The Lessons Of Her Death - Resolution Realization

It's that time again - when we say goodbye to one year and ring in a new one.  For me, the days between Christmas and January 1st are a time for pointed reflection and excited anticipation.  I absolutely love a new year.  Like the fresh page of a journal or a blank canvas on the easel, I'm full of hope and excited for the possibilities of what the new year will bring.

This holiday season was a time for celebration and happiness.  Our family spent 14 days in paradise and loved our trip to the sunny Dominican Republic.  We already miss the cheerful smiles and happy attitudes of our friends there.   On December 23rd, we celebrated my 45th birthday (how did THAT happen?) for which I'm incredibly grateful - especially considering some serious health challenges in the recent past.  I am blessed in so many ways and thank so many of you for making my birthday memorable.

Our holidays were amazing, but they were also marked with overwhelming sadness.  My mother passed away suddenly of a heart attack early on the 24th.  We were travelling home from our trip that day and didn't receive news of her death until later on that evening.  Of course, the news was devastating, but not in the way that you might be thinking. 

Many of you know that the relationship between my mother and I was terribly strained and has been tumultuous since my early teens.  In fact, we haven't shared a relationship at all for more than a decade.  I have no doubt that witnessing the challenges of my parents' marriage and struggling for decades with my own mother led me to value relationships so highly and coach people with theirs.  

The differences between her and I will stay unresolved forever.  To underscore a lesson Cancer taught our family years ago and because the passing of my mom just drove that lesson home one more time, the message of this letter is simply this:

The Time Is NOW.  

Don't wait.  Tell those you love and care for that you love them.  Let those you have differences with know you'd like to resolve them and then do that.  Every single day we are here is a blessing and may very well be our last.  Tomorrow is not promissed.  We have only today to make a difference.

Ask yourself, if not now, when?

If you have a dream for your life that has been growing inside your heart, your mind, your soul...don't wait.  The time to do something to make it happen is right NOW.  Now is the perfect time, actually - a new year is upon us.  A fresh page or blank canvas upon which to create your masterpiece lay before you. The masterpiece is your life.  Every day that passes is one more opportunity to move yourself closer to your goals and dreams.   

Whatever this past year has been like for you, at the cusp of a New Year, it's the perfect time for

• Gratitude:  there are so many blessings to be thankful for.
• Reflection:  what were the wins and what were the challenges of the past year?
• New Beginnings:  Oh...the places we'll go, the possibilities, the goals.

I get excited about those goals!

I absolutely love setting my resolutions each new year.  Yeah, yeah, I know...it's been proven that most of us who do that give up on them within just twenty one days, but I say bah humbug to that!  I still try every year and hope you'll join me this year too.  If you haven't set resolutions in the past...make this year the first one for a new tradition.

Here is a trick that fellow coach, Pam Bruner teaches to help keep those resolutions. 
This simple three-step ritual will inspire your entire year.

Step One:  Pick A Word For Your Upcoming Year

Think about the new year that lies ahead and pick ONE WORD that comes to mind as the underlying, boiled down, pinpointed theme.  Only one word though.  Not two or three.  Not a phrase.  Just one word. It may come to you in meditation or prayer.  It may pop into your mind while your reading or at the gym. Over the next few days, be mindful of the blank title at the top of that blank page or the bottom of that blank canvas.  When it hits you, fill in that blank.

Whatever your word is, it'll become the focus of your growth over the upcoming year.  Go out on a limb...pick a word that feels a little uncomfortable.  You'll be in for an exciting ride for sure!

Step Two:  Reflect.

Grab a pen and a sheet of paper, sit down in a quiet space and write out your goals. Try a new way of doing this.  At the top of the page, start with "I am so happy and grateful that I..." and then write your goals.  It might look something like this:  

• 'live in a house that I own and love' (for someone who may want to pay off the mortgage and do some renovating or redecorating)
• 'make $___/month in the business that I love' (for someone who wants to build their business or reach the next level of success)
• 'love my healthy and fit body' (for someone who wants to achieve a health goal)
• 'have incredible financial responsibility and love my debt-free life' (for someone who is trying to eliminate their consumer debt)
• 'love my partner and the life we're creating together' (for someone who is trying to find their soul-level love match or improve their marriage)

Step Three:  Make A Focus Sheet & Frame It

Put the focus word and year at the top of a fresh new page.  I like to write a bunch of goals for each year.  Being diabetic and always struggling with weight issues, in addition to having come through breast cancer, being healthy is unfailingly at the top of my list each year.  Improving relationships and building my business always makes the cut too.

