As we move further into March, I have to remember its only the third month of the year. That means it's time to review my 2011 goals and reset them if I need to. While I am always talking about setting goals, accountability, taking action and creating to-do lists, a Twitter friend whom I've never met, Daniel Foisy(@wisdomalacarte), recently tweeted about creating a "to-stop" list. This concept has been around in weight loss circles for a few years. The basic idea is to identify factors distracting you or holding you back from reaching your goals, write them down and then make a concious effort to STOP doing them! For some reason this caused me "to stop" in my tracks. It inspired me to think about my lists differently. As I thought about the idea of a "to-stop" list, I reflected on my own constant state of busyness.
There's great power in that idea for me because I am a person who has a high level of physical and mental stamina. This drives my desire to see things get done with a high degree of excellence, create, innovate and help others grow. This sometimes causes my "to-do" list to become longer than what can get "to-done" in a normal week or work day. I want to give more of my time and energy to those things that matter and make an eternal difference. Yet, I have to take responsbility for my actions, my preparation and the decisions I make. Besides reaching my goals, I want to respond to people and situations in a refreshing, sincere way. After thinking about that, I realize I need to stop doing some things. When I stop doing or even thinking about certain things it allows blessings to flow more freely and my peaceful mind to be sharp.
Whether you want to lose weight, find a job, grow spiritually or be a better parent, there are things in your life you need to stop doing. What are they for you? They may be large or small, but they are connected. Stop procrastinating. Stop worrying about things you can't control. Stop allowing clutter in your physical surroundings. Yep, it all matters. So join me today in creating your own specific "to-stop" list. In the interest of self-disclosure and accountability, here's my personal list of what I need to stop doing over the next three months:
Karen's To-Stop List:
1) Complaining about something but not being willing to step up and change it.
2) Being critical of my appearance and weight and not just thankful for good health.
3) Insulting God by worrying.
4) Trying to help people who won't even try to help themselves.
5) Constantly wondering if I am making difference in my work and with my team.
6) Fearing the outcome my upcoming marathon...it's not until October!
7) Avoiding tough workouts and long runs.
8) Allowing clean clothes to pile up in the laundry room.
9) Eating lunch alone at my desk.
10) Taking even the smallest blessing for granted.
If I just stop doing any five of these things listed, I am convinced I could get closer to greater joy. Besides, I can't do anything effectively when my mind and spirit are in a state of clutter, distraction or negativity. I always choose to have a longer term vision, no matter what the circumstance. I know that when I spend more time looking through a telescope rather than a microscope, I am a better person. God really does have a plan for each and every one of us. Sometimes our microscopic busyness and negativity gets in the way of His plan. Your life, your legacy and these lessons matter. Let's stop blaming others and take a look at ourselves. What's on your "to-stop" list? Share a few with me here. Big or small. Talk to me by checking a box below or leaving a comment...you matter to me!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Three Words
I smiled knowingly when I noticed the chatter on Twitter about Chris Brogan's three words for the New Year. Based on my previous posts, you will see that I too consistently adopt the three words, three points approach to life.
During interview coaching, students are often frustrated (then amazed--because it works) when I say, offer no more than three adjectives (with supporting examples)if asked by an interviewer to "tell me about yourself." Oh yeah, then stop talking. There's a hand gesture that goes along with the stop talking part.
My authentic leadership business clients always tell me they have so much more to say in their presentations, yet I gently encourage them to capsualize their topic into three main points so their professional staff can remember and then act on whatever is being presented.
There is sound theory and history for the three-points philosophy that took flight in the world of public speaking through Toastmaster's International and then in advertising, print and broadcast journalism, due to the time and space limitations of traditional media.
My three words are actually subsets of three broad life categories around which I have set specific, measurable goals for 2011: faith, fitness and career. So here we go, you've wanted to know...what three words support these goals?
1) Create
This involves spending my time on things that matter and make a difference in the lives of others. I need help to do this. I intend to create a personal board of directors by February and meet with them via Skype four times this year. These are the people who will support me emotionally, challenge me intellectually, offer direction and pray for me in my endeavors. Keith Ferrazzi expresses the importance of having a support system in his book,"Who's Got Your Back?" On a lighter note, I want to create a flash mob on the campus where I work. The song and dance steps to be determined...
