Change the Way You Live! Start Now.

Nothing irks me more than whiny complainers who do nothing to improve their situation.

Want true happiness?  Want better health?  Want more wealth?
  
Stop falling into the trap of staying stuck.  Stop making excuses.  Strike the word "but" from your vocabulary.  If you really want to make changes, decide what you CAN do and get after it!  Here are some steps to improve your quality of life:

Where Does The Time Go?

If you're not sure where your time is going, tracking what you spend time on is the BEST way to get to any core issues.  Yeah, I know- it's a pain.  But, SOOOO worth it!  You will be amazed - likely you'll be both pleasantly surprised and completely disgusted after reviewing your results.  Importantly, you'll gain insight and motivation to make some changes to you can get more priority stuff done in less time.   Following are tips for tracking so you can make changes and reap the benefits of better time use!

The Secret to Happiness!

I was having a conversation with a stranger at a networking event where we were partnered up randomly and given a topic.  Halfway into our time he asked me, “What’s the secret to happiness?” and was surprised when I had a confident answer.  A great discussion ensued (and a friendship)!  After 40+ years of serious evolution in terms of my personal happiness and studying this topic rigorously through my business the past 8 years, it’s not an exaggeration to say I have a very strong stance on happiness 'hows and whys.'  I am excited to share some of them with you here! 

12 Days of Apps: LINKEDIN

LinkedIn has been described by many as Facebook for business, but it's fair to say that's not fully accurate. Besides a way to express personality, connect with others, and show career history and highlights, it's also an opportunity to showcase one's professional possibility and to make a unique business contribution through valued content. 

 The key difference, obviously, is that the idea is to be PROFESSIONAL about all of it, including being truthful, earnest, and respectful.  Facebook, much as I do appreciate it, is not any of these things for a noticeable chunk of users.

Are you Productive or EFFECTIVE?

The other day I found myself rushing to get to Rotary in time for lunch and felt like I had been "running at full speed" from the moment I got out of bed. I had a to-do list with some check-marks and a good client meeting that morning, but I felt a bit manic as I was speeding along in traffic and mentioned on the phone, "Oooh, I don't like it when I'm rushing like this!" (I do like fast-paced and dynamic, but this was the next level), then I said  "At least I've been productive!" Because I felt I had been getting things done.  But then I realized I was justifying it.

Risk of Summer Plateau?

I call it "Summer Mode" and I see it every year with clients, professional connections, and yes- myself.  It usually manifests as a combination of decreased focus and productivity, increased procrastination, and even some laziness.  My theory is that it stems from the school year we were conditioned to; it's so ingrained in us and our culture that we take a break, that we deserve time off, plus we want to be outside soaking up the sunshine.  This tendency, coupled with more outdoor social gatherings like graduations, golf tournaments, and sporting events, means lots of us are spending less time in the office. Are you at risk of a summer plateau?  (Do you care right now?)

3 Tips for a Better LinkedIn Experience

I've noticed a trend in helping clients enhance results with their LinkedIn profile and connections, so thought I'd share some of the things I've learned to help people use LinkedIn more effectively.  Disclaimer: This reflects my personal/professional opinion.  I am not claiming to be a LinkedIn POC. There are lots of great experts out there already, but I hope this will be a great place to get started for some, and motivation to tweak something for improved results! 

Hit the "Up" Button

You know how it feels when motivation is flagging, and that task that you said you would complete suddenly seems too difficult and you want to take a break, or quit altogether?  Hit the "UP" button!

During one of my recent workout sessions, the video host said, "You can always hit the UP button" in reference to putting more effort into the task at hand.  Hmmm...I like it! Very motivating.  I have since adopted it a bit as a personal motto. (Thanks to Jillian Micheals)

Stop Apologizing!

STOP APOLOGIZING SO MUCH (unless you really need to.)  How often do you apologize repeatedly for something minor, or for something that isn't your fault, or maybe for just being you?

