Life Coaching to Change Careers

Having a life coach when you are thinking about making a career change is extemely beneficial. A good life coach will walk you through the decision making process, help you see options and consequences of specific choices and help you determine which direction you should take. They won't make any decisions for you, but will help you through the process and perhaps any fear which might be holding you back.

If you are considering making any big life changes, think about hiring a life coach. It will be well worth the investment.

Reasons to Hire a Life Coach

News Released: December 15, 2005

New Internet Survey Reveals, "70% of a life coach's clients need help with their confidence and self-esteem"

(PRLEAP.COM) Life coaching is one of the fastest growing industries on both sides of the Atlantic but what are the main reasons why somebody would employ a life coach?

In a recent survey conducted by www.lifecoachingstudio.com, the life coaches that replied proclaimed that the number one reason why people employed them was to help them with their confidence and self-esteem.

Of the 433 respondents in the survey, 41% advised that confidence building was the main reason.

Here are the top 5 reasons from the survey:

1. Confidence Building 41%
2. Direction/Purpose/Goals 20%
3. Career 11%
4. Communication Skills 10%
5. Spirituality 6%

With lack of self-esteem and confidence being the main reason why someone would go to a life coach, is life coaching just another form of counselling?

Sean McPheat, leading life coach and mentor comments that, "Life coaching is very different from counselling. It focuses on the here and now rather than looking into any deep meanings of the "why". The survey demonstrates that society places a lot of pressure on everyone to be assertive and confident if they want to succeed and more and more people would rather go to a life coach than a counsellor because they do not want to look back and dig up the past, instead they want to look forward."

Client Relationships

One important thing to do as a life coach is to maintain relationships with your clients. A good way to do that during the holidays is to send a personalized holiday card. Just remind your clients that they are important to you -- without them you wouldn't be able to be a life coach.

50% OFF All Holiday Cards - Expires 12/31/05

Through the year you may want to send reminder cards, or special offers including your business card, so your client can pass on your card to people they know. Word of mouth advertising is vital for life coaching.

I found some great offers going on at VistaPrint right now -- if you want to get custom photo holiday cards or any photo gifts, address labels, magnets, business cards etc. -- this is a great deal. Save 25% Off Custom Printed Products at Vistaprint.com!

Gratitude

"I have come to feel that one of the most important ingredients for a happy life—a life of joy, contentment, hope, and peace—is gratitude. Surely gratitude—being thankful, being aware, and expressing appreciation—is one of the most important of all heavenly virtues."

(Mary Ellen Edmunds, You Can Never Get Enough of What You Don't Need, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2005], p. 138.)

Sharing the Love

The Thanksgiving season is one in which we remember all of the things we are grateful for and try to focus on our blessings. One suggestion has been given which I thought worthy of passing onto you.

Sharing the Love

Make a list of twenty reasons you are thankful for your sweetheart / child / friend / parent. Then give them your list (along with a small sweet treat such as M&M's.) Then as you read the list to them, they eat one of the small candies along with each item you are grateful for.

It's a small way to not only remember your blessings, but to share your love to those around you.

Power of Attention

We all need to become more consious of our own lives. Life can be short and it may pass us by unless we can be aware of the journey.

Each day, we are presented with thousands of choices and opportunities. How do we choose how to spend our time? We are bombarded with messages from advertisers, news, family, friends. I recently read that we are assaulted with over 10,000 marketing and advertising choices just with one visit to a grocery store. What will get our attention and our time? Is it the message that screams the loudest?

It seems that those things which are of the most importance are felt or experienced during the quiet times, moments of reflection or one-on-one times with our children or spouse. If we can focus the power of our attention on what matters most, and not allow the constant distractions to take us away from our chosen path, we will experience life in a rich, deep way. Our challenge is to learn how to filter out those distractions and focus ourselves.

Joy in the Journey!

Putting Things Into Perspective

Perspective makes the whole difference.

Perspective!

A mother passing by her son's bedroom was astonished to see the bed was nicely made and everything was picked up.

Then she saw an envelope propped up prominently on the center of the bed. It was addressed: "Mom".

With the worst premonition, she opened the envelope and read the letter with trembling hands:

Dear Mom,

It is with great regret and sorrow that I'm writing you. I had to elope with my new girlfriend because I wanted to avoid a scene with Dad and you. I've been finding real passion with Joan and she is so nice.....even with all her piercings, tattoos, and her tight motorcycle clothes. But it's not only the passion Mom, she's pregnant and Joan said that we will be very happy.

Even though you don't care for her as she is so much older than I, she already owns a trailer in the woods and has a stack of firewood for the whole winter.

