Getting Started Is The Toughest Part Of The Job

Getting Started Is The Toughest Part Of The Job

One of the most challenging things about starting on a new project, a goal or a task usually isn't the planning, the thinking about it and the mapping it out. It is the doing. Actually taking the first step is usually the most difficult part of any new endeavor.

I was reading a project managers manual and found it interesting that listed, as one of the reasons projects fail, is lack of implementation. In others words, not starting the project was a major cause of its failure. Such is with life; we can have the best intentions and plans, but if we never start, nothing will happen.

I have noticed that, when I start a new project, procrastination sets in. I remember when I was writing my dissertation my house was never cleaner. In fact, one day I was outside scrubbing down my kitchen garbage can with a toothbrush. My husband wanted to know what on earth I was doing. "I am avoiding working on my paper," I said. Getting started just seems to be the most challenging aspect of anything new.

My guess is one of the biggest reasons that starting is so challenging is the fear of the unknown. All the doubts and uncertainty can be overwhelming. Also fear of not doing it right, or even not knowing what to do. The cure for all of these fears is action. Action is the enemy of fear. The best thing to do when fear sets in is to take action, and the secret is any action will do. Just get moving and fear will move aside and the beginning will start.

Coaching

If getting started has you stunned with fear, take a deep breath and take one small action. Do something, anything. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you take action. Getting started is challenging, but once you do you will build momentum that will keep you going.

Another trick that might help you is to get an accountability partner. Someone you will report to from time to time on your progress. It sounds silly, but you are more likely to start and stick with what you promise someone else than just promising yourself. It is so easy to break a promise you make to you, but not as easy to do so when you have committed to a friend, a mentor or a coach. I have clients that hire me just for the accountability aspect, and it works.

Coaching Question

Are you ready to get started?

Coaching Challenge

This week make a commitment to get started on a goal, a task or a project you have been putting off. For additional support, enlist the help of a friend. Don't keep putting off what you want. Take the first step and the next one will be easier.

Daily Success Formula

Getting Started + Taking Action = The hardest part completed

Quotes

"Sometimes, people use age as a convenient excuse. 'I'm too old too start something new', or, 'I couldn't learn that at my age.' Other people, though, go on to achieve their greatest accomplishments in life in later years." Catherine Pulsifer

"Continuous effort -- not strength or intelligence -- is the key to unlocking our potential." Liane Cardes

"Start where you are." Edgar Cayce

If You Work the System, the System will Work

If You Work the System, the System will Work

I am amazed at all the systems out there that will help us lose weight, get a better life, find a better relationship, or make lots of money. It seems that there is a new system being created everyday. It makes me wonder if the old system did not work or if it wasn't worked.

Experience has taught me that if a system is based on a strong foundation and is worked consistently, it will work. All it takes is action. The problem is most people want the system to solve the problem and create the results. Alone the system cannot do anything. The system is simply the tool. The tool is no good without consistent action.

It seems many people are looking for the magic answer. The system that is going to cure whatever it is that ails them. No system is going to fix anything. The system is simply the tool we can use to create the change that we want. Alone the system is of no use. Backed with consistent action, it is powerful.

Coaching

Most of us know what to do. We have tried enough systems for losing weight, making money and a myriad of other things to know what works. It is not the system that is the problem. It is the lack of consistent action. We cannot expect the system to do anything. We are the ones that power the system. If we put consistent and persistent action behind just about any system, it will work. We simply have to find a system that fits for us and work it.

I have experienced in my life that once the system starts to work I drop the system. I somehow think that I can stop doing what is working and it will continue to work. If you find something that works for you, do not stop doing it because it works. Build it into the structure of your life and make it a habit. Once the system becomes a habit it will support you in creating what it is you want.

Do you have a system that works for you?

Daily Success Formula

Consistent Action + Persistent Action + Working the System = Success

Quotes

"People are where they are because that is exactly where they really want to be--whether they will admit that or not." Earl Nightingale

"You can get all A's and flunk life." Walker Percy

The Success Is In The Daily Action

The Success Is In The Daily Action

When we think about success, we might be tempted to look at the overall result and believe that is where the success lies. The end result is simply the product of daily action. Without doing something every day towards the goal, there wouldn't be anything to celebrate.

The old joke, "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time" is a great example of how to achieve success. Nothing happens overnight. Success is in small consistent daily actions. When I work with clients on creating goals, I have them break down their goals into what they can do this month, this week and today. We create a strategic plan that enables the client to understand what has to happen each day to achieve the goal. Some clients are surprised that they can do something every day towards the goal, but actually it is the only way. When you examine how you have achieved, you will notice that the success came from the little steps you took along the way that added up and made the big difference.

Coaching

With the New Year here, this is a great time to establish a new goal or recommit to an old one. This time, however, don't focus so much on the end result, but the steps that need to be taken to achieve the goal. It can be overwhelming to think, "Oh my! I have to lose 75 pounds." But, if you look at it one day at a time and focus on what you need to do that day, it becomes easier. Attend to the daily actions and the end result will take care of itself.

Coaching Question

What are you willing to do today towards you goal?

Coaching Challenge

Create a strategic plan for one goal or change you would like to see happen this year. Map out the daily actions you will need to take. Keep in mind that the success comes in the daily action, so make a commitment to do something every day, and achieving your goal is guaranteed.

Daily Success Formula

Daily Action + Commitment = Success

Quotes

"The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy." Florence Scovel Shinn

"The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Lao Tzu

"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." William Faulkner

Wish, Dream, Goal, Plan, Take Action

Wish, Dream, Goal, Plan, Take Action

It came to me the other day as I was thinking about the process of making our deepest desires come true. The really big things start out as a wish. The wish turns into a dream, and, if you are serious about the dream, it turns into a goal. Once the goal is set, a plan must be created and action taken if the wish is to come true.

Wishes don't come true unless they turn into dreams. Dreams are deep desires that compel the dreamer to move forward. The dream, if it is to come to life needs to turn into a goal. Turning the dream into a goal brings the dream into reality and gives the dream a concrete plan of action. The most crucial step in the entire process is to take action. Taking action is the only way you are going to make your wish come true.

Coaching

The way to make a wish come true is a process. The process is to take action on the plan to make the wish come true. Wishes don't just "poof" into existence. Wishes take hard work, determination, and a little sweat.

Coaching Question

Are you ready to move your wish into reality?

Live the Day

Pick a wish and begin working to make it come true.

Daily Success Formula

Wish + Dream + Goal + Plan + Action = Wish come true

Quotes

"Happy the man who early learns the wide chasm that lies between his wishes and his powers." Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it come true. You may have to work for it, however." Richard Bach

"To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe." Anatole France

Live with Courage

Greetings:

A friend and colleague of mine has written a great book that is all about mustering up your courage and doing what you really want to. The book is Find Your Courage (McGraw-Hill) and it is packed with great tips, ideas and stories about ways to find your courage and take action in your life. Christen and I interviewed Margie on Live the Day and she is an amazing person.

Margie is re-releasing her book today and is giving lots of great gifts and 100% of the profits to a non-profit organization until January 31st. It is a great deal, just the free gifts alone are worth it, and yes one of them came from me, not to mention you will help a worthy cause. I have included all the info and the link to go grab a copy of the book now.

Learn more at http://www.margiewarrell.com/findyourcouragepromotion.htm


Find Your Courage: 12 Acts for Becoming Fearless in Work and Life will help you to:

IDENTIFY COURAGE BLOCKERS

The fears and doubts that are holding you back and limiting your success - personally and professionally.

TEACH PEOPLE HOW TO TREAT YOU

The eight essentials for courageous conversations that grow your influence and enable you to have the rich, rewarding and trusting relationships you want.

ACHIEVE THE GOALS THAT INSPIRE YOU MOST DEEPLY

Discover the keys to getting and staying on track toward your goals and dreams - no matter how big!

LEARN HOW TO BE A LEADER

Develop your innate leadership potential and learn the secrets to powerful communication, managing commitments and decision making.

ENJOY HEIGHTENED WELLBEING AND GREATER BALANCE

Learn how to ask for you really want and say no to the good to make room for the great.

BUILD YOUR MUSCLES FOR LIFE

Reframe how you are viewing your 'problems' to address your challenges with more confidence and less stress.


http://www.margiewarrell.com/findyourcouragepromotion.htm


100% of Profit to Charity

Last, but certainly not least, 100% of the profits raised from book sales between now and January 31st will be given to the not for profit charity www.BrighterAfrica.org. Founded by a friend of Margie’s who found the courage to dare to make a difference in the world poorest nation of Sierra Leone, 100% of the money donated to BrighterAfrica.org is guaranteed to go directly to funding education and health programs for the women and children of Sierra Leone.


