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In This Issue...
A Message from Phyllis
Upcoming Appearances
Feature Article: CONTINUING TO FOLLOW THROUGH
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 A
Message from Phyllis
Dear Readers,
I’m reading a book that my daughter gave me after hearing the
author speak. It is called, Words That Hurt, Words That Heal: How
to Choose Words Wisely and Well. The author is Rabbi Joseph Telushkin.
It is a meaningful book about how words can have such a powerful impact
on our lives. The worst pain that most of us have every felt in life
has come from cruel words spoken to us. It might be from criticism or
sarcasm. We may have been humiliated, called a hurtful nickname or had
someone gossip maliciously about us.
We’ve all heard the saying, “Sticks and
stones can break my bones but words can never harm me.” This is
not true. Words can destroy us. Jewish teachings compare cruel words
to murder since you can never fully undo the damage. I’m sure
most of us remember words said to us as children that we’ll never
forget. Just as words can hurt, they can also heal, inspire and make
us feel loved.
A kind or loving word can give someone confidence,
help their self-esteem and encourage them to reach higher standards.
What words are you using? Are you saying, “Thank You”, “How
can I be helpful?”, “I appreciate you” or other phrases
that heal? Think about pausing before you say something that could be
hurtful to someone. Remember the words can’t be taken back.
This month’s article is the second part
of “Following Through”. Let’s follow through and choose
our words wisely. And let me express my gratitude to you by using the
words “thank you”. Thank you to my clients, friends and
family as I have recently celebrated my 9th year in business.
Warm Regards,
Phyllis
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Upcoming
Appearances
Philadelphia Bar Association 4/27/06
Minorities in the Profession
"How to get clients in record time"
Women's League Conference 5/7/06
"Make Time for Yourself"
MITRE Corporation 5/15/06
Coaching for Performance and Productivity
Women's Leadership Symposium 5/17/06
"Power Networking"
PACA (Phila. Area Coaches Alliance) 5/18/06
Panel - "Taking your Business to 6 figures"
Hadassah Leaders Initiative 6/7/06
"How to be a successful Leader"
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This
Month's article
CONTINUING TO FOLLOW THROUGH
How to finish whatever you start
In my last article you learned why it’s so difficult
to finish what you start. According to Steve Levinson and Pete C. Greider
authors of the book Following Through, poor follow through
isn’t a result of insufficient motivation, but because our minds
aren’t designed for it. The book explains the author’s theory
that the human nervous system is divided into two systems: the “Intelligence
Based Guidance System” that sets positive intentions and the “Primitive
Guidance System” that reacts to whatever is happening in the moment.
The authors share seven strategies to help you to
follow through. All strategies need an environment that ensures the
path of least resistance. My last article focused on the first strategy
called “Spotlighting,” which helps you follow your intention.
To execute this strategy, arrange cues in your environment, which will
shine a “spotlight” on what you want to do. To create your
own cues, put notes or reminders in obvious locations.
Strategy Number Two: Willpower Leveraging
This strategy suggests taking one simple action step
today that makes it more likely you’ll do the right thing tomorrow.
The authors provide the example of a man who ate a half a box of cookies
every night while watching television. When he was done he felt guilty
and fat. He decided not to eat any cookies. Every night he had the best
intentions. But, as he sat and watched TV, his resolve would weaken.
He tried to resist but after an hour or so, he would give in to his
craving. He would go to the kitchen to have one cookie. But he continued
to make several trips for more cookies. He would then get disgusted
with himself. When he heard about willpower leveraging, it made sense
to him. He decided to take one simple action and he asked his wife to
stop buying cookies. Relying on willpower alone had gotten him nowhere.
By leveraging his willpower he was able to accomplish his goal. Choose
an obstacle and give it a try.
Strategy Number Three: Creating Compelling
Reasons
This is a powerful way to help you to follow through.
Compelling reasons have three common ingredients.
- Make it matter now. Results that come immediately
are more motivating than something that provides results in the future.
- Eliminate wiggle room. If you knew you didn’t
return a phone call to a client within two hours you would lose the
account, wouldn’t you make those calls immediately?
- Make sure it fits you. When you create a compelling
reason it must be important to you. If keeping your word is critical
for you, then making a commitment to your coach might be what you
need. Saying you’re going to do something and not wanting to
fail to honor a commitment might be your best strategy. If you’re
in the middle of a great book and are having trouble following through
on something, perhaps you should give the book to a friend and have
her hold onto it until you’ve completed your task. Make it compelling
and personal.
Strategy Number Four: Leading the Horse to
Water
This strategy is about making it easier for you to
follow through. If a horse is near water whether he’s thirsty
or not, it will be easier for him when he wants a drink. If you want
to use your exercise bike but don’t make time for it, if you just
put on your sneakers and sit on the bike you might be motivated to pedal
for a few minutes. This strategy is a gentle and easy way to take small
steps in the right direction. If there’s an important prospect
you’ve wanted to call on, just going to his building might be
the first step. Woody Allen once said, “Eighty percent of success
is showing up.” The “Leading the Horse” strategy is
100 percent showing up.
Strategy Number Five: Going Too Far
With this strategy you make a deal with yourself.
You want to make it outrageous but you must honor the deal that you
make. The authors describe a woman who had some unpleasant work tasks
she was avoiding. To make herself do them she agreed that when she was
in her office, but not doing the dreaded tasks, she would stand. She
knew it was ridiculous to avoid tasks that she would have to do eventually,
so after a few minutes of standing she decided to sit down and get to
work.
Strategy Number Six: Right Before Wrong
This strategy is about doing the right thing before
you do the wrong thing. If you want to eat fewer cookies this strategy
suggests having some carrots before eating the cookie. You must do it
every time. If you want to read more and watch less TV, read for fifteen
minutes before watching any TV show. If you do right before wrong, you
might not want to do the wrong thing.
Strategy Number Seven: Strike While the Iron
is Hot
This is a very effective strategy. If you’ve
ever gone to a workshop or seminar and come back to your office filled
with great ideas, but you don’t take action immediately it is
very likely that you’ll never implement the ideas. When my daughter
got married, I was thrilled with the vendors I selected. The next day
while I still felt the excitement I wrote thank you letters to everyone
involved in making it such a success. I knew if I waited a week or two
I might not send the letters or my passion might fade.
Now that you have the strategies for following
through, create an intention and use one or more of the strategies to
complete your actions. Good luck!
Have a great month!
Phyllis Sisenwine
Master Certified Coach
Published by
Phyllis Sisenwine, Master Certified Coach, Motivational Speaker and
writer. She works with
clients to earn more money, improve time management and stay focused.
To schedule
a powerful coaching conversation send an email. Her website is located
at www.powerfulcoaching.com
Copyright 2006, All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Phyllis
Sisenwine, Master Certified Coach
POWERFUL SOLUTIONS, INC. Inspiring Excellence...in You.
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