Secrets of the Savvy Woman

OUT OF BAD, GOOD CAN HAPPEN

2011-12-05T17:42:31Z

Learning to celebrate success and kiss the past goodbye --

Repost Success # 9 from the 2010 100-Day Challenge was about the BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS.

We learned that:

8. Success, "Stand for something of fall for anything!"

Today we looked at... Out of bad, good can happen.

Nature has a way of correcting itself; not without conflict and chaos, however. This week, as we wrap up our BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS in this year’s 100 Day Challenge, we celebrate the birth of Jesus who came to earth in less than desirable circumstances and modeled the meaning of love and endurance during chaos, hardships and celebrations. He shows us that out of bad, good can happen

I am reminded of a preemie born seven weeks early in a hospital that existed because a wealthy alcoholic benefactor left his transportation company (and revenue stream) to the hospital. The benefactor was grateful to the hospital that took care of him as his addiction ravaged his mind and body.

For the newborn, breathing complications arose within a few hours. The tiny infant was sent to a larger children’s hospital an hour away. He rode in a transportable incubator donated by another businessman who lost a nephew months earlier because there was no way to transport that preemie to the neo-natal ward at the children’s hospital.

Nature has a way of correcting itself. Out of the chaos of a life ravaged in addiction and a morning family’s loss, the life of a premature baby boy was saved. No matter where you are at this moment, take stock and find the gifts in what you have. Start making the best of it. You have so much more going for you than you think. Have faith. Look up - build your path in hope, love and charity as you surround yourself with people who celebrate and support you. With this, your life grows on forever.

Today, we celebrate the birth of our Savior in less than desirable circumstances. Celebrate and remember how far you have come!

Suzy Graven is a Professional Transformational Life and Business Strategy Coach. Her unique experiences provided a doorway to work and learn from amazing leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs, to the sage and wisdom of those who work closest to nature. This perspective serves as a catalyst for women wanting to grow their professional and personal lives. It leads to a thinking (anchored in real possibility) that generates vision and translates into effective action. You will gain power in dealing with every-day issues, and be free to live a major league life. For information on Suzy's coaching or to book her as a speaker, send your requests to: Suzy@suzygraven.com

ONE DAY ON THE WALL: Are you created to succeed and programmed to fail?

2010-12-30T23:34:00Z

You are everything that is,
Your thoughts, your life, your dreams come true.
You are everything you choose to be.
You are as unlimited as the endless universe.
And, something wonderful is coming.
-Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D

Are you created to succeed and programmed to fail?

Congratulations! This ends our third annual 100-Day-Challenge. We examined key components to building life and work models that support a life and style we create. No matter how many motivational and inspirational events we attend or resolutions we make, if we do not develop a structure to support and sustain our intentions, we will fail.

This year's Challenge was about the BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS.

We learned that:

1. Success is not genetic, but rather fueled by your mental energy.
2. Success is not the WIN; it is doing the little things well that sets you up to Win.
3. Success is a strategy not a destination.
4. Success is more about function than it is of genius.
5. Success, the Paradox of
6. Success, Power of Positive Thinking
7. Success, If you doubt, you’re out!
8. Success, "Stand for something of fall for anything."
9. Success , Out of bad, good things can happen.

Today we look at... "Are you created to succeed and programmed to fail?"

Studies reveal that as much as 77% of the programs we carry in our heads are negative, counter-productive, or work against us. Researchers tell us that what we say about ourselves (whether true or not) program our thoughts. Programming influences our actions and how we see ourselves. It also affects how we think the world sees us. Programming determines our self-esteem, self-confidence, our attitudes and beliefs.

The good news is that you can change your programming. During this 100-Day-Challenge, you learned little-by-little the keys to move you out of the negative programming and develop habits to get you on the road to living a significant life.

In his book, WHO ARE YOU REALLY AND WHAT DO YOU WANT?, Dr. Shad Helmstetter (PhD) gives us ten key areas and eight important steps to goal setting. I add one element to the formula — INTENTION (vs. New Year’s resolution). Over the next couple of days, you will toast the past and turn to the future; working the goals you’ve defined for 2011.