So please, don’t miss out on this opportunity to invest in your future happiness and success and, as you do, contribute to a brighter future of people far less fortunate than you.


http://www.margiewarrell.com/findyourcouragepromotion.htm


So take action now and find your courage to do the things you have always wanted to do.

Rachelle

It Is Easy to See Stupidity in Other People

It Is Easy to See Stupidity in Other People

Ever notice how easy it is to see stupidity in other people? That's because we judge other people's actions, and we justify our own. Instead of judging other people to be stupid, just take their actions as is. It is difficult to know why other people do what they do. There could be a number of reasons for their actions, and being stupid is only one of them.

A great example of this concept can be seen in driving. When someone pulls out in front of you, he or she is stupid. When you pull out in front of someone else, you didn't see the car, it was in your blind spot, or whatever else you use to justify the action. I have rarely been a passenger in a vehicle when the driver admitted that the right turn made from the left lane was stupid. There always is a good reason why the driver made that move. And I would guess that is true for most people.

The biggest thing I have learned from coaching is how easy it is to see what other people are doing wrong in their lives and what is causing the problem. The reason I can do this is because I have the bigger picture of my client's life, what I call "the bird's eye view." My client is too close to what is going on and has what I call "the grass blade view." People don't do stupid things on purpose; they do them because they don't see the bigger picture. They are too close to the situation to see exactly what is going on.

Coaching

We have all done stupid things. Instead of constantly judging others, give them the benefit of the doubt and move on. The good news is that most stupid things people do don't end up causing major harm. Instead of worrying about the stupid things other people are doing, pay attention to what you are doing and do your best not to do too many stupid things yourself.

Coaching Question

Are you judging others and justifying your own behavior?

Daily Action

Today, refrain from judging the actions of others as stupid and pay attention to your own actions.

Quotes

"When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares
that it is his duty." George Bernard Shaw

"The sense of humor is the oil of life's engine. Without it, the machinery creaks and groans. No lot is so hard, no aspect of things is so grim, but it relaxes before a hearty laugh." George S. Merriam

Had a Wonderful Birthday

Greetings:

I am usually not up this late but since it is my birthday! Had a wonderful birthday. I received dozen of calls, lots of well wishes on my Facebook page, cards, gifts and surprises. My wonderful husband took me on a shopping spree! That is always fun. We then went to dinner at Chili's where I had Steak and Portobello Mushroom Fajitas (hold the steak). After dinner we went to Fridays where we shared a Brownie Obsession and I had a fancy coffee drink. I had to stop Jason the bartender from making me a shooter.

The whole day was great. I finished a big project I was working on for a client, coached and launched my two new DAPP Success Camps.

To top it off it snowed which was so beautiful to watch during the day.

I apologize I keep forgetting to take pictures of all my fun events. Well don't worry I am still celebrating throughout the week and I promise I will remember to pull the camera out and snap a few pictures. Wait until you see the new birthday outfit my husband got me!

Didn't get the fish yet. We need to find out if fish can live in cold water. We don't turn our heat up very much during the winter, we both like it kind of chilly. I think that might have been what killed my last fish. I am going to check at the pet store tomorrow.

No Vegan cake yet either. Need to stop by Whole Foods and get a slice.

The celebration continues. Stay tuned.

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle

Happy Birthday to Me!

Greetings:

Today is my birthday and I don't mind telling you I am 49! I was born on January 26, 1960 at 5:45am. I was early, which my mom always said it was the only time in my life that I arrived early!

I like birthdays because they are an individual holiday. You get to celebrate you! For ways people celebrate birthdays around the world go to Birthday Traditions!

It depends, this year I am having a very low key birthday but there have been birthdays when I have gone all out. It really doesn't matter what you do on your birthday as long as you celebrate it. Don't miss the chance to celebrate your life and who you are.

I also don't just celebrate one day, I like to say I am having a Birthday Month. I celebrate throughout the month with friends and family. This week I am having lunches and dinners out with friends and family all week and will even be going for a Pedicure with my friend Kathleen. All to celebrate the day I was born! Got to love that.

And what gift did I want for my birthday? A fish! My fish died a couple months ago and I really miss him. I told my husband all I wanted for my birthday is a piece of Vegan Chocolate cake and a fish! Hopefully I will have pictures to share of the new fish soon.

Birthdays are important and need to be celebrated. How will you celebrate your birthday?



Here's to taking action,

Rachelle

No One Thing Is To Blame

No One Thing Is To Blame

When we look at the cause of something gone wrong, it usually become apparent that there is not one thing to blame, but a chain of events. A great example is if we are overweight. It isn't the donut we ate this morning that caused the excess baggage, but the donuts and other consumed items that contributed to the extra pounds. Our life is a combination of events and happenings. Instead of looking for the one thing to blame, look for the chain of events that is causing the problem.

To try to blame one thing, or even one person, we will miss the cause and the chance to prevent problems from reoccurring. Instead of looking at just the end result, take a systems approach and look at all the contributing factors. Everything affects everything, so notice what is happening in your life and when you first noticed the problem. Taking the weight example, perhaps you were going along fine and something stressful or challenging happened. Exercise became too difficult to fit into your schedule, next the eating habits slid, then you ran out of your vitamins and didn't purchase more and the next thing you knew you had gained twenty pounds and were not feeling as energetic as you once had. You can see that it was multiple events and not just one action that caused the slide. By understanding what contributed to the slip, we can better understand what needs to be corrected in order to make the changes we desire. We can also see that in challenging situations we have a tendency to let go of healthy habits, and this is good to know. This way we can prepare for challenging situations and guard against letting a slip become a rapid fall.

Coaching

I once had a friend, who never ran up debt, tell me it was never one purchase that got people into trouble. It was a combination of purchases that crept onto their credit cards that created the large debt. Often people don't even realize how deep in debt they are until they are in over their heads. This is because it doesn't happen overnight, it happens over time. No one purchase is to blame; it is a string of purchases. This is true with almost every problem we have. It didn't just happen; there were a series of events that led to the problem.

The good news is that at anytime we can stop the next event from happening and take new actions. We can turn the situation around, but we first must stop the process that has begun. The chain of events will continue to happen until we stop it and take back control.

Coaching Question

Are you ready to change your life one action at a time?

Coaching Challenge

No one thing is going to change your life. It takes a series of events and actions that will create a problem or create something great in your life. Since we have the freedom of choice, you can choose at anytime to begin to change your life one action at a time. Today, decide to do one thing differently than you did yesterday. For example, if you usually have a donut for breakfast, have a healthier breakfast. If you want to save money, but can't seem to, just put one dollar into your piggy bank. Change happens one action at a time. If you put one dollar a day away for a year you would have $365.00 by the end of the year. Every action adds up.

Daily Success Formula

Time + Action = Results

Quotes

"Fate knows where you are going, but it is up to you to drive there." Michelle Keesling

"What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"A man is the sum of his actions, of what he has done, of what he can do, nothing else." Mahatma Gandhi

Life is too frequent

Greetings:

I recently had a subscriber to the blog, which I really didn't realize how many of you there were so thank you, unsubscribe because he said, "The updates were too frequent." As you might have noticed I have been updating almost every day since the first of the year. This was intentional on my part. I wanted to keep the momentum going at least for the first month because I know this can be a very challenging time. We are still in the "quit zone" where those that made New Years Resolutions and Goals are tempted to give up or even forget what they decided they would do. By posting every day I am hoping I will give you some incentive and encouragement to keep on going.

I know every day is pretty frequent, but I didn't design the process I just figured out a way to leverage it. And that is by taking daily action. I promise you if there is a secret to success that is it. Just do something every day towards your goal and you are pretty much guaranteed to achieving it.

You ask anyone that is a success and they will tell you that they started early and they did it often. You can't expect to become a success at something you just do on occasion or just when you feel like it. Frequency is key.

I have recently been introduced to the concept that it takes about 10,000 times to achieve mastery at anything. Okay so who doesn't think 10,000 times is a lot? That sounds overwhelming to me, however it sounds less intimidating if you break that down into daily action. I have a hard time wrapping my head around doing anything 10,000 times, but doing one thing a day doesn't sound so bad. I can do that.

Please don't give up because life is too frequent or daily action is well, so daily. Just keep doing what you know works and do it every day. By the end of the year you will be 365 steps closer to your goal.

