"I Don't Know." Is NOT an Excuse

Businesses, communities, marriages, careers, lives are suffering, deteriorating or being destroyed everyday in so many ways. And, although there are numerous causes of this suffering, deterioration and destruction, I am consistently receiving this response as one major contributors - "I don't know."

We define ourselves by our thoughts, words and actions. What are we conveying to others when we say we don't know?

We need to question and ask why we are saying "I don't know my responsibilities in my career, my community or family." If we agree to a role or a job, we need to be crystal clear about what we have agreed to or signed up for. If we are the CEO, president, owner, employee, spouse, parent or volunteer, it is imperative for us to have the expectations clearly laid out before we agree to the position.

Recently, I caught a segment of a reality television show - I honestly can't tell you the name - but the show was about an expectant mother who was seeking help from an expert about becoming a new parent. The good news was she was asking for help in advance - She was scheduled to deliver the following Monday and her meeting with this expert was taking place on the preceding Friday, not quite 3 full days before she would bring into the world a brand new baby. To follow is the bad news...

The expert started with a basic intake assessment to determine how much help and information this new mother-to-be needed. The nine month pregnant woman was not able to answer one question correctly, nor could she demonstrate on a doll how she could care for a totally dependent infant. When the expert asked her to show changing a baby's diaper, she asked, "I have to do THAT?"

The expert decided to take a different approach and here is how the interview continued.

Expert, "Will you have help?"

Mother-to-be response, "Oh, yes we have hired a nanny."

Expert, "Is she going to live in?"

Mother-to-be response, "On, no, she's only here during the day or when we are away."

The expert turned to the audience and mouthed, "She doesn't have a clue."

The sad part of this entire scenario for me is that this response is so, so typical. People jump into situations and don't have any ideas of their responsibilities or roles and that is just a disaster waiting to happen. We have to stop using "I don't know" as an answer and start coming in prepared with research, education, questions and an interest in learning more.

Let's start taking ownership instead of looking for the easy way out or believe me, we will be learning some really hard lessons.

7 How-to's to Inspire Dynamic Energy for Extraordinary Results

Have you ever walked into a room, meeting, conference or ... and felt like the air was being sucked out of you? When this feeling happens, thoughts become clouded, ideas stifled and energy is at an all time low.

How do we turn this around? Especially, if we cannot leave the situation.

Here are some how-to's that I have learned and am continuing to learn:

1. Wear something bright. If the day feels dark and dreary and you are going into an environment that is darker and drearier add color - bright tie, shoes, jewelry, socks - if you are more daring - add color to shirt, dress, or whatever makes you think and feel more energy.
2. Walk taller. Yes, square those shoulders and extend your neck. One of the first things I notice is how someone enters a room - is there head down, shoulders hunched and eyes focused on the floor or are holding themselves with confidence, ease and pride. Check yourself out in a mirror and practice walking tall. Always a great energy producer for me.
3. SMILE. Make sure that the smile reaches your eyes. Feel the lines ease out of your face, except for those "laugh lines" which are well earned, around your eyes. People notice a smile and automatically connect in a much more positive manner.
4. Adopt a Positive Attitude. This is easier said than done and yet with mental conditioning we can turn even the worst situation into an adventure and a valuable learning experience.
5. Be prepared. Go into the meeting, conference, day with some information about what you might be getting into. Although this sounds obvious, I am noticing more and more that people sign up and show up without deciding what they want or need to get from the experience. I generally review the team members, agenda or anything else that might impact the me, positively or negatively.
6. Identify 3 benefits that will happen as a result of you attending. The key to getting extraordinary results, is clarifying those results in advance. It always amazed me to find that people have such low expectations of themselves and others. As soon as I have identified the benefits to me, I become galvanized to take get going. Meeting someone new, hearing a new idea, learning something different - powerful and truly inspiring for me.
7. Finally, Give yourself space. If you can't, won't don't need to attend or show up, give yourself permission for quiet time. Become aware of what might be affecting your energy, thoughts and actions - believe me - I'd rather stay home than to drain others or my energy. Also, I want to be a contribution not a detriment.
   

