Not only is there no quick fix, there’s no guaranteed path, and there’s no one way to achieve what you really want in life. But this is not all bad news. In fact, there actually is an upside…

In lieu of a quick fix to life’s challenges and opportunities, there is another option. A better way. It involves slowing down and taking time to focus on what’s not working in your life. Rather than seeking a quick fix, think longer term. Consider that almost everything in life is a process and the best results come when we allow time and space for things to develop and evolve. Many times, rushing into things that seem right for us only takes us farther off course.

Likewise, don’t hold back because you’re not sure of the outcome. Who is? Except for appliances, not many things in life come with a guarantee. Let go of the desire for a guaranteed option.  Instead, do your research, investigate your options, and make informed choices. Investing time and effort in these activities will increase your chances of success.

Finally, don’t buy into the idea that there’s only one way to do anything. It’s just not true. You are unique, your situation is unique, and your answers and new direction will be unique. Copying another’s path or trying to make changes ‘by the book’ will not generate the best results.

So as you look to upgrade and improve any aspect of your life, choose wisely. Pass on the ‘quick fix’, accept that there’s no guarantee, and have fun forging your own, unique path.

Much success,

Julie

PS — If you enjoyed this message, subscribe to my blog on this page and have posts conveniently delivered to your mailbox.

Powered by Bookmarkify™

Career dissatisfaction is epidemic. Many people are living this unfortunate reality. Based on my client profiles, no profession is immune. People across all career disciplines are dissatisfied and are trying to cope in environments and in roles that just aren’t working for them. Doctors, lawyers, bankers, accountants, government workers, sales gurus, and technology experts. Top managers, mid-level managers, and recent college grads.  It doesn’t seem to matter what field or what age, job burnout is rampant. The result, and I see it all the time, is a high level of emotional distress and an array of physical symptoms.

The reasons for these ‘toxic’ situations are many but the solution is always the same. To be truly fulfilled at the deepest level from your work, it must reflect who you are and what you value.  It must fully utilize your best talents and consistently allow you to be your personal best. It needs to provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. And of course, it needs to pay for the lifestyle you desire.

If you’re suffering from career dis-ease you can do something about it. It is possible to find a career, or tweak the one you have, so that your emotional, physical, and financial needs are met. I’ve done it. Hundreds of my clients have done it. If you’re suffering from career dis-ease, it’s time to find a healthy solution.

All the best,

Julie

PS — If you enjoyed this message, please subscribe to my blog on this page and have weekly posts conveniently delivered to your mailbox.

Powered by Bookmarkify™

Within these recurring activities, we each have our own unique sense of timing. It’s important to be aware of and respond to the timing that is just right for you. Don’t be bowled over or held back by someone else’s sense of timing.  Likewise, don’t attempt to push too hard or block yourself  – instead find your authentic pace in every circumstance. Honor that pace. Trust yourself. Choose your own rhythm.

As you get in step and take action accordingly, you will find a natural sense of ease and flow. Sometimes you will just know that you are meant to act now and you will accelerate your pace. At other times you will know equally well that you are meant to slow down, to wait and see, so your pace will be more leisurely. Either way, as you follow your own wisdom, the speed with which you move will feel comfortable and right.

Expect variations as you listen to your internal clock. Regardless of the situation if you pay attention you will know when to act. And ultimately, you will go farther ‘faster’ because the right timing is everything.

All the best,

Julie

PS — If you enjoyed this post, please subscribe to my blog on this page and have weekly messages conveniently delivered to your mailbox.

Powered by Bookmarkify™

I recently spoke with a potential client about career coaching. During our discussion I asked her how many job postings she has responded to since college graduation.  Her answer:  ”20…in the last 2 years.” From a job search perspective, that is a very low level of activity. It’s clearly not enough activity to open interview doors or launch a career. As her coach I’m now helping her focus and jump start her job search efforts.

During another introductory coaching session, a potential client shared a logical, comprehensive list of things he knows he needs to do to strengthen and improve his business.  I thought his list was excellent and told him so. I also asked him why he was seeking my coaching services since he had a solid game plan.  His answer which he expressed with a mix of humor and exasperation:  ”Because I’ve haven’t DONE any of these things, even though I know what to do!” Point well taken and we’ve now partnered to spark his momentum.

Action is absolutely key.  I’m a proponent of small action steps taken consistently — as in daily, if at all possible.  Bite size steps are by their very nature less daunting, easier to schedule, and provide a definite sense of satisfaction.  Day in and day out, month in and month out, begin to take action and I can assure you that your life will change in very positive ways.

All the best,

Julie

PS — If  you enjoyed this message, subscribe to my blog on this page and have posts conveniently sent to your mailbox.

Powered by Bookmarkify™

Let me clarify that editing is not about lack or doing without. It’s not about limitations, or restrictions, or punishment!  Quite the opposite. It’s about focus, quality, and rich enjoyment in your career, in your relationships, and in your everyday activities and lifestyle. From my experiences and those of my clients, there is a lot to be gained by editing and it’s ALL positive.

If you haven’t noticed, the world has become a  frantic and hectic place. Excess is everywhere and it’s not all healthy and useful. If you’re like most of my clients when they initially sign on for coaching, you typically feel tired and burdened. You also feel like you’re caught on a treadmill with no ‘off’ switch.