Once you're finished writing out your intentions for the upcoming year. Find a beautiful frame for your list.  After all, they are your goals and dreams, your heart's desire. They deserve to be framed and admired!  Put the focus frame on your desk or dresser.

To increase your chances for success even further, add a copy to your bathroom mirror where you're sure to see those goals every morning.  Read them.  Memorize them. Understand what it will take to make them a reality.  I can help with this if you'd like - take advantage of my offer for a free Resolution Realization session. 

At the end of the year, you'll be amazed at how many of those goals you've achieved. Just writing them down increases our chances for success.  

I'd love to know what word comes to mind for you.

Visit me at www.facebook.com/barriecoachforlife and let me know what your focus word for 2016 is.

Better still, set up a Complimentary Resolution Realization Session with me at atandrea@coachforlife.ca and we'll put together a plan to reach your goals and make 2016 your Breakthrough Year.  I can't wait to hear from you.  

Written By:
Andrea Raco, Certified Professional Coach, Founder of Coach for Life, Creator of 'Your Masterpiece Life' ~ a program designed to help you build the life you love, curator of Gold Key Club and Coach For Life Connections, Wife, Mom of 4, Breast Cancer Survivor and lover of LIFE.  

Would you like to have a spotlight shone on your success story?  

I'd love to help you craft and share your story so more people can hear from you.  

Drop me a note: andrea@coachforlife.ca and we'll get started.

Zero To Launch Action Guide To Success

Congratulations! 

You've decided to take the LEAP into Entrepreneurship.

The possibilities are endless possibilities ~ for you and for your business.

It's time to launch your coaching or consulting practice or jump-start your marketing business.

Follow this action guide and carry that momentum forward laying the foundation for solid, steady growth and profitability.

Ensure your successful launch with these essential steps:  

1.  Narrow Your Niche

By asking yourself some important questions about who your ideal clients are you'll be setting yourself up for success.  Of course, when we're first starting out, we'd never turn away the opportunity to work with any client, but going through the process of figuring out how you can be the most effective will allow you to position yourself as an expert in your niche.  

• Who do you really want to work with?
• What does that potential client want or need?
• What massive divide can your solutions bridge?
• How can you make a difference for your potential client?  

Doing the work to figure out who you can best serve will lay the foundation for your product and program development as well as the basis for your marketing messages.

2.  Create Your Signature Product or Program

What do your Ideal Clients need? Here's your chance to develop something truly useful for them.

• What are your ideal clients' ultimate 'Rise & Shine' challenges?  
• What problem keeps them up at night and is the first things they think of in the morning? 
• What problems do they need to solve?    
• What solution can you create, or what process can you outline for them that will move them from their misery to absolute mastery of that issue? 

Develop a step-by-step process that will help them slay their dragon, overcome their challenges and take them from where they are to where they want to be. 

• Package your solutions into a product, service or program that best serves them. 
• Determine the most effective means to deliver it. 
• Name your product or service in a way that features the solutions you've developed.

Voila!

You now have your very own signature product or program.  Something you've created that is unique to you.  A special gift to share with your clients.  One that helps them and serves their needs.  

3.  Become A Marketing Master

Ok... I get that you may not have a Master's degree in marketing and so...you may be wondering how you'll create magic with your marketing messages.  Booking your first clients and actually launching your business will absolutely depend on how effectively you inspire and move people to take action.  Your marketing message is your key to success.

Wouldn't it be perfectly blissful if your phone started buzzing, your email pinging and your schedule just booked up solid because you hung out your shingle... I mean put up your website? That would be completely awesome right?

The reality is...and there's no getting around it, over it, under it or through it...you are going to have to learn the art of promotion if you want to be successful as a coach, a speaker or any form of entrepreneur, for that matter.  

