Susan Samakow Coaching

A Chuckle Each Day Keeps the Doctor Away

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 17:10:00 +0000

Most of us know that exercise is good for your health, mentally and physically. Experts are saying that laughter, too, is good for your well-being. There are many benefits that laughter triggers such as strengthening your immune system, boosting your energy, diminishing pain, and protecting you from the damaging effects of stress.

In fact I just attended a Laughter and Resilience workshop and I have to say that I left with a smile on my face J.

Take a minute and read this short article that can lead to positive changes in your life!

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/14/science/14laughter.html

So if you want to make some positive changes in your life here’s a daily prescription…be aware and mindful, practice positive self talk, be present, exercise, and laughJ at every opportunity. As I heard Dr. Wayne Dyer say at a conference, don’t take yourself so seriously!

Ease into Fall ....

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 19:34:00 +0000

Try this: the next time you notice negative thoughts and emotions, remember that our mind determines our outcomes. Be aware of your Self Talk, your internal dialogue. Our beliefs shape our reality. Choose thoughts that will support you in enjoying a wonderful August and ease into the Fall.

Here are a few benefits of a positive Mind-set.
•    Improved physical health
•    Feeling good to feel good
•    Increased creativity
•    Overcoming negative emotions more easily
•    Seeing obstacles as stepping stones
•    Turning hardships into challenges
•    Shifting failures into success
•    Increased motivation and energy
•    Internalizing success and growing from it

Happy BirthDay America!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 22:45:00 +0000

Like many of you, over the holiday I enjoyed the fireworks with my family. It has long been my feeling that for national holidays such as these … everything should be closed. Instead, July Fourth, Memorial Day, and so on end up being retail sales days.

I believe people forget the meaning of the actual day, especially children who have not really learned the meaning of these very special days. So many men and women have died in order to protect our home and I know we all want to properly honor their memory. As more and more people from different lands come to the United States to live, it is of great importance they know the meaning of what they are celebrating and then in turn can teach their families.

While we may have celebrated these holidays it is not too late to celebrate what they stand for and to wish the home of the brave and the land of the free a very Happy Birthday. If you have not already, initiate a conversation about these important days at dinner tonight! It is a wonderful time to talk about your family values and the values of our country.

So let’s remember what and why we are celebrating and pass it forward. God Bless America!

Oprah’s Imprint ...

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:32:00 +0000

Although Oprah’s show has ended, I read and wanted to share the following article by Louisa Jewell - Through the power of storytelling and television, Oprah brought to life many lessons taught by positive psychologists around the world. She used her final show to share her greatest lessons from 25 years of the Oprah show. Here they are…

You have the power to change your life.
This was the common theme of every Oprah show. If an African American girl born in Mississippi in the 50’s could rise to Oprah’s level, anything was possible. Oprah’s final guest was a Zimbabwean woman Tererai Trent, who embodied everything the Oprah show stood for. Tererai’s story was one that showed us the power of hope and how it can propel people to overcome insurmountable obstacles and emerge triumphant. See Tererai’s inspiring story here.

You are not alone.
Oprah interviewed ordinary people and shared their stories. It wasn’t until I started watching Oprah that I realized that all families had some dysfunction. And knowing this brought me great comfort. Often, when we see that there are many people just like us, our challenges seem less daunting.

Happiness is contagious.
After interviewing Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor, who could feel other people’s energy after she survived a massive stroke, Oprah realized that all of the energy you put out into the world – whether positive or negative – comes back to you. Dr. Taylor gave Oprah a sign for her office that read, “Please take responsibility for the energy you bring into this space.” Just as Jane Dutton, Barbara Fredrickson and others have found, positive energy in the workplace, at home, or in our community, is contagious.
“You and this show have been the great love of my life.”

Other people matter.
The first day Oprah showed up in Chicago to do her show, she found she did not have a studio audience. Suddenly, she didn’t have other people to gauge how things were going during the show – if it was good, if it was bad, if it was funny. We are co-creating every experience in our lives. Oprah surrounded herself with loving viewers and through that profound connection she understood what people needed and delivered a show that struck a chord with millions of viewers in 150 countries.
“Everybody has a calling, and your real job in life is to figure out what that is and get about the business of doing it.”

