Transform your life, one choice at a time
Transform your team, one person at a timeHave you accomplished your heartfelt goals for 2002? Time is running out. Calls are coming in - clients are signing on for coaching in the new year. Many are repeat clients who recognize the power, the compelling motivation and focused energy that comes from taking an intentional, strategic approach to their goals for next year. You can too. Call 888-Lif-Walk to find out more about how Kate can help you renew, refresh or realign your goals and expectations for 2003.
Did you know… An interview with Kate can be read in this month's Cosmopolitan Magazine (page 175). The title; How to Give Yourself a Break. The topic: giving yourself time to pause and rejuvenate in the midst of your busy schedule.
Stress Has Made it to the Top!
Executives are starting to stress out…and I mean out. Serious stress. I've heard it from clients who lead organizations, divisions of companies or their own businesses. Just recently, Fortune Magazine (Oct. 28, 2002) published an article titled; "The Last Taboo. It's not sex. It's not drinking, It's stress-and it's soaring." The author described some of the challenge with this issue, "While some executives may talk openly about their problems with alcohol, sex addiction, depression and dyslexia, stress has become the last affliction that people won't dare to admit to." Due to the changing economy, world politics and global challenges facing businesses today, leaders at the top are now stretched beyond their reserves and it's taking it's toll physically, relationally and emotionally.
I'm glad unmanageable stress is hitting the executive level because when a problem comes to life in a personal way at the top, solutions are found and policy changes are made that impact the ranks of employees in companies. Up until now, 'the top' (in most, but not all organizations) hasn't been willing to acknowledge the impact stress is having on their lives or their employees and peers. Stress is showing signs of becoming a recognized problem in business.
The American Institute of Stress estimates that stress and it's impact through illness, disease, accidents, etc. cost American businesses more than $300 billion a year. The lost productivity, broken relationships and wasted creativity and potential of people is staggering. Yet, I have hope. You can too.
The element that creates the most stress for people is a feeling of having no control. Clients say they get most stressed when deadlines, which they have no say-so in, loom large in front of them and there aren't enough hours in the day to meet them all. The National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health released a study Stress at Work and reported, "The source of our stress wasn't necessarily having heavier workloads, but the feeling of having no control over our schedules and the rapid changes we were experiencing." Can you relate to that comment?
Many of you describe the frustration of having projects that require information or follow-up on the part of other people that you can't control. If that sounds familiar, may I suggest some ways to manage yourself? Everyone is running fast and furious; including those you work with and for. Many need a reminder from you of exactly what you need and by when. You can offer to call, email or 'show up' to collect the information, resources or materials at a certain time on a certain day. That creates a clear deadline for the individual. You then, can consider any other ways you could get what you need; are there other people, web sites, resources that you could pursue. If not, let it go. If you've done what you can to see action take place, use your energy on another project or to-do item. Being anxious or angry eats energy. Like sitting in a rocking chair pumping fast and furious…you feel like you're doing something, but you're getting no where.
We can't control the economy, terrorism, the 24/7 approach to work and productivity, the increasing access clients and employers have to us or the results of political elections and debates. What we have control over is our response to those parts that directly impact us. Do what you can, with what you have with where you're at.
Start at the Top-Your MindWhat you feed your body fuels your energy and health. The same principle applies to your mind. What you feed your mind fuels your creativity and enthusiasm. Your capacity for joy and contentment is directly proportionate to your ability to handle your reactions to the stressors of life. Stressful situations, events or people are not the problem. Your response to it/them is the problem. Stress, good or bad, is a part of life.
I can just hear you now-yeah, yeah, I know that but it doesn't make it go away. True. So if trying to develop better ways to cope with stress is not making stress go away, what's professional working person to do? Put your energy into those activities and people that strengthen, rejuvenate and encourage you. My philosophy around dealing with stress is a lot like Buckingham and Coffman's (First, Break All the Rules) approach to leading people in the best way; focus on your strengths. Focus on the positive. Don't bother focusing on "What can I do to handle this stress?" Instead ask, "What can I do to increase my patience, creativity, focus and fun?" Focus on the activities, people, food, work and hobbies that create the greatest amount of margin for you. Margin being the reserves of emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual energy left after you've dealt with the rest of your daily life. Your response to stressors will be different because of it. No margin, high stress. High margin, less negative consequences to your spirit and body due to potential stress. Keep in mind, it's all potential stress. It only becomes real stress when you tell yourself it is and you're body and busy mind believe you.
I received an email from a client who said, "Well, Mike* is still here. He still doesn't 'get it' and management hasn't seen fit to change reporting structures yet, but I notice I'm talking to myself differently and I'm not getting as worked up. I'm going home less drained. Plus, Kathy (his assistant) sure appreciates it."
What changed? Him. His thoughts. And therefore, his body's response to those thoughts. Leo Tolstoy said, "Everyone thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself." We change within by starting with our thoughts.
There are hundreds of places to springboard this discussion to, however, I'll leave you with an intentional thought and some intentional action ideas that hopefully, will benefit you during the upcoming holidays, as well.
Intentional Thought:
Go back to the beginning. The beginning would be the place in your mind that triggered your stress response. The next time you feel a stress response coming on ask yourself; "When this person was late -and messed up my whole day- what did I say to myself?" If you rewind the tape in your subconscious mind, I'm willing to bet your self-talk was a negative, possibly a message of frustration, sabotage and anger. Our response may be anger, however, one of the most likely emotions triggering your response was fear. Fear that someone else's mistake reflects poorly on you (think about when your subordinates mess up in front of your superior or your toddler/teenager's behavior in front of teachers is less than exemplary), or fear that the consequences from this situation will impact a variety of other projects. There is also the fear you'll 'never get this chance again' or your reputation will be permanently affected. (Go to my web site for some great book recommendations on self-talk if you want to spend more time on this topic.) Look back at those thoughts; are they true? Permanent, universal or life-threatening? Probably not. So, why give energy, emotion and power to the situation or person. You have a choice.
