"The professional athlete’s love of an adrenaline spike should almost never be linked to compulsive behavior. Quite the opposite is true. It’s more appropriate to say that taking a risk and succeeding because of their wits and skill feels orgasmic." -Maryann Karinch, Lessons from the Edge

When you are afraid, your body responds with its own form of rocket fuel: adrenaline.

Adrenaline is one of the natural drugs your body releases when you push limits or you are confronted with a challenge. Adrenaline flows through your body, giving you extra awareness, mental clarity and the ability to respond quickly to different situations. Colors are sharper, sounds are clearer. You are more conscious of odors and your body feels energized.

Whether you are jumping out of a plane or setting up a sales presentation with your hottest prospect, if the activity scares you, adrenaline will provide you with the strength you need to succeed. By recognizing how you feel when adrenaline is coursing though your veins, you will become much more skilled at using this ally to your advantage because you are employing it to accomplish a goal.

At the same time you should be aware that adrenaline also kicks in when you are under all kinds of stress, everything from getting caught in traffic to dealing with difficult people. In these types of everyday situations, adrenaline can burn you out because your body doesn’t get a chance to rest and recuperate.

I used to get tense from adrenaline in all kinds of circumstances and now, because I’ve gotten used to the feeling through extreme sports, I can say, "Ah, I know this feeling. It’s adrenaline. I need to be aware of why I’m feeling it. Am I facing a real risk or do I just need to reduce the number of stressful events that I tolerate in my life? Maybe I need to leave a little earlier to avoid traffic or perhaps I should discuss what’s bothering me with a friend."

By learning what adrenaline feels like, you can use it instead of it using you.

ACTION IDEA:

UNDERSTAND HOW FEAR WORKS

Answer the following questions to get a better understanding of how you handle fear.

1. What is the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
2. Why did you do it?
3. What was your fear telling you?
4. What were you focusing on?
5. What could you have focused on to reduce your fear?
6. What did you learn about yourself and your fears?

The post Your Built-In Fear Handling Fuel appeared first on Rich Fettke.

"Affirmation without action leads to delusion." -Dr. Robert Anthony

There is positive momentum and negative momentum. Are you moving toward what you want…or away from it? Here are ten ideas (or reminders) that can help you create and maintain momentum towards what really matters.

1. Take some time to clarify your desired future outcome. Success is seeing what you want and moving toward what you see. What is important to you? Who are you becoming? How will your intention contribute to others?

2. Use visual reminders of your intention. Get some magazines and cut out pictures and words related to your goal. Put them where you’ll see them on a regular basis, like on your bathroom mirror, in your wallet, next to your computer screen, or on a poster board.

3. Set clear goals with clear timelines. Write down what the goal is, how you will know when you have achieved it, and a date when you will have achieved it.

4. Be action-oriented. When an opportunity presents itself that fits with your vision, respond to it immediately.

5. Ask yourself, "How much and what kind of fun will I have with this project?" This will help raise your energy. If you’re dreading the process there’s a good chance your momentum is going to get stifled.

6. Fill your mind with inspiration. Read books, listen to audio programs, and watch videos that educate, uplift and inspire you. Go to seminars and attend conventions related to your goal. Read about and learn about people who have done what you want to do.

7. Take a Risk a Day. So often to move towards what we really want requires us to get out of our comfort zone. By getting into the habit of taking a risk a day you will strengthen your courage as you take those important actions that can lead to your greatest opportunities.

8. Create a support team. Ask a few of your friends to form a group to support each other on your goals. Hire a personal coach or a business coach. Find a mentor. Hire a financial planner, an accountant, a fitness trainer, a counselor – whoever you think would add input, support, advice, feedback, and/or accountability to help you keep your attention on your intention.

9. Consistently review your top three intentions. Write down your top three intentions and read them every day so they’re fresh in your mind. This will add fuel to your fire and will help you focus your attention on what matters during your day. It will also help you recognize the opportunities that might help you move toward your desired future outcome.

10. Clarify how your intention also helps others. The fuel that can come from helping others can inspire you to take action and stay focused on your goals. When you see your intention as a cause and you find the passion and nobleness in your actions, you will likely have more energy to get the momentum going – and keep it going – as you move forward toward your intention.

When you take action and stay focused on what really matters, you create momentum…and momentum creates momentum.

The post 10 Tips for Creating Positive Momentum appeared first on Rich Fettke.

