How To Remove Your Limitations

May 23, 2013 by ·

May 6th, Monday Minute

Greetings, 

I’ve had the opportunity to hear some terrific speakers over the past month. All of them had a similar message. They said we inadvertently limit ourselves all the time. As I listened I realized I limit myself in many ways.

For instance, fear of not seeming credible limited me to writing very logical Monday Minutes without my heart (hopefully you noticed more heart beginning with last week’s Monday Minute).

Fear of seeming too “out there” caused me to not include information about the yoga class I teach or the Satsang I lead (you’ll now see information about them below).

I’m sure fear has limited me in countless ways. How do you think it has it limited you? How are you holding YOU back?

Fear is the greatest limitation of all.   

Fear causes us to play it safe, not make waves and not play as big as we can and should. Our families, our communities, our businesses, our organizations and the world benefits greatly from us embracing what we’re really capable of being and acting from this greatness rather than our limited, fearful selves.

This month I’ll share some techniques I’ve used (and am still using) to remove limitations in my life.

This week, let’s take a moment to asesss how we are holding ourselves back and what role fear plays in that process. Take a moment to answer these questions:

  • How am I holding myself back?
  • What am I most fearful of?
  • If I wasn’t afraid, what would I do?
  • What greatness do I have inside that I’m hiding?

If you want help with the process of releasing limitations and embracing your unlimited self, feel free to attend one of my local events below or contact me for a Get Unstuck Consultation. 

Local Events in the MetroWest Boston Area

I hope you’ll attend my low cost or free local events:

Get Re-Energized! Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time

Looking for some inspiration? Come to The Boston Club event at 7:30am on May 21st at the Westin in Waltham to hear how to get re-energized. We’ll practice some techniques together and you’ll leave inspired to take action. You don’t have to be a member to attend. Learn more and register here.

R & R Yoga Class – Laughing Dog Yoga, Wellesley – Sundays 5-6:15pm 

Join me for my weekly class which offers an opportunity to relax and get rid of deep stress. It combines relaxing restorative and yin yoga postures, meditation and some journaling to promote wellbeing, calm your nervous system, deepen your breath, connect to your higher Self and promote better sleep. It’s a great way to end your weekend and prepare for a less stressful week ahead. Learn more and register here.

SATSANG: A Community Gathering for Spiritual Practice

Join me for a monthly gathering to nourish your soul. The Satsangs (in the style of Mirabai Devi) are free and include a centering breathing practice, guided meditation, mantra chanting (for negative energy removal, healing and protection), and powerful/life transforming forgiveness prayers.

May’s Satsang is Wednesday, May 15th at The Eliot Church in South Natick on the corner of Rte 16 and Union Street from 7-8:30pm. All are welcome! For more information about Mirabai Devi, go to http://mirabaidevi.org. For general information, contact me.

Business Referral Network   

Interested in growing your business using the easiest and most cost-effective way—referrals? If so, contact me to find out about Commerce Connection, the amazing business referral group of which I’m proud to say I’m a member. See a video here.

I hope to see you at an event or hear from you soon!

All my best to you,

Jacqueline

Filed Under: Brain Power, Change, Emotional Intelligcence, Employee Performance, Leadership, Meditation, Productivity, Stress Management · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Renew and Re-Energize Yourself—Tip #4

April 22, 2013 by ·

Greetings,

The past three weeks we've talked about purging three powerful energy saboteurs: thoughts, feelings and clutter. You should feel lighter and more energized from these exercises. You can read previous editions here.

This week and next you're going to increase your energy so you feel renewed and ready to move forward in your life.

Bring In New Energy

One of the easiest ways to usher in new energy is to do things differently and try new things. Too often you get into routines. These routines, while comfortable, become boring and leave you uninspired. 

Alternatively, when you try new things and change up your routine, your brain wakes up and you become more engaged in life—giving you more energy.

Try these ideas:

  1. Drive a different way to work or take a different type of transportation
  2. Exercise using a new routine, new type of weight or new machine
  3. When you go out for a walk, choose a new area or path
  4. Try a new sport
  5. Take a class about something that interests you
  6. Try a new hobby

One good friend is taking a landscape design class and is really enjoying it. She's excited to learn more about landscaping (a fun hobby for her) and she feels new inspiration. My son inspired me to try the pull up machine at the gym. I'm now feeling stronger and excited each time to see whether I can cut down on the assistance it's giving me.  

