" 'Soul' is found in the quality of what I am doing. If my activities have a sense of truth and integrity, if they are deep in meaning, then they are rich in soul, and so am I. Thus for me, 'nourishing the soul' means making sure I attend to those things that give my life richness and and depth of meaning."
- Robert Fulghum
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I. Topic: Simple Summer Sanity Strategy
II. Messages from the Masters
III. Coach's Book Shelf
IV. News
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I. Topic: Simple Summer Sanity Strategy
I hear from so many people, about the yearning for more "sanity" in their days. I'm sure you hear it from your friends, colleagues, neighbors and family as you connect with each other and hear how things are. Typical responses, even if said positively, include.."crazy".."busy" and sometimes.."insane." Then someone adds, "But it's all good." My circle of contacts and clients fall into this category, but are probably more likely to question if it really is "all good." For the moment, I'm proposing you consider doing the same.
As you do this, I want to offer you a basic approach for making sure that in this wave of "busyness" you are really addresssing what it best for YOU. The summer is a perfect time for this. During this period of longer light, and slightly more spacious days, why not consider what specific shift you can affect that will hold the most meaning for you? If you choose carefully, beyond a greater connection to "sanity" you are bound to gain a greater connection to your soul. Here is one way to get started.
1. Focus On YOU.
I don't have to tell you the importance of paying attention to yourself before anything else. You can only be the best you can be when your personal needs and desires are being addressed. Be willing to be healthfully selfish and begin with this premise. Handle this well, and all life issues, including career and business-related ones, will be handled with much less effort.
2. Ask: "What do I most need or want right now?"
As a busy professional, demands for your time are endless. Your own interests, needs and desires are diverse and extensive too. You must uncover what it is you most want to address, and be willing to put your attention there. Take a temperature across the personal aspects of your life: Wellness, Peace of Mind, Creativity, Love/Romance, Passion/Fun, Friendship, Family.
See what area speaks most loudly to you. Trust the answer. Put attention to it.
3. Keep it Simple.
People like to think in terms of long-term goals as the best approach to overall success. I agree in the big-picture vision and need to consider your whole life picture. Yet, summer is a limited period of time. Why overwhelm your already busy life with a longer to-do list? Pick one area of your life, choose one specific, meaningful action you can commit to---then make that your plan.
4. Know the Pay-Off.
Be really clear on why you want to act on this item. What is in it for you? People only make changes when there is a personal pay-off to motivate them. What will be different for you when you address this? How will you feel when you accomplish it? What ripple effect will there be? Who will you be when you have achieved this? The more personal and emotion-based the pay-off, the more compelled you will be to commit and follow-through.
5. Remove Obstacles.
If this action is important to you, yet hasn't happened yet, there are reasons for this. Determine what obstacles are in your way and work to remove them. Whether they are tangible things, (like too many commitments), or whether they are limiting beliefs or assumptions, (like that you aren't talented enough or deserving enough), take the necessary steps zap these blocks. You must let go of these things to make room for what you really want.
7. Create a Habit.
Psychologists tell us it takes 21 days of doing something before a habit will stick. Do whatever you can to put commitment, structure and ritual to what you do, and watch it endure past summer!
8. Celebrate Your Success!
Build an extra reward into your plan and remind yourself of what it will be. When you celebrate your success, you are giving yourself the reinforcement, and the universe a message, that will enable you to attract similar successes in other areas of your life!
Coach Action Challenge: Try to step through this strategy focusing on a shift you want to make in just one area of your personal life. With the right focus, attention and commitment, even the brief summer timeframe can give you the chance to affect a pattern that promotes a long-lasting benefit. Choose carefully, act passionately, and make it count! And if you like, let me know how it goes-- I'd love to hear.
II. Messages from the Masters
"Every life has its share of setbacks and disappointments--of tragedy and loss. So the question we all confront, in the face of negatives that may assail us, is: How do we keep our inner fire alive? Two things at minimum, are needed: an ability to appreciate the positives in our life---and a commitment to action. Every day, it's important to ask and answer these questions: 'What's good in my life?' and 'What needs to be done?' The first question keeps us focused on the postives; the second keeps us proactive and reminds us that we are responsible for our own happiness and well-being."
--Nathaniel Branden, Ph.D.
"Take care to find your own true strength. Nurture it. Develop it. Share it with those around you. Let it be a light for those who are living in darkness. Remember, strength based in force is a strength people fear. Strength based in love is a strength people crave."
--Kent Nerburn
III. Coach's Bookshelf
Inner Wisdom, Meditations for the Heart and Soul, By Louise Hay
A light read for the summer, but more of valuable reference for always, that is beautifully written and illustrated, to help you manifest exactly what you most desire in the moment.
The Tipping Point, By Malcolm Gladwell
The "tipping point" is described as "that magical moment when an idea, trend or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips and spreads like wildfire." Grounded in fascinating research, the author shares intriguing and useful information for anyone who is in business or who is a student of human behavior. Thank you to the numerous people who have referred me to this one!
IV. News
Jill Berquist was a guest presenter on this very topic of Summer Sanity at the July 2nd, National Association of Women Business Owners meeting at No Fish Today in Harford, CT. It was a great group of women, and a wonderful meeting and reception. If you are interested in future meetings of this organization, contact the outgoing president, Leila Fecho, at leila@aboveandbdeyondcom.com, for more information.
The next Coaches and Trainers Collaborative Incredible Coaches Circle will be held at Panera's of Glastonbury on Monday, July 28, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. All are welcome to join this gathering for conversation, community, resource-sharing and fun. The only requirement is a passion for coaching. For more information or to R.S.V.P. please contact Jill at 860.659.5829 or jill@ct-collaborative.com.
Jill will be guest-hosting The Mary Jones Show, on August 18th and 20th, at 2:00 p.m., on WDRC, 1360 AM. This is a lively new daily radio show Mary is doing on a variety of topics of interest. Tune in weekdays at 2:00 p.m. to catch Mary---and hopefully you can join Jill in August as well! |