FUNKY TO FABULOUS

No Woman Is an Island: Rethinking Autonomy in Relationships

2010-06-08T09:28:00.001-07:00

What a wonderful road map for driving solo or with a partner.

There really is no way you can fail if you befriend yourself and share that friendship with another.

"We're friends with each other. We hold hands through the easy-breezy days and hug through the rough ones. We talk through the fights. We let go of grudges. We keep each other safe. We listen, we talk. We check in every day. We take care of each other so that we can take on another day in this insane, confusing world. We don't stop being individuals to be an "us," but we take care of the "us" and in turn, become stronger and better individuals."

Thank you for such a wonderful post!

Eli Davidson
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

How Could I Grow My Business?

2010-05-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

How do you grow your business? How do you make things happen without losing your feminine power? Here is what a client says about her coaching experience.

"I met Eli during a very difficult time in my career. A week after starting my work with Eli I was released from my job. Yet, it was when everything got BETTER! Working with her facilitated the motivation and courage to step into a dream I had secretly had for years. I wanted to own my own business. Six months later I own my own profitable design business. This was something I thought was impossible when I started coaching.

She gave me a system to market myself inside and out. The results speak for themselves.

With in a week of opening my business I booked my first client at a fortune 500 Company. Within one month I had so much business that I added additional designers.

Eli sees the potential in people so clearly. Then she helps you ground that potential with practical action steps. The love and support I felt from Eli is priceless. The learning is life-long."

I highly recommend coaching with Eli and allowing yourself to be as great as you are.

Carrie Henkle

CEO Flow Design

Why Unplugging and Recharging Will Help You Make More Money

2010-05-14T12:30:00.001-07:00

As a speaker and executive coach, I see the real life examples of your column on a weekly basis. When peak performers take the time to replenish themselves making significantly more money is the consistent outcome. One of my current clients doubled her income in under six months using that formula. Brava!!! Another great column.

Much Love,

Eli Davidson

www.elidavidson.com
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Positive Thinking: Use the Best Within You to Form Your Sense of Self

2010-04-29T10:00:00.001-07:00

A top executive that still thinks he is 'not good at follow up' 10 years after the fact is a great example of how many of us focus on our flaws not our fabulous.

As an executive coach to successful women, I find that most of them have a tendency to focus on where they have room to improve rather than savoring their success. Thank you for sharing your brilliance yet again!

Eli Davidson
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

How to Stop Being So Hard on Yourself

2010-04-24T14:15:00.001-07:00

Dearest Cara,

Say thank you first. Just like the concept of eating dessert first.

There is a tool for a happy life: thank you to yourself and others first.

Brilliant as always.

The active stillness of art, gardening or communion with nature, and meditation (which is very active to me) are also huge keys in being gentle with ourselves. I find the same experience with painting. It is an experience of finding that my 'mistakes' lead me to something far better than I had planned. What a great analogy for life!

I adore YOU,

Eli
About The Balanced Life
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Help For Lindsay Lohan To Get Out of Debt....It Will Work For You Too

2010-04-21T14:18:00.000-07:00

After losing my marriage, business and health I had $88,000 of corporate credit card debt from my business (which seemed like $600,000 at the time.) Here are some tools that will help you and anyone out there get out of credit card debt. These tools worked for me, and millions like me. They can work for you.

1. Don't Go This Alone
Lindsay, you are not alone. Studies show that currently 58 million Americans are not paying their bills on time. Get caring support as you reinvent your habits. ( No, Dr. Pinsky wouldn't be on my list either.) Yes, you are going to need to change your habits. It isn't easy. My prayer for you is that you have someone that sees your great good that goes beyond your current behavior.

2. Use Paper Power
You aren't going to like this one...but it works.
Simply, switch from plastic to paper money. A study from NYU and the University of Maryland found that when consumers switch from credit cards to cash and they automatically 30 % spend less. These studies show there's a gut reaction that's absent when we pay with plastic. That's the reason you trade your money for poker chips (plastic!) in Las Vegas. Credit cards use this fact to their advantage.

3. Get A Grip
You aren't going to like this one either.
Make a budget. Put the cash for each budget category into envelopes. Food, gas, entertainment, clothes, shoes etc. I did this. It is very simple and it works. From my own personal experience once you get down to the copper money (they are called pennies in case you forgot) in an envelope you are highly motivated to get out there and make some money. Highly motivated.