Don’t know where to start on your goals? Pull out your new (2011) Journal and start by rating the ten key areas from 1-10 (one being the worst/ten being the best). Once you rate each key life area, ask yourself... "What would it take to be a 10?" Then follow the eight steps of goal setting and add your intention for the year.

TEN KEY LIFE AREAS:

Life Style                    Self- Esteem
Health & Fitness         Personal Organization & Control
Job/Career                  Personal Relationships
Money/Finances          Personal Growth
Quality of Life              Other _____________

EIGHT STEPS TO WRITING GOALS:

1. IDENTIFY the goal:
    a. Goal of Enrichment – Internal desire to improve your life or expand your horizons.
    b. Goal of Necessity – Usually brought on by something happening in your life that needs attention.

2. WRITE it down:
    a. Your goal statement should always start with “To….”
    b. Put it in words, write it down and keep it simple.
    c. Under the goal attach… “I will see significant progress by (date).”

3. Write down an end DATE to reach the goal

4. List the OBSTACLES to reaching the goal

5. After each obstacle, write and date the ACTION STEPS you plan to take

6. PRIORITIZE your focus goals:
Even if you have two to three goals for each of your key areas, you can only focus on two or three of them at a time… each week examine which two or three goals you need to keep in front of you.

7. REVIEW and TRACK your goals on a weekly schedule: Update and change when necessary

8. Reward yourself when you reach each goal (and reward yourself along the way)

ANNUAL INTENTION:

Your intention for the year becomes the blanket or mantle wrapped around each of your ten key areas. It filters throughout all elements of your life and naturally integrates into your goals. Begin by choosing an intention and asking yourself… “What does that mean to me?” Then write it out in your journal. By this time next year, you will find that having defined your intention and lived it throughout the year, you BECOME it. The intention is wholly integrated into your programming.

This is my year for…
• Purging /Letting Go
• Healthy Living/Thinking
• Forgiveness
• Unconditional Love
• Repair
• Receiving
• Giving/Sharing
• Generosity
• Courage
• Living Fully
• Bold Moves
• Healing

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
MAY 2011 BE YOUR BEST YEAR EVER!

25 Days on the Wall...“Stand for something or you’ll fall for anything.”

2010-12-06T17:09:00Z

COMMITMENT...

"How do you go from where you are to where you wanna be? And I think you have to have an enthusiasm for life. You have to have a dream, a goal. And you have to be willing to work for it." - Jim Valvano

COMMITMENT is grounded by a set of values, principles or beliefs unique to you. It determines how you set priorities, and risk level. While technology, economy, organization, innovation and timing act as kindle for success, COMMITMENT SETS IT ON FIRE!

You commit when you say to yourself, “I do not care how many NOs I get; I will keep asking until I get a YES! It drives your purpose and the determination to persevere.

Commitment carries you through difficulties and tough times. How you weather the storms reveals the strength of your core values. In ancient times, Epicurus stated: "...a captain earns his reputation during the storms." The test comes when you are outscored, underserved, the glamour wears off and money dries up. Will you compromise your commitments or hold the line?

Commitment takes its toll, but is worth the cost - a richness and depth in your relationships and the commitment of others in return. It is a two-way street. You only get it if you are willing to give it.

Twenty-five Days on the Wall, what are you willing to commit to for 2011?

How are you doing on your 2010 goals? Do you have your ACTION PLAN yet? What one thing you can do today that will get you closer to reaching your goal by the end of the year?
There is a natural tendency to drift and lose focus as we approach the end of anything. Drift can kill momentum and zaps energy causing you to lose sight of the goal. This challenge takes stock of where you are (right now) and uses the last 100 days of the year to encourage, clear the clutter and build momentum. The first 90 Days sets a pace to achieve your year-end goals. The last 10 days celebrates how far you have come, leaving you energized, setting the stage for 2011 to be your "BEST YEAR EVER!"

This year's Challenge is about the BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS.

So far we learned that:

Today we looked at COMMITMENT..."Stand for something or fall for anything."

