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 [...]

“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 [...]
“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:
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!
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
“Within you right now is the power
to do things you never dreamed possible.
This power becomes available to you
just as soon as you can change your beliefs.”
~ Maxwell Maltz
What a strong quote! If you stop and think about the quote it definitely makes sense. How many times in your life after changing your beliefs do miracles start happening.
For the past six months I have been thinking how hard everything is in my life. My business has been growing at a slow pace and that nagging thought of being a widow has been getting to me. I have been living in the victim role for awhile.
I attended an iPEC Life Potential Training and my thinking did a 360 degree turn. I realized I was the creator of my choices. I could feel sorry for myself or celebrate my life. At that point, I decided to celebrate my life, my beliefs changed and miracles started happening.
Instead of focusing on my business’ growth, I started thinking about how Love Yourself Coaching was providing a service. Thinking about this new concept, out of the clear blue sky, the phone rang and it was from a client who I worked with a few years ago. She called to tell me how our coaching sessions changed her life and wanted to start working together again. This is one example of how Love Yourself Coaching is changing the lives of one person at a time. This situation strengthened my belief system.
Taking the following steps will assist you in changing your beliefs.
Now It Is Your Turn
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community your affirmation. By letting others know about your belief makes it a reality. At the same time the Universe will hear it and support you in making it real.
If you aspire to the highest place,
it is no disgrace to stop
at the second or even
the third place.
~ CIERO, 106-43 BC
(Roman orator, statesman and essayist)
I can’t believe after all these years we are still receiving the same advice. In one of Cheryl Richardson’s books she stated, “When planning your exercise program, always plan on a reasonable amount of miles you will walk each day instead of pushing yourself unrealistically. For example plan on walking 2 miles a day instead of 4 and when you have walked the 4 miles imagine how good you will feel. On the other hand, if you walked 4 miles it will even feel better.” I paraphrased what Cheryl had stated.
I have always taken this advice. At first it was a challenge to post every day. As time went on, I realized this was not in my best interest. Some days I had other commitments and blogging was not an option. By relaxing and not pushing myself so hard the blog posts improved. More people sent me comments and my blog started attracting traffic.
After a few years, I started cutting back on posting articles and before I knew it days and weeks would go by before I posted an article. I have been in this slump for a long time. Some thoughts for reversing this slump:
Please, please members of this community; I need your support and ideas so that I can move forward.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Helen
“Good Things Happen
When You
Go For ItT!”
~ Alan Webb
Today is a new day! Let’s take out our magic wand, wave it around and create “Good Things” all day.
The first step, ask yourself what would you like to see happen today. Just GoFor It!!
I will start the ball rolling. What surfaced for me was to make a difference in someone’s life today. On a daily basis, we make a difference in the lives of people we interact with. Going out and planning to do something special for someone takes it to a new level.
Who and what could I do for someone today that would put a smile on their face? Many things popped into my mind especially my daughter, Mindi. She started her own accounting practice last year, has been working very hard and now moving out of her home office into an office building. Mindi feels stressed all the time with what is happening and trying to make time for her family. What could I do to acknowledge her as a beautiful and successful woman? My first thought was to take her out for lunch and that would create more stress. Sending her flowers is another option and they are going away for a week so that would not work. Then the thought came to mind, just bring her a beautiful card that says how proud I am of her and give her a big hug.
Sometimes little things make the biggest difference. What could you do today for someone in your life that is experiencing difficulties? Please share your plan and the impact it made in their life.
Let’s go out today and make a difference in someone’s life. Enjoy!
Take Care,
Helen
A thing of beauty
is a joy forever.
~ John Keats
Close your eyes and sit silently for a few minutes. Picture yourself sitting under a big tree smiling, and feeling relaxed. That is a thing of beauty!
We continuously have a choice to either feel good about ourselves or be our own worst enemy. Which one do you pick today? I choose to be kind to myself today!
I am sitting here with a smile on my face thinking about what I am going to do special for myself today. Below is my dream day.
Mix the cottage cheese, egg, oatmeal and water together. Pour the mixture into a frying pan and cook over a low heat. When pancake is cooked put it on a plate, add the yogurt and fruit. Enjoy!
Doesn’t that sound like a special day? No DRAMA and being kind to myself all day long.
Please share your dream day with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community. Together let’s create “BE Kind to You Day.” Looking forward to hearing about your special day.
Helen
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:
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
What three things do you
want to accomplish this year?
Write them down and place them
on your refrigerator
for inspiration all year long.
~ Anonymous
I was flipping thru inspirational quotes to find the right one for today’s message. When I came across the quote above, it made me think about what three things I wanted to accomplish in 2011.
The last 3 ½ months have flown by quickly. My biggest accomplishment was writing and having a book published. This was a longtime dream that after many attempts finally became a reality. The name of the book is Skyrocket Your Business in 30 Days – While Having Coffee with Helen.
After celebrating the publication of the book, I kept thinking “What is next?”
