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!
Monday, July 19, 2010
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.
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