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March 7th, 2012
There’s a very good, well researched book by Teresa Amabile called, The Progress Principle , which lays out some simple, but very important insights on how progress can really fuel our enjoyment and engagement in what we do.
Let me provide a slightly different, Core Energy Coaching™ spin on one aspect of what Amabile has to share regarding “the key three events [that] powerfully undermine inner work life: setbacks in the work; inhibitors (events that directly hinder project work); and toxins (interpersonal events that undermine the people doing the work).”
Core Energy Coaching helps individuals to recognize the filters (our experiences, values, assumptions, beliefs, etc.) through which we view the world. These filters will either limit what we see (such as tunnel vision) or expand what we see (like a prism) and, thus, impact what we think about our circumstances and how we show up in different situations.
Setbacks, inhibitors, even toxins are all in how you perceive them. The most successful people (from Edison to Gates) will tell you that setbacks, inhibitors, and toxins were as much responsible for their success as were the times where things flowed along.
What would happen if more people could run into one of these events and, instead of reverting to a stress response, they are exhilarated to see where the event will lead?
What would happen if those challenging interpersonal events were recognized as moments to breakthrough and lead… to make a real difference to yourself and someone else?
What if these typical stressors were recognized as springboards – fully engaging in the challenge of the moment, but knowing that the rebound is going to propel you forward even faster?
Core Energy Coaching shows you how to become aware of your filters, explore and understand what they are and are not telling you, and then identify your options so that you can more consciously choose the path that’ll best lead to where you want to go. The more you go through this “processing,” the more the patterns of your life reveal themselves so that you can design in a way that truly allows you to design how you want to lead and live.
So, for the next setback that comes your way, start asking, “what can I do with this to slingshot myself forward?”
Live on Fire!
D. Luke Iorio, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
President & CEO
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
Tags: choice, expectations, intentions, new perspective, opportunity, success Posted in D. Luke Iorio - iPEC CEO, leadership No Comments »
February 29th, 2012
We’re coming up on the end of February. Remember what you were resolved to do this year? C’mon, it was only 2 months ago that you had all that energy, enthusiasm, and excitement to charge into the new year and conquer that list of goals! Where are you now?
If you’re still surging, it likely means that your goals are truly connected to a greater sense of purpose or vision that you have for yourself.
Now’s the time to do a check-in to see if your energy is even stronger than it was when you made the resolution. If it is, that’s a great sign. If it isn’t quite where you want it to be, then consider what needs adjustment:
- With the progress you’ve made, which of your values are you using most? What values are under-represented?
- With your current level of enthusiasm, what are you still passionate about? Where has the passion waned?
- In terms of progress, what parts of your plan have been smoothest? What clarity or focus do you need for the next stage?
If you’re not surging, chances are that one of these two things are going on:
1) Your goals were mostly external, meaning that they weren’t well connected to who you really are and why you’re going after those goals in the first place. They weren’t tied to a bigger purpose, or to your values, strengths, motivators, or true drivers. Consider what you’re really after in choosing your goals, and how the goals you’re choosing could potentially be the wrong ones.
2) You’ve hit the wall; that’s right, we all have a certain amount of stamina and resiliency that we’ve built up. In some areas, we have tremendous stamina, while in other areas (usually those outside our comfort zone or that require some significant change), it can be quite limited. Consider: with what system of support and reinforcement have you surrounded yourself in order to follow through and stick to it during these incredibly challenging times? Whether it’s reminders, routines, a coach, a group looking to accomplish similar goals, or the like, surround yourself with those people and habits that help keep you on track and are there for you when the wall approaches!
The key is simply this: how are you examining, adjusting, re-evaluating, learning, growing, re-engaging, and building yourself, at this point in the year? Being resolved is not a one-shot deal; it’s a process. Set-up the process, set up the check-ins, and you’ll be setting yourself up for massive results — and be sure to give yourself a little time to go out and see those results!
