What would you point to as the achievements that have mattered most to you?
And why?
Whar are some of the challenges you have faced?
And how have you handled them?
Who do you admire?
Who inspires you?
And why?
What have you learnt from your life experiences that you would like to pass on to others?
I don’t know about you but with the stresses and strains of the modern working environment my naturally positively focussed brain has learnt to scan for the danger zone – the ‘negatives’. We are well aware here at The Coach Approach that what you focus on is what you get so how to do a little home-based brain rewiring?
Well, it just so happens that we have a 21-day, 5-point plan at The Coach Approach to do just that!”
Interested?
Then buy a little note-book/journal and keep on reading…….
We believe at The Coach Approach that everyone deserves a good day!
How’s yours looking?
Thank you to Valerie for sharing that amazing short video on Well Being in the previous post. Just love the structure, satisfying the conscious mind:
That got me thinking, time for the unconscious mind to play…
how can we develop these key areas to make life even more fulfilling?
In other words, how can we build on the best things in life?
How about posing one of these profound questions before you go to sleep and let the unconscious mind work on it, just watch out for the messages as it delivers the results!
Your insights please!
Randy Pausch was a computer science professor famous for giving “The Last Lecture” at Carnegie-Mellon University, and for co-writing a book of the same title after a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer at age 45. He wrote:
“The reason to turn brick walls into motivating forces is that if we don’t, they become excuses as to why we can’t accomplish things. We can all do much more than we think, once we decide to do it.
It’s very hard to find meaning in one’s life. It’s much easier to find “meaning in one’s actions”—so look for someone who could use your help, and help them in any way you can. If your actions all have meaning, I suspect your life will begin to as well.”
What will you do today to create meaning in your actions and life?
Let’s take a brief glance at values: what are values exactly?
Can you aquire them? Should you select them according to perceived correctness?
No: everyone’s set of values are unique to them and, when honoured, serve as a valuable guide.
Kind of similar to you own personal navigation system, showing you the best way to go.
Not sure what yours are?
Then take a few minutes and try the following 2 mini exercises to get some insight.
Peak moments in time
Identify peak moments when life was at its most rewarding.
Focus specifically on ‘the moment’, not the details.
What was important about this moment?
What were the values being honoured in the moment?
What values were you living in this moment?
Suppressed values
Think of a time you were willing to get into trouble.
Look at the feeling then flip it over to the opposite of the feeling to find the value.
Think of a time you were angry, frustrated or upset.
Look at the feeling then flip it to get the opposite of the feeling to find the value.
Last month at this point in time many of us were putting the finishing touches on our lists for the New Year, focusing upon goal-setting and trying to implement one step at a time. Now by the middle of February, many people are feeling overwhelmed and fatigued, unable to move ahead on their game plans.
So how about shifting perspective and start making “to be” lists before making “to do” lists? Each morning before beginning your daily activities, you can create your to be list and write down what you wish to express throughout the day. You could choose to be organized and efficient, spontaneous, compassionate, daring, reflective … the sky is the limit, and you hold the power to choose whatever is most appropriate for you in your own context.
After you have committed this to paper, next write down on another list what you wish to do as this person. Not only will this practice help you reconnect with your deeper values, but it will also produce positive emotions and renewed energy.
Going towards our highest ideals is key to maintaining motivation and enjoyment along the path in the journey of self-improvement!
In the words of Monty Winters,
‘This is your life. Do what you love and do it often. If you don’t like something, change it. If you don’t like your job, quit. If you don’t have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop overanalysing, all emotions are beautiful.Life is simple. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your minds, arms and heart to new people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often, getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them.Life is about the people you meet, and then things you create with them so go out and start creating. Life is short. Live your dream and share your passion.’
What’s your philosophy for a life well lived?
It’s December already, a month full of special events and holidays – and, let’s face it, stress!
So instead of rushing around blindly fulfilling social obligations, I would invite you to take a few minutes to center yourself and clarify some important goals. Ready? Now, imagine yourself at your own 80th birthday party. Ask yourself what the highlights of your life would be from that time looking back. Once you have a clear picture of what you value, of what is truly important to you in the big picture, you can get started on making these experiences and achievements a reality.
Maybe your future self focused upon time spent in nature with your family, or on writing a book, or time spent immersed in another country learning a new language. Now, see how this can shine light upon your activities in the here and now. Perhaps it is not as important as you thought to focus as much on the details of shopping and being the “perfect” holiday host …
When we give ourselves permission to make new choices based upon what we truly value, energy and enthusiasm begin to circulate anew and stress subsides. So take heart – reclaim the holiday season by CHOOSING what you celebrate!
Helen Keller has been a pillar of inspiration for several generations of people, including yours truly. She was an American author, political activist and lecturer, and the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her life story has become known worldwide through film and stage productions of The Miracle Worker. Keller’s teacher, Anne Sullivan, believed in her student’s potential and helped her to break through the isolation imposed by a near complete lack of language. Helen blossomed as she learned to communicate, and her influence became widespread. Despite this, nothing was too menial or unimportant for her; instead, she found a way to make each undertaking meaningful. She wrote:
“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.”
How do you transform your small daily tasks into something of value?
CAN COACHING HELP YOU GET THE RESULTS YOU DESIRE?
Are you stuck, off track or feel like you have even completely lost the picture? Floundering in the dark?
Not even sure what is truly important any more? Or why?
Are you successful in some areas, but not in those that really mean something to you?
Would you like to achieve more with less, create meaningful results and
balance life and work?
If so, coaching helps you get clear on what you want. It
helps you set up a structured framework that embraces vision and
reality. And it moves you to take action to make your desired goals a
reality – with whatever life gives you to work with!
Don’t take our word for it, check out what our clients say on the ABOUT US page
The Coach Approach 
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