CHRISTI HEGSTAD PH.D.

Author Archives: Christi Hegstad

Who ARE You, Really?

Christi Hegstad August 19th, 2013

CLARITY KICKSTART: August 19, 2013

“One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in, and where you want to go.”

~ Sheila Murray Bethel

Coaching Tip For The Week:

Who are you, really?

You are not your name, roles, responsibilities, or job title. You are not defined by your past.

How on earth, then, do we actually answer the question, Who are you?

A great place to start is by clarifying what you believe and what matters most to you.

What do you stand for? What are your Core Values? What vision do you hold for your future? What is your contribution?

This week, choose one of the above questions – and answer it. Don’t just think about it, but actually clarify the details. You’ll set yourself on a path of self-knowledge that will help you at work and in life, and will support you in making decisions that honor the true you.

Ready to uncover your Core Values? Spark participants receive a bonus Values Clarification pre-training – a powerful kick-off to our October event. Click here to join us – we’re nearly 3/4 full and the Earlybird Rate ends this month!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Choose Your Events Wisely

Christi Hegstad August 15th, 2013

Do you consider yourself a lifelong learner?

If so, wouldn’t you love to read all the books that catch your eye, enroll in every class that sparks your interest, and attend the many talks, events, webinars, and training programs that come your way?

Me, too. I geek out on everything related to professional development, so one of my biggest struggles each year is trying to choose which events I’ll participate in and which I’ll let pass. Over the years I’ve created a few criteria to help ease this decision-making process and, as we approach “conference season,” I thought you might appreciate a few helpful hints as you decide which events you’ll attend this fall.

1. Review your vision and goals. In addition to your long-term vision, ask yourself what will help you reach your most pressing goal this month, quarter, or year. Does your business need a branding makeover? Seek out a retreat with a marketing expert. Do you need to rekindle your passion and purpose for your work – so you can make a bigger difference or avoid burnout? An event like Spark might be a good choice for you. Use your vision and goals as a filter for choosing which events are the most worthy of your time, investment, and energy.

2. Establish goals for the event itself. Determine in advance what you will gain from the event. For example, maybe you want to gain tools and strategies that you can then bring back to your team. Perhaps you want to connect with like-minded people whom you could feature in your newsletter, hire in your organization, or ask to speak on their stage. Or maybe you want to soak in the whole experience to learn what you like and don’t like as you plan your own event. Clarify your goals in advance so you walk into the event with purpose and intention.

3. Shake things up. While attending the annual conference in your industry can provide value, don’t fall into the trap of only attending a few of the same events year after year. I set a quarterly goal to attend at least one new-to-me event, which keeps me fresh, connects me with new people, and sometimes (in a good way) pushes me out of my comfort zone.

4. Learn from true professionals. The most transformative events I’ve attended have been the ones featuring people who truly know their stuff, have succeeded in their field for a good number of years, and have established a reputation of integrity. I find them to be generous with their content and truly participant-focused, rather than continually pitching products or expecting adoration simply because they may be a household name.

My challenge to you this week? Enroll in an event for the final quarter of 2013 that will help you fulfill your purpose, goals, and vision! Then, plan in advance how to truly make the most of that event (click here for tips).

The close of 2013 will be here before we know it, so choose wisely how you’ll invest your time to wrap up the year successfully!

If Spark is the event for you, enroll here – we’re nearly 3/4 full and the Earlybird Rate ends this month!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

7 Ways To Get Your Career Unstuck

Christi Hegstad August 14th, 2013

“The only difference between a rut and a grave are the dimensions.”

~ Ellen Glasgow

Of all the frustrations my potential coaching clients share, one of the most common can be summed up in two words:

I’m stuck.

Stuck in a rut, stuck at an income level, stuck in a job they dislike, stuck in the day-to-day routine with little to show for it.

“Stuck” is not a fun place to be.

A huge mistake we often make when stuck in a rut, however, is waiting for things to change. In most cases, waiting – like digging down from the inside of a hole – only sends you deeper into your rut.

If you feel stuck, test out some of these ideas:

1. Do something out of the ordinary. Like that old definition of insanity reminds us, we can’t do the same thing over and over and expect different results. Invite someone you admire but have never met out for coffee, click “Add To Cart” on that professional development program you’ve been pondering, rearrange your workspace.

2. Do something physical. If you spend a lot of time “in your own head,” move your body instead. Go for a walk or turn on some tunes and dance around your office for a few minutes.

3. Do something in a group. Sign up for an event or class and let the energy, inspiration, and ideas from those around you lift you up.

