Is Thinking BIG About Your Business or Career Like Bragging?
It’s common knowledge that many people have issues with boastful people. We have a bias against those who seem “full of themselves” and constantly let everyone know how wonderful they are. If the person happens to be a woman, there is even more of a negative reaction to her lack of humility.
If you follow my work and my blog, you know that I help professional women identify and connect with their value and talent and thereby gain
the confidence to promote themselves. (This isn’t bragging or boasting, by the way, but authentically talking about your accomplishments and value proposition.) There is much evidence that communicating your value helps you to advance your career and get more clients.
If you understand your value proposition, what plan do you have to offer your gifts and talent to the world? I mean, what is your BIG plan for your business or career? Do you dare to go there?
I believe that we think small because we are afraid that if we let others know the dreams we have for ourselves, people will think we are “full of ourselves”. We may get the skeptical looks, the rolling eyes, the “are you kidding me?” look. Who do you think you are that you could achieve that?
Well, guess what? If we think small, we stay small. If we keep our ordinary story, we stay ordinary. (I am borrowing that from Suzanne Evans. I just spent three amazing days at her Be The Change Event where I heard this over and over again.) If we want to be extraordinary, then we need to ditch our ordinary story for a bigger one, and we need to be able to articulate that new big story with the same confidence we do our value proposition.
Everything changes when you understand your value. This includes your story and your plans for your career and business. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Don’t be ashamed to create a new big story that expands the way you offer your unique value to the world. It’s not bragging. It’s simply you acknowledging that you have these gifts. It’s simply you understanding your value and believing that you can achieve great success because of it.
What’s your extraordinary story?
Join me Thursday, April 26th for a FREE teleseminar on The 3 Insider Secrets to Marketing Yourself for Success in Business Today.
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Re-energizing My Life
Look out world! My theme for this year is to re-energize my life! And because it’s my theme for the year, any decisions I make will be evaluated with this theme in mind to determine if I am truly aligned and making choices that support my goal.
I must say that just the process of identifying this theme has already given me more energy, but more importantly, it has helped to me evaluate what in my life right now is draining my energy. I’m sharing this process with you because I feel so strongly that most of the time we don’t realize what deflates us; what brings us down. And if we do recognize it, sometimes we don’t even have the energy to deal with it.
This blog is not about being a super woman or super mom. As women we often take on too much and don’t give ourselves a break when we don’t meet our own expectations. This post is about energy. What fuels our energy? What drains our energy?
Where are your energy leaks?
1. Work
Are you doing the type of work that fuels your energy; that validates your sense of accomplishment? Because we spend much of our lives working, this is SO important. Key questions to ask yourself are:
- Do I look forward to going to work?
- Am I tired before the work day begins?
- Do I procrastinate completing projects? (this could be due to other factors as well)
- Do I enjoy the people I work with?
- Do I feel respected at work?
- Do I spend more time being frustrated than fulfilled?
2. Personal Relationships
Our personal relationships provide a support system for us, but how much of our time and energy is spent supporting others?
- Do I get the support I need from my friends and family?
- How much time do I spend in relationships that drain my energy?
- Who are the people in my life that give me energy and support?
3. Lifestyle Choices
- Am I getting enough exercise?
- Does my diet reflect healthy choices that provide me with the energy I need to support my lifestyle? (P.S. Caffeine is not the answer)
- Do I take time out for myself on a regular basis to recharge my batteries?
- Do I have a hobby or sport that I participate in that rejuvenates me?
- Is my home environment organized and functional or am I always struggling to keep up?
- Why do I live where I live? Do I spend too much time commuting? Is it worth it?
I know from my own perspective as I evaluate new work projects this year I will look very carefully at the type of work to determine if it aligns with my talent and strengths. Though it is sometimes difficult to turn down opportunities, I know how toxic it can be to choose projects that drain my energy and leave me feeling deflated in the process. I already have plans for a new website, a new radio show, a book and much more. Stay tuned!
I will look to spend more time with the people in my life who stimulate me intellectually and inspire me to be the best I can be. That’s a great energy source.
Let me ask you: What drains your energy? How can you re-energize your life going forward?
