Grit, Quit, or Let Go A Little Bit?

Christi Hegstad April 3rd, 2023

When I was about 12 years old, I used some of my babysitting money to buy a small plaque that sat on my desk until after I graduated from college. I can still picture it perfectly – the colors, the font, the phrase:

Quitters never win,

Winners never quit.

My inner achiever took this to heart. Perhaps like many of you, I often equated quitting to giving up, a thought that would cause that same inner achiever to cringe – and also to persist at some things much longer than necessary.

At times, there can be value in a ‘don’t ever quit’ attitude. In her outstanding book Grit, Angela Duckworth discusses the powerful blend of passion and perseverance, and how when those two factors come together, we can achieve beyond what we ever thought possible.

But even then, she doesn’t suggest being gritty all the time, about all the things.

Over the years I’ve become more curious about, and open to, quitting. Rather than a blanket ‘winners never quit’ statement, I’ve explored different perspectives like:

When is it actually in our best interest to quit?

What signals can point us to decide whether persevering or quitting is the better option?

How can we, as achievers, incorporate quitting into our goal-setting and success plans?

Can quitters sometimes win, and winners sometimes quit?

We’ll be discussing all of this and more in our spring term of the ASPIRE Success Club, and enrollment is now open! Space is limited due to an in-person component – though you can still participate 100% virtually as well.

If you’d like to engage in lively discussion with a brilliant group of peers, discover excellent books and resources (including the two that absolutely top my list on the topic!), and hear about some of the things I’ve quit and what I’ve learned in the process, join us in our spring term of the ASPIRE Success Club while space remains! We’d love to see you in the Club!

Celebrating 20 Years!

Christi Hegstad February 1st, 2023

This month my coaching firm, MAP Professional Development Inc, celebrates 20 years in business!

I recently came across the newspaper article (pictured) from 2003 that highlighted my new-at-the-time business, and I can hardly believe how much has changed since then. I have learned (and continue to learn) a TON, have met so many incredible people, and have definitely had my share of ‘Oh my gosh, I love this!’ and ‘Oh my gosh, this is so difficult!’ moments.

Our kiddos – a preschooler, toddler, and baby on the way (born about a month after this article was printed, in fact!) – are now young adults out making their difference in the world, and I am so proud of them!

With all that has changed, however, reading through this 20-year-old article reminded me of something that has remained the same:

Meaning And Purpose – the MAP in MAP Professional Development – is the underlying and overarching theme of it all. You matter, and your work matters. I am grateful for the opportunity to help people work with meaning, live with purpose, and achieve difference-making goals.

The last line of the article quotes me saying: “I feel blessed to be involved in that process with others,” and this is more true today than ever.

It really does take a village, and I am thankful for you all. <3

Happy 20th MAPiversary!

Permission For A Do-Over?

Christi Hegstad January 25th, 2023

“New year, new you!”

“Your fresh start begins January 1!”

“Make this your BEST YEAR EVER!”

We experienced a lot of this messaging leading into 2023. Now that we’re a few weeks in, what’s your verdict? Did you hit the ground running – or was it more like crawling?

Or stumbling?

Or napping with a side of ‘I’ll try again next year!’?

I love a new year, or really any fresh start / clean slate – however arbitrary. I was all set to kick off January with big, bold, full-speed-ahead action…but, as it sometimes does, life seemed to have other plans.

Where Are You Now?

Maybe your new year has started off just as you planned. If so, I am sincerely thrilled for you! That’s such a great feeling, and I hope you keep on keepin’ on!

But some of you may be feeling behind already. Whether due to illness or weather issues or unexpected home challenges or myriad other possibilities – or even no pin-point-able issue whatsoever – you may feel like you need a do-over.

I’m here to say, permission granted.

Your Do-Over

You may know exactly what your do-over requires. If not, here are a few ideas:

Let go of the judgment.

A big obstacle for achievers is the amount of criticism, expectation, and judgment we can lay on ourselves: ‘I should be farther along.’

Do what’s necessary to let that go.

This may involve anything from adopting a new mantra (ie, ‘I’m exactly where I’m meant to be’) to connecting regularly with a supportive friend to hiring a professional coach. Decide what will allow you to release the self-judgment, then put it into action.

Pull out a fresh piece of paper – literally.