Everything you do in your business - the words you speak, the messages you write, the publications you post... it all has to center around your marketing message.
These elements will help:

• Having laser-like focus about who you can best serve and how you'll do it
• Understanding what the top-of-mind challenges are for your ideal clients
• Improving your communication skills
• Taking a writing course designed specifically for marketing 
• Practice
• Having someone review and edit your work
• Understanding that your message will evolve over time

What's important is to get something going.  Take action to get the ball moving forward and then build some momentum. 

With everything you do that is business related, aim for progress, not perfection.  

4.  Cast Your Web.

Make It 'Sticky,' Not Stinky

Once you've gone through the process of targeting your niche, and developing solutions for your ideal clients' challenges, getting your website up and live is a vital step but I don't recommend it as the very first step (obviously...we're here at #4 in a 6 step action plan.)  Whether you're creating your own website or having a nice fancy one built for you (or maybe you're building a nice fancy one yourself...if you are, please show me how) your website is your virtual storefront. Make it as attractive as you can with the budget you have to work with.

Your potential clients need to know where and how to contact you.  Google is everyone's friend.  Your website should include all the essentials, (and that's a whole other checklist) but by working through who your ideal client is, and creating amazing products or programs that solve their tough dilemmas, you'll be able to design your website to showcase the solutions you provide.

You'll have the best chance of attracting your ideal client by designing your site for them, with their needs in mind.  

One critical factor to consider when designing your website is that you have less than a handful of seconds - one hand, not two - to capture the attention of your potential client.  

It is imperative that you stand out with your message right there on your home page so it grabs their eyeballs immediately. 

Think about ways that will set you apart from what everyone else is doing. 

• What makes you unique and special?  
• What are your strengths? 
• If I'm your potential client, why would I hire you as opposed to the next coach Google pulls up for me in my search?  
• How can you make your potential clients stay on YOUR website?  See #3.

5.  Build a list.  Keep Adding To It

So you've narrowed your niche with Zen-like precision, you've created your signature product, program or service, you've honed your writing skills and crafted a killer marketing message and now...drumroll please... it's time to send that message out into the world, to promote your services or your product.  

It's time to promote your business.  Exciting right?  

Maybe the drumming has faded a bit because you'll have to come up with an answer to the next question:  

Who are you going to promote to?  

Your website will need an opt-in prompt to capture potential clients' e-mail addresses. Ask for contact information in exchange for complimentary information you offer.  

By tying your offer into your signature product or program, you'll increase your chances for success and book more clients. 

This is an excellent way to showcase your expertise and your ability to solve their top-of-mind challenges.  It also gives you an opportunity to build a relationship with them.

Your success as a coach will absolutely depend on your ability to foster and build relationships. Be completely honest here.  Would you give a stranger your money without a rock-solid guarantee for your satisfaction? Or at least, a referral from someone you already know and trust that the purchase you're about to make is really a good one?  

Of course you wouldn't hand over your hard-earned cash to a virtual stranger without a guarantee. 

How can you build a foundation of trust and familiarity with your potential clients?  

The answer is a single word:  Contact.

Your potential clients need a way to get to know you, to begin to like you and to begin to trust you as an expert along with what you have to offer.  There are many ways to build credibility and establish your expertise within your niche.

Here are a few suggestions:  

• Offer a complimentary Free Consultation
• Online chat - "Ask-the-Expert" open session
• Skype or Zoom
• E-mail campaign
• Teleseminars
• Webinars
• Podcast - be a guest or host
• Start a blog
• Live events...

Which of these comes easiest to you?   Pick the one that works best with your personality and strengths and then start to build from there and provide plenty of free stuff.  You want your potential clients to come away with the feeling that they 'can't believe this is free!'

6.  Ask

Not necessarily for the sale, but ask for the opportunity to showcase your product, service or program - to talk about it, to present it, to let people know what you're offering.  Ask for the opportunity to serve.  Ask for the referral.  And don't be afraid to ask for the sale either.  We are in the business of selling, after all.  

The absolute worst thing you'll hear is 'No'.  How bad is that? 

