Friday Procrastination Update

Okay, folks - we are getting there! I have now started the final exam and so far, it is going swimmingly. Open book exams are a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I have more or less unlimited time and resources. On the other hand, my inner perfectionist (nicknamed Sheila) rears her ugly head and insists I could write the whole thing in some better way. So my mission today has been to put Sheila at bay, and forge ahead. I have also treated myself to a piping hot take away coffee for all of the work I have accomplished so far.

Procrastination Tip #2:

Reward yourself as you tick things off your list. It makes the experience more pleasant and gives you an incentive to complete your work more quickly.

Be happy. Be healthy. Be whole.

Womankind.

Tuesday Procrastination Update

It is Tuesday and I am wrapping up for the night. My coaching model is complete and I am 3/4 of the way finished with my power tool paper. I still have my final exam and research paper to complete. I am learning that I am shattered at the end of the day, so morning is a better time for me to get things done. Breaking the work down into smaller pieces has also proved to be helpful.

How is your procrastination progress going?

Procrastination tip #1:

Whatever you are dreading, do it first. Knock it off your list early in the day and enjoy the relief of a challenging task completed.

Be happy. Be healthy. Be whole.

Womankind.

Procrastination - a state we've all experienced at some point in our lives. You know the feeling - something needs to be done, but you just can't bring yourself to act. We also tend to have a million and one reasons why we can't complete the task quite yet. I don't have time, I don't have money, I don't like to... All this stalling leads to just that - stalling. So how do you get back into gear?

1. Identify the cause

• What keeps you from completing the task?
• Does it seem unpleasant?
• Does it look to big to handle?
• Are you unsure where to start?
• Are you afraid to fail?

2. Set realistic goals

• What are the steps towards the end goal?
• What is a reasonable time frame to complete this project?

3. Plan your time

• When will you complete each step?
• What kind of environment do you need to get things done?

4. Stay motivated

• Who can help keep you accountable?
• What will the pay off be for completing this project?
• How will you reward yourself once the goal is accomplished?

This week, I invite you to explore the theme of procrastination with me as I work towards completing my International Coach Academy graduation requirements! There's only one month until all the paperwork is due, so it's definitely time to kick it into high gear.

Be happy. Be healthy. Be whole.

Womankind.

You know, one of the best things about becoming a coach is developing your own self awareness. This morning I received some disappointing news and believe me, I was ready to hang a banner, bake myself a cake and throw myself a proper pity party. Before I got too carried away, my inner coach told me to slow down and detach from the situation.

I asked myself:
1. What can I learn from this experience?
2. How can I apply these lessons?
3. How is this situation an opportunity and a blessing?

The questions helped my view things from a different perspective and gave me new sense of possibility. Try them out the next time you feel discouraged.

Be happy. Be healthy. Be whole.

Womankind.

Weekend rest

After a week of feeling a little off, Dave and I escaped the concrete of the city for a spur of the moment trip down the south coast of New South Wales. Our strategy consisted of get a car, stay at a hostel, soak up sun, eat good food. Now if that isn't a plan for success, I don't know what is!

Here are a few pictures of our trip:

Be happy. Be healthy. Be whole.

Womankind.

Me

Anita Roddick

Dame Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, died this morning of a major brain hemorrhage. I recently read her book Body and Soul: Profits with Principles and was deeply inspired by her passion, guts and ability to connect with everyone from customers to the tribe members of the Amazon who helped produce some of the company's products. Not only is she an outstanding role model for women entrepreneurs, but an example to us all of how to walk the talk. She followed her instincts and always focused on how her business could contribute to the greater good. I am thankful to have discovered her amazing story and I encourage you to do the same.

Be happy. Be healthy. Be whole.

Womankind.