Problem solving involves creativity- new methods to evaluate, communicate, plan and initiate change. What do you do when you feel tapped out, and the idea mill has dried up?
Creative people have methods they use, consciously or unconsciously, to give their minds the maximum capacity to think creatively and generate new ideas.
• Take time to think freely. This may be lying in bed before falling asleep, during a morning walk or run, in the shower, or during a long commute.
• Exercise your imagination. The more you use your imagination, the better it works for you. Visualize your success. Ask yourself, “What would happen if…?” Fantasize about the impossible.
• Do something new. Your brain’s neurons start firing when it has to learn something new. Read something different, volunteer, try a new exercise class, or start a new hobby.
• Create. Paint, knit, write, carve, cook… the result doesn’t matter. It’s the process that gets the right side of your brain active.
• Chill out. Creativity flourishes in a relaxed atmosphere. Take a walk, meditate, find a quiet place, breathe deeply. Put your worries aside for awhile and de-stress.
• Get back to nature. Spend time appreciating the colors of the season, the sound of water churning, or the changes during sunrise or sunset. Get inspired.
• Immerse yourself in creativity. Go to the theater or an art museum. Pick up a classic piece of literature or poetry.
Whether creativity is a job requirement, or you just need a fresh perspective, these are methods that “sharpen the saw” as Stephen Covey would say. When you take time to cultivate your creativity, you’ll spend less time chasing a muse, and more time making the healthy changes that will lead to a better life.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday, September 27, 2010
A little inspiration goes a long way
William Arthur Ward was a Louisiana native, an army veteran, an Oklahoma State and University of Texas alum, a Christian, an inspirational author, a church and community leader, an educator, and a motivational speaker. His works include Fountains of Faith, Thoughts of a Christian Optimist, and For This One Hour. He is most known for his inspirational quotes:
• “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.”
• “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.”
• “Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.”
• “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”
• “We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them.”
By living his life’s philosophy, Ward’s poetry and inspirational thoughts have gone on to motivate and inspire the next generation to go after their dreams, love on purpose, and make the most of what life brings.
Before you can make a change in your life, you have to change your outlook. A little William Arthur Ward may motivate you to make the first step. Contact Enrich Your Life Coaching if you're ready for the next step.
Sources:
Thinkexist.com/quotes/William_arthur_ward
Williamarthurward.com
Wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Arthur_Ward
• “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.”
• “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.”
• “Four steps to achievement: Plan purposefully. Prepare prayerfully. Proceed positively. Pursue persistently.”
• “The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”
• “We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them.”
By living his life’s philosophy, Ward’s poetry and inspirational thoughts have gone on to motivate and inspire the next generation to go after their dreams, love on purpose, and make the most of what life brings.
Before you can make a change in your life, you have to change your outlook. A little William Arthur Ward may motivate you to make the first step. Contact Enrich Your Life Coaching if you're ready for the next step.
Sources:
Thinkexist.com/quotes/William_arthur_ward
Williamarthurward.com
Wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Arthur_Ward
Friday, August 20, 2010
Where are you going?
Do you have a clear picture of your life objectives? How do you want to be perceived today and in the future? If your best friend was asked, “what do you really think about [insert name]?” what would you consider to be the ideal response? How many people take the time to ask themselves these questions? I can honestly tell you from my experience – not enough.
Too many people are simply going through the motions and aren’t spending enough time answering important questions like these. Without a clear sense of where you are going, you are not going to get there (at least not very quickly and not without struggle).
Let me tell you about Jim. When Jim first opened his dry cleaning business, he wanted to provide reliable, dependable dry cleaning service and he wanted to make a comfortable living. What Jim realized early on is that he not only wanted to differentiate himself from the competition, but he wanted his business to reflect his passion and values. He had to create a clear vision for what the business stood for.
Jim took the time and clarified his business vision for himself and his customers to include non-tangibles like “treating customers like family and having a personal relationship with as many clients as possible.” He also knew that being successful for him meant his employees had to truly enjoy working there and he wanted them to feel like they were part of something bigger. Jim changed is vision from “dependable, reliable dry cleaning service” to running a family-style business where customers and employees appreciate each other and treat one another like family.
