, even when I feel frustrated and overwhelmed.  It is amazing how we can think the grass is always greener on someone else’s lawn until we take the time to become aware of what is really happening in our own backyard!

I invite you to complete the exercise below.  Please answer honestly and without any judgment. You will be the only one to evaluate the results.

1. Make a list of all your strengths and special gifts. 
2. Looking back over the years, identify one big accomplishment that changed your life. 
3. What new direction did your life take?
4. Do you feel empowered or unfulfilled?
   1. If you are felling empowered, why do you feel this way?
   2. If you are feeling unfulfilled, journal about steps you can take to improve your situation.  
5. Journal about the vision you see your life taking in 2012.

After completing this exercise, evaluate your answers and journal about the golden nuggets you uncovered.   What are your next steps?

Please let the Love Yourself –It Matters! Community know if you need support in any areas of your business. We are here to support each other. All you have to do is leave a comment at the bottom of this post and I will get back to you.  Working together, we will be able to travel down the road of life in a very supportive environment. I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Helen

Uncovering Your Vision

“Change your thoughts and you change your world.”

~ Norman Vincent Peale

Reading Norman Vincent Peale’s quote made me realize what power we have. The choice is ours—either we can feel disillusioned or powerful and creative. Doesn’t that sound simple and so hard to accomplish?

Is your business taking a vacation during December? Clients are taking time off, and prospecting for new clients is an uphill climb. Here is your golden opportunity to take time for yourself and think about 2012!

We can let our emotions start dictating our lives when we fixate on such thoughts as we are not making much money this month, our business is not growing and we will have to find a new career. Or, on the other hand, we can feel excited about the extra time we have to do the things we want and plan for 2012. The choice is ours.

My choice is to embrace my power and start planning for 2012. This thought alone energizes me.

Steps to take in creating a powerful and rewarding 2012:

• Write yourself a letter describing your dreams and desires for 2012. Include all the aspects of your life—your business, vacations and new opportunities you would like to explore.
• Keep adding to the list for a few days. Our thoughts will keep multiplying when we give ourselves the freedom to be honest and not pass any judgment on our vision.
• When you feel your list is complete, create different categories for your ideas (business, vacations, social events, family and friends).
• Plug the ideas into the different categories. You will be amazed what thoughts surface. Congratulations, you now have your dream list. 
• Choose both a big and a small dream you would like to accomplish. Plan the two steps you will take this week for each dream. Remember, as my mother always said, “Rome was not built in a day.”

Taking time during this quiet time to plan for a powerful and rewarding 2012 is a beautiful gift you are giving yourself. ENJOY THE JOURNEY!

Now It’s Your Turn

After completing the above exercise, please share your dreams and action steps with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community. Sharing with each other creates support so miracles can start happening.

Let me tell you a little story. At a networking meeting last week, the facilitator requested that everyone in the room share their vision for 2012. When it was my turn, I shared that my vision was to support a nonprofit organization working with overweight children. Before I left the meeting, three people approached me with the names of specific nonprofit groups and contact information for people who are working with overweight children. By sharing your dream with others, miracles start to happen right away.

Let’s work together and support each other!

Helen

Trusting the Universe!

“…the moment one definitely commits
oneself,
then Providence moves too.”
~ Goethe

Reading Goethe’s quote brought a smile to my face, realizing all I had to do is commit to an idea and then have faith the Universe will guide me. Isn’t that simple?

The hardest part is to have faith and let the Universe guide me. I find that my desire to control everything gets in the way. What about you? Are you willing to let things go and experience the outcome, or are you driven to get in there and fix things?

Let me tell you a little story. I was thinking about my business and what new steps I could take to increase my passion. Of course, no ideas popped into my mind. After a while I decided to go do something else and forget about the idea. Every so often the thought would pop into my head. But, as before, I drew a blank. During that time, members of the Coaches’ Coaching Circle (Circle) were completing a survey to let the Love Yourself Coaching Team know what other services they would like the Circle to offer. It became apparent they were interested in an educational series.

Realizing this was a great opportunity for the members of the Circle and myself, I knew my next step was to organize the Circle Educational Series. My passion was on fire again. How amazing the Universe guided me, and I did not have to do anything.

Events of the Circle Educational Series are scheduled for the last Wednesday of every month at 1:00 pm ET. During the events, coaches and small business owners receive expert advice from various seasoned leaders in the coaching industry. It’s free to listen in on these calls.