Seven simple ways to inspire dynamic energy. Now go forth and generate dynamic energy.

A Life Global Positioning System (GPS)

Achieving visions and goals takes some degree of planning. A plan simply defined is "a process or method of acting, doing, proceeding, making"; an even simpler definition is "a map." Creating a plan involves dreaming, defining, directing and diverting. What tools do we have available to us to ensure that we arrive at our desired destination.

The marvelous Global Positioning System(GPS) comes to mind. With a GPS, one is able to connect to the target because certain coordinates have been plugged in and the time is recorded. When using the physical GPS, there a many options below are a few

• a map
• distance
• real time traffic
  
• detours
• arrows
  
• a voice, (my person favorite even when the street names not distinguishable but the person makes a valiant attempt with the interpretation)

having this tool for travel and vacation is marvelous, however, what if we developed our own a GPS for life?

• A map - a plan that lays out the results we are seeking a career path, a project, any goal or objective that with a little strategic thinking and tools for implementation would make all the difference in the world.
• Distance - how long or how far do we have to go to achieve
  
• Real time traffic - those issues are in front of us every day are we are now prepared to deal with
  
• Detours - Contingency plans for the unforeseen circumstances that come up along the way
• Arrows- the tools that take us right or left, over, under, around or through what ever obstacles are standing in the way
• A voice - the resources, mentors, self talk that can guide us, counsel us and listen when we get stalled or breakdown.

An electronic GPS saves time and generates peace of mind. With thoughtful planning, a life GPS is adds even more value. Having a plan, anticipating how long it will take, identifying what are the knows and unknows that show up, using visual to help us stay the path and to ultimately have the support and guidance to help us when the going gets tough - that's a Life Global Positioning System. Today, let's start developing our own GPS and see if our journey and work aren't so much better.

Action versus Intention

“The smallest of actions is always better than the noblest of intentions.”

Robin Sharma

Our self talk has a greater impact than we can even begin to imagine. I realized the significance of this with using simple words like intention and action when I read Robin Sharma’s quote causing me stop and think about what was significance of these words to me.

For example, I could say (either out loud or to others and I have said it) I intend to write an article—a “noble” intention. Now saying ‘I intend to” causes several things to happen. One, I start thinking about it. Next I am still thinking about it, and… Now, I am in the intention mode which is to continue to intend to do the action, not the act of writing.

I realize that as long as I stay in the intention mode, I continue to think about it. Topics bubble up and are quickly disregarded. Words float in and out of my consciousness and still the article is not written. This may not seem like a bad thing because I know that eventually something “really” profound will show up and I will write a quality article. In the meantime, the article that I need to write is still not written.

Or, I can actually take action and write the article. The derriere is planted firmly in the chair. The computer is turned on or the notebook is open. The screen or the page is blank. Fingers engage, either over the keys or wrapped around the pen. Magically, letters start to appear. Suddenly, the screen/page becomes transformed and the article is taking form. I am engaging in the action and getting results and the article is written.

Now, I am not saying that I will no longer have intention, in fact I will continue to have “noble Intentions” but I will take those small actions to help me achieve my goals and objectives. For I am firmly convinced that the one small act leads to the next and then cumulative affect helped me to achieve the results that I am seeking. Take this article, my “intention” might have been terrific, but without action this page would still be blank.

What intentions will you act on today?

Life's An Adventure - Explore

"Discovery consists of looking at the same things as everyone else and seeing something different."
Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi loved his field, his life and exploration. This biochemist revolutionized breakthroughs in cardiovascular disease, advanced cancer research and also was credited with discovering vitamin C. These are just a few of his discoveries. His adventurous spirit caused him extraordinary results. In 1937, he won the Nobel Prize in physiology and medicine. Relentless in his pursuit, medicine and health have been forever changed.

Adventure and exploration can excite and motivate. Yet, adventure and exploration can also cause fear and anxiety.

Over the course of the last five years, I often asked clients and audiences two questions "How many believe they are explorers?" A few hands go up and I receive a reluctant yes. On the other hand, when I ask, "How many like to explore?" I have yet to receive a "No" and hands always fly into the air.