2) Inspire
I seek to invest in authentic conversations, real exchanges and grow relationships that inspire. I am energized when I contribute to helping people find and use their God-given gifts and talents. I want to be around people who give me hope for the future. We must all avoid those Having Anger Towards Everyone Reaching Success also known as H.A.T.E.R.S. What would happen if just one day a week we all tried to give more than we receive? Starting with time, talent and truth.
3) Teach
I am naturally curious and enjoy sharing what I've learned, especially when someone can improve or grow from it. I hope to continue teaching fitness classes three times per week and am also teaching a college level business communications course during the spring semester. Whatever and whenever I'm teaching, I pray others discover their potential mentally, physically and spiritually. Interestingly, these three words also describe how I try to live my personal brand in body, career and spirit.
Did you notice how many times I'm doing things in threes or using three words? I like this "three" game, we can play it every month and not just at the start of the New Year. What are your three words? Share them below this post...
During interview coaching, students are often frustrated (then amazed--because it works) when I say, offer no more than three adjectives (with supporting examples)if asked by an interviewer to "tell me about yourself." Oh yeah, then stop talking. There's a hand gesture that goes along with the stop talking part.
My authentic leadership business clients always tell me they have so much more to say in their presentations, yet I gently encourage them to capsualize their topic into three main points so their professional staff can remember and then act on whatever is being presented.
There is sound theory and history for the three-points philosophy that took flight in the world of public speaking through Toastmaster's International and then in advertising, print and broadcast journalism, due to the time and space limitations of traditional media.
My three words are actually subsets of three broad life categories around which I have set specific, measurable goals for 2011: faith, fitness and career. So here we go, you've wanted to know...what three words support these goals?
1) Create
This involves spending my time on things that matter and make a difference in the lives of others. I need help to do this. I intend to create a personal board of directors by February and meet with them via Skype four times this year. These are the people who will support me emotionally, challenge me intellectually, offer direction and pray for me in my endeavors. Keith Ferrazzi expresses the importance of having a support system in his book,"Who's Got Your Back?" On a lighter note, I want to create a flash mob on the campus where I work. The song and dance steps to be determined...
2) Inspire
I seek to invest in authentic conversations, real exchanges and grow relationships that inspire. I am energized when I contribute to helping people find and use their God-given gifts and talents. I want to be around people who give me hope for the future. We must all avoid those Having Anger Towards Everyone Reaching Success also known as H.A.T.E.R.S. What would happen if just one day a week we all tried to give more than we receive? Starting with time, talent and truth.
3) Teach
I am naturally curious and enjoy sharing what I've learned, especially when someone can improve or grow from it. I hope to continue teaching fitness classes three times per week and am also teaching a college level business communications course during the spring semester. Whatever and whenever I'm teaching, I pray others discover their potential mentally, physically and spiritually. Interestingly, these three words also describe how I try to live my personal brand in body, career and spirit.
Did you notice how many times I'm doing things in threes or using three words? I like this "three" game, we can play it every month and not just at the start of the New Year. What are your three words? Share them below this post...
Thursday, December 23, 2010
7.5 Tips for Small Business Owners
In response to my previous post on personal goal setting for 2011, several small business owners have asked me what broad areas they should be thinking about before the New Year. After giving it some thought, I ran across David Riklan's 7.5 quick tips for small business owners (I couldn't have said it better):
1. Review and completely update your business plan.
2. Increase your efforts in areas that are working.
3. Test out new potential areas of revenue.
4. Find and reach out to successful mentors to learn from.
5. Expand your network of personal and professional contacts.
6. Leverage and expand your personal and professional brand.
7. Inspire your employees, customers, and partners to work with you.
7.5. Get started now so you have a running start before January 1st.
Thanks for these tips David! Visit his site at http://www.selfgrowth.com
It is especially important for business owners to become wiser about social media. How much time are you spending on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn? Are the messages, look and feel consistent with your brand? Are you using tools such as Tweetdeck or Hootsuite, etc. to manage multiple accounts? Are you using analytics to track traffic? Start to truly think through how and why you're using social media for your business. Could this be tip 7.6?
How can you turn the above tips into specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timebound(SMART)goals? Read the previous post for ideas.
1. Review and completely update your business plan.
2. Increase your efforts in areas that are working.
3. Test out new potential areas of revenue.
4. Find and reach out to successful mentors to learn from.
5. Expand your network of personal and professional contacts.
6. Leverage and expand your personal and professional brand.
7. Inspire your employees, customers, and partners to work with you.
7.5. Get started now so you have a running start before January 1st.
Thanks for these tips David! Visit his site at http://www.selfgrowth.com
It is especially important for business owners to become wiser about social media. How much time are you spending on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn? Are the messages, look and feel consistent with your brand? Are you using tools such as Tweetdeck or Hootsuite, etc. to manage multiple accounts? Are you using analytics to track traffic? Start to truly think through how and why you're using social media for your business. Could this be tip 7.6?