Jim didn't stop there, though. Having defined his vision, he worked to make it a reality. Jim now adds weekly employee meetings to his schedule to get their input, and throws employee BBQ’s at his home whenever he can. He also invites loyal customers to pick up slices of banana bread when they come in. Jim wouldn't have pursued these ideas had he not taken the time to clearly think about his life and business vision.
Your vision should accurately reflect your own passion and values. When was the last time you asked yourself “what’s my life vision?”
Too many people are simply going through the motions and aren’t spending enough time answering important questions like these. Without a clear sense of where you are going, you are not going to get there (at least not very quickly and not without struggle).
Let me tell you about Jim. When Jim first opened his dry cleaning business, he wanted to provide reliable, dependable dry cleaning service and he wanted to make a comfortable living. What Jim realized early on is that he not only wanted to differentiate himself from the competition, but he wanted his business to reflect his passion and values. He had to create a clear vision for what the business stood for.
Jim took the time and clarified his business vision for himself and his customers to include non-tangibles like “treating customers like family and having a personal relationship with as many clients as possible.” He also knew that being successful for him meant his employees had to truly enjoy working there and he wanted them to feel like they were part of something bigger. Jim changed is vision from “dependable, reliable dry cleaning service” to running a family-style business where customers and employees appreciate each other and treat one another like family.
Jim didn't stop there, though. Having defined his vision, he worked to make it a reality. Jim now adds weekly employee meetings to his schedule to get their input, and throws employee BBQ’s at his home whenever he can. He also invites loyal customers to pick up slices of banana bread when they come in. Jim wouldn't have pursued these ideas had he not taken the time to clearly think about his life and business vision.
Your vision should accurately reflect your own passion and values. When was the last time you asked yourself “what’s my life vision?”
Friday, July 30, 2010
Trying to get your life together?
The song “Fine” by Jaymes Reunion gives a new perspective on the struggles we all face in life. It starts with a question about love and life… and the answer seems to be that we don’t truly appreciate anything until we’ve had to live without it.
The chorus goes like this:
You never really loved until you watch it fall apart
And you never really lived until you felt like you can die
And you never really stood until the weight has pushed you over
You’re pickin’ up the pieces just to find
You’re doin’ just fine
What is love if it isn’t tested? How sweet is life when it’s been plucked from the jaws of death? How much stronger are we when we’ve overcome obstacles? Even if it seems like life is falling apart, maybe it’s just coming together.
You may be the person who has always wanted to have it all together: the career, the family, the organized household, the interesting hobbies, the community leadership, and the ability to manage it all with style and grace.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to “have it all” in the eyes of the world. Life is full of hard decisions and sacrifices that have to be made. Life is an imperfect, unpredictable, tangled web of desires, responsibilities, intentions, experiences and hopes. The things that hurt the most may cause the most growth. Everything along the way, for better or for worse, makes you who you are.
Even as you strive to experience love, joy, and life, you may need to take the scenic route to get there.
Original post by Carrie Lee. Used with permission.
The chorus goes like this:
You never really loved until you watch it fall apart
And you never really lived until you felt like you can die
And you never really stood until the weight has pushed you over
You’re pickin’ up the pieces just to find
You’re doin’ just fine
What is love if it isn’t tested? How sweet is life when it’s been plucked from the jaws of death? How much stronger are we when we’ve overcome obstacles? Even if it seems like life is falling apart, maybe it’s just coming together.
You may be the person who has always wanted to have it all together: the career, the family, the organized household, the interesting hobbies, the community leadership, and the ability to manage it all with style and grace.
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to “have it all” in the eyes of the world. Life is full of hard decisions and sacrifices that have to be made. Life is an imperfect, unpredictable, tangled web of desires, responsibilities, intentions, experiences and hopes. The things that hurt the most may cause the most growth. Everything along the way, for better or for worse, makes you who you are.
Even as you strive to experience love, joy, and life, you may need to take the scenic route to get there.
Original post by Carrie Lee. Used with permission.
Monday, July 19, 2010
How's Life Treating You?
Have you noticed how crazy life can get sometimes? Between answering the phone, writing emails, running to meetings and returning messages it’s a wonder anything gets done during the day.
As a self-employed professional, I get hundreds of interruptions every day and it leaves me feeling stressed. It’s as though I did not accomplish one important thing that day! Is there anyone who feels the same way?
