Wherever you go, there you are. It seems simplistic, but a lot of people are wrapped up in the past and opening old wounds, going between the bitterness of lost chances and the regret of bad choices. As far as moving forward, however, none of that matters.
One step anyone can take toward achieving any goal- whether it’s weight loss, parenting, career achievements, or anything- is to discover where you are today and accept that it is what it is. You don’t have to be happy about it or proud of where you are. In fact, the fact that you are dissatisfied with conditions today is what is going to motivate you to change and make steps toward your goals.
Are you overweight? So what? So are millions of other Americans. Admit to yourself if you are not in the physical condition you want to be. Do you feel guilty for neglecting your children? Admit that you haven’t been the parent you want to be. Are you stuck in a job that isn’t a good fit for you? Admit that you’re not happy about the present circumstances. Now, what are you going to do about it?
The second step is committing to change. It is up to you whether you want to remain where you are, reach toward a higher goal, or change directions. It doesn’t matter if your spouse is nagging you or your boss is threatening you. If you want to have a better life or to be a better person, you have to be willing to take responsibility for it.
Thirdly, take one step. Don’t try to crash diet the first day. Take one step. Trade in soda for water. Eat fruit instead of candy. Walk 10 minutes a day. When you’ve mastered that step, take the next step. It may not be the fast track, but it will pave the road for lifetime change. Commit to family meals once a week. Polish your resume. Take one step in the right direction, and before you know it, you’ll be in a whole new place. As Lao-tzu said, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Showing posts with label change. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Monday, October 25, 2010
Creative problem solving
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.
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, 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
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.
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.
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