LACE for LIFE Coaching - Executive Coach & Business Mentor in Washington DC & Alexandria VA

Overcoming Procrastination & Getting Things Done

3/21/2016

Why do today what you can put off until tomorrow?

Wait a minute, that's not how the saying goes. Are you a procrastinator? If you are, there are a number of possible reasons. There are also some consequences when you procrastinate. Fortunately, there are some strategies you can use to overcome procrastination.

Intentions, without actions, are not good enough

3/20/2016

Actions Prove Who You Are; Words Just Prove Who You Want To Be

Both my words and actions help define me. However, my actions are more important because words are hollow if I cannot back them up with action. My credibility is enhanced when what I do matches what I say. I enjoy peace of mind and a simplified life when I back up my words with actions. I earn the trust of others, and people know they can depend on me. When I say I am going to attend a committee meeting, I show up on time and contribute my full attention. I am especially careful when I know that others are relying on my promises. I want to avoid harming anyone, even inadvertently.

How can you become more intentional:

Follow through with what you say. You'll become a better role model for your children. They are more likely to follow your advice if they see you applying it to your own life.
Ensure that you think before you speak. Consider your limits and choose your words carefully. It's the only way you can live up to your word.
Most of all, strive to be authentic. Being true to your core values helps your thoughts, speech, and actions flow smoothly in the direction that you want.

Individual decisions become easier when your guiding principles are already firmly established in your mind. If you are ever unable to follow through on what you have said for some unavoidable reason, apologize and work to make amends.

Let your actions speak for themselves. You are only as good as your word.
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My Faith Makes Me Smile

3/13/2016

My spiritual beliefs build a strong foundation for my happiness. My faith allows me to feel secure, so I can relax and enjoy life.

I have learned to regard myself and others with real compassion. I seek to see the humorous side of the errors that we all make.

My faith liberates me to share fun times with those around me. I connect with others who share my convictions. Together, we experience laughter, support, trials, and triumphs.

How is spirituality beneficial:

You will become more tolerant. It is easier for you to forgive others, even when your feelings are hurt. You can move past anger and sadness. Arguments give way to more pleasant interactions.
Having faith puts things in perspective and helps you understand what really matters. You will act more responsibly without taking difficulties too seriously.
Prayer offers a warm conversation with the divine. This spiritual dialogue sets you at ease to tackle sensitive topics without feeling threatened or overwhelmed. It is okay to describe a funny experience or just pour out my heart.

There are many ways for you to use your faith to express your happiness. Keep in mind that others may be influenced by your mood. When you are cheerful, you share the benefits of your faith with others. You can also socialize with the same people you pray with and pray for. Meditation and devotional time will become a valuable extension of worship and prayer. Today, truly rejoice in the good feelings that arise from practicing your faith. Through faith, tensions are transformed into laughter and contentment.

You Already Have Everything You Need

3/6/2016

I open myself up to the fact that abundance is everywhere, and it is for everyone to enjoy. I view myself as strong and prosperous. When I wake each morning, I take stock of what I plan to accomplish throughout the day.

When things get tough, I remind myself that the peaks and valleys of life come and go, but I still have what I need. This allows me to focus and steer my mind toward my long-term goals.

What is it like to have an 'Abundance' mindset:

The future takes care of itself if you focus on today. By keeping the end point in mind, you plant a seed that blossoms into awesome abundance down the road.
Your desires are powerful, and they motivate you to take action. You understand how important it is to prioritize. You focus on the desires that benefit you for today and tomorrow. And you support yourself by staying away from distractions that can slow you down.
As you get closer to what you truly desire, you remain even keel. Although your excitement fuels you, you keep your eyes on the horizon. As you navigate life’s inevitable challenges, keep your energy on your long-term goals.

Each day you are graciously given another opportunity to focus your attention on what you truly want. By noticing the abundance that is around you, you remember that success is within your grasp. Today, notice the riches that surround us all. Be cognizant of how you perceive things. When you feel your concentration fading, think about your most passionate goals.

5 Ways to Make your Day More Meaningful

2/28/2016

My last blog post, Live More Passionately, offered some ideas for incorporating more passion in the life you lead. A few readers asked for more concrete changes that one could pursue. Some people have asked me how they're supposed to thrive in what seems like a "dead-end" job. Others have mentioned how hard it is to cope in a job that has nothing to do with their passion. Here's the hard truth: You have the power to change everything - you have to start with your own energy first!

According to some studies, nearly two thirds of Americans are dissatisfied at work. It's up to you to make your work worth doing!! Whether you work in a hospital or a government building, you can make your job more meaningful. Take a look at these 5 ideas for putting more purpose into your job.