Stop apologizing when you don't need to!
For example, have you ever seen a colleague be late to a meeting, and after texting "sorry" on the way once or twice, then apologizing 1-2 times when they enter the meeting,

Toilet Talk Needs to GO!

The Public Service Announcement could be "Just DON'T Do It."

I was in a restaurant's public toilet last week and a woman in the next stall was discussing specific data and spreadsheets with a coworker on her cell phone.  Not only was it obvious the conversation would have been more productive in person, it was awkward for several people within earshot, and may have been a data breach.  Wow.

Sure, the urge to multitask is strong.  We are all feeling the time crunch in our modern work environments.  However, other than brief conversational comments with colleagues in passing, the bathroom should be off-limits for work, especially for phone calls!   Here are 5 reasons why talking in the toilet is bad for business:

Business Relationship Success: 4 Habits to Master

These are certainly not complex, but for most people "life gets in the way," excuses are made, and somehow these no-brainers take a back seat to daily distractions.  During my daily listening to and reading motivational info from experts in business (an activity I highly recommend for everyone), I was reminded from Dan Sullivan of 4 simple habits when dealing with others in business (and life) that foster more success.  A blatant disregard for these 4 destroys trust, loses respect, and turns off previously raving fans. Most people agree these make sense and are not difficult, but they aren't doing them consistently.  For those that do, success is theirs.

4 Tips for FUN, Successful Business Planning

Yep, I am aware that Business Planning is most people's "not my favorite" topic, but it is nonetheless a critical component to success in business.  Of course, I like to make it as fun and exciting as possible with my clients- Hey, it CAN be a good time!  I am pleased to share the following specifics you can do during your next planning session to make it your best year yet!

3 Ways to Take Charge of Your Life Now!

This morning I was reminded that the small, seemingly insignificant choices we make throughout the day allow us to take charge of our life, or they allow us to tolerate less than we deserve. 

Last Week:

POLL: What's Stopping You?

Which would you say is your primary obstacle to your desired level of business/career success?

The Five Olympic Attitudes

What I learned during my weight workout this morning, from a video presentation of Dennis Waitley (what perfect timing with the games in London currently!)

5 Olympic Attitudes (for Success):

I. Adapt to Change
A great formula for dealing with change proactively is KASH; continue enhancing in every area-
K nowledge
A ttitute
S kills
H abits

WOM is the Key to Growing Your Business!

Do you find yourself wondering when all the effort is going to pay off and your business will start overflowing with profit?  Most all business owners in the growth phase feel doubt and fear about where the business is going to come from. The most successful get really strategic and do more WOM.  Just last week, I was sitting near the front in a meeting, and a guy stood up with the mic in his hand and said, "Hi, my name is Shawn. Uh, it's been three years since my last...

Part 2: How Today's Leaders Are Like Successful Athletes

Part 2 of 3

2. They learn to work as a part of a team.
Everyone on the team understands and plays with the knowledge that every player has a clear role on the team, and yet when needed for team success, anyone steps in and does what is needed to win.

What I Learned On The Treadmill This Morning

Double Bonus! Watching or listening to motivational material while walking or running on the treadmill is such a great way to boost us up. This morning I was watching a DVD series that featured some of the greatest speakers of our time: Les Brown and Jim Rohn.  Wow, what a great start to my day!  These were my top 3 takeaways during the short half hour of exercise:

What Not To Do at the End of the Year

I've compiled a short list of things NOT to do toward the end of the year, things that most people do - because they are either too tired, ignorant, or unmotivated to make the most of the present and plan appropriately for next year..

Yes, we want to eat, drink, & be merry. We worked hard all year and when nearing the end, it is natural to seek celebration and experience some "I deserve it" attitude. However, this is not the time to let yourself go.  You want to

How Running Made Me A Better Coach

~a personal story~

I am set to run my first half-marathon in 2 days. I'm a smidge intimidated at the thought of joining the crowd of 'real' runners and full marathoners, but at the same time I feel confident about completing the race.  I WILL finish. And in two months