I know I’m jumping the gun, just a little bit, but whenever August rolls around, I always think of the end of summer and the start of my favorite season. . . Autumn.

To me, the Autumn season represents change, transition, new life, growth and development. It is like a new day. It is when kids go back to school, trees shed their leaves and crops are harvested. It’s a wonderful time of year. But then again, I LOVE change, others may not.

Everyone reacts to change in their life differently:
Some embrace the change.
Some purposely create change.
Some enjoy the status quo and try to avoid change as much as possible.

Regardless of your approach to the concept of change, life IS change, change is inevitable.

“Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” John F. Kennedy.

So how do YOU deal with change in your life?
Does it work for you?

Below I share some three tips on how to bring about change smoothly, easily and naturally. (PS - These tips are great even if you are NOT in transition.)

#1. ENJOY THE RIDE
Transition or not, it’s always refreshing to have a bit of fun! However, particularly during times of change, fun is often forgotten. One way you can bring back a bit of fun is to celebrate your milestones, relish in your discoveries, reward yourself for your successes!
A. List rewards for yourself or ways you want to celebrate.
B. Categorize them into two columns: “Adding Joy” and “The Big Kahuna!” (or whatever labels you like). The “Adding Joy” column is any reward you would like to give yourself for on-going milestones and progress. “The Big Kahuna” column are rewards for larger accomplishments and completion of a big task.
C. Each time you reach a milestone or success on your journey treat yourself by “Adding Joy” or giving yourself “The Big Kahuna!”

#2. REMEMBERING SELF CARE
Too often Self Care is forgotten when people go through transition; this makes it harder. The transition is already bringing a certain amount of stress, it doesn’t make sense to further add to the imbalance in your life by not taking care of your Self. During transition, we end up DOING instead of BEING. Taking time to remember Self Care will enable you to BE while DOING. It will give you a sense of control, revitalization, motivation and relaxation.
A. Think about where you get your energy from.
B. List 5-10 things you can do for yourself in 30 minutes or less (give yourself options to choose!). Some examples might be to stretch, enjoy the fresh air, write in a journal, take a bath, read for 20 minutes, etc.
C. Practice at least 2 items on your list DAILY.

#3. MAKING YOURSELF AT HOME:
Wherever you are in the transitional process, it is important to get a sense of your physical environment and create a space that is comfortable and safe for you. This is different from Self Care in that it is your external environment, whereas Self Care relates to your well-being and inner Self.
A. Think about your definition of Home.
B. Write down 5 things that make it a home for you. It can be tangible items, like flowers or a comfortable couch, or it can be intangible, like the smell or feel or your home.
C. Incorporate at least 3 of these things into your home during transition.

Technorati Tags: Self Care, Transition, Change, Relaxing, Peaceful Environment, Reward

(Three Session Teleclass)

Do you find yourself spinning your wheels every day?
Are you losing sight of why you’re in business in the first place?

“Susan and her course helped me to confirm what my true passion in life was. It also helped me to create a strategy that will help me to integrate my passion to my current employment.” Kathy Kanemitsu, Loan Consultant

Align your PASSION and PURPOSE with PROFITABILITY

Discover and clarify your passions and align it with what you do every day. Create a strategy and a business plan that makes sense for who you are and what you want in life.

Make business EASIER and more NATURAL.

You will learn how to:

• Discover your passion and purpose.
• Identify the driving force that motivates and excites you.
• Learn how to deliever more natural and less stressful results.
• Develop a clear vision for your business.
• Create a business plan that evolves with you.

Make Business EASY for Yourself

“[I learned] how to start with my vision and values and go from there. . . Awesome! Susan knows her stuff!” Nancy Robberson, Entreprenuer

DETAILS:
Three Weekly Sessions
CHECK “UPCOMING EVENTS” FOR SCHEDULED CLASSES.

You will get:

• Three interactive teleclass sessions
• Detailed notes and excercises via download
• A complimentary subscription of the monthly Take Action! Newsletter
• Recordings of the teleclasses each week

For More Information, Contact: bizprep@susankimcoaching.com

Technorati Tags: Business Plan, Strategies, Vision, Teleclasses, Goals, Results, Business Development

I often live by strong, yet simple principles:
“Do Unto Others”
“Be Real”
“No Regrets”
“Just Do It”
And the list goes on. Okay, it’s not the “Ten Commandments” but they are principles and taglines that remind me not only of who I am, but how I want to live my life.

