Now What?® Coaching

Category: Quotes to Live By

  • Joy: A Survival Tactic

    Joy: A Survival Tactic

    You don’t need an update from me about the state of the world.

    We can all agree that there’s a lot going on and much of it is concerning. I almost added, “. . . if you’re paying attention” out of habit, but I can’t tell you the last time I spoke to someone who wasn’t on edge.

    You might not need an update from me, but there’s a good chance you could use an uplift.

    You’re in for a real treat because I have a lifetime of worrying experience! I’m good at overthinking my way straight into worst-case scenarios.

    But you can see I haven’t let it hold me back. The truth is, I’ve relied upon many different coping tactics over the years. However, when things started getting nasty, fear tried to take hold.

    As a coach, I’m surrounded by positive thinkers; it’s a perk of the job. I kept hearing them say, “I’m not going to let this steal my joy.” I understood it intellectually; it just didn’t seem practical. I look for strategies to implement – things I can work on, step-by-step.

    Joy is a feeling, an emotion. It’s something intangible, and I wasn’t convinced I could simply claim it on demand. So I worked on it . . .

    Here’s what I understand now —

    When we don’t have control over what’s going on around us, it’s our natural inclination to look for what we CAN control. It’s how we’re wired as human beings.

    But when we consider what we DO have power over, emotions are at the top of that list. Sure, they can take over briefly, but we’re ultimately in charge from moment to moment.

    We have the power to feel joy in almost any moment.

    Claiming joy doesn’t mean we’re in a constant state of happiness. We can take delight or pleasure in something, even if the feeling is fleeting. Appreciating that instant can be an impetus for survival.

    Think about each moment of joy as a driving force; the motivation that propels you to endure and overcome challenges. Consider joyful moments as momentum.

    What’s one small thing you can do each day to experience joy?

    Writing in a journal, riding a bike, playing with your pet, putting your feet in the grass, taking up a new hobby. It must be something personal to you.

    As for me, I’ve decided to start singing again! I was a musical theater performer for many years, so I’m dusting off the old vocal cords, practicing in the car every day, and going on an audition – simply for the joy of it! (I’m not sure I even want the part. I just want to sing for people!)

    Now it’s your turn. I challenge you to do one thing each day to claim your joy.

    Joy is a survival tactic, and it’s a powerful one!

  • How to Recession-Proof Your Business

    How to Recession-Proof Your Business

    One of the best things about being in business for yourself is that you’re the one in charge. But it’s also one of the hardest things about it. When things get tough, the buck stops with you!

    Well, I’m no economist, but last year’s whispers of a looming recession are turning into shouts lately.

    Some of my clients and colleagues are starting to panic (“I hear ya!”). But let’s not get ahead of ourselves and throw up our hands in defeat. Remember, you’re in charge, which means you have options.

    It’s time to start recession-proofing your business. Here’s what I recommend:

    Diversify your portfolio.

    Just like your financial advisor would tell you to avoid putting all your eggs in one basket, I’m telling you to add some variety to what you offer.

    What can you do to make your services more accessible?
    How can you bring clients in at different price points?
    Where can you add new revenue streams?

    Retain the clients you have.

    Excellent customer service should always be a pressing matter, but now more than ever, do what it takes to keep your current clients happy! Think of creative ways to add loyalty perks for staying on board, such as bonus one-on-one time or retainer discounts for paying ahead. Retaining a client is cheaper and easier than attracting a new one in any economy.

    Enhance your value proposition.

    Make sure prospects know you’re worth the investment. What kinds of returns will they get from working with you? The results you deliver should make the kind of impact they would regret missing out on.

    Keep up with your marketing.

    If you’re looking for things to cut out of the budget, put marketing near the bottom of the list. Staying top of mind should be a top priority. Switch up your messaging to meet the moment if necessary, but don’t you dare go quiet. Stay out there, and stay consistent.

    Upgrade your skills.

    The key is to stay relevant, to stay nimble, and to pivot if you have to. Be smart about it, but focus on how you can best add value right now, and how you can make your business more profitable. Do you need to learn new technology or a new method?