Everybody has a calling.
Whether it’s to clean drain pipes or conduct an orchestra, we are all called to something bigger than ourselves. Just as Amy Wrzesniewski, Yale researcher, discovered, any job can be a calling and for those of us lucky enough to call our work our calling, it can be a foundation for a lifetime of fulfillment and happiness.

Giving is better than receiving.
While she shocked us with incredible give-aways, the most inspiring shows were ones when she reunited loved ones or gave homeless people a home. I remember on one show she asked everyone in the studio audience to bring a pair of pajamas for a woman who donated pajamas to children living in homeless shelters. The audience of 300 brought over 30,000 pairs of pajamas to the show! Through her acts of kindness, she inspired us to give more of ourselves. Jonathan Haidt wrote, “Elevation is elicited by acts of virtue or moral beauty; it causes warm, open feelings in the chest; and it motivates people to behave more virtuously themselves.”
“There is a difference between thinking you deserve to be happy and knowing you are worthy of happiness.”

You are worthy.
We often block our own blessings because we don’t feel inherently smart enough, pretty enough, or just plain good enough. It is what Dr. Martin Seligman discovered when people felt helpless. Realistic optimism and a strong belief in ourselves can have a profound impact on our lives.
“…I would tell you that every single person you will ever meet shares that common desire. They want to know: Do you see me? Do you hear me? Does what I say mean anything to you?”

Everyone wants to be heard.
One person- Mrs. Duncan, Oprah’s 4th grade teacher, validated her at a young age, and this changed the course of her life. This is why Shelly Gable’s Active Constructive Responding technique is so powerful. It demonstrates to people that ‘we are listening’ and ‘what you say matters to me.’ Mrs. Duncan reminds us that every single one of us can make a difference in someone’s life.

Gratitude
Her final message is one of gratitude; gratitude for her viewers, her staff, her friends, her loved ones and God’s everlasting presence. Robert Emmons demonstrated the power of gratitude through his research and Oprah brought it to the masses by encouraging people to keep a daily gratitude journal. She didn’t need a PhD to know the power of appreciation.

Ann and I speculated about how she would end the show. Will she turn out the lights like Mary Tyler Moore? Will she have some final dream giveaway hiding under everyone’s seat?

No…instead she somberly walks off the stage, through the audience and walks right over to Stedman, her lifetime love and partner, and kisses him right on the lips. She waves as she walks out of the exit and embraces several staff members as she passes them in the long narrow hallway. Finally, with her high heels in her hand, she picks up her dog Sadie, gives her a big hug, and walks off into the distance.
Her show ends with this final act of love.

Perfect.

Relationships at Work

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 02:06:00 +0000

Since the holiday theme for February has always been about relationship, and since many of us dedicate the majority of our time at the office, why not improve or deepen our relationships at work. Whether you work from a home office or an external office you can build good relationships. If you work alone from a home office, be proactive and set up times to get together with others. Arrange a breakfast or lunchtime appointment so that you can get to know somebody better and at business gatherings network with a few people rather than trying to meet everyone. A few sound relationships is better than a collection of business cards. Build relationships!

Here are some additional ideas that will help out at work ...
● Appreciate Your Colleagues and Co-Workers
Show appreciation and gratitude to your colleagues and co-workers. Speak it out loud. Recognizing the work of others creates a positive, happier, more productive environment. A Valentine’s Win-Win!

● Time
Take good care of yourself by taking a break at different times of the day. Join a colleague for a coffee break...go outside and take a walk with a few co-workers or set up a time to have lunch together. Invest your time in building good, solid relationships.

● Notice Your Nutrition
Eat healthy. Take notice of the fuel you select for your body. Bring nutritious snacks to work and share them with everyone. If you feel it is appropriate, suggest that everyone takes a turn bringing in a healthy snack.

● Spruce Up Your Workspace
You spend a lot of time at work…spruce up your work area! Put up pictures that have meaning to you. Add some color to your space or to other areas of the office. Colors can positively shift moods and energy. For example, different shades of yellow can be bright and vibrant especially on a cloudy day. Softer yellow projects a warmer, cozier feeling. Create a work environment you truly enjoy. Oh, and make sure you are comfortable!

I trust you've had a wonderful Valentine's week thus far and encourage you to maintain the spirit of this occasion at work and at home throughout the year!

