The Great Shift

I've seen it coming...maybe you have too. The shift in people's thinking. It's here.

If you follow the thought leaders you know the planet and it's inhabitants are in a state of choas. Chaos always occurs before great change, just like revolutions.

As we head into 2009, it's important to keep this shift growing. It's a positive, feminine shift towards creativity with less emphasis on competitiveness. In the past, we were raised to be competitive and you've seen it on the global front.

Instead of applying for a job and competing against people in the same city, we've had to go against people in other countries.

The competitive nature has worn us down and made us enemies of each other. We've kept our distance, felt disconnected and feared our neighbours.

People are tired of this and crave family and community. People want to work together for the good of others. More and more companies are forming joint ventures with each other. The time is here.

In 2009, focus on positive change, connecting with others, helping others in need and taking care of the earth. You'll see a focus on green businesses, community and friendships. The year ahead will be frought with challenge (we're feeling it now) but end with strength. Out of pain comes pleasure, out of challenges comes growth. We see it in nature, we see it in ourselves.

I wish you all the best this holiday season and look forward to positive change in 2009.

Lisa
www.escapethepace.com

Finally a topic that takes us away from the Economy!

Today's a very special day - U.S. Election Day. And even though I'm a Canadian, I find this election so interesting (although I think I've had enough) that I would sneak across the border just to vote. Ha!

Even though most people are exhausted from hearing about the election, there is one great thing about it - we don't have to hear about the economy! It's an escape and we all could use one now!

So, when you're feeling stressed at work, turn on the T.V. - this is better than a soap opera and costs less than going out to the movies!

Living Large When Your Pocketbook Isn’t

Tumbling stocks, world economic crisis – not exactly the words a person wants to hear. These words don’t exactly drum up feelings of living large – on the contrary they often spark the ‘lack’ feelings deep inside many of us.

So what’s a person to do when they’re inundated by negative news, experiencing major economic challenges and they still want to live large and enjoy life?

First, we need to start with a major mind shift from negative to positive. Sounds easy but when you try to do this, you’ll probably be met by the negative beliefs in your mind. After all, it’s hard to think really positive when people around you may be losing their homes or jobs.

It’s important to realize that life ebbs and flows, money ebbs and flows, the tides ebb and flow – everything in nature has an upside and downside. What does this mean to you? If you’re experiencing challenging times, it won’t last forever. Things will improve – especially if you take charge instead of feeling helpless.

Sometimes in order to get positive in your mind, you need to start with something really simple – be thankful for what you currently have right now in your life. This could be the fact that you can feed your family, you have a place to live or your health is relatively fine. Take baby steps if you’re feeling overwhelmed and not really in a thankful place.

Once you work on this way of thinking, you’ll want to practice it every morning when you first get out of bed. You might think: ‘I’m so grateful that my family is safe and healthy, I’m grateful that I’m still working, I’m grateful that I have good friends and support people in my life.

By now, most of you have heard of The Law of Attraction. Without getting into too much detail, the basic law is that: ‘Whatever you focus on, you attract.’ Therefore, focusing on debt will attract more debt because your mind isn’t looking for ways to get out of this situation – it’s focusing on what you have now.

If you want to live a large life, you need to add some beliefs to your current life to put you in alignment with what you want. How do you do this? Start with a few key rules listed below:

1. Treat Yourself: I can’t emphasize just how important this rule is. When you’re going through difficult times, often you ignore your needs and deal with the world around you. The result – you feel empty, stressed out and uninspired. You also don’t see the possibilities of positive change because you’re buried by present problems.

When you treat yourself to something you love, you feel empowered, believe you’re worth it and attract more opportunities.

If your pocketbook hasn’t caught up to your plans and you want to visit Hawaii but are unable to, don’t give up on treating yourself. Plan a 3 day excursion and make it fun. You can treat yourself without breaking the bank – buy a specialty coffee, see a movie, visit friends, take a spa day…

Here are some activities you can do if you can't afford a five star hotel and fancy champagne? Think rich but do it affordably. Here are some ways:

1. Book a spa treatment: once a month book a fancy treatment to show you deserve it.
2. Buy the best of a food: top quality champagne, fine steaks, lobster, and have one really great meal.
3. Take a day off: take a day and do something fun and frivolous just for you.
4. Book a vacation: escape the doldrums and have some fun. (you can book a budget holiday or a three-day weekend excursion)
5. Test drive a new car: Take a spin in a car you'd love, take a picture of yourself in it and imagine what it would take to make your dream car be in your life.
6. Magazines: subscribe or buy magazines that focus on things you desire. ex. a racecar, a horse, etc.
7. A Vision Board: get pictures, words and images that reflect what you want in your life. Cut and paste them to a board and study it every day.
8. People: Hang out with people who live large or focus on the positive aspects of life. There will always be challenges for everyone on the planet – the trick is to rise above these.