So what do you do? Some things that really help me through the frustration are:
Make a list. I know a lot of people are not big on “to do” lists but I find them very helpful. After jotting down on paper the important things I want to get done for the day, I feel free. I know I won’t forget what needs to get done and I can choose which items on my list I want to cross off first. Whether it’s writing a proposal for a client, paying invoices, putting an estimate together or teaching a training session, I know that at the end of the day I can look back at my list and know there are a number of things I have accomplished.
Don’t answer every phone call. While I know it’s sometimes easier to pick up the phone and respond to an issue immediately (rather than play phone tag for days to come) often it just doesn’t pay. When I find I’m focused and in the moment, getting interrupted stops my train of thought and throws me off-track. Decide at the time if it makes more sense to entertain the interruption or to continue what you were doing.
Schedule meetings close together. I like to make sure I have certain days where meetings are not scheduled and I have entire days or blocks of time when I can get things done. If I have to run from client to client every day of the week, I’d never accomplish a thing.
Consider your routine. Are there things that you find you are doing that are time-wasters? Or do you do things during the day that inspire and energize you? Pay attention to what you do throughout the day and keep in mind which activities should stay and which could be eliminated. Begin a routine of motivating, energizing activities throughout the day to keep you moving forward.
I’m very interested in hearing how life is treating you. And, I’d love to learn more interesting ways of how to get through a difficult day. Thanks for sharing!
As a self-employed professional, I get hundreds of interruptions every day and it leaves me feeling stressed. It’s as though I did not accomplish one important thing that day! Is there anyone who feels the same way?
So what do you do? Some things that really help me through the frustration are:
Make a list. I know a lot of people are not big on “to do” lists but I find them very helpful. After jotting down on paper the important things I want to get done for the day, I feel free. I know I won’t forget what needs to get done and I can choose which items on my list I want to cross off first. Whether it’s writing a proposal for a client, paying invoices, putting an estimate together or teaching a training session, I know that at the end of the day I can look back at my list and know there are a number of things I have accomplished.
Don’t answer every phone call. While I know it’s sometimes easier to pick up the phone and respond to an issue immediately (rather than play phone tag for days to come) often it just doesn’t pay. When I find I’m focused and in the moment, getting interrupted stops my train of thought and throws me off-track. Decide at the time if it makes more sense to entertain the interruption or to continue what you were doing.
Schedule meetings close together. I like to make sure I have certain days where meetings are not scheduled and I have entire days or blocks of time when I can get things done. If I have to run from client to client every day of the week, I’d never accomplish a thing.
Consider your routine. Are there things that you find you are doing that are time-wasters? Or do you do things during the day that inspire and energize you? Pay attention to what you do throughout the day and keep in mind which activities should stay and which could be eliminated. Begin a routine of motivating, energizing activities throughout the day to keep you moving forward.
I’m very interested in hearing how life is treating you. And, I’d love to learn more interesting ways of how to get through a difficult day. Thanks for sharing!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Making a difference in your career
Have you ever questioned what it is you’re doing everyday? We spend hours each week at work and many of us bring work home. With all the time we spend working, it’s no wonder we want to feel fulfilled in our jobs.
I spent years working at various jobs I didn’t enjoy - some of which felt like torture. Others were a blast! After paying my dues at several low level positions in fields I wasn’t interested in, I was lucky enough to land a job I loved at an advertising agency and was promoted several times within the company.
But even as great as that and later jobs were, I still questioned what I was doing. At some point in everyone’s life, we begin to consider if what we are spending our time on is making a positive impact in the world. After 18 years in the agency world of marketing, I wondered if my time might be better spent using my skills helping others rather than increasing the bottom line for another large corporation.
After spending unfulfilling years working at a direct mail agency, I began to question how important was it we sell another pair of pants to a buyer that probably doesn’t need them. It was at that time I began my quest to search for what was important to me. My deep soul searching revealed that I didn’t necessarily need to abandon my years of experience to help the world and make a positive impact.
That’s when my second career working with non-profits began. Today as a marketing consultant and professional life coach, I continue to use my marketing skills to make a difference in the world. I use my expertise educating the public about important issues that affect us all, encouraging individuals to live their dreams, and working with many other organizations who support those in need.
