Grace Daly

Taking the First Step

2011-11-08T23:32:00.001-05:00

When I coach, I often find many people have difficulty not necessarily in accomplishing a goal – but rather in just starting it. They have all these ideas in their head, they write things down, they make long to-do or wish list that carry over from days to weeks to even months – but that is the extent of their action.

A little secret that may people don’t know is that what generally happens once a person takes action on a goal – just the first step, no matter how teeny tiny of a step it may seem to be - things begin to magically fall into place. Once the ball gets rolling and catches momentum - people, things, situations just seem to come to their aid to support their goal and before they know it – they’ve accomplished what they thought they couldn’t even start. So it’s not necessarily the difficulty in starting – but rather it’s the ‘not starting’ that makes it so difficult. Get it?

The next time you have an issue/challenge/task that may appear daunting or overwhelming – just take the first step and everything else will follow. Try it...it works all the time – but you’ve got to just take the first step. Get Ready, Get Inspired! -GD

Dealing with Negativity & Hostility

2011-09-06T23:27:00.000-04:00

With the many groups I coach, a common question that comes up is “How do I deal with other people’s negativity and hostility, especially in this environment where most people are willing to put others down to make themselves look good?” My answer simply is: You just worry about making yourself the best example of a human being you can possibly be. Being human, you will make mistakes – it won’t be your first, it won’t be your last. Some people will make bigger mistakes than you, some people will make smaller mistakes than you – it does not mean they are any worst or better than you. Strive to learn and grow. Don’t waste your time and energies trying to figure other people out, spend this time and energy understanding yourself first. Many times people have their own issues that have nothing to do with you directly. Some people will take their baggage, strap it to your back and ask you to carry it barefoot across the country for them…but only if you let them. The other half the time they are not even fully aware of how abrasive they may come off. However, I want to make very clear if it is a form of harassment: verbal abuse, sexual harassment, discrimination, bullying or stalking – these are not to be tolerated and should be immediately reported accordingly to the proper supervisors and authorities as required. Thankfully, most of the cases I’ve heard of are people being either just unaware, unprofessional and the very few - hurtful. In all three of those cases – use them as shining examples of what NOT to be; resonate from a higher source. Remember, there’s always a learning experience in everything we come across, so focus on spending the time and energy in growing yourself. G.R.G.I! - GD

Moving Away from Negative Influences

2011-08-22T14:33:00.000-04:00

Having coached hundreds of folks – a common roadblock I see are people that unknowingly surround themselves with negative influence. Negative influence can mean many things. The negative influences I’m referring to are basically the people who have decided who you are and what you’re capable of doing based on what they perceive of you. They are the judges who contribute in no other way but give their point of view which is generally discouraging. When you have a dream in your heart – be very aware of who you choose to surround yourself with. Who are the people in your life right now that have already pre-judged you and will continue to judge you? They may be colleagues, friends and even family members. Unless they have a stake in your dream, ie: they are helping you with start up capital or they are a partner in your business - the brutal truth is you need to limit your exposure to their negativity. Negativity attracts negativity and that is why so many new entrepreneurs cannot get past their own mindset. Now, I’m not saying go out there and cut off those people in your life – absolutely not. Just have a heightened awareness of how much time you may be spending with negative influencers and recognize the source of where their judgments come from. No one can tell you what you are capable of achieving. Only you can decide that. Stay true to your dreams and resonate with those people who support you mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Get Ready, Get Inspired! - GD

THE DETAILS FOR A LASTING IMPRESSION

2011-08-15T19:39:00.001-04:00

With the fierce competition in today’s job market, I was recently asked by a coaching student for advice on how to best approach the tables at job fairs. It's natural for many folks to get a bit nervous at these types of events and actually that’s a good thing because it keeps us all on our tippy toes! The trick is to take that same nervous energy and harness it into positive action. It’s not a hard task to accomplish this conversion to positive action – it just needs to be kept on the forefront of your mind.

Here are some quick tips for a great first impression at job fairs and other business events:

1. Always start with a warm smile. Don't worry about how others receive you. In fact if you should come across any negativity (which most likely you won't at these events) just offer your brightest smile. A genuine smile comes from a source of abundance, an initial love for one self and exudes self confidence. Negativity attracts negativity so your positive approach and warm smile will attract the like.