    Streamline your operations.

    What things are nice to have, and what’s a necessity? How can you make your business run more efficiently (truly)? Be mindful and strategic about cutting costs and eliminating time sucks.

    Most importantly, stand in your power! Lean into your strengths and gifts. People may be discerning about where they spend their money, but they need you. Remember that.

    We’ll get through this!

  • The Cost of Doing it ALL

    The Cost of Doing it ALL

    In my line of work, people come to me with all kinds of challenges. The solutions aren’t always easy, but the answer to getting unstuck is often simpler than expected.

    Feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and exhausted? Hitting a ceiling no matter how hard you work? Wondering why opportunities keep passing you by?

    It’s not because you aren’t doing enough. You’re doing too much. Chances are, you’re doing it ALL (or at least trying to).

    How do you move past what’s holding you back? The simple answer: delegate!

    Whether pouring your whole self into your own business, place of employment, family, or all of the above, you need help.

    The Cost of Doing it ALL by Laura Berman FortgangYou might be resistant to the idea; I’ve heard it all.
    “Who has money for that?”
    “I’ve tried; nobody can do it like me!”
    “I just can’t trust another person to…”
    “It would take me longer to explain it.”
    Here’s the truth —

    Think you’ve got it covered? Deep down, even the most stubbornly independent, headstrong among us realize they can not (and should not!) do it all.

    Think you’re the only person who does it right? You’ve never met a happy control freak; they’re the most stressed-out person in the room. Clinging to control is about trying to make the outside world reflect perfection so that you feel safe and worthy inside, which never works.

    To delegate or not to delegate? That’s not the question. Case closed.

    Now you’re probably wondering what to delegate. Again, the answer is nowhere near as mind-boggling as you might think.

    Delegate anything that’s not in your zone of genius.

    If it’s not something only YOU can do, get somebody else to do it. If it feels like a drag, it needs to go. Bookkeeping, errands, tech stuff, housecleaning, administrative tasks – farm it out.

    The next question I get is, “What about the expense?” (“In this economy?!”)

    I hear you. Think about it this way —

    Your time is money, and you’re investing in yourself to get a return. Do the math. What’s your hourly rate when doing your best work? That’s what each hour is worth. When you buy back time at a lower rate, delegating pays dividends.

    There’s no reward for trying to do it all; in fact, it comes at a hefty cost. Living your highest quality life requires operating in your zone of genius, focusing on what matters most.

    When you get your time back, you can use it to grow your business, pursue better career opportunities, or practice nourishing self-care that enriches your soul.

    What would you do next if you didn’t have to do . . . that?

  • Is Your Career Future-Proof? Here’s How to Stay Relevant

    Is Your Career Future-Proof? Here’s How to Stay Relevant

    As you can imagine, I’m coaching a lot of clients through fear and uncertainty these days.

    We’ve all seen the headlines about mass layoffs, a white-collar recession, and AI replacing us. Professionals are posting on LinkedIn, desperately seeking a job. Breadwinners are going from six-figure incomes to surviving on gig work. I’m volunteering for an organization helping displaced government workers. People are hurting and scared.

    My best advice? Focus on staying relevant.

    You can’t control what’s happening, but there are still things you can do.

    We’ve been through scary times before. Machines were taking jobs a century ago. And plenty of fifty-something down-on-their-luck MBAs were waiting tables and stocking grocery shelves in 2009. But the world kept turning for those who could position themselves for the next opportunity.

    The difference today is that things are shifting at a faster pace. It used to take decades for your knowledge and skills to become obsolete; now, change is constant. According to recent studies, 50% of today’s job activities could be automated within the next decade.

    No matter your current job status, relevance must become a priority. This will take a commitment to lifelong learning, embracing technology, and nurturing your network.

    Whether you’re out of a job now or concerned about what’s to come, it’s time to jump into action and position yourself as a valuable asset to the workforce for now and the days ahead. Here’s what I recommend:

    1. Conduct a personal skills audit: What are your strengths and weaknesses? What do you need to work on?

    2. Create a timeline for acquiring needed skills: Retraining might require another degree, taking online courses, getting mentorship, or self-directed learning using free resources online.