On Wednesday, November 30, 2011,@ 1 pm ET and 10 am PT, you can hear Michelle Schubnel discuss “The 7 Key Ingredients for a Full Coaching Practice of High-Paying Clients.”

All you have to do is register here to receive instructions for joining the call.

It’s Your Turn!

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community what experiences you have had with trusting the Universe and having faith things will work out. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.

Take Care,

Helen

Can you believe November is already here?

What happened to 2011?

Thinking about the year, I automatically started visualizing the highlights of the year as well as the struggles. The big lesson I learned this year was to stop projecting how things will work out and just enjoy the moments leading up to the event.

This is easier said than done.

Let’s put our heads together and come up with a strategy to spend more time in the moment instead of worrying all the time.

Below are some ideas that work for me:

• Be more aware of what I’m thinking and stop the thought in midair by closing my eyes and saying out loud, “What is happening right now?”
• Tell myself, “I don’t have to worry about anything right now.”
• Put music on, and dance around the room.
• Call a friend, and have a good laugh.
• Go for a cup of coffee, and smile at the first person I meet.

Now it’s your turn! What techniques do you use to stay in the moment instead of projecting your fears on the outcome?
 
Below are the ideas I received from some of the Love Yourself – It Matters! Ezine readers. Thank you everyone for sharing your techniques for creating a peaceful and loving life for yourself.  

Katie Keating

A few thoughts in response to your Ezine.

• Have faith- work on your spirituality.
• Read Dale Carnegies book, How to stop worrying, and start living,
• Volunteer and do a good deed for another in need.

Have a superb day!

~ Katie Keating

Doretha “Dee” Burrell

Things that keep me focused:

• I allow myself to shed a tear from time to time when things seem tough, but no more than 5 minutes.
• When stressed, I go out for a walk, meditate or practice yoga.
• I sit at my computer and email people that I think I would never get responses from- great example- A few days ago I  was having one of those days that my spirit and soul needed a little  uplifting, so I decided to email John Paul Mitchell (owner of Paul Mitchell Hair) to inform him that I had the opportunity to speak at one of his schools in NJ. Well, would you believe I received a response yesterday from him!)
• Believe in myself and what I am doing is going to work.. never quit, never give-up. I read a lot about very successful people and how some of them actually were homeless at one point in their lives and now they are millionaires. I’m not homeless yet, but if things don’t pick up… I might be there: Remember you must be able to laugh at yourself sometimes!

~ Dee

Doretha “Dee” Burrell
http://www.deeburrellinstituteforwomen.com/
http://about.me/deeburrell 

Alvah Parker

I wrote a list once about changing your mood.  Certainly if you are feeling fear it is important to move away from the fear and toward something else.  Perhaps one of the suggestions on the list would work.   You’ll find my list here http://www.asparker.com/ppts1003.html   I wrote it in 2003, but it still makes sense to me.  Feel free to use it if it feels right to you.

My Best,

~ Alvah Parker
Parker Associates
781-598-0388 (voice)
781-593-1734 (fax)
617-240-5353 (cell)
LinkedIn
Twitter

“Everyone has his own specific vocation in life..Therein he cannot be replaced, nor can his life be repeated..Thus everyone’s task is as unique as his specific opportunity to implement it. We detect rather than invent our mission in life.”  Victor Frankl “Man’s Search for Meaning”

Read Road to Success, an ezine and Parker’s Points, a tip list with articles and tips on career or practice building topics. To subscribe go to Alvah’s website and choose the edition for career changers and/or attorneys.

Hunches Are Miracles in Disguise

“A hunch is creativity trying to tell you something.”
~ Frank Capra

Thank you, Frank Capra, for your quote. I am always having hunches and most of the time just let them evaporate into thin air. From now on when I have a hunch, I will stop and listen.

A hunch is described as a premonition, intuition, instinct or idea. Many of these thoughts are constantly passing through our minds. Instead of letting them float away, we have another option: pay attention to our hunches.

As I am writing this blog post, a thought has popped into my head. What a difference it would make to work with a group of coaches who want to offer their services during this time of year to people who are struggling. 