Remember: living large is about attitude, not the current financial situation. Don’t discount your thoughts to a better life – introduce small pieces into your current life so you’re thinking of abundance instead of lack. Get that bottle of Dom Perignon and split it with three friends – catch the spirit of growth and change.

'JUST DO IT ALREADY!'

So I've probably got your attention with my title - yes, get your mind out of the gutter...you're going along with that report, that new product launch, that new marketing strategy when it hits you - overwhelm, panic, frustration, empathy...

You've hit the wall literally and figuratively and find yourself 'stuck.' So...that report sits unfinished, the new product launch doesn't happen and your marketing strategy is a flop.

Recently, I had a coach say to me, "When do you plan to complete your Escape the Pace package?"

Dumbfounded I thought about it and couldn't answer. I've been working (no, rather - thinking about) a product for 2 years. Yes, that's right - two whole years!

What stopped me? The same thing that stops most of us entrepreneurs in our tracks - fear, indecisiveness, lack of a clear plan, lack of confidence, comparing ourselves to others, etc. The same 'inner game' that helps entrepreneurs can also work against us - we often get in our own way. I've had people say, "Business would be fine if it wasn't for me!"

So my coach yanked me out of this negative mindset and said, "Just do it already!"

Dan Kennedy, an online marketing maverick and expert mentions that 'money likes speed,' and that sometimes people have 'to put it out there and tweak it later.'

So, the next time you feel swamped, overwhelmed, or stuck, just make yourself do it, forget perfection and tweak it later.

Many clients tell me that once they launch something, it gives them more confidence and power and they tweak things according to the market. Sounds like a plan to me! I'll keep you posted on the Escape Program - coming very soon!

I'm publishing a GREAT article from my own personal coach, Shawn Driscoll of Succeed Coaching & Development. If you are faced with having to live or work with challenging people, you will appreciate this article.

Free Yourself from Negative Nelly and Billy Blamer:
3 easy and effective ways to deal with negative people
by Shawn Driscoll

You know them. Maybe you work with them, live with them, or hang out with them. Negative is an understatement. They complain, they vent, they criticize, they blame. And, you’re tired of dealing with them.

Negative Nelly prefers complaining to finding a solution. Quick with the “yeah, but’s” whenever a possible solution or new idea is offered, they suck the energy out of a room within seconds.

Venting Victor likes to swoop in, dump his frustration all over anyone who will listen, and then go on his merry way. Venting Victor needs an outlet for every minor annoyance, frustration and issue and if you’re his target, you’re left feeling dumped on.

Billy Blamer is constantly critical, demanding, berating and blames everyone and everything when things go wrong. These people don’t take responsibility; they deflect it. Billy Blamer’s create a negative, guilt ridden environment. It’s usually them against the world and you’re left holding the bag.

While the most effective strategy for dealing with some of these people is to eliminate them from your life, in many cases that’s just not doable. You can’t fire a coworker unless you’re the boss. You can’t, or don’t want to, cut off ties with your family. And so you’ve learned to put up with their negativity. But too much negativity can be toxic.

It drains you, frustrates you, and sometimes, it infects you. After being with Negative Nelly or Venting Victor, you find yourself going negative. You get sucked into their vortex and your usually positive outlook starts getting dark. With Billy Blamer, you walk away deflated, feeling as if you’ve let them down again.

You may wonder why they have to be this way and find yourself constantly wishing they were more positive, happy, or sensitive to others. The truth is, asking “why’ usually doesn’t change much. Unless the answer allows you to be more accepting—to come to love their negativity –knowing the ‘why’ doesn’t solve your problem. You need to know how to avoid the slippery slope of getting sucked in, frustrated, annoyed, and negative.

