Posts Tagged ‘Achieving Goals’
“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.
“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.
Letting the world know about “You” can be very frightening
“Get all the education you can,
but then, by God, do something.
Don’t just stand there;
make it happen.”
~ Lee Iococca
Reading Lee Iococca’s quote reminded me of when I first graduated from iPEC Coaching School and kept signing up for more trainings. I kept thinking I was not ready to go out there and coach. What if I did not ask the right questions, gave too much advice? The list goes on and on.
One day during a coaching session, my coach said in a very strong voice, “It is enough with the different trainings, just go out there and coach.” I became very defensive and explained why I needed more trainings. She did not want to continue the conversation and asked, “What were my next steps for marketing my coaching practice?” It was the greatest gift anyone ever gave me.
Once I started coaching clients my confidence grew and eventually I knew in my heart that I was a great coach. Taking that first step and letting the world know about “You” can be very frightening.
Let’s take a deep breath and take that leap! We are all in this together.
Some simple small steps you can take to overcome your FEAR. By the way, fear is False Evidence Appearing Real.
- Meditate for a few moments and think about one step you have been putting off over and over again. Example: Presenting a Workshop.
- Sit there and let all your fears surface.
- Think about the fear that constantly pops up all the time. Example: I am afraid no one will sign-up for the workshop.
- Take a deep breath and take in sunshine.
- Let your breath out and let all the fears go.
- When you feel comfortable open your eyes.
- Write in your journal about your constant fear and solutions to the dilemma. Example: No one will sign-up for the workshop. One of the solutions that surfaced was to have the workshop in my home and invite friends and family.
This solution is not a cop-out! It could be a way of practicing and getting feedback so your next workshop will be easier.
- Create plans, send invitations and enjoy the process.
Let the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community know about your project and how we can support you. We are all in this together.
Dave Buck has a simple, clear message that will help you play big this year… in your life and work. How do I know this? I heard Dave speak at a recent gathering and I implemented what he suggested as soon as I got home. I can honestly say, what he suggests WORKS! And it really works well. DAILY I take clear action steps to help grow my business.
If you are at all familiar with Dave Buck, he is entertaining and we all could use a bit of laughter in our lives!
So please join us Wednesday, February 23rd at 1pm EST.
RSVP today to reserve your spot and begin growing and loving your business again! Just email Helen at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Join the Coaches’ Coaching Circle This Year
What does the Circle mean for you?
When you join the Coaches Coaching Circle, You will become a part of a virtual coaching environment where you will:
· Immediately begin working with a client.
· Strengthen and explore personal issues with your coach to create a lifestyle that you seek.
· Learn what systems you need to have in place to build a prosperous business
· Have access and learn from some of the top experts in our coaching industry.
If last year you were struggling because you are not making an acceptable income, you were tired of coaching less-than-ideal clients, and you questioned your decision to becoming a coach, then it’s time to create positive changes in 2011.
As a Coaches’ Coaching Circle Member, you will:
· Accumulate All Your ICF Certification Hours
· Learn From The BEST Coaches In Our Industry
· And Get Paid!
Make the Coaches’ Coaching Circle Part of your 2011 Plan.
New! We have added a new educational module to the CCC Membership. We have invited some of the most dynamic, successful leaders in our industry to speak with our members each month. This opportunity gives members a chance to learn first-hand how to take action and which steps are needed to begin building a profitable coaching business in 2011.
Dave Buck will be kicking off our series in February (See Dave’s Bio and Talk Summary). You won’t want to miss Dave talk about playing a bigger game. His message is valuable, entertaining and easy to implement for coaches of all level of experience and skill.
Join the Circle today. It’s easy and it’s affordable. It will be the best investment you made in 2011. Send an email to Helen, helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
Circle Investment: $250.00/Month. Registered by Jan. 20th to begin Feb. 1st.
Your Monthly Coaching Income $150.00
Monthly Out of Pocket Cost: $100.00
Purchase Three Months at $200/month and save.
Dave Buck Kicks Off The Coaches’ Coaching Circle
Educational Series for 2011!