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle

Want Results - Get Started

Want Results - Get Started

The key to success is knowing what you want. You have to be really clear and concise, and have a plan in place that outlines the steps you will need to take. Knowing what you want and having a plan to achieve it is wonderful, but those two giant steps still aren't enough. If you want results, you have to get started. Backing up your goals and plans with action is the only way to reach the goal.

So many people lament that they never get what they want. They have goals and plans that don't come to fruition. The reason goals and plans don't happen is that you cannot simply wish and want. You have to back up your desires with action. Even the smallest action is better than no action at all. It actually doesn't matter so much what you do. The fact that you are doing something brings you closer to your goal. If you want to get closer to your goals, work your plan, take action, do anything to get you started. The smallest step is better than no step at all.

Coaching

Take action. Do something every day toward your goals. Even the smallest step will get you moving in the right direction.

Coaching Question

What one action could you take to bring you closer to your goal?

Live the Day

Today, dust off your goal and get moving. If you have a plan but just haven't been working it, that's fine. There is no time like the present to start. If you don't have a plan, create one and then use it! We are halfway through the year. If you want to achieve your goals, you need to take action.

Quotes

"You are the person who has to decide.
Whether you'll do it or toss it aside;
You are the person who makes up your mind.
Whether you'll lead or will linger behind.
Whether you'll try for the goal that's afar.
Or just be contented to stay where you are." Edgar A. Guest

"Eighty percent of success is showing up." Woody Allen

Do What You Can

Do What You Can

It isn't difficult to look around and see all the need in the world. There is world hunger, poverty, war and other horrific happenings. It can be easy to become overwhelmed and think that there is nothing that can be done. That could not be further from the truth. There are plenty of actions we can all take that will make a big difference.

Change happens because of small consistent steps that we take. This process works in our personal lives and it works on a global scale as well. Every small action that we take adds up to make big differences.

One of my pet issues is world hunger. There have been times when I have been overwhelmed by the enormity of this issue. However, I have decided not to let what seems to be a problem too big to solve stop me from doing what I can. I do my best not to waste food. I also donate canned food to a local food bank and donate money to world charities that focus on feeding the hungry. When I can, I volunteer for charities that focus on raising money in this effort. It may not seem like much, but I do what I can and I believe that every action counts. The small difference I make adds up.

Do what you can. If you can't do a lot, do a little. Every action counts. If we all just did what we could, it would create a force of energy like none we have ever seen. Every action that we take, no matter how small, adds up in big ways.

Coaching

We can be overwhelmed by the enormity of the need in the world or we can do what we can and make a difference right where we are. There are plenty of small actions we can take every day that will start the ripple effect. We never know how far a kindness or a good deed will go.

Coaching Question

Are you ready to do what you can?

Coaching Challenge

This week, be aware of the need around you. Notice when a co-worker needs a kind word, or a neighbor needs help with a home project or a beggar asks for money. Do what you can to help, and know that your actions do make a difference, far more than you will ever know.

Daily Success Formula

Small actions + Time = A big difference

Quotes

"I will act as if what I do makes a difference." William James

"One person can make a difference, and every person should try." John Fitzgerald Kennedy

If You Bite First Expect To Be Bitten Back

If You Bite First Expect To Be Bitten Back

Many people are surprised that what they put out in the world comes back to them. It is just natural law. If you put good out into the world, good will come back to you. If what you put out in the world is negative, negativity will return. Your actions create a reaction. At times that reaction is instant and sometimes it takes a while for your actions to catch up with you. It pays to be cautious of what you are putting out in the world. You never know when what you put out will come back to bite you.

I love to grill out on my patio during the summer. I was grilling dinner one night and witnessed first hand how one's actions can cause a reaction. I opened the door to go to the grill and my eight-pound Yorkie, Surrobbie, bolted past me. She was so fast that she was in the middle of the front yard before I even knew what was happening. I had not noticed the woman walking by with her Standard Poodle. Surrobbie was on that poodle barking and biting. The poodle stood there for a second and then in one graceful move chomped down on Surrobbie. Surrobbie screamed and rolled over like she had been shot. I scooped her up and tried to apologize to the poodle owner who glared angrily at me. I took my wounded dog inside. The bite was only surface, but it served as a great reminder. If you bite first, expected to be bitten back. Every action causes a reaction. What you put out into the world comes back.

Coaching

Every action that you make is important because it causes a reaction. You can't escape the law of cause and effect. As is said, "You reap what you sow." According to Sir Isaac Newton, "There is a reaction to every action." The action may cause an instant reaction, such as Surrobbie attacking the poodle, or it many take longer to reap the rewards or suffer the consequences as it were. In my life this principle has proven itself many times over. Often just the right person will show up at just the right time to help me. I believe that is because I consciously do good deeds without any expectation of pay back from the person to whom I did the deed, but knowing that I am generating good karma. You actually don't have to believe in this concept for it to work. It just works. To my way of thinking, I don't want to take any chances, so I keep putting good out in the world, believing it will come back, and knowing that I will get bitten if I choose to bite someone (literally or figuratively).

Coaching Question

What are you putting out in the world?

Live the Day

If you would like more positive events in your life make sure what you put out is positive and supportive. You can change your life simply by changing what you put out into the world.

Daily Success Formula

Action = Reaction

Quotes

"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man." Mark Twain

"I loathe people who keep dogs. They are cowards who haven't got the guts to bite people themselves." August Strindberg

"We don't know what we want, but we are ready to bite somebody to get it." Will Rogers

"Bite off more than you can chew, then chew it. Plan more than you can do, then do it." Anonymous

Don't Confuse Complaining With Action

Don't Confuse Complaining With Action

I believe it is human nature to complain. People complain about everything from traffic to the weather. A little complaining can actually be a good thing. It helps to get our frustrations out and, if we complain to the right person, it can make a difference. However, too much complaining is just that, too much. A young woman was complaining about a situation in her life. After listening to her for a while, I asked, "When are you going to do something about it?"

She answered, "I am. I'm complaining."

This young woman was confused. She actually thought complaining was being proactive. Complaining isn't going to change anything. It is a waste of time to complain to someone who cannot help you. If you have to complain, take your complaints to someone who can, and will, do something about it.

Complaining is a habit. People who constantly complain have done so over and over to the point that they have made it a way of life. Breaking the habit of complaining can be difficult because we can actually feel like we are doing something when we are complaining. After all, we are talking about it and getting others involved in our complaints. The way to stop the complaining habit is to take action. Actually do something about your complaints.

Coaching

If someone in your life is a constant complainer, begin weaning yourself away from him or her. Leave the room when they start to complain. You could also try changing the subject, or ask the best question of all for a complainer, "What are you going to do about it?" Chances are the answer is nothing, but at least you will get them thinking.

If you are the constant complainer, work on breaking the habit. When you notice the urge to complain, ask yourself, what are you going to do about it. It is okay if the answer is nothing. If the answer is nothing, then stop complaining. This will also give you a chance to think about what you can do about the situation and take real action. Taking action is the killer of complaints.

Coaching Question

Are you ready to give up complaining for action?

Coaching Challenge

This week pay attention to how much you complain. You might be surprised. When you feel the need to complain ask yourself what are you going to do about it. You don't have to take action on every complaint you have, but, if you are not going to take action stop complaining and save your energy for those irritations you will take action on.

Daily Success Formula

Complaining + No action = Waste of time

Quotes

"Man spends his life in reasoning on the past, in complaining of the present, in fearing the future." Antoine Rivarol

"If you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it." Anthony J. D'Angelo

"I personally believe we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain." Jane Wagner

Don't Delay, Start Today

Don't Delay, Start Today

The sooner you start the sooner you will achieve your goal. The challenge is that starting can be the most difficult part of any success. Taking that first step can seem daunting. The good news is that once we take the first step it gets easier. We begin to build momentum and the process will begin to take on a life of its own. But, to get this to happen, we must first start.

What you do is not as important as simply doing something. Anything that will get you into action will move you forward. Once you get started, you can begin to create momentum and the steps will become easier.

Coaching

Do something, anything that will move you closer to your goal. Each day, you can do one thing that will get you closer to what you want. Action is the secret to success. You can have the greatest idea, be the most creative, ingenious person, and the most talented gifted individual alive, but if you don't take action, nothing will happen. Nothing happens without taking the steps to create what you want. Every huge success starts with one small step.

Create a daily action report. Each day, record one thing you can do that will support you in moving one step closer to your goal. You only have to do one thing a day. It doesn't have to be anything big. It can be as simple or as complicated as you want. It doesn't matter what it is. It matters a great deal that you do it.

