As 2008 winds down, I encourage you to enter 2009 with your best foot forward.
I believe it was my mother who told me that they way you start 2009 is the way it will progress. Therefore, she encouraged me to start it with a clean house!
Well, I'd like the clean house to symbolize your life. Clean it up. Organize it. Feel good about what you have and what you want. Know what direction you will pursue in 2009.
Choose one project that has been on your mind, or to-do list, for months (i.e., getting a picture framed, organizing photos, planning an event, etc...) and do it BEFORE 12/30/08. You'll feel accomplished AND you'll be stepping in the right direction for 2009.
Oh, and clean your house too. :)
Happy Holidays!
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label goals. Show all posts
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
2009 Resolutions
Its just a few weeks away. 2009. Tell it what you expect of it now. Don't enter it blindly.
What do you want to accomplish in 2009?
What are your personal goals? Financial goals? Spiritual goals? Career or business goals? Heck, I even have goals for home projects. I work them into the budget and give them time lines.
What is the benefit of having goals?
It helps give structure to your life. And, most of us need and thrive on good structure. It gives us purpose and direction.
How do I stay on track?
Have all of your goals written down and review them weekly at first, then when you are on the right path, monthly. Share them with others in your life and have discussions about them. Invite others to share their goals with you. Recognize that your goals were made because they were important to you so stick with them. Don't let another year go by to find them on the list with little progress. You control the success of your goals.
Happy Goal Setting. I hope that 2009 is your best year ever!
What do you want to accomplish in 2009?
What are your personal goals? Financial goals? Spiritual goals? Career or business goals? Heck, I even have goals for home projects. I work them into the budget and give them time lines.
What is the benefit of having goals?
It helps give structure to your life. And, most of us need and thrive on good structure. It gives us purpose and direction.
How do I stay on track?
Have all of your goals written down and review them weekly at first, then when you are on the right path, monthly. Share them with others in your life and have discussions about them. Invite others to share their goals with you. Recognize that your goals were made because they were important to you so stick with them. Don't let another year go by to find them on the list with little progress. You control the success of your goals.
Happy Goal Setting. I hope that 2009 is your best year ever!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Creating Your Plan for 2009
Now is the time to lay out your life map for 2009. Here's an quick step version of how to do that.
- Spend some time in thought- what do you want to accomplish in 2009, why, and what are the small steps to get you there
- Write down your goals, rationales for those goals, and timelines for the small steps
- Tell everyone about your goals. Share your written plan with them so they can support you. Encourage them to have a plan and encourage each other.
- You must hold yourself accountable to the steps and timelines- or find someone who will hold you accountable (remember, this is your life- don't cheat yourself out of another year)
- Review your goals daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually (depending upon how they are written)
- Forgive yourself for minor missteps and get back on the plan immediately (we all eat a little chocolate while on a diet)
- Reward yourself for the milestones you achieve
- Repeat as necessary
My plan also includes data on my status; what did I accomplish this year; what attributes do I have that allow me to achieve my goals; what am I thankful for; what are my 5 year and life's goals; etc..... This is more like a report or guide versus a single piece of paper. I run my life rather than let life run me. This guide helps me do that.
Happy 2009!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Diet and Exercise.... repeat
Humans are typically smart creatures. Why then do we have the knowledge and power to change so many things but we don't. We ignore the prevailing information to stay in our current unhappy and unhealthy state.
Change is sometimes hard work. And, there is always tomorrow right?
I live this everyday myself. I go through moments of great change and then periods where little changes.
How many times do we hear "diet and exercise" are the key to loosing weight and staying healthy? We hear it often. We know its true. But, we still (many of us) fail to put in the work and dedication required to do better in both areas- consistently.
That is where a partner comes in. Having a partner elevates our efforts and helps to keep us motivated (and honest).
A dear friend was gearing up for her nuptials a year ago. She wanted to lose weight. So, we started a friendly little wager- for a nice gift- to see who could loose the most in 2 months. We have the same weaknesses and the same knowledge about what it takes (and neither of us will go extreme routes to win this battle)- so let the game begin. We sent daily logs of what we were eating- and how much. We had weekly weigh-in's. It was great. We connected more than usual. We helped each other tweak our diet and exercise routines. We motivated each other. It proved that having an ally in achieving your goal goes a lot further than doing it alone.
Find a partner in your path to achievement. Challenge a colleague who wants something similar to you. Become a team in making great things happen. And, never stop being smart about what it takes. For health.... its diet and exercise.
Change is sometimes hard work. And, there is always tomorrow right?
I live this everyday myself. I go through moments of great change and then periods where little changes.
