Abundance Leadership--Grow Your Business, Grow You!

30 things to Stop for 2012 Success!

2012-01-02T16:56:00.000-08:00

A New Year, with new hopes and new promise of transformation and growth. Before you can begin the process of transformation you have to stop doing the things that have been holding you back…and get rid of things that don’t serve you well. (Someone sent me a list of 30 things, which I have adapted for this article. I'm sorry...I don't know the name of the creator of the original list).

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Maria Robinson once said, “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” ABSOLUTELY! . Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Stop spending time with the wrong people. – Life is too short to spend time with people who suck the happiness out of you. If someone wants you in their life, they’ll make room for you. You shouldn’t have to fight for a spot. Never, ever insist yourself to someone who continuously overlooks your worth. And remember, it’s not the people that stand by your side when you’re at your best, but the ones who stand beside you when you’re at your worst that are your true friends.

Additionally, hang out with folks who are operating at the level at which you want to be.

2. Stop running from your problems. – Face them head on. No, it won’t be easy. There is no person in the world capable of flawlessly handling every punch thrown at them. We aren’t supposed to be able to instantly solve problems. That’s not how we’re made. In fact, we’re made to get upset, sad, hurt, stumble and fall. Because that’s the whole purpose of living – to face problems, learn, adapt, and solve them over the course of time. This is what ultimately molds us into the person we become.

Write those those difficult letters of forgiveness and gratitude. Write down what you need to deal with, and start cleaning them out one by one.

3. Stop lying to yourself. – You can lie to anyone else in the world, but you can’t lie to yourself. Our lives improve only when we take chances, and the first and most difficult chance we can take is to be honest with ourselves. Read The Road Less Traveled.

4. Stop putting your own needs on the back burner. – The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of having things, or loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special too. Yes, help others; but help yourself too. If there was ever a moment to follow your passion and do something that matters to you, that moment is now.

5. Stop trying to be someone you’re not. – One of the greatest challenges in life is being yourself in a world that’s trying to make you like everyone else. Someone will always be thinner, smarter, younger, but they will never be you. Don’t change so people will like you. Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.

6. Stop trying to hold onto the past. – You can’t start the next chapter of your life if you keep re-reading your last one. The future holds something much better for you, but you can’t receive it while your hands are still grasping things from the past.

7. Stop being scared to make a mistake. – Doing something and getting it wrong is at least ten times more productive than doing nothing. Every success has a trail of failures behind it, and every failure is leading towards success. You end up regretting the things you did NOT do far more than the things you did. Ask yourself: “Would I rather live with the pain of risk, or the pain of regret?”

8. Stop berating yourself for old mistakes. – We may love the wrong person and cry about the wrong things, but no matter how things go wrong, one thing is for sure, mistakes help us find the person and things that are right for us. We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here NOW with the power to shape your day and your future. Every single thing that has ever happened in your life is preparing you for a moment that is yet to come. Mistakes can be fertilizer for growth!

9. Stop trying to buy happiness. – Many of the things we desire are expensive. But the truth is, the things that really satisfy us are totally free – love, grace, laughter, living our Purpose, and working on our passions.

10. Stop exclusively looking to others for happiness. – If you’re not happy with who you are on the inside, you won’t be happy in a long-term relationship with anyone else either. You have to create stability in your own life first before you can share it with someone else. Read Stumbling on Happiness.

11. Stop being idle. – Don’t think too much or you’ll create a problem that wasn’t even there in the first place. Evaluate situations and take decisive action. You cannot change what you refuse to confront. Making progress involves risk. Period! You can’t make it to second base with your foot on first. Step out and serve someone with more problems than you, and you’ll be “in action” and feel more alive, too!

12. Stop thinking you’re not ready. – Nobody ever feels 100% ready when an opportunity arises. Because most great opportunities in life force us to grow beyond our comfort zones, which means we won’t feel totally comfortable at first. And don’t let not feeling “worthy” hold you back. You’ll probably never feel fully worthy of the big things you want…just go after them and give back to others along the way!

13. Stop getting involved in relationships for the wrong reasons. – Relationships must be chosen wisely. It’s better to be alone than to be in bad company. There’s no need to rush. If something is meant to be, it will happen – in the right time, with the right person, and for the best reason. Fall in love when you’re ready, not when you’re lonely.

14. Stop rejecting new relationships just because old ones didn’t work. – In life you’ll realize that there is a purpose for everyone you meet. Some will test you, some will use you and some will teach you. But most importantly, some will bring out the best in you.

15. Stop trying to compete against everyone else. – Don’t worry about what others doing better than you. Concentrate on beating your own records every day. Success is a battle between YOU and YOURSELF only.

16. Stop being jealous of others. – Jealousy is the art of counting someone else’s blessings instead of your own. Ask yourself this: “What’s something I have that everyone wants?”

17. Stop complaining and feeling sorry for yourself. – Life’s curve balls are thrown for a reason – to shift your path in a direction that is meant for you. You may not see or understand everything the moment it happens, and it may be tough. But reflect back on those negative curve balls thrown at you in the past. You’ll often see that eventually they led you to a better place, person, state of mind, or situation. So smile! Let everyone know that today you are a lot stronger than you were yesterday, and you will be. In fact, say that you’re grateful for life’s challenges, and you’ll truly start to benefit from them!

18. Stop holding grudges. – Don’t live your life with hate in your heart. You will end up hurting yourself more than the people you hate. Forgiveness is not saying, “What you did to me is okay.” It is saying, “I’m not going to let what you did to me ruin my happiness forever.” Forgiveness is the answer… let go, find peace, liberate yourself! And remember, forgiveness is not just for other people, it’s for you too. If you must, forgive yourself, list the lessons you learned from it, move on and commit to do better next time.

19. Stop letting others bring you down to their level. – Refuse to lower your standards to accommodate those who refuse to raise theirs. Like the old country saying goes, “Don’t get into the mud with a pig. You’ll both end up getting dirty…and the pig likes it”.

20. Stop wasting time explaining yourself to others. – Your friends don’t need it and your enemies won’t believe it anyway. Just do what you know in your heart is right, and get on with it.

21. Stop doing the same things over and over without taking a break. – The time to take a deep breath is when you don’t have time for it. If you keep doing what you’re doing, you’ll keep getting what you’re getting. Sometimes you need to distance yourself to see things clearly. Being busy doesn’t equate to being productive.

22. Stop overlooking the beauty of small moments. – Enjoy the little things, because one day you may look back and discover they were the big things. The best portion of your life will be the small, nameless moments you spend smiling with someone who matters to you.

23. Stop trying to make things perfect. – The real world doesn’t reward perfectionists, it rewards people who get things done. Read Getting Things Done.

24. Stop following the path of least resistance. – Life is not easy, especially when you plan on achieving something worthwhile. Don’t take the easy way out. Do something extraordinary.

25. Stop acting like everything is fine if it isn’t. – It’s okay to fall apart for a little while. You don’t always have to pretend to be strong, and there is no need to constantly prove that everything is going well. You shouldn’t be concerned with what other people are thinking either – cry if you need to – it’s healthy to shed your tears. The sooner you do, the sooner you will be able to smile again.