 "You are free to choose, but the choices you make today will determine what you will have, be, and do in the tomorrow of your life."
— Zig  Ziglar

When I first meet with a client to begin our coaching, I always ask them for the three main areas they would like to focus on during the first three months of our partnership. You can do the same thing with your most important goals. For each focus area write a simple heading, and underneath, a description of how to achieve it.

Here is a sample of how this might look:

1. Be Financially Responsible
Have a system to track my spending and my income.  Reconcile my bank accounts each month. Create and follow a spending plan.



2. Improve My Fitness
Design and follow a workout program that will help me lower my body fat and improve my stamina. Eat nutritious, healthy meals on a regular schedule.

3. Have a More Romantic Relationship with My Husband
Plan a "date night" each week. Surprise him with loving things to let him know how much I care. Acknowledge him for all that he does and all that he is.



This simple, yet important, exercise can help you take action and stay focused on what is most important to you. Keep your list to no more than three major outcomes or goals. Trying to remember more than three can put the mind into overload. This is a proven way to help you stay clear on what you are currently working towards.



ACTION IDEA:
 Write out your three primary focus areas and put the note (or several of them) somewhere where you will see it throughout the day.  Then notice the difference in your focus and effectiveness. To get the most out of this strategy, ask a friend or a coach to support you by holding you accountable to your plan.

 

The post Focus on Three appeared first on Rich Fettke.

You are on the way to climbing the magnificent mountain named… Your Career! To get to the top depends largely on how well you market yourself. Below are 50 ways to help you reach higher levels of success. Remember, you can do any of these, but please don’t try to do all of them. This large list of ideas is not intended to have you get overwhelmed. Choose a few strategies and focus on doing them well. See how they work and then keep what works best for you…then try a few more.

Make sure you have a great coach to work with on your path. A coach is like a professional climbing partner, who will help guide, support and encourage you. The journey will be more enjoyable, and you will be far more apt to succeed. No climber would attempt to conquer a mountain alone. Why try to attain mountain-size goals alone?

If you have ideas that have worked for you on your path to success, please share them with me and I will share them with others. That’s a win-win for everyone. Here are 50 marketing ideas for your success. I wish you the best as you climb to the top with clarity and focus. Enjoy the journey and reach high!

1. Create a Unique Marketing Message – Your Unique Marketing Message is a short, 30-second sound bite that tells people what you do and what makes you unique. Your Unique Marketing Message should always offer benefits.

2. Create a Promo Kit – This is a high-quality folder you can give or mail to prospects and the media that contains all or some of the following: your photo, articles you’ve written, articles written about you, your brochure, your resume, a list of questions you are frequently asked and the answers to those questions, your vision, your mission, your book (if you have one), and anything else that lets people know who you are and how you can help them.

3. Use Your Photo…Everywhere – People remember faces, not always names. If you use your photo on your business cards and your advertising, you will have a better chance of being remembered and people also feel as if they know you better. As you may have heard, successful people’s names and faces often appear in public places!

4. Join a Networking Group – Business networking groups (also called leads groups) are regular meetings where people exchange contacts and referrals. Ask local business people for suggestions on networking groups in your area.

5. Speak at Local Service Clubs – A great way to gain credibility and visibility. Rotary clubs, Kiwanis clubs, Lions clubs and Chamber of Commerce meetings are always looking for speakers. Speak on a message you are passionate about and that directly relates to your business. Don’t forget to offer handouts with your phone number, email address and web site so your audience can contact you later. Remember, first impressions are very important, so I recommend joining Toastmasters to hone your speaking skills. See #16.

6. Create an Advocate List – Begin to notice the people who rave about you. These are your advocates! They may be friends, clients, or associates. These people are your best referral resources. Your advocates will send you business simply because they believe in you. Make sure you recognize them as such. Never let more than 30 days go by without staying in touch with each of your advocates. You can stay in touch with a phone call, a meeting, mailing them a personal note, and of course…by sending them business, too.

7. Write Articles – When your work is published online, in a magazine, newsletter, or a newspaper you gain credibility and visibility. Always try to have your contact information included in your article. You can later mail copies of your article to your mailing list and include it in your promo kit.

8. Give Away Free Specialty Gifts – Give away free specialty gifts with your business name, logo, phone number and web site imprinted on them.

