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Weekly topics covering life‘s challenges with a positive spin and a new perspective. It‘s time to connect, learn, and grow!
Episodes
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
Wednesday Mar 09, 2022
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are drawing a line in the sand, being kind but concise as we say NO with the purpose of meaning it and sticking to it. One small word. Two little letters yet for some, the hardest word to say. The awkward silence after the delivery can be deafening and cause the weak at heart to cave and backslide. Just like a gymnast strives to stick the landing, one extra step means all the difference. To complicate things, N-O can be spoken in a variety of ways where tone and volume level can make or break the intent. Wow so much to think of before uttering this objection. No wonder we struggle with when and how to convey this simple sentiment, NO. N-O, no can do, nope, uh-uh, that’s a negative, of course not, negative. How uncomfortable are you just thinking about it? Have no fear, literally - no fear. We will explore this small but mighty word, get to the root of our resistance, and come up with some strategies to overcome.
No is a tough one for me. It used to be downright impossible without some sort of excuse or justification to follow. “No….but here’s why, blah blah blah” do you still like me? Did that make it easier? Do you feel ok with my answer? What an exhausting thought process.
Listen, someone asks something of you knowing, right out of the gate, that they have a 50-50 shot. I mean really, how many of us buy “maybe”? So you can say yes or you can say no. They have a 50% chance of getting what they want. You may or may not have been their first attempt so odds are, they have a backup plan. Most things won’t live and breathe by your answer so relax.
Where we fail is to consider our feelings, our time, and our capacity when giving our answer. In many cases, our only consideration is will they be disappointed if we say no. What about your disappointment meant? Does that sound selfish? If you think so, keep listening. This might be where we need some help overcoming this thought process.
Sarah Cy shows us: How to Say NO Without Feeling Guilty, Mean, or Selfish
Finding the balance between self-care and helping others in her article found at medium.com
Iulian Ionescu helps us with: How To Say No: A Guide for Serial People Pleasers found on his blog
CHALLENGE: consider your own feelings, interests, and capacity when evaluating an ask. Be confident in your decision to deliver a no, in a kind and thoughtful way. No doesn’t mean never but for today, you’re saying no to make room for your own yes!
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Mar 01, 2022
Tuesday Mar 01, 2022
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are pulling out the spade and readying the ground as we start digging into what we love. What are you passionate about? What creates that exciting anxious feeling and what puts a smile on your face? Now, how often do you dig in and lose yourself in what you love? For many of us, what we love is a mirage or eutopia. When we get everything else done and satisfy the needs of everyone else, we will set off in search of this wonderful place. But unfortunately, that day never comes and if we have been lucky enough to grab a glimpse, it’s been fleeting. Well today, let’s agree to table the rest or stick a pin in the to-dos while we explore creative ways to bring what we love to the top of the list.
If you’re like me, you spend the majority of your day getting ready for work, working, or unwinding for work. On the weekends you are desperately trying to do anything but work, which usually means, all the other work. The house, the children, the endless honey-do projects. Oh don’t get me wrong, I hear your world’s tiniest record player playing “You’re Breaking My Heart” and really, I’m not necessarily complaining. I actually love to work. Not in the way I love warm chocolate cookies, a good binge series, or a memorable 80’s ballad - but I do enjoy my work.
What I’m saying is if I was put on the spot and asked “what I love and how often do I do what I love”, I might stumble and struggle for an eloquent answer. See, I’m always harping on finding a healthy balance because these topics are for me too. I continue to fight for a healthy balance.
I’m getting better and like with anything, a consistent reminder and some new strategies are always helpful. So let’s figure some stuff out. First, what do you love? When is the last time you explored this idea and were honest with yourself? Odds are what you love and are passionate about has changed over the years. Which by the way, is normal. I mean if I told you trading Barbies is what I love you might look at me funny but back in the day, it was a popular pastime.
Today looks quite a bit different for me. I’m empty nested by 5 years which as you know is game-changing. When ballgames, dances, homework, dinners, and extra-curricular were a focus you had plenty of places to invest your energy. Now, totally exposed and free to choose, you have to dig deep and go within to see where want to focus - for fun, something spiritually satisfying, or something you’ve never ever tried.