26. Stop blaming others for your troubles. – The extent to which you can achieve your dreams depends on the extent to which you take responsibility for your life. When you blame others for what you’re going through, you deny responsibility – you give others power over that part of your life.

27. Stop trying to be everything to everyone. – Doing so is impossible, and trying will only burn you out. But making one person smile CAN change the world. Maybe not the whole world, but their world. So narrow your focus.

28. Stop worrying so much. – Worry will not strip tomorrow of its burdens, it will strip today of its joy. One way to check if something is worth mulling over is to ask yourself this question: “Will this matter in one year’s time? Three years? Five years?” If not, then it’s not worth worrying about. Positive BELIEVING, beyond positive thinking, is at the forefront of every great success story. If you awake every morning with the thought that something wonderful will happen in your life today, and you pay close attention, you’ll often find that you’re right. Better yet, be an “inverse paranoid”—convinced that the Universe is conspiring FOR you!

30. Stop being ungrateful. – No matter how good or bad you have it, wake up each day thankful for your life. Someone somewhere else is desperately fighting for theirs. Instead of thinking about what you’re missing, try thinking about what you have that everyone else is missing. Gratitude is the most powerful, self-loving act you can perform. Use your “gratitude muscle” several times a day, and watch your life improve!

Have a wonderful 2012!!!!

Warmly,

Lynnea

Napoleon Hill's Six Steps to Reaching Dreams

2011-11-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder why such a small percentage of people truly experience the success they want? I think that we all know gifted people who somehow never attain what they say they want, never actualizing the talents, intellect and advantages with which they may have been gifted. Inversely, there are numerous stories of people who start with very little, and achieve much more than anyone would have expected.

Why is this? Here’s one reason, according to Napoleon Hill--"The majority of people never discover the difference between wishing and believing; nor do they recognize that there are six steps which people usually follow in using their mind-power for the attainment of their desires." These steps are:

First: The vast majority of people go through life by merely wishing for things. The percentage of people who stop at wishing is estimated at 70%.

Second: A much smaller percentage of the people develop their wishes into desires. These are estimated at 10%.

Third: A still smaller percentage of the people develop their wishes and desires into hopes. These are estimated at 8%.

Fourth: A still smaller percentage of the people step their mind-power up to where it becomes belief. These are estimated at 6%.

Fifth: And yet a very much smaller percentage of the people crystallize wishes, desires and hopes into belief, and then into burning desire, and finally faith. This percentage is estimated at 4%.

Sixth: And last, a very small percentage of the people take the last two steps, putting their faith into action by (1) planning and (2) acting to carry out their plans. This percentage is estimated at only 2%!

”The outstanding leaders in every walk of life are the ones in the sixth
group. They recognize the power of their own minds, take possession of that
power and direct it to whatever ends they choose. To these people the word
"impossible" has no meaning. To them, everything they want or need is possible--
they manage to get it. The only trait which differentiates them from most of
the others who accept failure as their lot, is that they recognize and use
their mind-power for the attainment of the circumstances and things they
want while the others do not.”

How to open up possibilities, wishes, desires, hopes, beliefs, faith, and action, and start moving into the world of success? Start with gratitude…every day. This is a great time, around the Thanksgiving holiday, to start building your “gratitude muscles”, and opening up your heart, mind, and faith to possibilities. Gratitude takes our focus off our “don’t haves” and gets us excited about what we DO have, ever-so-gently nudging us into the world of abundance thinking. Once we start residing there, we start naturally resonating with possibilities, wishes, desires, hopes…and a chain reaction, an “abundance evolution” starts within us, which grows into beliefs, faith, and action.

So, this Thanksgiving, start the daily, conscious habit of gratitude (each day, Oprah lists 5 things that’s she’s grateful for---if she has time to do this, you do, too!) Yes, every day!

Wishes, desires, hopes, beliefs, faith, and action...where are you? Start your journey to action (and success!) with gratitude. Then, next Thanksgiving, see how much more successful you not only feel, but truly ARE.

With Gratitude for You, and So Much More--

Lynnea

Gratitude, Thanksgiving and Abundance!

2011-11-23T16:45:00.000-08:00

Gratitude, Thanksgiving, & Abundance

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I am gratitude fanatic...and from what I hear and read, I'm not the only one! When interviewing experts and authors on my "Abundance Leadership" radio program, gratitude was mentioned several times as a powerful force to change one's attitude, productivity, relationships, and environment.

As a tribute to my favorite holiday, I'm sending along some thoughts on the importance and power of living in a state of gratitude, of thankfulness EVERY day...not just on the fourth Thursday of November.

"Grace isn't a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It's a way to live." ~Jackie Windspear, author

"Sometimes we get so caught up in the future, we forget to take pleasure in what we have. We become so obsessed with 'I want, I want, I want', there is no room left to notice that we are already standing neck-deep in grace." ~ Carolyn Hobbs, therapist, writer, teacher

"Appreciation can make a day, even change your life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." ~ Margaret Cousins, author
"Gratitude is the most exquisite form of courtesy." ~ Jacques Maritain, philosopher

"It's a sign of mediocrity when you demonstrate gratitude with moderation." ~ Roberto Benigni, actor & director

"You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing, and grace before I dip the pen in the ink." ~ G.K. Chesterton, writer

There are myriad things for which we can be grateful--and we need to BE grateful before we can be entrusted with more. Look at all you have now...my gosh! Every day I am grateful for the miracle of being able to feed myself, to speak, to read, sing, and walk. I am SO grateful that I can contribute to the Salvation Army or Food Bank.!

Above all, I am deeply grateful for the loving people in my life: for you, for my friends and family, for my sons and their spouses, for my adorable little dog (who can always make me laugh on my worst days!), and for all the unknown people whose efforts and caring make my life so full.
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." ~Marcel Proust, writer

Grateful For You,
Lynnea

The Wisdom of Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T23:39:00.000-07:00

Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life.

Don't be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people's thinking.

Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.

And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.--Steve Jobs

Dealing With "Dead Horses"

2011-08-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know who came up with this, but I remember seeing it a few years ago. Such simple wisdom often bears repeating...

The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians, passed on from generation to generation, says that,
"When you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy is to dismount."

However, we have all been witness to "more advanced strategies" often employed for dealing with "dead horses". We may have even used some of these ourselves, in our business, or in our personal lives. See which ones you recognize.

These "dead horse strategies" include:

1. Buying a stronger whip, and keep "beating a dead horse".
2. Changing riders.
3. Appointing a committee to study the horse.
4. Arranging to visit other businesses/countries to see how other businesses/cultures ride dead horses.
5. Lowering the standards so that dead horses can be included
6. Reclassifying the dead horse as living-impaired.
7. Hiring outside contractors to ride the dead horse.
8. Harnessing several dead horses together to increase speed (my personal favorite!)
9. Providing additional funding and/or training to increase dead horse's performance.
10. Doing a productivity study to see if lighter riders would improve the dead horse's performance.
11. Declaring that as the dead horse does not have to be fed, it is less costly, carries lower overhead and therefore contributes substantially more to the bottom line than do some other horses.
12. Rewriting the expected performance requirements for all horses.

And of course....