So what can you do to stop the downslide short of cutting them out of your life or being rude? Here are 3 proven strategies you can implement immediately.

1. The extinction strategy. Extinction simply means stop meeting their needs. Once their needs aren’t being met by you, they’ll move on to other ways of getting their needs met.

What attracts negative people to you is that you give them what they want or need. Not intentionally, of course. In fact, you are probably trying to be kind, patient, and friendly. But, the truth is, if they weren’t getting some need met by spewing their negativity all over you, they wouldn’t be doing it. Negative people need one of two things from you. They are either looking for someone to commiserate with or they want someone who will provide lots of cheerleading. Commiserating gives them affirmation. ‘You can do it’ support gives them energy (by taking it from you).

Become a no whining zone. How? Simply refuse to engage. If you’ve been caught up in the “ain’t it awful’s”, it’s time to stop. If you’ve been relentlessly cheerleading, stop. Have a simple phrase that you can repeat, in a ‘charge neutral’ tone (without anger, frustration, or reaction; as if you were saying something as simple as ‘the sky is blue’), such as “isn’t that interesting”. Say nothing more, nothing less. After hearing that (and nothing else) 3 times, they’ll start to get the hint that you’re not going there with them.

2. Set limits. You can’t afford to spend 20, 30 or more minutes listening to someone rattle on about everything that’s wrong in the world. It’s far too costly to your peace of mind and productivity. With Billy Blamers, you need a zero tolerance policy. Get to a place where you simply won’t tolerate the rant (abuse). With Negative Nelly’s or Venting Victor’s, set a time limit and stick to it--somewhere between 3 to 7 minutes, max.

Once Negative Nelly or Venting Victor has hit the three minute mark, cut off the conversation. If you’re at work, say something like “I really have to get back to my project now.” If they continue (they will), be ready to get stronger. Stand up, create more space between you, and begin to move away. Say “I’m going to get back to work now”. It can be easier on the phone. Make your “I’ve got to go” statement, and insist on hanging up within the minute.

3. Be unconditionally constructive. You may have tried being positive, but positive doesn’t work. When you’re positive, you are trying to build the other person up (a form of cheerleading). This can be very draining because you are trying to move someone from extreme negativity to extreme satisfaction or happiness. That’s like pushing a large rock uphill. Alternatively, when you’re unconditionally constructive, you’re helping the other person build something for themselves.

Instead of saying “You can do it! Here’s what I think you should do….” you could say “I’d really like to hear how you solve that.” Or, instead of saying “I’m really tired of hearing your criticisms all the time” you could say “I’d enjoy hearing your ideas about what would work.” By consistently doing this, you can teach the person that you will only engage with them when they are unconditionally constructive too. You only have room in your life for people willing to bring solutions, ideas and energy.


These strategies can and do work as long as you are consistent and clear. If you waiver, the negative people in your life will sense the opening and pounce. You have to stick with it. Expect that they will test you. You will likely see an escalation of the negativity, drama, venting, or blaming at first. This is when holding strong to your time limits, charge neutral tone and higher standards is a MUST. Once you’ve passed the test, usually after 3-5 incidents, you’ll see dramatic change.

Billy Blamer or Negative Nellie will move on to other sources of energy. Venting Vicky will vent less, or seek out a new dumping ground. And you’ll feel lighter and more energetic. Most importantly, you will start to attract people just like you—unconditionally constructive, with healthy limits, and a passion for what’s possible.

Today I Will Make A Difference
by Max Lucado, author of: From on the Anvil



I found this in my email box and printed out a copy. This could be the most important little printout you have. Place it where you can see it every day. Enjoy!

Today I will make a difference. I will begin by controlling my thoughts. A person is the product of their thoughts. I want to be happy and hopeful. Therefore, I will have thoughts that are happy and hopeful. I refuse to be victimized by my circumstances. I will not let petty inconveniences such as stoplights, long lines, and traffic jams be my masters. I will avoid negativism and gossip. Optimism will be my companion, and victory will be my hallmark. Today I will make a difference.

I will be grateful for the twenty-four hours that are before me. Time is a precious commodity. I refuse to allow what little time I have to be contaminated by self-pity, anxiety, or boredom. I will face this day with the joy of a child and the courage of a giant. I will drink each minute as though it is my last. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. While it is here, I will use it for loving and giving. Today I will make a difference.