Result

Your brain gets bored. You get bored with life. This week try some new things to spice up your week. By using your brain in a new way, you'll automatically feel renewed and have more energy toward achieving your dreams. 

Get Re-Energized! Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time

Looking for some inspiration? Come to The Boston Club event on May 21st to hear me speak about this topic. You don't have to be a member to attend. Learn more and register here.

All my best to you,

Jacqueline

Filed Under: Brain Power, Change, Emotional Intelligcence, Employee Performance, Leadership, Productivity, Stress Management · Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

How To Get Unstuck—Tip #4

March 28, 2013 by ·

Greetings,

Last week you learned the proven 5-step process for getting unstuck. Here’s the link to the Monday Minute in case you missed it. This week I’ll share the second half of the process my coaching clients utilize to launch themselves toward quickly attaining their goals and vision.

How To Launch Yourself Toward Your Vision and Goals

A proven 4-step process to quickly attain your vision is called the Motivation Factor® Method. Helle Bundgaard, founder of Motivation Factor Aps, developed this method over a 4-year period of intensive research on the brain’s reaction and response patterns, combined with known psychological and motivational theories.

Not only is it effective in helping individuals meet their goals, it has been used my many large companies around the world to help them bring groups of people together to meet common objectives.

Here’s the process:

  1. Identify your energy drainers and determine action steps
  2. Identify and address your needs*
  3. Learn how your talents* contribute to meeting your vision and goal
  4. Identify your purpose toward meeting your vision

Result

The first two steps of the process remove the parking brake that prevents forward motion: 1. identify what drains your energy and take actions on what you want instead, and 2. understand your needs and make sure your needs are met.

Without the parking brake engaged, forward motion becomes possible. Your talents and purpose for meeting your vision are the fuel for quick change and growth in achieving your goal.

*The Motivation Factor® Indicator is used to determine needs and talents. 

Get Unstuck Consultation

If you’re interested in a helping hand in getting unstuck, click here to answer a few questions and apply for a complimentary 30-minute Get Unstuck Consultation.

All my best to you,

Jacqueline

Filed Under: Emotional Intelligcence, Employee Engagement, Employee Performance, Leadership, Productivity · Tagged: , , , , ,

How To Get Unstuck—Tip #2

March 13, 2013 by ·

 

Greetings,

Last week we looked at whether you are stuck. If you answered yes to any of last week's questions you have an opportunity now to take stock of the various situations in your life and take control.

This process isn't about changing everything up. If you do that without understanding why you get stuck, you'll just end up stuck in a different set of circumstances. 

Why You Get Stuck

You may be causing yourself to get stuck without realizing it. You know you are stuck when you lose your drive, feel stressed and have low energy. These things can sneak up on you if you don't understand why you get stuck.

The three primary reasons you get stuck are:

  1. You feel others have control over you
  2. You start to accept the status quo
  3. You allow stress to build and don't do anything about it

Does someone else have control over you or do you control the situations in your life? if the answer for a particular situation is someone else, look at it more closely and ask yourself how you can gain control over the situation. How can you make the situation better for yourself? I'll bet you can come up with at least one way to do this.

Have you begun to accept the status quo? Have things gotten a bit boring? How can you spice them up? What types of projects or hobbies are interesting to you? How can you begin to incorporate these types of activities into your work or your personal life?

Are you feeling stressed? Can you implement some of the techniques you've read about to release your stress? How can you release stress throughout your day?

Result

When you take control of situations, begin infusing your work or personal life with projects that interest you, and use techniques to reduce stress, you'll be less likely to get stuck. 

All my best to you,

Jacqueline
Filed Under: Emotional Intelligcence, Employee Engagement, Employee Performance, Leadership, Productivity, Stress Management · Tagged: , , , , , , ,

How To Get Unstuck

March 13, 2013 by ·

Greetings,

I speak with entrepreneurs and business leaders all day long and often hear them say they feel stuck.

This month Monday Minute will be dedicated to helping you understand whether you are stuck, why you get in ruts, how to get unstuck and how to gain and keep momentum in forward progress. 

Are You Stuck?

