Penguins are cool!
In Oamaru, New Zealand, I saw the blue penguin.

Each night, the blue penguins swim to shore and live in burrows in the ground. These are the smallest penguins on earth at 9.8 inches (25cm) tall and weighing approximately 2.5 lbs. (a little over 1 kg). They have beautiful slate-blue plumage with a bright white belly.

Although these animals are such small creatures, they have a presence larger than life. They usually arrive on the beach in groups. They wait until the whole group is on land, then they proceed up the hill to their underground dwellings further inland where they start to quack and get social.

It is incredible to me that these tiny creatures are able to survive long journeys in the ocean with predators swimming literally amongst them. At sea, their lives are threatened by sharks, sea lions and leopard seals, not to mention the natural challenges of the ocean.

I feel like they survive for three key reasons: camouflage, community and consistency. They are camouflaged from both above and below having white bellies and blue backs so they are hidden from their predators. Their sense of community is very strong, they stick together as a group in the water and on land. For the most part they have life long partners; there is only a 6% “divorce” rate each year. Finally they have a consistent routine - each night they follow the same path and come ashore to the same underground burrows they call home.

TAKE ACTION! TIP:
We can certainly learn some survival and self care techniques from these penguins. Build appropriate “camouflage” (or boundaries) from “predators” or those that can harm us. Have a support system (whether one person or multiple people) that you can rely upon to prevent (and during) times of stress. Develop consistency in your life – consistency does not mean structure, it means a sense of reliability and authenticity.

Hope you had a wonderful holiday weekend!
See you next week!

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan
email: info@susankimcoaching.com

Have you ever seen a real live glacier?
It’s an incredibly awe inspiring experience. To think that this is water flow from the Ice Age, is absolutely amazing! Seeing the glacier from the outside is beautiful - it looks like a river, frozen in time. But then when you travel further inside, you find cracks and crevices that are filled with stories and experience that reveal even more about the glacier’s “personality.” What a wealth of history trapped in the ice. If only the glacier could talk! What did it experience yesterday that effects how it is today?

Much like the glacier, oftentimes there is rich beauty, history and experience within people that we do not readily see. These stories are hidden behind a protective shell or perhaps takes time to be uncovered. When we make the effort to understand people’s history, their perspective, then WE grow, WE learn, WE are enriched. Doing so also strengthens bonds through better understanding and develops a relationship to a deeper level.

I can’t help but think about the benefits in business when we understand the story of our clients, our vendors, our colleagues. The knowledge not only brings a new insight in order to provide improved service, but it also naturally creates a deeper level of trust.

Relationships built on trust and understanding – whether in business or in personal life – certainly makes life easier. Isn’t that what we’re all looking for?

TAKE ACTION! TIP:
Just like the glacier, there is an abundance of beauty under the surface of each person we encounter. Take time to discover and understand the hidden stories behind the people in your life.
I would love to hear your stories about this.
Comment on this blog or write to me at info@susankimcoaching.com about support, encouragement and inspiration in YOUR life.

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Technorati Tags: perspectives, understanding, relationships, trust, glacier, hidden stories, history

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

Love is in the air. . . and I’m not referring to the heart shaped candy boxes or the long stem roses that we often see around this time of the year. The “love” I am thinking of is toward our neighbor, our friend, our family and our fellow human being.

This year is the 10th Anniversary of V-Day (www.vday.org), a global movement to end violence against women and girls that raises funds and awareness through benefit productions of Playwright/Founder Even Ensler’s award winning play “The ‘V’ Monologues.”

Two years ago I had the honor of being a cast member of the V-Day production on Maui, Hawaii. The experience opened my eyes not only to the terrible abuse toward women and girls that already exists in our world, but also showed me the love and support available to victims of violence. The performance united people of different race, religion and political association. Talk about non-partisanship! This year I am volunteering by helping with the production and fundraising for V-Day 2008 on Maui (www.vdaymaui.com). The magic is happening again. We have our public servants and administrators from both parties, contributing to the performance and reading for the event.

Two things I want to point out:
1. Throughout the violence and destruction that we often see and read about in the world today, know that at the same time there is also the birth of love and support that shows up just as strong, if not stronger.