4. Pick Up the Phone
Before a large expense, ask for a discount. Sure, you are Lindsay Lohan, but I know that this tip works for the rest of us. One LA consumer got her dentist visit cut for a crown from $850 to $550 by simply calling and explaining her circumstances and asking for a discount for being a long term customer. I've heard of lots of people asking for reductions on the rent they pay...and getting it. Give your landlord a call...and let me know.

5. Ask For Help
If you are in over your head in debt you can get help. Credit Counseling will help you with your budget and lower your interest rates. My bet is that Credit Counseling companies are call you right now. Lindsay, listen up...because this is a very hidden fact.

Most consumers aren't aware that these credit counseling "non-profits" are actually funded by the credit card companies. They are not working for you...they are working for the credit card companies. I used a debt settlement company that cut my credit card debt in half. Having my debt cut in half helped me to avoid bankruptcy and give me the dignity to pay off the debt my start up business had created. Get educated and see what is the best fit for you.I am here to help you. If this worked for me, it can work for you.

Are you struggling under credit card debt? I want to hear your story.

I also what to help you find the best solution for you.
The Today Show "Reinvention Expert" shares her system to get out of debt using her "Turnaround Techniques." system with other consumers to get out of debt- for good.

Are We Becoming a Nation of Intolerance?

2010-04-12T11:43:00.001-07:00

What an important post. We live in the UNITED States of America. Our vast diversity that gives

our nation it's important foundation. At our core we are a nation of finding the good and great in each citizen. Perhaps we haven't lived up to these high ideals- but tolerance and seeing the possibility is what will power us into a more abundant future.

Eli Davidson
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

The Recession Creates a New Business Paradigm: Entrepreneurial Independence and Individualism

2010-04-08T12:32:00.001-07:00

As a coach I am seeing the flesh and bones of this story. At least two current client were laid off and have started their own small businesses. In my opinion, this is by far one of the most exciting events that has occurred as a result of the current economic climate. Numerous statistics show that local small business owners create more jobs and give back to their communities in a far higher rate than corporations.

Bravo!

Eli Davidson
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Successful Small Owners...It's Never Too Late To Start

2010-04-06T19:10:00.000-07:00

Successful Small Owners...It's Never Too Late To Start

I have had the incredible opportunity to share stories of Frank Maguire share stories from his days along side Colonel Sanders. He didn't even start his business until he was in his sixties. What an inspiration....

Colonel Sanders,of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame, was 66 when he began to promote his style of cooking and create an empire.

Stan Lee, creator of Spider-Man, was 43 when he began drawing his legendary superheroes and his partner Jack Kirby was 44 when he created The Fantastic Four.

Julia Child didn't even learn to cook until she was almost 40 and didn't launch her popular show until she was 50.

F. Murray Abraham got his first decent screen role as an actor when he was 45. The role was in the movie Amadeus and he won an Academy Award for his brilliant portrayal of Antonio Salieri. He had thought of giving up acting just two years before but thankfully didn't.

Andrea Bocelli didn't start singing opera seriously until the age of 34. Some 'experts' told him it was too late to begin.

Phyliss Diller became a comedian at the age of 37. She was told by many club owners that she was "too old" to become a success.

Elizabeth Jolley had her first novel published at the age of 56. In one year alone she received 39 rejection letters but finally had 15 novels and four short story collections published to great success. Mary Wesley was 71 when her first novel was published. Talk about not giving up!

Ricardo Montalban had his dream house built at the age of 68. That was when he was finally financially able to do so and he went full-speed ahead with it.

Laura Ingalls Wilder began writing as a columnist in her 40s. Contrary to a belief begun by the TV series about her family, the popular Little House books weren't written when she was a young girl at all. They were written and published when the 'girl' was in her 60's!

Quiz Answers

2010-04-05T11:59:00.001-07:00

Could You Start Your Own Small Business Quiz

Questionnaire

Points are given like this:
1. a) 3 b) 1 c) 2
2. a) 1 b) 3 c) 2
3. a) 1 b) 2 c) 3
4. a) 3 b) 2 c) 1
5. a) 1 b) 3 c) 2
6. a) 3 b) 2 c) 1
7. a) 1 b) 3 c) 2
8. a) 2 b) 3 c) 1

Add up the scores from your answers.
How Did You Score?
21-24: You have a very good understanding of the basics of running your own business. Grab it with both hands and go for it!