Suzy Graven is a Professional Speaker, Transformational Life and Business Strategy Coach. Her unique experiences provided a doorway to work and learn from amazing leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs, to the sage and wisdom of those who work closest to nature. This perspective serves as a catalyst for women wanting to grow their professional and personal lives. It leads to a thinking (anchored in real possibility) that generates vision and translates into effective action. You will gain power in dealing with every-day issues, and be free to live a major league life. For information on Suzy's coaching or to book a her as a speaker, send your requests to: Suzy@suzygraven.com.

43 DAYS ON THE WALL... If you doubt, you’re out!

2010-11-18T17:29:00Z

I quit being afraid when my first venture failed and the sky didn't fall down. ~Allen H. Neuharth

Forty-three Days on the Wall... How are you doing on your 2010 goals? Do you have your ACTION PLAN yet? What one thing you can do today that will get you closer to reaching your goal by the end of the year?

There is a natural tendency to drift and lose focus as we approach the end of anything. Drift can kill momentum and zaps energy causing you to lose sight of the goal. This challenge takes stock of where you are (right now) and uses the last 100 days of the year to encourage, clear the clutter and build momentum. The first 90 Days sets a pace to achieve your year-end goals. The last 10 days celebrates how far you have come, leaving you energized, setting the stage for 2011 to be your "BEST YEAR EVER!"

This year's Challenge is about the BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS.

So far we learned that:

1. Success is not genetic, but rather fueled by your mental energy.
2. Success is not the WIN; it is doing the little things well that sets you up to Win.
3. Success is a strategy not a destination.
4. Success is more about function than it is of genius.
5. Success, the Paradox of
6. Success, Power of Positive Thinking

Today we look at:

Confidence... If you doubt, you're out!
You cannot lack confidence and be positive at the same time, and when you doubt yourself, you're out! A positive and grateful attitude is the most potent ingredient in your success, both personally and professionally. Being positive and proactive gets you one step further in life than talent, education or experience alone.  Once you realize there is life after having failed, been fired or not lived up to someone’s expectation, you shed much of your fear of failure. You see it as, "What's the worst that can happen?"

Science tells us that confidence goes viral. If you have it, positive energy infects what you do and those around you. If you lack it, you fear what you do not know and question tasks that you may otherwise do well.   The “lack of” takes a strangle hold on your thinking and beliefs and can paralyze you into doing nothing.

I ask you… what is the risk of doing nothing? What do you have to lose? I often explain to my clients that to spread one’s wings and soar, one must feel they have nothing left to lose.   When you let go of your stuff, you reach freedom. It comes incrementally, and what you do not know, you know someone who does.

Confidence spreads with success whereas lack of confidence multiplies failures. When you find your confidence vacillating, fill your "confidence" cup with what you do well, then challenge yourself with an “I CAN DO IT!” task. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

As I think through my own achievements (big or small), I see that the magic in the fact that I either knew I could or did not recognize that I couldn't... for those tough times (when I question my abilities) I challenge myself supported by my sons, friends and faith to help push me through.

Today, start building confidence by practicing a can-do attitude and see how far you get. You can do it!

70 Days on the Wall... The Power of Positive Thinking

2010-10-18T19:17:00Z

Seventy Days on the Wall... How are you doing on your 2010 goals? Do you have your ACTION PLAN yet? What one thing you can do today that will get you closer to reaching your goal by the end of the year?

There is a natural tendency to drift and lose focus as we approach the end of anything. Drift can kill momentum and zaps energy causing you to lose sight of the goal. This challenge takes stock of where you are (right now) and uses the last 100 days of the year to encourage, clear the clutter and build momentum. The first 90 Days sets a pace to achieve your year-end goals. The last 10 days celebrates how far you have come, leaving you energized, setting the stage for 2011 to be your "BEST YEAR EVER!"

This year's Challenge is about the BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS.

So far we learned that:

1. Success is not genetic, but rather fueled by your mental energy.
2. Success is not the WIN; it is doing the little things well that sets you up to Win.
3. Success is a strategy not a destination.
4. Success is more about function than it is of genius.
5. Success, the Paradox of

Today we look at:

Success – Power of Positive Thinking?

