Pay it Forward Day

The movie Pay it Forward was one of my all time favorite movies. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend it. The movie reminds us of the importance of paying it forward and random acts of kindness. A random act of kindness has the power to change a person’s attitude or experience. It also can inspire the recipient to pay that kindness forward to someone else. Help create the ripple of kindness through paying it forward. Just imagine - if you did one random act of kindness each day, and that recipient pays it forward, and the recipient of that act pays it forward - the results would be staggering! And, the kindness always finds it back to you! Together we can make a difference, at home, in our neighborhood, workplace or community.

“Together we can change the world, one good deed at a time.” (by Pay it Forwarders everywhere)

Getting more of what you want

It’s not enough to simply want more from life or business. Like this person in the photo, we must firmly plant our feet on what we want to achieve, set a plan to get there and then celebrate once you have arrived.

No more “oughts”. Often people spend time thinking (and saying) “someone ought to do this!” Instead, reframe this to “I WILL do this”. This powerful transition of statement fosters commitment (and accountability). When people on a team say “someone ought to do that” or “someone should have done that”, respond with a question: “why do you think that?”, “why is that so important to you?”, “what do you think prevented him/her from doing that?”. These questions encourage participation in the solution, instead of in the blame.

Work on YOU first. People expend a lot of energy trying to change others. Instead, focus on what you can change about yourself. Your world is a reflection of your thinking, behaviors and responses. Make a list of your strengths. Explore what you can do to be stronger because when you are stronger, so are your successes.

Clarity: Zoom in and get super clear on what it is you want. Develop an action plan; consider who you need to ask for help. When you are clear, the path is clear.

Action- take intentional steps: Go from dreaming to doing by taking intentional steps in the right direction (towards your goals). Pay close attention to how you spend your time, do you spend time moving towards your goals? What are the tasks that you find yourself avoiding or procrastinating?

Celebrate your success, accomplishments and the little steps you take along the way that help you reach your goals. And, acknowledge those who help and support you!

Letting Go

Change is inevitable, not always easy, but certainly a part of life and business we can expect. How we see change, has a lot to do with how we cope with it. During times of change, there are elements that are within our control, and elements that are external, and outside of our ability to control or influence. So where should we put our energy, time and focus?

Chris Clarke-Epstein has a great perspective on this matter. Chris says “ Coming to terms with the parts of a change that you cannot control is critical to being successful. The most constructive thing you can do with No Control factors during change is: 1. Recognize they exist, 2. See them for what they're worth, 3. Let them go.”

Efficient Choices Inspires Effective Actions

"When you make an efficient choice in moments of indecision, you establish more effectiveness within a given time span, saving energy and stress. That's a time shift."Doc Childre

I frequently hear comments from clients about “not having enough time”, or “something has to give”, as they respond to time pressures and competing demands. Often in busy and demanding times, we rush or avoid decisions which can lead to inefficiencies, and sometimes increased stress. Taking the time to think clearly through a decision and the required action, can actually save you time in the long run.

This week, seek opportunities to strategically think through a decision and inspired action.

Charmaine was featured in Workplace Quarterly. Her article titled: Surviving the Boom, the Bust…and What’s in Between - RESILIENCE THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN GOOD TIMES AND BAD

http://www.workplace.ca/newsletter/2010m04-Features.html

GPS Your Best Life™ Vision Board Workshop

What is a vision board? A vision board is a graphic visual image(s) of your goals, dreams and aspirations. It is typically created on a poster board on which you paste or collage images that represent your goals, and things you want to do, be and have. It is a creative way of visually charting your goals, aspirations and future and creating a stronger sense of clarity.

The purpose of vision boards is that when you surround yourself with images/words/symbols and colors that represent who you want to become, your goals and aspirations, what you want to have, where you want to live, or where you want to vacation, the images create a stronger sense of connection with the goal and the end results you desire. It is also said that your life changes to match those images and those desires represented on the vision board.

Charmaine and colleague Debra Kasowski are offering two workshops in April, and two in May. To find out more or to register visit the link: http://www.hammondgroup.biz/VisionBoardWorkshop/

To watch the Vision Board Workshop interview with Charmaine and Debra on SHAW TV visit:

http://start.shaw.ca/start/enCA/videos/featuredvideos.htm?fvPgID={1F23BB27-A0A2-4CF5-8CEB-DEC594691382}&fvTitle=0324VisionShopWorkshop&href3D171C4BD6BC=mms%3A%2F%2Fprdmediax1.shaw.ca%2FStart%2FShawTV%2FEdmonton%2FTodayonShawTV%2F0324VisionShopWorkshop.wmv