Be uncomfortable…really?
You’ve probably heard this one before: “To be outstanding, get comfortable being uncomfortable.” Huh? That’s like saying “Get happy being depressed.” Or, “Life is hard. Get used to suffering.” No thanks. I understand that significant performance jumps (breakthroughs) may come from doing things that are outside your so-called comfort zone, but do you really shine when you’re…
Read MoreWhat was the first promise you broke today?
Was it when the alarm clock went off? Wow. Starting the day with a broken promise. Nice. “What promise? I didn’t make a promise,” you retort. Sure you did. You set your alarm, making an agreement with yourself to get up at a certain time. Then the alarm goes off and the justifications and rationalizations…
Read MorePerception is reality. I don't think so.
A friend and I recently met for a beer. I engaged him in a conversation we’d had before around my disdain for the phrase perception is reality. My rational mind – I am a trained scientist, after all – tells me that reality is constructed of concrete elements: data, facts, evidence, and the like, with a little…
Read MoreStop Making Sense!
Stop Making Sense. You may think I’m referring to the Talking Heads’ concert film. I’m not. Consider this instead. When what you say about yourself and your business “makes sense” to others, you lack distinction. You are categorized. You are pigeonholed. You are commoditized, indistinguishable. That’s not what you want. That’s not who you are.…
Read MoreCount Your Lemons!
Recognize this? That’s right, it’s a lemon. But did you also know that it’s an insecticide, and a disinfectant, and a battery if you put electrodes in it? It’s also a source of revenue for farmers, pickers, packers, truckers, grocers, cashiers, and even for my 10-year-old son who likes to do lemonade stands. So, what…
Read MoreDon’t Mind the Noise
I was listening to an audio recording of a conference the other day and I heard the speaker pause. Apparently there was some kind of commotion going on in the hallway outside the conference room and apparently all the people in the audience were distracted by it and that’s what caused him to pause. He said,…
Read MoreYour State of Happiness.
Did you know that your level of happiness is determined 50% by your genetics? You’re born that way. What’s probably more surprising is that only 10% is determined by the circumstances and conditions of your life. But don’t we act like: when I get there…THEN I’ll be happy; when I get that promotion…THEN I’ll be happy;…
Read MoreWhat’s beyond your comfort zone?
It really takes something to be in business, and sometimes it takes a lot. At the very least it takes courage, confidence, persistence and focus, and I’m sure you’ve heard many times it often requires you to get outside your comfort zone. But what does that really mean? It can mean facing your fears, but…
Read MoreMaking Promises to Yourself
Often the most difficult promises to keep are the promises we make to ourselves. Maybe there’s a big project that we’ve been dreaming about that you know would make a big difference in your life your business. Maybe it’s sticking to your diet plan or maybe calling back that client that you’ve been working on…
Read MoreSeven Reasons You Need a Business Coach
No one really, honestly does their best on a challenge when they face it alone. Even if the only help they have is someone cheering them on from the sidelines, that bit of encouragement can make all the difference to overcoming the challenge or succumbing to defeat.
In a business situation, you might not have the luxury of confiding your vision, hopes, fears to one of your staff or even to a family member. At that point, who do you talk to? What happens when faced with the daunting task of firing someone, renovating your goals, or answering the question, “Where do I go from here?”
A business coach can be somewhat like a mentor, or a therapist, or even a treasured confidant. The goal is to find the coach who best suits your personality, can help move you and your dreams forward and will hold you accountable for milestones along the way.
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