A staple story representing the power of positive thought is when NASA developed its mission to the moon. Everyone interviewed for the program was asked, “Do you believe man can reach the moon?” As the story goes, only those who said yes were asked to join the team.

Mental energy alone is not enough to succeed the tough challenges. Success is driven by belief. According to Dr. Robert Arnot, in his book The Biology of Success, developing positive thought shifts your mental drive into its highest limits. In his words, it is the difference between:

“CONVENTIONAL WISDOM: Don’t worry, be happy and THE BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS: Light up the sky.”

Can you feel the energy shift between those two statements? The good news is that creating positive thought is a skill not genetic trait. Dr. Arnot gives six steps in building a pattern for success; all backed by science. These steps create a synergy that positions you toward great possibility in your experiences. From my own awareness as a Christian centered life strategy coach (and the experiences of my clients), here is my take and order of those six steps.

Step 1: Look to the Higher Power - Developing a deep relationship with God anchors your thoughts, habits and behavior. It clears the clutter and builds an internal confidence. Science confirms the strength derived from this important connection.

Step 2: Be an Optimist – Transforming yourself into a tough minded optimist is the heart of positive mental attitude. No matter how many no(s) you encounter, keep asking until you get to the yes!

Step 3: Seize the Moment – Shed your anxieties and distractions. It does not always come easily, but with “Step 1” give it to God and commit fully to the moment at hand.

Step 4: Play to Your Strengths – Take the time to know how you are wired and how it helps you as well as where it hurts you. With this knowledge, you will find yourself with more insight on how to design your success strategies.

Step 5: Create Your Own Blueprint for Success – You become your mental energy and positive thought. Design what kind of life story you want to tell?

Step 6: Learn Emotional Broadcasting – When you “believe” you learn how to attract and build a network of people who support and celebrate the life you create.

Remember those NASA engineers, analysts and team members? Imagine their work environment. The collaboration and arguments on theory fueled with “Light-Up-the-Sky” imagination.

Suzy Graven is a Professional Speaker, Women’s Transformational Life and Business Coach. Her unique experiences provided a doorway to work and learn from amazing leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs, to the sage and wisdom of those who work closest to nature. This perspective serves as a catalyst for women wanting to grow their professional and personal lives. It leads to a thinking (anchored in real possibility) that generates vision and translates into effective action. You will gain power in dealing with every-day issues, and be free to live a major league life. For information on Suzy's coaching or to book a her as a speaker, send your requests to: Suzy Graven .

79 DAYS ON THE WALL... What moves you, what keeps you?

2010-10-13T17:19:00Z

There is a natural tendency to drift and lose focus as we approach the end of anything. Drift can kill momentum and zaps energy causing you to lose sight of the goal. This challenge takes stock of where you are (right now) and uses the last 100 days of the year to encourage, clear the clutter and build momentum. The first 90 Days sets a pace to achieve your year-end goals. The last 10 days celebrates how far you have come, leaving you energized, setting the stage for 2011 to be your "BEST YEAR EVER!"

This year's Challenge is about the BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS.

So far we learned that:

1. Success is not genetic, but rather fueled by your mental energy.
2. Success is not the WIN; it is doing the little things well that sets you up to Win.
3. Success is a Strategy, not a destination.
4. Success is more about function than it is of genius.
5. Success, the Paradox

On The Bloomin’ Blog, Mimi Meredith gave us much to consider about Passionate Leadership… Is it Necessary?

Today we continue with:

Success – What Moves You and What Keeps You?

“Find your passion, find your purpose”…the mantra fills our psyche from all corners in every shape and size. It has become so commercial that, at times, it can whip into a collective frenzy that becomes the single motivator determining our actions and goals. Those goals are good or bad depending on what degree energy drives you: a virtual cyclone of fervor, excitement, enthusiasm, zeal, obsession, rage, anger and fury. This energy influences the love/hate motivator (as well as everything between).  It is the “IT” factor in compulsive decisions and movement.