13. Promoting the dead horse to a supervisory position.

SO, take a look at all areas of your business AND your life, and see what your dead horses are. Once discovered, by all means, disengage yourself from it--and see how your progress improves!

Onward and Upward!

Lynnea (horse lover and former horse owner)

Inner Leadership & Choices for Life

2011-08-04T17:17:00.000-07:00

Someone once said - "There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, have compassion for the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living."

Everyone falls, fails, gets hurt, makes mistakes, and is treated badly. No one goes through life unscathed, so why should you? Why should I? One of the greatest gifts to yourself to to get over the notion that life SHOULD be easy (who said so?) and find those places where you are fed, honored, and safe. Then express gratitude every day for what you have (my mantra is "if you can still feed yourself and you're not in jail, then you have two big things to be grateful for"). Start now. Life's too short to live it half way, and a lousy attitude only makes your life miserable...Too bad, when there are choices to live differently.

Be More Engaged & Happy in All Areas

2011-07-27T14:39:00.000-07:00

I listened to a teleclass today by one of my favorite authors and teachers, Marshall Goldsmith. His approach is straight forward and rooted in solid experience and research...and he's just fun to listen to (and talk to...I interviewed him in 2008).

Today's topic was how to increase employee engagement--but it is a good approach to increase your OWN engagement and your own happiness, as well. With employees, it can be used to improve how employees approach their work and their relationship with their job. As with most things, this is an "inside job"--it's not something that someone can do for someone else. And, frankly, if a person isn't willing to take a good, honest look in the mirror, be accountable, and CHANGE, nothing anyone else can do will probably help. In fact, Marshall Goldsmith says that this approach, described below, is only for those folks who want to be happier and more engaged. If they don't, well don't even try to help them make a shift.

But for those folks who do want to be happier and more engaged in what they're doing, and in their relationships (and I hope that's you!), here are the simple steps to take. You can use these with yourself, or with an employee (or even a child)...

It's all about asking the right questions.

Ask “active questions”—based on doing, setting, achieving, etc. , questions focused on what you CAN DO. For example:
"Did you do your best to increase your own engagement in this company?"
"What did I do today to increase my happiness?"
"Did I do my best to increase my happiness?"
- Ask yourself (and/or the other person--employee, for example) every day, or the end of each meeting
“What did I do...
To increase my happiness?
To increase my engagement in this (process, project, company, etc.)?
To find meaning?
To be of service?
To build positive relationships with the important people in my life?
To remember the people I love?
Etc…”
- Write these down as goals…share them with others.
- Ask your chosen questions every day...make them a habit (sharing with others will help this process)
- Be fully accountable and honest with yourself.
Why are these questions and growth in these areas important? Because they break us out of the inertia of living in a reactionary mode. They keep us focused on what really matters. They move us from "victim mode" to "victor mode". They can cause shifts that make us more positively productive and satisfied. They can make us more in love with what we do, and with who we are. They open doors in our thinking to having more meaning in our lives.

And, do you have to love what you do, and do what’s meaningful in order to be highly successful? Studies show that people at the top of their game, say "Yes"! So, creating meaning by being more fully engaged and happier, can also make you more successful.

Wow--living with more meaning, happiness and success! Isn't that what we all want? So, I challenge you today to make a set of of 3 questions that, when positively addressed, can make your business and your life richer. Choose some of the questions above, or create your own, about what you can DO to change your personal engagement with life. Then ask yourself every day for 30 days (yes, another 30 day challenge!) and see how your happiness, business, and overall meaning start to bloom.

Here's to your abundance!
Lynnea

Achieve What You Want Most by Vision-Freshening!

2011-05-20T22:34:00.000-07:00

Even Bernie here knows that we need to do whatever it takes in order to see our way clear and make progress! Vision is essential...it's even written that without vision, the people perish. As you all know, I'm BIG on building strategic business plans to run and grow your business; and a powerful vision is an essential element of that plan to pull you up to the top of your game, AND the top of the "success pyramid".

Yes, vision is a hugely important element, yet often glossed over or ignored. This "vision gap" explains why some people who for 10- 15 years have been on a steady growth path, suddenly become bored.

In most cases, the reason is that they are trying to move forward using yesterday’s plan...yesterday's vision. What a shame! So much more can be achieved, and passion renewed by "upping" the vision to something that truly excites and inspires.

Expecting tomorrow to be more rewarding, while using an outdated plan, is like trying to drive to New York with a 1955 road map. You may get there, but at a high cost in time, energy and unnecessary frustration. Is that what you want?

Using the map analogy, above, there are three obvious problems when you don't have a map OR a personal vision, and both instances cause long-term problems:

1. You cannot move in new or inspiring directions.

2. The lens through which you now see will not move you from where you are now.

3. Your creative energy is kept low because your focus is inadvertently with the old ways and

the old maps.

4. Your focus will be on your frustratingly slow progress, and you will miss opportunities that cross your path.

How to fix this?

Go into the future. Failing to start with what you REALLY want (for your company, yourself, your family, your legacy, etc.) is kind of like doing a "Fire! ready, aim" sequence. In other words, there's no real target. You're just shooting! What a sorry waste of time.

So, what do you want? What does the word "success", the STATE of being in "success" mean to YOU? How will you know when you get there? Thoughtful answers to those questions are probably a lot closer than what you may think at first.

Start by answering these questions: What is the one area or condition in the state of the world that I'd like to impact? What would I like to do with and for my family? What kind of legacy would I like to leave? How would I like to spend my leisure time? Where? How often? With whom? How would I like to expand my giving back to the world? How would I like to expand/educate/grow myself?

Apply the idea “make the future happen inside of you” as often as you can. It is a great way to create a “bridge” to what you want.

Ask yourself several times a day, "Is what I'm doing at this moment leading me to what I most want?"

The thing is, if you can decide what you want, you can also decide how to get it. Most of us gloss over the “what I want” questions too quickly....so, please, take time to think deeply about these things.

Action item –"a week of wants":

Spend the next week mulling over where you want to be in 18 to 24 months. Write things down as they come to you, or do a "brain dump" or a "heart storm" (as opposed to a brain storm) session alone or with your "nearest and dearest". Write in a journal or carry index cards for the whole time.

Here are the rules: No edits allowed and no trying to answer the “how” questions. Just let it flow, and jot down your ideas. Within a week, you will have plenty of inspiration and ideas... not only a nice beginning to your new map, but the proper sequence of "Ready, aim fire!" will be put in place.

Onward and Upward!

Lynnea

6 Steps to Getting 'Just-Right' Clients to Your Website - Marketing & Sales

2011-04-26T00:02:00.000-07:00

6 Steps to Getting 'Just-Right' Clients to Your Website - Marketing & Sales

An Exercise for Powerful Change

2011-04-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

Marshall Goldsmith was my first guest on "Abundance Leadership" Radio. Not only is he incredibly gifted and wise, but he's great fun to talk to. His article from Harvard Business Review earns special marks for a "must read".

