'WHEN THE STUDENT IS READY, THE TEACHER APPEARS' has been one of my favorite quotes for many years. When I learn something from someone I am reminded that, "I must have been ready."
So for this reason I was not surprised when Jim and I came together with one goal in mind and WHA-LA a teacher appeared. An opportunity presented itself at the exact time we were open and a more-than-capable mentor was driving it.
The challenging thing about considering someone as a mentor, teacher, coach is that you are willing to hand them your proficiency and allow them to strengthen weakness and correct wrongs. The opportunity itself is not a strong enough teacher.
Of course this is for your own benefit and if their instruction is graciously taken and implemented you are better for it... BUT IT HURTS!!!
I am a Pleaser.. I want to please people. I want to help people. I want to be LIKED. This is a strength and a weakness. So of course, with a mentor, I want them to like me and I want to be doing things that make them happy with me... Proud of me.
It is this very quality that keeps me from truly being the success I know I am made to be.
Another favorite quote is: A man who has himself as a coach, has a foolish coach.
I have been my own coach for too long. I have been easy on myself. I have allowed excuses, whining and good intentions to take the place of goals, strategy and achievement.
After spending 45 minutes on the phone with my coach, I have been called out! He asked if I was ready to give up what people thought of me in order to win. He said I wasn't doing enough... and he knew that because I wasn't talking to him everyday. He started telling me about other people he's coaching who are lapping me...that just ticked me off!!
I am ready!! I have had HUGE dreams and wimpy goals for too long! I can't get where I want to be with wimpy, sick action taking place. My dreams have been like wanting to explore the moon but using a bottle rocket to get there.
It's time! I have the right support system and coach in place. Someone I respect, someone who is where I want to be and someone who does 'like' me and is willing to have valuable conversation while kick'in my butt a little too.... Thank you Scott!
What about you? Are you coaching yourself? Is your spouse coaching you? Either way, you can not get where you want to go in that vehicle. Be willing to submit to an outsider and then BE READY! No one wants to hear that they aren't cutting it, but take it, process it and move on it. You'll be better for it!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Make Motivation a Habit!
Motivation gets you going and habit gets you there. Make motivation a habit and you will get there more quickly and have more fun on the trip. ~ Zig Ziglar
A majority of the work I do is from my home office. Unfortunately my home office is at my home. The same location as children, dirty laundry, dishes, carpet that needs vacuuming and much more. No matter how much motivation I start the day out with these things are always waiting to attempt to suck it right out of me or at least distract me from being motivated to advance my business.
Do you have a similar scenario? Maybe you end up in the office answering email for too long and miss great field time. Maybe you own a store that keeps you inside too early and too late so there is no one reaching out for new clientele. Maybe you’re the business ‘firefighter’, spending so much time each day putting out fires that business advancement gets lost in the smoke.
When distractions become a habit your growth is stunted. Allowing distractions to distract you may not show the effects on your business that day and it may not show for several days, but eventually there is a gap in the productivity as a result of this habit.
If any of this is you make the change immediately. I am most productive if I take notes of my productive thoughts, leave my home office, take up residence at a local coffee shop and get uninterrupted work done. Whatever it takes for you, change this bad habit today. Being distracted slows progress and creates frustration.
Take the advice of Zig Ziglar ~ Motivation gets you going and habit gets you there. Make motivation a habit and you will get there more quickly and have more fun on the trip.
A majority of the work I do is from my home office. Unfortunately my home office is at my home. The same location as children, dirty laundry, dishes, carpet that needs vacuuming and much more. No matter how much motivation I start the day out with these things are always waiting to attempt to suck it right out of me or at least distract me from being motivated to advance my business.
Do you have a similar scenario? Maybe you end up in the office answering email for too long and miss great field time. Maybe you own a store that keeps you inside too early and too late so there is no one reaching out for new clientele. Maybe you’re the business ‘firefighter’, spending so much time each day putting out fires that business advancement gets lost in the smoke.
When distractions become a habit your growth is stunted. Allowing distractions to distract you may not show the effects on your business that day and it may not show for several days, but eventually there is a gap in the productivity as a result of this habit.