The good news is that you can make positive improvements and you can start immediately. Begin to selectively edit one or more areas of your life. It’s usually easiest to begin with the most draining or annoying aspect of your current situation. Pay attention and identify opportunities to opt out, pull back, or hit the ‘delete’ button!  Any small step toward having or doing less can clear the way for more — time, energy, or success.

Before you know it, editing will become a way of life. A pleasant and purposeful way of living and being that generates great rewards. Just think, if you edit enough you can actually ENJOY your success!

All the best,

Julie

PS — If you enjoyed this message, subscribe to my blog on this page and have weekly posts conveniently delivered to your mailbox.

Powered by Bookmarkify™

Lately I’ve personally come to realize just how much ‘housecleaning’ and unlearning needs to happen at times.  I frequently see the same with my clients’ business and career paths.  When you decide to take things to the next level, the familiar, tried and true processes or ways of thinking may no longer be what’s needed.  As the saying goes, if you do the same thing over and over, you’ll get the same results over and over.

When you’re ready for something more, better, or different things need to shift.  Often that shift requires detaching from former thoughts and ideas that no longer serve you well.  It also may mean choosing not to follow ‘popular’ wisdom with regard to how you should proceed.

Over the past few months I’ve re-evaluated and improved my approach to a variety of issues with the idea of unlearning in mind.  As a result, I’ve revised my work schedule, my marketing methods, and my wellness activities with good results.  When it comes to unlearning, nothing is off limits if you want to live life on your best terms and drive fresh, new results!

So while it’s frequently good to learn new things and keep up on the latest technology and ideas, it’s equally important to shed.  If you’re serious about enhancing and enriching your personal and professional life, it’s important to detach and unlearn now and then.

All the best,

Julie

PS — If you enjoyed this message subscribe to my blog on this page and have weekly posts conveniently delivered to your mailbox.

Powered by Bookmarkify™

Now I’m sure many people reading this are saying, but I have so many expenses and obligations . . . a large house payment, my kids’ activities cost a lot, we have this membership fee, and that car lease payment. Exactly. Most of us have a list of ongoing expenses related to our lifestyle and family needs. Somehow and somewhere along the way, we decided they were worthwhile investments and we found the money for each of those obligations. So what’s the difference with career or business needs? Why hesitate to invest in those?

Years ago I was talking with a friend and lamenting my need to hire an accountant for my business. She wisely pointed out that it was an investment. Thankfully, her comments immediately changed my perspective. My accountant provides valuable services that I am not equipped or interested in handling. I realized in that moment that accounting fees are not so much a ‘cost’ as an investment. An investment in my business and in my success.  The peace of mind I gain from having a professional accountant frees me to focus on what I love to do and what I do best:  coach. Over the years, I’ve invested in web designers, SEO experts, printing firms, professional photographers, and a quality merchant services company for credit card processing. Each and every one of these vendors have added value to my business and supported my success.

The next time you choose not to spend money on any service or program that you believe can improve your career, your business, or your life — stop and ask yourself . . . why do I hesitate to invest in my success?

All the best,

Julie

PS — If you enjoyed this message, please subscribe to my blog on this page and have weekly posts conveniently sent to your mailbox.

Powered by Bookmarkify™

From the beginning, I would frequently be referred to as a Life Coach.  I always shied away from the title for a variety of reasons.   First of all, it was important to establish myself and my business in a way that insured the best results for clients. My extensive human resources, mentoring, and business experiences provide a strong foundation to help clients succeed.  I was easily able to establish effective and efficient processes to deliver coaching that ‘works’. My goal is always to exceed client expectations and I’m confident I can do that with a focus on business and career coaching.

From the start of my coaching practice in 2001 through today, many clients tell me that coaching has impacted more than their business or their career, it has improved their life. Several clients choose to refer to me as their Life Coach. Whether it’s a business owner who can now take family vacations without worrying that the ‘wheels will fall off the business’ or a working mom who negotiated better work/life balance, client feedback consistently acknowledges the wide range of benefits gained from professional coaching.

So while I still do not call myself a Life Coach, my personal career fulfillment is always greatly enhanced when clients tell me they not only have increased business or career success and satisfaction as a result of coaching, but they also have a better life.

Much success,

Julie

PS — If you enjoyed this message, subscribe to my blog on this page and receive weekly posts delivered conveniently to your mailbox.

Powered by Bookmarkify™

I’ve found that those who have success and fulfillment in their businesses or in their careers are in the habit of ‘tuning in’. They have looked inward and determined what they want and why they want it.  They’ve also learned how to stay centered and focused on their chosen agenda. Above all else they listen — really listen — to their own inner guidance, including their feelings. They value their feelings and are willing to flex between thinking and logic, feelings and intuition.

A key difference between those who achieve their desired lifestyle and others is that successful people trust their feelings and, therefore, their instincts.  They aren’t swayed by the opinions, values, fears, and assumptions of others.  This doesn’t mean they shun outside input.  Quite the contrary, most successful people are always open to learning and personal development. However, they consistently weigh outside input against what they know to be true for themselves.  They always include their feelings and their gut reactions as part of the decision making mix; they have learned the value of ‘tuning in’ and trusting their inner wisdom.

Much success,

Julie

PS — If you enjoyed this message, subscribe to my blog on this page and have weekly posts sent conveniently to your mailbox.

Powered by Bookmarkify™