Longtime no blog and good advice on weathering the recession...

I can't believe it has been so long since I blogged (well actually I can). So much has happened since then. New President (yeah!),new Congress (we'll see...), financial chaos, bail outs, Mumbai. Wow. The media has been eating it up! Looks like plenty of material for blogging, I just need to get in the habit. I think I let the "great literature" saboteur drive for awhile. He is under the bus now, as opposed to driving it

Surprisingly the fact that I finished the bulk of my Coaching Training Certification, including an epic 25 page written exam didn't make the headlines. Go figure... "Just" the oral exam to go in January. .

Participated in a very interesting "Webinar" today called "Marketing Coaching in Turbulent Times". It was led by a very experienced, down to earth and inspirational Coach named Steve Mitten (www.acoach4u.com) here are some ideas that stood out for me:

• Don't buy into the negative media hype. It just stresses you out, making you fearful and powerless. Take a "media vacation".
• Emotions are contagious. Hang out with positive folks you can connect with. Limit exposure to "downers".
• Confront your limiting beliefs. Work with a coach, colleague, therapist for friend who can give you some perspectives. He recommended www.thework.com as a resource.
• Buy into the "Universe is friendly place" mentality. Imagine the universe as a place that actually has "your back" and will take care of and provide for you. Or...you can continue to be victimized by a "cold black" force beyond your control.
• Take time every day to something mindful. Yoga, exercise, meditate, laugh, go for a walk, start a gratitude journal, whatever. It's gotta be good you for ya...
• Tough times bring personal challenges and crystallize the desire to change.
• I liked this quote " There is no such thing as bad weather if you're dressed appropriately". Great metaphor...do you get it?
• In tough times in can take 50% more effort to get the results you might get in easy times with 10%.
  
• If you're looking for work or change, find your "fuck it point" . That is the point where your desire for change out weighs the risk of failure. You just say "fuck it" and go for it.
• Form a support group, lean into your relationships and ask for help. This is not a good time to go it alone.

Lot's of other nuggets of wisdom, but those were the ones that really connected with me. The bottom line for me is the perennial coaching question: "Who is gonna show up?" It is up to you...

Cheers!

Chip