She wants to have many more children with me and that's now one of my dreams too. Joan taught me that marijuana doesn't really hurt anyone and we'll be growing it for us and trading it with her friends for all the cocaine and ecstasy we want!

In the meantime, we'll pray that science will find a cure for AIDS so Joan can get better, she sure deserves it!!

Don't worry Mom, I'm 15 years old now and I know how to take care of myself. Someday I'm sure we'll be back to visit so you can get to know your grandchildren.

Your Son,
John

P.S. Mom, NONE of the above is true. I'm over at the neighbor's house. I just wanted to remind you that there are worse things in life than my report card that's in my desk center drawer.

I LOVE YOU!

Call when it is safe for me to come home.

Starting a Life Coaching Business

Are you starting a life coaching business? Would you like to be involved with a large group of life coaches across the country? Do you want to do your own marketing or would you like to have leads generated and sent your way? If you are a life coach or are starting a life coaching business, and would like help getting started or would like to become a Success Life Coach, email me at romay@success-life-coaching.com for more information.

Taking up a Hobby

One of the best ways to learn how to have harmony with your mind, body, and spirit is to take up a hobby that you are passionate about. A creative hobby is best, since you are using your mind, your body, and your spirit during creation. Some good examples are painting, gardening, scrapbooking, photography, flower arranging, and much more. Pick a hobby that brings you joy and make sure you spend some time each week doing it.

NOTE: Make sure you are balanced and that your hobby doesn't take too much of your time or energy, otherwise you will not get the harmony you are seeking.

Success Life Coaching Website

For those of you who have not checked out our Success Life Coaching Website you can read the latest news about life coaching, how to get a good life coach, and reasons why a life coach might be just what you're looking for. Come check out the site.

Key to a Happy Home

Try not to be too demanding of one another. There must be a little give and take, and a great deal of flexibility, to make a happy home.

—Marjorie Pay Hinckley, Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Words We Use Attract Life's Riches

Carol Tuttle, a popular author and owner of the Carol Tuttle Healing Center, recent wrote about the power of the words we use. I've read many articles and books about the subject of the words we speak and the power of our thoughts, and I thought Carol's insights were worth sharing.

If you want to attract wealth, success, happiness, love, and all the good things you want in your life -- you need to pay attention to what words you say and make sure you use language which will attract those things.

You create energy with the words you use. If you constantly use negative words, it influences how you behave, what you believe, choices you make and the direction your life takes.

Steps to create the life you want:
1. Pay attention to the words you use on a daily basis. (Specifically those which indicate life is hard, being tired, getting frustrated or annoyed.) Ex: "It's too hard." "I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired." etc.

2. Stop using those phrases and words.

3. Day by day, focus on taking any negative words and replace them with positive ones. Such as: "I'm excited about losing weight." "He is doing the best he can." "I'm ready for a healthy life." "I am in charge of my life." "Good things come easily into my life." "I am willing to do what it takes to change my life."

4. Notice the changes in your life, as your language changes.

Looking for a Life Coach?

I'm interested in what people are looking for when they look for a life coach. If you are looking for a life coach -- are you looking for someone local? Similar background and interests? Credentials? Word-of-mouth recommendation? Someone who has a great website? A life coach who has published articles? What exactly are you looking for?

When you hire a life coach -- what are your expectations? Do you want someone to tell you what to do? To give you direction? To listen to you? To help you identify what you really want in life? To cheer you on when you are discouraged? To help kick you into gear?

If you are looking for a life coach, let me know what you think are the 2 most important traits in a life coach.

Thanks

Why Do You Need a Life Coach?

"A life coach is someone you call to discuss marriage, career, personal fitness, decorating, religion. ... It's all about getting life unstuck." Emily Minor, Palm Beach Post Columnist

Why does someone need a life coach?

Jay Block, a career coach since the early 1990's explains: "The average person has 60,000 thoughts a day. The problem is when they're the same thoughts they had 10 years ago."

A life coach can help people transition from lives they are not happy living, to one with greater purpose and direction. "I'll help people, say doctors who don't want to be doctors, go into their own business," he said.

"It seems that people are realizing that it just takes too long to go to a counselor and sit for three years and be in the same place three years from then," Block said. "A counselor listens. A life coach gives advice."

Quotes from: PalmBeachPost.com Commentary: Should I be a life coach or do I need one?

New Scrapbook Paper Designs

While at Memory Trends I came across a new line of scrapbook papers that I loved. They are from MaisyMo Designs in New Jersey -- a company created by 2 darling sisters with great ideas. If you get a chance to check out their website and buy some of their stuff -- I would highly recommend it!

