The Back-Story is the story that tells what led up to the current circumstances. It is a powerful relationship and life enhancement tool. As a Licensed Counselor and Business Coach, I know that when you get stuck in frustration or fury with a friend, client or colleague, your relationship will be negatively impacted. Understanding someone’s […]
As a Licensed Counselor and Coach, I work with clients going through Challenging Transitions, such as leaving their long time career, starting their own business or retiring. They reach out to me because they are stressed and possibly depressed too. It is not uncommon for a client to acknowledge being stressed, but way less likely
Stressed or Depressed? Read More »
Wishing lets you know what is important to you. It helps you clarify what you want and stay focused on your highest priorities. People say… I Wish I Had, when they are feeling bad. There is something they want that they don’t have yet! You may hear yourself or others say… I wish I had
As a Business Coach and Licensed Counselor, I readily point out to clients the impact of using a hedge word. I’ll ask them to repeat the sentence they just said and take out the hedge word. I watch them smile as they realize the difference. Some examples include… I’m “kind of” frustrated with the slow growth of my
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As a Licensed Counselor and Business Coach, I continually hear my clients comparing themselves to others. Franklin Roosevelt wrote that Comparison is the Thief of Joy. Many others have written and talked about why comparing is not a good thing. Seems like Rule #1 on How to Be Happier is to “Stop Comparing Yourself
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The unexpected happens in business and in life. Sometimes the unexpected can be exhilarating and exciting. You get a big bonus or referral of a new client. Someone gives you tickets to a play or sporting event. You meet someone special at a social event. Other times the unexpected can be stressful, frustrating or disappointing.
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When approaching a life transition or making a big change, having a Personal Coach or Business Coach with a Counseling Credential can make all the difference. This type of professional will help their clients manage the emotions that have become obstacles on the path to achieving their goals. These difficult emotions include, hopelessness,
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Acting happy when you don’t feel happy is an important skill to master. Sometimes acting happy can help you get more of what you want out of life. Our culture favors happy faces which is evident by the smiles that greet you on billboards and in advertisements. People are drawn to happy individuals. When you
Acting Happy – The Upside and Downside Read More »
When planning for retirement it is important to consider non-financial factors and how they will impact your quality of life. The three biggest non-financial mistakes are failing to plan for how you will find meaning, being unprepared for how retirement will affect your relationships and underestimating the emotional impact of this transition. Retiring is a
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As a retirement and business coach, as well as a professional counselor, I know that retirement today is about more than financial security. In the old retirement model there were fewer years to plan for since people didn’t expect to live to be 90 or older. The focus was on protecting your money and participating
Smart Retirement Planning Read More »
Encouragement is motivating and inspiring. It propels positive action. When someone you know is feeling frustrated or discouraged it is natural to want to encourage them with suggestions and advice. You may think that you are offering a gift…your concern and your good ideas. The thing is, suggestions and advice don’t feel good to someone
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“You never listen to me”, “You always have to have the last word”, “I never get any attention” are examples of the black and white thinking that not only impedes effective communication, but also indicates that a deeper emotional issue needs to be addressed. “Always” and “Never” statements convey accusation, judgment or self-pity and tend