You may be stuck without realizing it. Answer these questions to find out:

  • Have you lost your motivation or drive?
  • Do you experience low energy in the afternoon and/or evening? 
  • Do you get out of bed slowly, wishing you could sleep longer rather than being inspired to begin your day?
  • Do you feel stressed? Have you gained weight (especially around the belly)? Do you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders?
  • Are you quick to snap at coworkers or family members? 
  • Are you just going through the motions at work or at home?
  • Do you feel uninspired by your life or your work?
  • Do you feel you don't have any alternatives?

There Is An Answer

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are stuck. It happens to the best of us at times.

But, it doesn't have to be this way. You should feel inspired by your work and your life. You should have energy to enjoy your work and your personal life. 

This month you'll learn why you get stuck and how to get out of your rut. I look forward to hearing your questions and comments about this topic.

All my best to you,

Jacqueline
Filed Under: Emotional Intelligcence, Employee Engagement, Employee Performance, Leadership, Productivity, Stress Management · Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Ignite Your Peak Performance—Tip #4

February 27, 2013 by ·

 

Greetings,

Last week we talked about how to develop peak performance and flow. This week we'll talk about how to sustain it. It's one thing to have pockets of productivity and it's another to be able to get into the flow each day and sustain it throughout your day.

The key is in how you begin your day. If you jump out of bed, rush through your morning routine and head out the door without breakfast, you're not setting yourself up for peak performance.

The best way I know to be able to sustain your energy for great performance is to have a morning ritual that gets increased oxygen into your body to get your mind working it's best.

Try This

Here's my recipe for a quick morning routine (less than 3 minutes) that will support you throughout the day in doing your best work and being in the flow:

  • Immediately upon waking, sit up and take 10 deep belly breaths.
    • On each exhalation, squeeze your belly toward your spine to get stale air out of your body (this enables your inhalations to be more full and brings more oxygen to your brain and the rest of your organs)
  • Set an intention for the type of work you want to do that day. Something like this: I intend to use my talents to be my best self at work. I intend to focus completely on all conversations and my work.
  • Take a moment to have gratitude for your work, your co-workers, your workplace, your paycheck and any other aspect of your work that you appreciate.
  • Have a healthy breakfast of whole grains or protein shake
  • Want to turbo charge your day? Get some exercise on the way to work after having done your breathing, intention and gratitude exercises and before breakfast.

Result

When you set yourself up for success each day, you more easily operate at your peak and in the flow. You have more energy throughout the day and you feel better when you arrive home.

Recent Press Release:

View the recent press release about our newest offering to increase motivation here.

Want To Learn How To De-stress and Be More Productive

You have two options–our book and our guided virtual course:

Conscious Success: The 5 Step Process to Dissolve Stress, Increase Productivity and Find Your Flow At Work

Learn an effective process to reduce stress for good. Order here

The Master Your Life Program

Want to feel good about work and home? Take back control of your life through a guided, audio course that walks you through each step and helps you practice the techniques. Learn more here

 

All my best to you,

Jacqueline
Filed Under: Emotional Intelligcence, Employee Engagement, Employee Performance, Productivity, Stress Management · Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Ignite Your Peak Performance—Tip #3

February 27, 2013 by ·

 

Greetings,

Last week we talked about how feeling overwhelmed is the number one way get get out of the flow. Today we'll talk about how to develop peak performance and flow. As a reminder, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi describes flow this way, "One is so engrossed that sense of time disappears and all attention is focused on one activity." 

It sounds like the only way to get into flow is to lock yourself in a room, without a clock, and have no distraction. Not true…

Have you ever been in the flow when having a great conversation, working on your favorite project or doing your favorite hobby? You were so engrossed you didn't notice how much time had passed or the noise around you?

How can you get yourself into peak performance or flow when you're not working on our favorite task?  

Try This

The next time you want to get into the flow, do this…

  • Take a deep breath
  • Tell yourself you're going to give this project your undivided attention for 15 minutes
  • Consider:
    • Why this project is important to accomplish
    • What skills you specifically bring to this project
    • The impact this project will have on others
  • Begin working on the task that is most interesting to you
  • At the end of 15 minutes (or when your attention wanes) take another deep breath and notice what you've accomplished
  • Dedicate the next 15 minutes toward finishing another aspect of the project
  • Continue this process as necessary

Result

Understanding the impact of a project and noting the skills and talents you bring to the work help you get into the flow and exhibit peak performance. Notice how this improves your productivity and your enjoyment of your work.