Happy Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:57:00 +0000

     Yes, I am a romantic at heart. I always have been. I love any occasion to celebrate connection, appreciation, gratitude, the sweet smell of flowers and the taste of rich, decadent, dark chocolate that melts in your mouth.
     What would you like to add to your personal and business relationships that will enrich your life as well as others? Below you will find some Valentine ideas for home and family and tomorrow I'll add thoughts for the workplace. Enjoy this awesome day and celebrate love with all those you cherish!

Relationships at Home
The greatest exercise for the heart is lifting somebody else up...

     Life is all about our relationships … relationships with others and with yourself. I have some tips that will point you towards building healthy, fun, positive, forward moving relationships, for your personal and business life.
     As a start, consider the connections you have with others and connections that you would like to make. Be aware and set your intentions on what you want in your life. Be grateful and express this gratitude from your heart to the people that matter to you. As the anonymous quote above intimates, we grow stronger as we connect with others.
     Whether it is your spouse/partner, children, friends, co-workers or colleagues, gratitude and appreciation is the gift that keeps on giving. Why? Because while it makes others feel good to be acknowledged, in turn, it makes the person giving the acknowledgement feel great too!

● Express Gratitude, Appreciation, and Respect
Expressing our gratitude, appreciation, and respect to others transcends the people around you. Reaching out and sharing just one thing for which you feel grateful or appreciative lifts the spirit and mood for both of you. Live dangerously and tell them several things that touch you.

● Designated Date Night
My husband and I have been enjoying a date night now for years. Each week we take a time-out together where we simply enjoy each other’s company. Where and what you do is not as important as the quality time you spend with each other. Whether you stay home and make a fire and enjoy a glass of wine or see a movie and enjoy a meal at your neighborhood restaurant, being together without cell phones, television, newspapers, your kids, or any other distractions allows you the time to focus on each other.

… And please listen carefully. Resist the urge to talk about work, the kids, the in-laws, bills to pay, and other responsibilities. Simply enjoy what brought you together in the first place.

● Self-Time
Give yourself a gift. Take some well-deserved time to do whatever you like. Self-time gives you the opportunity to re-energize and re-connect with yourself and the universe. For your nurturing self: Get a massage, take a bubble bath, read a magazine, enjoy a romantic comedy. For you action self: workouts, sporting events and action movies! Do something you find satisfying.

● Dedicated Time
Take 15 minutes each day to connect with your partner. Talk about what is going on in your lives. Communication that is open and flowing improves individual and collective health. Do the same with your kids!

● Have Fun
That’s right…Have Fun!! Sometimes as adults we forget about the simplicity of fun. We droop with responsibilities as opposed to celebrating life. Find the joy and as we are reminded in Forrest Gump, Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you are going to get! Think about what would put a smile on your face and lighten your mood. See a silly movie, do something you enjoyed as a teen. Buy some Bazooka Joe bubble gum and start blowing bubbles!

Transformation & The Energy Houses

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 05:31:00 +0000

Thank you so much for visiting my blog. As we begin the New Year this month, many of us are following the resolutions that are now only a couple of weeks in progress. In the coming weeks, you will find a series of articles here that speak metaphorically of Energy Houses and maintaining balance to help us maintain our resolve and support our quest for transformations both subtle and grand. Enjoy this first introductory message and take a moment to click on the Google Follow button, (scroll down, bottom of the left side column), so you'll know each time a new post is published.

Socrates said, “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While I always recommend positive self-talk, (the examined life is a joyful experience, for example), Socrates is suggesting that we step back from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life and have a look at who we are and what we have become. Perhaps you will agree, the wise teacher has a point! Where, you might ask, do we start?

A great starting place for self-examination is comes in the form of an intriguing question: Are we human beings or human doers? Sometimes, I believe we should call ourselves human doers because it feels like we are always in action… we are doing this and doing that. We all have such busy lives – going to meetings, conference calls, our kids’ sports games, carpooling, running errands, and so on…like well-oiled machines.

     We are not, however, machines and even if we were made of machine-like parts, frequent tune-ups and adequate fuel are needed to run at peak efficiency. Many times we forget to keep ourselves tuned and if we are not careful, we’ll burn out. One approach to maintaining our mental, emotional and physical health is to maintain a state of balanced energy. Remaining in balance requires a kind of vigilance only possible by a commitment to conscious awareness.