MaisyMo Designs

Do What You Love

Experts advise that if you do not have passion for what you do, you will never truly be successful. I believe that passion can carry you through the difficult times of a career -- help you to hold on and work through challenges. This is especially true for entrepreneurs. If you start a business just to make money and are not really interested in what you're doing, it is likely you will not be successful. There are those cases where making money is the passion and that is what drives an individual's success. But if you really want success AND happiness, you should choose a career path which brings fulfillment, which you love, and which can also support you and your family. Don't settle for "just a job" -- there is so much more out there!

Positive Communication

I'm a huge fan of Tony Robbins, Stephen R. Covey, Og Mandino, and those who evangelize the importance of creating the life you want, focusing on the power of your mind, and using positive communication.

This past week I was confronted by something unusual for me. I witnessed a business person completely lose control. She lost her temper, became completely irrational, defensive and stormed off in a rage. She left a wake of destruction in her path. I try to surround myself with people of like-mind -- people who enjoy team work, supporting each other in succeeding, and trying to communicate in a positive way in order to solve problems.

In the past this particular individual has caused conflict, confusion, mis-communications, missed deadlines, cast blame on others and has never taken responsibility for anything. In her mind -- it is always someone else's fault. Every time I have witnessed any interactions this person has had with others, it has been frought with backbiting and blame. She seems to carry with her a pall of darkness and negativity.

I believe when you are not living in your own truth, when you are trying to excuse your own behavior, when you are not humble and teachable, you will not only NOT be happy, but you will NEVER be able to be truly happy and at peace until you can look at yourself and how you are living your life.

Negativity affects everyone. When you are constantly with someone who finds bad things to discuss, or makes normal things seem bad, it becomes easier to look for the negative yourself. If you want to succeed -- change your patterns of communication. Instead of looking for the problems -- look for solutions. Instead of criticizing and complaining -- spend your energy on finding ways to build others up. If you can just do one thing -- have positive communication whenever you speak -- it will change your life. People will be naturally attracted to you. You will have greater opportunities open up. You will be happier and so will your family.

Try it -- just experiment for one week. Any time you are tempted to say something which does not build, or help, or generate good feelings -- change what you are going to say, or don't say anything. See how you feel at the end of the week. It can be an amazing experience if you will give it a try!

Shutterfly Coupon for Photos

For those of you who want to get your photos printed, Shutterfly has a discount of 10% during October. Use the following link and coupon to get your discount.

Save 10%.  Easily create personalized holiday Photo Cards at Shutterfly. Use Coupon Code:  AF10-CARD(Expires 10-31-05)

Life is Your Choice

Here is a great story going around the internet. It might not be accurate or even a true story, but it portrays a great principle: Your Life is Your Choice.

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, "If I were any better, I would be twins!"

He was a natural motivator.

If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation.

Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, "I don't get it!

You can't be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?"

He replied, "Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or .. you can choose to be in a bad mood.

I choose to be in a good mood."

Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn! from it. I choose to learn from it.

Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or... I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life.

"Yeah, right, it's not that easy," I protested.

"Yes, it is," he said. "Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood.

You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life."

I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it.

Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower.

After 18 hours of surgery and wee! ks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods p laced in his back.

I saw him about six months after the accident.

When I asked him how he was, he replied, "If I were any better, I'd be twins. Wanna see my scars?"

I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place.

"The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter," he replied. "Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live."

"Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?" I asked.

He continued, "..the paramedics were great.

They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action."

"What did you do?" I asked.

"Wel! l, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me," said John. "She asked if I was allergic to anything. 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'."

Over their laughter, I told them, "I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead."

He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because of his amazing attitude... I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully.

Attitude, after all, is everything.

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34.

After all today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday.

Life Coach Recommends Doing Nothing

We are constantly being bombarded by messages about how to increase our effectiveness, accomplish more, utilize our time so we can make more money, and work harder. But what about down time? Do you feel guilty if you take time to sit and do nothing but think? When was the last time you went to the park for an afternoon just to enjoy some sunshine?

New life coaching books are encouraging us to take our time back -- and spend time doing nothing. Life Coaching Books

Life Coaching for Teens

Teenagers can benefit greatly from having a life coach. Teens go through many transitions which can become stressful, confusing, and frustrating. They deal with jobs, school, peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, friends, and much more. Wouldn't it be great for teens to be given guidance on how to take those transitional times and create the lives they really want -- to give them hope that their dreams can be accomplished.

If you want a life coach for teens, make sure they focus on teenagers and youth specifically. The way they coach will be more interactive than a life coach for adults. Check around, get referrals and make sure you carefully check credentials before hiring anyone.