How many times do we hear "diet and exercise" are the key to loosing weight and staying healthy? We hear it often. We know its true. But, we still (many of us) fail to put in the work and dedication required to do better in both areas- consistently.
That is where a partner comes in. Having a partner elevates our efforts and helps to keep us motivated (and honest).
A dear friend was gearing up for her nuptials a year ago. She wanted to lose weight. So, we started a friendly little wager- for a nice gift- to see who could loose the most in 2 months. We have the same weaknesses and the same knowledge about what it takes (and neither of us will go extreme routes to win this battle)- so let the game begin. We sent daily logs of what we were eating- and how much. We had weekly weigh-in's. It was great. We connected more than usual. We helped each other tweak our diet and exercise routines. We motivated each other. It proved that having an ally in achieving your goal goes a lot further than doing it alone.
Find a partner in your path to achievement. Challenge a colleague who wants something similar to you. Become a team in making great things happen. And, never stop being smart about what it takes. For health.... its diet and exercise.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Revising the Plans of Life
I can recall being a teenager and laying out some of my future plans. Ironically, college wasn't one of them for this small-town south central PA girl. Falling in love was- to a gorgeous and hard working perfect man. I was also planning to have two children by the time I was 28.
"Wow," is all that I can say when I think back to that plan. Maybe a little "what was I thinking?" too.
Fast forward almost 20 years. I'm 34 (35 next month). I've completed both college and graduate school and have a resume that is 2 pages, condensed. The children never came along. And the perfect man hasn't either. I've realized perfection was a bit far fetched. (smile)
I've watched dear friend realize my original plan. And, I've had the pleasure to live vicariously through them- as they have through me on my very different journey.
I believe planning is great. I think goals drive us to live better. I also believe we can be headed down a path that isn't right for us at times. A wise person will analyze their plan for appropriateness at regular intervals. Is is still the right way to go? Why or why not? Revise when and if necessary.
Don't fail to realize when your path needs readjustments. Don't get caught up in "oh, but for 10 years I've wanted this, so it HAS to happen....". Be smarter than that. Stubbornness and laziness will lead you to fail every time. Don't confuse being driven, goal oriented and focused with being resistant to diversions. A great person who is all of those things also has the ability to revisit the plan, revise and reset the path.
At 34 I dedicated myself to revisiting the more social aspects of my life (versus academic and professional). I'm delighted each day I get to walk in my new path- that came a few decades behind my original plan.
Have fun with your path. Don't take it too seriously that you fail to see the larger pictures.
"Wow," is all that I can say when I think back to that plan. Maybe a little "what was I thinking?" too.
Fast forward almost 20 years. I'm 34 (35 next month). I've completed both college and graduate school and have a resume that is 2 pages, condensed. The children never came along. And the perfect man hasn't either. I've realized perfection was a bit far fetched. (smile)
I've watched dear friend realize my original plan. And, I've had the pleasure to live vicariously through them- as they have through me on my very different journey.
I believe planning is great. I think goals drive us to live better. I also believe we can be headed down a path that isn't right for us at times. A wise person will analyze their plan for appropriateness at regular intervals. Is is still the right way to go? Why or why not? Revise when and if necessary.
Don't fail to realize when your path needs readjustments. Don't get caught up in "oh, but for 10 years I've wanted this, so it HAS to happen....". Be smarter than that. Stubbornness and laziness will lead you to fail every time. Don't confuse being driven, goal oriented and focused with being resistant to diversions. A great person who is all of those things also has the ability to revisit the plan, revise and reset the path.
At 34 I dedicated myself to revisiting the more social aspects of my life (versus academic and professional). I'm delighted each day I get to walk in my new path- that came a few decades behind my original plan.
Have fun with your path. Don't take it too seriously that you fail to see the larger pictures.
Friday, August 22, 2008
A Story of Heartbreak and Dedication
I hope that you got to see the Olympics last evening. In the men’s relay they dropped the baton on one of the passes, thus disqualifying team USA. The heartbreak was written all over Tyson Gay’s face when he realized the pass didn’t happen.
The women’s relay then experienced the same devastation. Lauryn Williams, who failed to accept a pass in the previous Olympics, dropped the baton on the pass. Everyone knew she and the Americans were again disqualified. But, Williams returned to pick it up and then ran to the finish anyway. In her interview she twice said, “I HAD to finish.”
I encourage you to accept and overcome the disappointments that come along with working hard towards your goals. Don’t stop just because it can’t be perfect. Finish what you started. You’ll be glad you did.
The women’s relay then experienced the same devastation. Lauryn Williams, who failed to accept a pass in the previous Olympics, dropped the baton on the pass. Everyone knew she and the Americans were again disqualified. But, Williams returned to pick it up and then ran to the finish anyway. In her interview she twice said, “I HAD to finish.”