     Let’s view this energy I speak of as dwelling in three different houses…the Doing House, (action/accomplishment), the Being House, (heart space/ connection/relationship) and the Visioning House, (dreaming/creating ideas). What’s important is to create a balance between the three. Make conscious choices about how you want to use your energy. For me, balancing the three energies supports me being healthy and staying positive. As I go through my day, (and the roller coaster of emotions that can come from life’s situations), the impact of balance is that I feel more even, more confident, and more in control.

     By being aware, by remaining mindfully conscious, we can catch ourselves so that we are not hanging out in one of these energy silos too long. Make a conscious effort to shift from one energy house to another.

Here are several easy steps to initiate as shift:
1. Be aware of the energy house you’re in – in other words, are you in an action mode, connection mode (connecting with yourself and others), or creating ideas?
2. Once you have identified which house you are in, make a conscious effort to shift into another house after a reasonable amount of time, (whatever that is for you). Come up with ideas and take action on them so they don’t just remain ideas.
3. Notice what you’re feeling in your body. Your body gives you a lot of signals. Pay attention to these messages.
4. Practice awareness. For example, when I began to practice awareness, my mantra became, “Please let me be more aware today than I was yesterday.” After months of saying this to myself, I created a new pattern or positive habit where I don’t have to tell myself this everyday…I just am more aware.

212° - Little Things make a Big Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 02:14:00 +0000

Leadership is an act that takes place in three areas of our lives: in our work environment, our personal environment, and in our community.

Recently, while facilitating a leadership training, I shared the DVD titled, 212°, because I found its message both inspiring and motivating. After the presentation and then again at our lunch break, many of the participants continued to discuss, interpret and then envision how the information would be helpful. I continue to marvel at how little things, do indeed, make a big difference. 212° tells us there is very little that separates the good from the great. The difference is, many times, only a single degree! This simplistic truth has vast application for all of us.

Did you know?

At 211 degrees…water is hot.

At 212 degrees…water boils.

     When water boils, it produces steam. Steam can power a locomotive. It is one extra degree that Makes all the Difference.

     As you will learn from 212° … “Belief fuels enthusiasm and enthusiasm explodes into passion. It fires our souls and lifts our spirits. Having a simple clearly defined goal can capture the imagination and inspire passion. It can cut through the fog like a beacon in the night. “

   In my work with individuals, groups and companies, I employ strategies like 212° as a part of my coaching practice. I would enjoy connecting with you and also encourage all to share your comments about any of the ideas you find presented here.

Finding Benefits or Seeing Faults?

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:31:00 +0000

     After listening to Tal Ben-Shahar lecture on Benefit Finders and Fault Finders, I am more aware of the impact this perspective has on our lives. I’ve noticed in myself, my clients, friends, family, and business associates an inclination to view others in terms of finding either faults or benefits. Do we see stumbling blocks or stepping stones? These are choices we all make every day.

     Do we look at the stars each night or take them for granted? Do we appreciate our family, our work, and our every day? Do we take people, our health, and life for granted or do we celebrate all of these incredible gifts? Are we embracing life or living by avoiding?

     Benefit Finders focus on the positive. When you focus on the positive, the good appreciates. When our focus strays to the negative, the good depreciates while the negative is accentuated.

     When it comes to our relationships, our focus is vital. Where and how we direct our energy, our focus, shapes the quality of our connections to others. We possess the ability to create our experience…the quality of our life is our choice!

     Remember to see the good and acknowledge the difficult. Witness the potential in the seed… Be a Benefit Finder

The Resiliency Factor!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 01:56:00 +0000

Resiliency can profoundly change how enthusiastically we approach challenges. Resiliency can transform hardship into challenge, failure into success, helplessness into power, victim into thriving survivor. Anyone can master resilience and from that you grow. You grow personally. You grow your business. You help your clients grow.

Everyone has the resiliency factor, however, you have to work it like a muscle and build it up and it will make a tremendous difference in your life. Let's start your workout program today and soon you'll be bouncing back like an old pro!