Come prepared to learn a new technique, become motivated and move forward with your business!
“Play BIG in the World”
Are you ready to play BIG in the world?
Presented by Dave Buck
Traditional methods for coaching and personal growth are often not effective because they are focused on working on tasks and problems. We know that humans learn, grow and produce results better when they are playing and enjoying what they do. So if you want to play BIG in the world AND coach people who desire to play big in the world, you MUST learn this method. This powerful playshop is designed for coaches AND anyone ready to play BIG in the world.
Dave Buck BIO
Dave Buck is a Master Certified Coach and the CEO of CoachVille, the largest social network for business and life coaches in the world. Dave’s vision is that everyone, everywhere with the courage to play BIG in the world, has a great coach!
As a life coach he has coached over 1,000 individuals one-on-one and in small groups. He has also trained several thousand coaches as the lead trainer for CoachVille’s Center for Coaching Mastery.
Dave worked side-by-side with Thomas Leonard - the founder of the life coaching movement – to create CoachVille in 2000 and became the CEO shortly after Thomas passed away in February 2003
Dave is a Founding Member of the Transformational Leadership Council; a group founded by Jack Canfield (author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series) and includes several leaders of the personal development movement including Wayne Dyer, John Gray and Rhonda Byrne. Many members of the council are part of the hit movie and book The Secret.
The end of the year is approaching. Have you been thinking about 2010 and what has been accomplished?
I was working with my coach the other day and she asked me about my achievements in 2010. My first line of defense was that I just maintained my coaching practice and not really moved forward. After taking a deep breath, I reminded myself about the wonderful opportunities that presented themselves during the year.
During 2010, Love Yourself Coaching moved forward and experienced many achievements. The one that has brought me the most pleasure was discovering Love Yourself Coaching’s Mission. Its mission is to support coaches in loving themselves while they build prosperous businesses.
Below is a little exercise that will support you in reminding yourself about the opportunities and miracles that presented themselves in 2010. Read over the steps and complete the exercise. Remember there is no right or wrong.
· Take a deep breath and let your mind wander.
· After a few seconds start focusing on your breathing.
· When you feel relaxed, think about 2010.
· Focus on one moment that brought you joy. Was it working with a client, rolling out a new program, etc.
· Live that moment and feel the excitement.
· Let the thoughts go and just relax.
· When you are ready open your eyes.
· Write about the experience in your journal, or call a friend and share the experience or brag about it in the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community comment section below.
I am looking forward to working together in 2011. Let’s start a Coaching Movement to increase the business prosperity for each and every coach.
“Be like a postage stamp –
stick to one thing till you get there.
Sheila Graham
Do you wake-up in the morning with the idea you are going to accomplish certain tasks? Then as the day proceeds you never take action towards any of these projects.
Welcome to the world of the entrepreneur!
This morning getting out of bed, I started thinking about my to-do list. My day started walking with my neighbor, straightening the house, answering emails, coaching clients and all of a sudden I looked at the clock and it was noon. To my utter surprise I did not start any of the projects that were on my to-do list. This pattern happens a lot.
What is a person to do?
Thinking about this challenge, all of a sudden the “Smart Goal” Model popped into my head. Below is the model:
S = Be very specific
Example: My goals were write an article, research different writing groups, coach clients, food shop, take time to just relax and the list goes on and on.
M = Measure your progress
Example: My measurement would be completion of the different projects.
A = Achievable
Example: This plan was not achievable, no way could I accomplish everything in one day.
R = Reasonable
Example: Since all the items were not easily accomplished in one day, I would create a realistic
plan. This plan would be produced by reviewing my goals and choosing which items could be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time.
T = Time Table
Example: Today’s Schedule:
1:00pm – Write Article
3:00pm – Food Shop
4:00pm – Spent time with Jeffrey, my grandson relaxing
6:00pm – Coach last client for the day.
Tomorrow:
8:00am – Research writing groups
10:00am – Create a new plan
This arrangement sounded realistic.
