Tips & Insights for Top Performance » Work/Life Synergy & Balance

Four Things Resilient People Do

admin — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:13:18 +0000

Research shows that resilient people think differently.
They have a set of skills – sometimes learned, other times innate – that allow them to persevere, manage stress and triumph in the face of challenges.

1. They are authentic
Resilient people are at peace with their humanity. Perhaps it is because their mistakes along the way have humbled them, or life experiences have helped them accept their own vulnerability, but resilient people don’t let imperfections hinder them. They don’t think failing means being a “failure.” They learn as they go, making course corrections that lead them to positive outcomes.

2. They are flexible thinkers
Even if initially, they struggle with negative thoughts, resilient people are self-aware enough to notice when their thinking is counterproductive. They don’t fall into thinking traps such as jumping to conclusions or making assumptions. Instead, they gather the facts they need to move around obstacles and face the challenge head on. If something isn’t working, they make adjustments until it works. They find the aspects of their challenge that are within their control and they exercise that control. So when faced with a cancer diagnosis, they change their eating habits to help them recover. When they get passed over for a promotion, they find the grain of truth in the boss’ negative review and start making improvements.

3. They are optimistic – except when there is a great deal at risk
It’s hard to bounce back from setbacks when you see every obstacle as the end of the world! Research shows that optimists live as much as nine years longer than pessimists. Seeing the bright side is good for your health and longevity. But it isn’t about simplistic “positive thinking.” Resilient people see risks and take precautions to prevent problems. But when faced with a challenge, they are more likely to say, “I can get through this,” whether it is a test, a divorce or the loss of a loved one.

4. They reach out
Resilient people don’t go it alone. They have close friends and are not too proud to ask for help when they need it, talk out problems, or help others in need. When faced with a stressful situation, just knowing you have support can alleviate the pressure. Make your relationships a priority.

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

What Can a Coach Do For You?

admin — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:30:42 +0000

I recently had to do a comparison of coaching and type of candy.
I picked Jolly Ranchers and my husband Mike wrote this poem about Jolly Ranchers and Coaching…

There once was a rancher named Molly
Whose Ranch was OK, but she not so jolly
The ranch hands were mad, cattle running amuck
Profit was dwindling, poor Molly was stuck

Inventory, weather, food for the cows
Get it all done, she didn’t know hows
She felt very busy, but spinner her wheels
It seemed like she was always back on her heels.

If I could be more productive, get teams to work
Perhaps the important I’d never more shirk
I’d love to know just how to win
To operate my ranch to bring more dollars in.

She needed a strategy to help her sort out
All things of import, the rest she’d toss out
She looked for some help, these topics to broach
And saw the best was to hire a coach.

The ranch became a team, all personalities tested
All working their strengths, while the others, they rested
When one goal was done another was made
The progress she saw, she never would trade.

It just goes to show when life gets a mess
It hampers your business, and just causes stress
So take home a lesson from Rancher Miss Molly
Hire a coach and make your ranch much more jolly!

Every business owner and executive is just like a rancher… with much to plan and manage.
If coaching can support you or a rancher you know, e-mail for a FREE sample session!

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Healthy Summer Balance

admin — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 19:34:40 +0000

As summer gets going – it can be a challenge to balance the on-going demands of work and the pulls of kids, family and warm weather calling you to summer activities.
Here are 4 or 5 tips on how to have a healthy work/life balance this summer:
• Have a FROG time in the AM – which is a one hour, power hour that you do the important things that otherwise get forgotten as you attend to urgent matters. The FROG time helps you feel more prepared, more focused and more on top of your game so you can have a productive work day and then get on with some summer fun!
• Make sure to take at least ONE full day off – no work. It allows your brain to shut off and really recharge. This is very important. Resist the urge to crawl back to your computer/office!
• Enlist some help. There are often a few tasks you can delegate or outsource. If you don’t have money to pay someone, consider other methods – i.e. can you barter or find a summer intern? Get some support to get on top of your work (summer projects).
• Set work hours. If summer means shorter work hours or an extra day off, plan for it and set summer hours. It will help you plan and work efficiently in the time you have rather than working hard and then leaving something important left undone.
• Have a summer game plan. What do you NEED and WANT to get done this summer? Do a brain dump of everything that is a priority this summer and draft out which projects you could do each week.
Summer is a great time to recharge and have fun. You can do both if you have focus and a plan!