What is your action for today?

Daily Success Formula

Daily Action = Long term Success

Quotes

"Our real problem, then, is not our strength today; it is rather the vital necessity of action today to ensure our strength tomorrow." Dwight D. Eisenhower

"We may feel genuinely concerned about world conditions, though such a concern should drive us into action and not into a depression." Karen Horney

"Creativity doesn't happen without action." Coach Lee

Small Changes Done Over Time Make The Biggest Differences

Small Changes Done Over Time Make The Biggest Differences

Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could just wake up and have the changes we were wishing for in place and working just as we planned? Life can change, but it doesn't usually happen overnight and it doesn't happen without us making an effort. Change happens when we take different actions than we have been taking. If we keep doing the same thing, we will get the same results. The good news is we don't have to make big changes to reap big results. Small changes made consistently will reap the greatest reward.

I am a believer that it is the daily actions that we do consistently that will create the biggest results. People tell me that they don't have enough time to do things differently. The good news is you don't need a lot of time and you don't have to do a whole lot differently. Pick one action to do differently. The key is committing to doing the action every day. For example, what if you committed to waking up fifteen minutes earlier than you are now. In one week, you would have an additional 105 minutes, or an extra hour and forty-five minutes during the week. Multiply that by 52 weeks in the year and you now have 5460 extra minutes, or over 91 extra hours. If you used that extra time to read one book a month, you could read 12 new books in a year. After ten years, you will have read 120 books. The idea here is that the small things add up. It doesn't take a lot of time or a lot of extra effort. By taking the small action consistently, you will make big changes over time. Tomorrow will be different because of the action you took today.

Coaching

Small changes done over time are what make the biggest differences. It is like compound interest. Each action builds on the previous one to create a big change. So don't worry that you don't have a lot of time or want to make a lot of changes at once. You don't need to. Just do one new action a day and commit to doing it for at least one month. The bonus to this is once you start making small changes other things in your life will begin to change seemingly by themselves. They won't really, but once you start improving one area of your life you just naturally will want to change others. Not only does the process of making small changes at a time work, it has a domino effect.

Coaching Question

What will you do differently today?

Coaching Challenge

Since we are at the beginning of a new month, this is a great time to commit to doing one new action for the month of August. Perhaps you will get up earlier, or start exercising, or start a new habit, anything at all. Just do one thing differently and do it for the month of August. At the end of the month, check in with yourself and see what difference your small change has made.

Daily Success Formula

Change + Consistency + Commitment = Big Results

Quotes

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life and in change there is power." Alan Cohen

"Until the pain of remaining the same hurts more than the pain of change, most people prefer to remain the same." Dr. Richard D. Dobbins

"If life is about any one thing, it is about change." Anonymous

Join me on the Camp Preview Call

Greetings:

I am excited to announce the launch of my Daily Action Power Process Success Camp 2009 starting on a very auspicious day, January 26, 2009. Why is this such an auspicious day? Well, it is the Chinese New Year, New Moon and my Birthday!!! The 2009 Camp is new and improved with additional information added based on the experience I gained from running last year’s Camps. I am launching two Camps, an afternoon camp and an evening Camp so that you can choose which one will fit your schedule. There are payments available and if you sign up early you can save $100.00! For all the details and to register for the first Camp of the year go to:

http://www.365daysofcoaching.com/dapp.htm

Check out the bonuses you get from just being in Camp. You really won’t want to miss this.




Free Preview Camp Call

Join me on Thursday, January 22nd at 6:00 pm MT (5pm PT, 7pm CT and 8pm ET) for a preview call about Camp. You won't want to miss this fun and interactive call.

http://www.365daysofcoaching.com/dapp_calls.htm

The topics we will cover are:

Why daily action is key to success
The best time to start
Why doing a little will get you a lot
The Secret Weapon to Success

The call will last an hour, and be interactive, fun and informative. You will get plenty of great information that will help kick-start your process as well as a preview of DAPP Success Camp, what you can expect, and time for Q&A. If you can't make it, no worries. I will be recording the call and will post it so you can listen to it later (or again if you attended the call). No matter if you decide to attend Camp or not you won't want to miss the call. The information will help you create a strong finish for the end of the year!

http://www.365daysofcoaching.com/dapp_calls.htm

Look forward to hearing you on the call!

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle

Habits Create Change

Habits Create Change

A lot of what we do in our daily lives is based on habit. When we get up in the morning, we have a routine that most likely includes brushing our teeth. We don't have to look for the toothbrush and toothpaste because we are in the habit of putting them in the same place everyday. We, also most likely, do not have to think of brushing our teeth. We just do it out of habit.

Habits help to create out lives. It is out of habit that many of our actions are born. We have many habits that have been created over time that we do without even thinking. They have become a way of life. Habits can be positive or negative, but whatever they are, they drive our actions and help to shape our lives.

One of the wonderful things about habits is that they become part of who we are. All habits start with a decision, consciously or not, to do something. We can harness the power of habits to make changes in our lives and create what we want. Most successful people say that their success comes from habitually doing something everyday. Successful people make success a habit. It is not just something that happens. It is something that is created each day with the actions taken.

When we want to change a habit, we cannot just stop the habit. We need to replace it with another habit. By consciously changing and creating our habits, we are changing our lives. Decide what it is you want in your life. Then begin to take the actions that are required to obtain what it is you want. Make those actions a habit and you will begin to see what you desire manifest.

Coaching

People may think of habits as bad or good, but habits are not a moral issue. They are just actions that were taken repeatedly in our lives to the point where they become a part of what we do. The key is to become conscious of the habits that help us achieve what we want and to replace the ones that no longer serve us. By being mindful of the habits we create, we have more control over what we manifest in our lives.

Coaching Questions

Are all your habits helping you get what you want?

Coaching Challenge

What is one habit that you would like to create right now? What daily actions would you have to do to create a positive habit? Make a plan to create that habit and track the actions you are taking. After awhile, you will no longer have to think about your new habit. It will become a part of what you do.

Daily Success Formula

Knowing what you want + Creating daily actions = Positive daily habits

Quotes

"A very slight change of our habits is sufficient to destroy our sense of our daily reality, and the reality of the world around us." George Moore

"Habits are cobwebs at first; cables at last." Chinese Proverb

We Judge Ourselves By Our Intentions

We Judge Ourselves By Our Intentions

Intentions are wonderful things to have, but are worthless if you don't take action on them. You might give yourself credit because you had good intentions. Others will not be so kind. What you intend to do is not as important as what you actually do. Taking action on your intentions is key.

I always have good intentions, but there are times I fall short by not taking the action to back them up. Good intentions are a start, but they won't create anything. If all you have are good intentions you are wasting your time. Actions, not intentions, are the only things that create results. Ghandi often remarked," You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result."

Coaching

Don't just have good intentions, do something. The worst possible thing one can do with their intentions is nothing. You might feel good because you thought of something good to do, but you won't do any good by just thinking. Back up your intentions with actions. No one cares about what you intended to do. They only care about the action you took.

Coaching Question

What intention can you take action on today?

Live the Day

Today take action on an intention. Don't just think about doing something. Do it.

Quotes

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." Walt Disney

"I don't think of myself as a poor deprived ghetto girl who made good. I think of myself as somebody who from an early age knew I was responsible for myself, and I had to make good." Oprah Winfrey

Create the Flow

Create the Flow

There is a lot of talk about being in the flow and going with the flow. Yes, the flow is important and being flexible is important, but before you can be in the flow you have to create the flow. Creating the flow is about action. Before one can have any flow there has to be something to flow. Being available to opportunities and creating opportunities is what creates the flow to happen. Once the actions and opportunities that we stir up create the flow, we can stand back and watch what happens. Once the flow is created with our actions we can then be in it and be open to where it takes us. The flow doesn't just happen. It is by choice that we create a flow.

Coaching

When people complain that there is nothing happening in their life, it is because they have not created the flow. The flow happens when we "stir the ethers" and create motion in our lives by our action. Stirring the ethers is about creating energy in our live. Energy is created when we take action. The great news is that it often doesn't matter what the action is just as long as we are doing something. The action creates the flow that we then can get into and enjoy the opportunities that come our way.

Coaching Question

Are you ready to create the flow?

Coaching Challenge

Is there an area in your life where you feel like there is not enough flow? What action can you take today to create more that flow?