Being Prepared - Emergency Preparedness

In the past several weeks I have been reflecting on counsel given by my Church to have a year's supply of food, and emergency supplies on hand. I believe this is inspired counsel, especially seeing how much a natural disaster can completely devastate a whole area. Food storage in New Orleans may have helped some of the victims (at least those whose homes were not completely destroyed), but with a disaster of that magnitude it may have been helpful to have a 72-hour kit. A 72-hour kit is something usually stored in a backpack that is quickly grabbed, containing first aid supplies, food and water for 3 days, a change of clothing and a few other necessary supplies.

If you are interested in emergency preparedness and food storage, there is a great resource at Provident Living. You can find lists of the types of food you should store, how to store the food, where you can get food storage and the amounts of food and water that you should have depending on your family size. There is also a list of emergency supplies that would be beneficial to have on hand.

Anyway, I think it would benefit all of us to think about how we can be prepared in case of disaster. Maybe it is starting out small with knowledge and a plan -- such as where to turn off the gas in your home, how to get out in case of a fire, or if you were separated from family members where would you meet (have several options in case some places are not accessible).

"If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." (Doctrine and Covenants 38:30).

Natural Cures "They Don't Want You to Know About" - by Kevin Trudeau

There is a great book called "Natural Cures 'They' Don't Want You to Know About" by Kevin Trudeau. Perhaps you've seen him on many infomercials discussing health products like coral calcium, etc. I'm about 1/3 of the way through the book and have really enjoyed reading it. It makes you think a lot about what we are putting into our bodies (sometimes not understanding what is actually in the product and what it may do to our health.)

I've had major chronic pain from a back injury this spring, so I've been trying to find any alternatives to start functioning again. I'm at about 20% and the pain keeps me from being able to do most of the things I want to do -- plus adding extra weight since I cannot move much and have not been able to get to the gym at all. I came across this book and I'm determined to follow as much as I can. I believe there are many things we can do which will allow us greater health if we will try to learn with an open mind and be willing to actually follow what we learn.

You are the only one who can change your life. I am the only one who can change my life -- it's just a matter of taking action.

Anyway, the book sells for about $30, but I found it on Amazon.com for $17 -- great price. It's worth the investment!

FBI Warns about Fake Hurricane Katrina Websites

The FBI has estimated that 60 of the 4,000 websites which claim to offer relief for Hurricane Katrina victims are bogus. Most are hosted over seas and are collecting money illegally. Some even pretend to be the Red Cross or associated with the Red Cross. Some sites have been shut down, but many are still operating. There are even phishers (sending emails which look offical, coming from an actual charity, that lead you to websites which also look official, but are actually collecting personal financial information and money for themselves and are not associated with real charities).

The best protection is to not click on links to go to charity websites -- but to type the charity name into your web browser -- such as www.redcross.org. If you want to help go directly to the Salvation Army, the Red Cross or your local government agencies and donate, that way you can be sure your donation is actually going to assist those who are in need.

Google Adds Blog Search

Google has now launched its beta version of Google Blog Search. Now competing with Technorati and Feedster, Google is the first major search engine to provide searching for blogs and feeds. Check it out at google.com/blogsearch or blogsearch.google.com or search.blogger.com. It looks like a great service. It will be great to search specifically on blogs easily with this new tool.

Housing for Hurricane Katrina Victims

There is a great resource for those who have been displaced because of Hurricane Katrina called KatrinaHousing.org. This non-profit organization has over 150,000 beds available for hurricane victims and has already placed almost 5,000 people.

They are in need of volunteers for telephones and answering email requests. If you have any interest in helping, please contact them

Life Changes - Back to School

Any life change or transition can bring extra stress. If we take a few minutes each day to prepare, we can reduce or even eliminate that additional stress in our lives. Getting back into school is one example of a life change. Whether you have children you are preparing to start school, or if you are starting high school, beginning college, or going back to school after a long break -- you can plan on experiencing more stress until you can create a routine.

Take a few minutes each day to meditate. Practice some deep breathing and focus your thoughts. Taking a little time to recenter yourself can generate feelings of being in control and can help you during your transition.

Taking a Step Back

Once in a while it's important to take a step back from our daily routine and personal status -- to look at ourselves, our families, and our lives from another perspective. If we can objectively look at the patterns we have created, perhaps we can find new ways to resolve old issues.

Vacations can be a perfect time to step back and remember what is really important in your life. It's vital to personal mental, spiritual, emotional and physical well-being to analyze your life and take steps to get back on target to your ultimate goals.

Live the Life you Want

Only you can change your life!

This life is your life experience. You make of it what you will. You can choose to live life only for others and never do the things you want. Or, you can determine to get the most out of life, try new things, develop deep and lasting relationships, spend more time with your family, and really create the life you want.

