Let’s Get Real

April 8th, 2010

By D. Luke Iorio

So, admittedly, I’m not a fan of reality shows.  However, I have to give kudos where they are more than well deserved.  “American Idol,” “The Biggest Loser,” and “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” have used their popularity to give back.  Their efforts deserve a round of applause and represent what our media and entertainment industry can be doing more of.

“American Idol” has brought attention to a variety of charitable causes involving Africa, raising millions of millions of dollars over the past several years. They have literally turned their “voting public” into donors.

“The Biggest Loser” has started the “Pound for Pound” effort to drive donations into the “Feeding America” program – the nation’s largest charitable hunger-relief organization.

“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” has brought ABC’s “A Better Community” movement to the forefront.  This movement encourages getting involved and being a volunteer, putting who you are and what you do into action for the development of our communities.  “A Better Community” regularly spotlights local and national non-profits that are aligned with its philosophy of giving back.

For those countless other programs on TV… how will you encourage and bring about positive change?  How will you encourage your audiences to bring out the best in themselves and those around them?

For the viewing public… How will you use your influence?  How will you make the difference you want to make?

Start simple.  Whether it’s smiling at strangers, holding open a door, making it a point to say thank you and show your appreciation, or getting involved directly in non-profit and community development work, the point is to consciously choose to use your influence.  Don’t sit on the sidelines, get involved however you can.

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Posted in Current Affairs, Uncategorized
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Motivation

March 1st, 2010

These days, more and more of us are freelancing, or running solo businesses.

The life of a solo practitioner can be a lonely one. Alone in your office or home, without the stimulation of colleagues and the energy of a busy office or institution, it can be a challenge to maintain your positive energy and stay motivated.

In other words, the life of a “solopreneur” can be a lonely one.

For those who chose that route because of all the benefits it offers – being your own boss, choosing your own clients, setting your own schedule – there are a number of ways to stay sharp and positive.

Attitude is everything! Believe in yourself and the work that you are doing and don’t let negative people get you down.

Surround yourself with positive people – clients, friends, family, partners. Working with clients who are passionate and excited about what they do and who have reasonable expectations of what you can do for them will keep you motivated and interested. Friends and family help to keep you grounded, and their faith in you is invaluable. A good job coach can also help you to remain motivated and to focus on your goals, both professional and personal.

Speaking of goals, focusing on short-term, realistic goals will also help to keep you motivated. Think about your client load, their expectations, and how much work you can reasonably handle without driving yourself crazy.

Be realistic about your strengths as a sole practitioner and reach out to others to help you with everything else. Better to  play to your strengths, and hire talent to fill the gaps, rather than struggle to be good at everything..

As you work with clients to help them achieve their goals, keep your own goals in mind. Visualize what you want to accomplish and remain faithful to that. Focus on the larger goals.

Keeping a positive attitude can be difficult when things don’t go exactly as planned. Take time to work through the negative feelings, realizing that they are temporary, and work at getting back to a positive place.

When things don’t work out as planned, turn disappointments into opportunities for growth. Learn from failure and use it to build success.

And finally, be good to yourself. Take time for friends and family. Step away from the computer. Put down the Blackberry. Eat well, get enough sleep, and indulge your passions. Nourish yourself.

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Posted in Business Development, Law of Being, Life Potentials
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Tailgating and Running Lights

December 5th, 2008

(Our guest blogger this week is Liz Fisch.)

I was on the highway the other day with my son beside me in the car. As our exit approached, I pulled over into the right lane, and within a few seconds, noticed a car right behind me, as close as it could be without hitting me.  Something on the order of “what is this idiot up to  – how dangerous” came out of my mouth (ok, perhaps the words were slightly different).  My first reaction, though I’m not particularly proud to admit it, was to judge the other driver – and find him at fault. I was following the rules of the road, and I had precious cargo (my son!)  in the car – what was this guy’s problem anyway?

As I proceeded down the exit ramp, the other car practically touching me, my son turned around and looked into the car. He said – “Wonder if they’re rushing to the hospital?”

In that instant, my entire perception of the event changed.  I moved to the side to let the car pass me, and watched as it approached the top of the ramp, paused briefly, and proceeded to go through the red light, turning in the direction of the hospital a block away.

Wouldn’t I have done the same thing if my child or spouse or friend had to be rushed to the hospital? Of course I would have.  Wouldn’t you?

My wise 16-year-old taught me a great lesson – and gave me another entry for my judgment journal. 

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Posted in Coaching and Coach Training, Current Affairs, Energy Leadership, Law of Being, Life Potentials, Weblogs
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