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An Exercise in Changing Yourself ~
By Marshall Goldsmith*

When I first began my career as an executive educator, I challenged my clients to pick one to three behavior patterns for personal improvement. Now I realize that three patterns were too many.
The problem was not a lack of motivation or intelligence — the problem was that they were just too busy. I teach my clients now to pick the one behavior pattern for personal change that will make the biggest difference, and to focus on that. If we pick the right area to change and actually do so, it will almost always influence other aspects of our relationships with people. For example, more effective listening will lead to being more successful in building teamwork, increasing customer satisfaction, and treating people with respect.

A Wonderful Exercise  

My friend Nathaniel Branden is a psychologist and the author of about 20 books. He has a wonderful exercise that helps people isolate the pattern that makes the most sense to change, because it helps people figure out the benefits of change. This is how he helps people decide whether change is worth it: Five to eight people sit around a table, and each person selects one practice to change. One person begins the exercise by saying: "When I get better at..." and completes the sentence by mentioning one benefit that will accompany this change. For example, one person may say: "When I get better at being open to differing opinions, I will hear more great ideas."

After everyone has had a chance to discuss their specific behavior and the first benefit, the cycle begins again. Now each person mentions a second benefit that may result from changing the same behavior, then a third, continuing usually for six to eight rounds. Finally, participants discuss what they have learned and their reactions to the exercise.
When Branden first explained this exercise to me, I was polite, but skeptical. I couldn't see the value of simply repeating the potential benefits of change over and over. My skepticism quickly went away when I saw the process work.

Moved to Tears  

Nathaniel and I were facilitators at a large conference that included many well-known leaders from corporations, nonprofits, the government, and the military. The man sitting next to me was a high-ranking military leader directly responsible for thousands of troops. He also was extremely judgmental and seemed to be proud of it. For example, when conference participants discussed the topic of character, he said: "I respect people with real character — and organizations, like mine, with real values. I don't believe in this situational crap!"

When we began Nathaniel's exercise, our military friend chose: "When I become less judgmental..." as his behavior to change. I was skeptical about his sincerity and thought his participation in the exercise would be interesting to observe. True to my expectations, the first time around he coughed and grunted a sarcastic comment rather than talk about a real benefit. The second time around he was even more cynical. Then something changed. When he described a third potential benefit, he stopped being sarcastic. Several rounds later, he had tears in his eyes, and said: "When I become less judgmental, maybe my children will speak to me again."

Since that day, I have conducted this exercise with several thousand people. Many start with benefits that are "corporately correct," such as: "This change will help my company make more money," and finally end with benefits that are more human, such as: "This change will make me a better person." I will never forget one hard-driving executive who chose: "When I get better at letting go" as the behavior he should work on. His first benefit was that his direct reports would take more responsibility. His final benefit was that he would probably live to celebrate his 60th birthday.

Try It for Yourself 

Now it's your turn to pick a behavior pattern that you may want to change. Complete the sentence: "When I get better at..." over and over again. Listen closely as you recite potential benefits. You will be amazed at how quickly you can determine whether this change is worth it for you. (Originally published by Harvard Business Review.)

To Your Abundance,

Lynnea

*Dr. Marshall Goldsmith has authored 28 books including What Got You Here Won't Get You There - a New York Times best-seller, Wall Street Journal #1 business book and Harold Longman Award winner for Business Book of the Year.

Achieve More, Faster (and save money!) With Your PC-based Vision Board

2011-03-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

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In April, we start a unique "6 Week Vision Board Challenge" Webinar Series that will coach you in each and every aspect of creating an effective Vision Board. No one less than Peak Performance Business Coach & Digital Marketing Strategist Dotti Berry and our very own Co-Founder and Visualization expert Linda Boertjens will *personally* guide you LIVE through the Six Week Challenge that is part of the VBS. Each week, they will take you by the hand and discuss the crucial steps in the Vision Board creation process, so that you feel guided and clear each and every step of the way. This Webinar perfectly complements the Vision Board Studio and will bring it to life in the best way possible. It will launch you straight into creating the most powerful Vision Board ever, assisting you to create the life you desire.
See more here, or get this fantastic offer by clicking:
http://www.visualizeyourgoals.com/cmd.php?af=1270157

To your abundance,

Lynnea

2011-02-14T13:19:00.001-08:00

Business success--What's love got to do with it? Everything! check out my article for today! http://ping.fm/G8VQ3

"What's Love Got to Do With It?"

2011-02-14T12:57:00.000-08:00

Love and Business—a Strange Brew?

When it comes to the elements of business success, most people don’t think about love. When I bring this topic up (cautiously, I might add), I can almost hear the Tina Turner song, “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” playing in the background. But love is essential in business, as it is in our personal lives.

Yeah, I know that love is a "touchy-feely" word, but I’m going to stand my ground here and state that without bringing love into your business, you’re sunk...or at the best, stuck. Stay with me here, as I examine what is needed for a business to go beyond surviving-- to thriving.

You, your customers and clients, and your employees all need to the same things—to have your needs taken care of, to be heard, to be respected, to be treated with integrity, and to know that you are cared about. When you look at these elements, they’re parts of what we call “Love”. Your employees and your clients are the “life blood” of your business, as it were. Just like you, they don’t check who they are as human beings "at the door" when they are in their professional environments. And as human beings, the deepest calling of our hearts is to be loved.

The ugly truth is that, according to research by the Gallup organization and the US Labor Bureau, the main reason that employees leave a job is because they don't feel cared about...the same reason that clients leave businesses.

So love your employees, love your clients, serve them by wanting for them what you want for yourself, and you will find that your business AND your life will be much richer.

Love, Lynnea

2011-02-13T22:12:00.001-08:00

free resources from Leadership & Influence Summit--here: http://ping.fm/bjSUg

2011-02-07T17:08:00.001-08:00

The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well. ~ Alfred Adler

2011-01-27T12:00:00.001-08:00

Learn to live & work on purpose, with passion, & be more successful. http://bit.ly/hTzhfd

2011-01-25T13:56:00.001-08:00

You can never do an act of kindness too soon, for we never know how soon it will be too late.

2011-01-25T12:00:00.001-08:00

Build a business on Purpose, success strategies & inspiration. http://bit.ly/hTzhfd

2011-01-24T20:38:00.001-08:00

January is "National Be On Purpose" month! Start more fully living YOUR purpose, your path, your power this Friday! http://bit.ly/hTzhfd

2011-01-22T18:27:00.001-08:00

New on my blog-"Why Use a Coach?" http://ping.fm/wTIrd

Why Use a Coach?

2011-01-22T18:24:00.000-08:00

Clients use coaches for one or more reasons. Oftentimes, it's because they know they are getting in their own way, and want to stop "tripping over themselves". They may need clarity and direction--One of my clients stated that I "took all of that stuff floating around (in her heart, mind, and business actions), and synchronized it.". There are other reasons. For example, they may want to:

	start a new business with few of the expected mistakes
	make substantial personal changes, including stress reduction and lifestyle simplification
	design a complete Life Plan, including both business and personal goals
	prioritize, basing personal and business goals on one's values
	become a better people manager, have more productive & cohesive teams
	develop strategy-supportive environments and have more sustainable energy
	develop themselves as better, more inspiring leaders Find out more about what The Abundance Company can do for you HERE.