Live on Fire!
D. Luke Iorio, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
President & CEO
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
Tags: achievement, encouragement, expectations, intentions, opportunity, personal achievement, success Posted in D. Luke Iorio - iPEC CEO No Comments »
February 22nd, 2012
As a certified professional coach, I see the pendulum swing between extremes – clients that regularly minimize the amount of progress they’ve made and those that over emphasize it. It doesn’t matter whether this is a life coaching client or executive coaching client, nor does it matter what background they come from; it happens to all types of clients. And, this pendulum actually presents a really interesting dynamic.
When we feel like we “share” or acknowledge the progress we’ve made, we get a little bit of satisfaction, which may, slightly, in the tiniest way, diminish our drive (and possibly diminish it as we near our goals and need the most energy to break through).
Think about this: if you’re on a treadmill, how much more likely are you to finish running 5 miles if you see that you’ve already run 4.5 miles… or if you see that you only have a half mile left? Many people actually see the former and think, “oh, hey, that’s good enough!” and let up or even stop. Those that focus on the latter get excited and think, “hey, I’ve only got a half mile to go… I can do this!” (And yes, I’m ignoring those of you that scoffed at the idea of even running 5 miles! C’mon, play along…)
So what does this tell you about looking at your progress?
Progress isn’t meant to be a pat on the back – and, yet, it’s extremely worthwhile and necessary to reflect on your progress. Consider looking at your progress as information that tells you that you’re on track AND how you are closing in on your goals. Use it to provide evidence that you can do this (i.e. mental reinforcement that builds your confidence in your ability to do what you’re doing). Use it to set your sights on what’s remaining for you to run through the finish line.
Progress is very important to measure and to reflect upon. But beware: progress doesn’t mean you can let up… because, then, you lose your momentum. Instead, check your progress, realize how much momentum you’ve built up, and know that you can kick into a higher gear!
Live on Fire!
D. Luke Iorio, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
President & CEO
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
Tags: encouragement, expectations, intentions, personal achievement, success Posted in D. Luke Iorio - iPEC CEO, leadership No Comments »
February 20th, 2012
My vision of the future is one where people know how to live, love and enjoy their journeys, as they occur. In this vision, people are conscious and see all experiences as part of the journey. They don’t judge experiences as good or bad, they experience them, in control, instead of having the experiences control them. I envision a more conscious world, filled with power instead of fear, in which people harness the energy that is in and around them to manifest miracles, daily. I see a world where people live each moment to the fullest, and do not wait for something to occur in order to allow themselves joy.
What’s YOUR vision?
—Bruce D Schneider, MCC, PhD
Founder, Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
**Today’s blog is an excerpt from iPEC Coaching’s self-mastery personal development program, The Law of Being
Tags: change, expectations, intentions, opportunity, success Posted in Bruce D Schneider - iPEC Founder, leadership 2 Comments »
February 8th, 2012
You only have one chance to make a first impression. This is quite a two-sided statement.
For the person wanting to make the impression, it can evoke a desire or need to plan… but, more commonly, creates worry (about not making the “right” impression).
For the person being “impressed,” it usually relates to the expectations you have of someone, and how you are going to judge them against those expectations.
So, how well do you think this situation works out for most people?
Instead of worrying about the first impression or setting firm expectations of someone, what would happen if we just focused on understanding? That is, getting to understand who this other person is, how they approach things, and why those approaches might make sense. What if we gave them the benefit of the doubt and recognized that it might take more than a blink to get to know and understand someone?
If you approached new people and situations this way, what benefits would you experience? What impact might this have on how people respond to you?
Consider how your expectations pre-determine what you’ll experience. If you want a different experience, change what you expect to see.
Live on Fire!
D. Luke Iorio, CPC, PCC, ELI-MP
President & CEO
Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC)
Tags: choice, expectations, intentions Posted in D. Luke Iorio - iPEC CEO No Comments »
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