Precision Coaching Service...

During this recession everyone is tightening their belts and focusing on the essentials. Unfortunately, one of the things deemed “unessential” is self-care. Ironically, this is a time when we really need to be taking care of ourselves. We need to marshal all of our resources to get through this downturn.

With this in mind I am offering 1 hour “Precision Coaching” sessions for a limited time. The purpose is to get “down and dirty” about one topic/issue that is keeping you up at night.

As a Coach I am highly skilled at helping people cope and work with change. Here are a few examples of Precision Coaching topics I have worked on with clients:

• I used to really have fun at my job. But the recession has really brought everyone down. How can I start enjoying my job again?
• I believe there are opportunities in this down turn. What are ways I can get past my fears and see the possibilities?
• The recession has forced my spouse and I to work together with our finances. It was hard, but we did it. What are other ways we can build on this experience?
• I was totally unprepared for the downturn. If I had to do it all over again, I would do things very differently. How can I make these changes stick?
• I want to re-assure my kids about the economy, but at the same time I want them to learn from this experience. What is important for them to know?
• Eventually this recession will end. What can I do to prepare for the upturn?

Here is how it works:
• Fill out a Precision Coaching form prior to the session and return it to me and set up an appointment. The fee is $65.
• We will coach for 1 hour on 1 topic.
• The focus is on clarity, brainstorming, setting goals, action and accountability. You will end the call with a defined course of action to move forward on your topic.
• A fifteen minute accountability follow up session is available, if needed.

The economic changes we are going through have created tremendous fear, both real and imagined. A major side effect of fear is that it robs us of our ability to act. (Here is a link to an interesting article from the NY Times about fear: "In Hard Times, Fear Can Impair Decision-Making")

What we need right now is action, not paralysis. Are you ready to get out of the bunker and into the fresh air?

Feel free to contact me with questions or to schedule your Precision Coaching hour.


Cheers,

Chip

Economic Lunatic Fringe...

I am going to become a charter member of the lunatic fringe with this entry...

I think a lot of the economic melt down hysteria is hype. I think the media is doing the economic version of "sex sells" only this time anything to do with economic disaster is a hot media topic. The same "experts" that completely missed the impending "train wreck" or arrogantly assured us that gas would never go below $3.00 a gallon are the same ones driving the doom and gloom express. The only economist I have heard making any sense is the one on NPR who said economists have a lousy, almost statistically insignificant record of predicting the economy more than 6 months out. So the reality is...we don't really know what is going to happen! It could get worse or it could get better!

I know things are bad, really bad, for a lot of people. People are losing their homes, jobs, retirement, college funds, self-esteem, confidence and hope. But I think there is a "War of the Worlds" effect going on. People are really scared. Fear is rampant. It is also the enemy. Here is a link to a great article in the NY Times; "In Hard Times, Fear Can Impair Decision-Making" about how fear robs us of our ability to take action and risk and promotes a "bunker mentality". The only way we are going to get out of this mess is for people, banks, businesses, communities to get the hell out of their bunkers and start some forward movement. Movement-any forward movement. Let's all hitch up our courage and do something! Something-anything positive in our lives and communities.

I'd rather enjoy the sunshine and fresh air with my fellow lunatics than stay in the fetid hole of fear with the huddled masses.

Turning Resolution Into Reality

I must admit, there is something about the New Year that fosters change. Although it seems a little cliched, January it does seem like a good time to make some changes. This year seems especially opportune for change. Obama will be inaugurated on January 20th, bringing and end to the Cheney/Bush regime. The economy is in shreds, thanks to the greed, guile and spineless actions of...well the list is a long one. There is a sense that real change is coming and it won't necessarily be easy. But I think people are ready to dig in, work hard and make things happen. It is refreshing to see people actually questioning their lives, values and leaders.

As a Life Coach I work with people who want, sometimes desperately, to change their lives. They are starving for a shift, but are having difficulty making it happen. Most of them have tried and either fallen short or failed. It is my job to help them make the changes stick and I'm good at it. So I thought I would share a couple of tips and resources that might be helpful.

Should vs Want: Ask yourself if the Resolution is a should or a want. If it is something you "should" do, the chances for success are slim. "Shoulds" are usually the result of shame, guilt, expectations or societal pressures. Yech! There is no juice there. If it is something you want, then your odds for success are much greater. Wants are based on desire and fulfillment. "Should" you exercise because it is "good" for you or because you want to feel better, have more energy and be less stressed?

Give Yourself Permission to Fail: Breaking old habits and establishing new behaviors is hard work. Give yourself permission to fail but not quit. If you miss a day at gym, for whatever reason, cut yourself some slack and commit to another day. Going to the gym 1 out of 3 times is still better than 0 out of 3. The important thing is to do it, not beat yourself up because you didn't meet unrealistic and arbitrary expectations. Once the rountine is established you can ramp up the frequency.

Saying Yes and Saying No: This can really be helpful in keeping commitments to change. Make a list of things you need to say Yes and No to which will help you meet your goals. " I say no to scheduling meetings during my work out time" or "I say yes to leaving work on time to be more involved with kids". It is about choice and and intention.

Track Your Actions: Keeping a simple a log is a graphic way to chart your progress. I have a simple form that I can email to you. (chipm@paonia.com)that I have found very effective.

Talisman: Create or find something that embodies the benefits of the change you are trying to accomplishment. When you find your commitment lagging or doubting your intentions, use this to remind you of why the goal is important and why you made it in the first place. It could be a simple piece of jewelery, a photo or a quote.

Don't Go It Alone: Usually when we take on something big in our lives we ask for help or assemble a team. You don't have a baby by yourself or go for an advanced degree. You reach out and get help. Midwives, doctors, parents, friends, professors, spouses. So why is it a cultural expectation to achieve personal goals and growth by ourselves? State your goals and commitments to friends, relative and colleagues and ask them for support. Stating goals to others makes them real and people will be more than willing to help and maybe even join you. If one of your friends asked you for help, would you turn them down? Accountability is a powerful motivator.

Celebrate Your Success: No matter how small, if you followed through on something you committed to doing, then take a moment to enjoy it. Don't listen to the voice that says "you committed to running 3 times and you only ran twice". Relish the fact that you broke out of your old patterns and made time to do something that was important to you.

Changing patterns and behaviors takes time, patience and practice. It is difficult to do by yourself. If your interested in getting some help following through on your New Years Resolutions I am offering a 5 session series focused turning Resolutions Into Reality. Drop me an email or post a comment and I will give you more details.

Cheers!

Chip