99 Days on the Wall... Do you have your action plan! ... << MORE >>

Here we go… our End-of-the-Year-Challenge! 
 
100 Days on the Wall, how are you doing on your 2010 goals?  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 next 90 ...

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191 DAYS ON THE WALL - Are you in Control?   

How are you doing on your 2010 intentions? Computer and technology breakdowns forced my hand the past couple of weeks. I’ve spent hours waiting… waiting… waiting for fixes, sputters and stops (A deadly situation for my fractious mind and pioneer spirit that crave movement to feel satisfied). Yet, somewhere, in the frustration, my mind started doing what it does best… wander! As my friends and family say… be careful; she’s thinking again.

Yet, sometimes it is good to lose control. I am forced to take the time to collect myself; become present to where I am right now, physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Just as my computer screen declared its countdown to an information dump, so did my mind. Somewhere between cobwebs and sparkling clean windows, I met myself... Be careful, I am now armed with a long gratitude list and wonderful metaphors for living a rich- dynamic life; reduced to the simplest of terms.

Life, as we know it, changes and grows in directions over which we do not always have control. Our first instinct is to get back to normal, but we cannot prevail over change by trying to go back to what was.  Normal is no longer where we were, it is where we are right now. What we can do is define and affirm our character in any given situation and how we choose to affect change.

Character is not genetic, it is habit (The Savvy Woman's Guide to Growth) . If you find yourself in the messy middle, begin to define who you wish to be in any given situation. About ten years ago, when my life took a major turn, I created the following set of affirmations. While I am not always graceful (and the road is not always smooth), the following remain who I choose to be personally and professionally as I face my life — obstacles and all.  These are written  on my bathroom mirror and  my refrigerator door (Thank you whomever invented the dry erase marker!):

1. I CAN – I WILL – I BELIEVE!

2. I build trust and rapport in my relationships.

3. I strategize and carry out an effective plan.

4. I develop creative vision.

5. I am seen, acknowledged and validated for who I am.

6. I balance stability with growth and change

7. I keep a positive and optimistic perspective.

8. I am a trusted advisor.

Our whole world is in change and transformation. It is normal want to hang on to what we know and have until we discover that we have become slaves to our past, our possessions, our relationships and our dreams. Along the way, we discover how we justify our decisions.  

Please meet my friend Mimi Meredith, who gave up justification for her 47th birthday.  Read her story on The Goodness Grows.  Happy Birthday dear friend!  

Post your affirmations.   I cannot wait to hear from you and get your feedback as I continue to share what I discovered between the dust in the cobwebs and sparkling windows.

Suzy Graven is a Professional Speaker, Women’s Transformational Life and Business Coach. Her unique experiences provided a door way 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 .

 

You may utter it unexpectedly. It slips into your consciousness and slide through your lips from the center of your being. Or, you take note of it quietly as the thought enters only your mind. When it happens, you are taken aback by what you saw, felt or heard… perhaps all three.
 
The three letter word… W-O-W!

When it emerges, it’s a sign for you to stop to take-in whatever caused the emotion. It may come from a deep respect, disbelief, an understanding and appreciation; or, ... << MORE >>

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 Second 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.

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 bless 2009, kiss it goodbye and turn to the future; working the goals you’ve defined for 2010.

Don’t know where to start on your goals for 2010? Pull out your new 2010 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: Your goal statement should always start with “To….” Put it in words, write it down and keep it simple. Under the goal attach… “I will see significant progress by (date).”

3. Write down date to reaching the goal

4. List the obstacles to reaching the goal

5. After each obstacle, write and date the action steps you are going 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

________________________________________________________________________________

MAY YOUR EVERY STEP BE BLESSED AND FRUITFUL!

Suzy Graven is a Professional Speaker, 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. Go to g3coaching.com for more information.

Below is reprint from The Bloomin' Blog, written by my friend, Mimi Meredith, on 12/21/2009.
The Goodness Grows

Seeking Peace, Joy, Love and Hope

My friend Denise Williams gave me some great advice on finding peace during the holidays. She said we have to remember to use all our senses.

When you're in a noisy crowd, rather than being overwhelmed by all the clamor, separate the scene with your senses...

Do you hear what I hear?

A child's laugh?
A holiday greeting?
A favorite carol playing in the background?
A "no worries!" offered to an, "oh! excuse me!"

They're all little blessing exchanges.


Do you see what I see?

Someone hugging a friend?
A clerk with a sincere smile?
A tree decorated with child-made ornaments?
The clouds scraping across the sky as a testament to winter's silver beauty?


Do you know what I know?

That Christ came as a child...a reminder to find Power, Grace and Love where you least expect it.
People need a touch, a smile and a bit of conversation more than ever in the bleak midwinter.
Everyone celebrates light returning to the world, whether they're celebrating the light from the manger or not. God is big. Are we?


