Too many times when I’ve asked my private clients what they do to recharge I get response like: “I don’t have time”; “I occasionally go for a walk or read a few pages of a book”, or “I used to…”. Many can’t remember what their hobby used to be let alone actively participate in one at the moment.

Take this quiz to find out how much energy you’re putting towards yourself and your goals, and if you’re Overwhelmed or Overjoyed. Give yourself one point for each question that is true for you:

1. I am frustrated and overwhelmed trying to reach the next level of professional growth because I’m not sure what to do next.

2. I struggle with trying to identify priorities, manage my time, and get “unstuck” so I can reach extraordinary results

3. Worries, fears and limiting beliefs keep me from making the progress I desire

4. It’s difficult to find time to devote to myself and my goals because I’m caring for everyone else

5. I’m unsure of the specific purpose and path for my life

6. I have a powerful vision for where I want to be but feel it is just beyond my grasp

7. Greater balance between home and work is really needed

8.  I’m unable to take consistent and persistent action to achieve my top goals

9.  I struggle to set inspiring goals for myself or business and get them done

10. I have achieved what I wanted in my career but feel something is missing

11. There never seems to be as much time as I’d like for family & friends

12. I just wish I could get it all done without the guilt

Scoring Key:

1 – 3: You’ve likely got great balance, much joy in your life, and a plan to achieve your goals that is working for you. If you’d like to raise the bar in an area of your life or accomplish your goals more quickly and efficiently, contact me to see if coaching is a tool that can help you.

4 – 6: You might feel overwhelmed and scattered, unable to make the progress you desire. My coaching can provide you with the focus, motivation and accountability needed to form new behaviors for increasing joy in your personal life and greater professional success.

7 or more: Trying to be Superwoman has left you feeling depleted and unfulfilled. There are likely several areas of your personal and professional life that need fortifying. Working through my 7-step Guilt-Free Results System™ will help you reclaim time for yourself, accomplish your big goals, and find a joyful, more meaningful path.

Your Guilt-Free Challenge:

I get it, I really do! I too am a hard-working business owner, a mother, wife, sister, daughter, in-law, volunteer at my church, board member, etc. I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to squeeze everything in much less take time for yourself, but I’m also here to encourage you to do it anyway.

If you’re looking for help resetting some priorities and overcoming any guilt around caring for yourself so you can be at your best for everyone else you’re caring for, consider being part of this upcoming call:

Are selfcare and balance really possible?
February 7th | 11:00 am CST / 12:00 pm EST

All too often selfcare is relegated to the bottom of our to-do lists and balance seems an illusive dream. During this we will cover Step 1 of my Guilt-Free RESULTS process, Reset Your Priorities. Much of the information is designed to assist you in giving yourself the permission needed to begin resetting your priorities in order to accomplish the big goals that are important to you.

You’ll also receive an assessment tool, 3 steps to guilt-free No’s, and a desired vision worksheet.

These calls are ONLY for Guilt-Free RESULTS Action Group members. Not a member? Join now to be part of this call as well as 50+ hours of audio training calls,40 handouts, checklists, and exercises to help you implement what you are learning and more.

“I’ll start my diet… tomorrow.”
“I’ll make those calls… on Monday.”
“I’ll go exercise… later.”

What is the problem? It’s simple: Procrastination.

Somehow doing what you know you need to becomes less appealing than doing what you’re doing right now – watching TV, reading blogs, or reading the sports page. Your dreams and goals disappear, and all you can think about is what’s next on the DVR or the record of your favorite NFL team.

There are ways to get yourself going, though. Let’s get started by evaluating your goal:

Evaluating Your Goal

You know you want to increase your marketing, find a new client, or declutter your house. But somehow, you’re not getting around to it. The first place to start is with your goal. Sometimes procrastination occurs because your goal simply isn’t clear enough. To have an effective, motivating goal, you need to know precisely what you’re heading for.

Decluttering your house is too broad; to make it motivating, try breaking it down more specifically. Measurable is helpful, too. Getting rid of 50 books, clearing out all clothes that the kids haven’t worn in six months, reducing the number of DVDs the family has so they all fit on a single shelf… these are motivating goals! They give you something to aim for.

Another common problem with goals is not setting a deadline. Which is more likely to get your rear in gear: Losing weight in order to attend your high school reunion in three months, or losing weight… someday? As I often tell my clients, a goal without a date is just a wish. Even self-imposed deadlines can be effective, so don’t set a goal without setting a deadline.

Many goal-setters set a goal that is too ambitious (“Create an entire website by next month”) or not enough of a stretch (“Ask one person about job openings at her company this month.”). The best goals lie somewhere in the middle. They’re large enough to require some serious effort, but realistic enough that you have a good chance of achieving them.

