Dear Friends and Clients:

We are still in the first quarter of the year; and yet, I’m aware how quickly the next few weeks will go by. The reality of this awareness suggests it’s time to act, take on every ambition that was set out in January. Despite any resistance I continue to move toward my vision and embrace every challenge that comes with it, I hope you do the same. As I write this, I wonder what every successful person or business had to endure before declaring “YES, I have arrived” and did so with great integrity and awareness. I also wonder what your view is of the journey versus the destination. Being on the journey can encompass many things, often managing the ups and downs along the way. The destination can be elusive at times and yet motivating, nonetheless.  Where are you now? This might be the first question to ask yourself.  As we move closer to spring, I invite you to take stock, check in with the ways you are moving forward, and determine what fires you up and ignites your ambition.

With the passing of the Winter Olympics, we can draw from the example of all the athletes; training consistently to perform and competing at their best and igniting the spirit of humanity. I invite you to read my article below and see what’s coming up for spring in the Coach’s Corner.

In endurance and spirit,

Susan

FEATURE ARTICLE

Shedding layers to unearth our gifts

When I read something I wrote a few months ago,  it often amazes me to find it relative to the present moment, it’s almost as if I predicted it. Well I suppose I did and it really shouldn’t amaze me, as I’m the one charting my course, and life will demonstrate that synchronicity exists when we are aligned and intentional.  As each of us are creating a story that is captured in the now; knowing where you are now is good, but I think it’s progressively necessary to ask:  is your charted course taking you in the right direction? I was engaged by a similar comment posted on Facebook today, and more or less asked this question.

So as we shed our layers with the arrival of change, it’s wise to consider where our gifts might be most freely expressed, cultivated, and transformed.  It would be so simple if we knew the geography or the climate in which we would thrive the best; however, that’s not necessarily the case. For some, it is obvious and simple, for others, it’s a matter of showcasing your talents as opportunities present themselves right now. This is about jumping in, taking part, stepping up, and clearly, opening doors. What we hopefully discover is where we feel most alive, inspired, challenged, and worthy of our time and contribution.

It is also equally important to project “where” you want to chart your course. What are those places, organizations, communities, industries that can potentially attract the people and opportunities with which to share your gifts. At minimum, you can build a strategy to connect to the right network of people who may minimize the obstacles or show you some of the ways to navigate more directly.

As we shed our layers and begin to lay down a chart or plan, it’s essential to be courageous, observant, willing, and focused. Everyday we have an opportunity to build our capacity to change and chart a course that is exciting and satisfying.

Go boldly forward.

S.

COACH’S CORNER – what’s around the corner for spring!

This coming Friday and Saturday I will be attending Amazing Woman’s Day and taking part as one of the feminine leaders. I encourage each woman subscribing to my newsletter, to visit the Amazing Woman’s Day website to learn about the roots of this movement and the woman behind it, Marsh Engle.

My husband Phil and business partner Daryl Devonish, at Body Pump Inc. have a new website. I am proud to be part of a great studio and among the best personal trainers in Toronto. You’ll find me instructing Pilates on Mondays at 6:00 p.m. (Intermediate class) and Fridays 12:00 noon (Beginner). Be sure to sign up for classes or start with some introductory private sessions. New series begins in March & April – remember, no excuses!

Ebook: Seven Steps To Change the Status Quo for Your Life and Business – I now have all 7 steps posted on my website and invite you to read a step each week and post questions on my Facebook fan page (Wright Momentum) or simply email me. We all have the power to change and live a life that has meaning and harmony. This is a free resource with questions to get you out of your comfort zone and into one that starts creating the change and action you desire.

Two weeks back I wrote about life in motion and the benefits of persistence, consciousness and practical plans – my last point is resonating with me today.  In managing all the stresses of everyday life and work, I undoubtedly arrive once again at the benefits of these key points and remarkably, the flurry of activity in raising my own consciousness to the fact that practical plans must come into play.

The activity is absolutely positive, and yet it’s randomness is creating a tension that is both productive and distracting. So to effectively mobilize and create change, practical plans will need to be put in place.  These plans will provide a framework to move forward in an aligned and structured way that is ultimately directed and organized. Curious, are you in a whirlwind right now? Are you ramping up your life and business to only find a loss of organization and control? Okay, so the energy is there – good, now it’s time to direct it.

You and I are moving through the flurry and we also have the ability to temporarily STOP and review our plan. Consider these questions:

Are the plans you made in January still viable, important, and relevant?