Without looking back to goals or plans you had set prior to January 1, open a notebook to a clean piece of paper and imagine a fresh, new span of time ahead of you. What would you love to create, do, achieve, or experience?

Jot down – in your own penmanship – whatever comes to mind, not as a to-do list but rather as a dreaming-on-paper exercise. Capture the ideas before you start choosing, committing, weaving in previous goals, and action planning.

Focus on the quarter.

While I strongly believe in having a longer-term vision for your work and life, envisioning one year from now – let alone five or ten years – might feel overwhelming at the moment. If so, turn your attention to this quarter, and start crafting your plan from there.

Happy ‘New’ New Year!

Your fresh, new year can begin today – whatever day you happen to read this. If you’d like support in creating and achieving your new plans, consider reaching out for coaching or enrolling in our next term of the Bold Goal Academy.

And from my heart to yours, Happy ‘New’ New Year!

Unraveling – Or Unveiling?

Christi Hegstad January 16th, 2023

A while ago, I started writing an article about unraveling.

At the time, I felt like so many things I had worked hard to build up were, in essence, coming undone. Like a beautiful sweater that you accidentally snag on a zipper, then watch as it slowly begins to fray, unravel, fall apart.

It sounds a bit dramatic writing this out now, I suppose. But things just feel that way sometimes, don’t they?

I realized that while many things were coming undone, that also meant space was opening up.

And I could decide if I would see that space as a void for what was – or as a blank canvas for what could be.

This week, focus on what you’re creating.

It’s not always easy, and it definitely requires intention, but it sure can make a world of difference!

My Top Ten Books of 2022! – Fiction Edition

Christi Hegstad January 14th, 2023

Last week I posted my ten favorite nonfiction reads of 2022, and today I’m sharing the fiction faves!

The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak

If you had told me one of my favorite books of the year would feature a fig tree as a main character, I would not have believed you (and probably wouldn’t have picked it up in the first place!), but here we are. A thoughtful, beautifully-written novel that was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2022.

A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson

A quiet, character-driven novel – which I’ve learned is one of my favorite types of fiction. This one touches on so many topics, from friendship and found family to grief and unmet expectations. Lawson’s writing is beautiful and poignant without being too ‘flowery,’ and I could picture this neighborhood so vividly throughout my time with this story. I’ll definitely check out more of her work.

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Another surprising favorite character: Marcellus the giant Pacific octopus! This debut novel surprised me with how many emotions it drew out of me. Interestingly, although I can’t remember ever reading books about an octopus, two of my favorites of the year focused on them! (See my 2022 nonfiction favorites for my other recommendation.)

The Final Revival of Opal & Nev by Dawnie Walton

I had the pleasure of hearing Dawnie Walton speak at the Des Moines Book Festival in the spring, and immediately purchased her book (and had her sign it, too). A fantastic historical fiction piece that has you wanting to hear the band’s music – even though you know they’re not real! I highly recommend the audiobook of this one.

The Most Fun We Ever Had by Claire Lombardo

Another Women’s Prize longlist title, this one following the Sorenson family throughout much of their lives. An insightful look at family dynamics, difficult decisions (and their consequences), secrets, uncertainties, and changing relationships as we grow. I’d put this in a similar group to Ask Again, Yes by Beth Keane and The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall, both on previous top ten lists of mine.

The Measure by Nikki Erlick

Imagine waking up one morning and learning that every adult in the world – including you – has been given a box with a string inside. If the string is long, you can expect a long life; if it’s short, a short one. Would you open the box? How would you handle your discovery? Those of your friends and family members? How would the world respond? Super thought-provoking book that makes for an excellent book club discussion!

The Storied Life of AJ Fickry by Gabrielle Zevin

I couldn’t believe this book had been around for nearly a decade before I discovered it. I adored the story, the writing style, the characters, and pretty much everything about this book – so much so that I immediately read two other books by the author (one of which also nearly made this top ten list!)!

Other Words for Home by Jasmine Warga

I don’t think a middle grade book has ever made it onto my top ten list! I loved this story of Jude, a 12-year-old girl who leaves her home of Syria to move to America with her mother, while others in her family do not make the move. Such a thoughtful exploration into growing up, cultural differences and similarities, and how important a sense of belonging can feel.