If any of this is you make the change immediately. I am most productive if I take notes of my productive thoughts, leave my home office, take up residence at a local coffee shop and get uninterrupted work done. Whatever it takes for you, change this bad habit today. Being distracted slows progress and creates frustration.
Take the advice of Zig Ziglar ~ Motivation gets you going and habit gets you there. Make motivation a habit and you will get there more quickly and have more fun on the trip.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Are you a Hugger?
In the physical sense, I am a hugger! I am touchy/ feely. I have even had to mentally say to myself, "get out of their space."
So no matter what type of person you are, touchy/ feely or not, you should read the book -
Hug Your Customer - by Jack Mitchell.
I was told this is required reading for the management of Starbucks. (kudos to them)
This book has really made me think about the way I interact with friends, family and clientele. After an encounter with me, do they leave feeling hugged, whether we've touched or not?
Do the people I meet with leave feeling that I care about them?
When our time together is over, do I know more about them than they know about me?
This book has made me want to be a better woman!
I am a stationary addict! It is time to start using some of those cute thank you cards and note paper to send out a hug.
Get a copy of - Hug Your Customer - by Jack Mitchell - weather your a business person or a stay at home mom. It's an easy read but the impact may just be life changing... for you or someone you touch.
So no matter what type of person you are, touchy/ feely or not, you should read the book -
Hug Your Customer - by Jack Mitchell.
I was told this is required reading for the management of Starbucks. (kudos to them)
This book has really made me think about the way I interact with friends, family and clientele. After an encounter with me, do they leave feeling hugged, whether we've touched or not?
Do the people I meet with leave feeling that I care about them?
When our time together is over, do I know more about them than they know about me?
This book has made me want to be a better woman!
I am a stationary addict! It is time to start using some of those cute thank you cards and note paper to send out a hug.
Get a copy of - Hug Your Customer - by Jack Mitchell - weather your a business person or a stay at home mom. It's an easy read but the impact may just be life changing... for you or someone you touch.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Dream Dreams then Pay the Price
Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true… Leon Joseph Cardinal Suenens
How do you face the Dreams of your life? Have you been conditioned that it would be too difficult, would take up too much time or would be too expensive?
Unfortunately a majority of people suppress the dreams of life because they have been taught to doubt or ‘think realistically’.
I can remember a time riding down the freeway with one of my parents and seeing a nice motor home pass us. I said, “someday I’m going to have one of those and a red Porsche.” I was about 12 years old and my parent said, “those things are very expensive.”
As I grew to be a dreaming adult I had to wonder, what did they mean by that and why would anyone need to say that to a child.
Have you ever crushed someone’s dream or had your dream crushed? At the age of 12 did I need to know that those things were expensive? Was that the unfulfilled desire of their heart lashing out a little bit?
My dreams have changed a little since then. I don’t yet have a motor home, because it hasn’t fit the needs of our family, and I don’t want a red Porsche anymore, but I should be the proud owner of a BMW Z4 Roadster in the 3 years.
When you dare to dream your mind immediately goes to work on how to make it happen. Whatever thing you give your mind to focus on it will go to work. When you give your mind a negative situation it is equally passionate about that. Be careful what you feed your mind because it has a laser focus to accomplish the task.
If your dream is to expand your business from $150k to $300k a year in sales let your mind begin thinking creatively about that achievement. Write down every thought your mind brings to you. Some thoughts may be complicated or unnecessary but let your mind go to work without any preconceived ideas or barriers. As you filter through and implement the ideas you will begin to see the increase happen.
Be ready to Dream Dreams and pay the price to make them come true!
How do you face the Dreams of your life? Have you been conditioned that it would be too difficult, would take up too much time or would be too expensive?
Unfortunately a majority of people suppress the dreams of life because they have been taught to doubt or ‘think realistically’.
I can remember a time riding down the freeway with one of my parents and seeing a nice motor home pass us. I said, “someday I’m going to have one of those and a red Porsche.” I was about 12 years old and my parent said, “those things are very expensive.”
As I grew to be a dreaming adult I had to wonder, what did they mean by that and why would anyone need to say that to a child.