2. A common purpose, that comes from love and support, can unite even the most steadfast opponents.

Silence empowers violence and creates victims.
Awareness and Action empowers victims to become Survivors.

Some ways you can Take Action!

1. Find a local event.
Visit http://events.vday.org/search.php to find an event near you.

2. Spread the word.
Share your local event with your family, friends and colleagues. Just by spreading the word, you can save a life and help support someone to survive. Also, participate in the “V to the Tenth” event on April 12th, 2008 in New Orleans.

3. Get the facts.
Violence is an issue that plagues all women and men in every part of the world. Here are some statistics about rape, incest, battery, FGM, sex slavery/trafficking. Also for more information, here is an Anti-Violence Resource Guide (http://www.feminist.com/antiviolence/).

4. Organize a V-Day event.
If you would like to host a V-Day event in your College, Community or High School, you can find out more and register here: http://v10.vday.org/take-action/organize-a-local-group

5. Get help.
If you are in need of immediate medical attenton or police assistance in the United States, dial 9-1-1 on your telephone.
If you or someone you know has experienced violence in the United States, call:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN): 800-656-HOPE (4673)
For assistance in other countries or to learn more, please visit the Anti-Violence Resource Guide (http://www.feminist.com/antiviolence/)

Wishing you Love and Happiness,
Susan?

Technorati Tags: VDay, Vagina Monologues, life coach on Maui, Hawaii events, stop violence

How do we open our hearts to appreciate the LOVE of the season without being overwhelmed and stressed by it at the same time?

This is a good question to think about regardless of the time of year. With clear purpose and intentions we can open our hearts and our lives to LOVE without being affected by some of the potential stressors of everyday.

Start by discovering what is most important to you. Once you identify that, it will help keep you focused for what you want in life. Holidays are often filled with activities that drain – think of the reason behind the activity and determine if it is important for your life.
ASK YOURSELF:
What are the things that drain you? Why are you doing it?
Sometimes it could be cultural, traditional or simply out of feeling obligation, but usually there is a reason why you are doing it. Reconnect with that purpose and consider what is important for you in your life right now.

Next, budget your time and money. Planning a little will help prevent overwhelm around these two areas. AND it will enable you to stay more focused on what is important instead of worrying or running around spinning your wheels.
TAKE ACTION:
Budgeting Time – When considering your schedule with family events, volunteer request, holiday parties, travel, business obligations, make your decisions based on the purpose and intention behind the event. Ask yourself: Why am I doing this? Why is this important?
Budgeting Money – Create a budget. It’s that simple. It will help keep your spending focused. Budget for regular expenses, donations, gifts, travel, entertainment, personal and miscellaneous. As you create your budget, think about what is absolutely important to you – again find the purpose and intention behind the spending. If you get caught in the midst of an “impulse” buy (which is easy to do during the holiday sales!) review your budget and consider what you could take off your list in exchange for this “impulsive” purchase. If it is important enough, the replacement will be easy; if it’s difficult, reconsider.

Finally, by taking care of your body, you also take care of your heart, mind and soul. How you feel physically will certainly affect your mindset and vice versa. Taking care of your body through WAG (see below), will enable you to love and fully appreciate because you won’t feel sluggish or sleepy. In fact, you’ll feel energized and happy with your body.
TAKE ACTION:
1. Drink Water
Water is so important to our diets. During the holidays amidst the glasses of eggnog, sodas and wine, water is forgotten. Not only will water re-hydrate and keep the bodily functions moving along, it also helps to fill the body with a non-caloric way to quench your thirst, helping to maintain a healthy diet (see Grazing).
2. Stay Active
Activity is easy to come by during the holidays, but often it’s the likes of going to parties, having drinks, going shopping, etc – not quite the exercise regimen of a healthy lifestyle. You may not have time for the gym, but you can still stay active and keep healthy. For example, park at the opposite end of the mall and walk briskly to your destination – that can be a good 10-20 minute event, depending on the mall. If you can do a full workout, GREAT! But if not, take the stairs, walk, incorporate activity where you can.
3. Graze
Grazing is pretty common during the holidays – food is omnipresent. It is the quantity and what we eat that throws us off balance (and maybe even gaining a pound or two). When grazing, it’s about reducing the size of each meal, not just eating more frequently, so cut your normal portion into half or thirds. Also, when choosing the foods to eat, start by eating a protein, second eat a vegetable, third drink water and finally allow yourself to indulge with a “goodie” if you like. By the time you eat the sugary goodness, at least you will have had some nutritious food AND you will be partially satiated.