A few years ago I was awakened by three words that says it all:
Live, Laugh, Love (or “L-cubed”)

The first time I got this message, it was in an email. Actually several emails that came at me at the same time. The content of the emails were different, but in the end, it always had this same message (or a version of it):

“Work as if you have no money. Love as if you have never been hurt. Dance like no one is watching. Sing like no one is listening. And live everyday as if it were your last.”

And then soon after this initial email I received a couple of cards with just three words on the front:
“Live, Laugh, Love”

At first I didn’t think anything of it, but with the second card, I paid attention. Something clicked in my mind and reacted to the message in front of me. At that particular moment, I remembered thinking, “Am I living?” And when I honestly took a step back to look at my life, with my wheels spinning at 100 mph, I realized no, I was NOT living. Not the way I want to be living. I was becoming a member of the walking dead - a zombie.

Then, recalling the Michael Jackson “Thriller” video, I laughed at myself and it felt good. I thought to myself, “I need to do that more often.” Simply laugh. I told myself that I was going to exercise my “laugh muscle” because that takes practice too.

And “Love.” So many other emotions were consuming my heart that Love was getting pushed to the side and toward the back. Love for my work. Love for my family. Love for my friends. Love for the world. Love for myself. As John Lennon says, “All we need is Love.”
It’s so simple, it’s forgettable.

When I made these realizations, my mindset started to shift. I made those three words my motto for the following year and I woke up and walked off the wheel. I started to Live. I began to Laugh again. And I Loved, as often as I could.

Just as I needed that second message, we often need that second (or third) “slap in the face” to tell us and wake us up from the daily grind that we find ourselves in. To wake up and realize that there is more to life than “the grind” or the paycheck or “doing” and spinning our wheels.

Depending on the situation, I still use other mottos and sayings to keep me motivated and inspired, but what follows me internally and deeply with everything I do is to:

“Live, Laugh and Love”

I encourage you to find the motto that works for you. Something that enables you to get into a mindset where you feel joy and know that what you’re doing is right for you. A saying that conjures up the right energy and momentum for when you need it. Words that will help you live a life of passion and purpose.�

Technorati Tags: Live, Laugh, Love, Being in the Present, Living, Balance, Passion, Purpose

“I love my house cleaner, Julie.”
I am constantly reminded of this fact.
Just recently I came back from a 10 day vacation to a tidy, clean, scrubbed down house. It felt great! It wasn’t always like this, however. It took me a while to accept, embrace and truly LOVE Julie as my house cleaner.

I am a “Git-It-Done” kind of person and I’ve always prided myself on the fact that I DO get things done. “Take Action!” is my motto and I live by it, gosh darn it! No matter what it is:
Cooking
Cleaning
Developing my business
Volunteering
Taking care of my family
Walking the dog
Gardening
Taking classes
Having dinner parties
Keeping up with our friends
Networking
Grocery shopping
Laundry
Washing the car
And the list goes on and on. . . . I can “Git-It-Done!” ALL OF IT!

Well, I can’t and I didn’t.

I remember when all was going great until “life happened” and priorities shifted, schedules changed and sometimes things got put on the backburner. Then the dust bunnies mulitplied and when they took over, my home was no longer my “haven.” It turned into something I was tolerating and a source of frustration. Most days I was able to harness the positive and keep my mindset in check, but those few “off” days certainly did not have a positive effect on my mood, my work or my motivation.

Finally, it took my husband to suggest a housekeeper that helped me see the light.

At first I resisted, “No, I can do it. No problem.” Inside I didn’t want to be a failure at being able to manage everything. So I did it, . . . created a schedule, extended my days, started spinning, spinning and spinning. . . until one day I realized I wasn’t LIVING any more, I was just DOING all the time and feeling miserable for my efforts.

And one day it just hit me.
“I” was creating this miserable state.
All my efforts were making me miserable.
“I” have to change.
So I did. And it took a while.

At first I would clean up right before Julie arrived, tidying things up just a bit. It was silly, but I was still holding on to the “I-Can-Do-Everything” mentality. Then one day I had a meeting, did not tidy up and you know what happened? Nothing. She came. She cleaned. It was great! And “I” felt great!

I realized that my letting go of this task, accepting and embracing Julie’s services, was not only important to the state of my physical space and environment, but it was vitally important to my own personal well-being.

I was “cleaning house” in more ways than one. I found that I was feeling better, more productive and felt calm and relaxed. Even though she only comes twice a month while I clean and tidy up throughout the week, I SO appreciate those days that she is here. I walk in to a clean, fresh smelling, tidy home. Let me say it again:

“I LOVE my house cleaner.”