Do You Dare to Dream?
Here’s the question: “If you had all the resources and freedom to do whatever you wanted, what would you do? How would you live your life?
My coach asked me this question as we started our initial work together this week and quite honestly, I was overwhelmed. I realized then that it has been a long time since I have allowed myself the personal freedom to dream of my future.
I seem to be stuck in practicality these days, focused on making a living and replenishing my savings and investments. In fact, I am chasing my financial goals with such intensity, that I have lost sight of where I’m headed.
The instability of our country’s financial status and the volatile swings on Wall Street all contribute to my sense of urgency to focus on my financial viability above all else. But the personal cost to me has been to lose that necessary time to dream and let my imagination carry me to perhaps new approaches and innovations in my business and life.
Because answering the above question was so difficult for me, I was wondering if I’m the only one who has lost touch with their dreams. Can you relate?
Last year I did some dreaming. My goal was to be a “Woman of Influence”; to do more public speaking and workshops to help women reach their career and leadership goals; to do more writing as well. I generated some fabulous ideas on how to reach this goal. Somewhere along the way, I got lost and lost my focus. I now realize how important it is to allow yourself to dream and dream big every so often.
Take some time this week and ask yourself the above question. Let yourself dream and brainstorm and have fun with your freedom of thought.
Let me know how it goes. What are your dreams?
GPS Your Life and Career
I have always traveled quite a bit for business, and before every trip I would diligently print out my airline ticket, the rental car information, and directions from the airport to my destination.
Often this meant trying to read Mapquest directions while driving on a highway or in the dark. It never worked well and thank goodness I’m still alive after several close calls with other cars on the road. The biggest challenge, however, was having Mapquest dump me some strange place that was not where I wanted to go. Have you ever experienced that?
But now we have GPS, the Global Positioning Satellite, and somewhere up in the sky there is a satellite that knows where I am and beams down directions for me. It provides a step by step navigation and helps me stay on course so I get to where I want to go. How comforting is that?
Don’t you wish you had a GPS for your life and career? Wouldn’t it be great to simply plug in your dreams or goals for your life and career and have someone tell you in a very confident assuring voice how to get there?
Imagine if you took a wrong turn every so often or a detour, the GPS would “recalculate” and bring you pack on course.
It is common this time of year to set goals. We’re often so much better at setting the goals than keeping on track until we reach our destination. Here’s my suggestion: find a “GPS Buddy”.
Ask a colleague, friend, coach or mentor to hold you accountable this year and help you with your own personal navigation system. A “GPS Buddy” could make a huge difference in how well you navigate in 2011 toward your life and career goals.
What are your goals for your career or business? It is important to be intentional and focused to be successful.
In this fast paced business environment, people are just too busy to seek you out so you need to strategically plan how to create your visibility, how best to communicate your value proposition and to whom. Without this GPS or strategic plan, you are quite simply less likely to reach your career destination.
I am offering two new programs in January to help women differentiate themselves and confidently communicate their value so they attract more clients or win the promotion they deserve. These programs are limited to just 10 women! RESERVE YOUR SPACE NOW!
The 90-Day Intensive for Entrepreneurs and the 90-Day Intensive for Managers help women overcome their barriers to self promotion and create powerful personal messages about how their value can benefit others. Self promotion is a must have skill in today’s workplace if you want a successful business or career!
I have extended the Early Bird Discounts until January 10th to give you all a chance to get caught up from the holidays. If you register before January 10th you will receive:
- A $700 discount!
- A free 60 minute strategy coaching session with me to create your unique plan.
- A free ebook , How to be Happy for No Reason, with best selling author, Marci Shimoff
- And if you are one of the first 3 women to register, you also get a free 60 minute PR strategy session with publicist, Lisa Elia.
Sign up now to propel your business and career forward in 2011!
I hope you can join me for a successful and amazing 2011.
What is Your Reaction to No Action?
I know a couple of things about myself. First of all, I am extremely action oriented. In the past, actively working toward my goals has contributed to my success. I am good at identifying what I want and creating and implementing an action plan to achieve results. That’s me.