Have you ever crushed someone’s dream or had your dream crushed? At the age of 12 did I need to know that those things were expensive? Was that the unfulfilled desire of their heart lashing out a little bit?
My dreams have changed a little since then. I don’t yet have a motor home, because it hasn’t fit the needs of our family, and I don’t want a red Porsche anymore, but I should be the proud owner of a BMW Z4 Roadster in the 3 years.
When you dare to dream your mind immediately goes to work on how to make it happen. Whatever thing you give your mind to focus on it will go to work. When you give your mind a negative situation it is equally passionate about that. Be careful what you feed your mind because it has a laser focus to accomplish the task.
If your dream is to expand your business from $150k to $300k a year in sales let your mind begin thinking creatively about that achievement. Write down every thought your mind brings to you. Some thoughts may be complicated or unnecessary but let your mind go to work without any preconceived ideas or barriers. As you filter through and implement the ideas you will begin to see the increase happen.
Be ready to Dream Dreams and pay the price to make them come true!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Everyone talks about it but no one does anything
The WEATHER, everybody talks about it, but no one does anything! I find this statement to be a bit humorous. Especially since, for the last several years, people (scientist, activist & AL GORE) have been trying to convince us that weather is our enemy and people can fix it.
The thing that makes me say “HMMM” is, how did that become our best conversation starter? Have you ever noticed, no matter what is happening outside, someone doesn’t like it? Do Hawaiians complain about the weather in Hawaii? Do Eskimo’s complain when it snows? I live in Texas where we have a wide variety of weather, so there is plenty to complain about. It’s too windy, too hot, too humid, too rainy, too cold…I don’t know, too weathery! It’s crazy!
So the moral of this story is not, be happy you woke up and could enjoy the weather at all… although that’s not bad either. But rather, isn’t there a better conversation starter? ‘How’s the weather’ used to be a safe, non controversial topic, before global warming.
Now, we need to establish a better, more positive, non controversial way of breaking the ice. People have tried, ‘how are you today’, and then ended up with an earful of how they really are, so that one is avoided. ‘When are you due,’ is only a good idea if you know for sure they are really pregnant. ‘How is your family,’ will only work if you know their family… but I might be tempted to use it anyway. ‘What time do you get off work,’ is a bit stalkerish. I think random information is great, like; ‘so what’s your favorite tv show’ or ‘what’s your favorite restaurant’… although the identification of crazy may follow you after that.
How you greet someone is obviously up to you. I challenge you to be positive and ask questions that bring a positive response. Have a great day and enjoy whatever weather you are experiencing.
The thing that makes me say “HMMM” is, how did that become our best conversation starter? Have you ever noticed, no matter what is happening outside, someone doesn’t like it? Do Hawaiians complain about the weather in Hawaii? Do Eskimo’s complain when it snows? I live in Texas where we have a wide variety of weather, so there is plenty to complain about. It’s too windy, too hot, too humid, too rainy, too cold…I don’t know, too weathery! It’s crazy!
So the moral of this story is not, be happy you woke up and could enjoy the weather at all… although that’s not bad either. But rather, isn’t there a better conversation starter? ‘How’s the weather’ used to be a safe, non controversial topic, before global warming.
Now, we need to establish a better, more positive, non controversial way of breaking the ice. People have tried, ‘how are you today’, and then ended up with an earful of how they really are, so that one is avoided. ‘When are you due,’ is only a good idea if you know for sure they are really pregnant. ‘How is your family,’ will only work if you know their family… but I might be tempted to use it anyway. ‘What time do you get off work,’ is a bit stalkerish. I think random information is great, like; ‘so what’s your favorite tv show’ or ‘what’s your favorite restaurant’… although the identification of crazy may follow you after that.
How you greet someone is obviously up to you. I challenge you to be positive and ask questions that bring a positive response. Have a great day and enjoy whatever weather you are experiencing.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Where Is That Missing Shoe?
Once there was an old woman who lived in a shoe….I have so many questions about this nursery rhyme, like: how old was old? If she was ‘old’ why did she have a bunch of kids? Who helped her have all those kids? Where is he? But my most plaguing question is… Where did she get the shoe?