If you want to make a change in your life or career, don’t be afraid to look at options. To begin, take some important steps by asking yourself the following:
• What do I really want to do?
• What inspires me?
• What is truly important to me? In my life? In my work?
• How do I want to spend my days?
• How can I still use my unique gifts and the skills I’ve developed to assist me in my new direction?
With a little soul searching, you can use your life in a way that goes well beyond simply bringing home a paycheck.
I spent years working at various jobs I didn’t enjoy - some of which felt like torture. Others were a blast! After paying my dues at several low level positions in fields I wasn’t interested in, I was lucky enough to land a job I loved at an advertising agency and was promoted several times within the company.
But even as great as that and later jobs were, I still questioned what I was doing. At some point in everyone’s life, we begin to consider if what we are spending our time on is making a positive impact in the world. After 18 years in the agency world of marketing, I wondered if my time might be better spent using my skills helping others rather than increasing the bottom line for another large corporation.
After spending unfulfilling years working at a direct mail agency, I began to question how important was it we sell another pair of pants to a buyer that probably doesn’t need them. It was at that time I began my quest to search for what was important to me. My deep soul searching revealed that I didn’t necessarily need to abandon my years of experience to help the world and make a positive impact.
That’s when my second career working with non-profits began. Today as a marketing consultant and professional life coach, I continue to use my marketing skills to make a difference in the world. I use my expertise educating the public about important issues that affect us all, encouraging individuals to live their dreams, and working with many other organizations who support those in need.
If you want to make a change in your life or career, don’t be afraid to look at options. To begin, take some important steps by asking yourself the following:
• What do I really want to do?
• What inspires me?
• What is truly important to me? In my life? In my work?
• How do I want to spend my days?
• How can I still use my unique gifts and the skills I’ve developed to assist me in my new direction?
With a little soul searching, you can use your life in a way that goes well beyond simply bringing home a paycheck.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Free stress solutions II
6. Journal. Why not spend five minutes writing freely about your life and about the things you love? Write down everything you appreciate in your life or write about plans you’d like to make for yourself in the future. Give yourself time to explore different ideas and see what comes to mind.
7. Spend time with an animal. Even if you work in the city, there’s always wildlife to be found. Listen to the birds chirping, walk over to a nearby dog park or visit a local restaurant with a fish tank. Animals have such a calming influence over us. It’s a great way to learn how to take life one moment at a time.
8. Reflect on pleasant memories. If you’re working in an office you’ll have a photo or a memento of family or friends. Take a moment to think back about that day and reminisce about the “good times.”
9. Call a friend or make a date for yourself to do something fun. If you know there’s something wonderful to look forward to at the end of the day or week, it will make getting through the daily grind much easier.
10. Enjoy a small bite of dark chocolate. I didn’t say go out and grab a huge candy bar and eat the whole thing, but a small amount of organic dark chocolate will do wonders for your mood. Not only is it filled with wonderful antioxidants that are great for your health, but its sweet, luxurious taste will put a smile on your face!
7. Spend time with an animal. Even if you work in the city, there’s always wildlife to be found. Listen to the birds chirping, walk over to a nearby dog park or visit a local restaurant with a fish tank. Animals have such a calming influence over us. It’s a great way to learn how to take life one moment at a time.
8. Reflect on pleasant memories. If you’re working in an office you’ll have a photo or a memento of family or friends. Take a moment to think back about that day and reminisce about the “good times.”
9. Call a friend or make a date for yourself to do something fun. If you know there’s something wonderful to look forward to at the end of the day or week, it will make getting through the daily grind much easier.
10. Enjoy a small bite of dark chocolate. I didn’t say go out and grab a huge candy bar and eat the whole thing, but a small amount of organic dark chocolate will do wonders for your mood. Not only is it filled with wonderful antioxidants that are great for your health, but its sweet, luxurious taste will put a smile on your face!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Free stress solutions I
Do you find yourself tied to your desk all day long? More phone calls to return, more emails to craft, more industry trend reading to do, more work, more responsibilities, more “to do” lists and less time to accomplish it all. What do you do when work’s got you down?