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

The Benefits of Coaching

admin — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 17:39:01 +0000

VISION – MOTIVATION – FOCUS – CLARITY – ENERGY – SPEED – PRODUCTIVITY – RESULTS – SUCCESS - and more.. What could you do with this?

VISION. You will have a clear idea of where you want to go and how to get there. Often we know the end result, but do not see what it takes to get there. This is critical for your success. You cannot do what you cannot see first. Coaching will ask you questions to make sure your vision is strong.

MOTIVATION. You will know what you really want and understand your unique values and motives to keep you moving forward. Stop procrastinating, delaying and putting off because of fears, perfectionism and doubts.

FOCUS. You will be able to operate with clear priorities, doing what is most important things which will allow you to excel In the midst of ‘urgent’ demands and busy chaotic schedules and lives.

CLARITY. Each coaching session deepens your learning about how you work and think. Coaching also prepares you for action and supports you in getting crystal clear on the steps to take. By work with a coach, you will get a helicopter perspective so that you can return to your business and navigate quickly because you have taken time to assess where you are going. You will be able to see what is right in front of you and developed a plan to forge ahead.

ENERGY. You will find yourself working at your optimum potential. Why? When you are operating in line with your values, life just simply comes together in an easy way. Coaching will give you with the encouragement, momentum, and natural dynamics to operate more efficiently and effectively. You cannot get more hours in the day, but if you have more energy, you will get more done and feel great!

SPEED. You will be more effective. Through planning and strategizing, you will be able to eliminate ineffective methods and enhance those methods that are most natural to supporting you in reaching your goals quicker.

PRODUCTIVITY. You will simply get more done. Coaching will keep your goals clear and in line with your vision. Next, it ensures that what you are doing is important to furthering the bottom line, not just want is urgent, easy or obvious. Then, the regular accountability provides a structure that will keep you moving forward, so you can really get it all done.

RESULTS. Through regular coaching and consistent follow-up, you will increase your bottom-line results. Profits. Clients. Personal Passions. Weight Lose. Whatever your objective is, coaching is a strategic partnership to support you in getting what you want as quickly as possible. If you are ready and motivated, you can actually double what you accomplish in a period of time.

SUCCESS. You will be more successful. Through keeping focused on what you want, the goals and the plan, coaching helps you keep the big picture in mind while you implement the small steps. While focusing on the goals, coaching monitors the balance in your whole life, so you are not distracted with life pulls but have all the elements of your life complimenting your actions. Before you know it, your goal is complete!

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Staying Organized on a Monthly Basis

admin — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 19:14:39 +0000

Do you have a New Year’s Resolution to have more family balance and be more organized at home in 2011? Here was HGTV’s tips on staying organized on a monthly basis.

“STAY ORGANIZED CHECKLIST: MONTHLY

Bill Paying

Pay bills once or twice a month or set up automatic payments for recurring bills such as the mortgage, utilities and credit cards.

Paperwork

File paid bills in an accordion folder or similar filing system.
Update your designated file for receipts pertaining to taxes and deductions.

Bulk Shopping

Make a bulk shopping trip. Buy household items such as paper goods, cleaning supplies and toiletries. Purchasing these standard items on a monthly basis will streamline weekly shopping.

Calendar

Review the calendar at the beginning of each month to plan for upcoming events or gift purchases.”

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Staying Organized on a Weekly Basis

admin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 19:12:30 +0000

Do you have a New Year’s Resolution to have more family balance and be more organized at home in 2011? Here was HGTV’s tips on staying organized on a weekly basis.

“STAY ORGANIZED CHECKLIST: WEEKLY

Grocery Shopping and Meal Planning

Plan out the week’s meals on Sunday afternoon and create a shopping list.
Designate a time for coupon clipping and commit to it. Recycle unused coupons.
Shop once a week for family meals, bringing your menu plan with you.

Family Schedules

Review the calendar for the week with other family members to ensure you have all appointments accounted for.

Laundry

Set up a routine schedule for dry cleaning. Many dry cleaners will pick up and deliver weekly; your office might offer a similar program.
Attempt to do as much washing, folding and ironing before the week begins. This will save time during the week.

Car

Remove trash, and organize must-haves for the car.
Find homes for everything that does not belong in your car.”

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

This Year

admin — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 23:10:14 +0000

Share your treasure.

Encourage youth.

Manifest your loyalty to others in word and deed.

Keep your promises.

Nurture your appetite for learning.

Find the time.

Be thankful for your life and the opportunities ahead.

