| |
| |
|
WebsiteAlways |
|
Skills for Change
The name of the game is CHANGE -- that's true at work, and it's also true in life. In both situations there are FOUR skills you can trust: 1. LISTEN TO YOURSELF. Try to trust your intuitive judgement. Often, this displays itself as the very first thought you have in a given situation. Another suggestion here is to use a small notebook to record your thoughts and ideas, how you're feeling at any moment, and any new thought about a plan or a purpose. 2. FOCUS ON ONE -- OR A FEW -- ACTIONS AT A TIME; PRIORITIZE. Success, as change, occurs as a series of small steps. You don't have to tackle everything at once, just as you don't have to eat a whole meal in a single gulp. Take it easy. Think, "One thing at a time," then act on each thought, complete each action before going on to the next. 3. GIVE YOURSELF TIME. Science has shown that it takes many repetitions to establish a new pattern in humans...it takes about 21 days to establish a habit (or extinguish one). Be patient with yourself. 4. REVIEW ACTION IDEAS DAILY. Make a TO DO list every day (or every evening for the next day, or every Friday for Monday). Keep your action list out in the open, where you can see it, edit it, check off completed items, etc. And be aware of STRESS and how it affects you. Change on the outside usually produces some signals, symptoms or signs on the inside. Let's look now at THREE CATEGORIES in which you'll receive signals -- stress warnings - that you should pay attention to. - Physical signals - may include headaches, rashes, feelings of exhaustion, stomach upset, minor pains and aches, and so on. - Mental signals - negative thoughts, confusion, inability to concentrate, reduced productivity, sleeplessness, or forgetfulness. - Emotional signals - anxiety, fear, feelings of frustration, depression, withdrawal, feelings of helplessness or powerlessness. Which of these signals might you be feeling these days? Pay attention to them. Perhaps it would help to write them down, get them outside of yourself so you can see them more clearly. To repeat: What's going on physically? What's going on mentally? What's going on emotionally? Next, let's look at some of the things you can do to counteract the feelings that come up in changing times. There are four major categories of action from which you can get some relief from the stress responses to change. 1. DIET. Eat at least three meals a day and drink lots of water (remember that coffee, tea, and colas don't count as waterBalance your intake of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Maintain low-fat, low-sugar intake. Restrict alcohol use. If this information is new to you, or if you don't understand some of the basic principles of nutrition, seek out professional advice from your doctor, then perhaps enroll in a structured weight control program (Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig, and so forth). This course of action is particularly advisable if you are chronically overweight, underweight or if your weight varies widely and/or quickly. 2. REST. It's more than just a good night's sleep. Arrange for some quiet time each day -- read, meditate, listen to music, or look at art. Refrain from eating late at night, and try doing relaxation exercises before bedtime. 3. EXERCISE. Walking is good...can you do it daily? Work out aerobically at least three time a week for at least 20 minutes at a time; participate in a game or sport, if you can, on a regular basis...by the way, bowling counts! 4. RECHARGING. Schedule regular time with family, friends. Don't talk about work or other problems, just enjoy their company. Establish, revise, review and record personal and professional goals. Meditation is productive here, as is yoga (for some), prayer (for others) or hand-oriented hobbies such as model building, whittling or playing a musical instrument. Also, take a few moments once or twice a week to assess what you've accomplished during the interval since your last assessment. You may be pleasantly surprised at just how much you've accomplished. Copyright 2002, 2005 Optimum Performance Associates/Paul McNeese. Paul McNeese is CEO of Optimum Performance Associates, a consulting firm specializing in transitional and transformational change for individuals and institutions through publication. His publishing company, OPA Publishing, is an advocacy for self-publishing authors of informational, instructional, inspirational and insightful nonfiction. Email: pmcneese@opapublishing.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Coaching - Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
