Aftertaste

Now that you've opened your presents and overeaten, let's take a moment to re-cap this year. What stood out to you? What would you have done differently? What's in store for 2010? As you digest, try pondering these questions:

1) What left an Impression?
What did you remember? Usually the good and bad stand out, while everything in the middle is forgotten. What were your highlights? Setbacks? What was the most memorable thing that happened to you in 2009?

2) What did you Learn?
Even with the challenges of the past year, we can always look at it as an opportunity to grow. What can you capitalize on to make 2010 that much better? We get better when we make the choice to grow forward, no matter what the circumstances may be.

3) What's Next?
One thing I love about being an entrepreneur is that there is no finish line. Once you get complacent you're dead meat. Take some time to sit down and write out your personal vision for 2010. It's amazing what we can accomplish when we set our minds to it (and put in the hard work!)

2009 was a challenging year for my business, but I continued to work hard, try new things and re-innovate myself. I'm optimistic that 2010 will be better, but there's no guarantees. All I can do is promise to do my best and let God do the rest!

Only 3 days left to give the Gift of Coaching!
Until December 31st, we are offering 50% off of
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What better way to start the new year than with a personal coach to help you clarify your goals, boost self-confidence and work to your full potential!
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Imagine how much more successful you can be with the help of a coach!

Be on the lookout for a NEW SITE next week!

Slow Down

During the Christmas season, do you frantically shop for deals, attend numerous parties and create your own wish list in your mind? Amidst this fast pace, we run around like chickens with our heads cut off...for what?! For the next week and half try "slowing down" with these 3 suggestions:

1) Be Thankful. Sometimes our schedules get so busy, we forget about our family and friends in our lives. Christmas doesn't mean much without loved ones to spend it with. Remember to be thankful for all the people who make your life better.

2) Focus on Giving. I love picking out the perfect gift for someone else. It's a way to say, "Thank you. I appreciate you being a part of my life." It's nice to receive gifts, but there's a sense of accomplishment and joy when we can give to others freely without expecting something back in return.

3) Identify the Purpose. Why do you celebrate Christmas? If there's no reason behind the season, don't go through the motions for tradition's sake. Celebrating an event should have meaning; otherwise, there's no point. For me, Christmas is sharing God's love and remembering Jesus' birth long ago.

Make this Christmas different by being thankful, focused on giving to others and understanding why you celebrate it!

If you're still unsure of what to get someone, consider giving the Gift of Coaching! Until December 21st, we are offering 50% off of Skype/Phone Coaching Sessions. What better way to start the new year than with a personal coach to help you clarify your goals, boost self-confidence and work to your full potential! Just e-mail Scott and he'll take care of the rest!

Imagine how much more successful you can be with the help of a coach!

Keep Cope Alive

We can't control what happens to us, but we can choose how to respond to our circumstances. Bad things happen to everyone, but successful people cope more effectively. Here's some tips to improve your ability to cope:

1) Don't make emotional-based decisions. When we lose our temper or want instant gratification, we react instead of respond. I'm not saying be a "robot", but it's better to think before you act rather than say what you feel. We need to be more aware about how our decisions affect others.

2) The past doesn't determine the future. Many times we dwell on what we know or have experienced so far. This becomes a destructive cycle. To break the cycle, you must decide to do something new and expect different results.

3) Train your brain. Listen to this equation carefully: Your thoughts trigger your feelings which cause action (or inaction). That means everything starts inside your head. Don't self-sabotage yourself before you begin. Turn your negative thoughts into a positive "I" statement. You'll be amazed what an optimistic attitude can do for you!

Coaching is like having a personal trainer for your mind. What a trainer does for your body, a coach does for your mind. Discover how to make a change for the better by signing up today and experience coaching firsthand!

Imagine how much more successful you can be with the help of a coach!

You & Improved

During this recession, you don't have time to hang your head and feel sorry for yourself. How are companies like Amazon, Netflix and Verizon actually increasing their profits? Let's take those same strategies and apply them to your personal brand:
Stay Engaged. Engagement comes from having purpose and passion in life. Stay focused on what you need to do and who you need to connect with. Keep your eyes on the prize, don't let distractions deter you.

Re-Innovate. Improving means getting better. I always say you should be able to look back at yourself six months from now and laugh. Why? Because when you grow, you learn to do things more efficiently. It's up to you to reinvent yourself. People only pay attention when you give them a reason to.

Plan Ahead. Fact: The recession will eventually end. When it does, will you be in a position to capitalize? Most people are in survival mode and living defensively. Successful people are networking, learning and creatively marketing so when the economy turns around, they'll be ready to thrive.

The recession will test your character. When adversity strikes, do you lay down or fight? If a new ideas or perspective is what you need - hire a coach and start going forward with Growing Forward!