Sounds like we have a path. Let’s also uncover the obstacles and address them for what they are. If they’ve held you back before then they will continue to do so if we don’t hit them head-on. Sound fair?
Your passion could be something completely separate from your “day job” or they could meld and become one and the same. So let’s start by helping you find it before we can decide what to do with it.
Nikki Moberly teaches us: How to let go of control and free up some headspace found at betterup.com
KEY HIGHLIGHTS: Digging into what you Love
- Passion is something within everyone and it is unique to each individual on the planet
- Your passion can be fluid and ever-changing
- Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But if you refuse to open your eyes to beauty (metaphorically I mean) you’ll never see it
- Thinking about the type of impact you want to have on the world is a good way to find your passion
- The world is your oyster, anything is possible, no debts, no doubt, no struggle. You’re free, what do you do?
- Your passion can be anything or anywhere and once we understand and accept that we can all start living passionate lives
- A shift needs to happen towards a mindset that focuses on self-efficacy rather than on controlling external factors
- Focus on our inner world of mindset, outlook, and emotional regulation
- Letting go of what you cannot control also opens the door to exciting or interesting possibilities that you have not even envisioned
- Surrender = the complete acceptance of what is + faith that all is well, even without my input
CHALLENGE: today, make a commitment to explore your passion and dig into what you love. Shift your focus from worry and control to self-exploration and celebration.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
Wednesday Feb 23, 2022
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are pulling out the cascade, the fountain, and the shower as we strive to find balance and joy while juggling it ALL. Busy, busy, busy! Isn’t that a typical response when you ask anyone how they are? So so busy! Well, aren’t we all. Have you ever stopped to question why? Are you busier now than in times past? Could you be entering or exiting an uncommonly busy season of life? Whether you’re working with balls, clubs, or rings; knives, fire torches, or chainsaws in most instances, you’re setting the pace. You’re adding more to the centrifugal force and you’re offsetting the balance. Before you know it, you’re dangerously close to dropping it all or wish you could. Focus and keep your eye on the highest part of the object while we explore the idea of finding balance and joy from a few different angles.
Remember this motto: Don't worry if you keep dropping the ball, the secret of juggling is throwing, not catching.
See if this resonates with you. You finally have everything in your life organized and you feel on top of your daily schedule. Sweet! Now, what should you do with the extra time you were able to carve out? Oh yeah…take on something else! What a vicious cycle that we are solely responsible for.
Some who know me say I’m the busiest person on the planet. Of course, this is a gross exaggeration and what they are really saying is, you are always into something. Which is true. I do like to be busy. I have a gazillion ideas that I would like to execute and I don’t normally spend much time laboring on the decision to start. I just start.
But there are times I feel overwhelmed and instead of taking time to analyze that feeling, I just soldier on as if all of these extra projects are my duty. But now I want to carve out the time to really study that decision. What might I be missing by not acknowledging this feeling?
Yesterday was a good day. We put aside our typical busy work and dedicated the whole day to connections. We had a lovely church service with our second family. I made a delicious lunch, if I do say so myself, and entertained my grown children, and then we went for a drive and stopped at Matt’s parents to round out the day. Just an impromptu visit with delightful conversation. We hadn’t planned to spend the entire day this way but instead of winding down earlier or getting into our projects, we chose to extend the day with an extra visit. As we pulled out of the driveway to finally head home, we each commented on how nice this day had been. Much needed balance. Now how to work that into common practice.