Technorati Tags: delegating, letting go, appreciation, self care, personal change, realization, well-being, positive environment

What kind of vacationer are you?
Do you throw everything into a suitcase at a moments notice?
Or are you at the other end of the spectrum where every minute of your trip is planned out?

Whether you’re structured or spontaneous, the important thing is to TAKE THAT VACATION and create an intention around your vacation: to explore, to discover, to strengthen relationships or just to relax. I call it “intentional vacationing.”

I remember when my vacations were “accidental.” My days off were grouped together with weddings and side business trips and other reasons to travel. Living in Hawaii, I wanted to make the most of every trip that I took off island. Although the time traveling was always wonderful and fun, I was somehow not satisfied. I didn’t feel refreshed and revived and the time spent with my friends and family felt hurried.

I realized the problem was that I was not living in the moment. I was not in the PRESENT.

Since my intentions were not focused on MY VACATION, my “accidental” vacations gave me “incidental” fulfillment and relaxation.

Are you getting the most out of YOUR vacationing?
Are you having “Intentional Vacations?” or are they “Accidental?”

Bringing luggage on vacation is great, but “baggage” on board the trip is no picnic!

To have a great Intentional Vacation, I harness the power of my ability to “Get Lost.” This is the ability to let go of the thoughts and images of the daily grind and just cut loose and lose yourself in your vacation. Again, it has to do with being present, but more importantly, it’s getting into the right mindset to have a fabulous vacation. Have you ever had the experience of going on vacation and not being able to wind down? And then just as you’re able to relax and unwind, it’s time to go back home!

Here are a three steps to creating Intentional Vacations and getting into the mindset.
1. Decide what kind of vacation you want. Is it going to be an adventure and exploration trip? Do you want to make family activities a priority? Or do you want to just purely get down to the basics to relax - eat, sleep, drink and massages!
2. Start with the planning stages BEFORE your go on vacation. Create a checklist of items to bring, required documents, confirmation numbers and reservations and activities.
3. Do NOT plan anything the very first day of your vacation. Take this time to “de-tox,” feel out the location and get in the mindset. I find that if you hit the ground running, it’s a lot harder to stop and the vacation is done before you know it. �

Technorati Tags: vacation, planning, relaxation, balance, being in the present

“Get Ready For Life” is my brand of time management.

Managing time is one of the keys to achieving harmony and happiness in our lives. However, getting a handle on the fast moving and intangible notion of time can be “slippery.”

Oftentimes “having more time” also makes “balanced” sense - being able to spend more time with family, having an abundance of time to accomplish business goals, or just having the luxury of taking time out for your Self.

As part of the Compass Life Designs “Remodel Your Reality 30 Day Challenge” in May, I challenge you to “Get Ready for Life.” Improve your time management so you can be ready for whatever life brings!

“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.” Robert Frost.

Don’t let life pass you by -
Get Organized, Get Focused and Get Ready For Life!

Go to Compass Life Designs’ Self Care Expert Section to read my blog and learn how to better manage your time so that you have the freedom to live the way you want to!

Make Happiness Yours!
Susan

Technorati Tags: time, balance, coaching, life, compass life designs, self care, happiness, organization, focus

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007, 4:30pm-6pm
Central Pacific Bank, Kahului, HI

Feeling tired?
Stressed?
Do you feel overwhelmed?
Do you want to start LIVING instead of just surviving?

Break the cycle of stress and burnout by taking time out and practicing Self-Care. Learn ways to prepare your mind, body and spirit for times of stress. These tools are used for a quick pick-me-up or for long term balance and relaxation.

* * * * * EVENT DETAILS * * * * *

DATE: Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007
TIME: 4:30pm - 6:00pm (Program starts at 5:00pm)
LOCATION: Central Pacific Bank, Wailuku Branch
REGISTRATION INFO: RSVP to Desiree Ting (808-249-2574) or desiree.ting@centralpacificbank.com
RSVP by Friday, May 18th, 2007

Do you wake up in the morning, slam the snooze button, grumble and roll over?

Sure, we all have those moments of lethargy and grogginess. Maybe because of one too many drinks last night or just not going to bed early enough. So you hit the snooze and roll over. Then the third time the alarm goes off, you think to yourself, “I wish I didn’t have to get up. I don’t want to go to work, but I’ve got that deadline. Ugh! I hate my job and my boss is going to get on me again today. One more snooze. . . ”

Our physical tiredness can put a damper on our mindset and attitude throughout the day. Certainly there are other factors involved, but being tired and physically run down can (and does) contribute to muddy thinking and bad attitude.