Just move forward, we're aiming for progress, not perfection, remember? Eventually, if you do this work and with practice, you'll start to get more and more clients saying "Yes" I'd like to hire you, "Yes", I want to subscribe to your newsletter.  "Yes", I'd like to interview you for my podcast.  "Yes" my best friend needs your program.  

Then, even better, you'll hear "Thank you so much for helping me solve that problem.  Because of you, I overcame that challenge.  Your recommendation changed my life.  I'm out of debt, sixty pounds lighter and loving my relationship with my spouse because of your program."

How awesome will that be?  

You're welcome to use this article in your E-zine, on your blog or website provided you include the following in its entirety: 

Andrea Raco, creator and curator of Coach For Life and Coach For  Life Connections Blog and Newsletter, supports entrepreneurs, organizations and business builders with strategies, solutions and success systems. She has an honours degree in Sociology/Anthropology, enjoys writing and is certified as a Professional Life Coach specializing in relationship coaching & personal success coaching. She is delighted to offer you Free Gold Key Success Solutions at: www.coachforlife.ca

Feasts & Festivities & How To Avoid Overeating This Holiday Season

I have to admit it:  The holidays stress me out.  

One minute it’s “Happy Thanksgiving” and the next minute it’s “Happy Holidays.”  

As the temperatures drop and the stores get a little crazy, so do our schedules.  

If you’re anything like me, scratching all the items off the “To Do” list is virtually impossible before Santa’s Big Night.  

And then, there's the FEASTING to think about. 

I’ve struggled with weight and body issues since childhood and when the time crunch is on, the very first list item to get shuffled to the bottom of the list is my trip to the gym.  

Add in all the delicious holiday treats, parties, gatherings and dining options, and it’s safe to say that the season to be jolly brings on a jolly added belt hole and some serious anxiety along with those gifts under the tree. 

Between Friend & Family gatherings to friendly workplace potlucks and shopping in the malls, there are opportunities galore to blow the calorie budget with another tempting treat.  

I find myself in numerous positions where I'm faced with making a choice between a special sweet delicious treat and sticking to my health goals and oftentimes, around the holidays, it’s easy to throw restraint out the back door and give in to temptation when guests arrive through the front door bearing all kinds of tasty treats to eat.

Mindless eating, less sleeping, added stress, and traveling to visit this family member or that friend likely take their toll on you too.  

These tips have helped me make it through the holidays without breaking the scale once the ball has dropped to ring in the New Year:

Put Yourself at The Top of the List

Start the mornings of your holidays on a peaceful and healthful note.  

What's most important to you?  

A workout or a walk outside? 

Maybe it's yoga for you or a date with your journal or even just a peaceful meditation to set the tone for the day.  

Another strategy that helps me focus is to set intentions for the day.  

My next step is to pick 1 thing that's a priority to get done that day.  (Usually, it's to make sure I slip my workout in for the day.)  

Anticipate Saboteurs

 

There’s always one or two relatives concerned with what’s on your plate or what's missing from it.  

Make a choice for your health by simply declining offers for unwanted food politely and graciously.  

Bring a nutritious and delicious dish or two to the party.  

This is a great way to support your health and the health of those you love.  PLUS, there's the added bonus of satisfying anyone out to sabotage your efforts to stay true to your health goals.

Create an Unforgettable Atmosphere

Move the focus away from the food and toward the opportunity for everyone to visit and catch up.

Be an exceptional host and make your event extraordinary by playing to all the senses.   

• Gorgeous decorating for the eyes
• Luxurious scents to tantalize
• Music that touches the soul or puts a tap to your toes

If you’re hosting, pull out all the beautiful serving ware that rarely sees the light of day, those gorgeous heirloom pieces, and the beautiful crystal stemware.  

Enjoy the experience and the beauty all around you. 

Your guests will feel cherished.  

Remove Distractions

Yep, I do mean turn OFF the devices.  

I know it’s tough, but if you’re hosting, you get to make up the rules!  No email, Facebook, Twitter, no Instagram, and so on.  Of course, everyone will want to be taking pictures with their phones, so I'd only pull out the 'No Selfie' rule if you absolutely must.  

Scrolling through feeds makes it impossible to really connect with the people around you and steals away the opportunity for guests to appreciate how beautiful the atmosphere is,  incredibly delicious the foods are and how wonderful the company is.  

