Word of the Week

Christi Hegstad February 7th, 2013

Do you ever go through a period where a particular word or message seems to appear repeatedly? You see it on a sign in a store window, then you hear it in a conversation, then you come across it in a book. After a while, you can’t help but think, “OK, maybe I need to pay attention!”

This week, my word is RESILIENCE. I have seen it in quotes on Twitter, read about it in my current novel, and even heard it come up in discussion with our Girl Scout troop!

At its core, resilience is the ability to bounce back. To face an obstacle and make it through – usually a stronger and braver person than you were before. One term my dictionary offers: buoyancy. Like a life preserver, we get pushed under at times, but resilience means we always come back up.

As leaders, resilience is non-negotiable. Part and parcel with serving as a leader means that you will face obstacles – and your followers need to know that you will navigate through them. Leaders take bold actions and put their ideas out there in an effort to positively impact the world. Often this means taking criticism or having those ideas “run through the wringer.” We need the resilience to recover, flourish, and grow amidst this.

At a phenomenal presentation I attended this week, Carey Lohrenz identified resilience as one of her top keys to success. As the first female F-14 Tomcat Fighter Pilot in the U.S. Navy, Lohrenz has definitely experienced her share of challenges and risks. With resilience, she has used those experiences to buoy her – both personally and professionally – to create a career and life she loves. She clearly demonstrates the power of resilience.

Where do you need to strengthen your resilience this week? What past experiences have you bounced back from that you can look to as your track record of success? What can you do proactively to buoy yourself, as a leader and a human being, to grow in the face of adversity?

One of our aforementioned Girl Scouts said it best. We discussed social media, rumors, and being smart leaders. When asked for her takeaway from our meeting, she said, “Be resilient. You have to know that, whatever you go through, you can make it through.”

How do you move through challenges? What is your best strategy for growth amidst challenge? I’d love to hear your suggestions below, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter.

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

What My Hair Taught Me About Big Dreams

Christi Hegstad February 5th, 2013

About 5 years ago, I hosted a public workshop on Big Dreams and Bold Goals. After an energizing evening focused on dreaming big and brainstorming strategies, we were all ready and excited to make those dreams real!

After the workshop, a few people stuck around to ask questions or share thoughts. One person in particular stayed towards the back, and I could tell she was waiting to speak with me alone. Typically I’ve found that when someone does this, they have an emotional or touching story to share or an incredible (but perhaps private) example of resilience.

Not this time.

When we finally were alone, she began by praising the workshop. “Loved the class! Really great stuff! But…can I offer a suggestion?”

Always trying to open myself to improvement, I responded, “Of course!”

She looked very thoughtful as she proceeded: “While I thought the class really helpful, I found myself distracted during it. And I just want to give you this.”

She reached in her pocket and handed me the business card of a local beauty salon.

“I think this person could work wonders with your hair! It’s just so dry and kind of wild and all over the place. I discovered after a while I was focusing more on your hair than on what you were saying.”

After a surreal moment (“Am I hearing this correctly?”), I thanked her for her observation, she shared how this stylist does amazing work, and we bid our goodnights.

When I got to my car, I had to take a moment to reflect on this conversation. I truly believe this person was trying to offer help; I don’t think she meant any harm or mean-spirited-ness. From her perspective, I could improve my work by improving my hair.

And there is some truth to this. When you appear on TV, for example, producers suggest not wearing dizzying stripes or patterns because they can be distracting for the viewer. Image, as we all know, is important.

And while I came away from this interaction with several thoughts, I was reminded of a few important lessons – lessons that, ironically, I had shared in that very class:

First, when embarking on your Big Dream, don’t seek out critics. Look for support, cheerleaders, people who will unabashedly tell you that YOU CAN DO IT. We need constructive feedback, but not too early in the process. And as this encounter proves, the constructive feedback will find its way to us whether or not we look for it.

Second, take criticism as someone’s perspective – not as the all-encompassing truth. Anyone who has known me for more than 5 minutes probably knows that my hair ranks looooow on my list of priorities. As a result of being clear on my values and priorities (and probably with the benefit of age and life experience), I was able to take this feedback with a grain of salt. I could chuckle at the comment without dwelling, worrying, or – perhaps to others’ dismay – making a hair appointment.