This anecdotal research shows me that the majority are fearful in believing they are explorers, yet, they want to explore. What is notable is that it's those explorers in our communities, our families, our fields of interest and endeavors who make the discoveries.

Let's consider asking ourselves what we want and then changing our beliefs to help us to get what we want in our life, our careers, our world. Reminder for the day - Life is an Adventure - Explore.

Don't Worry About Mistakes, Learn Lots of Lessons

Let's review the seven possible tips to help us be the extraordinary CEO in our own life.

1. Introduction to BE
2. Create focus and display attributes
3. Look for derailers
4. Set strategies
5. Discover resources
6. Courage
7. Invitation to get started

Next, and ongoing, note the progress. This is perhaps the most often overlooked in our process. Measuring the incremental changes as well as the monumental success, helps to keep us humble as well as keeps us motivated.

One of my favorite mentors, my daughter informed me when she was little and we were reviewing the results after an experience that, "I don't make mistakes, I learn lots of lessons." To this day, this wonderful young woman reviews her progress, adjusts and moves on. To this day, I value that feedback.

Another friend and colleague recently shared with me some insight into how effective I was in communication. She shared some insights about what she noticed over the course of time and ave me some valuable suggestions. This caused me to reflect honestly. Fortunately, communication is a huge part of life. Receiving objective feedback increased my awareness. I immediately made some small and subtle enhancements. The results are already amazing.

Reviewing progress is ongoing. I do also make sure that I have at least weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual reviews personally and professionally. Fortunately, in some cases I am able to receive some progress report daily. It's up to me to learn lessons.

How many lessons can you learn as you become your extraordinary ECO?

Discover Your Resources

Connecting with the right resources will make or break careers, relationships, dreams, goals and life. Therefore, it becomes imperative to be clear on our purpose and focus, the results we are looking for and actively seek honest feedback.



Once we know the purpose of our attention, our goals, our energy, then finding the right resources becomes somewhat easier. Does this story sound familiar? we meet a person who suggests that we invest in an amazing opportunity. This opportunity is exciting, and yet does not relate to our purpose or results. In reality, it's a "get rich quick" scheme. No surprise, we lose time and money. Hard lesson to learn but we seem destined to step into this trap. Look for resources that align with your interests. It becomes a win-win, not a win-lose situation.



To be really clear about our results now is critical. Let's look at Steve Jobs, founder of Apple. One of the results he is always focused on to create "functional and elegant" products. (Source: Wikipedia.com) Because he is clear on his results, he is a great resource. I want to achieve "functional and elegant" products and services - so guess what - Steve Jobs is a resource that I can study, even if I haven't met him face-to-face yet.

Actively seeking honest feedback is another valuable technique to discovering resources. Discernment is essential when building a strong resource connect. Some people give direct, honest feedback. It is clear and useful or not, but there it is. It's up to us to decide what to do with the information. Then there is feedback that sounds great, even makes us feel great, but it really isn't helpful. If the feedback feels like it's inflating the ego - it probably is. Conversely, when the feedback is always negative - nothing is ever right - then that is ego destroying. In either case, this resource has to change or leave. Once you know your purpose, focus and results, the feedback needs to be focused to help you gain insight, clarity, or some other form of validation.

Discover the resources that help you become that extraordinary CEO in work and life.

Promoting Health & Wealth - Four Components of Attitude

BusinessDictionary.com defines attitude as a predisposition or a tendency to respond positively or negatively towards a certain idea, object, person or situation. Attitude influences an individual's choice of action, and responds to challenges, incentives, and rewards (together called stimuli).

This source expands the definition by adding there are four major components of attitude, which are

1. Affective - emotions or feelings.
2. Cognitive belief or opinion held consciously
3. Conative - inclination for action.
   
4. Evaluative - positive or negative response to stimuli

Interestingly enough, I never had really thought about attitude in regards to specific components. Breaking attitude into bite sized parts makes sense. First, deciding that I can and will be aware of my emotions and feelings as I approach a situation or a person can certainly will affect the experience.

What are some emotions and feelings that might affect our relationships and performance?

As I learn to consciously aware, I become more cognizant of how my beliefs and opinions might be limiting or helping me with that situation or relationship.