    3. Build your visibility: Position yourself as an expert in your industry. Get out there and network, speak at conferences, publish articles online, and keep yourself in front of the right people.

    4. Cultivate strategic relationships: Connect with forward-thinking professionals, engage with leaders in your field online, and know where you and your capabilities fit into the mix.

    Career relevance is ultimately in your hands. It’s based on the small actions you consistently take and the efforts you make to stay up-to-date.

    No matter what, don’t allow yourself to become a victim of the times.

  • Is Being “Coach-like” a Good Thing?

    Is Being “Coach-like” a Good Thing?

    We expect a lot from leaders, and when you’re in a leadership role, a big part of your job is to honor those expectations.

    Just because you’re calling the shots doesn’t mean you’re any good at it. Effective leadership takes skill. It’s not as simple as demanding someone do as you say.

    The best leaders empower others – inspiring them with a clear vision, and encouraging them to take ownership of their part in making things better.

    In other words, the best way to lead is to become coach-like.

    Coaches see what’s possible. They elevate the conversation. They can look beyond the problem to guide the way toward something better.

    If you want to get better at something, work with a coach.

    If you want someone else to get better at something, become more coach-like.

    Notice I said coach-like, not cheerleader-like.

    Don’t get me wrong. Having someone in your corner, giving pep talks, and rallying your success is priceless, but a coach’s work is deeper than that.

    Sometimes rah-rah-rah is nothing but noise and a distraction!

    Far too many people who claim the title of coach promote toxic positivity. They ignore problems and dwell on the bright side, convincing their clients that looking at the issue through rose-colored glasses is all they need to succeed.

    It’s also a common smack at a fellow coach to say they were not “coach-like” in a certain response or behavior. I call BS.

    More to the point, I call it like I see it. Because when the goal is to get better at something, the truth is more potent than a pat on the back.

    When elite athletes are going after a win, you won’t catch their coaches handing out participation trophies.

    To be coach-like means naming what is and what’s wrong.

    To be coach-like requires getting comfortable with discomfort.

    To be coach-like calls us to embrace our humanity and greater potential.

    Being human is messy, especially when working with ambitious, driven humans. Being coach-like asks leaders to take responsibility for that messiness.

    Sometimes the messy truth hurts.
    Sometimes that’s the only way to grow.

    Let’s continue to learn, evolve, and move forward – taking a more coach-like leadership approach.

  • You Can Do Hard Things

    You Can Do Hard Things

    I don’t have to tell you life isn’t easy. We all have to do hard things . . .

    From slogging through icy sludge on a blustery winter morning to drudging through another unproductive meeting about the project from hell – life comes with everyday nuisances.

    From losing a loved one to losing a big client – we have little choice but to power through the worst of it.

    Here’s the kicker . . .

    Sometimes when we do have a choice, things can feel even harder.

    Jumping out of bed every morning to fit in a run before work.

    Making sales calls, even when you’re flush with cash and not sweating the rent.

    Networking, attending events, meeting new people, and checking in with friends.

    Doing it anyway when the consequences of skipping it won’t be felt right away.

    Having the option to take the easy out but deciding to go hard after your goals.

    It’s tough to keep your “get up and go” operational and your internal fire stoked. But you can do hard things.
    When my clients ask me for tips on how to override the urge to take it easy, I like to share my go-to advice with them:

    1. Do the hardest thing first.
    Whatever you’re dreading, get it over with and out of the way.

    2. Make a deal with yourself.
    What’s the reward for getting something done?

    3. Get accountability.
    Hire a coach, ask a friend, or buddy up with a colleague to hold you to it.

    4. Put money on the line, skin in the game.
    Place pressure on yourself to earn a return.

    If it’s still hard to find your motivation, ask the tough questions:

    Why am I doing this?
    Do I really want it?
    Is it time to move on?

    Either find the drive to do what you need to succeed or find something else worthwhile to pursue. Things are going to be hard sometimes, whatever you choose. What’s worth doing the tough stuff? Do that and play to win!