"The truth is that there is much more strength and power in the individual than he has ever known or even visualized as a possibility."
(Norman Vincent Peale)

Click here to contact us directly

2011-01-22T00:54:00.001-08:00

Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well. ~ Buddha

2011-01-21T13:18:00.001-08:00

Define your purpose & define your path to success & prosperity. http://bit.ly/hTzhfd

2011-01-21T00:34:00.001-08:00

The hatred we bear our enemies injures their happiness less than our own.~ Petit-Senn. Honor yourself & your path--release hate & judgment.

2011-01-19T16:00:00.001-08:00

"Purpose to Prosperity" teleclass is coming up, & you're invited! See my blog @ http://ping.fm/2MGVd

2011-01-19T14:41:00.001-08:00

Attending big "S3" mixer tonight (3 Silicon Valley Chambers of Commerce) @ Santa Clara Convention Center. Hope to C U! http://bit.ly/hsQki2

2011-01-19T14:19:00.001-08:00

Move forward with purpose & inspiration, be more successful in less time. http://bit.ly/hTzhfd

2011-01-17T15:46:00.001-08:00

Kick off 2011 with Purpose to Prosperity. Define What you want most, how to get it! Free, powerful teleclass http://bit.ly/hTzhfd

Kick Off 2011 With Purpose to Prosperity

2011-01-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

Kick off your success for 2011 by joining radio host, business coach, strategic planner, and inspirational teacher, Lynnea Hagen for a complimentary, inspiring, information packed one-hour Teleseminar!

When: Friday, January 28, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. PST/3:00 p.m EST

Spend the hour defining your purpose and pathway, the first steps to creating your blueprint to prosperity and success. You will come away with more inspiration, clarity, passion, and practical steps to be more productive and successful. Take the first steps to achieve what you want most--in a way that inspires, so you can positively and powerfully impact yourself, your business, and the world.

We look forward to seeing you on the call!

Register Here! http://bit.ly/hTzhfd

2011-01-15T14:47:00.001-08:00

Want to share this with you--it gives me hope. How can we help this process grow?
Lynnea
http://ping.fm/F28Kw

2011-01-13T17:28:00.001-08:00

John Maxwell article "Leaders Can't Afford to Neglect Planning". It applies to us all. Contact me to plan UR success! http://bit.ly/hAoebU

2011-01-10T19:40:00.001-08:00

I'm thrilled! Been emailing w. one of MY icons of the 70's, Rod McKuen. Surprised by how easy it was to contact him. No concerts planned :(

2011-01-08T23:07:00.001-08:00

"Reputation depends more on what is hidden than on what is seen. If you can't be good, be careful." Baltasar Gracian, 1601 - 1658

2011-01-08T23:02:00.001-08:00

The 4.4 earthquake we had yesterday really made me happy and grateful for today!

2011-01-07T00:45:00.001-08:00

"Good planning always costs less than good reacting." ~ W. Schmidt. Gave 2 talks this week on planning, using my Purpose to Prosperity model.

2011-01-01T10:53:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! Live purposefully, live passionately, be prosperous! Many Blessings to you!

2010-12-29T18:46:00.001-08:00

Here's my powerful 3-part process to release the old year & begin the new year with focus and power! http://bit.ly/hEAOdX

3 Steps to Powerfully Beginning the New Year (and Ending the Old!)

2010-12-29T18:41:00.000-08:00

New Year’s Eve 3-Part “End and Beginning” Process...Another Piece in the "Game of Inner Leadership.

During a recent teleclass with a multimillionaire mentor of mine, the discussion came up on how to release the old year, and move less-encumbered, and powerfully into the new year. Two steps were described in the call, and I was inspired. The steps involved celebrating the achievements of the old year, and embracing the intended achievements of the new year. In considering this approach, however, I realized that there was a step missing—the step of releasing the things that don’t serve us well, that keep us stuck or hold us back.

In that light, I offer to you my 3-Part “Out with the Old (Times Two), and In with the New” process.

Part One:

First of two steps for Ending the Old Year. Light a candle (I use a stubby, nearly-used-up candle, symbolizing the end of the year). Make a list of the things that you are doing, being, or carrying around in your head that aren’t in your best and most powerful interest. These could be resentment, criticism, complaining, anger (at whom or what?), fear (of what?). Be as specific as possible—but try to limit this to 10 items. Read these aloud, prefacing each with “Because I honor myself, I release_____ to the past.”

Then, with a vow to release these to the past, and to honor yourself, burn this list, watching the ashes and smoke carry them away. (Mary Morrissey suggests writing these things on rocks, and tossing them into the ocean or river, watching your weaknesses and flaws being washed clean, or being carried away).

Part Two:

Second of two steps for Ending the Old Year. Make a list of at 10 things you achieved in the past year. Then, read each achievement aloud, celebrating each achievement as you go. This can be done with a whoop, a shout of “Yes!”, a “high five”, a “woo-hoo!”, a “yippee!”, an “I’m the best!” a “happy dance” or whatever works best for you (maybe all of the above!). Whatever it is, celebrate what you HAVE done! This is essential!

Then, blow out the Old Year candle.

Part Three:

Beginning the New Year

Make a list of what you will achieve in the new year. Light a candle (I use a new candle, symbolizing the bright new beginning of a year). Read each intended achievement aloud, asking God or the Universe for clarity, blessing, and guidance. Again, celebrate! –this time for new beginnings!

You may want to fold this list, and hold onto it until the end of 2011.

Blow out the candle or let it burn while you usher in the new year!

NOTE: I suggest taking a few minutes ALONE to compose each list before you go through the steps above…this will keep you from feeling rushed and from having anyone else’s input. Remember, these are YOUR lists! If there’s a trusted person you would like to share the “candle moments” with, that’s perfectly lovely—but make sure that they will be sharing their lists as well at that time, and that they’re a fully supportive and trusted ally.

I celebrate you, I wish the best and greatest for you, and hope that 2011 is your best year ever!

Onward and Upward!

Many Blessings,

Lynnea

2010-12-28T18:30:00.001-08:00

I'm presenting "Powerful Purpose, Successful Strategies, Prosperous Life" on Jan 5th. Free, includes lunch! http://bit.ly/gBikcm

2010-12-14T17:57:00.001-08:00

Here's a gift 4 U--Free Hugs for the spirit of the holidays! http://bit.ly/9FqPgN

2010-12-13T23:24:00.001-08:00

“There is enough in the world for everyone to have plenty to live on happily & be at peace with his neighbors.” Harry Truman. Help it to be

2010-12-11T00:23:00.001-08:00

Still excited about responses from my class "Turbocharge 2001! Create a Success-Driven Business Plan", that I led Thurs. at the SJ Chamber!

2010-12-09T19:06:00.001-08:00

Life is short! Break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, & never regret anything that made you smile.

2010-12-06T22:19:00.001-08:00

Get a month of FREE "Business Strategies Coaching", & MORE. YOU get a free month of coaching when you refer a new client, or a 15% discount on coaching, business strategies & consultation services--until 1/31/11

My "Success-Driven" One Page Business Plan class is coming up!