 

Recent Press Release:

View the recent press release about our newest offering to increase motivation here.

 

Want To Learn How To De-stress and Be More Productive?

You have two options–our book and our guided virtual course:

 

Conscious Success: The 5 Step Process to Dissolve Stress, Increase Productivity and Find Your Flow At Work

Learn an effective process to reduce stress for good. Order here

 

The Master Your Life Program

You're about to discover the 5 secrets to having more energy AND feeling less overwhelmed! Take back control of your life through a guided, audio course that walks you through each step and helps you practice the techniques. Learn more here

 

All my best to you,

Jacqueline

 
Filed Under: Employee Engagement, Employee Performance, Productivity, Stress Management · Tagged: , , , , , , ,

Ignite Your Peak Performance

February 27, 2013 by ·

 

Greetings, 

Achieving peak performance isn't just for athletes. In fact, many of the ways in which athletes achieve states of peak performance are applicable to work and pleasure. When we're in a state of peak performance, we are contributing at a high level, life is enjoyable and we feel good.

SportsPsychologyToday.com author Mike Edger defines peak performance for athletes. He says, "The "zone" is a state of supreme focus that helps athletes in all sports perform at their peak potential. It is when your mind fully connects with achieving a goal. Attention is absorbed into the present (the here and now only.) When you're in the zone your mind only processes the thoughts and images that help you  execute your task successfully." 

This same concept applies to your work, your family time and your leisure. Rather than making you exhausted, operating in a state of peak performance gives you an energy boost and helps you enjoy life.

So, what exactly is peak performance in work?

When someone is demonstrating peak performance they are often referred to as being in the "flow." Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi  (that name is harder than Brodnitzki!) who developed a theory of flow at the University of Chicago describes it this way, "Flow means positive situations where one is so engrossed that sense of time disappears and all attention is focused on one activity." 

When we are in the flow or exhibiting peak performance, we are performing at the top of our ability by being challenged appropriately and by contributing to the objective. 

It's important to also look at what peak performance is not. It is not:

  • Pushing to perform beyond ability
  • Emulating others' performance
  • Trying to achieve overly ambitious goals or engage in extreme competition
  • Non-stop action

Try This

This week notice those moments at work when you are both challenged and using many of your skills. See whether you can identify how you are being challenged (what's being expected of you, what are you learning) and what skills you are using.

Result

By noticing when you're in the flow (what challenges you are experiencing and what skills you're using) you can identify the parts of your job where you are probably most effective and have the most fun. With this knowledge, you can determine how to spend more of your time using these skills and being challenged appropriately so your work feels rewarding and you're contributing productively to your company's goals. 

Jacqueline Recommends:

Check out this beautiful art that makes a difference in the world. My friendMichele Gorski has spent the past several years creating and selling art that people can enjoy and feel good about—the proceeds are donated to support charitable organizations close to her heart.  Her work is available here.

Recent Press Release:

View the recent press release about our newest offering to increase motivation here.

Want To Learn How To Easily Have More Energy?

You have two options–our book and our guided virtual course:

 

Conscious Success: The 5 Step Process to Dissolve Stress, Increase Productivity and Find Your Flow At Work

Learn an effective process to reduce stress for good. Order here

 

The Master Your Life Program

You're about to discover the 5 secrets to having more energy AND feeling less overwhelmed! Take back control of your life through a guided, audio course that walks you through each step and helps you practice the techniques. Learn more here

 

All my best to you,

Jacqueline

 
Filed Under: Emotional Intelligcence, Employee Engagement, Employee Performance, Productivity, Stress Management · Tagged: , , , , , ,

How To Be A Better Leader – Final Tip

January 4, 2013 by ·

Welcome,

We've talked about how meditation makes better leaders by enabling them to focus their attention on the present moment, recognizing their feelings and emotions, and keeping them under control. Mindfulness assists you in making the best decisions and having positive interactions (even during a disagreement).

This practice also protects against health problems including high blood pressure, arthritis and infertility and will decreases your stress.

Bill George says meditation improves "critical cognitive skills for leaders attempting to maintain their equilibrium under constant pressure, including: attention and sensory processing, learning and memory, emotional regulation and putting things into perspective." See the full article for research links.