That I love you. I absolutely do. I hope I know you someday, and get to like you, too. But right now, if you're feeling alone, know these two things. God loves you all the time unconditionally. And I love everyone I know...truly.

Who do you love? I hope it's everyone. And I hope in these last days of this beautiful year (because it was a beautiful year...no matter what), you are comforted and comforting.

Love to you all and each.
Mimi
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        Winter Scene near my family home in the Nebraska Sandhills (submitted by Brent Beebout)
        
 Wishing you peace, joy, hope, love and blessings throughout the Christmas Season -  Suzy Graven

10 days left to pick the keys to unlock the doors to make 2010 your best year ever.

    * Do you have your LIFE MANIFESTO?
    * Do you have an ACTION PLAN yet?
    * What can you do today to get you one step closer to making 2010 YOUR BEST YEAR EVER?
    * What CORE VALUES and PRINCIPLES do you need to adopt to make it happen? 
    * How will you LIVE it?  How will you BE it?
    * WHO DO YOU NEED to bring into your network to help you achieve it?
    * Do you have a GRATITUDE LIST?
    * Do you know YOUR TOP 20?
    * Do you RECEIVE AS BIG AS YOU GIVE?
    * Are you seeking PEACE, JOY, LOVE and HOPE?

Suzy Graven is a Professional Speaker,  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.  Go to http://g3coaching.com for more information.

"For every creature of God is good and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving."  1 Tim 4:4

I love Christmas.  I love its purpose, our Savior’s birth, and the spirit of the season.  My mother made it a wonderful experience.  Baking, decorating, stories and games; she had a way of creating memories by making each year special; even during a blizzard with no electricity.  

My father, however, was not as exuberant and occasionally remarked that mom should not go to so much trouble.  Dad was not a “Baugh Humbug” kind of guy; he just didn’t quite grasp the excitement of the season held by my mother.  After years with his lack of enthusiasm, mother gave dad what he wanted.  We had his kind of Christmas… no muss; no fuss.  No tree.  No lights.  No baking.  No decorating.   Dad thought it was what he wanted; but faced with the reality... was it really?  Was there actually peace?  Where was the comfort and joy?  

That year, dad learned the gift of receiving.  His internal compass (relating to Christmas) reset itself.  He became comfortable with all the activities mother conjured around the Christmas season.  He received her joy and surrendered his underlying resistance.  We all benefited.  And there was peace. (Yes, we did have a tree and we didn't miss our Christmas that year.)

The Gift of Receiving

Receiving is personal and often uncomfortable.  It adds dimension to your life.  Receiving is harder than giving, because it triggers insecurities and requires a deeper level of connection.  It breaks down barriers you set up to protect yourself.  Receiving exposes vulnerability and tugs at your heart.  Ultimately, how you receive validates the gift.  Accept with grace, no matter the spirit of which a gift is given.  In return you provide PEACE – COMFORT and JOY!

Is it time to reset your internal compass?  How comfortable are you at receiving… a compliment, an act of kindness, a higher power, an apology, defeat, a friendship, feedback, joy, love, another’s opinion (right or wrong), silence?  

T’is the Season of Peace, Comfort and Joy… Grow and Pass it on!


23 days left to pick the keys you will use to unlock the doors to make 2010 your best year ever. 

• Do you have an Action Plan yet? 
• What can you do today to get you one step closer to making 2010 YOUR BEST YEAR EVER? 
• What core values and principles do you need to adopt to make it happen?  
• How will you LIVE it?  How will you BE it?
• WHO DO YOU NEED to bring into your network to help you achieve it?
• Do you have a GRATITUDE LIST? 
• Do you know your top 20?
• Do you RECEIVE as big as your give?

SuzyGraven is a Professional Speaker,  Transformational Life and BusinessCoach.  Her unique experiences provided a doorway to work and learnfrom amazing leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs, to the sage andwisdom ofthose who work closest to nature.  This perspective serves as acatalyst for women wanting to grow their professional and personallives.   It leads to a thinking (anchored in real possibility) thatgenerates vision and translates into effective action.  You will gainpower in dealing with every-day issues, and be free to live a majorleague life.  Go to http://g3coaching.com for more information.

prin•ci•ple
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French principe, principle, from Old French, from Latin principium beginning, from

princip-, princeps initiator —
Date: 14th century

1 a : a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption b (1) : a rule or code of conduct (2) : habitual devotion to right principles <a man of principle> c : the laws or facts of nature underlying the working of an artificial device – Merriam-Webster Dictionary

Paredo Principle

In 1906, economist Vilfredo Paredo, first noted that 80 percent of the Italian farmland was owned by 20 percent of the population.  Subsequently, he observed that 20 percent of the peapods in his garden produced 80 percent of his harvest.   His intensive studies around this theory revealed consistent outcomes that lead to the principle that 80 percent of our results will come from 20 percent of our actions.    