Daily Success Formula

Creating Flow = Action + Energy

Quotes

"Don't 'over-control' like a novice pilot. Stay loose enough from the flow that you can observe it, modify, and improve it." Donald Rumsfeld

It Isn't About How, It's About Knowing What And Taking Action

It Isn't About How, It's About Knowing What And Taking Action

Many times, we can get caught up in the how of what we are going to do. I believe that knowing the how isn't our job. Our job is to know what we want and then take action. Once we have clarity around what we want and then begin to move forward, the how will begin to reveal itself. When we decide what we want and begin to act, the universe will conspire with us to create what it is we want. Things that seem to be coincidences or even miracles begin to happen.

When I decided I wanted to create a CD, I had no idea how to put it together. In a casual conversation with another coach, she mentioned that she had just created a CD. I asked her how she had gone about doing that and the next thing I knew she laid the entire process out for me including the contacts I needed. It was just a few days from the time I decided what I wanted until the time the right contacts showed up. I also had a situation where I needed someone to help me create a life map, but I had no idea how to get the idea of the map out of my head and onto paper. I literally said out loud, "Can you please help me, I need someone to help me." Within fifteen minutes, my telephone rang and on the other end was a graphic artist I knew. She was making cold calls and asked me if I needed any graphic design work. I asked her if she knew how to do maps. She did and in three weeks I had my map.

Coaching

Don't get caught up on the how. The how will reveal itself when you are clear on the what and take action. Amazingly enough, what action you take isn't as important as simply taking the action. The action is a sign that you are committed to creating this in your life, and the universe will send you what you need. Remember the adage, "Be careful what you ask for because you likely will get it." Take time to become clear on what you really want and then move forward in faith that you will indeed be supported in obtaining that which you desire.

Coaching Question

Are you clear on what you want and ready to take action?

Coaching Challenge

What is one thing you want? Can you take action on it this week? Don't worry about the how. Simply take one action this week on what you want, and see what happens. Once you begin to stir the ethers, you might be surprise what manifests.

Daily Success Formula

Knowing what + Taking Action = Discovering the How

Quotes

"A handful of pine-seed will cover mountains with the green majesty of forests. I too will set my face to the wind and throw my handful of seed on high." Fiona Macleod

"He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do anything." Samuel Johnson

"I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act." G. K. Chesterton

Change Requires That You Do Something Different

Change Requires That You Do Something Different

As the New Year settles in, many of us might be wondering why the changes that we decided to create don't seem to be going anywhere. I have realized that change requires us to do something different. We can't expect to keep doing the same thing and produce different results. Change follows action, not the same action that we have been doing, but new actions. Change happens because we create it. We create it by doing something different. We can't stay the same and change.

Coaching

To proactively create change, we must do something different. If the changes we are looking for are not happening, all we need to do is look within. If we are not doing anything differently, we can't expect different results. And don't forget to give change a chance. We can't expect things to change overnight. Doing something different once or twice most likely isn't going to produce the change we are seeking. Lasting change takes time and is created by repetitive actions.

Coaching Question

Are you taking the action needed to create the change you want?

Coaching Challenge

Be honest with yourself, are you doing what it takes to create the change you say you want? If so, then keep doing it. Change takes time. What will it take for you to take the actions needed?

Daily Success Formula

Action + Time = Change

Quotes

"If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts." Albert Einstein

"The phrase "we (I) (you) simply must..." designates something that need not be done. "That goes without saying" is a red warning. "Of course" means you had best check it yourself. These small-change clichés and others like them, when read correctly, are reliable channel markers." Excerpt from the notebooks of Lazarus Long, from Robert Heinlein's "Time Enough for Love"

"I like less the story that a frog if put in cold water will not bestir itself if that water is heated up slowly and gradually and will in the end let itself be boiled alive, too comfortable with continuity to realize that continuous change at some point may become intolerable and demand a change in behavior." Charles Handy - The Age of Unreason

"Shortchange your education now and you may be short of change the rest of your life." Author Unknown

Don't Worry, Take action

Don't Worry, Take action

There was a popular song several years ago with the refrain, "Don't worry. Be happy." Great advice! However, it is impossible to be happy if you are worried, and you can't just stop worrying and be happy. The key to eliminating worry and being happy is to take action. Action is the enemy of worry.

When you don't feel like there is anything you can do about a situation, it is easy to worry. Action takes your mind off worry and gives you a different focus. There are times when there is nothing you can do about the problem, but that doesn't mean that there is nothing you can do. Often just getting busy will be enough to keep your mind off the problem and focused on a more productive task. The benefit is you don't waste the energy worrying and, when you shift your focus away from the problem, a solution often will present itself.

Coaching

Worry provides a false sense that you are doing something, but that is an illusion. Worry actually keeps you from taking action, and can paralyze your thought processes so you can't even think of a solution. Taking action, any action, even if it isn't related to the problem, will help shift your focus and energy onto a more productive task. If you find yourself worrying, get up and take action. Go for a walk, call a friend, or write in your journal. It doesn't matter what you do as long as you don't allow yourself to wallow in worry.

Coaching Question

What do you do when you feel the urge to worry?

Coaching Challenge

This week when you feel the urge to worry get busy. Do anything you want. It really doesn't matter what you do as long as you take action. The mere process of taking action will shift your energy and provide a more positive perspective.

Daily Success Formula

Worry = Waste of Time

Quotes

"Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, fear, self-distrust bows the heart and turns the spirit back to dust." Samuel Ullman

"Enjoy the journey, enjoy ever moment, and quit worrying about winning and losing." Matt Biondi

"Worry is interest paid on trouble before it falls due." William R. Inge

You Can't Just Want To, You Have To Want To Do

You Can't Just Want To, You Have To Want To Do

The first step in achieving any goal and having what you want is to want it; but wanting something and actually wanting to do something about having it are two entirely different things. Whenever I told my mom I wanted something, she would say, "Want in one hand and spit in the other and see which one fills up faster." What she was saying was that wanting wasn't going to do much. What it takes is to move from "wanting to" to "wanting to do." When you mix action with want, you get results. Until you do that, you get an empty hand.

I meet so many people who tell me they want something: a new job, a new car, a life partner; you name it and I have heard them all. When I start talking to these people about what they are going to do about it, all I get is a blank stare. When I suggest actions to create what they want, they give me excuses. It is then that I realize that what they want is to just want whatever it is; they don't want to do anything about it.

If there is a "secret" to life, it is this -- ACTION is the key to success. It doesn't even matter what you do, as long as you are doing something. Action will get you moving and cause the Universe to take notice. Until you take action, there won't be any support from the Universe because it has nothing to support. You need to do what I call "stir the ethers." By taking action, you create energy that moves and creates more energy, which is what gets the momentum going.

Coaching

The Law of Attraction is great and getting what you want starts there, but it certainly doesn't stop there. You can have all the positive thoughts you want, and you still won't get what you want until you do something. The great news is that once you become crystal clear on what you want, the actions will reveal themselves. You don't have to know how to go about getting what you want, you just need to know want it is that you want and take the first step to getting it.

Coaching Question

Are you in the 'want' but not the 'want to do anything about it' mode?

Daily Action

Today, take just one action step toward your goal. You don't have to worry about how you will ultimately achieve your goal; you simply have to take one small step.

Quotes

"Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there!" Will Rogers

"Vision without action is daydreaming, and action without vision is a nightmare." Anon

It Isn't The Thought That Counts

It Isn't The Thought That Counts

I know we have been told that it is the thought that counts, but that isn't exactly true. Thoughts are nice, but thinking about taking action isn't enough. Try telling your child that you were thinking about getting them a birthday gift instead of getting one or telling your boss that you were thinking about finishing the project on time after you miss the deadline. Yep! Thoughts are great, but actions are what count.

I still have two gifts in the back of my car that I thought about mailing a month ago. I will get them mailed. However, I have long missed the intended birthdays. I am sure my friends will still like their gifts, but the fact remains that I missed their birthdays and no amount of thought will change that. Thoughts are only the first step in the process. For the thoughts to mean anything they have to be followed up with action. Action is what counts and brings meaning to your thoughts.

Coaching

Actions not thoughts get things done. Yes, you first have to think about it, but if you stop there you end up at a dead end. To bring your thoughts to life and really make them count you have to take action. In the end, action is the only thing that counts.

Coaching Question

Are you backing up your thoughts with action?

Live the Day

What have you been thinking about doing but haven't done yet. Take action today. Whatever you have been thinking about do it. If you don't want to take action stop thinking about it and move on to something you will do.