What comes to mind is helping the unemployed. We could barter our services. That way, we are supporting individuals in their time of need and at the same time giving them an opportunity to give us a gift. When I first started coaching, one of my friends made me roasted vegetables in exchange for my coaching services.

What do you think about this idea? Please let me know by leaving a comment below, or send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.

Here are some of the ways we can find unemployed people who might be interested in our services:

• Ask friends, family members or neighbors if they know of anyone who is unemployed. Request they contact the person to see if this person would like to receive support in finding a job. Once you know the person is interested, give this person a call.
• Put an ad in your local newspaper; in some cases, such an ad may be free. We can work together in making the content inviting.
• Go to a networking event that reaches out to the unemployed. Get to know the attendees, and schedule to have coffee with the people you meet.
• Put a flyer on display on the bulletin boards of local thrift shops or food banks. Another idea is to volunteer your time at the thrift shop or food bank so you can strike up conversations with people in need of coaching services.
• Send an email to various houses of worship in your area, volunteering to present a motivational program for groups serving the unemployed. 
• Let me know your ideas for reaching out to people who are struggling during the holiday season.

Together let’s make a difference. I am anxiously waiting to hear from you. Either leave a comment on this blog or send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net with your ideas of how we can put this group together and get started.

Let’s make this year different and give to those in NEED!

Helen

Change Brings Happiness into Our Lives!

Change Your Thinking

“Things don’t change.
You change your way of looking, that’s all.”
~ Carlos Castaneda

When I read Carlos Castaneda’ quote it really struck me.  How we are always looking for our life to change and never take the time to change our thoughts. 

Castaneda suggests change the way you look at things.  EASIER SAID THAN DONE!

Let me tell you a little story… I am working with a client, who we call Fran.  Her business was steadily growing through the years.  One day she woke-up thinking her business was failing.  If things didn’t turn around quickly she was going to be bankrupt in a few months. 

When she called me, Fran was devastated and could not understand what happened.  Last month she did not feel this way, and was implementing new programs.  All of a sudden she was thinking about letting her team members go and maybe looking for a JOB. 

We discussed what was happening and looked at her business growth objectively.  After checking with her Accountant, Fran was surprised to learn that the profits this month were higher than last month.  What changed was her thinking.

Isn’t it amazing how we allow ourselves to cause suffering in our own lives.

Next time things are running smoothly and you want to shake up your life, implement the following steps.  This exercise also helps people who are facing real hardships in their lives.

• STOP take a deep breath and ask yourself the question, “Is what I am thinking right now, really true and nothing will ever change?”  By stepping back and examining the situation we start seeing our challenges from a different perspective and solutions start appearing. 
• Make an agreement with yourself not to think about your challenge for today.  Every time the thought pops into your head tell yourself, I will think about it tomorrow.  Miracles happen all the time so don’t waste your time worrying about something that can change in minutes.  There is an old saying, “Most circumstances we imagine never materialize.”
• Think of a time in your life when you were experiencing difficulties and within a short period of time everything turned around and your life was better than it was before.  This happens all the time and by visualizing what happened will give you strength and hope to continue. 
• Remind yourself constantly, that you are doing the best you can and the Universe is here to guide you.  
• Think happy thoughts at least once every thirty minutes.  By thinking these thoughts you will start changing your philosophy and a smile will appear on your face. 

As Castaneda says, “Things don’t change. You change your way of looking, that’s all.”

Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community your thoughts about this blog post.  Together we will grow and experience joy in our lives. 

Helen

Finding Fulfillment by Doing for Others

“Often people attempt to live their lives backwards;
they try to have more things, or more money,
in order to do more of what they want,
so they will be happier.
The way it actually works is the reverse.
You must first be who you really are,
then do what you need to do,
in order to have what you want.”
~ Margaret Young

Reading Margaret Young’s quote made me stop and think.  Most of us have been living our lives backwards; we are working hard to make money so we can find happiness, instead of connecting within ourselves and feeling the satisfaction we are searching for.

Are you working hard every day looking for new way to find clients and at the same time feeling frustrated?  Another way of doing things is to start feeling grateful for your special gifts and sharing them with others.

I know this is a big lump to swallow!

If you were like me, I use to think it was everyone else’s responsibility to make me happy.   It took me years to realize that it was my responsibility to take care of myself and not expect others to do it. 

Now that we got that straight, we are in charge of our own happiness.  What steps can we take?

