Mini Mission—Send snail mail
I practically squeal with delight when I open the mailbox to find a handwritten card or note. Do you feel that way too when you discover a little gem among the junk mail and bills? Does receiving a handwritten note make you feel special and considered? Does a card someone took the time to select, hand […]
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Are you barking up the wrong tree?
I have a friend who chatters during the entirety of a relaxation massage, and then wonders afterward why she doesn’t really feel any more relaxed. She’s barking up the wrong tree if she expects to find relaxation among noise. A friend who has a personal trainer uses his sessions to gab about reality TV and […]
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Believing change is difficult doesn’t help
I’m not suggesting change is always a piece of cake, but believing it will be difficult certainly doesn’t help. Time and again I’ve witnessed two people set a similar goal: Change careers, lose weight, downsize overhead, launch a business… Granted, these are unique individuals with distinct life situations and differing skills. But what I see over […]
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I haven’t always lived my life by design
I’m going to begin with a kick in the pants. Many people—perhaps even you—spend more time planning their next vacation or home renovation project than they do planning their lives. That just doesn’t make sense to me. I know from firsthand experience intentional living is a line in the sand between half living and a […]
Continued... Mini Mission—Schedule that appointment
You know you’ve been putting it off—moving the reminder forward on your calendar or To Do list. Whether it’s a doctor appointment for your annual physical, a meeting with your lawyer about drafting a living will, a cleaning at the dentist, a consultation with a contractor about your kitchen remodel… Whatever particular form yours takes, that […]
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Here’s how I start my day
I don’t have a set schedule. One day I might have back-to-back coaching calls starting at 8 a.m. and the next day be call-free until early afternoon. While I love the variety and flexibility, it also leads me to crave more structure to start the day. After some experimenting, here’s the routine I’ve landed on: […]
Continued... Mini Mission—Be grateful and enjoy
We are often geared toward what’s next—a new goal, a new want. Toward getting better, having more. Upgrade, improve. Goal set, get. All fine and good to aspire, to anticipate and plan what’s around the corner. But often what gets lost on the way to the next thing is taking time to enjoy and be […]
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I won’t wait for inspiration
I won’t wait for inspiration to strike. I will go out and get inspired. I won’t wait for inspiration to come to me. I will put myself on the path. I won’t wait for inspiration to take hold. I will reach out my hands. I won’t wait for inspiration. Instead, I will simply show up. […]
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I am vulnerable when …
In the last couple weeks, Brené Brown’s Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead has come up in conversation a dozen times. Seriously. 12 times. Although most people simply refer to: You know, that book about vulnerability. Several conversations were with coaching clients, which makes sense […]
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Life is too short to be bored
Hearing someone say I’m bored or My life is boring is like nails on a chalkboard. It causes a visceral flinch. Bored? Boring? Really? In this day—at any age—is boredom even possible? Well, apparently it is if you believe it is. Our mindsets become a self-fulfilling prophecy. If you believe your life is boring, it’s the lens […]
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What’s your type? Sensing or Intuition?
In the world of the Myers-Briggs, Sensing and Intuition are about how you prefer take in information. Do you know which you’re wired for? If your preference is Sensing, you tend to take in information through your five senses and focus on the here and now. If your preference is Intuition, you tend to take […]
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If I don’t try, I won’t fail
If I don’t try, I won’t fail. Absolutely. I have no argument with the truth of this mindset. But typing those words sends a shudder down my spine. Our mindset becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. So if your mindset is don’t try, won’t fail, then the world must shrink to make that your reality. Small and […]
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I need you to agree with my point of view. I need to be validated.
While it certainly feels good when someone agrees with us, I think most are really looking for understanding. Have you ever thought about the difference between seeking agreement versus seeking understanding? The distinction makes a difference—and often gets us in trouble. Agreement is about control and being right. I need you to agree with my […]
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We had a disagreement and now the weekend is ruined
The all or nothing mindset is self-talk focused on extremes. If I don’t stick to my diet perfectly, I might as well give up trying to lose weight. If I don’t get 25 people to sign up for my workshop, it’s a waste of time. If I don’t perform flawlessly, I’m a total failure. We […]
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Are you afraid to rock the boat?
Overheard: “I don’t want to tell him how I really feel. It will rock the boat.” Granted, I have no context here. How she really feels could be about the living room paint color he picked out, who she likes in the upcoming mayoral election, or wanting to have a baby. But my vote is […]
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