Make the most of 2009

We are coming to the end of 2008. No matter how many Decembers you set New Years resolutions that last precisely 2.5 days into the new year, this is still the natural time to review the past year and consider your goals for the future.

I provide guidance in the January 2009 Pow'Rful Presentations newsletter to help you set your goals, as well as four specific steps to make your life better going forward.

I wish you a prosperous, successful and happy New Year.

Welcome 2009.

Plastic in Connecticut

Here in Connecticut, a local town is trying to ban the use of plastic bags. The idea is that shoppers use recyclable brown bags, or bring their own bags. Local TV news has run this story for at least two days now interviewing people from both sides of the discussion.

Occasionally I get to share a success story about how the "New South Africa" is better since the 1994 election and ensuing general decline of the country. There are only a handful of these success stories, so pay close attention.

The new government passed a law requiring retailers to charge a few cents for each plastic bag purchased when bagging groceries. It is about 10 cents per bag. This small change is enough to encourage the vast preponderance of shoppers to bring their own bags. The law gives shoppers the choice to purchase plastic bags, put items into self-supplied bags, or take the purchased items without bags. This law resulted in significantly less litter on the roadside and higher percentage of shoppers bringing reusable bags for their purchases.

Of course, the public cried out when the law went into effect. Every change is difficult. However, shoppers quickly realized the value of the law and adjusted accordingly. Now, shoppers are in the habit of taking a shopping bag when departing for the grocery store as naturally as they remember to take a wallet to pay for the purchase.

The moral of the story is that change is always uncomfortable. Even if the change is positive. Knowing that change is uncomfortable, you should take note of the circumstances where you adjust to change the quickest and follow these steps again when you are faced with changes in the future.

Your actions and thoughts that allow you to adjust to change faster may be the one lesson from 2008 that carries you to new heights of success in 2009.

Answers to the top five FAQ's about professional coaching

I often hear these top five questions asked when successful people hear about professional coaching for the first time. You are wise to get answers to these five questions before you commit to a partnership with a professional coach who will help you reach new personal goals.

The questions, in no particular order are:
1. How long will I need a coach?
2. Will a short term commitment lead to a long-term addiction?
3. How hard is it to get out of the coaching agreement if I change my mind? Am I being locked into a T-Mobile type seemingly eternal contract with extreme penalties for early withdrawal?
4. Will I ever become self-sufficient again after working with a coach?
5. Therapists have therapists. Do coaches have coaches?

You will find the answers to the five most frequently asked questions about professional coaching on my articles page.

SPARK

I am currently reading "SPARK - The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain" by John J. Ratey, MD with Eric Hagerman.

This book is fascinating. The authors provide scientific evidence of the positive effect of exercise in two school districts - not the phys-ed of old where kids play dodge ball, but a physical exercise program similar to paid gym memberships for adults.

The authors also provide evidence and support for the benefits of exercise to reduce stress, reduce anxiety, increase self-confidence and resilience.

And yes, the "spare tire" around many waists is caused by cortisol from stress. The authors explain the reason for this cortisol and how you can control it.

Definitely, read this book to get a fresh view on exercise to improve your life.

Happy Christmas 2008

Happy Christmas everyone.

Here is Connecticut we have a sunny day today, after a few dreary days of rain and clouds that followed the snow storms over the weekend.

I am catching up on some quality family time and a touch of personal reading. Also getting ready to set goals for 2009. How about you? Are you getting ready to set new goals for next year?

The quick and easy guide to creating an effective presentation

Olivia Mitchell has created a free booklet for download. The Quick and Easy Guide to Creating an Effective Presentation is the kind of booklet I like. Straight talk from an experienced speaker that gives pragmatic steps for presenters to drastically improve presentations.

Specifically, I like the way that Olivia states the obvious truth, but is so often overlooked. During your introduction "... be careful not to overdo talking about your background. The audience does not want your entire resume". This is so true. Your introduction should be under 30 seconds, and set the stage to show that you are on the stage to server your audience, not for your ego.

I also like the "Presentation Planner". I am a visual learner and like the way that Olivia lays out the presentation in a diagram. If it works for me, then it may also work for you.

I recommend The Quick and Easy Guide to Creating an Effective Presentation, so go ahead and download your free booklet if you want to improve your next presentation.

You can't fail if you don't try

Why are you afraid of trying something new in your public speaking appearances? Why don't you try to be more expressive with gestures? Why not try a different pace or volume in your vocal variety?

Why don't you write articles for your Toastmasters District newsletter?

Is it because you are afraid to fail? Are you afraid that if you commit to write an article, or use a new gesture then you may mess up? Are you afraid of what the audience will think? Are you afraid that you will let yourself down and not live up to your own expectations?

You are right. You cannot fail if you never try. You can stay in the safety of your current speaking style and remain an anonymous reader of your Toastmasters District newsletter. Why risk failure and ridicule?

No risk, no reward. If you don't try to reach new objectives and take on tasks that make you feel uncomfortable at first, then you will never grow and you will never be more than you are today. The choice is yours.

What is the worst that can happen? In most cases, the worst that can happen is that you mess up and have egg on your face. Big deal. How much egg does a politician have on his face after declaring a war that killed thousands of people, in search of weapons of mass destruction.

You are in a better spot. Take a risk and be willing to fail. Go ahead and try. The only action that is worse than failing, is not trying at all. But beware. Not trying becomes a habit and leads to never gaining significant rewards.

Success Coaching

If I get a dime for every time that I am introduced to a "Success" or "Life" or "Transition" coach, then I will soon be driving a new Bentley.

Today I met a room full of coaches in the above genres. Each person that has raised a child and now has a successful son/daughter seems to think that he or she is a qualified Life, Success and Transition coach. Similarly, many people who have been laid off believe they are now qualified to coach other people.

I certainly have news for untrained, unqualified and clueless coaches. When you have survived parenthood, it means that you have survived parenthood. If you have been laid off (and who hasn't?) then it means you have been laid off. Neither situation implies that I want to model my life or take advice from you, or even care about your psychological issues. See a therapist - don't try to convince me that you are the best coach in the world.

Disclaimer - there are many very good qualified coaches helping clients every day. It is hard to determine at face value whether a coach is a wannabe or bona- fide coach. Look for ICF Accreditation to help you select a coach.