• Standup and give yourself a standing ovation, “You are fantastic just the way you are.” By acknowledging our own greatness gives us confidence.
• Acknowledge someone today in a way that puts a smile on their face.  Yesterday, I met a friend for dinner and noticed she lost a lot of weight.  I instantly told her how great she looked and saw the excitement in her face.  Complimenting someone else does not only make them feel better, it puts a smile on your face.
• Think about one of your special gifts and share it with someone else.  Example: One of my special gifts is listening while a person speaks.  I let them know they are heard and understood which gives them the gift of being accepted. We spend most of our lives wishing others will hear and understand us. 
• Accepting our life as it is instead of hoping things will be different.  Once we learn that we are on the right track things start to move in another direction and we instantly start to feel fulfilled.
• Helping others gives us a sense of satisfaction.  One of my clients was going through a very difficult time.  During our session together, I asked her what she could do to make someone else happy.  Her first response was I can’t make anyone else happy because I feel so terrible.  She then thought for a while, told me that one of her friend’s basement was flooded from all the rain and was working very hard to clean up the mess.  My client was going to make a dinner for her family and bring it over.  She instantly stopped thinking about herself and felt happy again.  

It always goes to prove that when you focus on helping others it brings joy to your life.  What are you going to do nice for someone today?  Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community what action you took and the results it uncovered.

Looking forward to hearing from you.  Have a great day!
 
Helen

Acceptance of Who We Are

Life is like a rollercoaster.

“There are two kinds of people:
Those who don’t do what they want to do,
so they write down in a diary about what they haven’t done,
and those who haven’t time to write about it because they’re out doing it.”

~ Richard Flournoy and Lewis R. Foster

Reading this quote brought a smile to my face.  Some days I am the first person they described and other days the second one.  We are all human beings and our actions are dictated largely by our attitude.

Some days I wake up in the morning feeling motivated and other times I want to pull the covers over my head.  Either way I have to get out of bed and take action. Feeling motivated means going with the flow and implementing action steps that will move my business forward.  When feeling overwhelmed, it takes courage to start thinking and moving in another direction.

What is a person to do?  Acknowledge what is going on and support yourself accordingly.

When feeling discouraged it is time for pampering.  We all need a vacation from our daily routines. The important thing to remember is that it’s important to regroup and learn what is happening in our lives.  Instead of fighting our thoughts, feelings and blaming ourselves just go with the flow.  Acceptance improves our attitude and we learn from our experiences.  Have faith. You will start feeling motivated again. 

Below are ways to pamper yourself:

• Cook yourself a healthy and delicious breakfast.  My favorite pancake recipe:
  • ¼ Cup of Cottage Cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 1 package of oatmeal
  • 6 oz. container of yogurt
  • 1 cup of blueberries

Combine the cottage cheese, egg and oatmeal together and cook on a medium flame.  When pancake is cooked top it with the yogurt and blueberries.  ENJOY!

• Exercise!  It makes you feel alive and good again.
• Pick out clothes that make you feel good.  
• Work for a few hours.  Continue acknowledging yourself.  Example: After writing an article, acknowledge yourself for how easy it is to write and express your ideas.  
• Sit back in a chair and just relax.  Do absolutely nothing!!
• If inclined, take a bubble bath.
• Journal about your magnificence. I know this may be hard.  Just get started and the ideas will flow.  Example of getting started:  Helen, I want to thank you for taking the time to acknowledge how I am feeling.  This has made a big impact I am starting to regain my self-confidence and my day is beginning to change…  
• Give yourself permission to just be you and do whatever you want. 

Enjoy the time!

Life is like a rollercoaster. By keeping a positive attitude, accepting our thoughts and feelings, and pampering ourselves makes the ride worthwhile. 
 
Good Luck!
 
Helen

Tips for Working with Clients Who Always Reschedule

All the strength you need
to achieve anything
is within you.
~ Sara Henerson

Question:  What steps do you take when a client constantly cancels their scheduled coaching sessions and wants to reschedule?
 
Answer:  The important thing to remember, this is not about you!  Following are some of the steps I take in determining whether we are a good match or the client is not ready for coaching or some situation has to be worked out:

• Email the client expressing your concern for their well-being and the importance of scheduling time to chat.
• Call the client on the day and time scheduled.
  • During the session always follow the client’s agenda.  NEVER, NEVER put them on the defensive or feel something is wrong with them.   
• Coach the client in discovering what is holding them back from moving forward.
• Coach the client in making a determination as to whether coaching is a good fit for them.
  • Always act as the coach and remember this is not about you.
• End the conversation in a positive and upbeat manner.