Keeping the focus on the people who are actually in the room shows respect for everyone there. 

Be Intentional With Food Choices

Rather than just picking at this or that, be intentional about what you choose to eat.  

It’s easy to lose track of what you’ve eaten when you’re sampling all the treats being passed around on the trays.  

Be mindful and choose carefully.  Take a peek at all of the choices before deciding what to add to your plate.  

By getting a sense of what’s available, you’ll avoid heaping on excess mounds of offerings that don’t completely blow your mind because you didn’t realize the mind-blowing items were at the end of the buffet. 

Don't Skip the Ruffage & Protein

Absolutely indulge in those rare dishes that your family treasures.  

Those family favourites are often the best part of holiday festivities.  

By adding in the salad and fiber along with your meat option, you’ll feel fuller faster and stay satisfied longer  - keeping you on track with your health goals.

Make Up a Lunceon Plate 

Using a smaller luncheon plate rather than a full-sized dinner plate for your meal is an invaluable trick.  This strategy fools you into feeling satisfied quicker and makes you feel like you've had a very full meal, even though it's a smaller one.  

• Keep an eye on your serving sizes and decide that one helping will do
• Fill the plate with the choices that appeal to you the most
• Then sit down and savour every tasty bite

Remove Yourself From Temptation

Physically sit away from the food. Beyond arm's length is great.  If you can’t reach it, you can’t add more items to your plate and you’ll avoid munching mindlessly. 

Completely out of eyeshot is even better.  (Out of sight, out of mind, right?) 

By sitting far away, you’re forced to make a conscious decision to go back to the buffet.

Hydrate

Water is a beautiful thing for your body.  By quenching your thirst first, you may find you're not quite as hungry or that you're satisfied sooner as you eat your meal.  

Another trick to enjoy the entire gathering is to stagger your alcohol consumption with a glass of water between each drink.  Not only will you stay hydrated, but you'll also avoid inebriation.  

Slow Down & Chew

It seems like a simple trick, but it’s easy to rush through your meal with all the excitement of the holidays.  Take your time. Better still, put your fork down between bites. 

Chew carefully, and enjoy all the flavours and textures of the treats you’ve chosen for yourself.  Your tummy doesn’t have teeth, so it’s up to you.  

This strategy will likely lead you to feel satiated with less food, saving you unnecessary extra calories.   

Pay Attention to Your Hunger Level 

Be aware of how hungry you are as you're eating.  

Finish your meal before reaching the feeling of being stuffed like that holiday turkey.  

There's no reason to finish everything on your plate if you're feeling satiated.  

Enjoy some conversation with your table mates (once you’ve finished chewing, of course), and focus on family and friends instead of feasting.  

Relax and relish the environment.  After all, the holidays only come around once a year.

Now it's your turn...

What do you love best about the holiday season?

What gives you the biggest challenge?

If you'd like some help designing a Health Care ~ Self Care Plan that's right for you, I'd love to chat.  Connect with me to schedule a complimentary 'Your Masterpiece Life' Strategy call - it's entirely FREE and by the end of the call, you'll have

1. Clarity about what steps to take next
2. A customized Action Plan
3. Some Free resources to help you get started

About the Author:

Andrea Raco, is a Certified Success and Life Enrichment Coach, Founder of Coach for Life, and Curator of Gold Key Club ~ a private community for Ladypreneurs, Supermoms, and Sisters making a difference in the world.

For more information about her services and programs, visit www.coachforlife.ca or contact her via e-mail: andrea@coachforlife.ca.

One Secret Ninja Trick to Slay Your Dragon Today and Enjoy The Holidays

One Secret Ninja Trick to 

Slay Your Dragon Today and 

Enjoy The Holidays

Frazzled and harried with all the extra bustle and fuss because of the upcoming holidays?  

If you’re anything like me, just crossing everything off your to-do list is a monumental accomplishment, never mind adding in the extra errands, shopping, wrapping, preparing and visiting that comes with the holiday season.  

Sometimes, the festivities of Christmas may not feel so festive when the time crunch is on.