Over at becomingunbusy.com I found How To Start Over: 5 Steps To Reboot Your Life
Melissa Goldberg tells us: Exactly How to Find Joy Today—and Every Day, found at oprahdaily.com
CHALLENGE: Before you drop it all, consider prioritizing with a softer or a harder throw as you dive into what to remove, release, and reject. Finding balance and joy doesn’t mean becoming an expert at juggling it ALL.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
Tuesday Feb 15, 2022
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are sitting up tall, raising our hand, and resisting the urge to cut line as we come to the realization that, all I needed to learn, I learned in Kindergarten. Think about it, it was our foundation for out to treat other people. Unless you grew up with a gaggle of brothers and sisters, it was your first attempt at socialization. You and 23 other little screaming demons. Remember, naptime? Having had children of my own, getting a room full of 5-year-olds to all lay down and take a nap all at the same time is beyond my comprehension! Magic I tell you! So what have we been doing since we mastered the basics? We’ve been formulating strong opinions and judgments and then finding every chance we can get to share them. We’ve forgotten the basics and have started creating our own laws of human decency. Ones that fit and support our own narratives. Don’t you wish you could give some people a good old-fashioned time-out? Notice I didn’t say a trip to the woodshed but I know that’s what you were thinking.
I decided to explore this idea based on a popular book by Robert Fulghum; All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. Published in 1990 with 7 million copies sold because I found myself shaking my head to outlandish stories of human behavior. The nerve, the Gaul, the perceived right? Whatever happened to common decency? Two teachers in one of my groups commonly refer to this book when we are left perplexed. So I decided to dig into basic manners that transcend every generation and stage of life as well as some that have evolved, thank goodness. I think it’s important to remember how far we’ve come but not to lose sight of the obvious, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
I remember a time when asking someone their age, weight, or salary was a huge no-no. Casual conversation was warned to avoid topics like politics or religion. Personal details were to be offered at a minimum to spare you and the other person. And unless someone offered a window, you didn’t pry!
Today someone will ask you who you voted for and if you’re vaccinated without a second thought. Then if you decide to even answer, truthfully, you are either congratulated for being in alignment with their thinking or chastised, lectured, and/or bullied. Whoa! People, there is a reason you vote behind a black curtain, and your doctor’s office is not allowed to share any details, at all, period! Personal choice and personal privacy. Respect….I’m sure that’s on this list. So Let’s get started!
All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
Caryn Antonini reminds us of: Bring Back Basic Manners, Please! By the Today Parenting Team
Over at startsat60.com I found What happened to good manners?
CHALLENGE: Please, take some time to revisit the basics to see what might have gotten left behind during your evolution. Look to see, take time to understand, put yourself in their shoes, and then act appropriately.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
Tuesday Feb 08, 2022
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are looking up, up that ladder that is. As we say “Hail to the Chief” and evaluate ways of being our own boss. The controller of our destiny. The final say. The Big Cheese. The Top Dog. However you identify, it’s time to take charge that starts with understanding your power and position. It’s easy to let life happen to you instead of making it happen for you. You’ve been dealt a set of circumstances, it “is what it is”. But I say fooey on all that. Sure, on the surface, it seems that some are more privileged and blessed than others but no one knows the struggle you encounter, but you. With wealth comes sacrifice and with fame comes strife. Nothing is as easy as it seems no matter how you look at it. But, you do have opportunity and that can start today; with knowledge. Knowledge is power. So you want to feel and be more powerful, start discovering and learning more about yourself, about others, and the world around you.
There was a point in time when I loved being an Assistant Manager. You had authority but not the final say. This was perfect when tough decisions needed to be made or you had an angry customer who wanted answers. “oh, I’m sorry sir, I’m just the Assistant Manager. I’ll have to refer you to my Manager on this”. Done, wrapped up nice and neat.
I also saw evidence of this in my earlier years. My parents were the Managers and not only did I defer to them, I felt compelled to seek their advice and direction on all new matters. And then a little monumental thing called independence bloomed and I struck out on my own, getting bruised, burnt, and scarred along the way. Still going to them with the big things but tackling more of the day-to-day on my own. Then at some point, it was more of after-the-fact informative announcements vs seeking their counsel premeditatively.
I remember when it happened more closely, with my own children. “You’re going where?” “You bought what?” and then I realized - they don’t have to ask my permission and now I’m lucky if they share the details after the fact.
Whoa, the tides have really shifted. What do you put off in your life because you either don’t feel you have the power to execute or you don’t feel you have the permission?
How can you assert authority over your life? In your thoughts, your actions, and your control?