Quotes

"The great end of life is not knowledge but action." Thomas H. Huxley

"The journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." Lao Tzu

"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." William Faulkner

My Prosperity Board is Complete

Greetings:

I am so excited, I finished my Prosperity Board last week and as promised I am posting a picture of it. It took me a tad longer than I expected. I was originally going to use Feng Shui is the creation of the board but it didn't work as well as I thought it would so I modified it a tad. I also found that I needed to be extremely clear on my goals so that I could depict them as I thought they should look. In the beginning I had just a bunch of random pictures that looked festive but didn't tell the story of my goals for the year. I realized I needed to have my goals right in front of me while doing the board and be really clear on what types of pictures and words would clearly depict the goal.

Once I got crystal clear the board came together easily. And I must say I really like it. I also made a separate board for my relationship with my husband and hung that one in our bedroom. You can have one board for everything or separate ones for specific areas of your life.

So if you haven't done your Prosperity Board for 2009, it isn't too late but you do need to get started. If you need some help with creating a board just go to Your Prosperity Board. There are articles there and even a small booklet for sale there that I wrote that gives you step by step guidelines on how to put your board together.

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle

A late start is better than no start

Greetings:

I have heard from several people that they are so disappointed with themselves because they haven't started the planning and goal setting yet for the New Year. Hey, a late start is better than no start. I just wrapped it up myself. Besides the next New Year, The Chinese New Year, isn't until the 26th of Jan., so you are not late, you are right on time.

However you do need to start if you want to be successful. I did all the steps myself and I can tell you they really help to set you on the right track. Lets review the steps:

Step one: Write your top 100 accomplishments for the year
Step two: Clarify your values
Step three: Create your Theme for the year
Step four: Set Goals
Step five: Create a plan
Step six: Take Action

So I wrote down my accomplishments for 2008 and I tell you it wasn't so easy. What I learned from this is I will be writing down my accomplishments monthly. I just don't remember as well as I use to!

I Clarified my Values. My top Values are:

Generosity
Connection with the Source
Making a Difference
Wealth/Prosperity
Freedom/Flexibly
Health/Vitality
Life Long Learning

If you want help with clarifying your values go to www.coachlee.com and play the values game.

My theme for the year is 2009 - The Break Through Year

I have set my goals - and wow do I have a lot of them. I actually created a goals board so I could have all of them in sight. I won't be working on them all at once. Many of them interconnect. Such as Reversing my diabetes is connected to loosing weight and exercising and eating healthy. As long as I exercise and eat healthy I will loose weight and thus Reverse the Diabetes.

I have a plan for the year. I will be using the Daily Action Power Process. I would love if you joined me. Just go to Success Camp to find out more.

And of course the last step is to Take Action which is built into the Daily Action Power Process Success Camp. The process makes achieving your goals easy and painless. In fact it is a lot of fun!

If you haven't started yet, no worries. But you do have to start to be successful. Follow the Wrap it Up process and you will be well on your way to creating a successful year.

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle

Know Your Goal, Make A Plan, Take Action

Know Your Goal, Make A Plan, Take Action

I have come to the conclusion that in order to create something new in our lives there are three necessary steps. The first one is to determine what we want. We must have something in mind that is compelling and inspiring. Once we know what we want, we must develop a plan of action. Not having a plan is like taking a road trip without a map. We might eventually get to our destination, but it will take us more time and effort. The same is true of goals. Without a plan, we will founder around and waste a lot of time and energy. And the final and most important step is to take action.

Taking action is the only way we are going to create our goals into reality. Taking action seems, for many, to be the hardest step. If you are not sure what to do to get started, that is fine. Just do something. The first step is the hardest. Often the path will unfold in front of us and reveal itself, but only after we make the first move. When we take action, we create a forward motion. We do not need to know exactly how everything will unfold. Often there is no way to know. We just need to keep putting one foot in front of the other and be willing to do what it takes to create our goals. Staying committed to being in action and not stopping until you reach your goal is the secret to creating what you want.

Coaching

The secret to success requires a clear goal, a plan, and action. Having a goal without a plan is not really a goal; it is a dream. Taking action without having a plan is like following your dream in the dark. You might eventually get there, but it will take twice as much time and energy. Having a goal and a plan without acting will not support you in achieving anything. What you will end up with is a wish that you had, not the joy of having done it.

Do you have a goal you would like to achieve? What is your plan? Are you ready to take the actions necessary to make your goal a reality?

Daily Success Formula

Goal + Plan + Action = Success

Quotes

"Your mind, while blessed with permanent memory, is cursed with lousy recall. Written goals provide clarity. By documenting your dreams, you must think about the process of achieving them." Gary Ryan Blair

"You are not likely to get anywhere in particular if you don't know where you want to go." Percy H. Johnson

"What you get by achieving your goals is as important as what you become by achieving your goals." Zig Zigler

Don't Think About It - Just Do It

Don't Think About It - Just Do It

Thinking is a good thing and something you should do often. However, there are times when thinking can get in the way. Thinking can cause you to create fears that exist only in your head. When you think about something too long, you can think yourself right out of taking action.

When you think too long about something, you actually can conjure up worries and fears that don't exist. The only way to know whether it will work or not is to stop over-thinking and take action. Thinking won't turn your ideas into reality, so think about what you want to do and then do it.

Don't allow yourself to get caught in the negative "what if" thinking loop. This type of thinking will only keep you going in circles. 'What if' only serves to keep you stuck right where you are. Forget the what-ifs! Chances are they won't happen, so just take action. Once you are in action, you can begin to see how things are going and use your thinking skills to assess and adjust.

Coaching

Thinking about something will not get you where you want to go. You must take action. Thinking is a good thing but, done to excess, it can keep you from moving to the really important step of taking action. There is a certain amount of risk associated with taking action, but consider the risk of not taking action. If you just continue to think about doing it, you never will.

Coaching Question

Are you thinking to avoid taking action?

Daily Action

Today, take action on something you have been thinking about.

Quotes

"Ideas without action are worthless. " Harvey Mackay

"Abundance is from activity." Turkish proverb

Help to keep that healthy eating goal

Greetings:

I know many of you, that includes me too, have set healthy eating goals for the year. I so got off track during the holidays and boy I felt it. The last couple of days I have been back on the healthy track of eating and I feel so much better. It isn't just about eating healthy, it is about a way of life where I feel good, have more energy and have a clear mind. Sugar just makes my brain go on overload.

A good friend of mine, Elizabeth Yarnell, has written a book called Glorious One Pot Meals. This is an amazing book that teaches you how to make delicious nutritious meals using just one pot. This isn't like crock pot cooking where everything blends together. Elizabeth has a method of layering the ingredients so that everything retains its own flavor and texture. It truly is amazing.

If you would like to get a copy of the book just go to Amazon and order a copy. Or if you live in the Denver Metro area you are in luck. Elizabeth is doing a demonstration and book signing at the Tattered Cover in Highlands Ranch January 10th at 2pm.

Elizabeth also writes a great ezine Glorious One Pot Meals that I would highly recommend you subscribe to.

Goals can be challenging to accomplish without support and the right tools. Here is a great tool that will help you eat well and feel great. Remember what I always say, you can do it on your own but you don't have to do it alone!

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle

Why Everyday?

Why Everyday?


Experience has taught me that, if we want to accomplish something, we must focus on it. Creating daily structure creates the focus necessary for attaining our goals. Even if all we do is visualize or pray on what we want daily, we are still consistently doing something. It is that something that creates our dreams into reality.

Life happens everyday. It does not happen monthly or bi-weekly. Life moves on with or without us. Daily action creates what we want. If we would decide to lose weight we would not just eat right and exercise once a month, twice a month or once a week. To accomplish the goal of healthier living, we must do something every day. All goals are like that. The focus and action must be done daily in order to create the momentum and energy it takes to make what we want happen.

I have been told that every day is overwhelming and way too much. I agree, but I didn't set up the structure of life. Life happens every day and can be overwhelming and way too much. That is again why it is so important for us to focus and take daily action so that we have some say in what happens. If we simply let life go by, it will. Whether we take action or not doesn't matter to life. Life skips along. If we want to create what we say we want, then we must be willing to do something every day.

Coaching

It is the daily action that will create the result that you seek. We can't just do something once a month, twice a month or even weekly and expect great results. Action is the only thing that is going to move us forward and support us in obtaining what we want.

If we do not want to take the time every day to create what we want, what are we really saying? Perhaps it is not important, we want something else, or we are happy with the way things are and do not want to change. Be honest with yourself about where your level of commitment is to what you say you want. It is okay not to want to do a daily action. Realize that the results you are looking for may take much longer to create.