Sometimes I find the client is experiencing some blocks that are stopping them from moving forward.  Other times they are not ready for coaching and it would be in their best interest to see a therapist.  We are all human beings and at any one time we are journeying through different experiences.
  
Having these conversations usually enables the client and myself to discover what works best for both of us.  Taking a risk and communicating with others is always the best solution.
 
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters Community what plan works best for you when a client is always cancelling and rescheduling their appointments.  Let’s support each other in growing our businesses.

Helen

Building a Business One Step at a Time

“If you can’t feed a hundred people,
then just feed one.”
~ Mother Teresa

As business owners we want to help as many people as we can.  Who would like to coach 100 one-on-one clients each day and support them in living the life of their dreams?  Sorry to say since we only have 24 hours in a day, that is unrealistic. 
 
As Mother Teresa says, “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.”  Building a coaching business takes one client at a time. 
 
At first it was very hard to enroll clients so I became creative and bartered my services.  My first client cooked me roasted vegetables and I coached her for 30 minutes.  Then another client hired me and I charged her $60 a month.  As time went on my practice started to grow and gradually I increased my rates.  Today, incorporating many other services into my business, I feel very successful.
 
How successful you feel is the key to your well-being.  It doesn’t matter if you have only one client or 20.  The secret is what you are telling yourself. 
 
You’ll automatically feel successful by shifting your thinking and focusing on the accomplishments your clients are achieving.
 
Below are a few steps you can take to remind yourself of your success:

• After each coaching session with a client write yourself a short note acknowledging your coaching skills.
• Before closing down for the night, read each accomplishment out loud.
• Continue this practice for a week.

Feeling you are providing special gifts to your clients will reinforce your love for coaching and you will feel very successful.
 
Please share your success stories with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community.

Business Opportunities Come Knocking!

“Opportunity is missed by most people
because it is dressed in overalls
and looks like hard work.”
~ Thomas Alva Edison

Thomas Alva Edison put it so elegantly that we overlook many opportunities because we have to be the action force behind every opportunity.
 
Sometimes it is okay to let the Universe provide instead of constantly running after our dreams.
 
Let me tell you a little story… Sandy (name changed) was running a non-profit organization, constantly networking and applying for grants.  She believed you had to push yourself to the limit before receiving any compensation for your hard work.  So every day she was working 10 to 12 hour days and did not have any type of personal life.
 
Sandy’s outlook on life was dismal because she was working all the time and not enjoying the other aspects of her life.  One day she complained to her sister that she had to work all the time and would never have time to relax and enjoy herself again.
 
Her sister understood exactly what she was saying and suggested she start working with a coach.  Feeling overwhelmed she called me. 
 
We started working together and explored her beliefs.  Sandy strongly felt that hard work was her mission in life. 
 
We started looking at other options.  Eventually, Sandy became aware of opportunities that were just presenting themselves.  She had a very creative and dedicated staff and gave them the freedom to succeed. 
 
Sandy at first was shocked that she did not have to be the driving force behind the non-profit.  Gradually, she gave herself permission to start looking at ways to enjoy her life.  Today she is just a member of the team and enjoys the other aspects of her life.
 
Giving up control and letting other opportunities present themselves is freeing.
 
What aspect of your life is holding you back?
 
Below is an exercise that will enable you to create more freedom in your life.

• Take out your journal and write about the aspect of your life you would like to change.  Example: I have to work 10 to 12 hours a day in order for my business to be successful.
• Reread what you have written.
• Start punching holes through your ideas by continually asking yourself, “What is the truth?” Example:  Idea – my employees might make mistakes and everything will fall apart. 

What is the truth? Others are just as creative and sometimes have better ideas than I do.

• Pick one idea you would like to change.  Example:  I have to stay in the office until 7:00pm in case anyone calls.  
• Chose an action step to change your idea.  Example:  Survey for a week how many calls are received after 5:00pm.  Then decided if you have to change the receptionist hours or just let the voicemail take messages.
• Continue taking action steps to change your thinking.