2010-12-03T16:29:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 9th I'm teaching for the San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce's "Chamber 101, Lunch and Learn" series.
The subject: "Turbocharge 2011 with a One Page Business Plan". (See Details below).
This is open to non-members.
We will create"success-driven business plans". This is designed for anyone who wants to move ahead with anything--it's not just for business owners!

So, get all that knowledge and "stuff" out of your head, and heart, and into a format that is sensible, usable and powerful. Lunch (included) is catered by Eulipia Restaurant

Must RSVP at 408-291-5251 or online (below)

Here are details:

Turbo-charge 2011's Success with a

Powerful One-Page Business Plan

Presented by:

Lynnea Hagen, MS

The Abundance Company

Are you working too hard to meet your goals? Are you operating from "Strategy of the Week”? Do you need something to inspire or guide your success? Would you like to be more successful (in less time)? Could you use a personal definition of "success", along with steps to get there? Do you need a strategic plan, but have been putting off doing one? Start working ON your business, not just IN your business. Create a business that supports YOU and your life, not vice-versa. Capture what's in your head, and define, step-by-step, where you want your business to go, why, and how to get there...in less time, with improved productivity, clarity, and effectiveness for you and all team members. At the end of the class, attendees will have a draft of a 3 or 5 year business plan, with defined measurable objectives, strategies, and projects to turbo-charge the coming year...and beyond! This is for anyone with goals, NOT just for business owners!

Thursday, December 9, 2010

11:30 am – 1:30 pm

San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce

101 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose 95113

$10 for Chamber members, $25 for non-members

Lunch Provided by Eulipia

2010-12-03T16:28:00.001-08:00

I was guest teacher yesterday for the Group Coaching SIG (special interest group) What a great experience for me & such an honor 2 B asked!

2010-12-03T15:56:00.001-08:00

I can't use my week @ beach resort/spa in warm, sunny Cabo San Lucas--do U want to rent it from me? Info: http://bit.ly/hUB3B6 Contact me!

2010-12-01T23:12:00.001-08:00

Preparing to be guest presenter for a Group Coaching "special interest group" teleclass tomorrow.

2010-11-30T21:43:00.001-08:00

"The world is full of abundance & opportunity, but far too many people come to the fountain of life with a sieve instead of a tank car, a teaspoon instead of a steam shovel. They expect little and as a result they get little." (B Sweetland) Expect MUCH, my friends!

2010-11-24T20:46:00.001-08:00

“What do the musician and the artist have in common with the mystic? The musician and the artist realize that the finest speech does not come from the tongue; it comes out of the silence.” Tune into the silence.

2010-11-23T17:50:00.001-08:00

"Service is the rent we pay for the privilege of living on this Earth" ~ Shirley Chisholm

2010-11-21T21:56:00.001-08:00

Sometimes you just have to believe and take a chance! "If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies."

Thanksgiving and Napoleon Hill's Six Steps to Attaining Dreams

2010-11-19T21:35:00.000-08:00

Do you ever wonder why such a small percentage of people truly experience the success they want? I think that we all know gifted people who somehow never attain what they say they want, never actualizing the talents, intellect and advantages with which they may have been gifted. Inversely, there are numerous stories of people who start with very little, and achieve much more than anyone would have expected.

First: The vast majority of people go through life by merely wishing for things. The percentage of people who stop at wishing is estimated at 70%.

Second: A much smaller percentage of the people develop their wishes into
desires. These are estimated at 10%.

Third: A still smaller percentage of the people develop their wishes and
desires into hopes. These are estimated at 8%.

Fourth: A still smaller percentage of the people step their mind-power up
to where it becomes belief. These are estimated at 6%.

Fifth: And yet a very much smaller percentage of the people crystallize
wishes, desires and hopes into belief, and then into burning desire, and
finally faith. This percentage is estimated at 4%.

Sixth: And last, a very small percentage of the people take the last two
steps, putting their faith into action by (1) planning and (2) acting to carry
out their plans. This percentage is estimated at only 2%!

”The outstanding leaders in every walk of life are the ones in the sixth
group. They recognize the power of their own minds, take possession of that
power and direct it to whatever ends they choose. To these people the word
"impossible" has no meaning. To them, everything they want or need is possible--
they manage to get it. The only trait which differentiates them from most of
the others who accept failure as their lot, is that they recognize and use
their mind-power for the attainment of the circumstances and things they
want while the others do not.”

How to open up possibilities, wishes, desires, hopes, beliefs, faith, and action, and start moving into the world of success? Start with gratitude…every day. This is a great time, at Thanksgiving, to start building your “gratitude muscles”, and opening up your heart, mind, and faith to possibilities. Gratitude takes our focus off our “don’t haves” and gets us excited about what we DO have, ever-so-gently nudging us into the world of abundance thinking. Once we start residing there, we start naturally resonating with possibilities, wishes, desires, hopes…and a chain reaction, an “abundance evolution” starts within us, which grows into beliefs, faith, and action.

So, this Thanksgiving, start the habit of daily gratitude (each day, Oprah lists 5 things that’s she’s grateful for---if she has time to do this, you do, too!) Yes, every day!

With Gratitude for You, and So Much More--

Lynnea

(To be added to my Newsletter list, click here. To send me an email, click here.)

(Some of the above is extracted from writings by Napoleon Hill)

2010-11-17T11:12:00.001-08:00

Maybe it's not the economy--"Empty pockets never held anyone back. Only empty heads and empty hearts can do that." ~ Norman Vincent Peale

2010-11-16T23:49:00.001-08:00

"You are always practicing something; the question is, What are you practicing?" - Martial arts Sensei saying.

2010-11-15T15:31:00.001-08:00

Article: How women grow themselves & their businesses powerfully: http://ping.fm/KBxJ7

2010-11-15T00:41:00.001-08:00

Here's a wonderful thought from Carl Sagan: "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." Keep going, keep exploring!

2010-11-11T14:03:00.001-08:00

Need help, but can't spend a lot? Use the job registry service at a local University. I did, got great candidates, & an excellent assistant--for less money.

2010-11-10T22:44:00.001-08:00

"The way you get meaning into your life is to devote
yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your
community around you, and devote yourself to creating
something that gives you purpose and meaning."
~Mitch Albom

2010-11-07T23:04:00.001-08:00

Live consciously in each moment..."The future depends on what we do in the present." Gandi

2010-11-03T10:52:00.001-07:00

Got an article in you? Build success by writing it! Here's a link to free templates to write articles more quickly-- http://bit.ly/d6WnG7

2010-11-02T23:34:00.001-07:00

Thoughts on China trip: Scope--huge, audacious, stupendous achievements built on VISION. What huge, audacious, inspiring vision do YOU have? Call me to get started.