I will not let past failures haunt me. Even though my life is scarred with mistakes, I refuse to rummage through my trash heap of failures. I will admit them. I will correct them. I will press on. Victoriously. No failure is fatal. It's OK to stumble - I will get up. It's OK to fail - I will rise again. Today I will make a difference.

I will spend time with those I love. My spouse, my children, my family. A man can own the world but be poor for the lack of love. A man can own nothing and yet be wealthy in relationships. Today I will spend at least five minutes with the significant people in my world. Five quality minutes of talking or hugging or thanking or listening. Five undiluted minutes with my mate, children, and friends.
Today I will make a difference.

I think this says it all - I have no more useful words to add to this.
Max Lucado
From On The Anvil

The Learning Curve

Are you in a state of overwhelm because of all the new things you must learn? Did your company install yet another software program you need to learn pronto? Do you have a stack of emails to answer, new systems to learn and put in place?

It's easy to feel stressed as we get barraged by a sea of information and learning another thing can make you want to scream. There's also that temptation to quit learning something because it's too daunting or takes too long to comprehend.

It's key to remember certain rules when learning new.

Rule #1: Everything new looks exciting and filled with possibilites when you first learn - this is the way it should be so you want to keep learning.

Rule #2: Expect a slow down period or backstepping. As you assimilate more information, you may forget things, get confused or feel like you can't remember another thing. This is normal.

Rule #3: Apathy and frustration may hit you - this is a test. If you're truly committed to learning a new skill, you'll see this as an opportunity. You may want to 'throw in the towel,' and forget learning something new. However, if you're smart, you'll either get help or push through the pain.

Rule #4: You're past the plateau: This is a powerful place to be as rule #3 is where most people quit. If you make it to this point, your skills get stronger and your confidence level grows.

Rule #5: You're in the 'zone.' If you learn the material and feel confident and deliver it well, you're on the road to becoming a master.

I am learning to play guitar and have been taking half hour lessons for 7 months. I remember being excited about learning in the beginning, feeling apathy at about month 4 (and wanting to quit because everything I learned seemed to be forgotten and the more I learned, the less I knew) I asked my teacher how long people stayed with him and he said it was four months and then they quit.

I didn't want to be a statistic and wanted to 'master' an instrument although I know a lifetime of playing guitar wouldn't necessarily make me an expert. No, I wouldn't be quitting my day job and hitting the road, but I wanted to be able to hear a song, pick up my guitar and play along. To me, it's worth pushing past the plateau.

Lisa Rickwood 'Business Stress Buster'

Why No News is Good News - Why a Media Fast is Beneficial

Lately, every time I turn on the news, the big "R" (recession) is mentioned. I have a theory about this - the news helps to create a big "R." People watch the news, dwell on it and then get scared. Once they're scared, the beliefs take over and then they watch their actions - cut back on their spending, run around with a fear mentality and then the economy does slow down.

The news is also frustrating because over 95% of it is about things you can't do anything about.

Finally, if you watch the news a lot, you lose a lot of time you could spend doing other things - things that might make you feel happier, not more stressed out.

A media fast is good when you're feeling overwhelmed, want more time in your day, want to ignore negativity, etc. Because so many people get caught up in the news, you'll always know what's happening whether you immerse yourself in it or not.

Here's the benefits to a media fast:

1. Time: You can claim up to two hours a day when you bypass news for a day
2. Attitude: You'll be more positive as you won't dwell on the 95% of news that's negative
3. Control: You'll have more control because you can pick and choose what you want in your life
4. Productivity: You'll be more productive and inspired because you won't have your energy scattered dwelling on the news.

While you can still watch the news, the secret is to curb the time to minimize overwhelm.

Do You Suffer from 'Guru Syndrome?'
By Lisa Rickwood, BFA, CTACC

You know you're buying too many online programs when you open the door to your office cabinet and a huge information marketing binder falls on your head. (That really happened to me)

I'm not sure when it first started - it was one of those silent, deadly things that kind of creeps up on you...

You see an online Internet guru promising you can have 'passive revenue' by setting up your products and then the money will come flowing to you. You click on the link, buy the product, wait for it, try it and then it becomes 'shelf help.'