Also known as the 80:20 Rule, this universal truth changed my whole perspective on growth. Some call it a best kept secret, but it is no secret to the highly effective people.  In his ground breaking book, The 80:20 Principle, Richard Koch describes it as, “The principle of greatest outcome for time and effort expended.” He discloses that time and effort alone may give you results, but that time and effort spent on the 20 percent delivers 80 percent of the results. 

WHAT'S YOUR TOP 20?
Once you embrace the principle and identify that 20 percent, you see it emerging in every circle of your life.  When you focus on the significant 20 percent, your life begins to transform.  Whether you are tapping into a target market, developing revenue streams, growing relationships, working on time management or finances — it redirects how you think and work.  Furthermore, when you apply the principle, you will find that the bottom 80 percent tends to naturally find its place or fall away.  Ultimately, you gain leverage (confidence) over your life… physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Twenty-nine days left to pick the keys you will use to unlock the doors to make 2010 your best year ever. 

• Do you have an Action Plan yet? 
• What can you do today to get you one step closer to making 2010 YOUR BEST YEAR EVER? 
• What core values and principles do you need to adopt to make it happen?  
• How will you LIVE it?  How will you BE it?
• WHO DO YOU NEED to bring into your network to help you achieve it?
• Do you have a GRATITUDE LIST? 
• Do you know your top 20?

Suzy Graven is a Professional Speaker,  Transformational Life and Business Coach.  Her unique experiences provided a doorway to work and learn from amazing leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs, to the sage andwisdom 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.  Go to http://g3coaching.com for more information.

GRATITUDE

Remember God's bounty in the year.  String the pearls of His favor.  Hide the dark parts, except so far as they are breaking out in light!  Give this one day to thanks, to joy, to gratitude!  ~Henry Ward Beecher

Gratitude is an adopted attitude.  It’s not an innate ability, but rather a skill… a way of thinking.  It’s a most important shift of thought one can do to get from survival to stability.  When you make the shift, gratitude becomes a habit and you achieve success.  It’s when you live in gratitude that you reach significance.  Living in gratitude sweeps away the elements of victimhood.  The attitude of gratitude empowers you to appreciate your past (good and bad), to live a powerful present and see an abundant future.  

This week, let go of that which you cannot control and focus on the good that came out of it.  In the spirit of  Henry Ward Beecher:

• I’m grateful for being third born - My older sisters led the way and helped me understand the good and imperfect world of adulthood.  They taught me the words “fickle finger of fate”… That some things come with thorns. 
  

• I’m grateful for a younger brother - I could boss him around until we turned five and six.   Growing up with him, the days were always sunny.  We played from morning to dark and explored every corner of the ranch (to our parent’s grief).

• I'm grateful for growing up in the Nebraska Sandhills - Where I learned that living with nature is much easier than living in spite of it.
  

• I’m grateful for all those moves I didn’t want to make - Without them I wouldn’t have met the great people living in in big cities, other countries and rural communities tucked away among the world.  I’ve strung together an amazing network of people from many walks of life, who saw something in me that I didn't know I had.
  

• I’m thankful for not always having a choice in the matter - That God sends me places, tasks me responsibilities and affords me opportunities far beyond anything I would have thought I could manage.  

From these experiences, I’ve learned that no matter where I am in life I am always were I’m supposed to be for His purpose:

1. I am capable of coping, achieving and living a life far greater than I ever imagined,
2. I live a life in abundance rather than scarcity,
3. I have everything I need to support me (Physically, Emotionally, Mentally, and Spiritually),
4. I know that victims have no power, and
5. I AM AN EMPOWERED WOMAN!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!   

 41 days on the wall.  Do you have an Action Plan yet?  What can you do today to get you one step closer to making 2010 YOUR BEST YEAR EVER?  What core values and principles do you need to adopt to make it happen?   How will you LIVE it?  How will you BE it? WHO DO YOU NEED to bring into your network to help you achieve it? Do you have a GRATITUDE LIST?

Suzy Graven is a Professional Speaker,  Transformational Life andBusiness Coach.  Her unique experiences provided a door way to work andlearn from amazing leaders, CEOs and entrepreneurs, to the sage andwisdom of those who work closest to nature.  This perspective serves asa catalyst for women wanting to grow their professional and personallives.   It leads to a thinking (anchored in real possibility) thatgenerates vision and translates into effective action.  You will gainpower in dealing with every-day issues, and be free to live a majorleague life.  Go to http://g3coaching.com for more information.