Remind yourself; "While the situation or the other person hasn't changed. I can. I will. I am changed, therefore, my response is better, smarter, healthier."
Resist struggling against what you don't want. Remember, what you resist, persists.
Intentional Action:
Exercise, yes, I'll say it every time. Your ability to handle stress is directly related to your physical activity level. Truly, God gave you the gift of endorphins to reward you for being in action. (If you've never experienced the 'runners high' from exercise, you probably need some coaching around your exercise/fitness plan.) The sense of relief, possibility, and hope that comes from a healthy workout is nothing short of miraculous.
Plan your days. Take ten minutes to review your day before you jump into it. Evaluate what you have to do vs. what you'd like to do. Find time for some activities that you enjoy, even if they're not productive. Those activities will recharge you for the 'have to's.' (I stopped and heated up some green tea while writing this article. Took ten minutes - of precious typing time - however, I came back in more clear headed.
Be aware of how you are fueling your body today. If you use caffeine to fuel you during the day, you'll appreciate the article Caffeine, Grounds for Concern? By Dr. Chris Fenn. Did you know coffee contains 208 acids? Read also about why decaf coffee is worse for you than regular coffee. http://www.isma.org.uk/stressnw/caffeine1.htm
Finally, this is the perfect time of year to encourage you to serve others. Yep, at the busiest time of the year, I encourage you to find ways to contribute in your community. Seeing the needs, challenges and struggles of others helps to clear your head of your own worries. Serving is a great perspective giver.
There are thousands of opportunities. For instance; the following site http://www.volunteermatch.org/ has 41,145 volunteer opportunities listed. I put in my zip code and found 832 options. They list whether this opportunity is for kids, teens, seniors or groups.
As you handle stress more effectively and teach others how to do so - through your rolemodeling and example - your ripple effect of positive impact extends far beyond the boundaries of you can even imagine.
Yes, stress has hit the top. Maybe now, we will see some genuine energy, creativity and financial commitment to seeing in change within the ranks of corporate America. Until then, change from within. Choose your perspective and choose to be a masterful stress manager.
I am so grateful for you! Thank you for being on my team.
Happy, Joyful Thanksgiving to you!
Kate
PS If you are interested in a complimentary Annual Review form you can use with yourself to review 2002 and look forward to planning for 2003, let us know at kate@katelarsen.com and we'll attach it to you today. It's a simple, yet powerful tool for being intentional about your life and business.
Resources;
For further study for yourself on the impact of stress and work upon you and your people, visit http://www.stress.org/job.htm
For an overview of the definitions, effects and implications of stress: go to http://www.reutershealth.com/wellconnected/doc31.html
What topic or challenge would you like to hear more about? Email, call or write to let Kate know what your needs are.
New Class series begins in January 2003. "I Choose To …" How To Live with Joy, Energy and Impact
Discovering your gifts, talents and purpose in life is the first part to living with intention and impact. The next step involves creating the lifestyle that will give you the energy and capacity to make it happen for the rest of your life, not just today. Kate Larsen, PCC will lead this 4 part series (held over six weeks) on what it takes to find your purpose in life, your passion for life and how to live it day to day.
When: January 20, 2003
Time: 6:30-8:30 PM
Where: Flagship Athletic Club, Eden Prairie, MN
Price: member $85 non-member $105
To Register: call 952-943-1430 extension "0"
Topics that will be covered;
The Overwhelm Factor and its Impact on YOU
Real Success; Living Life On Your Terms
Slow down to Speed Up
Creating Natural Energy & Ways to Increase Yours
Gumby's Got It Made
Ennie, Meanie, Minnie, Moe
Barbie & Ken or Wilma & Fred
Dreams Don't Have Expiration Dates
Focus and Contentment; what do they have to do with each other
Walk Your Talk
Put Your Stake in the Ground
Stinkin Thinkin; "I'm hearing voices."
Go Mad! You Make A Difference
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Your Coaching Guarantee; Individualized, focused direction, attention and support enhance your ability to take charge of your life and health. Kate guarantees that your coaching partnership has impact for you, guaranteed. If you do not find your coaching partnership with her beneficial, you will be refunded for your sessions. You can't lose and you sure can gain! Give Kate or Elaine a call and find out how to get started today. Stop saying "I wish..." and start saying, "I am...!"ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kate Larsen is a full-time professional speaker and certified coach, who gives keynotes, half, and full day programs across the country and around the world. She has the ability and experience to make the material "come to life" in individualized follow-up coaching sessions when requested. Her high energy, high content, fun, yet informative programs help:
- individuals recognize where they have control and power in their lives to make a difference,
- people find the motivation and energy to lead effectively at home or work, giving their very best effort day in and day out
- lift spirits and give hope that life doesn't have to be so crazy; simple, yet powerful attitudes and behaviors change the workplace and home life.
- Leaders and teams connect better by providing workable solutions for challenging times.
When you hire Kate, you will receive an outstanding program that your participants will love. They will learn skills they can use immediately - on and off the job - to get better results immediately. And they will have fun in the learning process. Kate's style is very interactive.
Click here http://www.katelarsen.com/programs.htm or cut and paste this address into your web browser for Kate's complete list of programs.
Feel free to call Kate or Elaine to discuss your program needs or e-mail any questions you might have. She would be happy to respond. Your event or meeting is important to us.======================================================
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Kate Larsen, PCC
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