Businesses Blooming Like Flowers!

“The flower that follows the sun does so even on cloudy days.”
~ Robert Leighton

Business is like a flower, changing all the time, regardless of whether we are disgusted or excited about what is happening. So let’s pretend our businesses are flowers following the sun even on cloudy days.

I have been experiencing a new growth spurt. I don’t enjoy these times because they can be so very painful. For the past month, I have been focusing on the growth of my business and evaluating marketing techniques to determine whether they are producing the results I want. Why is it when we want something it seldom materializes when we want it to happen?

My first thought was to change direction and look for new ways to market my programs. I am lucky to have a great team working with me.  They suggested I take time off to gain perspective.  Following their advice, I took a vacation from my business and focused on relaxing, catching up on movies and reading. Not thinking about Love Yourself Coaching for a while was very peaceful and very scary at the same time.

On Mother’s Day, while spending time with my family, I was telling my understanding son-in-law what was happening. I explained how everything I was doing business-wise had a price tag attached to it and I was losing the real meaning of why I was in business. He told me my ego was getting in the way of what I wanted to accomplish. Hearing this made me stop and think of how my business was helping others and building a community.  I began to feel fulfilled because in some small way I was making a difference in the world. In no way could I put a price tag on these beautiful gifts.

My perspective changed and I was excited again about what Love Yourself Coaching was accomplishing. Getting up this morning I felt alive and ready to embrace my business. What a beautiful gift!

It is your turn to stop and take a look at your business. Make a list of your accomplishments that do not carry a price tag.

Some examples:

• Your happiness
• Self-fulfillment
• Making a difference in a person’s life
• Doing what you love
• Having an opportunity to grow a business

Continue writing down all your special gifts.  I am sure you will begin to have a smile on your face!  Be BRAVE, take a risk and let the world know what you are accomplishing by posting your list in the comment section of this blog. Together we will let the world know about how our businesses are blooming and what we are accomplishing with them!
Take Care,

Helen

Helen J. Burton, Coach, Author and TV Host of “Skyrocket Your Business”

Creating a Thriving Business

“Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.” 
~ Mark Twain

If we could live our lives backward, imagine how much easier it would be to run a business!  We would all have answers at our finger tips. There would be fewer struggles; and the money would come pouring in.

Unfortunately, life and business have twists and turns and we need to learn from these experiences. For most of us, when we started our businesses everything felt new and exciting; but as time passed, the excitement began to dwindle and frustration set in.

While there is no simple answer, this is a great time to take a personal inventory of your true desires and the path you want to follow.  I’ve approached these crossroads many times and, after taking inventory, found myself moving in new directions. 

For example, I have chosen to change my niche and work with different target markets. When I first started coaching my clientele consisted of women in transition; then people who were retiring. After a few years, my target market changed again, and I worked with individuals who wanted to get off the diet merry-go-round.

Then it changed again, and this time my niche found me. I became a coaches’ coach, and for the last 5 years coaches have been my primary clientele.  My business has flourished and I have never been so creative.  

Now It’s Your Turn!

This simple exercise is designed to help you discover your true business strengths and passion.

• Write your answers to the following questions:
  • What do you love about your business?
  • Describe your ideal client (professionals, teens, young mothers, etc.)
  • List your strengths and skills. 
  • How are you being creative?
  • What support will you need to promote your business?
  • Outline the changes you want or have to implement.
• Read over your answers and highlight details that jump out at you.  Include your ideal client, strengths and skills, along with the support you will need to grow your business, etc.  These items will help you paint a picture of your new direction.
• Close your eyes and picture your business thriving. 
• List the key ingredients for this success.
• Plan your first steps in creating, shifting, or expanding a successful and prosperous business.
• Discuss your findings and plan with the support of a coach, friend or mastermind group.

When your exercise is complete, please share your new business ideas with the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community in the comment section below.  Feel free to contact me at helen@loveyourselfcoaching.net if you are experiencing difficulty in completing the exercise.

Working together, we will build thriving businesses!

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

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

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

What You Believe Creates Miracles

Within you right now is the power

“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.

• Write down your beliefs about your business.
• Read through them and underline your positive beliefs
• List all your positive thoughts 
• Pick one thought that jumps out at you
• Say the following affirmation each day after your first cup of coffee or tea
  • I choose to believe that (your positive thought) is happening right now.  Example: I choose to belief that my coaching practice is constantly helping small business owners create prosperous businesses while loving themselves.

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.

Be Kind to You Day!

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.

• Think of happy thoughts all day and every time an unhappy thought pops into my head simply say, “No drama today.”
• Make myself a healthy and delicious breakfast.  My favorite pancake recipe:
  • ¼ Cup of Cottage Cheese
  • 1 Egg
  • ¼ Cup of uncooked Oatmeal
  • 2 tbls. of water
  • 1 Cup of Yogurt
  • 1 Cup of Cut Up Fruit

    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!

