Now What?® Coaching

Category: Acknowledgements

The Energy of Action

Happy Father’s Day to all those who are fathering out there in every way. Such an important role!

In honor of this day, I want to put your attention on action. An action is a thing that is done, not just spoken or thought about. While thinking and planning are crucial, they only form the groundwork for what truly counts—taking action.

Understanding action involves looking beyond traditional dichotomies of masculine and feminine energies.

While the feminine is often associated with receiving energy, such as intuition and allowing, the masculine is typically linked with doing and achieving energy, characterized by logic and assertiveness. However, these energies are not confined to any gender. (So, cool your jets if this is triggering).

Each one of us possesses a unique blend of these energies, which we can harness to break from inertia and assert action into the playing field called life.

The First Step: Identifying the Necessary Action

When we talk about breaking from inertia, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s the lingering project you’ve postponed, the fitness routine you’ve neglected, or the heartfelt conversation you’ve avoided. What is an action you know it’s time to take?

The first step towards effective action is clear identification. Reflect on your current state and recognize the areas where action is overdue. This could be in your personal life, career, health, or relationships. Identifying this need for action sets the stage for movement.

Overcoming Inertia: The Power of the First Move

Inertia is a powerful force. It’s the resistance to change that keeps us in our comfort zones. Remember, the hardest part of any journey is often the first step. Once you make the initial move, momentum takes over.

Think of a rocket launch—the massive amount of energy required to lift off. Yet, once it breaks through the atmosphere, it can travel with much less effort. Your first step is your lift off. Whether it’s making that phone call, starting that exercise routine, or drafting that business plan, initiate the action.

Breaking Actions into Manageable Steps

One effective strategy for taking action is breaking down your goal into smaller, manageable steps. Large goals can feel overwhelming and paralyze you with indecision. By dividing them into bite-sized tasks, each step becomes less daunting.

For instance, if your goal is to write a book, start with an outline. Then, commit to writing a page a day. These small, consistent actions accumulate into significant progress over time.

Harnessing the Balance of Energies

Balancing the intuitive, receptive energy (feminine) with the logical, assertive energy (masculine) is key to effective action. Intuition can guide you towards the right actions to take, while logic and assertiveness help you execute them efficiently.

For example, trust your gut feelings about which project to prioritize, then apply logical planning to break it down into actionable steps. This harmonious blend of energies ensures that your actions are not only well-directed but also grounded in strategic planning.

Accountability: The Secret Weapon

Another powerful tool in the art of taking action is accountability. Sharing your goals with someone you trust can provide the necessary push to keep you on track. This could be a friend, family member, or coach. Regular check-ins create a sense of responsibility and encourage consistent progress.

Celebrating Small Wins

Be sure to celebrate your small victories! Each action you take, no matter how minor it seems, is a step towards your larger goal. Acknowledging and celebrating these wins boosts your motivation and reinforces positive behavior.

In conclusion, taking action is about moving from intention to execution. It’s the bridge between dreaming and achieving. By identifying necessary actions, overcoming inertia, breaking goals into manageable steps, balancing energies, leveraging accountability, and celebrating progress, you can master the art of taking action.

What is an action you know it’s time to take? Seize this moment, take that first step, and propel yourself into a future shaped by your actions. Your journey towards more of what you want starts NOW.

June 16, 2024
The Cost of Becoming the Boss

If you’re anything like most ambitious people, you had big dreams of becoming the boss one day.

You wanted to be the one to call the shots.

You couldn’t wait for your ideas to take center stage.

The idea of one day answering only to the big shots (or no one at all!) fired you up.

But then . . . it happened!

You became the boss. Now what?

If you’re anything like most ambitious people, you soon realize those big dreams of becoming the boss left out a few important details.
Being in charge changes things.

Getting promoted from colleague to manager . . .

Starting with a new company at the next level up . . .

Hiring the first employees or contractors in your business (often someone you know!) . .

Whoa!

If you haven’t experienced this yet, fair warning: it can be more challenging than you expect.

The dynamic shifts and relationships take on a new shape. People you’ve been friendly with suddenly see you in a new light. People you expect to be friendly with have their guard up. Those bonds that you would’ve sworn wouldn’t be affected will evolve.

You can’t ignore this or put your head in the sand. It’s time to take the lead and embrace your new identity.

1. Set some ground rules.
Make sure your team knows you can remain friends, but they also have to respect the role. Business is business and things must get done.

This might mean signaling when you’re shifting in and out of colleague or friend mode into boss mode. You can still let your hair down sometimes, but everyone needs to know when it’s time to roll up your sleeves.