Lately, I’m finding people running around like crazy. They go from work to home, to driving the kids around and taking care of the family, to cooking dinner and doing the laundry. I hear them say there’s no time to slow down because companies are down-sizing so work comes first. Putting in overtime, bringing work home, working on weekends all seem to be today’s reality. Does this sound familiar? What does one do when the thought of taking on one more project sends you over the edge?
Here are some ideas to get you through to the next moment:
1. Breathe. Stop what you are doing and take several deep breaths. On the inhale, hold for a moment, then slowly release your breath. Breathing deeply will help give you clarity, focus and a moment of peace.
2. Listen to music you like. Maybe it’s a quick beat or perhaps it’s a slow, romantic tune – music helps distract you from the hectic pace and puts you in a different frame of mind.
3. Unless you’re driving or doing something requiring intense focus, close your eyes and meditate for a few minutes. If you’re not into meditation, try a visualization exercise. Take a few deep breaths and imagine yourself in a beautiful, peaceful place far away. Maybe you are on a hammock on a warm sunny beach or perhaps you find yourself skiing down a cool mountaintop. Take a vacation from your present reality and visualize another calming environment.
4. Take a walk or move around. Any form of exercise from walking and jogging to doing neck rolls, push up’s or leg lifts will stimulate blood flow and help relieve stress. A walk around the building and moving your body is a great way to break the pattern of going from one task to the next.
5. Get out in nature. Being outdoors in nature is a cure-all for me! Even if it’s just getting a moment of fresh air, taking yourself outside of the confined office space will change your entire perspective and allow you to interrupt the build -up of stress.
More stress solutions next week!
Lately, I’m finding people running around like crazy. They go from work to home, to driving the kids around and taking care of the family, to cooking dinner and doing the laundry. I hear them say there’s no time to slow down because companies are down-sizing so work comes first. Putting in overtime, bringing work home, working on weekends all seem to be today’s reality. Does this sound familiar? What does one do when the thought of taking on one more project sends you over the edge?
Here are some ideas to get you through to the next moment:
1. Breathe. Stop what you are doing and take several deep breaths. On the inhale, hold for a moment, then slowly release your breath. Breathing deeply will help give you clarity, focus and a moment of peace.
2. Listen to music you like. Maybe it’s a quick beat or perhaps it’s a slow, romantic tune – music helps distract you from the hectic pace and puts you in a different frame of mind.
3. Unless you’re driving or doing something requiring intense focus, close your eyes and meditate for a few minutes. If you’re not into meditation, try a visualization exercise. Take a few deep breaths and imagine yourself in a beautiful, peaceful place far away. Maybe you are on a hammock on a warm sunny beach or perhaps you find yourself skiing down a cool mountaintop. Take a vacation from your present reality and visualize another calming environment.
4. Take a walk or move around. Any form of exercise from walking and jogging to doing neck rolls, push up’s or leg lifts will stimulate blood flow and help relieve stress. A walk around the building and moving your body is a great way to break the pattern of going from one task to the next.
5. Get out in nature. Being outdoors in nature is a cure-all for me! Even if it’s just getting a moment of fresh air, taking yourself outside of the confined office space will change your entire perspective and allow you to interrupt the build -up of stress.
More stress solutions next week!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Is life coaching for you?
Hiring a life coach can assist you in many ways. If you are looking to change something in your life or empower yourself to do something different with your life, then consider working with a personal, professional life coach. Coaching can provide you with:
• Action plans to ensure you reach your goals
• Strategies to overcome sabotaging patterns
• A direct path for continued success
• Tools to help you make difficult decisions
• Support and guidance to help you get where you want to be in life
• Techniques to assist you in facing and overcoming fear successfully
• A sense of purpose and direction
• ....and a way to empower yourself for life.
Perhaps you want to move to your dream destination, lose weight and get healthy, find your perfect mate/relationship or enhance the relationship you are presently in, locate a better job, or make more money. Consider learning more about professional life coaching. It is possible to change the way you think, look and live to reflect what you want. You simply have to decide that is what you want to do. Making the decision to investigate your fears and look at what is NOT working in your life is the first step.
Is life coaching worth it?
Ask yourself these questions:
• What's it worth to me to achieve my goal?
• What's it worth to me to have changes in my life (big and small)?
• Am I ready to commit to having my goals?
• What's the cost of NOT making a change?