Recently I have noticed a very strange phenomenon, random shoes on the side or in the middle of the road. Does this happen in your town? I’m driving along and there it is, a shoe. This has happened so many times now, my husband and I have begun documenting our sightings to each other. We get home, kiss kiss, “how was your day and Oh, I saw another shoe.” Pathetic, right?
Now, I know what you’re thinking… “What po-dunk town do they live in?” We live in a metropolitan area outside Dallas, this is not CountryVille. I think there is a strange, shoe-losing, epidemic taking place. Is this a Global problem? Is that why companies like Tom’s have to give shoes away? (kudos to them, by the way) Have you, yourself, been out and just lost a shoe?
Not long ago I saved a baby from falling victim to this outbreak. But babies are different, they kick their little shoes off in the store or restaurant and I think it’s out of boredom while riding in the stroller. On-the-road shoes are usually adult shoes. What are we doing out there, just wildly bearing our feet? Was having 2 shoes 1 too many?
The other day, near a construction site, there was a single work boot in the road. This I can understand, maybe. If a construction worker threw his boots in the back of the truck, I guess one could have fallen out. But, now this leads to safe driving questions, speed control, the velocity it would take for a work boot to fly out and don’t even get me started on whether he was wearing a seatbelt. (but I digress)
The shoes that boggle me the most are shoes that would normally be inside the vehicle and probably on a person, like flip flops or running shoes. Do most people carry a spare pair of shoes with them? Am I missing an important fashionista trend?
The more I talk about it, the more questions I have! So, I am going to conclude that shoes long to be free. If shoes are taken out and not anchored down by having a body standing in them, they will release themselves from captivity. Once a shoe is free from incarceration, it can find a new and meaningful purpose; like being a home for an old woman and her kids.
Have a fun day!
Recently I have noticed a very strange phenomenon, random shoes on the side or in the middle of the road. Does this happen in your town? I’m driving along and there it is, a shoe. This has happened so many times now, my husband and I have begun documenting our sightings to each other. We get home, kiss kiss, “how was your day and Oh, I saw another shoe.” Pathetic, right?
Now, I know what you’re thinking… “What po-dunk town do they live in?” We live in a metropolitan area outside Dallas, this is not CountryVille. I think there is a strange, shoe-losing, epidemic taking place. Is this a Global problem? Is that why companies like Tom’s have to give shoes away? (kudos to them, by the way) Have you, yourself, been out and just lost a shoe?
Not long ago I saved a baby from falling victim to this outbreak. But babies are different, they kick their little shoes off in the store or restaurant and I think it’s out of boredom while riding in the stroller. On-the-road shoes are usually adult shoes. What are we doing out there, just wildly bearing our feet? Was having 2 shoes 1 too many?
The other day, near a construction site, there was a single work boot in the road. This I can understand, maybe. If a construction worker threw his boots in the back of the truck, I guess one could have fallen out. But, now this leads to safe driving questions, speed control, the velocity it would take for a work boot to fly out and don’t even get me started on whether he was wearing a seatbelt. (but I digress)
The shoes that boggle me the most are shoes that would normally be inside the vehicle and probably on a person, like flip flops or running shoes. Do most people carry a spare pair of shoes with them? Am I missing an important fashionista trend?
The more I talk about it, the more questions I have! So, I am going to conclude that shoes long to be free. If shoes are taken out and not anchored down by having a body standing in them, they will release themselves from captivity. Once a shoe is free from incarceration, it can find a new and meaningful purpose; like being a home for an old woman and her kids.
Have a fun day!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Politics & Religion ~ How much is too much?
When gathering with some friends and most family, people have said there are two off-limit conversations, Politics and Religion. I, myself, have made this mistake on more occasions than I can keep track of, this blog may add to the count.
Is it possible to extinguish all politics and all religion from conversation or a society? It seems that in the absence of one the other only becomes stronger. Our founding Fathers left a Religiously controlled government to have the ability to worship freely and create a fair political system. Even the death of Jesus came down to Religion vs. Politics.
So my question is, how much is too much? These two pillars will always be with us so what is fair and balanced? Currently, it seems that government is overstepping our Capitalistic boundaries, but this is still not something people agree on. If our business freedoms are not enough to move us to action will our religious freedoms do it?