The Power of Intention

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 20:29:00 +0000

Wayne Dyer has long been my favorite teacher and his work on The Power of Intention has helped me both personally and professionally. Dr. Dyer has created a contest and new information site on Facebook that will provide 10 weeks of tips on how to put the Power of Intention to work in your life. Please take a few minutes and visit his Facebook Page on The Power of Intention, his primary Facebook page and Web Site for more information. I have long enjoyed and studied his work and use it frequently in my Coaching practice. I would love to hear from those of you that have also benefited from his work or would like to know more.

Releasing Emotional Toxins

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:27:00 +0000

Here's a one-minute video that will make a positive difference in your life. Toxins can play havoc in your life. Whether it is negative thoughts, unhealthy foods, or counterproductive habits and patterns these behaviors do not support your healthful lifestyle. Releasing these emotional toxins will have you feeling better physically and mentally. The video has some great tips for returning to balance in your life.

I have always enjoyed the work of Deepak Chopra as his thinking is very much in alignment with my own and use these and similar techniques in my work.

Finding The David Within

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 01:51:00 +0000

     Unleash your Magnificence ... See The David within you and within those with whom you share your life.

   How we view life is all about our perspective. Recently, I came across a photo of Michelangelo's statue, The David. History tells us, Michelangelo was given a huge slab of marble and asked to create something from the stone. The sculpture required hour after hour of work for about a year, beginning in 1498 to completion in 1499. When the art of sculpture is discussed, many believe the artist chips away at the rock and creates the finished piece. Michelangelo, however, felt very different about his work and told us, "in every block of marble I see a stature as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude an action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to other eyes as mine see it." Michelangelo believed The David was always in the stone and he had only to chip away the excess.

     I believe The David, our own individual and very unique beauty, is within each of us. We are all magnificent! Our work in life is merely to chip away the rough edges; the outside sources and influences that have us looking at ourselves with limiting thoughts as opposed to unlimited potential.

     How we view life is often, just a matter of our perspective. I can help you with the view!

John Wooden: Coaching for people, not points

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Fri, 08 Oct 2010 17:15:00 +0000

John Wooden coached UCLA to 10 national championships as head basketball coach. In this video, he defines success as: "Peace of mind attained only in knowing you did the best for which you are capable." An interesting twist, I think, for someone known for winning. Is doing your best good enough? Coach Wooden believes so and I agree.

Coaching, whether in sports, business or life, has many similarities. Being an athlete most of my life, I found I had quite a bit in common with Coach Wooden. Like Wooden when I am working with a client, I want them to succeed…it is not just about winning but about doing your best and feeling good about yourself…making a positive contribution while we’re on this planet.

As a coach, I help my clients with a game or business plan and, in the end, it is the athlete who has to take the ball and run the play. In the same way, it is the client who has to close the deal or take responsibility and follow-though with whatever the assignment. As Coach Wooden says in this video, “Never cease to be the best you can be.”

Look at the limitless possibilities there are in every situation. Have the faith and belief in yourself, blend that with patience (with yourself and with others), and you are on the right road. And to quote Cervantes, “The journey is better than the end.” Sometimes when you reach your destination, it can be a letdown. Have fun getting to wherever you are headed. Enjoy the journey and the self-satisfaction along the way.

Enjoy the video!
For more help with coaching, visit my web site , call or email!

Welcome!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan Samakow) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 22:42:00 +0000

Hi there!

     Yes, that's me in the banner above along with the alpha characters telling you that I work as a Professional Certified Coach, (PCC) and am also recognized as as Co-Active Professional Certified Coach, (CPCC). There are notes on my work life at my web site. For now, I'm looking ahead to meeting you here...here is what I have planned.

     This post marks the first post of my newly formatted blog! I want to welcome all who stop by and encourage you to use the Google follow button at the bottom of the left side column. I truly enjoy connecting with those with whom I share common interests and look forward to staying in touch with you here. I will be posting thoughts and ideas that have helped me, along with my clients and friends, to grow and prosper.

     To begin, I have written a number of short articles that provide a great jumping off place for questions, comments and discussion. Feel free to leave a note with your thoughts so we may all have the opportunity to learn from one another. I will also keep you advised about my events along with links to the work of others and invite you to pass on suggestions for learning in the areas of business and personal growth.

     Thank you so much for stopping by ... send an email to say hello ... comments and questions always welcome!