16-20: You have some of the basic ideas about running a business, but need some more help. Keep reading “SmallBusinessEntrepreneurs” to improve your knowledge. Remember there’s more to running your own business than having a great idea – there’s a lot of hard graft and mundane work too.

15 or less: You need to work harder with your understanding of running your own business. A business takes a lot of hard work to get off the ground, to keep running, and to make it successful over the long term. Start reading “SmallBusinessEntrepreneurs” in depth to gain a better understanding.

How To Tell If Starting A Business Is Right For You (Quiz)

2010-04-05T11:54:00.000-07:00

How can you reinvent your situation? Do you have the personality and skills to run your own small business. Starting, owning, running and growing a business is not for everyone.

Do you have “a big idea” that you’d love to turn into a business?

Is it right for you?

Here is an eight-point questionnaire. Answer these questions honestly to see if starting your own business would be a good next step for you.

Questionnaire
1. Are you happy to take responsibility for every decision you take?
a) Yes, perfectly happy.
b) I’ll employ someone else to make the decisions.
c) I will consult my father who’s an experienced business man.

2. What do you think USP means?
a) Under Selling Performance
b) Unique Selling Point
c) Unique Sales person

3. Why is social networking important to a business?
a) It gives people a chance to relax and chat to their friends.
b) It gives you a chance to get up to date with modern software.
c) It gives you an opportunity to sell your business to a wide range of contacts.

4. What drives you?
a) Passion.
b) The desire for lots of money.
c) My chauffeur will drive me when I’m rich and famous.

5. Are you happy to work with financial figures?
a) No, I’ll be running a business, not an accountants.
b) Yes, these are the lifeblood of the business and I’ll keep a close eye on them.
c) I’ll put the figures in the hands of my accountant.

6. Do you think you will have sufficient motivation?
a) I realise that I have to maintain 100 per cent focus on my business.
b) A few distractions are important to keep me interested in my real life.
c) Motivation is for those business “gurus”. I can’t see the need for worrying about it.

7. Do you want a job or a business?
a) I've been laid off so I need a job.
b) I am hoping to build a business that will carry on after I’ve retired and left it. It might still give me a pension, though!
c) It’s a job first, and a business second.

8. Do you want a business that is risk-free?
a) I’m not really a risk taker, but I suppose I will have to take some risks.
b) I will embrace and understand the risks I’m taking. Without risks you cannot hope to make it big.
c) Yes. I don’t want to get involved in anything risky!

The next post will give you the answers!

Reinvention Tools: Living Large for Less

2010-03-30T20:41:00.000-07:00

We got questions about how to reinvent a budget after the NBC segment. Here is one of the questions.

As a working woman, how do I spend less money without feeling like I am living like a pauper? JP Las Vegas, NV

Here are some tips and tricks to live large while spending less money.

Drink More. Water that is. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average American spends $944 per year on beverages. Drinking anything other than water can really add up. Skip your soda, and switch to water. You, your skin, and your wallet will feel better.

Read the Label. “Dry Clean Only” is bad for your wallet. With clothes in your closet are often safe ways to clean them without dry cleaning. Read up on ways to wash dry clean only clothes at home.

Eat In. The average person spends $2,668 per year on food outside of the home, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That number goes way up here in Los Angeles.

Take The Green. Leave your credit cards behind when you do your grocery shopping. Studies show you will spend 30% less.

Nix the Tix. Skip out on NetFlix and watch free (yet legal!) movies. Your local library has a huge array of DVD's to check out for free.

What Does It Mean To Receive?

2010-03-27T09:10:00.001-07:00

You have given a blueprint for anyone that wants to receive more of the rich abundance of life to follow.

Here is a story of the power of free form writing.

Recently, a friend came to me terrified that she might lose her home. She had been at the top of her profession for 20 years, but companies where not hiring consultants in her category.

She had not made money for 6 months. I encouraged her to write out her frustrations and anything else that came into her head with free form writing. Within 2 weeks she was making money again.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Art of Attention: From Complaint to Gratitude

2010-03-24T22:01:00.001-07:00

It is astonishing how much power we have to steer our lives from funky to fabulous. The distractions of the blur of busy can keep us from forgetting that we can complain or create. We can be sad or start to do something that is satisfying. Numerous studies over the last 30 years confirm that gratitude has an affect on our health.

Gratitude looks good on us all.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Are You Going Out Of Your Mind?