There are countless conversations and opinions on social media, radio and of course that’s what the news stations live for, and yet these are still off-limits. In conversation, people are passionate about what they believe politically and religiously all-the-while having freedoms stripped from them.
When the President stepped into GM and sent the CEO packing, people were supportive of that intrusive move. But, what if he didn’t like the food you serve in your restaurant or the way you manage your business? Is it ok for the government to make these decisions? If you collect government funds is it ok for the government to tell you how to spend them or how to live day-to-day? Popular opinion seem to say, "yes, if you’re an auto maker and you took a bailout," but what if you’re a Postal Worker? They work for the government for government funds everyday.
How much is too much? I have definite opinions about politics and religion. I lean to the side of religion and conservative politics. I guess my inner struggle is, what can be done about it? I hate the frustration I feel about the politics being committed while there seems to be no strong voice opposing it. Will religion rise up to fight? Will the Vatican denying Notre Dame’s idea to give President Obama an horary Legal degree spur an uprise? I seriously doubt it, but I hope something does very soon.
I don't usually write like this and hope you will read some of my other pieces. I guess the news of the day has me feeling more opinionated than usual (holy smokes!). Don't be afraid! I believe and coach to have balance in all things, so I will take my own advice in this matter also. Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all the Domestic Diva's :)
Is it possible to extinguish all politics and all religion from conversation or a society? It seems that in the absence of one the other only becomes stronger. Our founding Fathers left a Religiously controlled government to have the ability to worship freely and create a fair political system. Even the death of Jesus came down to Religion vs. Politics.
So my question is, how much is too much? These two pillars will always be with us so what is fair and balanced? Currently, it seems that government is overstepping our Capitalistic boundaries, but this is still not something people agree on. If our business freedoms are not enough to move us to action will our religious freedoms do it?
There are countless conversations and opinions on social media, radio and of course that’s what the news stations live for, and yet these are still off-limits. In conversation, people are passionate about what they believe politically and religiously all-the-while having freedoms stripped from them.
When the President stepped into GM and sent the CEO packing, people were supportive of that intrusive move. But, what if he didn’t like the food you serve in your restaurant or the way you manage your business? Is it ok for the government to make these decisions? If you collect government funds is it ok for the government to tell you how to spend them or how to live day-to-day? Popular opinion seem to say, "yes, if you’re an auto maker and you took a bailout," but what if you’re a Postal Worker? They work for the government for government funds everyday.
How much is too much? I have definite opinions about politics and religion. I lean to the side of religion and conservative politics. I guess my inner struggle is, what can be done about it? I hate the frustration I feel about the politics being committed while there seems to be no strong voice opposing it. Will religion rise up to fight? Will the Vatican denying Notre Dame’s idea to give President Obama an horary Legal degree spur an uprise? I seriously doubt it, but I hope something does very soon.
I don't usually write like this and hope you will read some of my other pieces. I guess the news of the day has me feeling more opinionated than usual (holy smokes!). Don't be afraid! I believe and coach to have balance in all things, so I will take my own advice in this matter also. Have a great weekend and Happy Mother's Day to all the Domestic Diva's :)
Monday, April 27, 2009
How Many Licks Does It Take To Get To The Center?
This is an age old question. I do believe it was first posed by a talking Owl. Although for me the object of focus is different, the question still remains. How many licks does it take to get to the center?
Now, probably 35 years since I first encountered that question, the licks have taken on a new form. Now the licks seem to be in the form of idea revisions, a money crunch, a spousal spat, several back to the drawing boards and many moments of feeling in over my head. Welcome to the world of starting a new business.
I have taken this journey several times, but this one is on a different path. What has come easily before is now lick'in me everyday. I am guessing this is what it takes for me to get to the center of the concept and ultimately enjoy the sweetness of a finished product.
We are 18 days away from launching Before & After. Jim and I have, in so many ways, been preparing for this business venture our whole lives. As the days count down and we begin lick'in the details one by one, I can see the rewarding center begin to show through. On May 15th, a mere 3 weeks away, I truly look forward to saying, "let's roll, tootsie" and launching into a new atmosphere... stay tuned for more details :)
Now, probably 35 years since I first encountered that question, the licks have taken on a new form. Now the licks seem to be in the form of idea revisions, a money crunch, a spousal spat, several back to the drawing boards and many moments of feeling in over my head. Welcome to the world of starting a new business.