4. Do something visual. With much of our work, we don’t actually see the results of our efforts – they occur more behind-the-scenes. A project where you get to see the results – like a craft, vision board, even (finally) framing those degrees – can provide a motivational boost.

5. Do something clarifying. Create a mind map, brainstorm ideas for a project, declutter your desk, or visualize your big dreams and bold goals coming to fruition.

6. Do something to completion. Whether you’re mentoring someone or doing laundry, often no clear end-point exists. (I love Carrie Fisher’s quote: “There is no point at which you can say, ‘Well, I’m successful now – I might as well take a nap!’”) Select a project that you can start and finish in a fairly short time.

7. Do something. See the pattern here? Don’t just sit and let your mind spin in circles. Take an action, no matter how small, that will interrupt the spinning and allow you to catch your breath and move forward.

What’s the opposite of “stuck”? Freedom. Liberation. Clarity. Growth. Implement even one of these seven tips and you’ll be on your way from “stuck in a rut” to “flourishing”!

What other ways do you get unstuck? Share your ideas below, on Facebook, or via Twitter!

Want to truly get unstuck, rejuvenate your career, and set yourself up for flourishing success? Join us for Spark! We’re nearly 3/4 filled and the Earlybird Rate ends this month – click here for details.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

This Is None Of Your Business

Christi Hegstad August 12th, 2013

CLARITY KICKSTART: August 12, 2013

“What other people say about me is none of my business.”

~ Michael J. Fox

Coaching Tip For The Week:

How often do you do – or not do – something because of what people might say?

With the internet, we all live rather transparently. If you do or say something out of place, you might find it circling on Facebook, Twitter, and a hundred other outlets.

Yet if you hold back your truth out of fear of what others might think, are you honoring yourself? Are you living and working authentically?

This week, choose to live your truth. This does not mean speaking hurtfully or disrespectfully, of course. But don’t censor yourself out of fear of what “they” will think.

As Michael J. Fox reminds us, it’s none of our business anyway.

How do YOU handle the naysayers? Share your tips below, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

In less than 2 months, our room will be filled with heart-centered professional women ready to live their truth! Click here to join us for Spark!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

I CAN DO IT! I think. Maybe. Well, Maybe Not…

Christi Hegstad August 8th, 2013

Last year I began coaching a client who seemed to have everything together: a successful business, a happy family, a supportive network of friends, even a regular exercise routine she enjoyed. With her bubbly personality and ability to connect with anyone, you’d probably classify her as a woman who “had it all.”

When we began establishing her coaching goals, however, a different side emerged. She shared huge dreams and bold ideas, but when we started putting them to paper and creating goals around them, she waffled. She lit up talking about these dreams in the “someday” sense, but activating them now? I heard a lot of:

“I don’t know…”

“That doesn’t seem possible…”

“I don’t think I can do that.”

In other words, the dreams were there; the confidence – not so much.

I’m a firm believer that we aren’t given a dream without also being given the ability to make it happen. But we need confidence to bring those big dreams and bold goals into fruition – that sense of knowing that we can do it.

While playing small may feel safe and comfortable, it benefits no one. The world needs your unique contribution. So if you’re holding back from your dreams in any way, take these actions to get started:

Look at your track record of success.

My clients create a Celebration of Triumphs early in our partnership – a list of wins, accomplishments, and successes to which they can refer whenever they need a reminder of their greatness. Generate one for yourself as a confidence booster.

Look at others’ successes.

Not from a jealous perspective, but with the open and expansive mindset of a learner. You can find great power in the “If Them, Why Not Me?” approach.

Get support.

Don’t you love it when you share an idea, perhaps in its infancy, and someone says, “You can TOTALLY do that!”? Garner a team of support to help boost your confidence and partner with you to generate a strategy for your success.

The truth is, you can do it. Now is the time to step off the sidelines, get into the game, and play big. We need you and your dreams now more than ever!

And the client I mentioned earlier? She has grown her team, taken several vacations, received community recognition, increased her revenue, and is now considering expanding her business. She even purchased her dream car along the way – something she assumed would have to wait until retirement!

Let me say this again: You can do it. The world needs your contribution, and NOW is the perfect time. Like Karen Ireland says, “Waiting until everything is perfect before making a move is like waiting to start a trip until all the traffic lights are green.”

Let your brilliance shine!

Does this resonate with you? Confidence, expansion, and the power of your mindset comprise an important part of Spark – click here to join us!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

What’s On Your Don’t-Do List?

Christi Hegstad August 5th, 2013

CLARITY KICKSTART: August 5, 2013

“Make a don’t-do list for yourself. You will feel so relieved. You can always change this list, but the breathing room that comes from accepting – and even declaring – your limits is liberating.”