Is the activity aligned with those plans?

What activity is distraction and what is really worth taking hold of?

Now, stay still and take a little time to:  think through, visualize, map or write out, a practical plan. The plan is manageable, energizing, and characteristic of coordinated effort (by you, with others, in relationship to your environment). At this time of year, the earth is still hard and frozen, lending the idea that our foundation is being prepared for the uprooting of new and positive change. By taking perspective, stock, and time, rather than being swayed by all the activity, you stand up-right and move with the wind, gracefully and directed.

What practical plans can you create today?

Susan

Third, I want to say that I’m living these steps and taking on some new initiatives in my life. I’m learning a lot, some days I feel like I have three heads, but mostly, I’m uncomfortable and inspired. Change is not comfortable; and yet, the energy associated with new opportunities is empowering.

Speaking of inspiration, I decided to support a worldwide movement to inspire and empower women, the Amazing Woman’s Day in honour of International Women’s Day. I will be one of the Feminine Leaders at this exciting event and your participation will help support women to bring their gifts and contributions to their communities and the world.

The event is just around the corner, March 5th and 6th, 2010 so register early (by Feb 19th) to receive a Bonus Gift – a collection of gifts valued over $4000 Click Here To View These Amazing Gifts .  For my network and subscribers to receive a discount on your ticket price please click here to sign up and receive your discount. $30.00 off the Diamond Package – code DiamondDisc  and $15.oo off the Gold Package – code GoldDisc

For all the men who read my post, please share this event information with the women in your life – colleagues, partners, wives, daughters and friends!  (hint: a great Valentines Day gift)

Well that’s it for today, have a wonderful weekend – read, relax, and rejuvenate.

Susan

p.s Be inspired as you watch our Canadian Athletes go for Gold – let the games begin!

In the hour(s) that proceeded, I became consciously frustrated as a woman of ambitious nature and nurturing role. I am blessed to have children, I am privileged to have this responsibility, I am also hungry to be out in the world contributing what I can and desire. A client recently asked, is it possible to be at the top of your game (in career) and have a life? The super woman says “yes!” and yet my head says “say yes, but.” Tonight as I sit in total awareness of my situation, consciously acquainted with my emotions, I know the road of persistence is long and being idle at the wheel is not progressive.

So I took action and wrote this piece, recognizing the energy in my experience and the full awareness of the path I could take – playing the victim. Only then to discover that what I wrote about last week was being illustrated and my point about consciousness was echoed. I needed to guide myself with care, discernment, and full regard.

Although I write from a perspective of a working mother, I don’t believe our relationship status, gender, or any other factors deny that life and work are not in perfect balance – work is part of life as life is a part of work. The aim may possibly be for the two to co-exist in harmony or at very best, integrate in such a way that each enhances the other. When they don’t harmonize, and even when they do, it is still up to us to be conscious. Discernment, care, regard, all have an impact on choice and the decisions made at the time. We live in the context of our lives, not artificially segregated by hours, location, and such so called boundaries. I suppose this requires a great deal of flexibility – individually and collectively we can all improve upon.

This experience taught me once again, the power of choice. Admittedly, I had a mini melt down as I thought of all my eager “to do’s” and momentarily went to that place of woe. Then I gently reminded myself, I have a full life and I want it all, so it’s very likely I’ll come up against idle moments, urgent demands, and fulfilling options and opportunities.

Looking at my bag still parked at the front door, I realize that I do have the power of choice and responsibility. I can take care of those who need me, I can discern, and I can regard my emotions with full acknowledgment that being conscious will only direct me in a more powerful and positive way. As for the question about being on top of your game (in career) and having a life, the real me says, it’s not easy but it’s totally worth it! and besides, when did it start making sense that we see then as mutually exclusive?

Life in motion, only stagnant if you let it.

Susan

So the road is long, and the learning has begun; but more so, I have changed the status quo. The context in which I was comfortable has altered, no longer familiar or recognizable. I think it is with this experience that I find myself almost ambiguous, full of choice and options once never apparent or in need of examination.  This is what happens when we change, when we actually move away from our comfort zone and dare to put our mark out in the world. I have not had the answers, nor have I known what will come of this, but inside I rightfully knew this is what I wanted.  I wanted to write.