9. Serve on an Association Committee or Board – Serving on a committee or the board of an association related to your career can help you meet key people in your industry, improve your professional recognition, teach you new leadership skills, and position you in front of possible prospects. It’s also a great way to give back to your profession. Most associations are looking for volunteers. Just contact the director or a board member of the association to find out how you might serve.

10. Give Free or Low Cost Workshops – By offering workshops on coaching related topics, such as time management, building a business, living a more balanced life, or goal setting, you can develop your message, meet new prospects, position yourself as an expert and attract new clients. Have an evaluation form for participants to fill out after the workshop with a place for them to fill out their name, address, phone number, email address, etc. You may also want to have a check box that says, “Contact me about coaching.”

11. Hold a Coaching Evening – This is an event for your clients, prospective clients and their friends. You offer a meal or snacks and an interactive talk on a coaching related topic (see #10). Your guests get to meet new people, learn valuable information and see live coaching by a wonderful coach… you!

12. Make an Audio Interview – Have a friend (with a good voice) interview you about your business. Have a list of questions already printed up for your interviewer. Then edit the interview, add some music and ta-da… you have an informative audio file that you can give or send to prospects!

13. Make Quote Cards – These are business card size “mini posters” with your favorite quotes on them. People love them and will hold on to them for a long time. On the back of the quote card add your name, your company name, your web site address and your contact information. Again, this is just another way to improve your visibility, credibility, and contribution with others.

14. Have Stories Published About You – Have someone write a story about you and your business (or do it yourself). Find a newspaper or magazine that is willing to publish your story. Having a press kit helps!

15. Host Your Own Radio Show – Many radio stations will allow you to have your own radio show if you pay for the time. You can pay for the time by getting businesses to sponsor your program by buying advertising time during your show. You can interview these business owners, expert guests, and have people call in. Remember to ask for your program to be recorded so you can send the program to future prospects or turn it into a podcast.

16. Join Toastmasters – This is a world wide organization that has speaking clubs in most cities. Most clubs meet on a weekly basis and the members practice their public speaking skills in front of their club. You can meet new people, find clients, and get referrals from your fellow members. You also get to practice the speeches that you later give to other groups (see #5).

17. Be Quoted in the Media – Contact the media and tell them your expertise. Tell them that you are willing to be a resource if they are ever writing a story on your special area. Stay in touch with your contacts at the media offices and in time you may get a call for a quote or interview. These quotes give you credibility and visibility. Make copies of these articles for your promo kit (see #2).

18. Create Your Ultimate Client Profile – Make a list of the top 7-10 qualities you look for in a great client. Place this list somewhere where you can see it throughout the day. Only accept clients who fit this profile! If someone does not fit, refer them to another coach. This takes courage and faith, but you will discover that you will attract the clients you truly love to work with. Your phone will begin to ring and those great prospects will become great clients.

19. Mail an Introduction Letter – Send a letter out to your mailing list, friends, and business contacts that explains what you do and how you do it. You may also want to include a gift certificate for a free sample session that they can use or give to their friends.

20. Display Your Business Cards – Ask businesses in your area if you can display your business cards and/or brochures. Many businesses will let you do this and it is a very low cost and effective way to get your name out there.

21. Use the Classified Ads – This is a low-cost way to advertise on a regular basis. You may want to offer a free session, article or product to people who contact you. Classifieds are also an easy way to promote your web site.

22. Host Your Own Cable TV Show – Most local cable television stations offer free studio time to residents. In most cases, you simply need to submit a proposal. If you create an entertaining and informative show, they may air it all over your area. Also find out if you can be a guest on someone else’s cable show.

23. Ask Your Clients for Referrals – You’ve heard this before but are you doing it? Asking, “Who do you know that might benefit from my services?” is a simple, yet powerful way to meet new prospects. Let your clients know that you are expanding your practice and ask them if they know of anyone to whom you could offer a sample session.

24. Publish a Newsletter – Offer valuable information to your readers and your newsletter will be appreciated, read and passed along. A newsletter establishes you as an expert, allows you to keep connected with many people and it gives you a place to share the benefits of working with you.

25. Donate Your Services to Charity Fund-raisers – This is often overlooked. Charity fund-raisers that have raffles and auctions are a great place for you to give back and receive recognition at the same time. Most fundraising groups will include your company name, address, phone number and web site in the materials in exchange for you donation. Ask your local Chamber of Commerce about fund-raisers in your area that are looking for support through donations.

