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In
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A Message from Phyllis
Announcements
Feature Article: LETTING GO!
 A
Message from Phyllis
Dear Readers,
Summer is here and I hope you have some special time planned for yourself. Plan a vacation day just for you. You might want to go to a park and read a book or ride your bike. When was the last time you played tennis, basketball or went for a long walk? A few years ago I discovered a wonderful way to go bike riding or walking. It's called "rails to trails." In many areas of the country old railroad tracks have been turned into biking and hiking trails. They are great because there are no cars, streets to cross, or hills to climb. The first one I discovered was in the Berkshires and then I found one in Valley Forge, PA. Last week I was in the Pocono Mountains and I went to the town of Jim Thorpe where they had a great "rails to trails" path. Take some time this summer to discover areas where you can relax and have fun. You might want to pack a lunch, take a blanket, and have an old-fashioned picnic. My article this month is about letting go. Why not let go of your "to-do" list for a day or two and take some time for yourself?
Have a wonderful month!
Warm Regards,
Phyllis
Announcements
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Print assessment still available. Send email to phyllis@powerfulcoaching.com if you want to learn more about your strengths and behaviors.
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This
Month's article
LETTING GO!
Michael, a gifted eleven-year-old, recently participated in an unusual but meaningful experience. He was invited to a family gathering where he participated in a fire walk. Despite his age, he was permitted to join the teenagers and adults for this special event.
Before walking on the hot coals, everyone was asked to describe their true self and what holds them back. Michael shared that shyness held him back, but when he starts middle school this September he wants to be more outgoing. The aim of the event was to show participants that if they can walk on fire, they can do anything. And by sharing what held them back and walking on the coals, each person was empowered. Indeed, to let go of one’s limiting beliefs is empowering.
Most of us work hard to get more. More money, more time, more clients. For a change, though, let's think about what we need less of. Less stress, less anxiety, less fear. Now, let's think about what you need to let go of? What holds you back from having the life you want? Is it time to let go of what is not working for you? Do you go to dinners and meetings of organizations that you have outgrown? It might be time to let them go. Do you have beliefs that cause stress and anxiety? We often grow up with beliefs from childhood and accept them as truths. Think about some of your beliefs and question their validity. Perhaps it is time to let them go as well.
One of my coaching clients recently said that he doesn't ask for business because he doesn't want to be considered a 'smarmy salesperson.' He is a bright, personable man whose beliefs hold him back from developing business. And until he lets go of those thoughts, he will struggle to gain new clients.
For example, he had an aversion to picking up the telephone to contact prospective clients. We discussed a strategy where he would be a resource and helpful for people rather than a smarmy salesperson. Once he looked at his beliefs and feelings of negativity, he realized that people needed his expertise and that he wasn't being the distasteful salesperson. He let that negative belief go and his attitude changed.
Another client believed that if she complained about things to her colleagues she would feel better. But she realized that constantly talking about her own difficulties made things worse, so she chose to stop whining. Complainers are an energy drain, she realized.
Look at your relationships. Do you spend time with people who encourage and support you? Do they listen when you share your goals and plans? Take a look at the people with whom you spend the most time. If they do not offer positive feedback, or help your self-esteem, it may be time to let go of them.
Similarly, you may have had an argument with someone years ago and stopped talking to them, but still feel the resentment. I've known people who stopped speaking to siblings or parents because of something one of them said. Years passed and relationships suffered. Some people don’t remember the source of their anger, but they refuse to make amends. Such resentments hurt more than we realize and affect us more than the people we’re angry with. Do you still hold grudges? You may want to look at the resentments you feel and work on letting them go.
Finally, do you have habits that hold you back and that you'’d like to change? A habit is a behavior you keep repeating whether the results are beneficial or not. For example, are you often late for meetings and appointments? Do you procrastinate on everything including paying bills and making calls? Do you mean to follow through, but get sidetracked? Do you allow distractions and interruptions to affect your workflow? These habits are obstacles, but once you identify the habits you want to eliminate you can plan to take action. Let go of the bad habits.
Change often requires courage. It may take courage to let go of what you are comfortable with. What else do you need to let go of?
Other examples include the clutter in your life. Spend some time in your office tossing things that are no longer necessary.
Do you use outdated forms? Does your professional photo resemble the person you are today? No? Let them go. What about the style of your clothes? Do you wear clothes that were in fashion when you were in school? Yes? Clean out your closets. Let go of clothes that no longer reflect who you are.
What about your eating habits? Do you eat junk food on the run? Do you have excess weight that you would like to lose? Create a plan to let it go. What else do you want less of in your life?
Clutter, weight, and negative thoughts affect your life dramatically, but you don't have to walk on hot coals to make a commitment for change. Take some time to look at what is holding you back and plan to let your limiting beliefs go.
Have a great month!!
Phyllis Sisenwine, MCC
Powerful Soultions, Inc.
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
2008, 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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