Beware, passion can also leave you with a hangover. Understanding that passion is not a commitment but rather the energy behind the commitment, you begin to appreciate that passion may move you, but it will not keep you. It often has a “Cotton Candy Effect” (Making your mouth water for want and dissolves as soon as it touches your tongue).

You cannot choose, commit or preserve passion. It sweeps in on its own accord; fills the spirit and gets your attention while seizing control of your emotions.   There is nothing right or wrong with pure passion. However, beware of this fickle and unreliable energy that fuels your grand illusions and delusions then abandons you as the flame quickly burns out. The best one can do with passion is recognize its arrival and give it room.  Manage its pathway, prepare for potential fallout and be aware of the void it may leave in its wake.
.
Often passion is confused for love. The difference is that love is a value.  A perspective from which you choose your level of commitment and how you live it. You cannot assign the energy level to your fee spirited passion. You may not always love your work, You may only like it or even hate it... but you may have a love with passion for what it allows you to do, to become or your sense of well-being. It is the commitment that keeps you in the game.

85 DAYS ON THE WALL - Passionate Leadership... is it good?

2010-10-07T14:22:00Z

Eighty-Five Days on the Wall, how are you doing on your 2010 goals? Do you have your ACTION PLAN yet? What one thing you can do today that will get you closer to reaching your goal by the end of the year?

I am forwarding you a wonderful article from Mimi Meredith. A friend and colleague of whom I hold great respect, Mimi's words below come from a wisdom that fits our Biology of Success series for this 100 Day Challenge. Enjoy the Read!

Passionate Leadership--is it all Good?

I led a workshop recently for a small group of executives. The topic was anger--how it sabotages relationship building and corporate culture. The point was made that anger, as an emotion, runs very close to the emotion of passion. And passion is a good and useful thing, right? In fact, it was implied that passion was an absolute requirement to be an effective leader.

Here, it may surprise you to know, I disagreed. I know amazing leaders who are full of focused purpose and wisdom when it comes to running a business, but whose passions may lie outside the scope of what they do for a living (two of them are featured in this post).

My mind also closed (literally, but I'll cover that in Thursday's post) around those leaders for whom I've worked who exuded great passion. Their dynamic energy sustained the business in a dysfunctional way. Because their bigger-than-life responses were bigger than the sum of all the people on a team combined, the team lived out a relationship to that passionate personality rather than the business mission.

I think in recent phases of leadership vernacular, we've reduced passion to a personality trait rather than a character attribute. We look for those extroverted, motivators who can whip their tribes into a frenzy for the cause. And there are plenty. Look at New York gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino, poster child of the Tea Party movement. He relishes building his image as the angry candidate--"mad as hell," to be precise.

Tom Peters, and other great motivators, have made it very clear that to succeed one has to be passionate--"on fire" even.

I polled some great business leaders I know, and they agreed--passion is a critical attribute.

I even emailed a well-known, marketing genius to ask if a business leader has to be passionate. I can't tell you who the genius is (and you'd be so impressed I got a response!) because the email signature line told me the note was "off the record." But the one word answer to the question was, yes.

Of the leaders who responded to my query, several were willing to add some color to their responses. Gini Dietrich , CEO of Arment Dietrich in Chicago said,

"Well, I can only answer this from my perspective - I know it's a lot harder to grow a business if you're not passionate about it. Can you still be a good leader? Maybe. But I'd say most of us don't have that ability."

Dave Dillon , CEO of Kroger Corporation had this to say,

"Yes, but every leader can express it differently. Not always in an extroverted way. Thus, it might not always be apparent to the casual observer. Just my opinion."

I asked Dave, if passion isn't readily apparent, how is it manifested and why is it essential? He said,

"Passion equals full engagement (including an emotional connection to the mission). Full engagement is what is required, in my opinion."

Thanks to Gini and Dave for playing.

So, if all these people I respect believe that leaders should be passionate, why don't I hop on the bandwagon?

Because, in my opinion, passion by definition is very self centered. It is something that runs through the core of your being. Don't confuse passion with enthusiasm--that's just a superficial step sister. And maybe I am mincing words here, but stick with me, please.