When pursuing Big Dreams and Bold Goals, these two tips will serve you well. Dreaming BIG means you might draw criticism and risk looking foolish. You need to be o.k. with that. Part of this comes from experience, but even more comes from firmly, solidly believing in what you can do and the purpose behind doing it. When you know your values, priorities, and purpose, you can develop the “thick skin” that your dream may require in order to see it through.

I still have that stylist’s business card, kept as a reminder of these lessons. And while my hair may still be best described as wild and out-of-control, I like to think it serves as a metaphor for living and working: Big Dreams and Bold Goals require a bit of wildness and over-the-top thinking!

So here’s to your Big Dreams, wild success, and – if you so choose – out-of-control hair! 🙂

What If Everyone Wore This Sign?

Christi Hegstad February 4th, 2013

“Imagine everyone wearing a sign that says, ‘Do I matter to you?’ You can help people know their own significance.”

~ Angela Maiers

Coaching Tip For The Week:

Ready to make a difference?

One of the greatest contributions you can make involves helping others know their own significance.

Consider how often people feel unimportant, forgotten, or as though their ideas don’t matter. This is a crushing place to be (we’ve all felt it) – and the great news is, YOU CAN BE THE CHANGE.

This week, with every encounter, imagine that person wears a sign saying “Tell me I matter.” Plant the seeds of positive growth with everyone interaction.

Catch people doing things right and call them on it! Let this be your week to send your powerful ripple effect out into the world.

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

To receive your free Clarity Kickstart in your in-box every Monday, click here!

10 Ways To “Use” Your Theme

Christi Hegstad January 31st, 2013

A month ago, I blogged about creating an annual theme which, incidentally, happens to be our most popular blog post to date. Many of you have graciously shared your themes, which has proven incredibly inspiring! From “Happiness” to “Discipline” to “Abundance” to “Clarity,” we love to hear how your theme plays out throughout the year.

In addition to using your theme as a guide for decisions and actions, you’ll also want to keep it front-and-center of your work and life. The continuous reminder of who you are and where you’re headed this year can infuse all areas of your day.

Today I offer 10 simple ways you can ensure your theme stays top of mind:

1. Screensaver. Seeing “Prosperity” or “Simplify” float around your computer screen throughout the day will quickly and easily bring you back to your theme. Use a beautiful font or insert a photo representation for more reinforcement.

2. Quotation. Search for a quote, passage, or poem that expresses your theme. For example, last year my theme was “Extraordinary.” I discovered this quote by Uta Hagen that captured my theme’s essence perfectly: “Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary!”

3. Notecard or Stationery. From #2 above, my graphic designer created a MAP Inc. card incorporating our logo and my theme quotation (see photo). This served a dual purpose: it reminded me (and my recipient) of my theme and it encouraged me to send more handwritten cards!

4. Passwords. Reader Jackie shared that she incorporates her theme into her computer passwords, a fantastic and frequent reinforcement of her theme. Considering how many times most of us enter passwords throughout the day, this will surely anchor your theme.

5. Vision Board. While your Vision Board often represents your goals and dreams, you can also infuse your theme. For example, my Vision Board consists mostly of pictures, but my theme word is right in the center – in ALL CAPS, hot pink, glittery font. 🙂

6. Sticky Notes. When strategically placed, sticky notes can become motivating (when not strategically placed, clutter). Write your theme on several brightly-colored sticky notes and place them on your bathroom mirror, car dashboard, and other locations you see daily.

7. Alarm Clock. Can you find a song that represents your theme? For example, “Walkin’ On Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves would set a lively tone for a theme of “Light” or “Joy.” Set it as your alarm clock and wake up with your theme each morning.

8. Theme Journal. Perhaps you keep a Gratitude Journal or, particularly if you’re a coaching client of mine, a Success Journal. Consider a Theme Journal, where each evening you jot down one way you lived your theme that day.