Coaching Question

What daily action do you need to incorporate into your life to create what you say you want?

Challenge

This week write down your most important goals and what daily actions you will take to move toward the completion of those goals.

Daily Success Formula

Daily Action + Focus + Commitment = Results

Quotes

"You're more likely to act yourself into feeling than feel yourself into action. So act! Whatever it is you know you should do, do it." Jerome Brunet

"You can't just sit there and wait for people to give you that golden dream; you've got to get out there and make it happen for yourself." Diana Ross

Join the 2009 Success Camp

I am excited to announce the launch of my Daily Action Power Process Success Camp 2009 starting on a very auspicious day, January 26, 2009. Why is this such an auspicious day? Well, it is the Chinese New Year, New Moon and my Birthday!!! The 2009 Camp is new and improved with additional information added based on the experience I gained from running last year’s Camps. I am launching two Camps, an afternoon camp and an evening Camp so that you can choose which one will fit your schedule. There are payments available and if you sign up early you can save $100.00! For all the details and to register for the first Camp of the year go to:

http://www.365daysofcoaching.com/dapp.htm

Check out the bonuses you get from just being in Camp. You really won’t want to miss this.

See you in Camp!

Everyone Has Ideas

Everyone Has Ideas

Ideas are nothing special. Everyone has them. We get ideas constantly. Ideas don't do us much good. They don't get us closer to our goals, don't make us any money, or bring us fame and glory.

What does make an idea special? The one thing that makes an idea special is the person who takes action on that idea. Without action, ideas lay dormant and eventually forgotten.

Over the last several years, I have had thousands of ideas. I have forgotten most, but a few I have put into action. Those are the ideas that have brought me closer to achieving my objectives. The action is what makes the idea worth anything. Ideas come and go. It is the ones that we take action on that are valuable.

Through the years, I have come up with several great business ideas. Two in particular were especially good. One was to start a store for short men under five foot two inches. My husband is short and I find it difficult to purchase clothes for him. The other idea was to create a product called Party in a Box. The concept was to put everything into a box that one would need to throw a party. I know that both were good ideas because someone else has acted on them and is now creating profitable businesses based on these ideas. For whatever reason, I did nothing with the idea so for me they were worthless. For the other people that had similar ideas and acted on them, they were valuable.

Coaching

Not all ideas are going to benefit us and we can't possibly take action on all the ideas we have. However, if we never take action on any of the ideas we have, we will be wasting a valuable resource. Ideas are important because they are the seeds in which we can create. We certainly can't plant or harvest all the seeds, but we can select the ones that most interest us and work on those. Even a few good ideas put into action are better than thousands of fantastic ideas with no action.

Keep a log of the ideas you have. I call this my idea book. You might be surprised at all your ideas. Somewhere in that book of ideas are a couple of real gems. Each week, review your log and pick just one or two that you would like to take action on. At the end of the year, you might be surprised at how many great ideas you have that actually turn into something more than just an idea.

Had any good ideas lately?

Daily Success Formula

Ideas + Action = Results

Quotes

"The best way to have a good idea is to have lots of ideas." Linus Pauling

"Don't worry about people stealing your ideas. If your ideas are any good you'll have to ram them down people's throats." Howard Aiken

"An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea." Edward de Bono

Action Cures Fear

Action Cures Fear

Fear can be numbing and stop us in our tracks. There is only one sure way to cure fear and that's by taking action. Doing something, anything, is better than doing nothing and allowing the fear to paralyze us. Fear is a messenger and is sent to us to remind us to pay attention. Fear can be a positive thing that will heighten our awareness and support us in spotting danger. But, fear can also be dangerous and it can freeze us into inaction and keep us from pursuing our dreams and desires. The only way around fear is through it. We must face the fear and keep on going. To conquer fear and actually use it, we need to get into action. Given the opportunity, fear will move us forward and help us achieve our goals, if we will allow it.

When fear creeps in, keep on moving. Action will overcome fear, but only if we stay in action. Don't let fear stop you. Let it move you forward. When you feel the fear, ask what it is trying to tell you. Perhaps the fear brings with it a message to be careful or try a new direction. Don't let the fear stop you, let it steer you in the right direction. When you feel the fear, take the action that the fear is directing you towards and keep on moving.

Coaching

Fear is our friend. You can use it to move you forward. Fear can paralyze you or push you forward. The choice is yours. When you feel the fear, stay in action, keep on moving and don't let it stop you. Action will cure fear and actually will help you to move forward. Keep on moving even in the face of fear. As long as you stay in action, you will be able to deal with the fear and perhaps even learn from it.

Coaching Question

Are you letting fear stop you?

Coaching Challenge

Where in your life is fear stopping you? Write down one action you could take right now. Create a plan to take the action and take that action within the next 24 hours. Use the fear to move you forward. By taking action, you will take control of the fear and the fear will become your friend instead of your foe. Face the fear and move through it.

Daily Success Formula

Action = Conquering for Fear

Quotes

"Boldness can mask great fear." Marcus Annaeus Lucanus

"Commit yourself to a dream. Nobody who tries to do something great but fails is a total failure. Why? Because he can always rest assured that he succeeded in life's most important battle, he defeated his fear of trying." Robert Schuller

"Courage is a special kind of knowledge: the knowledge of how to fear what ought to be feared and how not to fear what ought no to be feared." Plato

Talk is cheap

Talk is cheap

It is easy to talk about what you will do. Talk is cheap and takes little effort. Although talk might make you feel like you are moving along or that you will someday take action, it doesn't help you accomplish anything unless you back it up with action. Talk is the beginning not the end of achievement. Unless you decide to take action the talk is a big waste of breath.

Many people talk about getting things done and achieving goals, but talk will not get you what you want. It is a start. Words can help formulate a plan and get you started, but, without any action to backup the words, nothing is going to happen. You have to do and not just talk.

Coaching

It is easy to say what you are going to do. It is much more challenging to do it. However, words are powerful and can assist in guiding and directing you. Words can get you started, but alone they won't be enough. You must pair words with action, and once you do, you will be surprised at what a powerful pair they make. Words will get you started and action will help you complete the goals.

Coaching Question

Are you ready to back your words up with action?

Live the Day

Where have you been spending a lot of time talking but not taking action? Today take one action towards the goal you have been talking about. Each day take one more action. Soon you will create momentum and your words will come alive. Action brings to life what you say you will do. Action will get it done.

Daily Success Formula

Action + Words = Results

Quotes

"The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy." Florence Scovel Shinn

"The great end of life is not knowledge but action." Thomas H. Huxley

"The mark of good action is that it appears inevitable in retrospect." Robert Louis Stevenson

Compound Action

Compound Action

Every financial planner will tell you that Compound Interest is your friend. Compound interest works on the basis that you earn interest on the interest, as well on the original amount of money that you invested. Well, Compound Action works in pretty much the same way. Your action builds on itself to compound into a powerful change. The more action you invest toward your goals, the bigger and better the results will be.

Small actions, taken consistently, will reap great rewards. I am a believer that it is the consistent daily actions that will create the biggest results. People tell me that they don't have enough time to do things differently. The good news is you don't need a lot of time, and you don't have to do things a whole lot differently. As I am fond of saying, "If you can't do a lot, do a little." The key is committing to doing the action every day. It is this consistent daily action that will compound your results. For example, let's say you committed to waking up 15 minutes earlier than your usual time. In one week, you would have an additional 105 minutes, or an extra hour and forty-five minutes during the week. Multiply that by 52 weeks in the year and you now have 5,460 extra minutes, or 91 extra hours. If you used that extra time to read one book a month, you could read 12 new books in a year. After ten years, you will have read 120 books. The idea here is that th!
e small things add up. It doesn't take a lot of time or a lot of extra effort. By taking small actions consistently, you will make big changes over time.

Coaching

Small actions, taken over time, make the biggest differences. Each action builds on the previous one to create a big change. Don't worry that you don't have a lot of time. You don't need it. Just do one action a day and commit to doing it for at least one month. The results of the compound action will amaze you.

Coaching Question

How will you invest in your compound action today?

Live the Day

Today, commit to doing one small action every day for at least one month. At the end of 30 days you will be 30 steps closer to your goal!

Quotes

"Knowledge and productivity are like compound interest. The more you know, the more you learn; the more you learn, the more you can do; the more you can do, the more the opportunity. I don't want to give you a rate, but it is a very high rate. Given two people with exactly the same ability, the one person who manages day in and day out to get in one more hour of thinking will be tremendously more productive over a lifetime." Richard Hamming

Lets get started

Greetings:

Okay we are now officially into The New Year. If you haven't gotten started with planning out the year lets get going. You know if you fail to plan you plan to fail. The only thing that will make this a New Year is you! Without a plan it will just be another year!