A couple weeks later, another online guru has a great product and once again, you get sucked in.

It happened to me and I'm not saying the online products I bought were bad. On the contrary, they were the best of the best - very well produced and informative. The problem was not the products, the issue was my undiagnosed 'guru addiction.' I wanted to be connected to every great guru on the Internet. And, I couldn't get enough of the 'next great product.'

The year, 2007, became my 'Information Marketing Junkie year.' I just couldn't stop ordering classes and programs and because I love learning, the gurus got me 'hooked.' At the end of the year, I felt frustrated, broke and 'jaded.' Yes, I learned a lot and put much to practice but I was spending so much time reading Internet Marketing emails and wasn't spending enough time with my own company.

If you suspect you may suffer from this affliction, study these warning signs of 'guru syndrome addiction.'

1. You belong to more online marketing lists than you care to admit.

2. You have so many free Tele-classes and audios to listen to that you've forgotten where they are on your computer or bookshelf.

3. Every time a new product or course gets promoted online, you have to tie your hands behind your back to keep from whipping out your credit card.

4. You feel your body quiver as you try to talk yourself out of buying another program.

5. You have so many products on your shelves, you're not even sure if you've listened and read all the information.

6. You spend so much time watching other people's programs and classes that you haven't created your own.

7. You doubt your own skills and potential because you study every guru out there and then compare yourself to them.

If you recognize yourself in this article (I'm a recovering guru addict), you may benefit from taking a media fast and automatically taking yourself off lists that you don't really read. You might also want to put a limit on how many programs you buy. Instead of whipping out the card, give yourself 24 or 48 hours before you buy the system. You may find that you have a similar system in the cupboard that you bought last month. (This happened to me)

When you simplify your information overload, the clutter will diminish, you'll feel more focused and you'll have confidence in what you do. A little guru worship is okay - just be reasonable.

Lisa Rickwood,"Business Stress Buster," is a business coach, visual artist and author of Escape The Pace: 100 Fun And Easy Ways To Slow Down And Enjoy Your Life and co-author of Power & Soul: 42 Successful Entrepreneurs Share their Secrets for Creating the Business and Life of Their Dreams. She helps business owners ‘master stress for professional and personal success.’ Get your FREE e-book, 5 Critical Actions That Hurt Your Business and Add Stress to Your Life…and How to Escape Them by visiting: http://www.escapethepace.com

There's No Such Thing as a Balanced Life

If you're a coach, a business person, a busy person, an overwhelmed person, you're probably seeking what the 'experts' call - balance.

While this sounds great, it's an unrealistic term that sets you up for failure.

I know I'll probably get a lot of heat from people out there (and especially coaches) because I should know better as I'm a coach, but I'm tired of hearing the word balance. Frankly, we use it too much and it only makes us feel worse about our lives.

Here are the fallacies with using the word:

1. What does balance mean to you? Here's where the first problem starts. Everyone's idea of balance is different, therefore a guru telling you what looks 'normal' in your life has no idea. They may work 60 hours a week and feel healthy, happy and secure. You may work 40 and think you're working too much because you have another job and six children.

2. Nothing in life is static: It's impossible to have a total balance in your life. Just when your finances are improving, your relationship with your significant other may be going through a challenge. You may have one area of your life shine, and another area needs work. As a coach, I work on all areas to improve them and while most areas may be great, life happens.

You may have everything appearing to be in balance and then you get laid off at work. Your finances, career, relationships may be great and then your father passes away. There is no permanent balance - life is constantly growing and changing. In fact, the universe is still continuing to expand.

Life is like that - unpredicatable, uncontrollable...all you can do is control your beliefs and actions.

3. Being caught up in the word 'balance' can make you feel depressed, frustrated and downright miserable. As mentioned earlier, there will always be one area of your life that's weaker than the rest - if only for a short time. This word should only be used to mention credits and debits, scales, what's left of something or a weighing device.

4. Use a different word for your life: Instead of balance, you should be focusing on a word that mentions how you are constantly changing and growing to create the life and world you desire.

5. Be more accepting of life: We spend a lot of time fighting and complaining about our situation in life. In Buddhism, the teachings talk about accepting and making peace with your life, no matter how good or bad. This isn't easy, but a softer heart and lack of cynicism will make your life more enjoyable and you will have a chance to positively affect the lives of others.