The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb

I was expecting a mystery/thriller with this read – which I definitely got. What I wasn’t expecting, and appreciated equally as much, was the look inside competitive classical music competitions, the perspectives of a Black professional in a predominantly white field, how relationships and expectations can change with fame, and so much more. I did not predict the ending of this one at all!

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

I’ve been reading Taylor Jenkins Reid for nearly a decade and while I’ve definitely enjoyed most of her books, I believe this is her first one to make it onto my top ten list. I loved the ambition, passion, fire, and drive highlighted throughout this story – as well as the relationships between Carrie and a few precious people in her life. Such a fun audiobook experience, too!

What excellent books did you read in 2022? Share your favorites below!

Meaningful Goals + Exciting Resolutions

Christi Hegstad January 9th, 2023

Think back, for just a moment, to ten years ago.

How old were you? What life phase were you in? What occupied your time?

Have things changed since then?

Have you changed since then?

This week, for just a moment, jump ahead ten years.

A lot can – and likely will – change in ten years. Including you!

And while we can’t control all of the changes, we can be intentional about the direction we’d like to take, the dreams we’d like to pursue, and the growth we’d like to experience.

Envision your ideal self ten years from now, then ask yourself what you could do now to start setting that vision in motion.

You may find yourself much more connected to – and excited about – your goals and resolutions this way!

My Top Ten Books of 2022! – Nonfiction Edition

Christi Hegstad January 5th, 2023

Narrowing down 100 or so books to my two top ten lists (fiction and nonfiction) is rarely an easy feat, and this year is no exception! Here I offer my best attempt in the nonfiction realm, however there are at least four other books that might swap onto this list depending on the day.

As always, these aren’t necessarily books published in 2022, just ones I read during the year. They opened my eyes, made me think, and in many cases, changed my behavior – the mark of some truly outstanding books, in my opinion! We’ll be delving into several of these in the ASPIRE Success Club throughout 2023 if you’d like to discuss them – and other awesome books – further!

4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

It’s always exciting when the very first book you read in a year ends up on your top ten list 52 weeks later! I adored this unique and thoughtful look at how we can use our limited time on earth – on average, about 4,000 weeks – to live to the fullest and make our difference.

How To Change by Katy Milkman

If you liked Atomic Habits, Grit, and Think Again, delve into this one ASAP. This would be an excellent book to start off the year with, however I read it during the summer and it was equally profound! Her research, compelling stories, and clear examples shine; I listened to the entire audiobook in a day followed by tabbing things left and right in my physical copy.

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

This was the kick-off book to my 2022 expansive reading project and opened the door to a number of nature and environmental books for me. Kimmerer blends her Indigenous wisdom, environmental biology education, and parenting/life experience to form this beautiful resource. I highly recommend both the audio and print versions.

Why Bother? by Jennifer Louden

On my way to the bookstore for a completely unrelated book, I happened to hear Louden on a podcast discussing this one – and I ended up buying it as well. She flips this often-negative question – why bother? – on its head in the most compelling way, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery

I had no idea how fascinated I would become by octopuses this year (which, according to Montgomery, is the correct plural form of octopus – not octopi as many of us have thought!). I learned so much while being completely engaged in her story. Fun fact: one of my favorite fiction reads this year also features an octopus – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt!

Tranquility By Tuesday by Laura Vanderkam

I have read so much on the topic of time management – including all of Vanderkam’s previous books – that I honestly wasn’t expecting any new insights from this one. I love it when I’m proven wrong in this manner! An excellent, fresh perspective for navigating time, and would make a great companion read with 4,000 Weeks.

The Joy Of Movement by Kelly McGonigal

My sister recommended this one and I listened to it on a series of walks – a fantastic way to take it in! McGonigal explores research and anecdotal evidence around exercise and movement in a way I’ve never read before, looking at it in terms of community, making a difference, connecting with the environment, and more. Super uplifting, insightful, and motivating.

Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green

I’ve heard Green’s latest book described as a comfort read, and I can see why. Written during the height of the pandemic, this book is part memoir, part exploration of simple gifts, part warm hug. He takes various things in the world – from teddy bears to Diet Dr. Pepper to Canada geese – and rates them on a 5-point scale. Both fun and thought-provoking.

Disability Visibility by Alice Wong (ed.)