2. In your mind be familiar with your "30 second elevator speech" to share with others when you meet them. So for instance when I meet folks and they ask me what I do- I don't say the "title" of what I am. I familiarize them with the services I provide. So for instance instead of saying I am an author, coach and speaker, I say: "I help folks find their sweet spot." "Well, what do you mean by that?"- they would ask, and then I get into the details: "Well, through my coaching, writing and keynotes- I offer inspiration for folks to achieve their maximum potential, their sweet spot where they can achieve their dreams and find their fulfillment."

See the difference? The standard answer "Author, Coach and Speaker" is typical and won't be as memorable and discussion provoking. This subtle yet more impactful approach talks about the services you offer instead of what you are.

And what if you don't know what your services are? Think about your ideal job and what you do best- whatever it may be. So for instance if you'd like to be an executive assistant and you have excellent organizational skills - your 30 second elevator speech may be: "Well, I support and organize fast track executives in their continued career growth, I am their right hand and go to person."

If you were a wedding cake baker, you'd say: "I provide memorable desserts for special occasions. I keep Brides and Grooms happy with beautifully decorated and delicious custom cakes."

Taking this approach will stand you out from the masses that just announce their job title instead of the services.

3. Lastly, always address these folks by their names and thank them for their time when you leave their tables. In job fairs and other business events - there are so many people that are in such a mad rush to get around to meet everyone - they don't necessarily address these details. And remember - it’s all in the details that make a lasting impression! Get Ready, Get Inspired! - GD

No More "Thens"

2011-08-09T22:51:00.000-04:00

With my coaching I see it all the time: people not taking any steps towards implementing their dreams. Whether it’s related to their business or personal endeavors – here is a gentle nudge for these folks: this is it. You only have today, now, the present, this moment. The tomorrows and yesterdays are illusions of the mind – they are past memories or hopeful futures, there is only the present time and until you accept this you will always be living in the past or living in the “then”. The “thens” is a time frame that is based on something else happening prior. We’ve all been there at one point or another, the problem is when people chose to forever, permanently reside in the “then”.

“After my big promotion, then I’ll treat myself to that vacation in Europe.”

“After the kids are all grown up, then I’ll go back to school.”

“Once work isn’t so busy- then I’ll take time off with the family.”

No more “thens”. Do it now. Life is too precious to be squandered away with minimal fulfillment or joy. Do it now for no one but yourself. Do it now because you deserve it.

Get Ready, Get Inspired! -GD

Distance Provides Better Perspective

2011-07-31T14:11:00.000-04:00

It’s not uncommon, when folks are going through challenges – whether it’s a good challenge of activating creativity on a new project or a challenge in dealing with a difficult situation, they can’t seem to get clarity on the best direction for their situation. Many times that’s because they are simply too close to it. It’s important to step back from it. If it is not a crucially time sensitive matter, give yourself a break from trying to get to the answer; rest from the overanalyzing and mental dissecting of the situation. Granting yourself this time and distance will allow you to have “fresh eyes” when you review it at a later time. This is similar to the saying: “When you’re in the forest, you can’t see the trees.” This is also why it is so easy for close friends and family to give love ones great advice. When you’re not in the middle of it - with no attachment, especially emotional attachment – solutions and ideas become clearer. The next time you have a pressing decision to make or you’re at loss for inspiration for a new project - take a step back from it. More often than not, you’ll find when you look at it again – other options will present themselves.

Continued Learning

2011-07-24T22:44:00.000-04:00

When it comes to careers, many folks unknowingly limit themselves to stay within the confines of their own “safe zones”. A safe zone may be defined as a well acclimated environment or activity where individuals know exactly what to expect and the outcomes they will achieve. Because there is little or no sense of creativity and adventure – their learning and growth becomes stunted on these career plateaus. Now there will always be certain periods in people’s lives when it’s good to cruise in a safe zone for a while. These times may be when there is instability in other areas of their lives and the last thing they need is to be concerned about is career growth. In fact enjoying the scenery and reaping the benefits of familiar successes creates gratitude and builds self confidence. However, with that being said, if everything else is status quo, being in overly long periods on a plateau is not healthy for the mind or spirit. As human beings we’re designed to grow and stretch beyond our comfort zones. If this is not achieved in our careers, it should be achieved in other areas of our lives, through our passions or hobbies. The mind needs to be constantly stimulated with continued learning and growth. To help ensure you’re not stuck in your own safe zone, ask yourself these simple daily questions - applicable to both your career and life. What have I learned today? What do I want to learn more of? What aspect of my life would I like to increase fulfillment? These simple questions will keep learning and growing on the forefront of your mind.