~ Karen Finerman

Coaching Tip For The Week:

What causes you to waffle in indecision, feel guilty, or “should” yourself?

What if you just decided “I don’t do that” – and let it go?

This came up for me recently in a technological way: I felt frustrated with the amount of time I spent on the computer, so I decided Sundays would be no-screen days. Challenging at first, but incredibly liberating! It didn’t have to last forever, but it was the “don’t-do” I needed at that time.

This week, decide 1 or 2 things that you will no longer do – guilt- or indecision-inducing things that will now comprise your don’t-do list. Maybe you don’t lend your laptop out, or you don’t check email after 5:30pm, or even – like Finerman’s example in her book – you don’t cook. Stop “should’ing” all over yourself and experience the freedom that comes with making decisions.

Learn from successful women how they stopped “should’ing” on themselves and learned to make decisions with clarity, confidence, and grace! Click here to join us at Spark!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Click here to receive your Clarity Kickstart – inspiration read in 2 minutes or less – in your in-box every Monday morning!

3 Career Success Lessons From My Kids

Christi Hegstad August 1st, 2013

If you’ve spent any amount of time around children – raising them, teaching them, or even just observing them – you’ve probably bowed your head in wonder and gratitude at all that you’ve learned from them. I know that’s definitely been the case for me! So many life lessons from such little people. 🙂

This summer has brought a flurry of activity with my children, lately in the form of sports. Sitting in the cheering sections has offered me a good deal of time to reflect. And while I’ve learned more about life and love as a parent than I could ever have imagined, today I’ll offer 3 lessons stemming from their sports activities that you can easily adapt to your professional success:

1. Harness the power of vision.

One of my sons started karate nearly 2 years ago and has set the long-term goal of earning his black belt – a process that can take 5 years or more. I consider this a big deal for anyone, but especially for someone who hasn’t been alive much longer than that yet! He has a clear vision and knows that all his hard work in the meantime is bringing him closer to that vision. His dedication motivates and inspires me!

When you have a clear and compelling vision, you can endure the challenges, hard work, and obstacles much more easily.

2. Lead with confidence.

My daughter loves to ride horses and has done so competitively throughout the year. When atop a 1,600-pound animal with a mind of its own, she needs to know who’s in charge and own it – which takes remarkable self-confidence. At the same time, she must be sensitive to her horse’s needs; sensing when he’s not feeling well, for example, and adjusting accordingly. I marvel at her confidence and grace!

As a leader, you must believe in your compelling vision (see #1) and guide your followers with confidence, strength, and compassion.

3. Bring your sense of humor.

A few weeks ago, my older son went straight from a theater performance to his state baseball tournament. Although he had time to change, he decided to keep the handlebar mustache part of his costume on throughout the tournament. It didn’t deter at all from his focus, dedication, and hard work during the games – but brought a sense of levity that helped with morale. I appreciate how he can lighten the mood so quickly and easily!

Don’t check your personality at the door. A light-hearted, caring attitude can bring your team together, whether you’re a baseball player or CEO.

Throughout it all, whether I’m watching my children or others, I can easily tell who has a passion for what they’re doing and who does not. Relating this to the professional world, I’d be willing to bet that when you’re in the check-out line at the grocery store, you can discern which clerk enjoys his job and which one is just punching the clock, right?

Take this to heart in your career. Clarify your vision, build your confidence, and enjoy the ride – all while doing something you love. It makes all the difference in the world!

What career success lessons have you learned from the children in your life? I’d love to hear your thoughts below, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter.

For more information on SPARK, the event that will ignite your passion at work in meaningful and impactful ways, click here.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Does Your Company Make Lives Better?

Christi Hegstad July 29th, 2013

CLARITY KICKSTART: July 29, 2013

“All organizations exist to make people’s lives better. Now that doesn’t mean that all organizations make people’s lives better in major, transformational ways, nor that they make all people’s lives better. Nonetheless, every organization must contribute in some way to a better world for some group of people, because if it doesn’t, it will, and should, go out of business.”

~ Patrick Lencioni

Coaching Tip For The Week:

How does your organization make the world better?

More poignant: How do you – as a leader within that organization – make the world better?

This is one of the first questions an organization – or an individual – must address when clarifying your purpose. Once you know how you contribute to a better world, you can take more strategic, streamlined actions that support your purpose.

It’s incredibly liberating!

This week, jot down your responses to one – or both – of the above questions. Brainstorm a number of responses to start, then see if you can hone in on the one that truly captures it for you. Notice how clarifying this essential piece changes you, your actions, and your approaches as you move forward through your week – and beyond.