I believe very few people are passionate about their actual business. As Dave Dillon expressed, I think those who are most successful are fully engaged. I think they are focused and disciplined. Perhaps, in some cases, that is fueled by passion, but I absolutely disagree that being passionate about your work is a prerequisite to success. Many of you are in jobs right now that you don't love. And that's fine! Loving your job is highly overrated. Finding love, understanding, interconnection and respect in your workplace, however, is critical.

When you love your business, it's really difficult to let parts of it go when you need to, or to understand how your passion might blind you to the reality of the market place or your customers needs.

As my grandfather told my father, "Don't fall in love with the cows." If you begin to love what you've built, you also lose your perspective.

My Dad was a very successful rancher in Montana. He and his brother built a ranch that not only survived the challenges of an agriculture-based enterprise, but grew to be large in size and business scope--51,000 acres and a small farming operation were all theirs. And did Dad feel passionate about his business?

"Never once."

I called and asked him because I didn't want to make assumptions. He related some amazing business principals that did lead to his success. Maybe someday I'll share them with you. But for today's purposes, he said the thing that made him get up every morning and drive 27 miles to the ranch (we lived in town so my sisters, cousins and I could go to school there) even in sub-zero temperatures, was, "because it had to be done. I didn't really enjoy some of it, but it had to be done."

I know my Dad enjoyed creating success, and he enjoyed the strategy and the development of his business, but was it a source of joy for him? I asked.

"My family brought me joy. That's why I worked. For my family."

You see, we've evolved into a new era of business where we believe our work must offer personal fulfillment, purpose and passion. The fact is, your work may never bring you a sense of purpose. You have to bring a sense of purpose to your work. Your work may not be anywhere close to the personal mission you were meant to fulfill in the world, but you'd better come to work ready to fulfill the mission of the organization.

Passion--highly overrated and a word that is misused extensively in my estimation.

Dedication, understanding, self-sacrifice, discernment, humility, objectivity, self awareness, pragmatism, resilience, full engagement and a deep sense of sufficiency--because it indeed, is lonely at the top--those are the qualities I think are critically important to be a great leader.

Those are character traits that might be found in one who is reserved, soft-spoken and introspective to the point of seeming aloof. And, they might be found in an extrovert who exudes passion for the mission and the cause--if so, you have found a rare and valuable soul indeed. However, if passionate is the personality profile against which you measure a great leader, I think you will miss knowing the people who are quietly changing the world every day.

If you need inspiration for your troops, and you are a great leader but less than dynamic when it comes to sharing your passion, you are not alone.This is an excerpt from an interview with former Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy talking about his latest book, The Mentor Leader :

In his book, Dungy cites former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll as someone who taught him a lot. Dungy played briefly for the Steelers, and then coached under him until Noll's retirement.

"He knew how he could help people," Dungy says. "He was a teacher, he was a guy that was very good at selecting people, getting them to fit in — he wasn't the guy that was going to sit there and motivate you intrinsically. That wasn't what he was best at. So he hired people that were good at that."

Noll even hired other, more motivational speakers to come in and address his team before games.

"That's part of being a good leader as well," Dungy says. "Recognizing your strengths and making sure you utilize them, but also recognizing your weaknesses and coming up with ways to overcome that."

Those of you who know me well must be reading this and feeling a little confused by now. You see, I'm just about one of the most passionate people you'll run across. It oozes out of me even when I do my best to contain it. And in spite of years of effort to focus and channel it, my passion is still my greatest challenge. My Dad lovingly ended our conversation yesterday with encouragement for me to "keep chasing your windmills, Don Quixote." And I will.

Maybe someday, you'll find that my talents as an internal communication consultant and speaker are just what you need to tap into the passion of your mission and convey it to your team. Maybe not. Regardless, I'll still be here, pursuing the ways in which we each can nurture--whether with quiet determination, or with the passionate dynamics of a crusade--the growth of goodness.

Permalink: blog.thegoodnessgrows.com/2010/10/02/is-passion-an-essential-quality-of-leadership.aspx

88 DAYS ON THE WALL... Are You Trapped in the Paradox of Success?

2010-10-04T13:25:40Z

Eighty-eight Days on the Wall, how are you doing on your 2010 goals? Do you have your ACTION PLAN yet? What one thing you can do today that will get you closer to reaching your goal by the end of the year?