This thoughtful collection of essays written by people living with a variety of disabilities opened my eyes to so much, and I am ever grateful. With honesty, candor, and grace, the contributors highlight both challenges and triumphs experienced throughout their lives, as well as misconceptions, achievements, and ongoing advocacy work needed to support people with all kinds of disabilities – both seen and unseen.

The Day The World Came To Town by Jim DeFede

Somehow this book, published 20 years ago and adapted into a Broadway musical, never made it onto my radar until this year. A fantastic story of humanity focusing on how the people of Newfoundland, Canada came together to support the numerous passengers and crew of planes that were rerouted there on September 11, 2001. Pick this one up to restore your faith in the goodness of people.

What were some of your favorite books this year? Share in the comments below!

Accurately Counting Your Wins

Christi Hegstad December 12th, 2022

As you think back over 2022 so far, what makes you feel satisfied, or proud, or fulfilled?

What moments – planned or unexpected – bring a smile to your face?

What do you look back on and think, “I’m glad I gave that a try!”?

This week, give yourself credit.

When considering your wins, don’t limit them to only the things you can measure with a number.

Wins can also include moments where you felt in the right place at the right time, or held a difficult but much-needed conversation, or tried something new, or caught yourself truly savoring an experience.

These can all give you clues about your values and purpose, too – and help you set meaningful goals for the coming year as well.

It all counts!

Click here to join the ASPIRE Success Club before enrollment closes!

Crafting Your Turnaround Story

Christi Hegstad December 7th, 2022

If we’ve ever chatted for five minutes, you probably know I’m a big fan of goals.

Especially at this time of year.

But although I can sing the praises of goals from the mountaintops, I know not everyone feels the same way about them. I also know that creating goals for a fresh, new year can actually feel like a very daunting experience.

Especially if this year hasn’t gone quite as hoped.

(If ‘Set 2023 Goals’ has been on your to-do list, week after week, with no action yet taken, you get it.)

Today, I’d like to propose something different.

First, I want you to think of a magazine or publication you really admire.

Now, imagine that next year at this time, the editor of that magazine contacts you.

They’ve heard about your year – how you really turned things around and made a remarkable comeback.

And they want to write a feature all about it – all about you! They love your story, they recognize the hard work it took to get there, and they want to share your experience to inspire others.

Pretty awesome, eh?

So, what turnaround are they writing about?

When they contact you, next year at this time, what’s different?

How have you enhanced your life? Grown in your work? Made your difference?

Establish that picture in your mind (maybe even imagining your magazine cover!).

From there, start answering a few questions they’ll want to know, such as:

What helped you get from where you were in December 2022 to where you are now, in December 2023?

How did you get started?

What challenges did you face, and how did you persevere?

See if this shift in perspective prompts a bit more clarity and energy around what you want to create in the new year.

Maybe you’ll find that you want your story to focus on the business you started or the leadership role you took on.

Maybe it will highlight the learning you pursued or the meaningful connections you made within the groups you joined.

You might even discover that your story showcases a feeling more than anything – how you now feel more purposeful or confident or fulfilled.

Start by celebrating and imagining the article. From there, perhaps with the help of your coach, you can craft the goals and design the action plans that will get you there.

I want to celebrate your turnaround with you – feel free to share in the comments below! And know I’m here cheering you on.

Surround yourself with cheerleaders – click here to enroll in the ASPIRE Success Club!

Wise + Calm Decision-Making

Christi Hegstad December 5th, 2022

Every once in a while, someone offers me a compliment that makes me chuckle:

“You seem to have it so together!”

Like pretty much everyone everywhere, I do have some things together, and other things … not so much.

In recent years, however, I have been using a strategy that definitely helps me feel more together, more of the time.

This week, make a decision from your ‘future self.’

My future self – particularly 10 years or so into the future – seems much calmer and wiser than my current self often feels.

So when I am faced with a decision, or at a crossroads of some sort, I consider 10-years-from-now Christi and ask what she would advise.

You can consult your 1-year-from-now self, or even your 1-week-from-now self. See if you discover a bit more perspective in your decision-making.

Trust me, you have great wisdom within you! Maybe this technique will help you access it a bit more readily.

Click here to enroll in the ASPIRE Success Club before Earlybird Rates disappear! Your future self will thank you!

Author Archives: Christi Hegstad

Where Are You Now?

Your Do-Over

Happy ‘New’ New Year!

Today, I’d like to propose something different.

So, what turnaround are they writing about?