3 Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Fail To Attract Clients Using LinkedIn

2010-11-02T22:20:00.000-07:00

Are You Tuned into AND Using Linked-In Secrets? (Reprint from Kristina Jaramillo)

There are over 80 million influential professionals from over 200 countries on LinkedIn that can become your business’s potential customers. In fact, LinkedIn’s membership is what Neilson Online is calling “The world’s largest audience of affluent, influential professionals” as you will find executives from all Fortune 500 companies there. Plus, you will find experienced professionals from large and small companies and every type of business and industry imaginable.
So, why aren’t you able to attract more clients?
You as a woman entrepreneur have courage, vision, intuition and persistence. You connect easily with others. You are passionate and enthusiastic. In fact, you cannot stop talking about what you. And, you don't forget to emphasize the benefits of your services to your potential customers. You are a real pro at using your contacts – but you are just not connecting with anyone on LinkedIn.
Out of the 80 million professionals, there are only a few internet marketers and companies that are successfully getting more clients each and every single day from LinkedIn. Below, you will find out their secrets to attracting clients that are ready, willing and able to invest in their products or services.

3 Reasons Why You Are Not Attracting More Clients and Making More Money with LinkedIn

Reason #1 – You are waiting for prospects to come to you
Clients who are willing to pay for your products and services will not just fall into your lap. As an entrepreneur you have to make it part of your job to go out and find them.
Think of it this way, who is the interested party in this situation: You or the person who doesn’t even know they know they need your services or products.
You have to be the one the take charge and find your prospects. Here are a few ways to easily engage with others on LinkedIn…

Update your status message daily.
Start a vigorous discussion in various groups that you belong to. This will enable you to prove your expertise in your given area.
Answer questions on the Q & A Boards. This will show your experience and help you become a thought leader.

Reason #2 –You fail to take advantage of LinkedIn groups
LinkedIn allows you to join up to 50 groups – where you can network, join conversations and show prospects that you have the answers to their problems. Yet, most small business owners and internet marketers do not actively seek groups that they should belong to.
If they do join groups they make these two mistakes:

They become a member of a group – but they sit there like a lump on the log. How can you expect prospects to come to you if you do not take the time to make yourself heard?
They join groups where there are like members. Let me put it to you this way, do you want to be a member of a group that is full of your competition or do you want to belong to a group that is full of people who could turn out to be your prospects. It sounds pretty obvious to me that you would want to be where your prospects are. But many entrepreneurs fail to think outside the box and strictly join groups based on their field of expertise.

Another way, to take advantage of LinkedIn groups is to create your own group. This is the absolute best way to create your own community of followers. You are the one who is in charge of the type of content that is posted. You can make sure what you have to say is heard and you have the power to control your own group. From my experience, many group members religiously check out what is being discussed in the groups they find the most useful. Why can’t your group be one of them?

Reason #3 – Failure to Create Content and Distribute it to the Different Groups
Eric Gruber (My Partner at GetLinkedInHelp.com and Founder of Article Marketing Experts) belongs to 50 different groups. Now, if each of the 50 groups has at least 1,000 members, then each time he submits content, he is getting his content in front of 50,000 potential clients – just with a couple clicks of the mouse.
So, you need to create content that…

Proves your expertise
Sparks controversy and debate
Gets people talking
Entices prospects to visit your blog and website
Motivates prospects to take action (using your products or services of course)

If you need help creating content, check out these free article templates.
Just by avoiding these common LinkedIn mistakes, you will begin to build your list of connections and prospects. Continue the conversation – and you will turn these prospects into paying customers and clients.

About the Author:
LinkedIn Expert Kristina Jaramillo creates online marketplace opportunities for women entrepreneurs who want more website traffic, prospects and profits. Her website is: www.GetLinkedInHelp.com..

2010-11-01T23:01:00.001-07:00

What are you going to do this week to push your business forward? How many new prospects will you talk to?

2010-11-01T22:01:00.001-07:00

Yaay! for the Giants on their first series win since 1954! Well deserved, team!

2010-11-01T12:05:00.001-07:00

"Life is not about waiting for the
storms to pass...it's about learning
how to dance in the rain." I love this! We all have "stuff" to shovel..but think about the muscles that builds!

2010-10-24T14:46:00.001-07:00

Yay! Go Giants!

2010-10-22T11:26:00.001-07:00

"Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpected talents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so." Give yourself lots of opportunities to think, do and blossom! Lynnea

2010-10-21T15:41:00.001-07:00

I believe that we all want to leave some sort of legacy. Here's a quote I just found: "Believe in something big. Your life is worth a noble motive." -Walter Anderson What could you do that would be meaningful for you and for someone else? Lead yourself there.

2010-10-20T21:01:00.001-07:00

â€œPeople often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily." ~ Zig Ziglar. (Just got this Patty Purpur--I love it!)

LEARN FROM THE BEST! Becoming More Conscious-- in Our Businesses, and for the Earth

2010-10-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

I just registered for the Enlightened Business Summit from Oct. 25-29th. It’s got a fantastic lineup of 40 top-tier CEOs, bestselling authors, and visionaries, all sharing their most important insights for free--including my mentor, teacher and coach, Dr. Lance Secretan, whose Higher Ground Leadership model I am now teaching.
To register for the summit, go here: http://www.enlightenedbusinesssummit.com

Names you might recognize include NY Times bestselling authors such as Tim Ferriss, Tony Hsieh, and Tony Schwartz, plus CEOs such as John Mackey of Whole Foods and George Zimmer of Men’s Wearhouse.

It’s all on the phone and you can participate in as many sessions as you like, as well as get access to all the recordings.

Should be very useful to get the best insights from these leaders, so I hope you can join me!

Lynnea

2010-10-18T16:51:00.001-07:00

However vague they are, dreams have a way of concealing themselves and leave us no peace until they are translated into reality, like seeds germinating underground, sure to sprout in their search for the sunlight. - Lin Yutang---
Define, then LIVE, your dream!

2010-10-07T01:38:00.001-07:00

Spend some time today designing the mental blueprint of your ideal life. See it, feel it, hold it, breathe it.

2010-10-06T14:13:00.001-07:00

The first commandment is this: "Don't let them scare you". So, would you rather live with the pain of risk, or the pain of regret? Go. Risk. Hold courage in your heart.

2010-10-04T19:42:00.001-07:00

Just sent messages to local leaders of our Chamber of Commerce & city of San Jose to start a "One Dream" movement/program here. Check out what's happening in Louisville, led by my Higher Ground Leadership mentor, Lance Secretan: http://ping.fm/KLKYf

2010-09-29T23:15:00.001-07:00

Inspirational message in my latest blog-- The Hopi Elders Speak--
"We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For"

We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For

2010-09-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

The Hopi Elders Speak
We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For

You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour.

Now you must go back and tell the people that this is The Hour.

And there are things to be considered:

Where are you living?

What are you doing?

What are your relationships?

Are you in right relation?

Where is your water?

Know your garden.

It is time to speak your Truth.

Create your community. Be good to each other. And do not look outside yourself for the leader.
This could be a good time!

There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart, and they will suffer greatly.

Know the river has its destination. The elders say we must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. See who is in there with you and celebrate.

At this time in history, we are to take nothing personally. Least of all, ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt.

The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves!

Banish the word "struggle" from your attitude and your vocabulary.

All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

We are the ones we've been waiting for.

—The Elders Oraibi, Arizona Hopi Nation

2010-09-29T15:27:00.001-07:00

"He who learns but does not think, is lost! He who thinks but does not learn is in great danger."~Confucious.