Pause

2011-07-17T10:47:00.000-04:00

Recently I taught another new class, an amazing group of passionate women ready to take the next step to pursue their dreams and ambitions. As a certified coach, at these workshops I always share my past life and career experiences not to impress the audience – but to impress upon them that all goals are achievable as long as you are taking supportive action towards them. One question a student asked was “How do I get out of this idleness I am stuck in?” Now, everything is a mind set. This idleness can be viewed as many things to different people. It can be viewed as a result of self-doubt, past poorly made decisions, fear of failure, or uncertainty of direction; all these may result in a lack of assertiveness to confidently move forward. From a more positive and productive approach, I like to view idleness as simply a brief pause. It’s important to have pauses in our lives for self reflection of our past learning. And everyone has these pauses. The most successful people have had the most pauses in their lifetime. During these pauses, ask yourself these simple questions: what you like and dislike about results you’ve gotten, what you’re good at and not good at; and lastly, what ultimately makes you truly happy with a steadfast sense of fulfillment. I don’t even encourage time to review past bad decisions – if you’re already reflecting on results you did not like – that in itself is enough to move you forward and away from making bad choices again. The problem is too many people focus in on the path of their mistakes, creating overwhelming guilt and re-living the pain over and over, not being able to move forward. Release yourself from unproductive thoughts; spend your energy on the future, not the past. You’ll find this pause, this time of reflection - will help shape future decisions on which direction you’d like to move in. So don’t be too hard on yourself for “idleness”; embrace this pause and utilize it as a productive base to launch you forward to your life’s next adventure. Get Ready, Get Inspired!

On Gratitude

2011-02-17T20:31:00.001-05:00

Excerpt from Everyday Inspiration, A Collection of Positive Quotes and Contemplations. “Choose to live your life from a stance of gratitude. Recognize and give thanks to all the positive aspects in your life. When you focus on all the good, the universal law of attraction will only send you more good. Gratitude is the key to perpetual fulfillment and grace in your life.” -Grace Daly

On Parenting

2011-01-24T20:29:00.001-05:00

Discussions were spurred by a recent release of a book on a specific parenting style. The author claims to have the best parenting strategy: boasting on extreme strict rules of no play dates, tv time, or sleepovers as a few examples. It appears that she ties this in with specific cultures, playing up to stereotypes. Smart marketing strategy –no doubt she’ll sell lots of books with this controversy she’s sparked.
As based from Random House dictionary: Stereotype: in sociology: a simplified and standardized conception or image invested with special meaning and held in common by members of a group: The cowboy and Indian are American stereotypes.
Hmmm, interesting. I have not read the book and most likely will not due to my time constraints – however I will take 10 minutes to share my thoughts on the subject of parenting.
Growing up, I watched a lot of tv. We didn’t have sleep overs only because that was not popular in our community of tight quarters of the Lower East Side. I was never required to have a grade no less than an A; however I did do well on my own accord. When I pursued an education in art – not once did my parents discourage me. As my retail career path evolved – my parents did not steer me in any other profession. They recognized my sense of happiness and well being was their goal. Did they share my successes with friends and family? Of course they did – as any proud parent would – however it was a happiness and celebration after I sought my own decisions and paths – not a result of pressing strict rules upon me. That’s the difference. They didn’t press, they inspired. This is the same parenting style I’ve adopted.
Academic success and competitiveness has its advantages but let’s not fool ourselves to think that’s the end all answer to life. Knowledge is useless unless it’s applied, and wisdom comes through only experience. Learning from one’s own experience based on one’s own decisions builds character and emotional intelligence. Part of parenting is learning to inspire, trust and guide your children to pursue their idea of a successful life. This will ensure they live their life for themselves and for the right reasons; not to beat out a competition, appease harsh expectations of parents or because someone’s watching.
Maybe the true reason for accomplishment should be for the sheer enjoyment of it and not based on ego or fear. That’s just my philosophy and I am an American Chinese mom.