How can you turn the above tips into specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timebound(SMART)goals? Read the previous post for ideas.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
5 Things to Do Now:Why Wait for the New Year?
The New Year is almost here. As a part-time fitness instructor, every year I observe people who start attending my classes regularly in January and then disappear by February. I often wonder: Why do these individuals give up so quickly? I believe one reason they give up is because most have made resolutions that are not well thought out. Especially that age old resolution: I'm going to lose weight. While I don't make resolutions, I do refresh my life goals each year.
Life goals should be consistent with your personal brand. What three words represent who you are or who you want to be? How will you get there? Who do you need in your life to help you get there? These are just a few of the questions to ask your self. It's never too early or late to start thinking about your goals. A fit body is just one part of the equation.
I typically set no more than three major life goals each year. There is no real magic in the number but research indicates that trying to focus on more than three goals decreases your chance for success. Each goal I set affects one broad area of my life. This year, I have set specific, measurable goals in these broad areas: faith, fitness and career. You most likely already know what you want to improve or change, just make sure your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timebound. Instead of saying: I will lose weight this year. Why not say: I will lose 10 pounds by February 28 by exercising five times per week. When stated and written that way, the goal passes the SMART test.
Whether it’s your health or career, here a few things you can do now to set you on a path to acheive your goals for 2011:
#1 – Volunteer for a cause that matters to you.
During the holidays, we focus on helping the homeless, hungry, needy, etc. But remember these conditions exist year round. Whether you are out of work or even if you work fulltime, it is refreshing to help others. Not just people you know, but strangers too. Do it without expecting anything in return. From serving as tutor, to serving in a soup kitchen the opportunities are endless to give of your time and talents everyday, not just during the holidays. Its good to see the faces of those you help. You might even conduct a random act of kindness anonymously. Pay for the order of the person behind you in the drive-thru line. Even if it's a minivan filled with a large family! Take your mind off yourself for a while and watch what happens.
#2 – Become wiser about social media.
Many of us have Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. Some of us even blog. Each of these tools can and should be used in different yet complimentary ways. Ask yourself how you will use social media more effectively and strategically this year. Whether its for your business or your personal brand, what does your digital footprint say about you? How much time per week are you spending using social media and for what purpose? Social media should never replace face to face conversations and connecting with human beings. Are you spending too much time with these tools and not enough time with family, friends and networking? Use Hootsuite or Tweetdeck to manage multiple accounts. You'll be pleased when you spend less time texting, tweeting or stalking Facebook and more time talking to people in your life. Use social media to educate, inform to build community and learn. Just remember, that meaningful,lasting relationships are built in person.
#3 – Avoid toxic people.
Be deliberate in avoiding surrounding yourself with people who gossip, complain and constantly criticize others. While economic times have been difficult for many, change your focus by counting the blessings you have that money can't buy. I am disturbed by people have no depth to their conversation unless they are criticizing others or discouraging possibility thinking. These people cause a drag on my spirit. Seek to avoid these conversations and those who initiate them. I will always try to encourage whenever possible, but I will choose to deflect conversations when people become critical or gossip about others. No one wins in those conversations and its just wrong. I want to surround myself with nutritious people. Yum! Be green and growing, not ripe and rotting. Yuck!
#4-Dig deeper spiritually.
If you already have a strong faith, go deeper. As a Christian, I find wisdom in reading the Bible each day and peace in praying for others. If you go to church, try practicing some of the principles and concepts discussed by your pastor, preacher or spiritual leader. I find this especially important at work or while you are searching for work. This may be very basic things like: kindness, integrity, honesty, encouragement, forgiveness, etc. Go to a place where you can share in healthy fellowship with others and grow spiritually. Don't focus on a religion, focus on your relationship with God.
#5-Move your body--intentionally and regularly.
We all know we need to exercise for good health. There are many resources on the internet and in our local communities to help. I could offer specific tips here but you know what the basics are: eat less, exercise more. Not always easy but who said…uh…just do it? If you have been sedentary don't start working out like a crazy person on January 1. Start strong and finish the year strong. Be consistent (4-5 times per week). Set a goal to run a 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon by a certain date. You don't need to buy elaborate fitness equipment or cut out all carbs. Just be consistent. I'm finally learning that rest and finding simple joy in life is important too. Build in time to renew and relax as well.