The above are my strategies and suggestions. – if they sound good, try them. I encourage you to develop some healthy strategies for yourself.

Technorati Tags: holiday, budget, spending money, time management, activity, self care, season, love, being present

They say that “No man is an island,” and I would have to agree. Whether in business or in your personal life, relationships matter and have a large impact on your well being. As people, we were made to relate and be companions to each other, so when your relationships are confused and unhappy, our lives feel the same.

Relationships influence our body, mind and spirit. Do you notice that after a difficult phase in life your body feels tired, drained? Have you been caught in a moment of pure love for someone and felt the rush of energy? Is it hard to concentrate and focus when there is “drama” in your relationships - good or bad? Then you know what I mean.

Although relating is natural for us, sometimes our relationships are not quite where we want them to be or perhaps they are even hurting us. The best way to enhance your relationships is to improve your Self. Think about it, the common factor in all of your relationships is YOU!

Just like we have to exercise our muscles to be fit, we also have to “work out” our relationships to be healthy and strong.

Below are three Take Action! tips on how to “exercise” your relationships to strengthen and tone up.

#1. RELATIONSHIP SYSTEM
A relationship is a system that combines two individual systems - “You” and “Me” (the other person in the relationship), where each individual affects the outcome of the relationship. Given this model, think about how you are affecting the system. Each adjustment of your actions will somehow change the overall system.
Take Action! - Try it out. . .change your behavior just a little by tweaking something in your relationship. Start with something small. A good exercise to begin is to make a list of three columns:
Column #1: List the challenges/difficulties in your relationship.
Column #2: Write out the usual reaction/response when this situation occurs.
Column #3: Write out how you’re going to “tweak” it - give yourself some options to look at and then decide on one.

#2. RELATIONSHIPS START WITH YOU
The key to the “Relationship System” is that each individual is a separate whole person and is in integrity within themselves, not relying on or being dependent on the other. The relationship winds up being a natural and organic result of two people coming together to enhance the world of the other. Therefore, a healthy relationship starts with a healthy “You,” mentally, physically and spiritually.
Take Action! - Think about how you are contributing to the challenge you listed in #1. Also ask yourself honestly and with integrity, “What will it take for me to be complete?” Start taking care of your Self, giving to your Self and allowing your Self to LIVE. Not only will YOU feel great, but your relationships will improve in parallel!

#3. BOUNDARIES, NOT A MOAT
Relationships are about connecting with people, but boundaries enable us to protect ourselves from the potentially damaging affects of the world around us by discerning negative influences that surround us. Boundaries protect the individual from harm from the outside by letting the right people and behavior in, it does not serve to keep people out like a moat.
Take Action! - Top Three Steps to Building Boundaries:
1. Start Right Away -the sooner you start creating boundaries, the easier it becomes.
2. Be Clear - the better you can articulate your boundaries, the easier it is for others to understand and honor them.
3. Create Fair Boundaries - test your boundaries by asking if you would accept the boundary for someone else. If it is difficult to do, then ask yourself if it’s a fair boundary and adjust.

Technorati Tags: balance, relationships, boundaries, self care, personal development, action, accountability, couples

(Four Teleclass Sessions)

Would you like others to SELL for you?
Are you tired of constantly pounding the pavement looking for prospects and leads?

LEARN HOW TO BUILD A REFERRAL BUSINESS

Learn over 10 key steps to start building a referral business where you can leverage your current prospects and clients to work smarter, not harder.

Clients automatically come to YOU.

You will learn how to:

• Get the clients you want.
• Prepare a message that “closes”
• Feel comfortable networking and promoting yourself.
• Build strong relationships that result in business.
• Be one step ahead of your competitors
• Have others sell for you.