Caring for Yourself

2011-01-18T20:28:00.000-05:00

Excerpt from Grace’s second book: Everyday Inspiration
“Take tender care of this body you have been given; it is the shelter to your spirit.” – Grace Daly
Your well being is a key factor to all you will achieve in your life. Good health embraces physical fitness, mental vigor and spiritual strength. It’s important to make time to care for yourself first. This is not a selfish move, but a wise one. This will ensure you have the physical, mental and spiritual stamina to care for your loved ones and those around you. You must be able to care for yourself before you can help others. Get Ready, Get Healthy for the New Year! GD

Start Now

2011-01-09T20:46:00.001-05:00

“Welcome every morning with a smile. Look on the new day as another special gift from your Creator, another golden opportunity to complete what you were unable to finish yesterday. Be a self-starter. Let your first hour set the theme of success and positive action that is certain to echo through your entire day. Today will never happen again. Don’t waste it with a false start or no start at all. You were not born to fail.” ~ Og Mandino, (1923-1996) American Author and Inspirational Speaker.
Have a blessed start to the week. Get Ready, Get Inspired. GD

Happy New Year 2011

2011-01-01T20:25:00.000-05:00

There’s something beautiful about starting a fresh new year. It’s a chance to fulfill new goals and dreams: staying healthy and fit; learning something new and interesting to exercise your mind; recognizing your spiritual growth through self awareness and our connectedness to each other. With thoughtful reflection of the past year’s joys and challenges, it’s a sweet goodbye to all of it. Keep the good memories and release everything else. Let go of any crossed arm anger you may have and open yourself to a warm welcome for all the new adventures to come. Don’t exert your energies holding onto the past – especially any negativity or you’ll miss all the glory ahead. Make this your year to grow in every way you can. Acknowledge and embrace anything you may have perceived as a weakness or challenge because that is where your greatest opportunity is. Recognize and let go of other people’s limiting and negative beliefs that may have been impressed upon you. Decide that this is the year you will find fulfillment and serenity. Dare to live this incredibleness that is already within you – just waiting for you to believe in it enough to release it… Make this choice to live the life you’ve always dreamed of; the world awaits your greatness!
Wishing you blessings each and every day of the New Year, Grace Daly

Claim Your Life

2010-11-24T20:22:00.000-05:00

“You are now at a crossroads. This is your opportunity to make the most important decision you will ever make. Forget your past. Who are you now? Who have you decided you really are now? Don’t think about who you have been. Who are you now? Who have you decided to become? Make this decision consciously. Make it carefully. Make it powerfully.” – Anthony Robbins
This is one of my favorite quotes by Anthony Robbins. He is the epitome of living with true passion, taking action to create positive change and overcoming obstacles. Free yourself to this one realization you can change yourself with each and every passing second. And it’s when you change yourself, your circumstances will follow. Yes, you DO possess such great power; each and every one of us does! But too many folks relinquish this power to let their environment dictate who they are, allowing other people’s limiting thoughts and beliefs to be impressed upon them. Don’t be fooled – this is a power waiting for you when you’re ready to accept it. Claim the life you were born to live. Get Ready, Get Inspired! GD

On Networking

2010-11-24T20:20:00.001-05:00

From my book: The Seven Success Keys for the Retail Facilities Professional, one of the critical keys is NETWORKING. As a coach, unfortunately I see it all too often. People get so absorbed in the day to day minutia of their work, they lose focus on the bigger and more important picture: taking care of themselves. They make little or no effort to network for their own personal and career growth whether within their current situation or outside opportunities. Never neglect building your network. You owe it to yourself and your family. Your network is the most precious commodity money cannot buy. Be sure to create your own engaged community for shared learning, support in business goals, and future personal growth.