TIP #1: In order to jumpstart your day, prepare the night before by going to bed early and getting a full eight hours to sleep soundly and comfortably. Do this for a couple of days and notice what a difference it makes to your productivity, mindset and attitude! You will love it!

I have been practicing this technique for the past six months. Although it was difficult at first, once I got into the habit of preparing the night before, it became easier and easier. I noticed that not only was I physically well rested and more mentally ready in the morning, but I felt happier and more appreciative of my time. I started creating a “Gratitude Journal,” which further helped jumpstart my day - in a very positive manner.

Think about it this way: The first few moments of your day is important as to how the rest of the day reacts to your attitude. You get to decide and create the day that you want. We choose the kind of day we have AND how productive we are in that day by the feelings that we project from the moment we wake up in the morning.

TIP #2: Each morning as you wake up, take stock of everything for which you are grateful. Make a conscious intention around what kind of day you want to have. You are in control of how your day unfolds, so why not go through the day with this positive intention in your mind. It will help the day react to your desires.

Sometimes to jumpstart your day you just need a good ol’ fashion “hot cup of passion.” Passion is a natural motivator. When you’re involved with your passions on a day to day basis, this in itself is a formidable motivating force. Just TRY to stay in bed when you’ve got a passionate project in the works. Find your passion for anything and then move toward that passion each day (in addition to my work and family, my dog, who I am passionate about, gets me out of bed in the morning too)- it will certainly light a fire under you. First you have to find your passion.

TIP #3: Get up with a “hot cup of passion” each morning. Ask yourself the following questions and you’ll be on the road to finding that passion:
What I have intense desire, emotion, interest and conviction for?
What do I love?
What am I devoted to in my life?

Jumpstarting your day is easy. Address the physical lethergy by getting enough rest. Banish the negative “demons” by setting positive, conscious intentions. Find a purpose through your passions and be naturally motivated to Take Action! �

Technorati Tags: Resources, Personal Development, Balance, Strategy, Law of Attraction

INTRODUCTION TO “MEN ARE EASY”

Who says you have to work hard to have a great relationship?

Learn to develop durable, flexible, long-lasting love.

Whether you are thinking about committing to that one special person or you’ve been married for decades, this introductory class shows you how life with a man can be spontaneous, sexy, stable . . . and EASY!

TWO TELECLASSES BEING OFFERED
(Click on the date to register):

• Tuesday, March 27th, 2007 at 6:00pm Eastern/NY
• Thursday, April 5th, 2007 at 6:00pm Eastern/NY

For more information, send email to: MenAreEasy@susankimcoaching.com

Also, get the book NOW and save over 30%! Just click here to order.

Technorati Tags: Relationships, Resources, Teleclass, Personal Development, Balance, Strategy, Law of Attraction

The dictionary defines “abundance” as “an ample quantity” or “wealth.”
However living abundantly means that you have an adequate amount of whatever you need; it means that life is plentiful; you are wealthy. It also means that you are not driven by your needs, because you have already have more than you need.

Most people are living off of fumes and just scraping the bottom of the barrel in terms of time, energy, resources, space, money, etc. Think about your day, are you spinning your wheels and putting out one fire to the next? If you answered yes, then youʼre running on fumes. So how do you fill up your tank? Live with abundance.

Abundant living is the idea that you already have all that you need. Abundant living is thinking win-win. Abundant living is about building reserves so that you are not wanting for anything; youʼre not motivated or driven by your needs. Once you start thinking and living abundantly you will naturally attract whatever you need and more! Abundant living makes life easier.

START LIVING WITH ABUNDANCE:

1. Identify what is abundant in your life right now - We all have “richness” in our lives right now, but sometimes it gets lost in the fog of the fumes. Clear the air and breathe, recognize what you have right now in your life.

2. Understand your needs - in addition to basic human needs (food, water, sleep, etc.) everyone has personal needs (appreciation, community, calmness, etc.). Know and be aware or your needs and how they drive you, both positively and negatively.

3. Think “win-win” - many conflicts arise from limiting beliefs and “win-lose” thinking. However, if you think abundantly and know that both parties can benefit, the solution becomes much more rewarding and you create a symbiotic relationship.

Try applying Abundant Living principles at work or business. By thinking “win-win” you accomplish more and build strong mutually beneficial partnerships.

Technorati Tags: Vision, Appreciation, Reflection, Relationships, Balance, Law of Attraction, Abundance