2. Set aside your feelings.
Feeling awkward about being a step ahead in your career or business? Or maybe guilty about beating a friend out for a promotion? Bitter that your colleagues haven’t been congratulatory? You need to process this personally and keep things professional. Not everyone is going to like you as a boss, and that’s par for the course.

3. Accept that things have to change.
You might have to cut out some things you did before. Going out for drinks together after work or meeting up in the break room for quiet gossip sessions will have to become a thing of the past.

Distancing yourself might be an awkward dance at first and can take some getting used to, but you’ll adjust; it’s worth it!

Managing colleagues and friends can be a wonderful opportunity for everyone to grow together. But it’s not going to happen without concerted effort. You have to be willing to take the initiative as you take on the new role to do what it takes.

Being the boss really can be everything you dreamed it would be and more!

June 9, 2024
How Chaos Leads to Opportunity

I was reflecting on conversations I had with a couple of my executive coaching clients last week, and I was reminded of something you may find surprising.

Chaos gets a bad rap.

Quieting, containing, and calming chaos is important, but you can’t avoid it altogether and expect growth.

Both of these clients are dealing with a major shakeup in their respective organizations. Navigating change has their teams in a tizzy.

People are questioning what’s going on, wondering about the safety of their jobs, and worried about what’s to come. Understandably so.

Some leaders make the mistake of getting caught up in the drama. When the people looking to you for answers are concerned about their lives and livelihood, emotions run high.

But skilled leaders rise to the occasion.

Whether leading an organization or leading your own life, good leadership means looking beyond the present to see brighter possibilities for the future.

When you view chaos as a temporary, but necessary, measure for sorting things out into something better, it will give you an edge under any circumstances.

A leader’s job is to focus on the vision for where you’re headed and guide the way. Both of my clients know that their jobs are secure for now, so granted, it does make it easier for them to see the opportunity in the disorder to step up their leadership ability.

All things considered, a preoccupation with avoiding chaos is short-sighted. It keeps you stuck in one spot. Progress requires change, which comes with varying degrees of disorder.

The past few years have brought a lot of disruption to business and to the workplace, and we’re all dealing with more and more unknowns. Recognizing and seizing the opportunity to step up in the face of chaos has become essential for success.

Great things can happen, as long as you keep your cool, and don’t buy into the panic!

June 2, 2024
Try This Spring Cleaning Mind Trick
Spring has sprung in my part of the world, and new beauty is blooming all around us.

The weather is not exactly cooperating with my sunny disposition this week, but, I’m ushering in new beginnings nonetheless.

It’s that time of year again to clear the clutter!

You might’ve guessed it, but I’m not just referring to spring cleaning your closets. Instead, it’s time to spring clean your mind – get rid of all the junk that’s no longer serving you.

When things aren’t going the way we want them to go — like the on-again-off-again dreary weather in the Northeast or the new business you can’t get off the ground — we tend to spend a lot of time thinking about what we don’t want.

Whatever is causing you stress or anxiety stays top of mind. It’s all about the problems. But here’s the thing —

These problems aren’t going anywhere unless you pull them out, take a good look, and get them sorted, step by step.
1. Take out a sheet of paper or pull up a spreadsheet on your computer.
2. First, make two columns: A) “What I Don’t Want” and B) “What I Want”
3. Then start with what you don’t want. Dump it all out in the first column.
4. Subsequently, in the second column, rewrite the dumped item into something you DO want.
Let’s take a look at an example:

Column A: I can’t stand my long commute.
Column B: I want no more than a 5-minute commute from my house.

Column A: I can’t stand my boss.
Column B: I want to work for someone who respects my ideas.

Everything you can’t stand points to what you really want.

Thinking about it this way changes the energy in your body. Instead of focusing on “NO, NO, NO, I don’t want this!” you’re picturing “Ah, yes, let me make room for that thing over there.”

Sweep out the old, dusty, no-good yuck, and prepare to replace it with renewed motivation to go out and get something better.

Sweep and shift, and you’ll start moving forward, with less burden, toward the life and career or business you want.
May 26, 2024
Career Satisfaction: 6 Strategies to Achieve Your Success
Firstly, let’s consider the notion that career satisfaction isn’t solely about the job itself but rather about who you become through your work. It’s about whether your job allows you to express your true self, contribute meaningfully, and feel proud of the impact you’re making. Career satisfaction comes from who your job allows you to be. Reflecting on questions like, “Do I like who I am at work?” and “Do I feel my contributions matter?” can provide insights into your level of satisfaction.

According to a survey conducted in 2023, 62.6% of workers expressed satisfaction with their jobs, which is an increase from 56.8% in 2020 and a significant improvement from the low of 42.6% in 2010.