Flashpack.com shares HOW TO MAKE YOURSELF FEARLESS, IN 5 KEY STEPS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- The goal is to stop letting fear run the show
- Raise your vibration, and remind yourself that you are worthy of the amazing life you visualize
- There’s no time for jealousy and sabotage in a boss world
- Don’t apologize when you don’t have to – find a way to thank someone instead
- People are on different journeys and everyone has a unique pace in their lives
- One of the most boss qualities is being able to shift unpleasant situations into golden opportunities
- How we think and act is determined by many factors including our belief system, personality, upbringing, and behavioral tendencies
- While comfort zones may feel safe, change never happens there
- You can’t drive a car with emergency brakes on
- When we lack ownership, we tend to fall into the passive trap of saying “I don’t have a choice.” In reality, we always have a choice — even when we don’t actively make a choice, we’re still making a choice by default
CHALLENGE: set your sights higher by pushing off what-ifs and the fear of the unknown. You have the power to charge forward in a new direction and to gather the information you need along the way. Being the boss of your life means taking risks and when needed, surrounding yourself with trusted advisors.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
Tuesday Feb 01, 2022
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re getting out the scrapbooks and sweeping out the dusty corners of our minds as we talk a walk down memory lane! There are loads of benefits from reminiscing in a positive way. Notice I said reminiscing and not ruminating, there is a difference. Conjuring up sweet memories by re-reading journal entries and organizing old photographs can help you remember the details and with those details, come the happy memories. The emotions you felt as you remember the sparkle in your eye, the fuzzy flitter in your heart, or the way your face hurt from smiling so much. BAM - you are transported by to your “happy place”! This is a real experience you store in your brain and are able to recall to overcome fear, lift your mood, or quiet anxiety. Let’s explore the benefits of a walk down memory lane and how you can journey there often.
I have a pretty good memory, remembering many details from my childhood. Not crazy early memories like some claim but a good amount of specific detail when telling stories from my past. With that said, your hard drive, or brain drive only has so much space. The further away from the memories I get, the weaker the details. That’s sad to me. At one point in my life, those events and subsequent memories were everything!
I’ve tried to be diligent about capturing memories. I took pictures when my kiddos were little and when we had a video camera, took some videos - which all have to be converted now. I started journal after journal with no real consistency. I have a few scrapbooks created when people still printed pics. And now I have timeline entries on Facebook,
I’ve moved around over my life so unfortunately, things are shoved here or there and I’m sure at one point, made it into a box in the infamous garage.
Let’s gain some newfound motivation here by finding out first, how do we benefit from replaying happy memories in our minds? Then, what can we do to make this a more conscious effort? I’m sure we will stumble upon even more ideas along the way.
One of the steps I’ve mentioned before but shouldn’t go without saying is preparation. It is very difficult to conjure up a happy memory when you are in the throes of anxiety or depression. By then, the clouds have moved over the sun, and finding your happy place can seem like a mirage. Never fear - prepare. Take some time while in a calm and even state to look for the path to memory lane. Get a piece of paper or record yourself talking about a specific memory. I would recommend looking for and documenting three memories.
Here is the key, be specific. Today reading, the day I went to the beach might help you actually remember but on a cloudy day of depression, those words will do little to shine the light on the happy memory.
Add detail and color. For example, It was late May when I was 22. After a crazy month of meetings, deadlines, disappointments, and a few wins, I put in for a long weekend. I loaded up the car, found a hotel room on the beach, and set out for Sea Side Beach in Florida. The closer I got the warmer the weather and I rolled down my windows to let the salt air carry me away. I practically ran to the beach the minute I pulled in kicking off my shoes and rolling up my jeans. The sand was soft, powdery white, and quickly went from warm to cool as I reached the water's edge. Swoosh….the ocean welcomed me to my weekend oasis.
Ahhhh you can see what I mean about detail and color. Instantly, you’ll be transported back to that time and place when cares were minimal.