There is a natural tendency to drift and lose focus as we approach the end of anything. Drift can kill momentum and zaps energy causing you to lose sight of the goal. This challenge takes stock of where you are (right now) and uses the last 100 days of the year to encourage, clear the clutter and build momentum. The first 90 Days sets a pace to achieve your year-end goals. The last 10 days celebrates how far you have come, leaving you energized, setting the stage for 2011 to be your "BEST YEAR EVER!"

This year's Challenge is about the BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS. So far we learned that:

1. Success is not genetic, but rather fueled by your mental energy.
2. Success is not the WIN; it is doing the little things well that sets you up to Win.
3. Success is a Strategy, not a destination.
4. Success is more about function than it is of genius.

Today we see that...

“Beliefs that carried us here may be holding us back in our quest to go there.”
– Marshall Goldsmith

I remember a novice horse trainer who took his first two-year-old colt to break and train. The colt easily grasped his ground work. Over the next few months, the colt responded to its trainier progressing through the movements from ground work through to riding circles, figure-eights, reining, sidesteps, gates, lead changes and all the subtle queues used between rider and colt; building trust and consistency in the relationship. Eager to show his work, the novice trainer took his colt through its paces as his mentor watched. Knowing he had reached all the goals he had set for the colt, the novice turned to his sage mentor who grinned and said, “Nice work; be thankful for the ones that make you look good.”

On the ranch, you learn early that the good ones make you look good, others make you work hard for the money with undistinguished outcomes. It is a humbling process. You are only as good as the last horse you trained, the last yield you harvested (whether in grain, grapes, wine, hay, cattle or foals) and the last deal you dealt.

It was easy for me to translate that to the corporate structure. One of my favorite books on coaching interpersonal relationships and success growth strategies is, WHAT GOT YOU HERE WON’T GET YOU THERE by Marshall Goldsmith. Read it!

Goldsmith explains that while success builds our confidence, it can become delusional in terms of achievement, status and contributions. Further, our delusions may become a serious liability as it relates to change. When asked to change, we think… I do not have to change; who do they think I am? Goldsmith breaks it down to a three part response: 1) We believe the other party is confused. 2) If they are not confused, they must be misinformed so the criticism does not apply to us. 3) When all else fails, we attack the other party. After all, we are smarter than they.

According to Goldsmith, there are four key beliefs that help us become successful. Each can make it tough to change: (a) our confidence from our past performance, (b) our ability to influence our success rather than luck, (c) our optimistic belief that our success will continue, and (d) Our sense of control over our destiny (as opposed to being controlled by external forces).

Thus is the paradox of success: “The beliefs that carried us HERE may be holding us back in our quest to go THERE.”

95 DAYS ON THE WALL… Preparing the Way

2010-09-28T01:32:00Z

95 Days on the Wall, how are you doing on your 2010 goals? Do you have your ACTION PLAN yet? What one thing you can do today that will get you closer to reaching your goal by the end of the year? There is a natural tendency to drift and lose focus as we approach the end of anything. Drift can kill momentum and zaps energy causing you to lose sight of the goal. This challenge takes stock of where you are (right now) and uses the last 100 days of the year to encourage, clear the clutter and build momentum. The first 90 Days sets a pace to achieve your year-end goals. The last 10 days celebrates how far you have come, leaving you energized, setting the stage for 2011 to be your "BEST YEAR EVER!"

This year's Challenge is about the BIOLOGY OF SUCCESS. So far we learned that:

1. Success is not genetic, but rather fueled by your mental energy.
2. Success is not the WIN; it is doing the little things well that sets you up to Win.
3. Success is a Strategy, not a destination .

Today we see that...

"Success is more a function of consistent common sense than it is of genius." -- An Wang

Preparing the Way...

