Technology used to benefit our self care can make a huge difference in how we organize and plan.

1 1/2 years ago when I changed from carrying a separate cell phone and palm pilot to ONE Palm Treo that served both for me, it was the best thing I could have done! I had always utilized various systems to help me organize - Franklin Covey, Day Planners, the Palm Pilot – but the Palm Treo helped me take it one step further and really helped me be more efficient throughout my week.

The fact that I have all my contacts in one place makes it easier to update/revise and/or access my contact information. It was cumbersome to maintain when I had three separate places for my contacts: my pda, my cell phone AND my contact software on my laptop. Now it’s all in once spot, saving me time, energy and sweat! With the extra time, I do a little more yoga or walk my dog.

TAKE ACTION! CHALLENGE:
Life does not have to be hard work. Instead of working hard to maintain technology, let technology work hard for you.
How can you improve your daily “system” to incorporate technology for you to enhance your life, to “upgrade” life?

Another example would be my coffee maker. I purposely bought a coffee maker with the brew timer. It’s easier for me to set up the coffee the night before and have fresh brewed coffee ready for me in the morning when I wake up! Now I just have to get someone to bring it to me in bed. . .

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Sometimes technology doesn’t serve us, no matter how bright and shiny the object might be. Sometimes we “upgrade” just for the sake of upgrading, which doesn’t always benefit us.

Made me really stop to think about some other things in my life that I do on “automatic” that does not serve me TODAY. For example:

• Membership renewals – some I don’t take full advantage of the membership.
• Cell phone package – I can find a better, more efficient minute plan based on my usage.
• Our recycling bins – we tend to save up more bottles before we drop them off (we don’t have local pick up), and our old system just doesn’t work any more.

It could also be “bigger” things, like financial planning. Usually we just plug in money to our retirement plans and forget about it. This is something that is also on automatic that may need a little “tweaking” TODAY – depending on your lifestyle and financial goals.

TAKE ACTION!
What other things in your life need a little tweaking?
Getting into “automatic” mode can be beneficial when we set up systems to make our lives easier. However, sometimes we get comfortable and continue along the same path, even if it doesn’t necessarily make sense any more. It’s always a good idea to periodically review and revise so that you keep what is relevant to your life TODAY – and discard those things that are not.

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!
At least for those of us who live in the United States and celebrate this holiday. Other than the freedoms and the patriotic feelings I get as a proud American, I also think of summer, sunshine, BBQ’s and VACATION!

Last year I wrote an article, “Get Lost - Vacationing with Intention“about the importance of intention and getting the most out of your vacation. I still consider this relevant and encourage you to check out that article to put you in the right mindset for your time off.

However, this month I’m going to focus on various vacation tips I want to share with you so you can prepare, plan and make your vacation as painless and pleasurable as possible.

In the coming weeks, you can learn about:
Tips to Finding a Pet Sitter
Tips to Save Money on Vacation
Tips to Inexpensive Activities

Come back throughout the month and visit to get the most recent Tips update.

Today, however, I’ll share how I prepare for my vacations. The first step for me is to create a checklist of: (1) what I need to do NOW, before I go, (2) what I want to do DURING the trip and (3) what needs to be taken care of while I’m away. This gives me an opportunity to organize my thoughts and even dream a little about my vacation.

(When I was planning for my New Zealand trip, it gave me a chance each evening to do a little online research about where I wanted to go and what I wanted to see. That was a fun process!)

TAKE ACTION TOOL!
Here are some steps to organize and prepare for your trip.
A. List out the To-Do’s that are on your mind and everything you need to plan your time.
B. Separate them into 4 categories:

(1) VACATION :
Things you want to do during your time away - sight-seeing, restaurants, tours, etc.
My recommendation is to keep the whole list, but prioritize the activities and make sure you plan your top #1 and #2 activities. In the long run, it will also help you on your vacation because you will have already decided what is important to you to do. Include your whole family on this exercise so you’re all on the same page.

(2) PACKING:
Everything that you ABSOLUTELY need on the trip.
Remember, most places that you’re traveling to will have things like shampoo and conditioner, which can add weight to your luggage (which you might have to pay for now!). My recommendation is to pack light, leaving extra room for things that you want to bring home, like souvenirs!

(3) HOME:
Things that need to be taken care of BEFORE you leave, like holding the mail, stopping the newspaper delivery, putting the sprinkler on a timer, etc.
The checklist is handy to keep for when you RETURN and want to resume service.

(4) WORK:
Things that need to be handled BEFORE you leave as well as preparing for project maintanence while you’re gone.
Most people prepare their work fairly well before a trip, but oftentimes will check voicemail or email while on vacation. As an added challenge, prepare as if you will be out of communication with the office for your entire trip. You might be amazed at how well you can prepare for your own absence. . . AND it will also give you a totally work free vacation - isn’t that what a vacation is about anyway?!?!

Organizing and listing thing out helps to plan and prepare so you can fully enjoy your time off. Also, it can help to keep you positive with a little vacation dream in sight each day.

Check back for more TIPS in the coming weeks.

Make Happiness Yours,
Susan

Technorati Tags: independence day, travel, vacation, tips, saving money

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

(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

Oftentimes when I sit out in the ocean to surf, I wait. Wait for the sets, wait for the right wave, wait my turn in the lineup. It certainly takes an element of patience out there - sometimes a LOT of patience. Business is a similar practice in patience, especially when we are “floating” in the sea of prospects.

Perhaps you meet someone at a networking event. There is a nice conversation and an exchange of business cards. You’re feeling good - you made a strong connection, you’re sure that this is certainly going to lead to a great business relationship. That evening, you decide to pop a quick email to follow up on your earlier discussion before you go to bed. In the morning you run to your computer in anticipation. You’re thinking the networking is going to pay off! You turn your computer on. . . no email. You hit “Get Mail” again, . . nothing. Your computer screen is silently staring you in the face, thinking, “Now what?” You feel a little let down, but you’re still pretty sure that you will soon get a response.

A day goes by. Nothing.

Two days go by. Nothing.

As each day goes on, you’re feeling more and more dejected. And then after about a week, you start thinking, “Should I call?” “Should I send another email? Maybe they didn’t get my first one.”

Certainly waiting in anticipation can be a true test of one’s patience. But it can also be frustrating and paralyzing to your business.

Business is a practice in patience. But once you master the art of patience, it pays off . . .

I have the pleasure of being the guest speaker at professional and community organizations, like Rotary club. A couple of years ago, after a Rotary meeting, I had a really great conversation with a woman who expressed interest in coaching. We exchanged business cards and she left the meeting telling me, “I’m definitely going to call you.” When I got home I followed up with an email. No response. . . In a couple of weeks I published my newsletter and thought she might like it, so I sent it to her. She didn’t respond. But a month later she wound up signing up for my newsletter. Then after that I didn’t hear from her for 1 whole year . . . when she called to hire me as her coach!

She told me later that I was always in the back of her mind, but she just didn’t get around to calling. BUT she said that she got my newsletters and always appreciated them and then one day it triggered something in her - which is when she called me.

In business, having a system of follow up promotes patience - you know you’re getting in front of your prospect and that they are being exposed to your message, so you don’t have to TRY so hard.

Practicing patience is instrumental in business.
Remember, business is a process - it takes time.
Hang back and wait for THE wave.
When the “wave of the day” comes your way, just ride it . .

With Aloha,
Susan

Technorati Tags: Business Process, Prospects, Networking, Business Resources, Staying In Touch, Patience

(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

“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

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