Just Do It!

This week, we kick off a new series of coaching lessons, all about getting it done.
It, can be any worthy goal.
The first step in reaching our dreams is often the most difficult,
because we must do more than commit, we must act.
We'll get into the reasons why we procrastinate in future posts.
Today, we're focusing on action.
Without action, nothing changes.
If things aren't working in your life,
you can't expect change by sitting on your hiney while complaining.

You have to do something.

Want a new job, then get some training and send out applications.
Sick of a bad relationship, then end it and meet new people.
Want to improve your writing, take a class, read great literature, write!

He who waits loses.

Animals know this.
A peach on the tree is one day away from juicy perfection. You leave it. When you return in the morning, a bird had beaten you to the fruit, and helped himself to it's ripe flesh.

Does a dog wait if a burger falls from your plate?
No!
He seizes the opportunity and gobbles the succulent prize as you gape.

Children understand this.
Have you ever seen kids bashing a pinata at a birthday party?
It's a lesson in life. Exuberance pays off.
As the goodies cascade to the ground,
the urchins scramble to gather all the candy their sticky fingers can hold.
They don't wait.

Even a bothersome dandelion knows enough to suck up water as it rains.
 Why not you?

All of nature comprehends that when an opportunity presents it self,
you grab it.
Don't think about it for a week,
or discuss endlessly if this is the absolute best opportunity.
Does the dog turn up his nose at the burgur,
hoping a fatter one will miraculously land in his dish?
Of course not.

Opportunities are gifts. I call them blessings.
If the universe drops a blessing at your feet, accept!
It really is that simple.
A five year old child knows that when asked if they want a cookie,
the answer is yes.

Take the first step and act.
Pick that peach.
Grab the candy.
Gobble the burger.

Because if you don't, someone else will.
You snooze, you lose.

This week, start paying attention to the opportunities around you.
Say yes to them and act.
Write down what happens in your journal.
How you feel about accepting good things as they fall into your life.
You will find that the more willing you are to accept these blessings, the more the universe will send your way.

So, just do it!

I Had No Idea!

This week we're going to have some fun. Time for a few psychological games to recharge your engines.
How we view things is reflected in our choices. Let's find out what view you take.

First: Get a piece of paper and pen, or better yet, your journal. I'll wait. Smile.
Don't try this series of exercises without it. Have your paper and pen? Good.
Answer this question: What is your favorite color? Yeah, the one that first popped in your head.
Write it down.
Now write down three (3) verbs about this color. Yes-verbs. Action, doing words. Got them?

Next section: Visualize yourself looking through a doorway into an empty white room. No furniture, pictures, nothing. List three words that describe your feelings about the room. Great.

This is the last part. What is your favorite animal?
The first one that popped into your head. Don't edit your choice.
Jot that on the page. Now add the three (3) attributes you connect with this animal. Don't over-think.
Have you finished? Only move on if you've completed all 3 areas or you'll miss out.

In the first exercise you chose a color. This represents you. The words you chose describe how you see yourself. This is a huge window to your self-esteem, your talents and challenges.
No judgement, please.

Next: The empty white room. This represents your feelings about death. It may be a surprise. One man responded with the word castrated. 

The last was your favorite animal. This represents your mate or partner. The words you chose signify your significant other or how you perceive them. If you currently don't have one, you may have chosen what you want in a mate or your view of that type of relationship.

It's been said that our words define us. Apparently, they do.
That said, none of your answers are wrong. It's just information.
It's where you're at for the moment. Life changes and so do we.
Understanding more about yourself can assist you in moving in a positive direction.

Write down these exercises in your journal, what you've learned and your feelings.
What do you wish to embrace?
What do you want to change?

Hopefully, you now have more of an idea about yourself.

And You Call That A Friend?

You're sitting at lunch with a friend you've known for years. She's complaining about her family, her husband, her job or lack of one. This friend rattles on and on through lunch giving you time to grunt when she pauses to take a breath. When the bill comes, she throws a few dollars on the table and says she's got to run. You leave feeling used and drained.

Guess what--you're right.
You were used and drained of energy.

As you can see, this week we're covering relationships. How often do we waist time with people that suck the life out of us, because we feel it's our duty, or out of habit or proximity without getting much in return? I've done my share of suffering through such friendships.  Ugh! I'm over it.

Life is too short to spend it with people who don't value you, are self involved or wear you out. Do any names or faces come to mind? We all have friends or belong to groups that, either no longer serve us because we've grown, or they treat us with disregard and indifference. Who needs it? Not you!

People change. Chances are, if the relationship isn't serving you, it isn't doing much for your friend either. Let it go. There's no need to make a big deal about it, just spend less time with them and allow the connection to fade naturally.  You don't have to have a big talk. This is not high school. No drama needed. You're an adult, and people come and go in our lives.

It's okay.

There are relationships that need some honest conversation to mend. If this feels like the case, and you want to invest further, by all means, go for it. State what bothers you calmly without blame. If the friendship is strong, you may come to an understanding. If it doesn't work out, let it go and know you tried. No hard feelings.

If you've been diligently working  on the coaching lessons, it's likely you'll be letting go of some old friends, a critique group or partner. Make room for relationships that inspire you and aid you in the creation of your dreams. Remember, the universe abhors a vacuum. Make room, and watch for the good that will fill it.

This week, make a list in your journal of people and groups that suck you dry. Decide how to handle each case. Let them slowly fade or talk it out. Notice how you feel about ending these connections and why. Write about it and then act. Even a bad relationship ending brings a feeling of loss. Let your self feel it. Write what you'll miss or what you wished for that didn't exist. Be real and honest in your journal.

You have to be your own best friend first.