My father-in-law raised Angus cattle and grew wheat on his farm in North Dakota. It was his family homestead. Just as his grandfather did each spring, he routinely primed his fields to plant. First, he removed the rocks that pushed up through the soil and surfaced during the spring thaw. Further, he marked the immovable rocks to avoid hitting them as he worked his fields. Thus, he prepared the way toward safely and efficiently working the soil to plant and ultimately harvest the best yield possible each year.

This continuous process is part of nature’s rhythm; an innate purging and renewing that takes place around the world. Just as the fields, we find rocks in our life/work environment. Rocks that surface in our emotions, thoughts, habits and actions

What rocks keep you from effective and efficiently preparing the way to reaching your goals? Identify the rocks you must move out of the way and those that you should work around to reach the goal(s) you set?

Also, check out Mimi's http://blog.thegoodnessgrows.com/. She is building momentum and making the most of her end-of-the-year challenge!

98 DAYS ON THE WALL... What is Success

2010-09-24T18:40:00Z

98 Days on the Wall, how are you doing on your 2010 goals? Do you have your ACTION PLAN yet? There is a natural tendency to drift and lose focus as we approach the end of anything. Drift can kill momentum and zap energy causing you to lose sight of the goal. This challenge takes stock of where you are (right now) and uses the last 100 days of the year to encourage, clear the clutter, build momentum. the first 90 Days sets a pace to achieve your year-end goals. The last 10 days celebrates how far you have come, leaving you energized, setting the stage for 2011 to be your "BEST YEAR EVER!"

This year's Challenge is about the biology of success. We saw that.

1. Success is not genetic, but rather fueled by your mental energy, and

2. Success is not the "Win", it is doing the little things well that sets you up to Win.

Today we see that...

Success is a strategy, not a destination.

Hours go into creating and refining a business plan or career path; while,little attention is spent on building a life plan. At some point, you realize that you cannot separate your personal life from work. What affects one side of the equation affects the other side. Eliminating stress and finding clarity, balance and synergy are among the top requests from my clients.

Life can change in an instant; a...Last Breath ...Phone Call ...Knock at the Door ...Divorce ...Career move ...Physical Move ...Promotion ...Demotion ...any Unplanned Consequence.   How you manage the change depends on how clearly you understand YOU.

The human spirit seeks security, control, and affection (approval).   Your perspective of life revolves around four stages of growth: 1) Survival, 2) Stability, 3) Success, and 4) Significance. Furthermore, you may confuse significance with privilege. Privilege speaks to conformity, while significance is the product of transformation.

Even if your desire to grow a business or career, your key to balance and harmony into your life begins with your personal life plan. You must put together a plan and build the elements that set actions to your dreams and provide tools to manage and maintain your success cycle. Remember, success is a strategy... not a destination, and that strategy is defined by you.

Today, continue writing in your 100 Day Challenge Journal. Set aside a few minutes at the beginning and end of your day to write in your exercises and thought. Continue your graditude list, deconstruct and reconstruct the day as you bless the day and let it go.  Starting from where you are right now, begin defining strategies to get you where you want to go; define how you want to live, work and play, and discover what is important to you along the way.

Think about where you are now in your life. Consider your work, play,relationships finances and anything that is important to you.

A.   My quality of life on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best ever) is: ____________

                                                                Figure 2: Wheel of Balance

B.     What would it take to be a 10?   What would it take to be a 10+?   What would it take to be a 10++?

C.   List your real life responsibilities (Family, Available Funds, etc.)

D.     WHO ARE YOU REALLY?

What does that mean?
Define that:
Tell me more:

E.   List ten things that make you happy:

F.     Things that make you unhappy:

G.     List 50 things you are grateful for:

Suzy Graven is a Professional Speaker,Transformational Life & Business Strategy Coach. Her unique experiences provided a doorway to work and learn from amazing leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs and privy to the sage and wisdom of those who work closest to nature. This perspective serves as a catalyst for those wanting to grow their professional and personal lives. It leads to a thinking (anchored in real possibility) that generates vision and translates into effective action. You will gain power in dealing with every-day issues, and be free to live a major league life.   For information on Suzy's coaching and to book a her as a speaker, send your requests to: Suzy Graven.