2010-03-11T16:57:00.001-08:00

Perhaps Thou Shalt Not RUSH could be the 11th Commandment.

When I was a child growing up on a farm in Kansas, I would talk to Jesus and Mary in the bathtub, For some reason, they liked to visit me there. I had long conversations with Him in the bubbles. (I certainly would have chatted with Buddah, but he didn't have much of a presence in Bucyrus, Kansas. I told Jesus that he came at the wrong time...because he could have been on TV. Then, more people would have known his message. Jesus, seemed to smile back at me. He wasn't in a hurry. He didn't need any more followers. He was and is a place in the heart.

When I rush I am reminded to embrace the calm loving that lives in my heart.

Thank you so much for reminding me.

All My Love,

Eli Davidson
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Living Large For Less:

2010-03-10T15:11:00.000-08:00

Next week I will be showing viewers how to 'reinvent' their debt on ABC and NBC. One of the top tips is to...freeze your credit card. Freezing your credit cards saves you money because studies show we spend 30% less when we spend cash. Here are more tips to use your Freezer to cool off expenses.

As a small business owner, I am always aware of the importance of getting the biggest bang for my buck. We entrepreneurs tend to expect value. Here are some unexpected things to freeze and save money.

* Batteries: A number of studies have shown that storing batteries in the freezer helps them retain their charge longer. This is less true for alkaline batteries (freezing extends their shelf life by only about 5%) than it is for NiMH and Nicad batteries often used in electronics. Keeping NiMH batteries in the freezer can boost battery life by 90%

* Wine Cubes: Lots of people already keep alcohol in the freezer. Freezing wine can save you from wasting the last of that vino. When you have a little leftover wine, pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze it. "Wine cubes" are perfect to use in making stock and other cooking.

* Pantyhose: Like Grandma Yeager, I don't wear them, but my wife sure does. She swears that if she keeps her pantyhose in the freezer, they're less likely to run and they last longer. (I just can't imagine how she gets up enough courage to slide into an icy pair every morning.)

* Candles: Keep your wax candles in the freezer and they'll burn longer. It's especially good for slim table tapers that normally burn very fast.

Happy Makes You Healthy

2010-03-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Does attitude affect health? As a small business owner, do you have this belief?
Can being optimistic about your future be good for you? Even in tough times?

New research gives more data to confirm the connection.

An article this week in Psychological Science confirms your attitudes affect your immune system. Suzanne C. Segerstrom and Sandra E. Sephton conducted an interesting study with first year of law school students. The first year of law school is regarded as one of the stressful times.

Five times over the school year students completed questionnaires. The surveys asked about optimism for their academic performance. They also received skin tests that measure cellular immune function.

The test results reveled that changes in optimism are accompanied by changes in cellular immune function. The more optimistic the more positive the cellular immune response. Other studies show these positive responses have been associated with decreased mortality in surgical patients. This study showed the positive affect of optimism.

However, this relationship between optimism and immunity is partially mediated by positive, but not negative, affect. These findings support the validity of psychological interventions to improve immunity and health, especially if they increase positive affect.

Bode Miller SKIS OUT, Misses Giant Slalom Medal

2010-02-23T19:18:00.001-08:00

I have never been a Bode Miller fan until now.

He skiied out and lost his chance at the Olympics. How did he handle his failure?

In my opinion he acknowleged how well he did. It is an incredible demonstration of the mind set of a peak

performer.

Here's what Bode said about his loss:

"I'm taking more risk than everyone else. That's partly why I'm able to get medals. It looks easy when you make it," Miller told The Associated Press in an interview after missing out on becoming the first man to win four Alpine medals at one Winter Games.

"When you crash like today, it's like, 'Oh, huh?'

This is what so impressed me.

"I did a good job today, too," Miller continued. "I was right there. I was right on the edge."

When I look back on my career, it's hard to believe the (stuff) I've been able to pull off," Miller said of his aggressive approach. "I take everything with a grain of salt. There are a million variables. But I also take some credit for it. I do go that way, all the time. I am willing to deal with the consequences, when a lot of guys aren't willing to deal with those consequences. So they don't take the risk."

Thank you Bode!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

MC Yogi's New Video: Give Love (VIDEO)

2010-02-18T21:46:00.001-08:00

As we reinvent our world, love is the key ingredient. If each of us a just a bit more love at least one place in our day what a wonderful world this will be.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Making Yourself Indispensable From NY Times

2010-02-15T18:40:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I was on KTLA speaking on this topic. (The anchorman argued with me.) I was delighted to see the column by one of my favorite business writers, Eilene Zimmerman, in the New York Times.