It's up to you. No one can do it for you. Decide today!

Vacation Time

I will be on vacation until August 12th and will not be blogging during that time. Have a great summer!

Happy 24th of July -- Pioneer Day

Happy 24th of July! For those of you outside of Utah, July 24 is Pioneer Day in Utah and is a state holiday. It is the day we celebrate the pioneers settling in the Salt Lake Valley.

July 24th is a huge holiday full of fireworks, parades, and family celebrations. It's always fun to have an extra holiday during the year.

Read more about Pioneer Day

The Four Agreements - Life Changing Book

If you want to change the quality of your life, pick up and read The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Very highly recommended book. Helps to identify limiting personal beliefs, change them and see the world differently -- in a more peaceful and joyful way.

Giving Compliments

Have you ever been truly complimented -- out of the blue? I read an article recently about a woman who was having a terrible day. She ended up in the grocery store and suddenly another woman who was passing her, turned back and said, "I really like your hair." One comment. Simple.

How do you think that statement changed the first woman's outlook? It changed her whole day -- made her feel good about herself and her attitude and perspective changed.

Experiment for a day - when you see something that deserves a compliment -- speak up! Open your mouth! (Make sure it is sincere otherwise it won't work). At the end of the day, think back to those you touched and how it affected you as well. Did your day go better? Were you happier? Were you looking for the good and not the bad?

This is an interesting process - but a heart-felt compliment has tremendous power.

Accepting Others

There is a great article today on Daily OM about allowing other people to experience their own journeys through life and not being judgmental about others making mistakes. We all have our own lives and it's important to gain experience. If you want to get uplifting and thought-provoking thoughts each day, sign up for their free emails - highly recommended.

Happy 4th of July!

On Saturday night I attended a great 4th of July celebration in Provo -- the Stadium of Fire. It was a wonderful event with Lonestar, Mandy Moore, Lucy Lawless, Debbie Reynolds, Louis Gossett Jr., Fred Willard, a 4,000 voice children's choir, F-16 flyovers, and a 25 minute firework presentation. Everything was spectacular. We had a live link with troops in Afghanistan and Iraq -- and some soldiers were able to talk to their families who were in attendance. It was a very powerful event. Great kickoff for the 4th of July and celebrating our freedom. Happy 4th everyone and thanks to all the troops who are fighting to protect freedom around the globe. Freedom Festival

Time Management Site

I have now launched my time management site -- at least an initial version which will be enhanced greatly as I have time. :-)

Check it out at Time Management

Uplifting Entertainment - Utah Festival Opera and Shakespearean Festival

For those of you in Utah, or who love the arts -- the Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City and the Utah Festival Opera company in Logan provide "MUST SEE" seasons of Shakespearean theater, musical theater and opera. Two of the best venues and always excellent productions.

The Shakespearean Festival season's summer shows (2005) include: Doctor Faustus, Love's Labour's Lost, Romeo and Juliet, Camelot, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Stones in His Pockets. September through October will show: All's Well that Ends Well, The Foreigner, and Pippin.

For more information -- Shakespearean Festival

The Utah Festival Opera Company is nestled in the northern Utah mountains in Cache Valley -- Logan, Utah -- and housed in the grand Ellen Eccles Theatre built in 1923. It has been beautifully restored and is one of the West's grand theatres. If you're looking for uplifting entertainment, you can't miss out of the excellence of the UFOC.

Shows include: Turandot by Puccini, Kismet by Robert Wright and George Forrest, The Crucible by Robert Ward, and Annie Get Your Gun by Irving Berlin. I attend every season and am never disappointed. The Utah Festival Opera Company provides glorious music, full orchestration, incredible costuming, and marvelous talent from across the country.

For more information -- Utah Festival Opera Company

Feeding Your Mind

The Old Cherokee

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, "My son, the battle is between 2 wolves."

"One is Evil. It is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied,.. "The one you feed."

Success Life Coaching

Life coaching is becoming more and more popular. Why? I personally think that many people are finding dissatisfaction with their current status in life and are proactively trying to create the life they want. People are more willing to work for their dreams as they see others obtain success. I also think that word is spreading about life coaching the benefits of having a "personal trainer" for work, life, family, relationships, goals, etc. If you are not content with your life, you should look into getting a life coach to help you refine your goals, set achieveable goals, and take action on creating the life of your dreams.