Effective goals need to be reviewed regularly, too. Just writing them down on an index card on January 1 and sticking them in the back of your Day Planner isn’t going to get you very far; some experts recommend re-reading your goals – OUT LOUD – at least once in the morning and once at night. You might also try posting them throughout your home and office: On the bathroom mirror, on the refrigerator, on the dashboard of your car, on the screensaver of your computer. This leaves no doubt about what you’re aiming for, and also serves as a constant reminder.

Maybe the most important thing to evaluate your goal for, though, is to make sure it’s really yours, and really what YOU want. Sometimes we set goals because they sound good, we think we should want them, or someone else told us it was a good thing to aim for. Forget all that! If your heart isn’t in it, no wonder you’re not working towards it and are watching reruns of “Lost” instead.

Find something you can truly put your efforts into – learning Japanese, feeding pets that were abandoned in natural disasters, writing that book you’ve dreamed about, bringing a new product to market – and work on that. You get one go-round in this life, so you may as well spend it where it matters to you.

After some research I find the poem is somewhat popular but no one seems to know the original author. One reference I found stated the poem was heard on a personal development tape almost 20 years ago. Regardless of the original origins, it’s certainly worth repeating!

The Comfort Zone

I used to have a Comfort Zone where I knew I couldn’t fail.
The same four walls of busy work were really more like jail.

I longed so much to do the things I’d never done before.
But I stayed inside my Comfort Zone and paced the same old floor.

I said it didn’t matter that I wasn’t doing much.
I said I didn’t care for things like diamonds, furs and such.

I claimed to be so busy with the things inside my zone.
But deep inside I longed for something special of my own.

I couldn’t let my life go by just watching others win.
I held my breath and stepped outside to let the change begin.

I took a step and with new strength I’d never felt before.
I kissed my Comfort Zone “good-bye” and closed and locked the door.

If you are in a Comfort Zone afraid to venture out.
Remember that all winners were at one time filled with doubt.

A step or two and words of praise can make your dreams come true
Greet your future with a smile, Success is there for you!!!

Need a little nudge out of YOUR comfort zone? Consider joining me at any of the upcoming live or virtual events coming up designed to help you succeed in 2012!

10. Taking Care of Yourself (Video Tip)

9.   Establishing Priorities (Video Tip)

8.   F.O.C.U.S. (Video Tip)

7.   Are You Open for Business (Video Tip)

6.   Mindset Mastery Assessment (Quiz)

5.   Ready to Overcome Procrastination? (Video Tip)

4.   How Well Do You Maintain Balance? (Quiz)

3.   A Strong Vision Leads to Success  (Article)

2.   Are You Struggling with Guilt? (Video Tip)

and drum roll please…

1.   Goal Setting for the New Year: How to Set Your Business Up for Success (Audio)

Here’s to your BIG success in 2012!

When working with my clients, the topic of clutter is often a hot one, whether the clutter is in mental or physical form. Today I’d like to share with you the insights I gained as it relates to physical clutter from America’s Clutter Coach™, Cyndy Salzman, who I heard speak a couple years ago. One of the most interesting statements Cyndy made was, “Sometimes our ‘stuff’ keeps us from spending time connecting with others”.

How true I realized that was as I thought of how many times I didn’t invite over a friend or neighbor because my home was a mess or clutter filled. Or the many times client birthday cards have been sent late because I know I HAVE the card I just can’t FIND it beneath the piles.  If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your clutter or it’s keeping you from deeper connections with friends and family, take a look at the 5 R’s to Cyndy’s Clutter Control.

Before you begin tackling the clutter she recommends gathering a roll of trash bags (the dark ones) and 4 large containers (again not clear). Start in one place/room and tackle that area completely before moving on. Here’s the 5 R’s you’ll use for controlling the clutter as you go:

1. Refuse (as in trash)

Use your roll of dark trash bags (not the clear ones so as not to be tempted to garbage pick – - you know who you are!) and as you are working throw out all the trash. Here’s the key – - If you’re embarrassed to give it to a neighbor, DON’T give it to charity!

Cyndy shared that she has a friend who runs a charitable organization near her who told her much of their time is spent going through donations and throwing out the trash others couldn’t bring their self to toss so instead they donated it. Make your donations count and get rid of the junk for them!

2. Recycle

Label one of your containers with the word Recycle and put anything into here that can’t go to a landfill. Then when you’re done organizing this first space you can pull out items to be placed in your weekly recycle bin and find a proper disposal for the rest. For example, a township near me provides special recycling days each month for taking the odd items like used motor oil, old paint, electric equipment, computers, etc.