Emotional Needs and Workplace Satisfaction

Understanding and meeting your emotional needs is paramount. Feeling heard, valued, respected, and operating in an environment of honesty and transparency can significantly enhance satisfaction levels. While financial needs are essential, emotional fulfillment is equally vital for overall well-being. Research indicates that workplaces that prioritize employee well-being and provide avenues for emotional support tend to have higher levels of job satisfaction and productivity.

Alignment with Personal Values

Secondly, assessing whether your job aligns with your values is crucial. Feeling a sense of integrity in your work, being part of a workplace culture that resonates with your beliefs, and seeing your company uphold its stated values can reinforce a feeling of alignment. When there’s congruence between personal values and organizational values, it fosters a sense of purpose and belonging. Organizations that prioritize values alignment tend to experience lower turnover rates and higher levels of employee engagement.

Growth Opportunities

Next, let’s talk about growth opportunities. Career satisfaction often hinges on the potential for professional development and advancement. Knowing there’s a clear trajectory for growth, whether it’s through promotions, skill development, or challenging projects, can keep you engaged and motivated. Conversely, feeling stagnant or underutilized can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction. It’s essential to continuously seek opportunities for learning and skill enhancement to avoid becoming complacent in your role.

Support in the Workplace

Moreover, feeling supported in your job is vital for satisfaction. This encompasses having autonomy in decision-making, access to necessary resources, and a supportive work environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning rather than grounds for punishment. Feeling empowered and having the tools needed to succeed can significantly impact job satisfaction and overall well-being. Studies have shown that employees who feel supported by their managers and colleagues are more likely to be engaged in their work and committed to the organization’s goals.

Achieving Career Satisfaction

In addition to these core aspects of career satisfaction, several strategies can further enhance your professional fulfillment:
1. Seek Meaningful Connections: Building positive relationships with colleagues, mentors, and leaders can enhance job satisfaction. Surrounding yourself with supportive individuals who share your values and goals can create a sense of camaraderie and belonging in the workplace.
2. Set Clear Goals: Having clear, achievable goals can provide a sense of direction and purpose in your work. Whether it’s short-term objectives or long-term career aspirations, setting goals can help you stay motivated and focused on continuous improvement.
3. Embrace Challenges: Instead of shying away from challenges, view them as opportunities for growth and development. Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on new responsibilities can expand your skills and capabilities, leading to greater satisfaction in your role.
4. Practice Self-Care: Prioritizing your well-being outside of work is essential for maintaining career satisfaction. Engage in activities that rejuvenate you physically, mentally, and emotionally, whether it’s exercise, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones. A healthy work-life balance is crucial for long-term satisfaction and productivity.
5. Provide Feedback: Open and honest communication with your manager or employer about your needs, concerns, and aspirations can contribute to a supportive work environment. Constructive feedback helps identify areas for improvement and fosters a culture of continuous learning and development.
6. Celebrate Achievements: Take time to acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress and achievements can boost morale and reinforce a sense of satisfaction in your work.
By incorporating these strategies into your professional life and continuing to reflect on your needs, values, growth opportunities, and level of support, you can cultivate a more fulfilling and satisfying career journey. Remember that career satisfaction is a journey, not a destination, and it requires ongoing effort and self-awareness to maintain. Investing in your well-being and professional development can lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and success in your career.

Learn more about career satisfaction strategies.
May 19, 2024
What Are You Mothering?

Last weekend, we celebrated Mother’s Day, a joyful holiday that can also be difficult for many people, especially if you didn’t have the ideal mother, miss your mother, or wish you or your partner could be a mother.

There’s no denying that “mother” comes with a lot of feelings: good, bad, and complicated.

In navigating this delicate topic over the years in a coaching capacity, the concept of mothering has come up in interesting ways.

Not mom-ing but mothering. I’m not talking about giving birth to or adopting or raising a child.

I’m referring to mothering in terms of giving life, bringing forth, nourishing, nurturing, growing, championing, supporting, and watching over.

We all mother in some way, no matter our gender or parental status.

Think about it. Where do you give life? And for that matter, where do you take it?

There are places where we pour out and contribute, helping to generate something positive in the world.

There may also be instances where we tend to suck the air out of the room, drain the energy from those around us, and bring down the mood.

Where are you giving, and where are you taking away?

When it comes to your business or career, how are you of service to your team, your clients, your audience, the people in your sphere, your ideas, various initiatives, or creative pursuits?

How might you be dragging things down, dampening vitality with your disappointment, frustrations, or negative attitude?

If you’re not quite sure, I challenge you to ponder this and to pay attention.

You’ll find that focusing on mothering — giving life, strength, spirit, and good will — will bring renewed energy and possibility. It might mean stepping away from spaces where you have nothing left to give or reassessing how you show up.

Try it and see what happens.

May 19, 2024