Even without the holiday rush, there never seems to be enough time or energy at the end of each day to get to the other things I’d really love to do:  take the kids out for a hike, volunteer, finish writing that book or the oodles of art projects that are half-started, create that killer blog post or craft an amazing new coaching program.  These things always feel just out of reach and I know I’m not alone here.  

Many of you have a secret, undeveloped creative life that you’d love to pursue if time or money were not an obstacle. 

There is a tonne to write about list building and time management, but this one simple strategy can make a massive difference with how you manage your time this holiday season and into the new year.  It’s based on a quote from Steven Pressfield:

“...the Principle of Priority, states that (a) you must know the difference between what is urgent and what is important and (b) you must do what is important first.  What’s important is the work.” 

When your inbox is exploding, your devices are pinging with alerts, texts and calls…they scream for your attention like a two year old’s temper tantrum.  These intrusions all feel so critically urgent.  In reality, they’re not.  With all kinds of information buzzing at our fingertips, it’s difficult to remain focused on any single task.  

At times, I feel like I’m suffering from electronic-induced ADHD.  I know my kids are!

I feel myself falling into a pit of social media junkdom.  Like an addict, I crave those instantaneous trending updates and gossip to get my dose of compelling drama that flows through my newsfeeds. 

After all, who doesn’t love it when other people are liking, engaging and sharing your stuff?  

By constantly checking in, updating and responding with every little ping or ringtone, we get the illusion of being productive, when really, we’re just busy.  The “urgent” distractions flying in on your devices are usually related to other people’s goals and not to your own.   These evil little gubbins are stealing away your valuable productive time.  

I declare 'I'm guilty' and draw my sword to reclaim control of an invaluable commodity ~ my time.

What’s urgent demands attention right now.  The house is burning down.  One kid is about to poke another kids’ eyeball out.  The dog just got sick all over the laptop.  The school called because your child is sick.  Those are absolutely urgent.

What’s important tends to be much quieter and often relates to our own goals, objectives and desires and not to the goals of other people.  Important things require us to work, to think, to find solutions, to innovate and try something new, if necessary.  Important things are always easy to push to the back burner while we deal with the screaming two-year old.  

This valuable trick has helped me immensely.  

I hope it makes a difference for you too.

• Take a look at your “To Do” list. (You have one of those, right?) 
• Mark each item with an “I”, for “Important”, or a U, for “Urgent.” 
• Devote the first hour or so of each day to the “I” stuff

Devote that first time block of the day to what’s most connected to your heart, your health, and to your life.

This method of time management ensures that the important ‘I’ stuff receives your valuable attention first before checking email, Twitter, returning texts, chatting with your neighbour or playing with the cat.

If you’re anything like me, you have more than one raging dragon on your list.   Whether it’s exercising for your health, journaling for your soul or crafting marketing material for your business, pick one raging 'I' list item, your dragon for the day, and take him down first.

The ‘U’ stuff will always get done because it has to.

Of course, call the fire department if the house is burning down and pick your sick child up from school.  If some ‘Urgent’ little time gremlin, like Facebook, tries to take your attention away from the 'I' item you're focused on, ignore it until you get the important work done for the day.  

The most productive feature intrinsic to all electronic devices is the OFF button.  

The world will still be there when you power back up.   Crossing ‘I’ stuff off the list and moving forward with a big project is always awesome.  The sense of relief and accomplishment you’ll feel for the rest of the day once the dragon is slayed: priceless.

Start with this one step and you’ll be amazed by how much you get done.  Teach this technique to your children and your staff and see how productivity improves all around.  

I'd love to hear what you think of this message. What is your key tip for managing your time? Share in the comments below.

If you've enjoyed this message, please share it with your friends.  If you’ve found it useful, chances are, they will too.  Until next time, Slay Those Time Dragons!

About the Author:

Andrea Raco, Certified Professional Coach, Founder of Coach for Life, Creator of 'Your Masterpiece Life' ~ a program designed to help you build the life you love, curator of Gold Key Club and Coach For Life Connections, is a wife, a Mom of 4, Breast Cancer Survivor and lover of LIFE.  

Private Message at andrea@coachforlife.ca or comment below if you'd like a copy of her Free E-Book