Lets review the steps that will assist you in planning a New Year.

Step one: Write your top 100 accomplishments for the year
Step two: Clarify your values
Step three: Create your Theme for the year
Step four: Set Goals
Step five: Create a plan
Step six: Take Action

About the only thing I haven't done yet is complete my http://www.365daysofcoaching.com/takeactionnow/2008/12/create-prosperity-board.html which I think is a major part of planning for the New Year. I have started by designing it. This year it will be a tad more detailed than in the past. I plan on using Feng Shui and creating my board by using the Bagua. I will divide my board into sections according to the Bagua - Prosperity, Fame and Preoccupation, Relationships and Love, Family, Health, Creativity and Children, skills and Knowledge, Career and Helpful People and Travel.

As soon as I have the Prosperity Board completed I will post it on the Blog.

For more information about Prosperity Boards check out www.yourprosperityboard.com

Now start with step one and begin to plan your year.

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle

It Is The Little Things That Count

It Is The Little Things That Count

When we look at our lives, we will notice that it is all the little things that add up to create the lives we have. Each small step that we have taken adds up to the journey. No one gets to where they are going overnight or in one big step. It is a process of small events that add up to create what we call our lives.

It can be overwhelming when we look at a goal and all that needs to be done to accomplish it. What is important to remember is that goals are simply a combination of many small sub-goals or small actions that need to be taken. Any goal can be broken down into baby steps that can be taken one at a time. Consistently taking these steps is what will support us in accomplishing our goal.

If we are not achieving what we want, the first place to look is at our daily actions. What are the small steps that are being taken everyday towards the goal? We may be surprised to notice that our daily action is missing or inconsistent enough to produce the result we desire. Consistent daily action, no matter how small, is the key to achieving the success we seek.

Coaching

Everything we do adds to our overall success. Nothing is too small or insignificant. Every action adds up and creates the bigger picture. When we are not getting the results we want, the first place to look is at our daily actions.

Deciding what our daily action should be might be somewhat confusing at first. The easiest way to create a daily action plan is to list all the steps it will take to accomplish the goal. Write down all the steps and then arrange them in the order that they need to occur. For example, if you want to write a paper you would first have to choose a topic, next do research, next gather the books and articles you need, and so on. Once you know what you need to do and in what order, you can begin to create your plan. Once the plan is created and you have daily actions outlined, you can begin to systematically work the plan. Having a daily action plan is like having a map to success. You know as long as you follow the plan you will achieve the goal.

That is not to say that surprises will not enter the picture. There will be things that occur that we cannot foresee and the process might not look exactly like we planned. That is fine. Be open to what else might occur when you are on the journey and know that because you are in action, other wonderful unexpected things may come into your life.

There may be detours along the way. However, as long as you keep focused on completing your daily action, you will reach your intended goal.

Coaching Question

What daily actions are you taking to achieve your goal?

Coaching Challenge

Create a plan of daily action to achieve a desired goal. Once this is created, begin your plan and start creating your goal.

Daily Success Formula

Daily action = Successful goal completion

Quotes

"Nothing happens until something moves." Albert Einstein

"Never mistake motion for action." Ernest Hemingway

It Is Often Harder To Think About Taking Action Than Taking Action

It Is Often Harder To Think About Taking Action Than Taking Action

Thinking is a good thing and something we should do often. However, there are times when thinking can get in the way. Thinking can cause us to create fears that only exist in our heads. When we think about something too long, we can think ourselves right out of taking action.

When we think too long about something, we can actually conjure worries that don't exist. We really can't know what will happen until we take action. It is a good idea to think through the concept and create a solid plan and then take action. Thinking won't turn our ideas into reality, so think about what you want to do and then do it.

Don't allow yourself to get into the "What if?" thinking loop. This type of thinking will only keep you going in circles. "What if" can only serve to keep you stuck right where you are. Forget the "What ifs" and take action. Once you are in action you can begin to see how things are going and use your thinking skills to assess and adjust.

Coaching

Thinking about something will not get you where you want to go. You must take action. Thinking is a good thing, but done to excess can keep you from doing the really important task of taking action. There is a certain amount of risk associated with taking action, but consider the risk of not taking action. If we continue to just think about our dreams and goals, they will never become anything more than dreams and goals.

Coaching Question

Are you thinking so much you stop yourself from taking action?

Coaching Challenge

This week take action on a goal you are thinking about. You have been thinking long enough. It is now time to take action towards creating your dreams into reality.

Daily Success Formula

Thinking too much = Not taking enough action

Quotes

"Ideas without action are worthless. " Harvey Mackay

"Abundance is from activity." Turkish proverb

Actions Not Taken Don't Count

Actions Not Taken Don't Count

If you could get credit for all the actions you meant to take but didn't, imagine how different your life would be. Actions you don't take don't count.

There are times when I think, "I intended to do that." I wonder how things would be different had I only done what I intended to do. Although there is no need to beat yourself up over what you didn't do, it is a good idea to take a look at the reason you didn't take action. What gets in your way? What stops you from doing what you say you want to do? Maybe you don't want whatever it is badly enough or maybe fear gets in the way. Whatever stops you from taking action stops you from having the life you really want.

Coaching

Action is the key to getting things done. It is the secret to success. Every action you take gets you one step closer to where you want to be. That shouldn't be a surprise, but it does seem to be a challenge. We often say we are going to take action, and then don't. Instead of beating yourself up over it, figure out what gets in your way and go around it, go under it, or go through it. Do whatever you need to do to get past what is stopping you. The longer you put off taking action, the longer you put off having what you want in your life. If you don't mind putting off your life, that is okay. But if you want to create change in your life, or have more of what makes you happy, then the only way is to take action.

Coaching Question

What action have you been putting off?

Coaching Challenge

Every action you take counts. The actions you don't take, don't count. They will not support you in achieving your goals. This week forgive yourself for all the actions you failed to take, wipe the slate clean, and start new. Plan out your week and make a list of the actions you will take that will help you move towards your goals. It doesn't have to be a long list. Two or three actions would be better than a list of actions you will never take.

Daily Success Formula

Action + Commitment = Follow through

Quotes

"The best way you can predict your future is to create it." Stephen Covey

"The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving." Oliver Wendell Holmes

"The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones." William Faulkner

Step Six - Wrap it UP

Greetings:

Well here we are at Step Six of the Wrap it Up Process. Step six is in my opinion the most fun! It is Take Action! Well you might be thinking that is a given but you know what, it isn't. According to research the lack of implementation is the biggest reason most goals fail!

Lets review the steps in the process:

Step one: Write your top 100 accomplishments for the year
Step two: Clarify your values
Step three: Create your Theme for the year
Step four: Set Goals
Step five: Create a plan

Once you know what you want and you have a plan you have to take action. It is the consistent and persistent action that will get you what you want. I recommend creating a daily action plan so that you will get into the habit of taking action every day.

The key with action is that you are doing it consistently. If you are not reaching your goals the place to look is at your daily action. When you are tracking your daily actions it will be easy to see why you are not achieving what you want by looking at what you are or are not doing.

In order to track you action I recommend writing down your daily actions the night before. This way you have a plan for the day and won't just wonder what you should be doing. I also recommend writing your goals out every day, this will help keep them "top of mind." Get yourself a notebook or journal to track your daily actions.

Each day review your list of daily actions and do those first before you dive into your day. The reason for this is you will get them out of the way and won't have to worry about fitting them in later. Stephen Covey calls this, "Getting the Big Rocks in First." Remember that the action steps you are taking towards your goals are not instead of they are in addition to what you are already doing.

I recommend not trying to do too much in any given day. A little will get you a lot if you are consistent with it. If you take just one step towards your goal each day by the end of the year you will have taken 365 steps towards you goal. My guess is you will be very close to or you might have even completed your goal by using this process!

Create a process that you can track your daily actions. I prefer to write the steps out by hand, I believe it creates a stronger connection with the goal and the steps. So your daily tracker might look something like this:

Goal:

Steps I will take today:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

You will create this for each goal.

Here are some guidelines to get you started:

ü Write your goal and the steps to be taken the night before in your notebook or journal
ü Make a commitment to follow the process
ü Include one to five steps you will take towards your goal
ü Do the most difficult or scariest steps first
ü Have fun and enjoy the process

Action is the key to getting what you want.

Here's to taking action,

Rachelle