Archive for Peak Performance
Ask for Help
Posted by: | CommentsIf I were to look at the hours I spend figuring new stuff out, I would find I’m into deficit spending of my time! That’s where learning to ask for help can help make the difference on many levels.
My lovely ego says, I should be able to figure things out. It parades itself like a child in a Halloween costume, hoping to impress or scare someone into murmurings of approval for having done something grand.
If only life worked that way. But it doesn’t. When I get real and realize that if I ask the right question to the right person, they can help me solve my challenge in a flash. Take this blog for example. For months I’ve not been able to accept comments. My virtual assistant hasn’t figured it out yet, nor my other wordpress savvy friends. The wordpress forum suggestions don’t work either.
If I’m to stay conscious, I need to also pay attention to where I put my life force. Majoring in the minors robs me of the energy and time needed to do what I do best. As business owners, and owners of our life force, we need to keep our hand on the pulse of our business (or life) so that we can make responsible decisions. Other times, it’s best to delegate. Only you know what works best for you.
When in doubt, set aside the ego and ask for help. Which exactly why I’m going to close this blog post and do just that.
Where are you holding onto the thought that you “should” be able to figure something out? Invest in yourself and save your energy for something you love to do. You’ll be a lot happier….I know I will.
Leadership & Life: the ABC’s of Decision Making
Posted by: | CommentsThe ABC’s that come to mind are: Always Be Conscious
Always, and in all ways, pay attention to your body’s feedback. While our mind is fantastic at thinking, the heart and the body frequently know things that are beyond our conscious recognition. Have you ever made an appointment with a doctor, to find out that you actually needed to see him/her when your appointment showed up? Just recently I had an appointment with my physician that had been made six weeks earlier. Lo and behold, the day before my appointment, I found out I really needed it. I was really glad to get in for that exam – especially since he is usually booked two months in advance.
Then again, there are the times I’ve heard (usually more than once) to make an appointment for X, call Y, or do something else specific. Because there was no apparent “need” I’ve put it off and paid the consequences. ALWAYS pay attention to the little things that appear more than once. Generally when you inwardly have a recurring thought, there is a good chance that you need to follow up. This is your inner compass. Have fun with it, learn to trust it, and you will find life’s decisions easier to make.
Be yourself. No need to impress another, or get their approval. When you pay attention to your own inner guidance system (INS) you will find the guidance available to make tough decisions. They may not be popular, but they will ultimately be the best one for you. March to your own drummer. Tune in so you can turn on to the amazing melody called you!
Conscious. Always be conscious of your intuition and notice when you lose your center. If you find yourself fuzzy, unable to make a clear decision, or wanting someone else to take responsibility for your choice, be aware that this is a red flag that your “life is in session – and lessons are at hand.” Often times, you are running an expectation toward what you want, what someone else wants, or what you think you (or they) want. There are even times when others will give you advice that is unconsciously designed to put you in their debt. TRUST YOURSELF. Ultimately, every choice has its consequences. Find the path that leave you feeling most at peace, and chances are you have found your personal “road less traveled.”
How that you’ve learned your ABC’s here’s the DEF’s.
Decide what works best for you. Try it out.
Evaluate the results.
Follow through with adjustments as needed.
Good luck with your ABC’s and DEF’s. They do get easier with practice.
A good friend, business mentor, or coach can help you get clear when the going gets muddy. Don’t forget that even with our ABC’s in place, we all sometimes need a mirror to see our reflection.
The Great Entrepreneurial What-if?
Posted by: | CommentsWhat if I make a wrong move, lose money, blow a deal?
The what if’s will take you out of the game. Any game.
What are your what-ifs?
Superman Takes Clark Kent’s Job
Posted by: | CommentsFlash, Universe Provides Insight (UPI) press
It was announced today that Superman has replaced Clark Kent, the mild mannered reporter for the Daily Planet.
Superman revealed that he and Clark Kent are one and the same. Superman confessed that his decision to hide was initially made in order to fit in with the establishment. Ashamed that he was able to leap tall buildings with a single bound, he created the mild mannered persona of Clark Kent. “It is no longer possible to hide behind a meek reporter’s image, so that I will be safe from humiliation because I am different.” The hero went on to acknowledge all the Supermen and Superwomen on Earth who face life fully without hiding behind a mask.
The cape’s out of the bag, so to speak. Superman, as an advocate for all the hidden supermen and women in the world, announced that the time has come for them to step forward as themselves. “The Earth needs humans to step into their full potential, without regard to the need for approval, security, or control,” said Superman.
When asked who inspired this revelation, Superman acknowledged it was the actor, Christopher Reeve, who taught him that it is not physical strength, but strength of character, determination, dedication, love, and the willingness to be vulnerable that convinced him to “get real.” Every human has their own “kryptonite” that has the potential to weaken them. A truly great person learns to overcome their challenges and turn them to strengths.
Superman hopes that his decision will inspire others to live fully and rise to the challenge of becoming powerful heros and heroines in their own lives. That, concluded comic book hero, “is the way to transform your world.”
Ask, then Ask Again
Posted by: | CommentsAsking for what we want is not always as simple as it seems.
I’ve noticed that women, in particular, don’t ask directly. Take for example, a conversation I recall with my husband many years ago. “Honey, we’re out of milk.” Nice statement, but it didn’t ask him to bring any home! Challenges, challenges, challenges. Expecting our spouse to mind read and translate “we’re out of milk” into “bring it home” sets us up for a starring role as a major victim! Not only that, but the only thing we’re likely to get is a good dose of resentment, self administered.
Manipulation or expectations are guaranteed to get us in trouble. It takes great courage to ask for what we want. First off, we might not get it. Secondly, it may come with strings. Third, what happens if our request doesn’t meet with someone’s approval? Fourth, we may lose our sense of security of we get a “no” and lastly, we let go of control when we ask someone else for something.
There is a condition prior to effective asking. To get what we really want, we need to know precisely what we do want and why. Such clarity increases the odds of success.
Knowing what we want, and why frees us from the bondage of manipulation or plain lack of awareness. Awareness of what drives us to behave as we do sets us up for success, and removes us from being at the whim of others. When that happens, our need for approval, security or control will lesson dramatically.
Here’s a challenge for you: Start small and begin asking for what you want. Take the time to know yourself, know your preferences, and know what pushes your buttons!. If your why is in alignment with your purpose, it’s easy to ask, and ask again. Make someone’s no a “not yet,” particularly if it is in business. Effective asking is also a function of effective timing.
Don’t despair, practice makes asking easy – and you just might get what you want.