Markham Heid shares: The Power of Positive Memories found at nytimes.com
Memory Help for Seniors: Proven Tips for Boosting Your Brain
CHALLENGE: before stress, anxiety, or depression bring you down, prepare for a guided walk down memory lane to easily transport yourself into a happier time and space. Consider journaling, adding details and emotions to cherish yourself before leaving your legacy to others.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Jan 25, 2022
Tuesday Jan 25, 2022
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are getting in a groove. Not their groove, or their groove, but Yours. It’s time to settle in and find your stride. Have you had enough of the high, highs, or the low, lows? Been on a rollercoaster of inspiration and productivity? Keep putting off what you want because you just aren’t sure how to get started or when? It’s time we recognize momentum and use it to find our stride. So many of us start the year with loads of great ideas and good intentions only to run out of steam before we ever really get started. Why should we be busting out of the starting gate on pace to hit the finish line with record speed? How about we adopt a healthy balance and a maintainable pace that will get us further down the track to success. No more shotgun starts only to find that you’ve come up short.
Oh, I’m just as guilty! If I had a $1 or rather if YOU had a $1 for every time I said I need to join a gym or start exercising, you’d be counting your millions about now. I’m a driven goal achiever but I can’t seem to find the momentum to make exercising a reality. Find something you like, make it part of your day, 28 days to make a habit…yeah yeah yeah - I’ve heard it all before. Applying it and making it stick is what I’m missing.
I remember every August before I started back to school I would say to my best friend, “I’m going to be more reserved this year”. You see, I never once got a positive mark for conduct. I tried, really I did, but I couldn’t seem to control my mouth. Not what I said but how ofter, the volume, the timing….never appropriate. My first-grade teacher said: She talks more than I do and I teach the class! So every year I would start off being quiet, rejecting the impulse to add in my two cents or offer a funny zinger. And every year, I would fail.
See I think going against your grain might be impossible. Instead of a leopard changing his spots what if he just chose a different background? I take back what I might have said in the past “Nothing is impossible?” In this context, that may not be true. It’s not that you can’t do it but do you have the desire and will to do it. I’m sure if I really put my all into it, I could become a runner. But I don’t possess the desire or will to make it happen.
Let’s explore these ideas as well as what it takes to harness your momentum and find your stride. It might be changing the way you look at these things altogether.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- When you understand the difference between a wish and a desire, you will find success in your endeavors
- Real lessons are learned throughout the journey
- Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe it can achieve
- What started as a little movement gathered into momentum and transformed into motivation
- Intrinsic motivation is going to keep us more fulfilled long-term. It’s going to give us a sense of meaning to our lives, and that’s what we should lean on to keep fueling our motivation
- One of the greatest parts of a momentum strategy is that it builds off of one small action and allows you to coast down from there
- When you compare where you are right now with where you ultimately want to be, you typically wind up fixating on the distance between those two points
- It's hard to maintain momentum on your journey when you're losing hope of ever completing it
- To change your momentum, change your perspective
- Hitting those smaller goals gives you a boost in energy and confidence, and that, in turn, keeps your momentum going
CHALLENGE: before you head to the starting gate, take a moment and explore your motivation. Is this something YOU desire and if so, map out your steps to gain momentum. Finding a stride with a pace that suits your life is paramount in maintaining a healthy balance.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
Tuesday Jan 18, 2022
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are checking our boundaries and checking in with ourselves ad we protect our bubble while staying mindful. Ever feel like putting your head in the sand, darkening the tint on your rose-colored glasses, or creating a protective bubble where everything is peaceful and calm? Well, I think we all do. It’s for our own protection, not because we don’t care what’s going on around us. It’s important to know your limits and accept that not everyone can consume a firehouse of information, power struggles, and tragic updates. At some point, you have to wave the white flag and retreat back to where you feel safe and protected. We should all be striving for a healthy balance
I for one, fiercely protect my bubble. The balance for me is, staying informed and aware without feeling overwhelmed and attacked. It’s not as simple as turning on the TV for the latest updates, perusing a newspaper, or scrolling through your feeds. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get a bullet point style, nonbiased update delivered to our inbox every morning? Good morning, Kendall - here are the top 10 things you should know for today, and that’s it. If I search for that, I feel pulled and prodded, coerced, and frankly, misled. Before long I realize I’m listening to opinions and not facts. I don’t know about you, but my mind retreats and shuts down.