Decide today no matter what your fears to change your life, to let go of the weight, to find love, to discover your true purpose and to live a much happier, more fulfilled life. Commit to yourself and not to the wishes of others and find out how you can move forward in thought and action.
• Action plans to ensure you reach your goals
• Strategies to overcome sabotaging patterns
• A direct path for continued success
• Tools to help you make difficult decisions
• Support and guidance to help you get where you want to be in life
• Techniques to assist you in facing and overcoming fear successfully
• A sense of purpose and direction
• ....and a way to empower yourself for life.
Perhaps you want to move to your dream destination, lose weight and get healthy, find your perfect mate/relationship or enhance the relationship you are presently in, locate a better job, or make more money. Consider learning more about professional life coaching. It is possible to change the way you think, look and live to reflect what you want. You simply have to decide that is what you want to do. Making the decision to investigate your fears and look at what is NOT working in your life is the first step.
Is life coaching worth it?
Ask yourself these questions:
• What's it worth to me to achieve my goal?
• What's it worth to me to have changes in my life (big and small)?
• Am I ready to commit to having my goals?
• What's the cost of NOT making a change?
Decide today no matter what your fears to change your life, to let go of the weight, to find love, to discover your true purpose and to live a much happier, more fulfilled life. Commit to yourself and not to the wishes of others and find out how you can move forward in thought and action.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Coaching for fitness and weight loss II
There are also many other factors that might be contributing to your difficulty losing weight. A professional coach can help you to uncover answers to these questions:
• What motivates you and how can you stay motivated?
• How does your attitude affect your success?
• How do loved ones sabotage your success and what you can do about it?
• What are your overeating “triggers”?
• How can you rebound from a setback?
• What is your internal dialogue saying and how can you overcome negative statements?
• How can one get past the inevitable "plateau?"
Life coaching will assist you in exploring these issues that have kept you from reaching your weight loss goals. An action plan will be developed in partnership with your coach to get you over the obstacles, and get you to where you want to be.
With a fitness and weight loss coaching plan, individuals receive weekly telephone coaching sessions, a detailed eating and workout plan, motivation and encouragement, and unlimited e-mail support. A coach is involved in helping you reach your goals and lose weight. He or she wants to see you increase fitness levels and improve your health, lifestyle and most importantly, your self-confidence.
If you’re tired of doing it on your own, and you don’t want to spend a fortune on special foods and diets, you don’t have to! Try working with a weight-loss coach and get the results you want, all at your convenience, from the comfort of your home.
• What motivates you and how can you stay motivated?
• How does your attitude affect your success?
• How do loved ones sabotage your success and what you can do about it?
• What are your overeating “triggers”?
• How can you rebound from a setback?
• What is your internal dialogue saying and how can you overcome negative statements?
• How can one get past the inevitable "plateau?"
Life coaching will assist you in exploring these issues that have kept you from reaching your weight loss goals. An action plan will be developed in partnership with your coach to get you over the obstacles, and get you to where you want to be.
With a fitness and weight loss coaching plan, individuals receive weekly telephone coaching sessions, a detailed eating and workout plan, motivation and encouragement, and unlimited e-mail support. A coach is involved in helping you reach your goals and lose weight. He or she wants to see you increase fitness levels and improve your health, lifestyle and most importantly, your self-confidence.
If you’re tired of doing it on your own, and you don’t want to spend a fortune on special foods and diets, you don’t have to! Try working with a weight-loss coach and get the results you want, all at your convenience, from the comfort of your home.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Coaching for fitness and weight loss I
Do you need help losing weight? Have you tried almost every diet plan out there only to have failed again? For many people, the challenge of losing weight or implementing a healthier lifestyle is not due to a lack of information about WHAT TO DO for weight loss but rather WHAT THEY ARE NOT DOING. It is the lack of consistency and the inability to find, adhere to, and follow a good action plan that fits their lifestyle.
We all know that to improve our cardiovascular health, improve endurance, increase muscle tone, and lose weight effectively, we need to get more exercise, eat less, and make wiser food choices. We also need to stop engaging in potentially self-destructive behaviors that threaten our health, such as binge eating and smoking. Despite knowing these basic facts, however, many of us struggle to get on a balanced weight loss program and stick to it. Trying to do it on our own, we fail. We need the right kinds of support, tools, and resources.