Remember…Once we become aware of what is happening, decide to take a risk and then action steps, everything slowly changes.  Enjoy the journey!
 
Please partner with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community by sharing your ideas and challenges.  Together we will make a difference in our businesses and lives.

Business Opportunities Come Knocking!

“Opportunity is missed by most people
because it is dressed in overalls
and looks like hard work.”
~ Thomas Alva Edison

Thomas Alva Edison put it so elegantly that we overlook many opportunities because we have to be the action force behind every opportunity.

Sometimes it is okay to let the Universe provide instead of constantly running after our dreams.

Let me tell you a little story… Sandy (name changed) was running a non-profit organization, constantly networking and applying for grants.  She believed you had to push yourself to the limit before receiving any compensation for your hard work.  So every day she was working 10 to 12 hour days and did not have any type of personal life.

Sandy’s outlook on life was dismal because she was working all the time and not enjoying the other aspects of her life.  One day she complained to her sister that she had to work all the time and would never have time to relax and enjoy herself again.

Her sister understood exactly what she was saying and suggested she start working with a coach.  Feeling overwhelmed she called me. 

We started working together and explored her beliefs.  Sandy strongly felt that hard work was her mission in life. 

We started looking at other options.  Eventually, Sandy became aware of opportunities that were just presenting themselves.  She had a very creative and dedicated staff and gave them the freedom to succeed. 

Sandy at first was shocked that she did not have to be the driving force behind the non-profit.  Gradually, she gave herself permission to start looking at ways to enjoy her life.  Today she is just a member of the team and enjoys the other aspects of her life.

Giving up control and letting other opportunities present themselves is freeing.

What aspect of your life is holding you back?

Below is an exercise that will enable you to create more freedom in your life.

• Take out your journal and write about the aspect of your life you would like to change.  Example: I have to work 10 to 12 hours a day in order for my business to be successful.
• Reread what you have written.
• Start punching holes through your ideas by continually asking yourself, “What is the truth?” Example:  Idea – my employees might make mistakes and everything will fall apart.  What is the truth? Others are just as creative and sometimes have better ideas than I do.
• Pick one idea you would like to change.  Example:  I have to stay in the office until 7:00pm in case anyone calls.  
• Chose an action step to change your idea.  Example:  Survey for a week how many calls are received after 5:00pm.  Then decided if you have to change the receptionist hours or just let the voicemail take messages.
• Continue taking action steps to change your thinking.

Remember…Once we become aware of what is happening, decide to take a risk and then action steps, everything slowly changes.  Enjoy the journey!

Please partner with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community by sharing your ideas and challenges.    Together we will make a difference in our businesses and lives.

Tough Love for Coaches: Profit or Perish

You will not want to miss this opportunity to learn from Val Williams. Her message is invaluable if you want a profitable coaching business.

Val is going to share the single most common mistake coaches make that keep them from owning and operating a business that is producing positive cash flow.

Our calendar of events is expanding to bring you more expert advice from the leaders in the coaching industry. It’s free to listen into these calls.

RSVP to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net to make sure you reserve your spot.

On Wednesday March 30th at 1:00 pm EST and 10:00 am Pacific you will meet Val Williams.

“Tough Love for Coaches: Profit or Perish”

As Coaches, we all have great dreams of helping people and making the world a better place. This is a wonderful intention. However, unless a Coach can build a profitable coaching business that supports a great lifestyle, the great dream probably won’t happen. My message is the tough love for coaches. If we do not focus on coaching as a business, and build the personal business skills and presence to make money, we won’t be in the game. Join me for a conversation about what it takes to create revenue while doing outstanding high quality coaching at the same time. Profit is not a dirty word. Profit is what allows us to be selective and choose the clients that match our talents the best. Then we can make that unique difference we want to make for people.

RSVP to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net to make sure you reserve your spot.

Val Williams, MCC

Val Williams, MCC, is an Executive Coach and expert in senior executive leadership development.

Specializing in C-Level Executive Coaching, and a former health care operations executive herself, Val has coached hundreds of senior executive leaders and their teams in companies around the globe since 1994. Val coaches executives on a variety of leadership skills including strategic planning, performance management and team development. Val focuses senior leaders on the power of their Influence; and the specific type of executive presence needed to have real impact on both people and results. Visit: http://www.valwilliams.com/

RSVP to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net to make sure you reserve your spot.