3. Repair

In this container, place anything that is still useable if they were fixed. Here’s the key – - Put an expiration date on the item. If you don’t get it fixed by that date then get rid of it! If you can’t or don’t like to sew on those buttons, find a reasonable tailor. You get the idea!

4. Relocate

As you are decluttering your space you are bound to find items in it that just don’t belong there. Perhaps they would more logically go in a different spot of your home or office. Instead of getting up to run to that room and put the item away, place it in the Relocate box. That way when you move to the next room to work you can pull out any items needing to be relocated there and save yourself a lot of wasted time running from room to room.

5. Remove

This last bin is for those things that are in good condition that you COULD use but you AREN’T! They are things someone else could really use or perhaps needs. When we’re holding onto things we’re not using, we keep it from the people who could benefit from it most. Stop HOARDING!

Another tip Cyndy shared with our group is that every year she has a “Set Your Own Prices” garage sale. Everything is free the last 2 hours and she always sells out! She also nets a very tidy profit and feels good knowing her “stuff” is getting into the hands of people who can really use it.

We have SO MUCH in our country and tend to cling to it so TIGHTLY. Let loose, release the stuck energy of your clutter and connect with the people you love!

This international book project has more than 300 people sharing their stories of gratitude, with national book sale proceeds benefiting three charitable organizations.  The book launch is TODAY on Amazon http://amzn.to/szlmxy.

Purchase The Gratitude Book Project: Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude on Amazon TODAY, e-mail me a copy of your receipt or purchase confirmation and I’ve got over $200 in additional bonuses below that I’ll give you!

The book shares compelling stories of appreciation and evidence that harnessing the power of gratitude can be a life-changing force. The difference between saying thank you—good manners—and living in gratitude—great life skill—are illustrated in moving pieces.

There’s a mom who thinks of irritations as blessings and another who gives thanks for Muscular Dystrophy. There are narratives about how wrinkles, not fitting in and suffering came to be embraced. There’s even gratitude for ex-husbands and “ugly gifts.”

The Gratitude Book Project: Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude is not only full of thanks but is also brimming over with testimonials to the people, things, events, and circumstances we so often take for granted.

My contribution to the book centers around making room for gratitude during the busy holiday season. It’s the time of year when the weather gets cool and the social calendar heats up which can make it difficult to express gratitude.

I’ve often heard the expression, ‘Gratitude is the attitude that determines your altitude’ and it’s something I’ve tried to take to heart. Gratitude is easy to read about and think about but something all together different to put into action, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. That’s why I’m excited to be part of a book that can truly be an inspiration to all who read it and help show people how they can make gratitude a part of their lives every day.

In keeping with the spirit of the project, net proceeds from national book sales will be split among three charitable organizations: Feeding America, Women for Women International and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ACPCA).

The book shares compelling stories of appreciation and evidence that harnessing the power of gratitude can be a life-changing force. The difference between saying thank you—good manners—and living in gratitude—great life skill—are illustrated in moving pieces.

There’s a mom who thinks of irritations as blessings and another who gives thanks for Muscular Dystrophy. There are narratives about how wrinkles, not fitting in and suffering came to be embraced. There’s even gratitude for ex-husbands and “ugly gifts.”

The Gratitude Book Project: Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude is not only full of thanks but is also brimming over with testimonials to the people, things, events, and circumstances we so often take for granted.

My contribution to the book centers around making room for gratitude during the busy holiday season. It’s the time of year when the weather gets cool and the social calendar heats up which can make it difficult to express gratitude.

I’ve often heard the expression, ‘Gratitude is the attitude that determines your altitude’ and really strive to take that to heart in my life. Gratitude is easy to read about and think about but something all together different to put into action, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. That’s why I’m excited to be part of a book that can truly be an inspiration to all who read it and help show people how they can make gratitude a part of their lives every day.

In keeping with the spirit of the project, net proceeds from national book sales will be split among three charitable organizations: Feeding America, Women for Women International and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

BONUS WHEN YOU PURCHASE DECEMBER 14, 2011:

Purchase The Gratitude Book Project: Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude on Amazon TODAY (http://amzn.to/szlmxy), e-mail me a copy of your receipt or purchase confirmation and get over $200 in additional bonuses below from me:

BONUS #1 – Goal Achievement Assessment Session

(retail value $125)

A private 30-minute goal assessment and coaching session designed to help you:

• Clarify your vision of success
• Uncover hidden challenges or obstacles that could be sabotaging your success
• Increase your probability of success
• Find additional opportunities and strategies to move your goal forward
• Identify next steps for getting into powerful action

 BONUS #2 – Guilt-Free RESULTS Business Kit

(retail value $67)

Be among the firsts to get my brand new business kit coming out January 2012. The kit includes:

• 24 page guidebook
• Guilt-Free RESULTS Implementation Checklist
• 24-minute Time Management Audio
• 60-minute audio Tutorial explaining the business kit and how to use it

BONUS #3 – Digital Copy of my Got Balance Audio Program

(retail value $14.97)

Looking for greater life harmony and balance?