With time on my hands, I decided to think about the next three things I wanted to accomplish in the remaining 7 ½ months of 2011. Below is the exercise that helped me discover my next three goals for 2011.
Now it is Your Turn:
Complete the exercise above to determine what three things you want to accomplish by the end of 2011. Once you have determined which goals you would like to accomplish, “Write them down and place them on your refrigerator for inspiration all year long.” Also, feel free to share your three goals for 2011 in the comment section of this blog. Let the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community know what three things you would like to accomplish. We are all here to support each other.
Helen
“If only we’d stop trying to be happy,
we’d have a pretty good time.”
~ Edith Wharton
What is happiness? We have a certain picture in our minds that illustrates Happiness. Some people think happiness is when they have 2 new clients, or you receive a present you always wanted, etc.
These moments are short lived. Take for example once you sign-up the new clients, instantly you start looking for other clients.
It reminds me of the time when I was attending college. Always thinking about when I graduated my life would be easier. Then thinking when I am married and have children, l would really be happy. The story continues to unfold and I never felt completely happy.
One day many years ago, I was invited to attend a tele-class, “Is Happiness a Pipe Dream?” I felt compelled to join the call.
What I learned was that Happiness is our own perception. The presenter spoke about sitting at a traffic light and looking around. This made her happy. The next morning I was sitting in a chair, drinking a cup of coffee and my cat, Alice was sitting on my lap purring. This made me happy.
Now whenever I feel sad or wish for something to happen that will make me happy I instantly think about what is making me happy right now. It always brings a smile to my face.
If we focus on what is making us happy in the moment, we would always have a pretty good time.
Now It is Your Turn!
Are you feeling happy and more relaxed? Remember, Happiness is a choice you can make anytime you want.
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community what just made you happy after reading this article.
Wishing you an enjoyable and happy day!
Helen
“There comes a time in a man’s life
when to get where he has to go
-if there are no doors or windows-
he walks through a wall.”
~ Bernard Malamud
Do you find yourself many times walking through walls? Look at it this way, we are still moving forward.
This has been my pattern lately. Nothing seems to be flowing easily. I seem to be always pushing. It takes a lot of energy and I am constantly tired.
What is a person to do? There has to be a better way.
Let’s dissect this dilemma. What is really going on? The word that pops into my mind is “CONTROL” and not trusting the process. Does this sound familiar?
It might sound crazy, but I find that “Control” gives me a sense of comfort. When I just let things happen in a way it is scary because it may not turn out the way I want. When I am in this space I start to make lists, plan my every move and just control everything around me. This kind of behavior is very taxing and tiring.
When you find yourself controlling everything relax and implement the following exercise:
What I learned from this exercise: When I find myself trying to control everything it is time to uncover what is going on.
Now it is your turn!
Take the time to relax and complete the exercise above. What did you learn? Please share your thoughts with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Helen
“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:
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.
“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.
What is the truth? Others are just as creative and sometimes have better ideas than I do.
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.
“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.
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.
“We have a mental block inside us
that stops us from earning more
than we think we are worth.
If we want to earn more in reality,
we have to upgrade our self-concept.”
~ Brian Tracy
After reading Brian Tracy’s quote what were you thinking? Do the following thoughts sound familiar?
The thoughts can go on and on.
Okay, let’s take a step back and see what is really happening here. Most of us are always looking for a solution to a problem. Wouldn’t it be easy to change our thinking and our problems would disappear?
What I am learning is that sometimes I am my own worst enemy. My thoughts start telling me all crazy ideas. When this happens I take a deep breath, picture a STOP sign and tell myself “I am worthy of being paid for my services because I am a great coach.”
Brian Tracy’s quote sounds so simple and at the same time upgrading our self-concept can be a very difficult task. How do you go about it?
Helen’s mind is at work… Below is a simple plan you can follow:
After a month of reassuring yourself that you are a special person and providing a service, your attitude will change.
While practicing this exercise please stay in touch with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community. We are in this together and by supporting each other things will change.
Keep in touch!
Helen
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.
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.
Love Yourself Coaching is offering you a chance to stay focused and act on the information that was shared in our series.
After each leader’s talk, we are immediately opening up a mastermind circle to boost you into action using the tips and techniques shared by our successful mentors and experts.
Put MIND and MONEY into your business!
Build a support system around yourself
that will help you meet your next short term goals
Join the first ever, Love Yourself Coaching Mastermind Circle!
This new program is my way of helping coaches take a ‘no-more-excuses’ approach to growing their business and becoming prosperous.
The Love Yourself Mastermind Circle is the solution to keeping us all focused and playing a bigger game.
But here is the thing, I am only opening the circle to eight (8), quick-acting individuals. We will be meeting together for two weeks.
Who should join the Mastermind Circle?
Then you want to become a member of our Love Yourself Mastermind Circle.
Invest in yourself and your business.
Join The Mastermind Circle by Monday April 4th for $125.00.
This includes three 60 minute group mastermind sessions.
Group facilitated by Helen Burton, Owner of Love Yourself Coaching.
After this date the price will be going up. Act fast!