Yet, very often life presents us with roadblocks that prevent us from moving according to our desired time frame. These barriers or set backs can be very frustrating for someone who has been successful by persistently pushing forward.
What I’ve learned about myself through this process is that I am impatient. I am accustomed to forward movement and feel uncomfortable with inertia. Sometimes this inertia even causes me to make decisions that are not in my best interest, just for the sake of being active; doing something.
Wise people tell me to trust the universe; that things happen (or don’t happen) for a reason; to be patient. I do believe there is some validity in this, yet I also trust myself. I have faith in my innate ability to solve problems.
How does one balance the trust that the universe will take care of us versus the trust that we need to take care of ourselves?
Here’s my current issue. I want to relocate. I came up with Plan A and put my house on the market. That plan didn’t work. Plan B was then created to rent the house year round. No takers. Plan C followed. That plan was to offer the house for a cheaper winter rental. None of these plans have worked so far.
Here’s what I know about myself. I will soon come up with another plan to move forward toward my goal. This next plan will not include waiting around for the universe to give me answers.
What about you? How do you react when there is no forward movement in your life or career?
Spring Has Sprung!
Are you feeling the buzz? At least here in the northeast, spring has sprung. After a long and painful winter, the warm weather is such a blessing, and the change happened so suddenly that we were caught off guard. The beginning of the week, we were still in winter doldrums and by mid week, it was easy to forget the stormy winter and look forward.
The advent of spring has brought a great new energy and optimism. Can you feel it? Let’s dust off the negative energy, the worries of the recession and the fear that accompanies it, and embrace the new positive force.
What does this mean for you personally and professionally?
What have you put off this winter due to low energy? exercise? proper diet? quality time with friends and family?
Maybe it’s time to choose a new stretch goal. Use all the positive energy to fuel your self confidence. You can do anything!
Forge new relationships. Get out and build your social network. It’s an investment in you and your business or career.
Focus your energy on getting a new job, taking on new responsibilities, completing a difficult project.
Look for opportunities to collaborate or partner to build your business. The possibilities for co-creation are endless. Tap into your creativity.
Yes, spring has sprung. Can you feel the buzz?
Life Lessons Learned from Trail Running
The heat and humidity of this summer pushed me from my normal running routine on the road into the cool shade of the woods. Trail running is a new experience for me and I realized today as I navigated around the roots and rocks, streams and mud, that trail running can be a metaphor for how we live our lives and if we pay close attention, there are lessons to be learned here in the dark solitude of the woods.
Here are some of my thoughts:
- How comfortable are you being lost?
Yesterday I ventured down a new path deep into the woods and realized after running 45 minutes that I was totally lost.
Do you trust your instincts to bring you back on track with your life when you feel lost?
Is it OK to feel somewhat lost and without a compass?
Do you continue to follow the path even though you are lost with the hope that it will lead you someplace new and exciting or do you turn around and retrace your steps and stay in your comfort zone?
2. How willing are you to stumble and fall?
Today I tripped 5 times. Navigating around the roots and rocks is a challenge especially for a novice like myself.
Do you always take the safe path?
Do you allow yourself to stumble at times?
Do you forgive yourself if you fall; pick yourself up and continue on your path with a renewed energy?
3. How do you face obvious challenges?
When the path I’ve chosen becomes a steep hill with rough terrain, I have a choice. I can stand at the bottom of the hill and strategize how best to make it to the top. I can run directly up the hill as fast as I can to achieve my goal or I can choose a circuitous route that carefully takes me around the obstacles, knowing that it will take a little more time to reach the summit. OR, I can choose different approaches at different times under different circumstances.
What do you do?
4. What do you do when you are suddenly faced with unanticipated challenges?
I thought the trail I chose to run was a good one but suddenly I was faced with a path that was barely passable.
What do you do?
Do you push yourself forward regardless of obstacles?
Do you return to your comfort zone and retreat?
How do you handle life’s surprise challenges?
And finally, an important question:
5. Is it possible to stay focused on the task at hand and still be present in the overall experience?
I thoroughly enjoy the experience of trail running, feeling the sweet fresh air on my face, hearing the sounds of nature, the peaceful solitude of it all. I want to be intimate with the experience yet I also know that if I lose my focus for a second, I can easily trip and injure myself.