Q. Your company went through layoffs and you survived, but you want to do more than just hold on. How can you make yourself more valuable to your company and improve your chances of a future promotion?

Enlarge This Image

Chris Reed
A. You can enhance your odds of promotion by suggesting ways to solve problems, taking the initiative on projects, sharpening your skills and showing a willingness to help others.

Find ways that the company can earn more money and spend less, said Larry Myler, chief executive of the consulting firm More or Less Inc. in Provo, Utah. When you see ways to cut costs or streamline processes, develop a plan and write a proposal, Mr. Myler said.

Presenting that to your manager “shows you’re taking initiative, which makes you more valuable,” he said. “You will be seen as a person who is mindful of the company’s bottom line and who has the ability to do something about it. That’s huge.”

Even if you’re not directly involved with revenue generation or budgeting, you might interact with customers or other departments and have cost-saving ideas in those areas.

“Let’s say you have been watching the shipping process and you see there are more steps than needed,” Mr. Myler said. “You propose cutting a few steps to save a specific amount of money and get the product to customers faster.”

Q. You want to carve out a niche for yourself in the company, one that sets you apart as an expert in a specific area. How do you manage to do that while handling your usual job responsibilities?

A. To create that niche, focus on what you already know, rather than picking a new area and then trying to learn all about it, said Vaughan Evans, a career strategist in London.

“Let’s say you are very proficient with numbers, quantitative work and with using the Excel program,” Mr. Evans said. “Why not become a master at Excel so that within the organization, you are the go-to person for that program?”

Building on your strengths — and letting your weaknesses go — will enable you to carve out a niche. Keep in mind that your area of expertise needs to be important to the organization, Mr. Evans said.

Q. Should you ask your manager whether the company would be willing to pay for additional training?

A. Some career experts say that during a recession, employees should be cautious about asking their companies to cover costs for training, conferences or additional education.

Mr. Myler suggested that if you do ask, be frugal about it. “Asking your company to cover the cost of attendance at a pricey conference probably won’t go over well,” he said. “Instead, ask if they will pay for the conference notes — usually a nominal cost — and do self-study instead.”

Ingrid Stabb, co-author of “The Career Within You,” suggested checking with human resources to see whether tuition reimbursement is among your benefits. That money can be used to pay for a variety of courses that further your expertise in a particular area, she said.

For instance, advanced training in finance, social media marketing or obtaining certification for a specific software program may all qualify for tuition reimbursement. If the company won’t pay, you might want to consider footing the bill yourself for evening or weekend classes or for online courses.

Q. Although you don’t want to be obnoxious about it, you do want management to be aware of all you are doing to enhance your skills and expertise. What’s the best way to handle that?

A. Show your strengths in a way that benefits your boss and everyone in your department. Ms. Stabb said: “If your strength is organizing data, for example, and you know there is all this data your boss has but hasn’t organized, create a spreadsheet or table that makes it easier for the department to access the information, and then offer to lead a brown-bag lunch presentation to explain how to read it. People will remember that back in Q1, Jane Smith started this initiative in the department.”

Being helpful toward and protective of others is another way to showcase your knowledge — and integrity — in a nonthreatening way. This applies to both colleagues and managers.

When you have information that could be useful to others, share it, said Sandra Naiman, owner of the executive coaching firm SMN Partners in Denver and author of “High Achiever’s Secret Codebook: The Unwritten Rules for Success at Work.” This could include articles in trade journals, information on the company’s intranet and relevant online sources.

When others go out of their way to help you in a similar manner, always give them credit by sending an e-mail message to their boss to describe the help, she said.

“The bottom line is you want to be known and relied upon by as many people in the organization as possible,” Ms. Naiman said. “The more people who depend upon you for their success, the more valuable you become.”

Delegation Tips For Small Business Owners

2010-02-04T16:27:00.001-08:00

Many entrepreneurs are in a pickle. Bootstrapping small business owners know that they need to take tasks off their plate. As a coach I find that many entrepreneurs don't have clarity of what and how to delegate.

The If I Want It Done Right I Better Do It Myself Syndrome is particularly prevalent among women business owners. Oprah couldn't have become Oprah without delegating. Martha Stewart uses a small army to make her home look, well, homey. I find that many clents have a tough time delegating. Here are some tips.