Are you a working professional frustrated trying to do it alland feel as though you are unable to get off the treadmill of life? Get ready to find your unique sense of balanceand make the small shifts to get there using this 45-minute audio and 18-page booklet.

I began to ponder that question for myself.  I strive to regularly practice what I preach and mostly maintain good balance in my life. However, when I thought about that question, I realized I had let a few things slide.

I love what I do and am passionate about it, like so many other business owners, and can easily spend even my free time working on projects or ideas for my business.  I really enjoy it.  However, when I do this it’s usually at the expense of other things I also enjoy that are relaxing, energizing or just plain fun.

Brian is a true equal partner when it comes to caring for our family and home.  He’s also very supportive of my having “girl time” with my friends.  So I wasn’t missing out on that, it was much more subtle. After I thought about it I realized that in order to fit it all in, I had set aside the time I previously had for reflection and creativity.

It was a great revelation that helped me to get back to my morning quiet time. Getting back to doing this has enabled me to start each day more grounded and purposeful.

After calling a couple of my scrappin’ friends and getting together I realized how much I really missed and enjoyed scrapbooking. For me it fosters a sense of family connection and is a great creative outlet. All of which helps me feel the most like me!

What about you?

I encourage you to take some time during the holiday season to reflect on what makes you feel the most like yourself and make way for more of that in YOUR life.

If just thinking about the holidays makes you feel stress and guilt-ridden, don’t miss the December 14th 10 Secrets for a Guilt-Free Holiday teleclass. You’ll come away from the call with strategies to create a meaningful holiday for you and your family without all the guilt. For details or registration visit www.TheGuiltFreeCoach.com/holiday

The practice of gratitude as a tool for happiness has been in the mainstream for years. Long-term studies support gratitude’s effectiveness, suggesting that a positive, appreciative attitude contributes to greater success in business, greater health, peak performance in sports, a higher sense of well-being, and a faster rate of recovery from surgery.

But while we may acknowledge gratitude’s many benefits, it still can be difficult to sustain. So many of us are trained to notice what is broken, undone or lacking in our lives. And for gratitude to meet its full healing potential in our lives, it needs to become more than just a Thanksgiving word. We have to learn a new way of looking at things, a new habit. And that can take some time.

That’s why practicing gratitude makes so much sense. When we practice giving thanks for all we have, instead of complaining about what we lack, we give ourselves the chance to see all of life as an opportunity and a blessing.

Remember that gratitude isn’t a blindly optimistic approach in which the bad things in life are whitewashed or ignored. It’s more a matter of where we put our focus and attention. Pain and injustice exist in this world, but when we focus on the gifts of life, we gain a feeling of well-being. Gratitude balances us and gives us hope.

There are many things to be grateful for: colorful autumn leaves, legs that work, friends who listen and really hear, chocolate, fresh eggs, warm jackets, hugs from your kids, the ability to read, roses, our health, rainbows. What’s on your list?

Some Ways to Practice Gratitude

• Keep a gratitude journal in which you list things for which you are thankful. You can make daily, weekly or monthly lists. Greater frequency may be better for creating a new habit, but just keeping that journal where you can see it will remind you to think in a grateful way.

• Make a gratitude collage by drawing or pasting pictures.

• Practice gratitude around the dinner table or make it part of your nighttime routine.

• Make a game of finding the hidden blessing in a challenging situation.

• When you feel like complaining, make a gratitude list instead. You may be amazed by how much better you feel.

• Notice how gratitude is impacting your life. Write about it, sing about it, express thanks for gratitude.

As you practice, an inner shift begins to occur, and you may be delighted to discover how content and hopeful you are feeling. That sense of fulfillment is gratitude at work.

Author’s content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications

It’s MY birthday month but YOU can Gobble Up the Savings!

In celebration of my birthday, get 25% off and FREE SHIPPING on all my products until November 30th. Use the discount code BIRTHDAY when checking out. Get something for yourself or someone you love: www.TheGuiltFreeCoach.com/online-store.html.  Gain immediate access to the information when you purchase the digital downloads.

NOTE:  The guidebooks are being revised and will not sold separately after the first quarter of 2012. There are a limited number of printed guidebooks for sale. Once they are gone only the digital version will be available.

Image: Idea go