Is it possible to do both?
Is it possible to navigate our own lives with a determined focus and goal and also be intimately present in each daily experience?
I welcome your thoughts and comments.
Your Career Path as a Jungle Gym
During a panel discussion at New York University’s “Dialogue for Leadership – From Challenge to Opportunity: Leading to the Future”, the moderator, Patti Sellers, Editor at Large at FORTUNE, made the following insightful comment to the MBA women:
Don’t think of your career as a ladder. Think of it as a jungle gym. If you think of it as a ladder, you won’t have the peripheral vision to enable you to see the lateral opportunities and especially today when you don’t know what the hot job is tomorrow. You’ve got to keep yourself open and you’ve got to swing to the opportunities that come along.
Sellers further expanded on this by saying that many of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women have, in fact, made lateral moves and even downward moves in order to broaden their experience and it has paid off for them in the long run.
The message here is that if you are ONLY looking up the ladder at the next rung, you could very well miss some opportunities that can have tremendous benefit to advancing your career.
Focus is great as long as it doesn’t become tunnel vision and blind you to what else is out there for you.
Lead Yourself to Success
I am often asked about my own corporate career path and how I made the successful transition from manager to executive. There is, of course, no one answer or formula for success. Everyone has their own story about how they navigated their way to the top. Some women may claim it’s luck; being in the right place at the right time. Some may say it took hard work and long hours. I do believe there is some commonality to all the stories and a critical piece to becoming a leader is first understanding yourself and defining a clear vision or goal.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Who am I? What really matters to me? What am I passionate about?
- What are my strengths? How can I build on these strengths to reach my goal?
- What is my career goal? What is my time frame for achieving this goal? Is it realistic?
- What skills do I need to achieve this goal? Do I have these skills? Do I need to improve my skills? What resources are available for me?
- What methodology or action plan do I need to adopt to move forward consistently toward my goal?
Armed with a thorough understanding of yourself and a clear vision of where you want to go, set your intentions and lead yourself to success.
Setting Your Goals for 2009: Step Three
In our goal setting process so far:
- We listed our accomplishments over the past year.
- We reviewed this list and noted what strengths and values these accomplishments represent. What lessons did we learn about ourselves and what success patterns did we identify that will carry us forward to continued success?
Now we are going to look forward and set our sights on where we want to be in the future. In Breaking the Rules, Kurt Wright describes a “New Paradigm in Goal Setting”. He recommends that we start with the END in mind. This approach to goal setting with the focus on the long range goals frees you from thinking about limitations and obstacles. (As an example, sometimes when you think about a specific goal you would like to accomplish in the short term, it is easy to start thinking about HOW you are going to do that and then reject it because you don’t know the HOW. This hinders the visioning process.)
Wright recommends that you begin your visioning with ten year goals in these areas:
- Spiritual Goals
- Family Goals
- Career Goals
- Self-Improvement Goals
- Health Goals
- Social Goals
- Financial Goals: how much money is required to support the above goals?
Start thinking about how you want your life to look in ten years within each of these categories. Jot down some notes in each category. You will have more information in some areas than others. Take your time and write down your thoughts over time. What is your vision for yourself, your business, your relationships? Prioritize the categories. Which ones are most important to you? Where do you have the most information right now? This is the starting point.
Now, knowing what you do about yourself and your values, what do you think you can accomplish this year toward these goals? Take one category at a time.This becomes your short term action plan for 2009.
- When do you begin?
- What results do you expect to see?
- How do you track my progress?
- What obstacles might pop up and how do you overcome these?
- What resources do you need, if any, to accomplish these action items?
- When do you expect to complete this action item?
Once you have completed your long range goals and short term action plan, Wright recommends that you begin to track your “success factors”.
What three action items can I take on a regular basis that will have the most impact on my success in reaching my goals?
What specific results should I look for to measure my progress?
What can I do to measure specific results? How do I monitor my success?
Tap into the empowering energy of your proven success and know that you have the ability to reach your long term goals when you use your strengths to make it happen.
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