26. Host a Fundraising Event – This is a way to give back even more to your community and meet some wonderful people at the same time. You could organize a race, a workshop, a raffle…just about anything you can think of to raise money for a good cause. You not only give back, but you also create more awareness about your company. Givers gain!

27. Send Press Releases to the Media – A press release is a great way to get an interview with the print, radio and TV media. Make sure your press release follows the proper format (there are books and online lessons on how to make a press release). Follow up with phone calls and ask if your press release was received and if you can answer any questions. Stay in touch with editors or reporters and let them know that you are a resource if they ever need information related to your expertise.

28. Offer an On-line Newsletter – An on-line newsletter via email is a wonderful way to give value to people, share your knowledge, spotlight your expertise and promote your business. Don’t expect immediate return on your investment. What you can expect is that people will get to know who you are and may eventually use your services. Be sure to ask first if they want to subscribe.

29. Write a Book – A book is one of the best ways to increase your visibility and credibility. You don’t have to write a 500 page text to be an author. You can start by writing about your experience or expertise, or something you are passionate about. Self publishing a small, informative booklet is a simple way to get started. Make sure that you include your contact information in the book so readers easily know how to reach you.

30. Speak at Conferences – Conferences allow you to share your experience and knowledge with others in related fields. Some conferences pay for speakers while some conferences ask you to volunteer your time. Either way, conferences help you meet prospects and make contacts that can lead to more business for you in the future. Remember to have a short, quality handout for the participants at your program and include your contact information. Conferences are not a place to self-promote, they are a place to share your knowledge. Do this and you will attract business with ease.

31. Assist at Other’s Workshops – Offer to assist at workshops that you have attended and enjoyed. You not only deepen your learning by hearing the information again, but you also may meet some prospects who want to implement the information they are learning. Make sure your focus is on giving value and the business will attract to you with ease. Bring plenty of business cards!

32. Create Referral Partnerships – Find out who may be able to refer their clients, friends or contacts to you. Look for people you believe in, so that you can do the same for them For example, an accountant may refer a new business owner to you to help her stay focused and on track as she grows her business. You may refer one of your clients to the accountant so they can more wisely manage their money. This is a win-win for everyone!

33. Speak at Book Stores – Ask a local book store owner if you can speak on your area of expertise. Tell them that you will be suggesting several books that they sell during your presentation. When you give your program, inform the audience of how working with you will help them put the ideas from the books into action.

34. Join your Chamber of Commerce – Your local Chamber of Commerce can be an invaluable source of leads and referral partners. You may also be able to write articles for their newsletters and give workshops to fellow members on your area of expertise.

35. Attend Workshops – Simply attending workshops that enhance your personal and professional development is a way to market your business. At these workshops you will find yourself surrounded by people who are interested in learning and growing — perfect candidates for coaching!

36. Use Postcards – Postcards are a cost effective way to stay in touch with prospects, clients and referral sources. Develop a theme or character that people will recognize over time. Send out postcards with article quotes, testimonials, opinion surveys, correspondence, reminders, thank you’s, announcements, newsletters, or just to say “hello.” If you’ve published a book, duplicate the cover of the book onto a postcard and it becomes an advertising piece. Create a postcard that is a one-sheet flyer to hand out when people ask for information. Remember…marketing is telling people what you do over and over again!

37. Create a Mastermind Group – Meet with 3-5 friends or colleagues on a regular basis to discuss each of your goals, plans and dreams. When a group of people come together, new ideas are created that might not have been discovered alone. (We know this to be true as coaches!) Together you will brainstorm new ways to market yourselves and also hold each other accountable. Everyone wins in a mastermind group!.

38. Serve on a Panel – Serving on a panel at a conference or meeting can give you credibility and visibility. Associations in your area may be looking for an expert to speak about the benefits of coaching. Contact them, ask them if they have a need for panelists for future programs, tell them what you offer, and let them know you are a willing resource.

39. Have a Comprehensive Set of Client Handouts – Have a variety of exercises, handouts and give-always that describe your practice, solve problems, and provide value for your clients. Make sure to give all of your clients useful tools, information and ideas to share with their friends.

40. Contact Former Clients – Many coaches forget that former clients may be interested in coaching again or that they can be great sources of information and referrals. Often they are at a new place in their lives and they are ready for change and new growth. I challenge you to contact three of your former clients this week! Show interest, find out how they are doing. Let them know they are the most important part of your research and development program. Listen to their suggestions. Make it a normal part of your service to follow-up with your former clients every two to three months.

