Archive for the ‘keys to success’ Category

It is fascinating that the expression “to swim against the stream” is a metaphor for making choices in life that go against prevailing opinions. This is considered to be a challenge that is hard to attain. How interesting that we perceive natural phenomena to be difficult.

When we think of salmon swimming upstream back to their place of birth or the thousands of miles birds travel to migrate, we see them as enormous undertakings. However, I wonder if it is even possible for healthy salmon to choose not to return to the river that is their spawning grounds?  Could a healthy migratory bird think “hmmm, maybe I’ll just stay put this winter here in Canada, rather than flying all the way to Mexico”?

It is natural for the salmon to swim upstream. Yes, it takes a lot of energy, but this energy is expended in a manner that maximizes life fulfillment.

As humans our challenge is to get back in touch with the activities that come naturally to us. When we are out of touch with our natural strengths and desires, we settle for a life filled with activities that drain us. Many of us have forgotten our innate strengths, the activities we can engage in for hours without feeling exhausted. Activities that energize us and that we are naturally good at even though they might be perceived as challenging by others.

How to reconnect with the salmon within you:

1. Look back in your life and identify the activities that you enjoyed  most as a child. Go ahead and write these activities down. They may  provide important clues for the kinds of activities that may energize  you today.
2. Now, think about the jobs you have done in your  life so far. For each job, identify the activities that energized you  most and add these to your list.
3. Then think about your  personal life, hobbies and volunteer activities. Which activities  energize you the most? Add these to your list.
4. Now, look at  your list of insights. What small step will you take today to increase  the time you spend doing things that energize you?

The energy you gain from engaging in these activities will provide the fuel to continue on the path of exploring your natural strengths. Soon, you will find yourself eager to swim against the stream, just like the salmon.

When you get stuck on your path of exploration, ask for support from a life coach. Often we take our greatest gifts for granted and think that there is nothing special or worthwhile about that which comes naturally to us. I would be delighted to give you forty minutes of my undivided attention to explore how I might help you identify your strengths so they may be applied toward maximizing fulfillment within your life.

* The Coho Salmon was photographed by David Blevins

The New Year has just began and you may already be struggling to keep your New Year’s Resolutions. Even with the best of intentions to resolve to quit smoking, work out regularly, or make more money, many of us don’t follow-through and stick to our plans.

It’s because many of us create expectations to live up to, rather than a vision to live in to.

What can you do? You don’t have to drop personal goals altogether. There is another way to put your hopes and dreams into practice with intention.

Listen to my recent interview with CBC radio’s Craig Lederhouse on BC Almanac where I shared tips and insights on how to  set meaningful goals and accomplish them with ease.

Laura Baziuk from 24 Hours – Vancouver News also interviewed me on the topic. Read her article!

If you would like further guidance, please don’t hesitate to contact me for your personal complimentary consultation on the phone:  1-888-234-3814

How do you feel about making New Year’s Resolutions? Even with the best of intentions to resolve to quit smoking, work out regularly, or make more money, we already know how it’s going to turn out before we begin. Come January 5th,
we won’t feel like it anymore.

We create an expectation to live up to, rather than a vision to live in to.

What can you do? You don’t have to drop personal goals altogether. There is another way to put your hopes and dreams into practice with intention.

Join us on CBC radio on Dec. 29 @ 12:30pm PST to find out how to set meaningful goals and accomplish them with ease. I look forward to this interview on BC Almanac with Mark Forsythe where I will share my tips and insights.

For a chance to ask your personal questions about goal setting, call the open line @ 604-669-3733 (Vancouver area) or 1-800-825-5950 (toll free).

Do you want to make some significant changes in your life, but somehow feel that you are too old to do that? You are not alone! When I begin working a new coaching client, we often discover a limiting belief: “I am too old to change my career, find my life partner, learn how to belly dance, travel alone, ….” 

Strangely it doesn’t really matter if the new client is 23 or 56 years old, the belief  seems to be able to live in our brains no matter how long we have been on this planet. 

Today, I came across an inspring article about the nearly 100 year old Ria, grandma of the author. Her example shows that we have a choice every day about what we make of life.  I encourage you to read Ria’s story.

If after reading Ria’s story you are still thinking “I am too old to…” think again. It is never too late to transform your life, if Ria can do it in her nineties, so can you. It is never too soon either. 

Make it a great day, today!

“Networking is the key to finding new opportunities, it’s a terrific way to advance your career and grow your business.”

If networking is so full of promise, why do most people get a sinking feeling when they hear the word?

Learning to connect with strangers can be challenging! Even confident, capable professionals often feel awkward and intimidated at a networking event. The key to moving past this discomfort is simple: instead of networking to gain (connections, opportunities, business, etc.), look for ways to give.

When I joined Business Networking International (BNI), I knew networking could help me grow my business, but it felt strange to show up full of self interest and self promotion. Looking around the room, I knew I wasn’t the only one feeling this way.

I started reaching out to people – not for what they could offer me, but to find out how I could help them. I introduced myself, and then introduced people to each other. The more people I talked to, the more connections and opportunities I saw among the group and within my own network. Once I set my own interests aside, networking felt more natural.

I truly believe that whatever you give will come back to you in some way, often completely unexpected. When you shift your perspective from “what can I get” to “how can I contribute” magic happens and networking becomes a rewarding experience. In my first year, one-third of my business revenue resulted from connections I made through BNI – in addition I learned ways to build my business and support team.

In my second year with BNI, I became the chapter mentor, welcoming new people and helping them build their networking skills. My contribution and support were greatly appreciated and led to stronger exchanges among members. My efforts earned me recognition as the Master Networker of the Year. Although it was wonderful to receive the award, the real reward was in the satisfaction of making great connections.

Top 3 Ways to Improve Your Networking Skills:

1. Play the role of the host, no matter where you are. Thank people for coming and make introductions among the group.
2. Stop talking and start listening. Show genuine interest in others.
3. Always look for ways in which you can contribute.