I encourage you to accept and overcome the disappointments that come along with working hard towards your goals. Don’t stop just because it can’t be perfect. Finish what you started. You’ll be glad you did.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Where is Your Gold Medal?
Will you be watching the 2008 Olympics staring 08/08/2008?
If so, you'll see men and women who are at the peak of their careers going for the gold. They are the best of the best. They've worked many years to get to where they are. The world will be watching them to see if they succeed or miss the mark.
I enjoy the Olympics for that very reason. I love to support others (even if only from my couch in my living room) and cheer them on. I also love the Olympics because of the way it related to my own life. I'm far from being in top physical condition. I've never won physical challenges in my life. However, I have worked ever so hard on things - for years at a time - and had my work culminate in a win or loss in a matter of minutes. I've desperately wanted for things to happen in my life. I've known both success and failure at things that seemed to mean the world to me (at the time).
What would your gold medal be for? What is it that you strive for? What does a win look and feel like for you at this point in your life?
Do you want to have a baby more than anything? Do you want to be more valued at work? Are you struggling to finish a 10-year task?
Make this Olympic period be yours. Decide what gold you are going for. Train for it. Work at it. Develop your cheering section. Make it happen. These sorts of achievements can be once in a lifetime. Go for it!
If so, you'll see men and women who are at the peak of their careers going for the gold. They are the best of the best. They've worked many years to get to where they are. The world will be watching them to see if they succeed or miss the mark.
I enjoy the Olympics for that very reason. I love to support others (even if only from my couch in my living room) and cheer them on. I also love the Olympics because of the way it related to my own life. I'm far from being in top physical condition. I've never won physical challenges in my life. However, I have worked ever so hard on things - for years at a time - and had my work culminate in a win or loss in a matter of minutes. I've desperately wanted for things to happen in my life. I've known both success and failure at things that seemed to mean the world to me (at the time).
What would your gold medal be for? What is it that you strive for? What does a win look and feel like for you at this point in your life?
Do you want to have a baby more than anything? Do you want to be more valued at work? Are you struggling to finish a 10-year task?
Make this Olympic period be yours. Decide what gold you are going for. Train for it. Work at it. Develop your cheering section. Make it happen. These sorts of achievements can be once in a lifetime. Go for it!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Coaching VS Therapy
I am often asked about the differences between coaching and therapy. I imagine that each coach and therapist would answer this question somewhat differently depending upon their approach and background. As a psychologist, researcher and business professional here is my answer to that very good question- from my perspective as a life coach.
Life Coaching
Foundation
o Goals and actions oriented
Frequency
o Daily, weekly or monthly
Focus
o Planned course of actions and steps
Duration
o Determined amount of time (average 3-6 months)
Approach
o Actions and mindset review
Location
o Flexible location or via telephone
Therapy
Foundation
o Thoughts and feelings oriented
Frequency
o Weekly, biweekly or Monthly
Focus
o Fluid and flexible sessions
Duration
o Long-term
Approach
o Varies, may involve medications
Location
o Therapist office appointments
Can you have both?
Yes, I sometimes work with clients who are already working with a therapist. Often these relationships are on-going and long-standing. Their bond and working relationship has developed to focus on various areas of their lives- typically from the angle of exploring their thoughts and feelings. My work is not meant in any way to interfere with that relationship or the progress taking place. In fact, coaching is meant to further develop the client’s progress and success by working with them on a step-by-step action plan to get them toward specific goal achievement. Doing so may require an interdisciplinary approach which could include both a therapist and a coach.
Life Coaching
Foundation
o Goals and actions oriented
Frequency
o Daily, weekly or monthly
Focus
o Planned course of actions and steps
Duration
o Determined amount of time (average 3-6 months)
Approach
o Actions and mindset review
Location
o Flexible location or via telephone
Therapy
Foundation
o Thoughts and feelings oriented
Frequency
o Weekly, biweekly or Monthly
Focus
o Fluid and flexible sessions
Duration
o Long-term
Approach
o Varies, may involve medications
Location
o Therapist office appointments
Can you have both?
Yes, I sometimes work with clients who are already working with a therapist. Often these relationships are on-going and long-standing. Their bond and working relationship has developed to focus on various areas of their lives- typically from the angle of exploring their thoughts and feelings. My work is not meant in any way to interfere with that relationship or the progress taking place. In fact, coaching is meant to further develop the client’s progress and success by working with them on a step-by-step action plan to get them toward specific goal achievement. Doing so may require an interdisciplinary approach which could include both a therapist and a coach.
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