41. Join the International Coach Federation (ICF) – The ICF is the primary worldwide resource for business and personal coaches and is a great resource for those who are seeking a coach. The ICF is an individual membership organization formed by professionals worldwide who practice and/or teach business and personal coaching. The ICF provides many resources, and can help you meet other coaches, prospects and leaders. The ICF also holds an annual conference where you can learn new marketing skills and tools. Call the ICF at 888-423-3131 or visit their web site at www.coachfederation.org.

42. List Yourself on the ICF’s Coach Referral Service – The ICF maintains a high visibility for the profession through public relations, publicity campaigns, marketing strategies and the Coach Referral Service (CRS). The CRS is the only recognized, independent system that matches coaches with clients seeking their services. This system is accessible both on the internet and by phone. Hundreds of coaches worldwide list their practice and even link their home-page. The CRS receives broad media coverage and is generating an ever- increasing amount of visibility for members.

43. Have a Web Site – A web site alone is just a tool, not a complete strategy. You must let people know your site is there for it to have impact. Also, give your visitors valuable information on your site and think of ways to have them come back for more. To get the most visibility for your site you can list it at the end of your email messages, give the site’s address on your outgoing voice mail message, put it on your business card, letterhead, postcards, etc. A web site is also very helpful when someone calls you for information. Instead of having to mail out flyers and brochures, you can give your web site address. Your prospects will have your information in front of them almost instantly!

44. Create a Marketing Plan – Include a description of your specific client populations and your plans for reaching them. Include budgets for your time, energy and the money to implement your plan. If potential clients don’t know about you, or can’t find you, they won’t hire you. Choose a few of the items on this list and build them into your plan. Set goals and then track your results. Look at other coaches who are successful. What have they done to achieve that success? Focus on what works for you as an individual and then commit to your plan with action and passion!

45. Model a Great Life – A healthy, balanced, successful life is extremely attractive! Be an example of someone who is living a great life. Surround yourself with delightful, challenging and exciting people. Notice where you can improve areas of your life, such as relationships, fitness, playtime, finances, and your personal integrity. Then hire your own coach to support you in taking action! If you “walk your talk,” people will notice and you will begin to attract new clients with ease.

46. Form “Combo” Alliances – Form an alliance with your suppliers, colleagues or even your competitors to offer a “combo” package that neither of you could offer alone. This way you will share the marketing expenses. Attorneys and accountants can offer compelling packages. For example: A life coach might form an alliance with a gym, weight-loss or stop-smoking program.

47. Use Your Outgoing Voice-Mail Message – Don’t overlook this simple, yet effective way to promote your services. Let your callers know what you do and the benefits you offer. Remember to give them a way (right up front) to by- pass your message if they don’t want to listen to the whole thing. If you are using a digital voice mail service, you may want to have different voice mail boxes and outgoing messages for each service you offer.

48. “Claim” a Client – Claiming is a very special way to have someone become your client. You can “claim” them, just as you would stake a claim on something you really want. Let them know that they are the type of client you love to work with, that you believe in their goals, and that you want to work with them as their coach. Tell them that you won’t take no for an answer, and that you are willing to do whatever it takes. Don’t use this as a sales technique because people have built in lie detectors. They will know if you are being insincere. “Claiming” must be authentic and come straight from the heart.

49. Offer Free Things to People – If you write an article, have a web site, or get interviewed on television or radio, it’s a good idea to offer a free giveaway to your audience. This way you not only strengthen your relationship with them but you can also add them to your mailing list for future contact. This giveaway might be a free report like the one you are reading right now. Giver’s gain!

50. Care About People! – This is the most important step of all. None of the prior steps will work without this one. As you may have heard, people don’t care what you know until they know you care. With any marketing strategy, offer your benefits and services first.

The post 50 Great Marketing Ideas for Coaches appeared first on Rich Fettke.

"Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there." -Will Rogers

Over the past couple of years I became very curious about why some folks seem to keep their momentum going while some allow it to slow down. Sometimes they even slow down to a complete stop. So I started to ask my coaching clients, people in my audiences, my friends, and colleagues, "What gets you going and what keeps you going?"

After listening to many responses I realized two major themes were coming up: a desired future outcome and contribution to others. Most of the time those two themes came together.