How much tragedy and despair can one digest? When we think about balance, are you getting the same dose of positivity and joy? Check in with yourself because this is important. How tipped is your scale? Let’s do some digging to find out the answers to these questions AND other ideas on how to protect your bubble while being mindful.
At alwayswellwithin.com I found: How to Create a Self-Protective Bubble
KEY HIGHLIGHTS -
- Learning how to love yourself can be a first step to reclaiming a sense of personal space and defining your boundary.
- Like any new habit, creating and truly feeling the presence of a protective sphere takes time and diligence.
- Repeat these loving-kindness phrases: "May I be happy, May I be well, May I be safe.”
- “Bad emotions, bad parents, and bad feedback have more impact than good ones… The self is more motivated to avoid bad self-definitions than to pursue good ones.”
- When we focus on negative things, we actually reshape our perception into seeing negative things
- Two-thirds of your motivation regulator is designed to focus on negativity
- Regularly being thankful and noting the good things in your life can improve sleep, reduce stress, and provide a boost for your relationships
- Looking after our energy is so important, and it’s not just about your physical energy, but the energy you’re containing and managing across your four bodies; the parts that make up your mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual self.
- Keep in mind that your intention is everything
- “Heartfelt harmony” is a sense of worth, empowerment, balance, and alignment. It’s where you know what you need to do in order to cleanse what’s not working for you, and you know how to deeply care for yourself
If you want to share Encouragementology with a friend who needs to know they are not alone in this journey of self-discovery, you can visit encouragementology.com or anywhere you stream your content to receive this episode and all others. Follow us on Facebook for additional encouragement throughout the week!
CHALLENGE: don’t pop your bubble when you feel pressure to wake up and dial in. You have the power to choose, digest, reject, and share. Be wise with your choices. Taking care of yourself while being mindful creates a healthy balance where you can thrive.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
Tuesday Jan 11, 2022
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are checking in and taking inventory, with ourselves. Conducting a self-evaluation and determining, what’s next. It’s time for a little focus, brainstorming, and maybe even a deep dive for inspiration before we get to the task of creating our plan of action. Change happens whether we invite it or not but when you initiate some control and create the change you want to see, you move from the backseat to the driver’s seat. From this perspective, it’s nothing but an open highway ready for your to chart your course. We are determined to bring focus to what might have been an aimless approach or fuel to what might have been a gasless incline. It’s all about making modifications not necessarily starting from scratch. You don’t have to wait for a new year to check in with yourself. You should develop a plan to make it a regular practice.
If you’re like me you might be thinking - Whoa, where did that year go? Time seems to be moving at lightning speed and if you don’t pump the breaks and insert some intentional pitstops, you’ll be further down the road than you ever imagined. A common goal-setting technique is to answer the question: Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Let’s take a minute and think about that. Have you ever answered that question? Or I should ask, how many times have you answered that question? How often has the answer changed?
I would bet that the first time you were asked that question vs now, many many things have changed. Your focus, your personal or professional position, your wants, and your desires. That’s why it’s so important to make self-evaluation a regular practice. Nothing wastes more time or creates more dissatisfaction than spinning your wheels and shooting for a goal you no longer care about.
My answers used to be all about work, success, financial reward. Those were the earlier days when you are trying to “get somewhere” and make something of yourself. Now my goals are more about awareness and mindfulness for what’s going on around me. How can I help, make a bigger impact, make a difference?
Maggie Wooll explains: How to write an achievable 5-year plan found at betterup.com
KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- One of the best things about a 5-year plan is that it can significantly motivate you to create the life you want to live.
- HARD goals are defined as:
- Heartfelt
- Animated
- Required
- Difficult
- Spend time thinking about what types of activities interest you, what type of environment you enjoy, what type of impact you want to make day-to-day
- Plan for periodic review, reflection, and adjustment as part of life
- You need someone who will agree to listen, spend some time walking through your ideas, and share constructive feedback
- Self-evaluation is the ability to examine yourself to find out how much progress you have made.