The Worst Fear

2010-10-19T20:19:00.001-04:00

So many folks unknowingly live in constant fear: the fear of what if, the fear of failure, the fear of the unknown. One of my business coaches use to always tell me: ”Fear is ‘false evidence appearing real’ and the only two real fears are the fear of loud noises and falling.”
With all the coaching I’ve done, both with clients and informally with colleagues – there is one fear worst than all the rest. This is the fear to be great because they did not want to “outshine” a partner, friend or family member. They did not want to make that person feel bad with their accomplishments. This is the worst fear that exists because the individual knowingly holds himself or herself back because of another person’s insecurities. It is one thing to be holding yourself back for your own reasons – but it’s a shame and a tragic lost to hold yourself back because of someone else. Your loved ones will support you in your dreams; they will rally for you and stand by you. The ones who don’t are still seeking their own fulfillment. Don’t hold back on your dreams and accomplishments, there are more people who want you to succeed than the ones who don’t. You owe it to yourself to shine as bright as you can, and once you realize this truth – your light will burn brightest. Get Ready, Get Inspired! – GD

Business Continuity & Disaster Preparation

2010-08-23T20:17:00.001-04:00

Industry: Facility Management, Disaster Recovery, Business Continuity Planning
In this chat, Grace meets with the industry’s leading authority on DR & BCP: Anthony Pizzitola, CFM, CBCP
Business Continuity and Disaster Preparation – Is Organizational Resilience the new Emerging Sustainability?
GD: Anthony, Thanks so much for joining me in my Coffee Chat Series™. Now, most of your professional career has been in construction, project planning and regional facilities, so why have you included Business Continuity Planning and Disaster Preparation/Recovery into your skill set as well?
AP: The reality wake-up call came with Hurricane Katrina. Without any formal training, I was forced to establish emergency and response plans for properly closing 48 facilities to mitigate damages and destruction. My second objective was to re-open quickly and re-gain the company’s competitive advantage. This was accomplished by gaining the support of management and area vendors whose partnership we earned over the years.
GD: So it took the destructive Katrina to capture your interest?
AP: Actually, I was the only Facility Manager in the country assigned to write about the destruction of the World Trade Center in IFMAs Facility Management Journal. It was during my research I learned about Business Continuity Management and disaster preparation. The BCM process gained my interest and started inspecting facilities on a new dimension. Katrina proved that disasters are in everyone’s backyard and got my attention.
GD: But can corporations actually prepare for catastrophic events similar to an announced hurricane and an unannounced World Trade Center Disaster?
AP: Yes! Within the BCM umbrella, there is the practice of Business Continuity Planning that highlights Risk Analysis and Business Impact Analysis. These core elements are used when practitioners inspect sites and determine the resilience of the organization based on potential threats, the probability of occurrence and the actual risks associated with the threats. Essentially, how vulnerable is the organization and what controls can be initiated to mitigate the risks.
GD: What are the components of Risk Analysis and Business Impact Analysis?
AP: Risk Analysis is simply the identification of manmade, natural and constant threats, the probability of the threats and what risks from the impacts can be expected. Business Impact Analysis identifies the critical functions that will be impacted by those threats. Also, the results of the impacts will be categorized quantifiably and qualitatively.
GD: So performing the proper analysis can lessen the overall impact of natural, manmade, or constant disasters?
AP: Yes, be proactive! Have control systems in place to eliminate identified basic minor threats, and exercises in place to automatically respond to disasters. A core element BCP is holding disaster exercises for an effective response to disasters. The exercises are designed to protect people first and property second.
GD: Do you have any examples where these actions have worked?
AP: On the simple side would be immediate replacement of a rusted water heater to solve for downtime and a fire hazard. On a larger scale, preparing a facility for forecasted flooding or a hurricane. Operations should have extensive communication and evacuation plans. Vendors should be on-board with facility shut-down preparation measures and immediate post-disaster plans for recovery. These actions were performed during my three previous hurricanes and in most cases we re-opened within two hours of regaining power.
GD: In your previous articles you have surfaced that annual surveys should incorporate both facility surveys and BCP. Can you please elaborate?
AP: With proper BCP training facility managers can add another stone to their slingshot. For complete due-diligence in site inspections, facility professionals can capture numerous vulnerabilities and become more valuable to both the profession and the organizations they serve.
GD: But shouldn’t separate departments: facilities, risk management and BCP manage their own piece of the pie?
AP: I recently attended an excellent conference Continuity Insights in New Orleans. Several presenters advised that these departments are often siloed and vertical. Many of their commonalities and accountabilities overlap, yet in many cases they are duplicating efforts. The three departments could team at several sites, arrive at one thorough list and use as a master for facility management surveys and benchmarking purposes.
GD: So one complete 360 degree survey will paint the proper picture of a facilities’ needs?
AP: We own our outcomes. It’s one-stop shopping. The more thorough a survey the more clear asset strategies and resilience strategies becomes. The more we observe and correct business interruptions can be significantly minimized and more protected will be the people we serve and the facilities we managed. The value proposition is that several departments can use the survey for asset strategies and resilience strategies.
GD: On a final note, with respect to recent disasters, what message do these tragedies deliver to the CEOs of corporations?
AP: Don’t be caught without several strategic disaster response and recovery plans that can be launched in a heart-beat. After-the-fact strategy responses cannot be forgiven on a financial or social impact scale. In fact, as part of the new Public Law 110-53, the Department of Homeland Security has been charged with the development of a Voluntary Preparedness Plan designed to audit the private sector to determine their level of preparedness and to provide measures for conforming to the standards. The plan is titled PS-Prep. The standards have been identified and an announcement in the Federal Register is forthcoming. In the aftermath of a disaster, one that could have been prepared for, non-compliance to basic standards is not a position the organization can survive. Organizational resilience to disasters is the new emerging sustainability. This can be only be leveraged by facility professionals and business continuity professionals who are trained to protect the organization.
Anthony Pizzitola holds dual certifications as a Certified Facility Manager and Certified Business Continuity Professional. In a Fortune 250 company his regions have covered up to eight states and maximum of 250 sites. An MBA, he is published internationally. With such impressive and significant accomplishments, Anthony is easy to speak with and enjoyable company.
Anthony Pizzitola can be reached by email: afpizzitola@aol.com or phone 713.392.2734. His Linkedin profile can be located at http://www.linkedin.com/in/afpizzitola
Coffee Chat Series™ Grace’s conversations across Industry’s Best in Class are concise recapped dialogue with industry leading authorities on a specific topic matter. Most learning happens through meaningful conversations. We capture and share with readers the crucial elements of our discussions.

