Purposeful News
March 2010 |
Greetings!
For those of us in the United States, the familiar custom of Spring Break is upon us. Kids of all ages take vacations from their work or studies to relax and unwind.
A good break refreshes the mind. What do you do in the normal course of your week to refresh your mind and restore your creativity? How do you practically evaluate your priorities and progress?
This month I'm sharing practical and proven ideas to help you focus your energy on what matters most for your success. Participate fully and you may be changed for life!
Enjoy the journey,
Janna
Janna Rust Coach & Founder
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Stop! Look! Listen!
Slow down to Speed Up
Do you find yourself constantly playing "catch up" or trying to stay on top of a constant swirl of activity? Are you so busy working on the day-to-day that you don't stop to look at the bigger picture?
If you answered yes to either of the above, you are not alone. Most of us don't take time to slow down to celebrate our accomplishments, evaluate the past and plan for the future. Consequently, we cheat ourselves out of our best work.
Picture yourself as a sprinter. Sprinters run full speed ahead - arms pumping, feet pounding, lungs gasping - with no thought of anything but making it to the finish line. Sprinters run on the verge of being out of control. They can't run that way forever.
When we sprint through life, we cheat ourselves of our best because we focus so much on the "race" that we miss opportunities, stifle creativity, and eventually crash and burn. We need to regularly get off the track to get back on track.
Here's how you can step off the track and get back to your best:
1) Stop. Stop doing and schedule an hour each week to reflect, review and refocus your priorities.
2) Look. List the things you've learned in the past week and reflect on them. Take one action step or make one change based on what you've learned.
3) Listen.
Look at your life from a 30,000 foot view. In this quiet place above the clutter of life, consider steps #1 and #2, all of your "to do's" and "want to's", and ask yourself "What will I do with what I know?" Listen to your heart and your intuition for the answer.
Slowing down helps us chart a proper course so we can run in the right direction. Knowing where to run eliminates the confusion that slows us down.
Stop, look, and listen today. Then, hang on for the ride! |
Practical Personal Evaluations
When was the last time you took a few minutes to evaluate how you are doing in your life or work? Every week I ask my clients to do this by way of a Session Preparation Form. I participate in the same process with my own coach.
I love the Session Preparation Form! The process of answering the questions forces me to acknowledge what I've accomplished rather than what didn't get done. It also helps me to objectively and proactively address my challenges and provides me with the focus I need to move forward efficiently.
Wouldn't you like to experience the same? You can!
This month I'm inviting you to share in the process I use with my clients each week to encourage forward movement in achieving their goals. If you fully participate, I know you will not be disappointed. Are you ready to join us?
Pick a time and day of the week on which for the next four weeks you can allow 30 minutes to write out the answers to the following questions:
- What went well last week ... forward motion, victories, learning?
- What was challenging?
- How could you best use your time this week?
- What will you commit to doing this week to progress in your life or career?
Date each week's evaluation and at the end of the four weeks look back at the progress you've made. Then, email me with your success stories. I'd love to hear them!
NOTE: This process also works for weekly one-on-one meetings with staff as it monitors progress, provides accountability and opens the door for honest communication. |