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community your challenges about creating a reasonable daily plan. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Helen
Filed under Business Tips, Coaches, Life Issues
Tags:Achieving Goals, Coaches, Coaching, feeling empowered, love yourself, Mini-Vacation, positive thinking, professional, responsibility, self-confidence, SMART Goals, struggles
“…like gasoline: A whole tankful won’t do much good until we put our foot on the gas pedal and start driving. Positive thinking makes action possible: Action brings our good thoughts to life. Positive thinking, positive action.”
Arnold Fox, M.D. and Barry Fox, Ph.D.
Reading this quote what comes to mind, by changing our thoughts and hoping things will be different will not necessary alter our situations. Sorry guys we have to do the work!
What could we do differently?
Let me tell you a little story. Jane was having a difficult time enrolling new clients. She thought by changing her negative thoughts to positive ones a miracle would happen and clients would start calling. Jane worked hard on thinking positive and repeating affirmations all day. She started to feel more positive and in spite of her new behavior one or 2 clients appeared.
One day during our coaching session we were discussing positive thinking plus taking action. Jane decided to continue thinking positively and take action at the same time.
She continued focusing on positive thinking, saying affirmations and now taking action. Attended networking events, writing articles and facilitated an Abundant Workshop.
Low and behold, Jane started building a following and her business started to grow.
The moral of the story is by thinking positively, feeling good about yourself and taking action miracles start to happen.
Please share with the Love Yourself – It Matters Community your thoughts regarding the combination of thinking positively and taking action vs. just thinking positively. I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Helen
“One kind word can warm three winter months.”
Japanese Proverb
Do you think and say kind words about your business? Unfortunately, most of us think about what is not going right.
When we have successes our feelings turn towards excitement and joy. Why is it so hard focusing on those times instead of finding things to worry about?
Simply, we are human beings and wired to think that way.
When you start thinking about your business in a negative way. Stop, take a deep breath and say in a powerful voice, kind words about your business. An example would be, “My business is achieving its goal by helping business people.”
Even though this little exercise sounds simple it is very hard to do. It takes practice, practice, and more practice before it becomes a new habit. Remember…a habit takes about 21 days to become natural.
Constantly think, “ I will say kind words about my business.”
Please share your experiences with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community. Sharing our experiences and thoughts with each other enables us to create successful businesses in a loving way.
Filed under Business Tips
Tags:Achieving Goals, business marketing, business struggles, client marketing, Coaches, Coaching, feeling alone, feeling empowered, ICF, NJPCA, PACA, professional
Have you ever found yourself sitting in front of a potential client, trying to keep the person engaged about what you do and how coaching can assist them?
And before you know it, you throw the ‘the-coach-who-listens’ out the window, and proceed to talk non-stop, for the next 20 minutes. Ugh!!
We have all been there!
So how do you overcome your infatuation with coaching and still effectively sell to a prospective client?
Here are a few steps that work successfully for me:
- Prepare an agenda before your meeting.
- Listen, listen, listen and let the person know you are truly interested in what they have to say.
- Answer any questions sticking to the point and keep it short.
- Invite them to be a client when the ‘aha moment’ happens.
- Keep the meeting short.
- Remember your prospective client, cares more about themselves than your passion for coaching.
Need support in getting your business launched? Send me an email at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net and together, we can brainstorm easy ideas to get you started.
A Word of Advice
By Marsha Reid
I want to tell you
to go ahead and reach out
for what you want.
I want to tell you
to go ahead and try;
try to make the things happen
that you want to happen.
Along the way
there may be some pain,
disappointment and doubt,
but if you never try,
you’ll never know
what might have been,
and you’ll always wonder
“what if” and “if only…”
Even though you
might be scared,
you’ll have reason to be
proud of yourself
and glad that you dared
to reach out
for the dreams
that only you
can make come true.
The above poem signifies the reason and courage we all need to get started today on our new healthy lifestyle journey. All it takes is one little step to get started. One small step you can take today is compliment yourself at least once a day.
