Archive for August, 2009

Goal Setting and Self Esteem

August 28, 2009

Years ago, I would daydream about things that I wished would happen. Once I told one of these fantasies to my friend, Cindy:

I wish I could be interviewed for a radio show.

Before I continue this story, I should tell you that Cindy is one of the most successful, goal-setting and goal reaching people I know. She has created and sold a business, directed and produced a film on the film festival circuit, started two non-profits and bought two houses. Are you getting the idea?

Cindy gave me a funny look as if I was truly an odd person. She was about to share with me one of my most powerful lessons that year. I think she was shocked that I didn’t already know it. She said, “Why don’t you change the word ‘fantasy’ and use the world ‘goal’ instead? Then figure out what actions will bring you to that goal?”

Is it as easy as that? Well, yes. And no.

Cindy’s suggestion that rather than just hope a radio segment producer would randomly think to contact me that I could proactively contact that person myself scared me. It challenged how I thought of myself. At the time, I didn’t see myself as “big enough” for such a glamorous opportunity. So what I discovered about myself is that daydreams and fantasies were a way to soothe myself. I was able to stay in the comfort of a smaller life without risking, growing and changing.

Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about longed for experiences without taking action? You’re not alone. Stay tuned, we’re going to talk more on this subject.

About being a radio show guest – yes, I finally did it! The interview is about being a  “Power Presenter” and here’s a link.

Twitter is Not the Enemy

August 27, 2009

Have you heard about Twitter, the micro-blogging website that exploded on the online landscape in 2006? Well I’m not “getting” it, and I’ve tried. I’ve even paid my web designer to put the Twitter logo on my homepage to invite you all to “follow me.” Follow me if you dare: I don’t know where I’m going.

There are many who are just as confused as I am about the trend. They are abandoning the Twitter ship in droves. This does not comfort me. Twitter is not going away, and Twitter is not the issue anyway. It’s just a sign post pointing to the issue.

A connectivity that has never occurred before on our planet is being born. How this communication landscape will affect our world, how we work and how we relate has just barely begun to emerge. I can feel the change happening and on a deep level, I am resisting it. The resistance I must sheepishly admit is not because it’s a bad thing but simply because it’s a new thing.

Are you feeling the emergence of a new paradigm? Is it freaking you out? Let’s talk about this.

For now, I will post these thoughts on Twitter, and hope that someday, I will understand why.

Related blog – Web 2.0 – Recovery for the Anxious

How Long Does It Take to Change a Habit? Your August “One Minute Note”

August 8, 2009

calendar

Many would say twenty-one days, but habits that change that quickly are simple ones like remembering to take your vitamins. More ingrained habits built over a lifetime may take more gentle patience and time.

I had the honor last month of guiding an anger management workshop for the D.A.R.E. International Conference. One police officer who attended reported a week later that try as she did, she was still stuck in her old patterns. Rather than giving up hope, I recommend instead the simple task of awareness.

When you are engaged in an unwanted behavior, sharpen your awareness of it throughout the experience. Be like a curious, detached observer who has no opinion whatsoever about what you are doing. Awareness creates space and within that space can come something wonderful: choice.

Where in the world is Jean?

Where in the world is Jean?

This month I will say hello for you to Salt Lake City, Utah and Flagstaff, Tucson, Phoenix and Surprise, Arizona.

 

Need some quick chillaxation?

Need some quick chillaxation?

I’ve created a meditation audio CD that will relax your mind and body in less than twelve minutes. It’s $25.00 + shipping. Just email me if you’d like one, and I’ll take care of the details.