Now I’m no great Canadian novelist (how do they write thousands of pages with details that I can barely conceive? Incredible.) but I’m claiming something in the form of personal expression, experience, and value.  I come up against my own inner obstacles every day, as at times it seems too hard, not lucrative, and really impractical. The fear starts to talk and the voice of reason sets in. Persistence is not logic, it’s heart. It’s the athlete who triumphs over pain and injury to take the podium, it’s the underdog who rises to the challenge every time, it’s the community that fights for the welfare of it’s children and people, it’s the capacity of many to stand up against injustice and discrimination. Persistence is the heart of transformation and success.

In the words of Barack Obama:

Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it’s not. It takes patience, it takes commitment, and it comes with plenty of failure along the way. The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.

When we attempt to change our ways , do something different, or start considering what we need to change, fear sits on the horizon ready to sink into our subconscious disabling us to act. However, despite it we must trust that inner heartbeat that leaps every time we say or act on something uncomfortable, challenging, and new. The long road of persistence comes with let downs and frustrations; and yet, when everything you did to improve a situation or change comes with a positive outcome, you know it was worth it all.

Are you ready to change your life and business?

What is it that you want?

Begin,

Susan

Life is full of stressors and many of those are quite manageable given the right guidance, strategies, and plans. What I have come to learn are three things: the benefits of persistence, consciousness, and practical plans.

1. Persistence – affords the opportunity to find the answers and reap the rewards.
2. Consciousness -  demonstrates care, discerns, and generates regard.
3. Practical plans – mobilize and create change.

I think we can all remember a time in our lives or business where persistence was necessary despite the stress or obstacles in the way. The consciousness that I experienced most recently with my son’s care highlighted the importance of professionalism, attention, and collaboration. Practical plans are something I have often felt necessary for success and positive outcomes. In the coming weeks I will share my thoughts on these as I take on my own ambition, as well as, supporting those who come to me with their own life challenges and ambitions.

Given today is a new start, I have posted the introduction and first chapter of my ebook. This is something I have persistently worked on in collaboration with the experiences of my clients, family, and of course, those who help me along the way. I invite you to join a discussion on my fan page about what I have written as this will lead up to a talk I’m doing on February 2nd for the Virtual Success Expo, which starts this Thursday, January 28th.  Let’s generate a conversation that builds our capacity for change. It starts with you and builds through our collective experience and collaboration.

What thought, plan, or experience will put you in motion today?

Susan

Everyday my four and a half year old must get on a big yellow bus and sit among children he really doesn’t know. He then has to face up to the task of getting his winter outerwear and boots off independently and not loosing his socks in the process. All of which he does with a degree of tolerance and adult responsibility.  There are things that happen in the course of his day that I don’t get a glimpse of, that he alone must negotiate and manage.  Life skills start early, and in the last 24 hours I realize just how much we can miss or at best, find a way to support one another with guidance, listening and conversation.

Yesterday I almost gave in to his plea but then I would have forsaken my own responsibilities and ultimately feel just as frustrated. Funny that I’ve been writing about choice and priorities in the past few days as well as reading about it in a book review and life coaching post. Often we do battle with ourselves over conflicting priorities, but that’s not it because aren’t priorities some sort of ranking system? So the truth, it’s our conflicting emotions and underlying values that we must negotiate or simply stay aware of. I don’t believe that any of us are that far removed from a four year old getting on that yellow bus each day. There are emotions and skills that affect our ability to manage and perform at our best. We each have sensitivities that only we can learn to uniquely manage.

Yesterday and today I benefited from a few people listening and engaging in authentic conversation.  I praise the daycare providers and the early childhood educators who truly care and take the time to share a little piece of their life as well. For when they do, I feel we really are all on equal footing when it comes to rearing children. In other words, no one has the perfect answer, resolution, or development plan, but what is necessary is a collaborative and open stance to how we help one another (our children) develop skills and strengths to manage life and all its’ turning points.

I have the most profound feeling of pride for my son and what he courageously takes on each and every day.  His experience is relative to that of adults, we too must get on that big yellow bus everyday.  Our world may be more complex and yet many of the skills we require started at a very early age.  Yesterday I was once again made aware of my emotional intelligence and the transient moments of when I lack awareness or the appropriate response. What I gained though, was an opportunity to connect with my feelings and those of others who share my overall concern for well-being, building capacity, and personal development.

Life creates opportunities to test us. Sometimes I don’t react or respond as I ought to; however, through our human connection we are guided to learn the skills necessary and complementary to deal with those challenging mornings and life building moments.  What will it take for you to get on that bus today? What’s your story?