Believe in yourself.

Try to forgive.

Offer your hand to those who struggle.

Listen.

Hug tightly the good times.

Respond to adversity with determination and confidence.

Apologize if you were wrong.

Don’t look down on others unless you are trying to lift them up.

Skip the bandwagon.

Against all pressure, try to do what you know is right.

Reach out.

Try to understand.

Express your appreciation.

Do NOT assume.

Replace despair with action.

Recognize that you know very little and you will instantly increase your intelligence.

Examine your demands on others.

Do not judge.

Be kind, be gentle – but stand your ground.

Laugh a little. Laugh a little more.

Work hard – deserve confidence. Take nothing for granted.

Be tenacious in pursuit of your most cherished dreams.

Reject incompetence and identify it as such.

Use your experience to help others treading in new waters.

Take care of your spirit.

Give no quarter to injustice and stand up to its perpetrators.

Settle only for your best.

Search for the truth – don’t let others define it for you.

Don’t let others define you.

Examine your motives.

Care for the animals.

Welcome a stranger.

Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth –

Take part in its preservation.

Gladden the heart of a child.

Live each moment – fully.

Speak your love.

Speak it again.

Speak it still once again.

________________

Dickey Eason

www.theimpacts.com

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Successful People Are Always Pursuing Balance

admin — Fri, 24 Dec 2010 22:50:30 +0000

I asked some of the successful and talented business owners and professionals I know, what they consider their key to success… here is what they said…..

“Successful people are always pursuing balance in their life. There are only so many hours in a day and it is important to prioritize every aspect of our lives instead of just our business lives. Family, marriage, spirituality, health, volunteering, etc. are all the components of a successful person – in business and in life. If you are lucky enough to pursue what you love then you will see success follow. People will want to be part of that success.”

Lois Cozart, Owner
My Girlfriend’s Closet
www.mygirlfriendsclosetnc.com

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

An Attitude of Thanksgiving…(part 2)

admin — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 18:15:49 +0000

2. Peace. In thinking about relationships and why we are here, the book I have been reading, The Anatomy of Peace, comes to mind. I am not a master of this either, but I seek to grow in my understanding of it. So often we have hearts that war against people and things, people and situations we don’t like, or that we think affect us in ways we don’t like. We judge and lash out – verbally or just in our minds – against these things. While we are doing this we create a lack of harmony for ourselves and others around us, making energy negative and judgments ramped. In our culture we are so used to doing this, we don’t even realize it. It is hard to summarize in a few short sentences, please read the book. It is excellent and you will be surprised how you might THINK you have a heart of peace, but how your heart wars against all kinds of things around you. When your heart is at peace, you can truly be thankful for all the things around you and you can embrace different situations with an openness to learn from them and grow in the moment.

I want to encourage you to stop complaining and fearing a “down economy” and everything that is not what you want…rather, be thankful for the blessings you have been given – whatever your circumstance. Keep a heart of peace in all things – to allow you to maintain a thankful attitude in the upcoming season. Your positive and thankful spirit is a blessing to you and others you touch.

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

An Attitude of Thanksgiving…(part 1)

admin — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:09:41 +0000

In a time where it seems like each week you hear of someone new laid off or out of work. People are short on money and struggling to make ends meet. .. . stress is high, nerves are short and tempers are quick. It can be easy to forget the many things we have been blessed with and focus on what we do not have or fret about what we might lose.

There are two concepts that come to mind to help us be THANKFUL …

Prosperity. Be thankful for what we have. We are SO richly blessed here in the USA. We have more then we realize and what we feel we are “missing” is riches beyond what most ever dream about. We have exactly what we need. That is hard to remember when we are truly short on cash; however, it is true that often with some pre-planning we can avoid irresponsibility and neglect that might get us in compromising positions.

Be a good steward of what you have. Review your spending and remove things that are unnecessary. Do not live beyond your means, making you financially strapped and unable to save for the rainy day.
Be thankful. Instead of complaining about what you don’t have or whining about what you want, make a list of all the things you have been blessed with. You hear of people sick with cancer having a renewed perspective on life and what is important. In the hustle of life, it is materialism, more money, more toys, and better upgrades which draw us in with the elusive promise of…what? When it comes right down to it, the relationships with family and friends, the time we have together, our health, a clear understanding of why we are here, and the value of each day are what is truly important. Be thankful for what you have and focus on that.

Christy Geiger, Executive Business Coach & Trainer, Minneapolis, MN