9. Resources. With my “Extraordinary” theme last year, I actually did a book search to see what titles held that word. Two of those books became fabulous resources for me and helped me keep my theme present in my work. Check for books, blogs, articles, and other resources that may focus on your theme.

10. Conversation. How often can you work your theme word into conversation? Once it becomes ever-present in your life, you may be surprised how easy this becomes! Make your theme part of your vocabulary for extra emphasis.

What’s YOUR theme for 2013? How do you keep it present? Inspire us all with your ideas by posting below or sharing on Facebook or Twitter.

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

Passion, Purpose, and Doing What You Love

Christi Hegstad January 28th, 2013

“I’ve found that success knocks on the door when I’m engaged in activities that fill me with passion.”

~ Tammy Strobel

Coaching Tip For The Week:

When are you most successful?

Engaging in work you enjoy isn’t simply a “nice-to-do.” It’s been shown to boost your energy, health, profit margin, and a host of other benefits.

Plus, you’ll likely find greater success (however you define success) when you’re working in favor of your strengths.

This week, make the commitment to do work you love – even if your current role isn’t your ideal one. Seek out an opportunity that will showcase your strengths and allow you to shine.

Make it your ‘pet project’ this week and revel in the joy (and productivity, and profitability!) of doing what you love!

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Create Your Quick “Success Stoplight”

Christi Hegstad January 25th, 2013

One of MAP Inc.’s most popular personal development programs, Create Your Year of No Regrets (currently being transformed into a home study course), contains a purposeful activity that graduates have found incredibly helpful. It’s simple, to the point, and opens up the floodgates for success. I’ll share a component of this with you today.

When you set out to create an outstanding year or move forward on an important goal, take a few moments to create your Success Stoplight. The green bulb signifies what you need to start doing in order to succeed with your goal. The red bulb identifies what you need to stop doing. And the yellow, what you must continue doing.

To go a little deeper:

START Doing (Green): To achieve success, what new habits or actions do you need to introduce into your routine? Do you want to read 10 pages each day in your field? Schedules an offsite visioning retreat each quarter? Drink 3 large glasses of water per day while at your desk? Consider what sustainable actions will support your forward movement.

STOP Doing (Red): These actions typically come to mind pretty easily (we sure know how to be hard on ourselves, don’t we? 😉 Ask yourself what unhelpful habits you need to quit in order to succeed this year – perhaps working until 8pm, checking Facebook every hour, or eating lunch in front of your computer.

CONTINUE Doing (Yellow): What habits already in place support your success? Part of your plan needs to include continuing (and celebrating!) those actions. Maybe you have a peaceful morning practice that starts your day off right, an energizing exercise routine, or a weekly practice of sending handwritten notes to clients or colleagues. Don’t discount those positive actions that you’ve already established.

Pay special attention to the “Continue Doing” category. This component is often overlooked but may serve as the most important: it highlights your success and shows you that you can indeed build and maintain healthy habits into your work and life.

The actress Carrie Fisher once said, “There is no point at which you can say, ‘Well, I’m successful now. I might as well go take a nap.'” Success is an ongoing journey filled with bumps, detours, and – yes – stoplights. By being proactive with yours, you stack the deck in your favor to ensure a positive outcome.

So, what’s stopping you? Enjoy creating your Success Stoplight – and let me know how it goes!

Are You This Happy ALL THE TIME?

Christi Hegstad January 24th, 2013

At a meeting recently, I met someone who follows MAP Inc. on Facebook. Her main question for me that day: “Your posts are always so positive – are you really this happy ALL THE TIME?”

It’s not the first time I’ve been asked that question. If you read our e-letters, follow us on Facebook or Twitter, or attend events at which I’m speaking, you’ll see (I hope!) a pattern of positivity, optimism, and happiness. I’ve researched the field extensively and know – and more importantly, experience – the benefits of positive living. Choosing a positive mindset can boost your relationships, business success, health, and pretty much every other area of life.

But am I happy all the time? Are you?

The answer, of course, is no.