After reading this poem and maybe taking the small step of complimenting yourself, please let me know what feelings and ideas formed. I am looking forward to hearing from you. You can reach me by leaving a comment on the blog or sending an email to helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net.
As I sit in my office, watching the birds and black squirrel eat from the birdfeeders; it reminds me of how I use to eat compulsively. It is amazing how after eight years of eating healthy and using quantity control it still bothers me watching others eat. I can never forget the fact my disease is doing push-ups in a corner and waiting for the right moment to act out with a vengeance.
I was thinking about this situation and realized I could continue being obsessed with the fact that watching the birds made me feel uncomfortable or look at the situation in a different way. I could watch the birds and appreciate their beautiful colors and acknowledge how lucky I am to have so many different types of birds in my backyard.
As far as the squirrel, named Oscar, watching him gave me motivation and confidence to pursue my dreams. Oscar is very persistent and never gives up until he manages to eat from every birdfeeder until they are empty. He appears early in the morning and gorges himself until he is full. Then he runs around, chasing the birds and disappears until evening. Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed with life I think of Oscar, how nothing stops him from finding food and always plays after he eats. I have been working hard this week inputting information into a database and at the end of the day felt exhausted. I got into bed one night and thought there had to be an easier way. I started thinking about Oscar and how persistent he was and always took time to have fun. Made a decision, I would be like Oscar, to continue pursing my dream and also take a mini-vacation every day at 3:00pm.
A mini-vacation is taking at least 10 minutes for myself to do whatever made me happy. By taking the time for myself eliminates stress and is a great motivator. Everyday at 3:00pm for at least 10 minutes I either took a walk, read a book or called a friend. It is amazing how much better I felt and had renewed energy.
What mini-vacation for at least 10 minutes would you like to take everyday? Please let me know.
‘It was a golden year beyond my dreams.
I proved you’re never too old to achieve
what you really want to do.’
Heather Turland
(Australian Women’s Marathon gold medalist)
I took time off last week to celebrate my birthday and spend time with family and friends.
For the last 10 years the week before and the day of my birthday were very difficult for me. Each year I kept thinking, I was a year older and what was I really accomplishing with my life. After getting through the day of my birthday, I felt better ans started thinking this was a new year and I would be accomplishing great things.
After a few days of feeling sorry for myself, I made a decision, this year would be different and I would enjoy my birthday. I started making a list of all my accomplishments and was pleasantly surprised to see how I was achieving my goals. Doing this simple little activity, changed my outlook and this year I had a beautiful birthday week.
Some of my achievements:
· Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating healthy and exercising.
· Having loving and supportive relationships with my family members and friends.
· Being a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
· Willing to take a risk and learn from the experience.
· Managing a successful coaching business.
· Blogging and loving it.
What are some of your achievements, I would love to hear about them.
In my office the desk and computer are in front of two windows. Last summer my husband gave me a beautiful gift by hanging birdfeeders in the trees directly in front of the windows. Now as I am working on the computer I watch the birds and squirrels eat from the feeders.
Each morning around 7:00am there are one gray and two black squirrels trying to eat from the birdfeeders. We have put up special feeders for squirrels and after they have devoured all the food they start on the birdfeeders. Even though some of the feeders are squirrel proof this does not stop them from trying different ways of getting at the food. It is amazing watching them not give up and keep trying. One morning I watched one black squirrel almost fall into a birdbath before running away and then within a few minutes he was back.
While watching the squirrels I keep thinking we are no different when it comes to getting what we want. Sometimes nothing will stop us from reaching a desired outcome and we will do whatever it takes to reach that goal. Other times in order not to reach a goal we will self-sabotage ourselves.
When working with my clients in reaching their goals, together we implement the following coaching process:
• Deciding what do you really want?
• Exploring what is stopping you from reaching your goal?
• Creating an action plan taking into consideration your goals and the tools for overcoming your self-sabotage behavior.
• Taking the action steps that will make your goal a reality.
Opportunity
• Make a list of a very small goal you would like to achieve within a month.
I would love to know your small goal. When I receive your goal I will send you a Daily Action Plan you can use to achieve your goals.
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