Yeah, there have been people who talked about being fired up to take action because they were so dissatisfied with the way things were. But when I asked the question, "How would you like things to be?" those same people would start to get fired up as they tapped into their fading dreams and desires and saw a vision of what really got them going.

Getting clear on the reason for the goal and on the emotion behind it is the best way to add fuel to your fire. It’s about finding out what makes you feel most alive and then using that desire to strengthen your intention.



ACTION IDEA:

What adds fuel to YOUR fire? Think about a time in your life when you just couldn’t wait to get going on something. What was it? Why was it important to you? Give that some thought for a moment.

Now, think about a time in your life when you felt like nothing could stop you. You were so fired up that you were moving along with focus, effectiveness, and joy. What were you doing? What motivated you to take the steps you needed to take?

Okay, let’s look at where you are right now…

What do you really want (your desired future outcome)?

Why does it fire you up?

Answering those two questions may help add courage, energy and momentum to get you going and keep you moving towards what really matters.
 

The post What Fires You Up? appeared first on Rich Fettke.

"Yard by yard, life is hard. Inch by inch, life’s a cinch."

-Anonymous

Well, we are almost half way through the year.  Are you making progress with your dreams and goals? What I’ve noticed with many of my clients (and myself) is that we come up with some great ideas and plans, we begin to take action, and then life "gets in the way."

Creating and using Success Habits is one of the best ways I’ve found to move in the direction of your most important goals, without getting caught in the Struggle Syndrome. Try this. Think of one action that would add to your success if you did it on a daily basis.

After pondering that question for a little while, my client Lisa told me that she had lots of friends who were willing to refer business to her, but she had been slacking off when it came to calling them. Lisa wanted to build her financial planning practice, but she was overwhelmed with all the other "stuff" she had to do. She told me, "If I were to follow up with a couple of my friends each day, I’m sure it would stir up new business for me."

Lisa asked me to hold her accountable each week to following her new Success Habit. She contacted one friend a day and the results were outstanding! Lisa’s client base began to grow almost every week through referrals. She saw, first hand, the benefit of using Success Habits. Since then, Lisa has added four more success habits to her life, ranging from walking three times per week to sending a card to a friend or family member once a week saying what she appreciates about them. Her business is more profitable and her life is more balanced and fulfilling. Lisa learned that yard by yard life is hard…inch by inch, it’s a cinch.

ACTION IDEA:

What is ONE action that would add to your success (at work or in life) if you did it on a daily basis? Make a commitment to yourself to take action this week. If you really to want improve the results of this strategy, come up with a way to track your Success Habit and ask someone to be your partner and to hold you accountable. Tell your partner that at the end of the week you will let him or her know how many times you followed through on your habit. Use the power of partnership and public declaration to increase your chance of success. Enjoy the process!

The post Inch By Inch, Life’s A Cinch appeared first on Rich Fettke.

"Success is completing the full circle of yourself." -Gloria Steinem

Thousands of years ago the Greeks believed, "When you strengthen your body, you strengthen your mind." When I have asked my audiences or my coaching clients what they feel is a vital step to achieving with greater ease, one of the answers I often hear is something like:

"When I am taking care of my fitness, I have more energy, I feel more on track and I attract more success in my work and in my life."

I agree with this completely and I’ve seen the same results in my own life. All through my twenties I was a competitive powerlifter and bodybuilder. I noticed that when I was training for a contest I was much more focused in other areas of my life.

Once, in college, I was taking a full load of classes, working full time as the owner of a health club, and training for a bodybuilding contest. Although that seems like a loaded schedule, the daily ritual of eating well, exercising and learning actually gave me energy and left me feeling very fulfilled.

There are many benefits you receive almost immediately after you exercise — such as a feeling of peace and contentment, better sleep, and even more self-confidence. If you are eating well and following a regular exercise ritual you know what I’m talking about. If you have been meaning to improve your fitness, I hope this message gives you the little nudge you needed to take action. Good luck!

ACTION IDEA:

1. On a scale of zero to ten, where would you rate your satisfaction with your health and fitness?

2. What would it look like and feel like if you were a ten? (This is an important step)

3. What is something you could do each day (or each week) that would move you towards greater satisfaction?

4. Write down your answer to step three and then ask your coach or a success partner to hold you accountable to taking action.

5. Watch how the power of awareness and accountability moves you towards what you want. Good luck!

* I have also learned that nothing beats having a workout partner or a personal fitness trainer to support people reaching their fitness goals. Choosing physical activities that you enjoy and having support is a proven formula for fitness success!