Doing What's Right...For You

2010-08-11T20:15:00.000-04:00

When I work with folks going through difficulties in their careers or trying to achieve balance in their lives; one similar trend I notice amongst the majority of these folks is they tend to do what is best for their family, their friends, their clients, their jobs, their businesses – but they don’t necessarily do what’s right for them. To me, it becomes apparent when they express to me what is missing that they put their own needs second to everything else.
One of my dearest mentors once told me – it’s ok to be selfish, it’s ok to fulfill your own needs as long as you’re growing. Think about it. If you’re not fulfilled or balanced- how are you going to give your all in your endeavors to your family or career? Part of finding your balance and fulfillment is doing what’s right just for you. The catch is (and there’s always a catch) balance and fulfillment is not the same for everyone. For example, recently there has been much talk in my social circles about sky diving and jumping out of planes. Some folks may look at it as a foolish unnecessary risk; while other folks may look at it as an exhilarating challenge. Both views are right in the eyes of the beholder. The trick is for you to realize this. That there will be people to support you, and there will be people to ridicule you but neither should matter once you understand you are not doing this to please or displease anyone. You’re doing it solely for yourself – and that alone requires no reason to anyone else. So go out there, be creative, living in the constant awe of all possibilities. Your balance and fulfillment will come when you start living and doing what’s right just for you.