Amid the beauty and joy, life also brings “less than happy” experiences. We might consider ourselves happy people but still experience true fear and devastating grief, inexplicable doubt and anger, sadness and mind-boggling frustration. It’s difficult to find happiness when you’re in the midst of a tragic loss. Trust me, I know.

But here’s the thing: by choosing in favor of happiness and focusing on the positive, we can start to raise our “default mode.” There’s much more detail and research behind this, but in a nutshell, raising your happiness set-point allows you to experience those other emotions (which we need – they make for a rich, engaging life, right?) and yet not get lost in the them. When we’ve created an environment – physical, mental, and relational – of positivity, we might crash hard from time to time, but we’ve got the resources in place to lift us up again, and the outlook to keep us moving forward.

So here’s one thing I do: I choose to put positive energy “out there.” Whether it’s through Facebook posts, keynotes, or one-on-one conversations, I strive to uplift and encourage. That’s not to say you’ll never catch me whining – but hopefully, if I’m living in alignment with my values and mission, you won’t catch that very often 😉

The Dalai Lama reminds us that “Happiness is not readymade. It comes from your own actions.” What actions do you choose in favor of happiness?

How Will You Gently Shake The World?

Christi Hegstad January 21st, 2013

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Coaching Tip For The Week:

How are you changing the world?

Gandhi also famously said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This does not require – or encourage – you to become someone you’re not. You can lead change successfully even if you are not boisterous, loud, or have 20,000 followers on your Twitter account.

This week, take an action to gently change the world. Sign up to volunteer with an organization you believe in, conduct a daily random act of kindness, leave an extra tip for the provider who joyfully served your meal.

Don’t wait for “a better time” – it’s always the perfect time to be the change you wish to see in the world!

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How To Set – & Stick With – Habits That Help

Christi Hegstad January 17th, 2013

How many ads have you heard lately promoting the “New Year – New You”? We’re taught to crave dramatic overhauls, instant gratification, and “get rich quick” results.

In reality, however, our ultimate success typically stems from small habits implemented consistently over time.

Though perhaps not as exciting as the overnight reinvention, building a series of small, positive habits into your work provides greater benefits: your efforts are realistic and your results are sustainable.

If your new year involves new habits, here are 3 tips to help you stick with them:

Schedule your habit. Whether you resolve to send more gratitude cards to clients or add a brisk walk into your workday, decide in advance when you’ll do it. Ideally shoot for the same time each day, but if that’s not realistic, pull out your planner Sunday evening and give your new habit a time slot each day that week.
Be clear on the “Why.” What’s the point of your new habit? What results do you expect to see? Why does that matter to you? Get specific here. Your why-power is more important than your will-power!
Track your success. Speaking to a leadership institute last week, I told the group I believe we’re all second-graders at heart: those gold foil stars that we loved seeing on our assignments can motivate us just as much now as they did then! Create a simple chart, purchase a pack of foil stars, and track your new habit every day for the next month.

The trickiest part of developing new habits is, of course, the “stick-with-it-ness.” Decide in advance how to handle a setback, as well as how you will reward yourself for success along the way. Having your plan in place will liberate you to focus on the actual implementing.

What healthy work habits will you develop in 2013? Share your ideas below or on our Facebook page!

A New Kind of “What If”

Christi Hegstad January 15th, 2013

I started my business in large part due to the “What If” questions I heard repeatedly from workshop participants. Some common examples:

What if I had started my business ten years earlier?

What if I’d known these success strategies when I was younger?

What if I had followed my gut?

What if I had done what I wanted to do instead of what I thought I should do?

Today, I’d like to propose some different “What If” questions for you to ponder:

What if you decided, in this very moment, that you are courageous, capable, and strong?

What if you surrounded yourself with positive, supportive people?

What if you turned off the TV, put down the newspaper, and fed your mind with uplifting books, podcasts, and articles?

What if your work could help fulfill your purpose and make a difference?

What if you learned and moved forward from your mistakes, rather than letting them define you?

What if the world is plotting for you, wanting you to succeed?

What if you chose happiness?

What if the best is yet to come?

What if you started TODAY, right now, with one small step?

Ahhhh….what if….

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