Susan

First of all, I don’t view taking on a new challenge or doing something that doesn’t turn out as failure. The failure is when we don’t act or at least try. When we choose not to act, we run the risk of staying in the same rut or situation that made us feel less satisfied and possibly less successful.  The goals that you create for yourself or your business have a timeliness to them and often are associated with something important.  However, I think it’s fair to say: not all goals are created equal.  Therefore, some may actually impede our progress as they may take our focus into something that doesn’t yield the results we intend. Does this set us up for failure – not necessarily, it just diffuses our efforts and therefore our plan.

This is why setting priorities can supersede the formation of goals. Consider this, what areas of your life and business if you were to put more energy and focus on, would yield a significant and valuable return? That’s a tough question because sometimes we just don’t know. This is when the use of a professional coach can really be helpful; they may see things from another angle, notice your blind spots, and simply zoom in on the issue that holds you back. By generating some priorities, you will come up with some concrete things you want to develop or change. Next is the tricky part: figuring out what activities outweigh others and noticing what priorities will yield greater achievement with a tight focus. Similar to the 80/20 principle.

Okay, so the priority area may still be a bit murky, but what’s not, is you actually making a choice to do something and doing it.  If you waiver here, then no movement will happen, nothing will change. The great thing about stepping into choice – you create more freedom to express what it is you want and life in turn will provide the options. Some of those options may not align with your original goals and they may not even be priority, but what they signify is your expansion and willingness to grow.  Interestingly, as you step into choice challenges will appear before you and these are necessary ingredients for learning.  What you will gather in the process is a clearer understanding of what your priorities ought to be, and what, who, and how will support you in accomplishing your goals.

Rather than play the “what if” game or generating a lengthy “to-do” list, why not step into choice and take on something that will challenge you in ways that can only lead to a path of success.

Do something now!

Susan

“Out with the old, in with the new,” an expression that definitely suggests a change, movement, and transition. As you move into a new year, what are you bringing forward, creating, and leaving behind?  There may be ideas and plans generated in the latter part of 2009 carried forward and there may be those that no longer serve your life or purpose.  Often it’s the choice of what we will leave behind that is frightening. There is a certain sense of nostalgia we hold that can potentially get in the way of moving forward or simply creating something much more aligned with who we are and what we want or need.

Often what we need to leave behind are negative beliefs that unconsciously holds us back.  Stepping into a positive and powerful choice takes guts. I know this because clients I coach and even myself, can easily get caught sitting on the fence or staying with what feels comfortable. Feelings of unsettling energy and ambiguity are often misinterpreted as overwhelming – although I won’t deny the unwieldy “to do” list that was generated in my mind this week. At this time, it’s essential to step into choice and do something to focus that elusive energy. This energy can be used to create and bring the ideas, strategies, actions, and plans forward. It’s also a good time to prioritize the list.

Once the choice or choices are made, then it’s time to discover a rhythm that works for you.  It may start with clearing out old files, the closet, or the basement; to begin a process of focused intent and clear directed activity. I know once I get through my mental and physical clutter and clear space, the doors will open and I will settle into a rhythm that aligns with all that I intend.

Take time to ask yourself what you want to create and leave behind. Get ready for a remarkable and successful year!

Find flow,

Susan

According to a report, a blue moon has not occurred on New Year’s Eve since 1990. You may want to think back to that time and ask yourself: where was I, what was I doing and who was I becoming? For me it was a great time of change, I was entering my first year of university and graduating from high school.  Wow – so much has become since then. I believe 2010 will also be a great time of change, not only for myself but for many of us.

I wonder if I will capture the same spirit I held in that pivotal year? My sense is yes as I write this blog post. The reason – I’m leaving something that was familiar for so long and entering a new way of learning, developing and networking. Similar to my entrance into a new community at University, I’m now discovering another new community online and out in the world. Interestingly, I’m being re-connected with people I’ve met in the past several years, to discover that we were meant to meet for reasons I didn’t even know at the time.

Sometimes we believe things happen or experiences can only occur once in a blue moon, but I believe there’s an underlying connection during these times that we don’t fully grasp or are even suppose to understand. Everything happens for a reason, whether that’s to learn, discover, or be temporarily awakened. So when the dawn of 2010 arrives, look back on the Eve of that moonlit night and ask: What happened that night that’s not just once in a blue moon; but rather, the start of something new?

To a great time of change and new beginnings.

Susan