The Power of Music

Studies have shown that music can affect and actually alter brain chemistry - it can be used to help heal, or can influence people to act out violently. Take a look at what you listen to when you are angry -- chances are you seek out music which feeds that anger. In a spa environment you will never find hard rock music because it generates feelings which are not peaceful. I once had a great music teacher who was a world famous Opera singer. He recommended creating a "musical first-aid kit". He said, make tapes or CDs of various types of music. First make a CD of your favorite songs that when you listen to them, it's impossible to be depressed. Then if you feel depression coming on -- put in the tape and it will help you change your mood. You can do this for other things such as - motivating music (when you need to clean the house), or workout music (to get you off the couch), or relaxing music to help you wind down and get rid of stress. It's true that music can affect our moods. A great book about this is entitled "The Mozart Effect" by Don Campbell. There are also created scientifically selected music CD's designed to Strengthen the Mind, Heal the Body, Unlock the Creative Spirit, Focus and Clarity, Relax and Unwind, and Music for Yoga.

Internet Marketing Seminar

Yesterday I was able to attend a seminar on internet marketing given by Paul Allen (who happens to be my brother.) He is truly a genius, and although I had seen his presentation before, I always learn new things. If you do business online, want to start your own business, or want to learn how to expand your current customer base and if you have a chance to get to one of his seminars, you should do it! It could change your life and the way you do business. Check out his blog -- Paul Allen, Internet Entrepreneur.

Apologies for Lack of Blogging

Hi all,

My apologies for not blogging during the past few weeks. I've injured my back and have limited my activities while I'm trying to recouperate. I hope to be back writing soon. Thanks for your patience.

Looking for the Right Life Coach

How do you go about finding a life coach who will work for you? There are many options out there, so take a little time and find someone who will encourage and whose personality clicks with yours. It's your life and it's worth a little effort to find a good match. Some people are more comfortable meeting with their life coach in person. If that is the case with you, you should find someone local. Otherwise there are many other options. The best way to find a good life coach is through word of mouth. Talk to others who already have a coach and find out what they like about their coach, and how they feel their coach has helped them. Most coaches will offer at least one free session, so take advantage of the offer before signing any contracts.

Moving Forward

There are ruts in life -- no doubt about it. Sometimes we get stuck. I've been there myself many times. At times it seems that I keep digging, digging, digging, but I simply end up deeper in my rut. A rut can be anything from a stagnant relationship to poor eating habits, to a comfort zone without progression. So, how do we get out of our ruts and move forward? The first step is recognition. Most recognition comes from pain -- you may feel dissatisfied with your life but you can't identify what exactly is causing those feelings, you may feel trapped, you might get depressed. If you're not happy, then take a look at yourself (not necessarily your circumstances). Look at where your are spiritually, emotionally, physically, mentally, and socially. Are you doing all you can do to progress in those areas? If you are not learning and growing, changing and improving, and moving forward in your life -- it's easy to blame others around you, or your circumstances -- but the real cause is YOU! YOU need to take charge of your own life. Happiness and fulfillment comes from growth and change. Although our ruts can be filled with comfort and warmth, it's really sticky mud that is keeping us from fulfilling our potentials. So, get yourself up and get moving!

Family Support - A Huge Thank You!

I would like to just write a heartfelt Thank You to my family for helping me move this week. With nieces and nephews all carrying boxes, it was a much quicker move than I had anticipated -- plus we had fun being together. My sister Heidi came down from Logan with her daughter Amber and helped for a full day, getting packed, dejunking, and carrying boxes. Tiffanie and Amy (age 5) came and helped a lot. Then my nieces Vanessa, Kara, and Emily, spent 2 days with me doing the same thing -- I really could not have done it without their help!

I had help from all of my family (except my parents who are serving as missionaries in Washington - although they offered to pay for the moving truck, and my brother and his family who live in Montana). I felt very loved and supported. It was a great experience and I will be forever thankful for the sacrificed time and energy on my behalf.

Thank you FAMILY!

Time for Change -- Change is Good!

Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a rut, your life was the same or worse than it was a year ago, or that you felt something was a little out of place but you couldn't tell what it was? If you find yourself in a boring routine, not feeling like you're learning or growing, then it's time for a change. Many people are afraid of change. They associate change with pain -- pain of the unknown, focusing on things that could go wrong, and basically fearing changing the status quo.

Change is good! We are learning and changing creatures. That is what life is all about. If you look at a child and how quickly they learn new things -- learning to crawl, how to walk, how to talk, balance and coordination, learning about what is funny and how to become independent. Fear does not come naturally to children. It is a learned trait. And as time passes, fears can multiply if we allow them to grow.

If you are facing a change in your life -- direct the focus of your mind. Instead of thinking about the pain -- think about all of the things you will gain. You will gain new learning experiences. You may make new friends. You perhaps will earn more money. You will get into a position where you can develop your talents. Whatever the change is -- focus on all of the things which will benefit you -- and you will see more clearly how change is good.