What’s your purpose at work? I’d love to hear your thoughts below, on Facebook, or via Twitter. To uncover and implement your purpose at work, join us for Spark – we’re still months away but nearly halfway filled!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Click here to receive your Clarity Kickstart – inspiration read in 2 minutes or less – in your in-box every Monday morning!

Summer Reading: 5 Career Takeaways

Christi Hegstad July 16th, 2013

One of my favorite summer scenarios involves my deck, a cool drink, and a can’t-put-down book. Whether it’s a gripping novel or a career-building resource, my day doesn’t feel complete without words on a page. Can you relate?

I often post my book reviews on our blog, Amazon.com, and Facebook. Today, instead of reviewing just one book, I’ll share 5 takeaways from various readings.

Whether you’re not getting in as much book-time as you’d like or you’re sticking to fiction this summer, you can use these takeaways to enhance your work and grow your career or business. Maybe you’ll add a book or two to your must-read list, too!

1. Design your sense of balance. We throw around the word “balance” as though we could weigh our activities on an old-fashioned scale and find equal measures all around. Actually, we each need to define balance for ourselves – which starts with knowing our values and clarifying our priorities. “Find what it feels like to live a meaningful life, to feel that your life matters,” says Professor Ernst Bohlmeijer in Flow magazine. “That when you look back on your life, you can think, ‘I don’t regret a thing.'” Honor what matters.

2. Connect with your “tribe.” Whether that’s fellow entrepreneurs or HR executives or board members or upbeat friends; whether through workshops or coffee dates or conferences; connect regularly. As Jacki Zehner shared with Pamela Ryckman in Stiletto Network: “This is a period in history where we are not only imagining but knowing that if we get together and push, we’ll take a giant leap forward.” These connections help us as individuals, our families, even our economy.

3. Just make a decision already. If you wallow in indecision or get lost for weeks in a list of pros and cons, take Karen Finerman’s advice (Finerman’s Rules) and “realize that the future of the planet doesn’t rest on every decision.” Equally important: polling (asking everyone’s thoughts and opinions) does not equal deciding. My most helpful mantra in this department for years has been Decide & Take Action.

4. Find – or create – the joy in your work. Now. “With roughly half of our waking hours devoted to our work life,” writes Tommy Newberry in 48 Days To A Joy-Filled Life, “it better bring us great joy!” When your work matters to you, makes a difference to others, and allows you to engage your strengths on a regular basis, you will experience meaningful joy at work – and reap all kinds of rewards, too.

5. Know your purpose, personally and professionally. You’ll make wiser decisions, take more streamlined actions, and impact our world more fully when you have clarity around who you are and what you’re here for. In The Advantage, Patrick Lencioni states the importance for organizations to clarify their purpose: “It starts by asking the question, ‘How do we contribute to a better world?'” You, personally, can start with that question, too.

If you’re looking for more reading recommendations, I’ll be sharing some of my all-time favorites at Spark this fall! And whenever you read – whether for professional growth, relaxation, fun, or all of the above – ask yourself what you can take away from the book and apply to your life.

Remember, readers are leaders!

What are you reading this summer? Share your book recommendations below, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter. For more information on SPARK, click here.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Your Professional Ripple Effect: Who Does Your Work Impact?

Christi Hegstad July 15th, 2013

CLARITY KICKSTART: July 15, 2013

“When we serve others in excellence, a ripple effect of blessing spreads far and wide.”

~ Tommy Newberry

Coaching Tip For The Week:

Do you recognize the impact of your work, your words, your service?

We often only see our impact on those directly in front of us – if even then. Yet in order to sustain motivation and continue giving our best, we need to know we’re making a difference.

How do we do this?

Regardless of your role or position, your Professional Ripple Effect is powerful. Consider an entrepreneur: she impacts her clients, the jobs she creates impacts her employees and their families, the income she creates allows her to invest in a home (impacting the realtors), purchase insurance (impacting the agents), take a vacation (impacting the local economy of the vacation spot, the airline, the teenage neighbor she hires to mow the lawn in her absence)… I could go on and on. (And if you’re joining us for Spark, you’ll get to see exactly whom YOUR work impacts, too!)

This week, take note of the first level of your Professional Ripple Effect: those people with whom you serve directly. What one action could you take to make your impact outstanding, positive, and memorable? Take that action each day this week and revel in the positive ripples you’re putting out into the world!

Want to learn the 7 levels of YOUR Professional Ripple Effect? You’ll learn them at Spark – click here to join us!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Click here to receive your Clarity Kickstart – inspiration read in 2 minutes or less – in your in-box every Monday morning!

Website Design by Happy Medium