There are many types of mindfulness practices you can use. If meditation isn't your thing, try one of the following:

  • Journaling–positive pschuchologists say that as little as 2 minutes of introspective writing each day has a big impact on your wellbeing including strengthening your immune system and decreasing stress, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. See full article on journaling's benefits
  • Praying
  • Reflecting while walking, working out, hiking or running
  • Noticing the scenery around you while walking, hiking or running

Begin your mindfulness practice today – it only takes 10 minutes (or less), makes you a better leader at home and at work, and has a profound impact on your life!

If you'd like help with your meditation practice, check out this CD or the Master Your Life Program.

How is your practice going? Share your answer below.

Jacqueline Recommends:

A New Earth by Eckhart Tolle–This book has been out a few years and offers a great process for getting out of your own way.

Want To Learn How To Drive Massive Success In Your Life and Have More Energy?

You have two options–our book and our guided virtual course:

Conscious Success: The 5 Step Process to Dissolve Stress, Increase Productivity and Find Your Flow At Work

Learn an effective process to reduce stress for good. Order here

The Master Your Life Program

You're about to discover the 5 secrets to drive massive success in your life while having more energy AND feeling less overwhelmed! Take back control of your life through a guided, audio course that walks you through each step and helps you practice the techniques. Learn more here

All my best,

Jacqueline
Filed Under: Brain Power, Emotional Intelligcence, Employee Engagement, Employee Performance, Leadership, Meditation, Productivity, Stress Management · Tagged: , , , , ,

How To Be A Better Leader–Tip #3

November 20, 2012 by ·

 

Think about the best leader/manager/coach you've ever had. How did he/she handle pressure? Most people will say that one of their favorite leader's qualities was that he/she was calm when the heat was turned up. 

Out of all the managers I've had, the person I most respect is a person who was calm. His ability to stay calm kept him in control of the situation. Whether it was a difficult conversation with a client or problem within the company, he would focus on the issue with calm attention. I know many people (both clients and fellow employees) sought out his council because they knew this man would listen to them and help them come up with the best solution. 

Being calm is achieved by being in a state of equanimity – neither clinging to an issue by overreacting and yelling, "How could this have happened?!" nor pushing away by telling yourself, "I'll wait to have that difficult conversation." or "I'll let someone else do it." 

Another clear example of this is with our children or spouse (the best examples are always with those closest to us!) If a child or spouse is very upset by something, we tend to want to make it better for them. We hate to see them upset. So, we either give them a solution (which can make them more upset) or we divert their attention (thus teaching them to ignore their emotions). 

However, if we step back from looking at their reaction as a bad reaction and see it as simply a reaction, we can sit with them, listen and breathe. It takes a lot of strength to not react and to not try to make it better. Often our calm presence will help them honor their emotion and calm down most quickly.  Then, the best solution can be determined.

Luckily we get lots of opportunities in life to practice this. We are all human and not perfect. Just ask my family! See whether the next time you are confronted with something you would typically cling to or push away, you can instead be with it as it is. I've found that by practicing this, the solution comes more quickly and I stay more calm and in control of my emotions. 

If you'd like help with your meditation practice, check out this CD or the Master Your Life Program. 

How is your practice going? Share your answer below.

Jacqueline Recommends:   

The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Singer. This book offers the most clear explanation I've ever seen about how to free yourself from the thinking that causes so much unhappiness and suffering in our life. 

Want To Learn How To Drive Massive Success In Your Life and Have More Energy?   

You have two options–our book and our guided virtual course:  

Conscious Success: The 5 Step Process to Dissolve Stress, Increase Productivity and Find Your Flow At Work

Learn an effective process to reduce stress for good. Order here   

The Master Your Life Program

You're about to discover the 5 secrets to drive massive success in your life while having more energy AND feeling less overwhelmed! Take back control of your life through a guided, audio course that walks you through each step and helps you practice the techniques. Learn more here   

Featured Article:   

Stress Management: A Q&A with Jacqueline

Article featured in the July 2012 edition of Contact Center Pipeline

Read it here       

All my best,

Jacqueline  
Filed Under: Brain Power, Emotional Intelligcence, Employee Engagement, Employee Performance, Leadership, Meditation, Productivity, Stress Management · Tagged: , , , , , , , ,
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