- The appraisal process becomes much more of a two-way discussion when it revolves around regular self-evaluation
- Self-assessment and continual feedback contribute hugely to a culture of trust and engagement
- While self-reflection in everyday life seeks insight into behavior and values for personal growth, self-evaluation at work is used to study performance in order to improve it.
- “We do not learn from experience … we learn from reflecting on experience.”
If you want to share Encouragementology with a friend who needs to know they are not alone in this journey of self-discovery, you can visit encouragementology.com or anywhere you stream your content to receive this episode and all others. Follow us on Facebook for additional encouragement throughout the week!
CHALLENGE: Before you set goals for the year or modify the ones you have in place - take the time for self-reflection and evaluation. What’s changed? Whether it’s your professional or personnel situation or just your wants and needs, be open to striking out in a new direction with a new approach.
I Know YOU Can Do It!
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
Tuesday Dec 21, 2021
SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we’re going to give ourselves a second look, check out a new angle, and be ready to dust off the lenses because we’re looking to remodel and restore and work with what we have. Don’t like where you are in life, what you’re doing, or what you’ve become? Before you trowel in the towel in an attempt to start over, let’s look at some positive changes you can make which will have a huge impact on your life and your livelihood. Time flies and before you know it you’ve made one too many questionable choices or have put off today what you intended to do tomorrow, or the next day, or the next day. And here you are thinking WOW I’m really here but the thought of getting back on track or there, anywhere seems unfathomable. So here we will sit and dream about something more. NO WAY. How could we possibly be satisfied with that?
I developed the name Phase II - well maybe not created it into the human language but I adopted it for my coaching practice. Phase II Reimagining Life. This is because I’m convinced there is another Phase, and then another. You get a chance to continue your life living differently. You don’t get a new life but that doesn’t mean once you get started in a certain direction, that you have to stay on the path. You don’t even have to hit a life-changing roadblock to want to change your mind and your direction. It’s your choice. Isn’t that amazing - you have choices! Now and all the way through your life. There is only one phase that is destined, the rest is up to you.
Some might look at that statement as if I’m wearing rose-colored glasses and am in no way affected by the real world. You’re half right - I do wear rose-colored glasses, not because I’m insensitive or unaware but because I chose to. It’s my choice. By looking for the good first - I see the good first.
I realize our environment, how we were raised, our family dynamics and a host of other things directly impact what comes easy to use or difficult for us. But it stops there. We have choices, on a large or small scale, we have choices that will dramatically shape our lives.
As a life coach, I find ways to navigate the future instead of being stuck by the limitations of our past. This could include visiting past traumas to release our guilt and shame so that we can move on but the concentration is in Phase II.
At SoulSalt I found 7 Actionable Strategies to Get Back on Track (Starting Today)
KEY HIGHLIGHTS - Remodel and Restore, Working with What You Have
- By looking for the good first - you see the good first
- Good moods enhance the literal size of the window through which we see the world. The upside of this is that we can see things from a more global, or integrative perspective.
- When life doesn’t go as planned, you can’t always choose your situation. But you can choose how you react.
- Making changes for the better often means taking a good, hard look in the mirror. And that takes a lot of honesty and courage to face those underlying issues.
- It’s so easy to believe in, linger on, eternally reflect on the negative even when it’s overwhelmingly outweighed by the positive.
- You can’t simultaneously believe you suck and believe someone else when they say that you don’t.
- Research showed that people who routinely dismissed positive comments actually had a harder time remembering the level of positivity of the feedback, more so than people who accepted them, to begin with.
- Self-acceptance is the act of accepting yourself and all your personality traits exactly as they are
- Reviewing your goals and your progress on them reminds you of your strengths.
- Learning to accept yourself helps you create a more positive, compassionate, and balanced view of yourself
CHALLENGE: take action today to get your life back on track and heading in a new direction. Phase II means reimagining life and you’re in charge of the process. Enlist a trusted friend to get you over the hump of self-doubt and down the path to self-acceptance.
I Know YOU Can Do It!