The post Fitness for Success appeared first on Rich Fettke.

What Will This Next Year Be For You?

Below are a few more questions that I ask my clients (and myself) each year. They help clarify how you want to learn, grow and succeed over the next twelve months. Give yourself permission to take some time over the next week to reflect and record your thoughts. Here we go…

Looking forward at the year 2017, what do you want the overall theme to be for you? (Here’s another way to look at this: One year from today, if they were to make a movie about your life in the year 2017, what would you want the title to be?)

What are your top three personal goals for the year 2017?

1.

2.

3.

What are your top three professional goals for the year 2017?

1.

2.

3.

What one personal quality do you most want to develop in the year 2017? (For example: patience, boldness, courage, calmness, integrity, humor,etc.)

What daily rituals can you practice to improve your health, wealth and wisdom in 2017?

I recommend that you keep your answers in a place you can read them on a daily basis. That will help you stay aware of the opportunities that can help you move toward your intentions. I wish you the best as you move into 2017 with clarity, action and focus.

The post What Will This Next Year Be For You? appeared first on Rich Fettke.

“There is only one success — to be able to spend your life in your own way.”  -Chistopher Darlington Morley, American Novelist

A “homework” assignment I often give to my coaching clients is to create a list of their helpful daily rituals. So often we just go along without really stopping to think what actions we can take on a daily basis that will add better health, success, joy and peace of mind to our lives.

It’s a pretty simple exercise, really.  Make a list of those actions that you know — or you believe — would benefit you (and/or others) if you followed through with them on a daily basis.  Below is a list of several different “daily rituals” that I have learned from a variety of clients over the years.  Many of these I strive to follow myself and I can personally attest to the value of reading (and living) my “daily ritual” list on a regular basis.

• Jump out of bed with a smile at 6 am
• Go for a morning walk
• Do Yoga or a stretching routine
• Pray, meditate and/or visualize
• Work on most important project before reading email in the morning
• Plan the day and clarify the three most important items to focus on during the day
• Read or listen to something inspirational/educational every day
• Go for a walk at lunchtime
• Take a risk a day to build my business
• Connect with at least one friend each day
• Connect with at least one business contact each day
• Review my calendar and mail out any birthday or congratulations cards
• Exercise
• Sit in my car for a few minutes after work and give thought to how I want to be when I get home
• Read or tell stories to my kids
• Kids to bed by 8:45 pm
• Set up coffee maker the night before
• Layout clothes for morning walk the night before
• Visualize my top 3 intentions/goals/dreams before bed
• Be in bed by 11 pm

Choose your favorites from the list above and also add your own to create your own list of Daily Rituals that will add better health, success, joy and peace of mind to your life. Once complete, read your Daily Rituals at the beginning and/or end of each day. Over time, notice how these small actions make a big difference.

The post What Are Your Daily Rituals? appeared first on Rich Fettke.

"The smallest of actions is always better than the noblest of intentions." -Robin S. Sharma, Author of Who Will Cry When You Die

What is something that you’ve wanted to do but you keep putting it off?

You can use the 30-60-90 strategy to help you get started on what really matters. Choose that one task that would feel great to get handled. Then, set a time when you will devote either 30, 60 or 90 minutes towards its completion. You don’t have to complete the task in the time you have allotted — you simply make a commitment to give it your total focus for that amount of time and then you can stop once the time frame has ended.

When you make a commitment and then take action on that commitment, you prove to yourself that you can be counted on. The more often you hear that message the more you will strengthen your self-belief and self-esteem.

Another benefit to this strategy is that when you take action on something that really matters you will get a charge of energy and motivation. Your brain will release endorphins that make you feel great and you will have created momentum that will carry over to other areas of your life. You don’t have to wait until you feel motivated to get going. Sometimes when you get going your motivation will follow and will grow.

ACTION IDEA:

Identify that one project or action that would benefit your career or your life if it were handled. Make a commitment to yourself to take action today. Decide if you will commit to this action for 30, 60, or 90 minutes. Then choose a time to begin and get to it. If you really want to improve the results of this strategy, ask your coach or success partner to hold you accountable. Make a promise to call or email before you begin and then immediately after you complete your task.

The post Getting Started (The 30-60-90 Strategy) appeared first on Rich Fettke.