• Work for half a day.
• Make myself a healthy salad for lunch.  I always add cooked vegetables to a mixed green salad, protein, rice and salad dressing.  For dessert I have fruit.
• Buy myself a small gift.
• Take a leisurely walk with a good friend along the Princeton Canal.  Make sure we laugh a lot.  
• Meet friends for dinner.
• Take a nice long bubble bath.
• Read a book and go to sleep early.

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

Secret for Accomplishing Goals

Skyrocket Your Business in 30 Days – While Having Coffee with 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.  

1. Close your eyes and ground yourself by taking five deep breaths and releasing them.  When taking the breaths let the warm sunshine fill your body.  While releasing the breaths let go of your negative feelings and thoughts. 
2. Picture yourself just relaxing in your favorite spot.  Mine is sitting under a big tree feeling warm and cozy with a blanket wrapped around me.
3. Think about three things you would like to accomplish by the end of 2011.  They are only ideas and nothing is written in stone.  My ideas were:
   •  Celebrate with family and friends the publication of my book by having a big party and inviting everyone I know.
   • Facilitate a seminar, “Skyrocket Your Business in 30 Days – While Having Coffee with Helen” in different coffee shops.
   • Get ready to move to the NJ Shore area.
4. Let all the thoughts and ideas disappear into the Universe. 
5. At the count of 5 open your eyes and sit quietly for a few minutes.
6. When ready write down all your ideas.
7. Chose which three goals you would like to accomplish by the end of 2011.  The three goals I chose are listed in step 3.

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

What Makes You Happy?

“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! 

• Close your eyes for a few moments and picture yourself feeling relaxed.
• Ask yourself the question, “What is making me happy right NOW?  Oh come on, something could put a smile on your face.  For me it is aking that first sip of coffee.
• Think about that situation, what are you thinking and how does it make you feel?
• Relax for a while and then open your eyes.

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

Do you find yourself walking through walls?

“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:

• Sit in a chair where it is quiet, where no one is around to bother you.  It is amazing how peace and quiet gives you a sense of security.
• Take 5 deep breaths and just let yourself unwind.
• Ask yourself the following questions:
  • What am I afraid of?  Example: New clients will take advantage of my programs.
  • What is the worst thing that could happen?  Example: I will have to close my business.
  • What benefit could you receive from this happening?  Find something that lights my fire and makes me exciting again.  
  • What is really going on?  Example: My Company is thriving.
  • What can you tell yourself when your insecurities become apparent? “Just for today everything is running smoothly and trust the process.”  
• Take 5 deep breaths and just relax for a few minutes.
• When you are ready at the count of 5 opens your eyes.

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

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.

Upgrade Your Self-Concept

“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?

• Is this the reason I am not making money?
• How do I change my thinking?
• I knew all along it was my thinking that was stopping me.

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:

• Go into a room with a mirror and close the door.
• Take a deep breath and look into the mirror.
• Say the following words out loud:
  • “I am a special person.”
  • “I am providing a service.”
• Repeat these two sentences three times.  The first time with your eyes closed, second time looking at your nose and the last time look into your eyes.  As you continue this exercise it will get easier.
• Repeat this exercise for a week and then only look in your eyes while saying the two sentences out loud.  

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

Love is the Answer

Love is the Answer

“Love is, above all, the gift of oneself.”

~ Jean Anouilh

Today is Valentine’s Day and everyone is thinking about whom they love and who loves them.  Are you forgetting the most important person, “YOU?”

Many years ago, I received an email stating the benefits of acknowledging yourself on Valentine’s Day.  At first thinking how selfish, it made me think of how we always forget ourselves.  Everyone comes first!

One night last week I was out with a friend and we decided after dinner to walk around the mall.  It was very crowded and most people were carrying shopping bags.  We were saying, how commercial Valentine’s Day had become and people were probably buying gifts for their loved ones.  He then made a comment, “Why don’t they buy something for themselves?”  We then decided to buy something for ourselves and each other.  It was fun.
What are you going to do special for yourself today? 

I am going to write myself a love letter!

Dear Helen,

I want to thank you for your kindness and understanding of all the times your negative thoughts had us spinning.  You always acknowledged the thought and turned it into a positive way of thinking.

Your love of life, warmth, smile and personality always makes people feel comfortable and special.  What a special gift you are giving to your family, friends and business partners. 

Love Yourself Coaching has been a vehicle for you to support coaches in building prosperous businesses while loving themselves.  Working together with your clients you have seen them take giant steps and find happiness within themselves.

I love you and enjoy your special day!

Helen

Now it is your time to take out that piece of paper and write yourself a love letter thanking “YOU” for who you are and the wonderful gifts you give to others.  The letter can be for your eyes only.  Be honest and go for it.  

I want to thank you all for being part of the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community.  You certainly have made a difference in my life.

Love,

Helen