I've just gone through this process myself. I've just finished moving. For weeks before the actual move, I began dreading it. I thought about all of the pain of packing, deciding what to keep and what to give away, finding a new place to live, making tons of decisions about where and when, etc. I thought about the time I would have to take off from work and the pressure of getting behind. I thought about the physical pain of moving boxes up and down stairs, carrying heavy furniture, and then cleaning the whole house. But then I make the decision that those thoughts were not serving me -- they were only causing unnecessary stress. I tried to go day by day and just do what I could in that day and not "fret" about the next step. Then I directed my thoughts to all of the good things which could come from this move. I could get into a newer place. I could have more freedom not being responsible for roommates living with me. I could get rid of "stuff" that I had been holding onto for years which I never used -- and give those things to someone who needed them. I could simplify my life. I could get a fresh start. (This is not to say I was perfect at this process -- I did have a few days of stressing out, but when I took a break and refocused, I found the process truly works.)

I'm into my new place and it is beautiful. I'm not quite out of boxes yet, but I like the feel here and I'm excited to see what this next chapter will bring in my life. Change is good!

Power of Thought - Experiment

There is a great article about the power of thought and how to overcome negative thought patterns written in Meridian Magazine. If you would like to see if you have a pattern of negative thinking (especially about yourself), read the article and follow the experiment. The experiment is to basically contribute $1.00 to charity every time you say something negative. At the end of the week you can see if you have a huge problem and perhaps be more motivated to change it. The only way to overcome negative thinking is to replace it with positive thinking -- make sure you replace your habit (pattern) with a pattern which will support you in your goals.

Key to Success - Power of Thought

Everyone knows someone who seems to attract negative experiences. No matter what happens, they don't even see they have a glass let alone if it's half full or half empty. What you focus on is what you will experience. If you dwell on the negative -- your life will be full of negative things.

However, you do have the power to choose the focus of your mind. Experiment on the power of thought. Every time a negative thought comes into your head, choose to change it into something positive. If someone cuts you off in traffic, don't get angry, just be grateful you didn't get into an accident.

People who succeed in life have a pattern of taking what life gives them and choosing to focus on what they are going to do with it -- they choose to focus on the positive. You attract what you think about -- so if you are focused on the good things in life, you will attract more good things. It's up to you.

Attitude of Gratitude

It's easy to look at others and think about all of the blessings they have been given and look at yourself and see your own challenges. No life exists in which there is not some pain and suffering. But when you compare your weaknesses to another's strengths you'll come up short. If you compare what you don't have with what other's have, your life will be filled with unnecessary sorrow. If you are looking for the perfect job, new wardrobe, the next vacation, a love interest or anything outside of yourself to bring joy and happiness -- when those things come, you'll end up looking past them and start looking for the next thing. Focusing on what you don't have will lead to unhappiness and dissatisfaction.

The key to happiness is in having an attitude of gratitude. If you can appreciate and be thankful for the things you do have in your life. If you have hardships, focus on the things you can learn from them. When you get discouraged or depressed, it's hard to remember all of the blessings you do have in your life.

Make a list of everything you're thankful for -- start with 100. They can be small things such as being thankful for rainbows, the smell of flowers, having a baby wrap their tiny fingers around yours, the sound of birds singing, the ability to hear those birds singing, etc. No matter what brings you joy in any way -- write it down! I have my own book of "happy thoughts". They can be small experiences or little things, but once you have them down on paper, when you start feeling like you got the short end of the stick -- pull out your list and think about all of the blessings you DO have. You have the power to control the direction of your mind. Wouldn't you rather focus on the things which will bring contentment and gratitude, rather than focusing on the lack you perceive in your life?

Taking a Break - Time for Renewal

Life is hectic. Life is extremely busy. There is always more to be done than time to do it. So, how do we maintain balance in our busy lives? There are family demands, career demands, physical demands, and more. What comes first? On the days when I feel there are too many things going on, I have a tendency to get into a "stress" mode. My shoulders tense up. My neck gets stiff. I'm not really "enjoying" life but mainly trying to get everything done. Well, as tax deadlines approach, I have found myself in that stress mode. This would be a good day for a visit to a local day spa. Taking a step back from all of the supposedly urgent demands of life, renewing yourself, and getting a little pampering, will raise your spirits, help you gain a new perspective, and also prepare you physically, mentally, and emotionally to meet the demands of the day. So, if you find yourself getting stressed out (and therefore, truly not as productive as you can be) -- take a few hours off, get a massage or a manicure, or do something out in nature. Just a little bit of time can get you back into a productive state of being. Of course, I need to take my own advice -- so off I go!