Serving Others:

1. Help your coworkers. Our relationships with our colleagues play a big role in our happiness at work. Pitch in with assembling press packages or proofreading the annual report. Share your lunch when your colleague is stuck on a conference call during lunch.

2. Create a great customer experience. You can brighten someone's day by going the extra mile to help them feel valued through your interaction. Take time to answer their questions and point out helpful features. Thank them warmly for doing business with you.

3. Advance the organizational mission. If your employer benefits society, you can find gratification in being part of the team. Maybe you raise awareness about lung cancer or design safer cars.

Develop Your Talents:

1. Strengthen your communication skills. Communicating effectively is a requirement for almost any job. Ask for feedback about how you come across in writing and in person.

2. Practice your leadership skills. Strategic thinking and positively influencing others are valuable traits at every stage in your career. Welcome projects that give you a chance to rehearse for future challenges.

3. Pursue education. Take advantage of opportunities for life-long learning. Study a foreign language or master a new software application.

Express Your Creativity:

1. Upgrade your presentations. Make the most of your reporting responsibilities. Impress your supervisor with a multimedia presentation and compelling graphics when they ask you to do something simple like research recycling vendors or conference venues.

2. Start an ambiance committee. Suggest forming a committee to make suggestions on how to add visual stimulus in the office. Coordinate a company-wide cleanup day. Attractive and neat surroundings aid in productivity and morale.

3. Share your hobby. Welcome your passions into the workplace. You could bring in flowers or vegetables from your garden or take photographs at special events.

Share Your Joy:

1. Plan a party. Organize birthday parties for the people in your department. Offer a surprise homemade snack to celebrate "National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day".

2. Promote good health. Encourage friendships and fitness. Put together a company softball team. Negotiate a group discount at a local gym.

3. Look at the funny side of things. Search for the humor in any situation. Look forward to the customers who bring in pictures of their kids' Halloween costumes.

Chart a New Course:

1. Network extensively. Even if you believe it's time to look for a different position, you can still use your time constructively. Try to make more contacts with those who can help you advance your career. Attend meetings and volunteer at the nearest chapter of your professional association. Invite people out to lunch and send them articles they might be interested in. Start reaching out!

2. Document your accomplishments. Record career achievements that will sound impressive on your resume. Adding value during your last days on the job will keep you motivated and energized.

3. Facilitate the transition. Remind yourself of what you like about your job and why you're grateful to your current employer. Try to create a smooth transition for your successor while you seek out your passion and purpose by starting a new job or returning to school.

While you will probably need your boss to approve a raise or a bigger office, there are some adjustments you can make on your own. Even trivial tasks feel significant when you understand why you're doing them. Feeling more content at work will reduce stress and add more meaning to your life.

Please comment and share your thoughts. How do you make work more meaningful? How do you connect with your passion on a daily basis?

Live More Passionately

2/21/2016

I admit it - I am a passionate person. Deep within, I have a burning desire to thrive. I listen to my inner voice and let it guide me. I realize that my greatest successes come when I embrace my passions.

Each day I set aside time to look within myself and explore the world of my inner space. Little by little, I incorporate my true passions into my daily routine. I seek guidance from my inner self on how to incorporate my passion into each day.

Here's how you can start:

Aim to work more joyously and efficiently. Bask in the joy of acknowledging your desires during your day-to-day activities. Know that you can live any way you want if you set your mind to it. You are a powerful creator.
The act of pursuing your dreams will propel you forward. Once you set a goal, nothing can stop you from achieving it. Your life reflects your commitment to your true self.
As you face life’s challenges, take comfort in knowing that you are pursuing what you desire most. As you become more committed to pursuing your passion, life will become easier.

When you move towards your true calling, you’ll probably feel a great weight lifted from your shoulders. Today, choose to awaken the spark within. Acknowledge what you truly want to do, be, and have. Say yes to success, and step toward the life you know you deserve. When your passion motivates you, know that you can achieve anything.

Give A Little To Get A Lot

2/14/2016

I am compelled to sacrifice trivial exploits when I know I have pressing matters to attend to. I constantly remind myself that there are more important things in need of my time. I know that once I am done, I can focus on the lighter side of life.

Significant achievements inspire me to go after even bigger challenges. When I am working, I create a list of priorities. I place the greatest importance on the tasks that make the greatest impact. That way, my successes keep me moving forward.

I take time to rejuvenate my mind as I work on my goals. This re-energizes me so I can take on new tasks with the same fervor.
Although there are many things I want for myself, my focus is on the well-being and happiness of my family members. When I consider the needs of my family, prioritizing is easy. I know I can return to my own desires after I take care of them.
I feel a great sense of fulfillment when I make sacrifices. The feeling of satisfaction is incomparable. When I choose to sacrifice something today, I know it is to allow for a better tomorrow.