Hiring a weight loss coach can help you identify what situations trigger your unhealthy behavior and help you identify ways to avoid them. A coach can also assist you to replace "bad" behaviors with "good" behaviors.
Coaches will work with you to come up with solutions and strategies to assist you in your weight loss goals, which may include steps to:
• Work with a personal fitness trainer
• Hire a nutritionist
• Join an exercise group/gym
• Find activities you enjoy to make getting healthy more fun
• Research clubs, groups, studios, etc. that will keep you interested and engaged in life
• Discuss and identify issues that keep you "stuck"
• Keep a food journal so you can see how you eat and identify patterns
• Learn more about healthy eating habits and vitamin supplements
• Drink more water and cut down on high-calorie drinks
....and numerous other strategies that are discussed jointly between you and your coach.
We all know that to improve our cardiovascular health, improve endurance, increase muscle tone, and lose weight effectively, we need to get more exercise, eat less, and make wiser food choices. We also need to stop engaging in potentially self-destructive behaviors that threaten our health, such as binge eating and smoking. Despite knowing these basic facts, however, many of us struggle to get on a balanced weight loss program and stick to it. Trying to do it on our own, we fail. We need the right kinds of support, tools, and resources.
Hiring a weight loss coach can help you identify what situations trigger your unhealthy behavior and help you identify ways to avoid them. A coach can also assist you to replace "bad" behaviors with "good" behaviors.
Coaches will work with you to come up with solutions and strategies to assist you in your weight loss goals, which may include steps to:
• Work with a personal fitness trainer
• Hire a nutritionist
• Join an exercise group/gym
• Find activities you enjoy to make getting healthy more fun
• Research clubs, groups, studios, etc. that will keep you interested and engaged in life
• Discuss and identify issues that keep you "stuck"
• Keep a food journal so you can see how you eat and identify patterns
• Learn more about healthy eating habits and vitamin supplements
• Drink more water and cut down on high-calorie drinks
....and numerous other strategies that are discussed jointly between you and your coach.
Monday, March 22, 2010
How to Find a Life Coach
So you are thinking about making some changes in your life. You believe you are ready to move into something BIG, but feel you need a little help getting there. Then life coaching can certainly help. Many believe that life coaching is for everyone but not everyone is a successful life coach. So how do you know how to find a coach that is right for you?
The one word answer is "explore."
Many life coaches offer a free, one-time sample session. This is your best way to find out if you connect with your coach. Investigate many coaches and ask lots of questions. Use the sample session to work on an issue that you've been grappling with and see how you feel at the end of the discussion.
Ask yourself:
The one word answer is "explore."
Many life coaches offer a free, one-time sample session. This is your best way to find out if you connect with your coach. Investigate many coaches and ask lots of questions. Use the sample session to work on an issue that you've been grappling with and see how you feel at the end of the discussion.
Ask yourself:
- Did I feel motivated to take some action?
- Did the coach give me the space and freedom to explore areas that I was interested in exploring?
- Was the coach's style something that I was comfortable with?
- Do I feel that I can trust this person?
- Did the coach push me into areas that I was unsure about? (Although you might be resistant, this is something you want to happen).
- Did the coach ask good, thought-provoking questions?
Not every sample session will give you the time to find all the answers you are looking for, but it will provide you with some initial thoughts. After your sample session, feel free to ask the coach how he works, where she was educated, how many hours/years they have coached for and anything else that is important to you. Rates/fees, availability, time commitments and manner of coaching vary greatly between coaches so it's good to have an idea of your budget, if you would like in-person sessions, telephone coaching, or email capabilities, and have some thoughts about how often you would like to meet, etc. when you talk.
I do sample sessions, too! You'll never know until you try...
Monday, March 8, 2010
Why Do I Need a Coach?
Life coaching can help you in many ways:
Let a life coach help you take that first step today. (Hint: Ask me!)
- Do you know what's important to you?
- Do you know what's really important to you?
- Do you have trouble staying focused?
- Do you want help attracting more of what you want?
- Are you interested in discovering what holds you back?
- Do you need help clarifying your values and vision?
- Do you need help creating goals and action plans?
- Are you the type of person who likes to be held accountable?
Let a life coach help you take that first step today. (Hint: Ask me!)
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