Make Business EASY for Yourself

“I learned how to ask for referrals. It was informative and very valuable” Jamie Griffiths, Home Express Loan

DETAILS:
Four Teleclass Sessions
Dates and Times To Be Announced

You will get:

• Four in-depth teleclass sessions
• A workbook download ($27 value)
• A complimentary subscription of the monthly Take Action! Newsletter
• Recordings of the teleclasses each week

For more information and to schedule a private class, contact Susan at
bizprep@susankimcoaching.com

Technorati Tags: referral, business, resources, profits, relationships, trust, building relationships, business development, networking, word of mouth, referral

(Four Session Teleclass)

If you think you have to go out and pound the pavement to look for prospects and keep networking . . .

You may already have a GOLDMINE OF CLIENTS just waiting.
The Key is to STAY CONNECTED AND KEEP IN TOUCH with the people you have already developed relationships with.

LEARN HOW TO “STAY IN THE GAME”

“. . . the content of the course was excellent. [Susan was] very well prepared and had a wonderful patient manner. . . What I felt was the most beneficial part for me was how encouraging [she was] . . Thank you so much!” Debra Lauderdale, Clincial Therapist and Coach

STOP STRUGGLING.

You will learn how to:

• Learn the importance of staying connected.
• Set up your own system.
• Develop strategies to automate your system.
• Start keeping in touch more regularly.
• How to make organizing your contact easier.
• Creating a system to stay in touch
  

Don’t let valuable contacts fall through the cracks!

DETAILS:
Four Session Teleclass:
CHECK “UPCOMING EVENTS” FOR SCHEDULED CLASSES OR CONTACT: bizprep@susankimcoaching.com

You will get:

• Four interactive teleclass sessions
• Detailed notes and excercises via download
• A complimentary subscription of the monthly Take Action! Newsletter
• Recordings of the teleclasses each week
• PLUS Access to fr*e*e valuable online resource to Stay In the Game and keep in touch.

For More Information, Contact: bizprep@susankimcoaching.com

Technorati Tags: Teleclass, Business, Strategies, Organization, Relationships, Profits, Resources

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

Have you noticed that:

It’s easier (or more comfortable) for most to send an email than pick up the phone.
Despite the overwhelming use of cell phones, it’s harder to actually reach someone.
A voicemail is now considered an acceptable form of communication.
Technology has made it almost acceptable to ignore the person you’re with, ie talking on a cell phone at lunch or text messaging someone during a meeting.

You get the idea, no one is actually talking to each other!
Today “talking” has been replaced with a string of emails or a game of phone tag.
And the worst thing about it is that, this method of communicating has become acceptable!

However, if you ask anyone, what are the most important things in life?
Most people will include relationships/companionship as one of the answers.

• Families want more time to spend with their loved ones.
• Friends rely on mutual support and understanding.
• Professionals are more likely to leave a job because of an interpersonal conflict and not feeling valued, rather than because of a specific project or task.
• Clients demand better customer service and overall value from a purchase.
• Businesses grow based on customer loyalty, so they invest resources to build that trust.

In order to foster the important relationships in our lives, it takes two vital ingredients: time and communication.

Most strong relationships are built on trust and consistency, both of which show up over time.
In addition, there is usually an understanding or a shared bond between the two parties, which can only be the result of true communication.

So when we take the time to communicate (the actual exchange of information both by talking and listening), we start to develop lasting relationships and it feels good for both parties involved.

Think of the last time you got a call from a friend who just called to say “hello,” how did it make you feel?

What if your boss took the time to ask about your weekend, and actually stopped to listen?
How would that help your productivity?

What if a company cared about your opinions enough to ask what you REALLY want?
Then what if that company created a product that was designed specifically for you?
Would you be a loyal customer?

How would you feel if you were on the giving end?
What if you are that friend? What if you are that boss? What if you are that company?
I’m guessing it would make you feel pretty good too.

Discovery Tip: Take Time To Communicate

For the next week, communicate with as many people as you can.
(1) Instead of sending an email, pick up the phone to chat.
(2) Ask a colleague about their weekend- and stop to really listen.
(3) Get feedback from a client regarding your product/services - what do they REALLY want?

Notice the reactions you are getting and any feelings associated with your communication.
Notice if it makes a difference with your relationships, both personally and professionally.
Notice how YOU feel.

Technorati Tags: Communication, Business Development, Relationships, Action