The Harvest: Shared Power The fall harvest comes upon us once a year. The farmers collect the sometimes-scant rewards of their heroic efforts begun months before. The Magic of Hearing I'm working on a coach training certification, and one of the "proficiencies" I'm expected to have mastered is "engages in provocative conversations." Now, that really got me thinking. A Beginner To Beginners You may be just starting, or contemplating, your first online business. Or, just like me, you may be trying out yet another online business scheme. Use a Journal for Self-Discovery and Self-Expression As a therapist, I often suggest to clients that they explore their feelings and thoughts by keeping a journal. Sometimes clients ask for a bit of direction with this process. Finding Peace: A Taste of Mindfulness When we are ill and don't know it, we are in a state of ignorance or delusion. We don't view ourselves as sick, so we don't believe it's necessary to go to a doctor or take any medication. Good Communication is Easy - Isn't It? My name is Steve Brummet and my business is to speak to businesses, teams, schools, churches, non profit organizations and just people about improving their communication skills. Most communication experts agree that good communication starts with understanding. Theres Gold in that Silence Can you recall a time where you utilized silence to make a point? If you can consciously recall, you probably know your silence made more than just a point; it made an exclamation point .. Transform Your Image And Accelerate Your Success Being a lifelong student, I am regularly attending seminars etc. to become the best I can be in all areas of my life. Truth About Life Coaching School Accreditation With life coaching becoming "the" career choice in this millennium, many of you are seeking the right choice for training and certification. Hopefully this article will answer some of your questions. How to Control Your Anger: Retreat and Think Things Over How to Control Your Anger: Retreat and Think Things OverJim and Mary Jones loved each other deeply, but often went into horrific verbal battles over any number of issues. They would argue and yell for hours, often into the night, leaving both of them exhausted, emotionally disconnected, hurt and resentful toward each other. Life Coach, Counsellor, or Therapist; - How do I choose? Life coaching has become fashionable in recent years and there seems to be a big demand for what they offer. Counselling and many forms of therapy are also on offer, these may have been around for many years and have advantages to offer clients. Coaching - An Adapting Tool For Attaining Fulfillment In The Global Economy At a time when the global economy is bringing innovation, new ideas and new opportunities into the marketplace, outsourcing and the elimination of white-collar jobs has left many of us feeling anxious and insecure about the future. It is increasingly apparent that the American Worker can no longer look to the corporation for a sense of security, place, benefits or loyalty. Not Blind, Just No Vision Helen Keller once remarked that there was one thing she knew of that was worse than being blind; it was to be able to see but have no vision.In case you do not know the story of Helen Keller, she was less than two years old when she suddenly came down with a fever that left her unconscious. Grow Through It It's past bedtime for most working men. It's not unbearably late and I have no appointments tomorrow morning so I sit here and contemplate. 3 Easy Steps to Low Stress Communication Life is all about choices. And so is the way you communicate. Where to Begin? January is the king of months for those looking to make new beginnings. After the reflections and indulgences of December, the excitement of a new year unfolding brings contemplation of better days ahead. Dare To Be Inconsistent, Lopsided, And Totally Courageous I was talking to one of my coaching clients and she was talking about not being able to stay with a meditation practice, so she gave up meditating altogether. "I'm either gung ho all the way or I don't show up at all," she said in disgust. Life On The Receiving End Of Coaching What is it like to be on the receiving end of mentoring to improve your performance in pocket billiards and at the same time, participate in life changing coaching?You are the reason for all of the things you are going through. Once you accept that, you are then ready to make the changes that will take you to the next level and far beyond. The Right Time and Place (Channelled)Roy?I am sending you this quote from Sōtō Zen, Dōgen's Shōbōgenzō Zuimonki, please read it.Once someone advised Dōgen to go to Easter Japan if he wanted to see Buddhism prosper. 4 Quick, Easy Ways to Say No to People Who Take You for Granted No matter how wonderful you are sometimes other people will try to take advantage of your good nature. They will push you, get you to do more than your fair share and keep asking you to do even more.
|
| Interesting articles | Home | site map | Link |
| © 2006 |