You can do any of these things this week, why wait for the New Year? Try writing out three goals right now so you can be fit in body, career and spirit! Because I know you can! I'd love you to leave your comments below. Warm wishes for an outstanding 2011!
Life goals should be consistent with your personal brand. What three words represent who you are or who you want to be? How will you get there? Who do you need in your life to help you get there? These are just a few of the questions to ask your self. It's never too early or late to start thinking about your goals. A fit body is just one part of the equation.
I typically set no more than three major life goals each year. There is no real magic in the number but research indicates that trying to focus on more than three goals decreases your chance for success. Each goal I set affects one broad area of my life. This year, I have set specific, measurable goals in these broad areas: faith, fitness and career. You most likely already know what you want to improve or change, just make sure your goals are SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Timebound. Instead of saying: I will lose weight this year. Why not say: I will lose 10 pounds by February 28 by exercising five times per week. When stated and written that way, the goal passes the SMART test.
Whether it’s your health or career, here a few things you can do now to set you on a path to acheive your goals for 2011:
#1 – Volunteer for a cause that matters to you.
During the holidays, we focus on helping the homeless, hungry, needy, etc. But remember these conditions exist year round. Whether you are out of work or even if you work fulltime, it is refreshing to help others. Not just people you know, but strangers too. Do it without expecting anything in return. From serving as tutor, to serving in a soup kitchen the opportunities are endless to give of your time and talents everyday, not just during the holidays. Its good to see the faces of those you help. You might even conduct a random act of kindness anonymously. Pay for the order of the person behind you in the drive-thru line. Even if it's a minivan filled with a large family! Take your mind off yourself for a while and watch what happens.
#2 – Become wiser about social media.
Many of us have Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts. Some of us even blog. Each of these tools can and should be used in different yet complimentary ways. Ask yourself how you will use social media more effectively and strategically this year. Whether its for your business or your personal brand, what does your digital footprint say about you? How much time per week are you spending using social media and for what purpose? Social media should never replace face to face conversations and connecting with human beings. Are you spending too much time with these tools and not enough time with family, friends and networking? Use Hootsuite or Tweetdeck to manage multiple accounts. You'll be pleased when you spend less time texting, tweeting or stalking Facebook and more time talking to people in your life. Use social media to educate, inform to build community and learn. Just remember, that meaningful,lasting relationships are built in person.
#3 – Avoid toxic people.
Be deliberate in avoiding surrounding yourself with people who gossip, complain and constantly criticize others. While economic times have been difficult for many, change your focus by counting the blessings you have that money can't buy. I am disturbed by people have no depth to their conversation unless they are criticizing others or discouraging possibility thinking. These people cause a drag on my spirit. Seek to avoid these conversations and those who initiate them. I will always try to encourage whenever possible, but I will choose to deflect conversations when people become critical or gossip about others. No one wins in those conversations and its just wrong. I want to surround myself with nutritious people. Yum! Be green and growing, not ripe and rotting. Yuck!
#4-Dig deeper spiritually.
If you already have a strong faith, go deeper. As a Christian, I find wisdom in reading the Bible each day and peace in praying for others. If you go to church, try practicing some of the principles and concepts discussed by your pastor, preacher or spiritual leader. I find this especially important at work or while you are searching for work. This may be very basic things like: kindness, integrity, honesty, encouragement, forgiveness, etc. Go to a place where you can share in healthy fellowship with others and grow spiritually. Don't focus on a religion, focus on your relationship with God.
#5-Move your body--intentionally and regularly.
We all know we need to exercise for good health. There are many resources on the internet and in our local communities to help. I could offer specific tips here but you know what the basics are: eat less, exercise more. Not always easy but who said…uh…just do it? If you have been sedentary don't start working out like a crazy person on January 1. Start strong and finish the year strong. Be consistent (4-5 times per week). Set a goal to run a 5K, 10K, half-marathon or marathon by a certain date. You don't need to buy elaborate fitness equipment or cut out all carbs. Just be consistent. I'm finally learning that rest and finding simple joy in life is important too. Build in time to renew and relax as well.
You can do any of these things this week, why wait for the New Year? Try writing out three goals right now so you can be fit in body, career and spirit! Because I know you can! I'd love you to leave your comments below. Warm wishes for an outstanding 2011!
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