2010-09-28T18:39:00.001-07:00

I'm working with clients via Higher Ground Leadership steps--to win the game of "inner leadership", to impact the world with their innate greatness & purpose. What is your purpose? If you cannot find it in yourself, where will you go for it?

2010-09-26T22:56:00.001-07:00

Smiles to you--A collection of dance clips from almost 40 movies from dance movies to comedies, from Fred Astaire to Michael Jackson.
http://ping.fm/kfpMA

2010-09-23T23:21:00.001-07:00

Be inspired! It will move you! Here's second of two videos on the work I'm doing now!--by my personal coach & one of the world's foremost teachers, visionaries in winning what I call, "the game of Inner Leadership". http://ping.fm/Rnd2E

Want Proof of the Power of Business Coaching?

2010-09-14T21:12:00.000-07:00

Take the Leadership Challenge

I was just going through some old files, and found some interesting stats.
With powerful new Leadership Coaching programs that are now available (including, the best, and the one that that I teach and coach, Higher Ground Leadership), I must believe that these numbers are even higher now. Check out the "Why, Be, Do" of Higher Ground Leadership, and give me call if you are prepared to take your business and your life to a much higher AND DEEPER level!

Here's your proof:

"Coaching programs make a significant difference in overall organizational effectiveness by improving teamwork and ability to execute strategy. Coaching is particularly effective when it is focused on driving behavioral change…”
~ Alec Levenson, Scientist and Researcher at the Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California. ~

• Fortune 1000 companies report ROI for coaching services:
– Monetary return was 12 times the coaching investment
– 71% improved relationships with their bosses
– 77% reported improved relationships with their direct reports
~Research performed by Manchester Consulting 2006~

Most importantly, good coaching programs not only make organizations more productive and profitable, but the "Higher Ground Leadership" program makes profound, positive differences in the lives of the people involved..in and out of the work place.

2010-09-13T13:31:00.001-07:00

I'm a guest on a local TV show, for time #2 (also guest hosted), talking about Abundance Leadership, my radio show & My Sounding-Board.

2010-09-08T23:23:00.001-07:00

To fulfill a dream, to be allowed to sweat over lonely labor, to be given a chance to create, is the meat and potatoes of life. The money is the gravy. - Bette Davis. Yes! What is your dream?

The Spark, The Flame And The Torch

2010-09-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

I signed this pledge to be a Torchbearer in the World...and am now certified to bring this powerful program for change and leadership (AND success!) to clients and organizations!
The Spark, The Flame And The Torch

2010-09-06T21:09:00.001-07:00

Here's a furry friends "hero' in my 'hood that you should read about: http://bit.ly/arlsSI

2010-09-05T22:27:00.001-07:00

My word was "Honor"--Here's what I got on the my "Spirit @ Work" card sent by Dr. Lance Secretan. "Our role in life is to honor the sacredness in others--in all of life, including other people and ourselves. When I honor the whole being that you are, complete with your gifts and your flaws, your merits and your blemishes, your dreams and your failures, your hurts and your healings, your beauty and your imperfections, your ego and your soul, then I am honoring you--and therefore myself." Get your card here: http://ping.fm/u6iZR Click on RANDOM & see what you get. Wonderful!

2010-09-01T00:45:00.001-07:00

It's "back to school time". And although we've been out of school for quite a while, most people I know still do the "back to school mind shift"--the inner dynamic that tells us that it's time to get serious again. So, what is it for you? What do you need to change, learn, unlearn, let go of, or grow into in order to achieve what you want most? See my blog for steps to get started in a BIG way! http://ping.fm/Ovjim

Winng the Game of Inner Leadership--Part 1

2010-09-01T00:36:00.001-07:00

Winning The Game of Inner Leadership-Part 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm inspired. I spent 3 days in Canada being mentored by one of my "gurus", Dr. Lance Secretan, and now I'm inspired to coach and teach others to find and unleash their greatness, using Lance's program, "Higher Ground Leadership".

I am happy to report that the emerging model of leadership is based on honoring self, others, and the world. I call this "Abundance Leadership" and it's evolving in organizations around the globe. It's leadership that doesn't motivate others, but, rather, inspires them. Not only does it honor everyone involved, but it's also great for the "bottom line".

So, I'm inspired. My ongoing work is to teach and coach people (and their organizations!) to honor themselves and others so we can ALL help make our planet a better place.

Here's one of Lance's videos to get you inspired to stretch yourself into greatness. See below for steps to get started.

Inner Leadership First--Bite Into Self Discipline
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From leadership expert, John Maxwell: The first person you lead is you--and you can't do that effectively without self discipline.The Israelites wandered around the desert for 40 years not because it was so far away--they could have made the trip in two weeks! The real reason is preparation--they simply weren't ready! They weren't self-disciplined!

How about you? How prepared are you to go after blessings that aren't that far off? Plato said, "The first and best victory is to conquer self". If you want to be a leader, start with these action steps:

1. Develop and follow your priorities
2. Make a disciplined lifestyle your goal
3. Challenge your excuses
4. Remove your rewards until you finish the job
5. Stay focused on your dream!
6. Never trade what you want at the moment for what you want most!

2010-08-31T22:26:00.001-07:00

Be inspired--here's first of two videos introducing you to my expanded area of work...that of Dr. Lance Secretan, my personal coach & one of the world's foremost teachers, visionaries in the area of leadership--starting with what I call, "the game of Inner Leadership". It will move you. http://ping.fm/dWgwj

2010-08-26T23:34:00.001-07:00

"We are confronted with insurmountable opportunities." - Walt Kelly (creator of "Pogo")--who also said, "We have met the enemy and it is us."

2010-08-23T17:40:00.001-07:00

"Health food may be good for the conscience but Oreos taste a hell of a lot better." - Robert Redford

2010-08-15T23:36:00.001-07:00

"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world." - Buddha. If you want to change where you are in your business, in your life, change where your thoughts are concentrated.

2010-08-12T00:56:00.001-07:00

"There's plenty of intelligence in the world, but the courage to do things differently is in short supply." - Marilyn Vos Savant.

So today, step up, have the courage to do something differently.

2010-08-10T00:44:00.001-07:00

"They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself." Happy Birthday, Andy Warhol.

2010-08-09T11:52:00.001-07:00

"Seek to do less, and to accomplish more--to achieve more. Doing is action. Achievement is successful action." Yes! Commit this week to acheve, to accomplish, not to just DO.

2010-08-04T16:42:00.001-07:00

"Many are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen, few in pursuit of the goal."
- Friedrich Nietzsche. What are you focused on? If you're defending your path and getting nowhere, maybe it's time to change where you're focusing your time, energy, and passion!

2010-08-03T00:30:00.001-07:00

"The names of persons and living creatures demand respect; because when we speak to them, we touch their heart and become a part of their life force." - Isabel Allende

2010-08-02T23:35:00.001-07:00

"Fear is inevitable, I have to accept that, but I cannot allow it to paralyze me." - Isabel Allende.

2010-07-26T17:18:00.001-07:00

A group of ordinary citizens saved a historic home and opened it last weekend to the public. Just shows what purpose, vision, and planning can do! Here's the newspaper article & pix-http://ping.fm/5Jfwq Kudos to my old group, the Victorian Preservation Association!