What beliefs and opinions do I presently hold?

The conative component, that understanding of our inclination to action, now becomes more important than ever. When we become more conscious of what affects our performance and relationships we can make better decisions in what actions we will take to make a change.

What actions have I taken or not taken lately?

The fourth component, evaluative, is now imperative. All the above questions were WHAT questions. Let's ask the HOW questions?

How are my emotions and feelings affecting my relationships, performance and results? How are my beliefs and opinions affecting my relationships, performance and results? How is my level of consciousness affecting my relationships, performance and results?

Evaluation is an element of attitude that is probably the area where we fall short, I for one know that it is mine. Finding approaches, tools and resources to help us really create an attitude that supports a health, wealth and a life that we want and need is the greatest gift we can give to our selves.

I have an entirely different appreciation and approach for changing my attitude. What about you?

All the best in health and wealth,

Laura

Promoting Health & Wealth - My Performance Nets My Results

As we evaluate our Wheels of Life, what becomes even more evident how much thought, or lack thereof, goes into how we are performing to achieve the results-The Success - that we want out of life. Our performance is directly related to our level of competence. Even more importantly, our performance is absolutely linked to our belief in ourselves and our abilities to accomplish what we really want.

Behavior studies show that our mind functions between the conscious and subconscious level - once again, I'd like to reiterate that on average we operate only about 10% in the conscious realm. Our performance therefore is generally 90% in the subconscious or HABITUAL state. Keeping this information in mind, I realize that treating results achievement as a process rather than random events actually increases my degree of success and positive outcomes. Very simple concept which takes a tremendous amount of focus, planning, personal accountability, flexibility and honest reflection.

For me, the most important competency is honest reflection can be summed up by in the words of James Allen, author of As a Man Thinketh, English poet and philosopher.

Circumstances don't not make the man, they reveal him.

How we respond to circumstances, events, situations that show up for us is a direct correlation to how successful we will be in our work and life.

One how to that I practice daily is to journal about my results. I use my time with a journal to write, reflect, evaluate and measure to become more conscious of those behaviors that I own which have caused me to fail and/or succeed. One of those behaviors that I find shows up for me, and as I work more and more with others I find it is showing up for them too, is that our response often times is defensive (again, think of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - the need for safety and security.) Whenever I perform from a defensive position, I immediately sense that I am at a disadvantage and my results are certainly affected. Therefore, it becomes important for me to think and act more proactively.

Let's think about the word proactivity (defintiion according to The Dictionary by Farlex)

1. tending to initiate change rather than reacting to events

2. (Psychology) Psychol of or denoting a mental process that affects a subsequent process

This simple how-to approach is to Act As If. This becomes great way for me to net very different and much more successful results.

Act As If:

• I am willing to learn from mistakes
• I am excited about the new job, new assignment, new idea
• I am a great leader, team player
• The other person has a right to their opinion.
• That others have great ideas too

Practicing this Act As If approach often transforms my results most times almost instantaneously. How about giving it a try and let me know how it works for you?

All the best in health and wealth,

Laura

Promoting Health & Wealth - Design Your Work for Flow

The organizational or "work" side of the life wheel is once again divided into four major components or quadrants:

1. Focus
2. Goals
3. Results
4. Attitude

I realize that these are relatively simple, everyday words. But, as I continue with this exploration of the Flow - life becomes much easier if we at least start with a mutual understanding of these words (or any words for that matter). So here are basic definitions compliments of The Free Dictionary by Farlex

Focus - A center of interest or activity.

• Time - A period necessary or available for a given activity

Goals - The purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective.

• Skills - Proficiency, facility, or dexterity that is acquired or developed through training or experience.
• Knowledge - The sum or range of what has been perceived, discovered, or learned.

Results - The consequence of a particular action, operation, or course; A favorable or concrete outcome or effect.

• Performance - The way in which someone or something functions.

Attitude - A state of mind or a feeling; disposition.

• People - Humans considered as a group or in indefinite numbers.

Exciting and really interesting topics. Until tomorrow - back to research and discovery.

All the best in health and wealth,

Laura