Understand that sacrifices exist to teach you how to be patient and focused on your higher callings. The lessons you learn are more profound when you allow yourself to make necessary sacrifices for others.

LACE for Life Questions:

1.    What things do you have to sacrifice to realize your strongest desires?

2.    How do you handle sacrifices that impact your relationships with others?

3.    When have you made a sacrifice that turned out to be harmful?

The Power of a Positive Attitude

2/7/2016

I don't gamble, I always win! I have the mindset of a winner. My life is something to celebrate. I know that regardless of the outcome of a situation, my victory is based on an optimistic outlook. When I am faced with challenges, I choose to approach them with unwavering confidence.

I confront situations knowing that I am a strong, capable person. This attitude allows me to do my best, every time. My view of success is more than just being the first one across the finish line. It comes from making the most of the entire experience.

Challenges are an opportunity for learning. I can assess my weaknesses and work on minimizing them. I acknowledge my mis-steps and develop strategies to avoid them in the future.
I continually strive to sharpen my skills and cultivate a more positive attitude. Consistently thinking in this way connects my intentions with my actions.
Second chances are a great time for me to show improvement. I perform better each time I try again without fear of the outcome. I know I am an achiever, even if I have to make multiple attempts. I do not quit!

Our place in this world is best served through ongoing self-development. You can choose to believe in yourself, and to approach each day and each challenge with confidence. Smile at the beginning of the day because you're excited about the chance to learn something new. Smile at the end of each day because you have fully embraced the experience.

LACE for Life Questions:

1.    In what situations are you less confident than usual?

2.    What techniques can you use to embrace a winning mindset?

3.    How can you turn a loss into a win?

Take Action To Be Inactive

1/31/2016

I schedule breaks in each day. They serve me well as they heighten my productivity and sharpen my concentration. I am able to accomplish more and focus better once I return to my work. When I schedule these idle moments, they inspire my creativity. I feel more joyful, and I am able to see familiar events in a brand new way.

I see proof of this all around me. I experience mental breakthroughs while staring at the trees blowing in the wind. Solutions to difficult questions suddenly become clear to me. I discover what words to use for a challenging project, and I have the focus to determine how I want to reorganize my upcoming webinar.

Begin each day with some peace and quiet. Try reading a few pages of a book or even just drinking your coffee outside while listening to the birds.
When you feel sleepy, schedule a quick nap into your routine. Even ten minutes of sitting with your eyes closed can leave you feeling refreshed. Try to engage in daily meditation to create a more mindful state of being. This may help to increase your awareness of the many opportunities surrounding you.
Activities that require very little mental effort are able to free up your imagination. Picture yourself taking on new challenges while you bike ride or jog on the treadmill. Nature walks can add beauty to any afternoon. Remember to be grateful for simple things you see each day, like green plants and blue skies.

If you need a longer hiatus, go on a retreat alone or with a small group. You may travel to the mountains or simply spend a few hours sitting in your local park. Today, start to appreciate the stillness of downtime. Choose to take steps to renew your energy and enjoy life.

LACE for Life Questions:

1. What are three relaxing activities that help you think with greater clarity?

2. How does downtime stimulate your creativity and foster a more positive mindset?

3. How can you disconnect from work and focus more on your family when the work day is finished?

The Secret of True Happiness: Being True To Yourself

1/24/2016

Stop trying to use external factors to make yourself happy and know that true happiness comes from being true to yourself. Being true to yourself means living according to what you believe. Your beliefs are grounded in your morals and your character, using your conscience as a guide. If you have a good heart, follow it.

My own principles have helped me work through both the favorable and unfavorable events in my life. I sometimes make tough decisions that are necessary for my own happiness. Some decisions that may cause unhappiness today are strategically designed to lead to happiness later on. I trust my intuition about what I need to do for tomorrow, regardless of the impact today.

When my conscience is clear, I feel at ease. I leave my nervous tendencies in the past. I avoid relying on the opinions of others to drive my decisions. Although seeking advice is helpful, I only do it to gain perspective, not to allow others to decide for me.

When I catch myself being stubborn in my thinking, I remember my responsibility to make mature decisions. Even when others are unhappy with my decisions, if I know my decisions are for the best, I refuse to change my mind.

My actions are based on my decision to seek peace and happiness.

Today, I continue to search for happiness in every aspect of my life. This is a work in progress that takes considerable effort. Situations change and cause me to make difficult decisions, but I am justified as long as I remain true to myself, and ensure that my actions match my intentions.

LACE for Life Questions:

1.    When have you allowed the influence of others to change your moral position?

2.    How can you ensure that your decisions are geared towards peace and happiness?

3.    Why do you sometimes allow outside forces to influence you into making counterproductive or unfavorable decisions?

How do you create happiness in your everyday life?