On Kindness

2010-08-07T20:13:00.000-04:00

“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” Seneca, Roman Philosopher
At a Wayne Dyer lecture, Dr. Dyer most graciously shared his thoughts on kindness. Paraphrasing, he notes when a situation comes up and you have a choice to be right or a choice to be kind – choose kindness. Can you imagine how different the world would be? Starting with the basic family unit – what if we choose to be kind to one another at all times as oppose to trying to be “right” fighting to prove a point or prove the other person wrong? That expanded out to our school and work communities – can you imagine how people’s lives would be less stressful. Is this world possible? Yes, this world is possible and it does exist from people who do not operate from an ego domain. We see glimpses of this world every day. We see it in the simple thank you and acknowledgement from our supervisors and coworkers, we see it in the understanding and forgiveness from our loved ones, we see it when kindness is shown to a total stranger in need and we see it when people come together for support in face of great tragedy. We know this world exist but too often it is overshadowed with negativity created by the people who need to be “right”, the people who may unknowingly operate from their relentless controlling egos. Even in the face of these ego domain people, stay steadfast in your approach of kindness. Kindness and love are in our intrinsic nature and that is why we are so easily in harmony when we manifest it. Even if we try to react negatively or harshly in response to another person’s negativity – that only perpetuates more harm and negativity to yourself because you are disconnected, even temporarily, from your own innate source of love and kindness. Only light can cancel darkness and only love can cancel fear. Remain connected, centered and true to your light and say a silent blessing for those that need to find their way back to their own light.

Driving Towards Fulfillment

2010-08-03T20:12:00.000-04:00

I recently had the honor of being interviewed by Next Stop Income, a magazine for entrepreneurs and internet marketers. The interview process was a great experience for me. Specific questions, reminded me why I am to stay my course. With the busy day to day noise, it’s not uncommon to temporarily lose touch with the driving power and passion that fuels us to continue.
One of the questions was simply “What is the purpose of ‘GraceDaly.com’?” The answer came easily to me: to help individuals find their balance, peace and fulfillment in their careers and lives. The best way to describe this is once I’ve had a bird’s eye view from journeying to my own fulfillment; there is an innate driving need to share this enlightenment with others.
Many folks don’t know how to find their fulfillment because they’re not focused on the present. They live in the past victories or they torture themselves and others in painful memories. Sometimes they even create their own anxieties by worrying over the future. It’s like trying to drive a car focused solely on the rear view mirror while worrying about the future maintenance coming up in the next 30k miles. Be grateful for all your past accomplishments and lessons, at the same time freeing yourself to grow and move forward. Live your life now. Keep your eyes on the road, focused through the windshield and make time to recognize and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us every day along our paths.

Trust Your Instincts

2010-07-26T20:00:00.002-04:00

Trust Your Instincts
Many people reach out to me for business advice, career growth or life coaching. Folks are strained from the current economy; either looking for work or pressured and unhappy in their current roles. This tremendous stress builds up and eventually affects home life. It’s during these difficult times they examine their current situation as a whole. Most of these people I coach already know the answers. They just need to learn to trust their inner voice, their instincts.
Are you facing a difficult situation? In your heart of hearts, you know the truth; the right choice that will be best for you. If a decision does not feel right in your gut, most likely it is not. So why do many people not follow through on their truths and make the best choices for themselves? Here are some observations:
• They cannot make a decision. They are over analyzing, remaining in a paralysis by analysis state.
• They are in fear of what other people might think from their decisions and therefore do not make one.
• No matter how unhappy they may be, they have learned to so strongly identify with their pain that they will not relinquish it. There are people actually so accustomed to the negativity and drama created in their lives that sadly they know nothing else.
• They allow themselves to be externally misled or they mislead themselves to believe things will change, all the while following the exact same behavior and action pattern.
• Making a decision will most likely result in a change of some sort. Whether for the better or the worst, many people have difficulty with change overall.
• Even a person that cannot make a decision has in essence, already chosen their path. Inaction has its own consequences, at times stronger than action.
When you learn to follow your instincts, taking the steps to work through challenges, you only get stronger. You are accepting full responsibility for your circumstances and yourself. You see everything clearly because you are aligning with higher energies and you are no longer blinded and living out of fear. Take the first step in trusting your instinct, set yourself free and your path to fulfillment will appear. More importantly, you will be centered and true to yourself.

Gratitude

2009-11-26T09:31:00.001-05:00

"Give thanks to blessings already on their way." -Anon.

Happy Thanksgiving and warm wishes for a magical holiday season ahead.

Grace Daly