I have taken this journey several times, but this one is on a different path. What has come easily before is now lick'in me everyday. I am guessing this is what it takes for me to get to the center of the concept and ultimately enjoy the sweetness of a finished product.
We are 18 days away from launching Before & After. Jim and I have, in so many ways, been preparing for this business venture our whole lives. As the days count down and we begin lick'in the details one by one, I can see the rewarding center begin to show through. On May 15th, a mere 3 weeks away, I truly look forward to saying, "let's roll, tootsie" and launching into a new atmosphere... stay tuned for more details :)
Friday, April 17, 2009
Are you a Cyber Stalker?
This morning, as I was watching a little Fox News, a story came on about a business owner Cyber Stalking another business.
As I watched the piece I had to ask, "What is Cyber Stalking?"
What constitutes Cyber Stalking?
Is it merely visiting a web site too often? If that's the case I stalk Facebook and Woot everyday.
Is it following the details of a business and then showing up there? In that case I'm going to jail over the last Target special.
Is it doing harm to another business through social media? I can't think of a time I have done that, so I'm safe...today.
Because I feel the need to have an answer, I go to the trusty Wikipedia, and here it is...(drum roll please)... Cyber stalking is the use of the Internet or other electronic means to stalk someone.
WOW!!! That totally clears it up! I can't believe I was confused at first! Thank you Wikipedia :)
So that's it. By definition, I think I'm a stalker. This adds new depth to my Life Portfolio. Have an AMAZING Friday! I have to go stalk now, look out Twitterers :)
As I watched the piece I had to ask, "What is Cyber Stalking?"
What constitutes Cyber Stalking?
Is it merely visiting a web site too often? If that's the case I stalk Facebook and Woot everyday.
Is it following the details of a business and then showing up there? In that case I'm going to jail over the last Target special.
Is it doing harm to another business through social media? I can't think of a time I have done that, so I'm safe...today.
Because I feel the need to have an answer, I go to the trusty Wikipedia, and here it is...(drum roll please)... Cyber stalking is the use of the Internet or other electronic means to stalk someone.
WOW!!! That totally clears it up! I can't believe I was confused at first! Thank you Wikipedia :)
So that's it. By definition, I think I'm a stalker. This adds new depth to my Life Portfolio. Have an AMAZING Friday! I have to go stalk now, look out Twitterers :)
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Are you ever going to write your book?
Are you ever going to write your book? As I begin writing and talking to other people about it, many of them reply the same way, "I've thought of writing a book, but... ." So I ask, are you ever going to write your book?
What could possibly be stopping you? Of course I know the usual answers are "I don't have enough time" and "who would want to read it?" That's crazy!
Here's a simple tip on finding time,
As for "who would want to read it?" Are you kidding me!? Have you been to Barnes and Noble lately? Company's write Math books and no one wants to read them. Someone, somewhere wants to read about how your cat makes you laugh or what a successful day as a mom looks like. Do not underestimate yourself or your talent.. you can do it! I always remind myself that, I am not responsible for the outcome, I am responsible for the action.
So, are you ever going to write your book?
What could possibly be stopping you? Of course I know the usual answers are "I don't have enough time" and "who would want to read it?" That's crazy!
Here's a simple tip on finding time,
- open a word document and start writing.
- When you've come to a stopping place save it.
- The next time you are at your computer open that word document and minimize it.
- As you work, surf, shop or whatever you do on your computer, your book is waiting in the tool bar to be added to.. it's just that simple.
As for "who would want to read it?" Are you kidding me!? Have you been to Barnes and Noble lately? Company's write Math books and no one wants to read them. Someone, somewhere wants to read about how your cat makes you laugh or what a successful day as a mom looks like. Do not underestimate yourself or your talent.. you can do it! I always remind myself that, I am not responsible for the outcome, I am responsible for the action.
So, are you ever going to write your book?
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