Greetings!
As you can see, Ideas for Impact! has a new look. But you'll still find the same great articles, tips, book reviews and sage advice to help your business grow. We appreciate the support of all our clients, partners and friends in 2007, and we look forward to a fantastic year in 2008.
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| Questions to Ponder at the Year's End
By: Trish Thomas, Owner of Akamai Consulting, LLC
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 The end of the year is a time when we naturally reflect on the past and plan for the future. Take some time in the upcoming weeks to think about where you have been and where you are going. By living an examined life and focusing consciously on your personal and professional goals, you can prevent missteps, capitalize on opportunities and overcome obstacles.
1. What are you grateful for? Gratitude is such a powerful emotion and it opens the doors to good things in life. Whether 2007 was a fantastic year or not, we all have a multitude of things to be thankful for. Ponder them and appreciate the positive people, things and events in your life.
2. What were the most significant events of 2007? Significant events can be wonderful or horrible, but we always learn from them - don't we? Think about the three turning points or epiphanies you experienced in 2007 and what you need to take away from those powerful events to become a better person.
3. What did you accomplish? Celebrate the joy of accomplishment! Pat yourself on the back and recognize the things you did right during the year.
4. What did you learn? As we walk through life, we are constantly being conditioned by our environment, our family, our friends, our job, etc... The end of the year is a great time to look back on learning experiences and make sure that you integrate new knowledge and skills into your everyday world.
5. What did you complete or release? Hopefully we are always growing and evolving - leaving old things behind and transforming into something fresh and new. Acknowledge the things you've completed during the year and rejoice in the negative areas of your life that have been released.
6. What still feels incomplete? It's important not to abandon everything when a new year begins, so remind yourself of unfinished business and make sure your goals for 2008 build on incomplete issues from 2007.
7. What were your biggest challenges, roadblocks or difficulties? We never enjoy looking back at difficulties, but, alas, that is often the only way to avoid repeating them. Ponder the challenges and failures of 2007 - and do your best to set yourself up for success in 2008.
8. How are you different this year than last? Every year we should see changes in ourselves. Think about the metamorphoses you have gone through. Keep the good changes and throw out the bad. Go into the New Year reading to live your best life and take on the world! |
| Eliminate Holiday Stress
By Colette Robicheau
Organizing Consultant and Coach (www.organizeanything.com or email info@organizeanything.com)
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Feeling pulled in a million directions this holiday season? Your children need you at school concerts, work has extra holiday hours and commitments, and your friend needs help planning a big holiday party? The extra money, time and energy expended during the holiday season is very stressful. Keep in mind that you won't be of use to anyone if you over extend yourself. Practice these holiday stress reducers so you don't just survive the season, but enjoy this special time of the year.
1. Take a break each day for yourself. Plan it in your calendar as you would a meeting or appointment. Schedule "you" time for at least 15-30 minutes each day doing something that you enjoy. Whether it's reading a good book, going for a manicure or journal writing, take the time to relax and rejuvenate.
2. Just say "No". It's OK not to do everything. Graciously thank people for their invitations but let them no you are unable to attend. No excuses necessary.
3. Question your traditions. Traditions are wonderful, but ask yourself if everyone is still enjoying them or whether the time and effort is worth it to you and your family. Ask family members which traditions they really enjoy. Then think about altering those traditions to better suit today's busy lifestyle.4. Don't buy into bigger is better. Whether shopping for a gift, creating a warm evening for friends or cooking or baking, think of ways to simplify. Don't make it more difficult than it has to be.
5. Maintain your regular exercise routine. Don't schedule your workouts around your other activities, schedule your other activities around your workout routines. Try to go to the gym, swim or exercise at home at the same time each day. If you need to go to the store, park far away from the front entrance and get some exercise while you are at it. What about bundling up and having some fun with the kids outside? Give yourself and loved ones the best gift of all this holiday and take care of your health first.
6. Get to bed at your usual time or earlier. It can be tough to squeeze everything in that needs to get done for the holidays after work and throughout the day. Sometimes people make up for this by staying up later hours. With festive activities like parties and concerts keeping you up at all hours, it's time to head to bed early on those nights you are at home. If you find yourself just flipping through the TV channels and considering your rerun options, make going to bed early a priority and a better use your precious time.
7. Eat properly. Don't use the holidays and stress as a reason to over eat. Although the holidays bring with them sweet treats and extra appetizers, try not to make food the prime focus. And remember, just because someone offers you something, you do not have to accept. It is not considered rude to politely pass on a food or beverages. If you have ordered something out on the fly and the portion is large consider packing half of it to go and you will save both calories and on time preparing another meal. Remember there is no rule saying you must eat everything on your plate or everything that is handed to you. Pick and choose the healthiest foods and indulge on those. Be selective with richer foods and treats and eat smaller portions.
8. Watch your alcohol consumption. Although some people believe alcohol decreases your stress, it is only a temporary solution. Try to stay away from consuming too many cocktails as this will interfere with your digestion, calorie intake, sleep and overall energy and well-being. When you are careful with what you drink, you will eliminate consuming too much at holiday parties which can create stress issues bigger than post holiday pounds.
9. Cut down your gift giving list. If you have way too many people to buy gifts for this year, try having a family, friend or work gift draw. Often people are very excited about this idea, and are just waiting for someone to suggest it. This will help to relieve you of what to get, time to get it and money to budget. It's simple, the fewer people you have to buy gifts for, the less over all stressors for you.
With all the additional stress that can be added this holiday season it's important to practice some de-stressing activities to make your holidays the festive and joyful time you really want it to be.
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| The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership
By: John Maxwell
December 2007 Book Review
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 In The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John C. Maxwell
combines insights learned from his 40-plus years of leadership
successes and mistakes with observations from the worlds of business,
politics, sports, religion, and military conflict.
Whether you are a follower who is just beginning to discover the impact
of leadership or a natural leader who already has followers, you can
become a better leader. As you read about the laws, you'll recognize
that you may already practice some of them effectively. Other laws will
expose weaknesses you didn't know you had. But the greater the number
of laws you learn, the better leader you will become. Each law is like
a tool, ready to be picked up and used to help you achieve your dreams
and add value to other people. Pick up even one, and you will become a
better leader. Learn them all, and people will gladly follow you.
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As 2007 comes to a close, take the time to look back on the year. Appreciate all your triumphs and learn from your mistakes. Invest some time and energy into developing a strong plan for success in 2008. If there is anyway that Akamai Consulting can assist you - don't hesitate to contact us.
Trish Thomas
Akamai Consulting, LLC
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Do you want more victory in your life?
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The Victory Circle is an intimate networking group for women that offers education, inspiration and support. Join us December 18th at Turleys from 5:30-7:30 to experience this powerful group of women.
www.victorycircles.com
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| Featured Article |
In February, Trish Thomas and Gretchen Anthony of Tilt Consulting will be offering a series of 3 FREE seminars on marketing. Watch for more invformation coming soon...
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| NEW YOU 2008 Sponsorships |
Do you ever wish you had a team of experts to help you feel ready to take on any challenge? Well, now you can!
The NEW YOU 2008 Experiential Expo will be held at the St. Julien Hotel on May 4th and will give women tools in the areas of beauty, wellness, wealth, environment and relationships. 10 amazing women who have received whole life makeover will be featured at a Gala and all proceeds will benefit the YWCA of Boulder!
Best of all, we have sponsorship slots available for cash donors, in-kind donors and tradeshow participants. Contact Trish Thomas for complete details!
www.we2e.biz/expo
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