What Motivates You?

If you can discover things that motivate you, you are much better off than simply choosing a life's path. What is the most important thing in your life? Is it freedom? Is it family? Is it money or power? If you had to choose between your spouse and getting a new car, which would you choose? Do you value closeness in relationships or being able to pick up and go whenever you want? Are you motivated by the ability to change the world for the better? Or would you rather spend your time fishing?

Identifying your personal motivations is key when determining your path in life. If you can shape your goals and create an environment which contributes to your passions, you are guaranteed to be more successful than if you drift along in life, getting distracted by whatever comes your way.

Start out by making a list of the things you love, things which make you happy, and things you want to have in your life. Then put them into categories of things, emotions, and experiences. Then choose one of those things and think about what will allow you to have more of that in your life. Surround yourself with people who will encourage you rather than bring you down to their level. Provide an environment which will remind you of what is important. Motivations are different for each person -- it's up to you to find out what motivates you. Set yourself up for success!

What Does a Life Coach Do?

The easiest way to describe what a life coach does is to start by explaining what a life coach does not do. A life coach is not a therapist. A life coach is not your parent. A life coach does not MAKE you do anything. A life coach does not change your life for you. You are responsible for your own life and what you do with it is up to you. However, having a life coach can help in many ways.

If you are having severe marriage problems you should seek out a marriage counselor. Your life coach will not counsel you but may help you find a good therapist -- specialists in the areas you need help. Your life coach will have resources and places to direct you in getting further assistance. If you want to lose weight, your life coach can encourage you to set goals, find a nutritionist, or even get a personal trainer. Some life coaches may specialize and offer personal training as well as life coaching. Your life coach can help you find out why you are not exercising, or emotional issues which keep you from losing weight, which is the foundation for any weight loss program. A life coach will help you find ways you sabotage yourself and your progress and help you get past obstacles. But the answers you find will come from you.

A life coach's role is to faciliate you -- to help you become the best you that you can be. He or she will encourage, guide, and help you find solutions to your problems. They will ask you questions and help you gain clarity about why you do the things you do, what you really want in life and how you can achieve the life of your dreams. When you think about sports coaches, what is their role? They provide trainers for their athletes. They encourage, push, train, and help their athletes to be the best they can be. They want to win! A life coach takes on a similar role but in other aspects of life. They are mentors and faciliators and with their help you can achieve great success.

Life Coaching - Putting Yourself on the List

One of the first rules in life coaching is to remind your client that they are important. They cannot expect anyone else to take care of them. They must take responsibility for their own life. If their life is not what they want it to be, well, they need to do something to change it. This means keeping commitments they make to themselves. This means taking time to do what they think is important. This means putting themselves on the list.

Putting yourself on the list does not mean that you quit keeping commitments to other people. It does not mean that you become self-focused and selfish. It does not mean that you are the only thing on your list. It just means that you finally are going to give something back to yourself.

It is vital that even life coaches have life coaches (or friends or family) to remind them about this first rule. I have suffered myself from forgetting to put myself on the list until I have given everything away that I have to give, and then find myself breaking down. So, no matter what you do in life, make sure that you take time to renew yourself otherwise you may not have anything let to give.

What is Life Coaching?

What exactly is life coaching? Who can benefit from having a life coach? Why would I want to have a life coach?

These are all great questions. Life coaching is basically having a personal trainer for your life. A life coach will facilitate you and help you take charge of your life. You will re-evalutate your current situation, determine what your personal values and priorities are and then learn how to realign your life to honor those values. The most successful people have life coaches or mentors.

As you work with a life coach you will come to know yourself better, define and achieve goals, attain greater self-actualization, gain personal insights, and achieve personal development and growth. A good coach is a mentor, trainer and facilitator. They will guide you in the process to discover your personal life mission, and on the path to greater happiness.

There are many things you can achieve with a life coach that you may not accomplish on your own -- just like having a personal trainer who will encourage your growth -- a life coach will do the same. Your life coach provides support and encouragement, tools for improving and overcoming obstacles. They will ask the right questions so you can get answers for yourself. Your coach should observe patterns and help you to see things you might miss on your own.

Some of the things you may work on with a life coach include achieving goals, personality and career testing, career transitions, stress reduction, stress management, time management, improving confidence, greater fulfillment and happiness, family relationships, improving communication, gaining a stronger spiritual foundation, weight loss, increasing creativity, life planning, business and executive management, overcoming personal loss or depression, overcoming self-defeating behaviors, personal empowerment, making powerful changes in life and turning your dreams into reality. There are so many ways to benefit from life coaching. If you have interest in improving your life, you should look into getting your own life coach.