6. It's about prioritizing: Forget balance, life is a smorgasboard of choices. It's about what you decide to believe in, who you hang out with, what you do for work, how you spend your time. If you're not sure what your priorities are, simply open your calendar and study the time and activities that fill your book. Is your time spent shopping, being with family, working, playing, creating, loving, making a difference?

As a last note to help you in 2008, skip the word balance, and go for passion!

Lisa Rickwood, "Small Biz Stress Buster," is a small business coach, visual artist and author of Escape The Pace: 100 Fun And Easy Ways To Slow Down And Enjoy Your Life and co-author of Power & Soul: 42 Successful Entrepreneurs Share their Secrets for Creating the Business and Life of Their Dreams. She helps small business owners ‘master stress for professional and personal success.’ Get your FREE e-book, 5 Critical Actions That Hurt Your Business and Add Stress to Your Life…and How to Escape Them by visiting: http://www.escapethepace.com

Why New Year's Resolutions Fail and How to Avoid Failure

Quick - did you make New Year's Resolutions for 2007? Did most of your goals come true? If not, you're not alone.

If you've ever planned to quit smoking, lose weight, make more money, be a better person...you may have failed because you didn't know the rules.

If you want this year to be different, you must know the secrets to goal success. Here are some rules to get you started:

1. Clear, timed, defined goals: You need to write down your goals on paper, have a date when you know you'll reach the goal and the goal should point to your larger life vision. Build a contingency plan into your goals so that if you don't receive your goals exactly on time or exactly as you planned, you allow for it.

2. Life Vision: All your goals/resolutions should fit into your larger life picture. What is your picture? It's how you imagine spending your days, how will you work, travel, help others, how much money will you have, how healthy will you be, etc. You need to know how you want to live so you know if the small goals fit into the larger picture. You'll save time, money and eliminate stress.

3. Passion: If you don't have passion (deep feelings) you will not recieve your goals. For example, if you want to lose 10 pounds because you think you look "heavy" but you're not passionate about losing the weight, you won't lose it. You have to feel yourself putting on your "skinny" jeans, slipping into that skimpy bathing suit, etc.

4. With passion is pain: In order to grow and stretch, you must feel pain to initially move ahead. For example, if you're working at a dead-end job, you must feel the pain of that job and be inspired enough to take a risk and make changes. There must be enough pain to push you to passion to get out of your comfort zone to make changes.

5. Let go of your comfort zone: If you want to grow at all, there will be pain, fear, doubt - get used it, it's all part of growing. Ever hear of growing pains? Little children get these pains in their legs when their bones grow quickly. It happened to my six foot, 14 year-old who's still growing. He's okay with it though - no one picks on him in High School.

6. Receive the Goal: People have this idea that they they will achieve the goal, but you receive the goal or resolution. When you have planned, had passion, and followed through, you receive the goal. Be sure it's what you want when you get it. (If you did your pre-planning, this won't be a problem)

7. Set another goal before your last ones are done: People always ask me how to fil the emptiness once they've received their goal. The secret is this: have another goal set up before your complete this current one; this way you can slide into the next thing without the 'lull."

8. Celebrate your success: We often move from one thing to another and don't take enough time to celebrate our successes. Take the time - you'll feel complete and happy.

9. Have a coach, a mentor, belong to a network or mastermind group: If you study the most successful people, you will find they have mentors,coaches and networks. Instead of slowly climbing the success ladder, you can use the skills and talents of others and avoid frustration and spending too much time and money. You literally 'leap-frog' above your competition. Doesn't this make more sense than trying to 'do it all alone?'

Experts suggest many things when setting resolutions and goals. These are just a few key secrets to help you get started. Happy 2008.


Lisa Rickwood, "Small Biz Stress Buster," is a small business coach, visual artist and author of Escape The Pace: 100 Fun And Easy Ways To Slow Down And Enjoy Your Life and co-author of Power & Soul: 42 Successful Entrepreneurs Share their Secrets for Creating the Business and Life of Their Dreams. She helps small business owners ‘master stress for professional and personal success.’ Get your FREE e-book, 5 Critical Actions That Hurt Your Business and Add Stress to Your Life…and How to Escape Them by visiting: http://www.escapethepace.com/