Delegation for Small Business Owners
Test the waters. (Delegate a non essential item.)
Write up your project with a very clear objective. (Create a successful outcome.)
Perception Check. (It is essential that the person understands the agreement they have made.)
One of the biggest mistakes in small business delegation is misunderstood end result.
Mistakes happen. (Your support staff won't be perfect. Mistakes are part of the learning process. Help your team to learn how to problem solve.)

Sleep Challenge 2010: Getting Horizontal on the Way to Gender Parity

2010-02-01T13:28:00.001-08:00

Leading women executives may have a horizontal view of success. However, it would be excellent for women's health if they got more down time.

Women working full-time sleep less than men as they shoulder dual responsibility of office and home, a study said.

The study conducted by Professor David Maume of the University of Cincinnati (U-C), graduate student Rachel A. Sebastian and Miami University (Ohio) graduate student Anthony R. Bardo shows that load of work and family turns off the good night sleep of women.

The study authors conducted a phone survey of 583 union workers represented by a Midwestern chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW). It took place between January and April of 2007. About 62 percent of the respondents were women.

The authors also found that women were more likely to report sleep disruption than their male counterparts. Concerns of marriage, work schedules, demanding jobs affect their sleep, the authors added in a U-C release.

They said men whose wives worked full-time also reported sleep disruption when jobs and family lives spill into each other, but significantly less than women.

“Overall, the results show that gendered reactions to work-family situations accounted for more than half of the gender gap in sleep disruption,” the authors said.

Researchers found that gender differences in health status accounted for a substantial portion (27 percent) of the gender gap in sleep disruption, with women more likely to report health effects on sleep disruption.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Strengthening The Global Economy: The Female Factor

2010-01-31T12:40:00.001-08:00

Women owned small businesses have a higher percentage of long term success.

Contrary to what many think,women entrepreneurs are highly motivated philanthropists . Studies show that they are more likely than men entrepreneurs to participate in leadership roles when they volunteer for charitable organizations.

In the report, "Leaders in Business and Community," is based on a national survey among 226 women and 235 men business owners."Nine out of ten business owners (92% of women and 88% of men) contribute money to charities, compared to 70% of all U.S. households surveyed by the independent Sector1 in 1999," noted NFWBO Chair Nina McLemore.

"Nearly one-third of the business owners surveyed by NFWBO (31% of women, 30% of men) make significant personal charitable contributions of $5,000 or more per year, including 15% and 13%, respectively, who contribute $10,000 or more." McLemore is President of Regent Capital, a private investment firm, and a member of C200.

Women build business and give back to their community in a more substantial way than their male counterparts.

Entrepreneurs are also active volunteers with charitable organizations. Seven out of ten of the business owners surveyed (68% of women, 72% of men) by NFWBO volunteer at least once in a typical month, compared to 62% of all women and 50% of all men in the U.S.
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Enterprising Women: Are You Asking For Help Around The House

2010-01-30T08:32:00.001-08:00

The dynamic of shifting gender roles is something I am seeing a great deal in my practice. Many of my clients are high powered women executives who frequently out earn their husbands. Some complain that they are married to a husband that is doing more slaking than baking. When I dive deeper, I find that shared responsibilities are a two way street. Often women pretend guys are psychic.

For women that want more help around the house here are some tips:

Are you speaking up? (Most women could use some help here.)
Are you asking for exactly what you need?
Are you being specific?
Did you spell it out your request clearly?
(Translation: how, what, when, where, why)
Is it written down?
(If it isn't written down there is no way to track it's completion.)
It takes a great deal of superb communication to make reversed gender roles work. My standing ovation if it is working seamlessly for you.

PERCEPTION: What Are You Missing? Part 2

2010-01-29T20:21:00.001-08:00

The point of the story is that thousands of people walked by
something of tremendous value.

What value are you missing?
No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell,
one of the greatest musicians in the world. He
played one of the most intricate pieces ever written,
with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.. Two days
before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where
the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito
in the metro station was organized by the Washington
Post as part of a social experiment about perception,
taste and people's priorities.
The questions raised:
*In a common place environment at an
inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?
*Do we stop to appreciate it?
*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected
context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment
could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one
of the best musicians in the world, playing some of
the finest music ever written, with one of the most
beautiful instruments ever made.
How many other things are we missing?