The Big Dream Revival

Christi Hegstad October 29th, 2022

“Shoot for the moon!”

“Aim high!”

“Go for gold!”

“Dream big!”

Do you find these maxims inspiring … or exhausting?

Honestly, sometimes I flop between both.

Maybe you do, too.

And ‘flopping’ truly feels like the best word to describe it.

Lately, in a very broad and general sense, ‘dreaming big’ has felt perhaps a bit hidden in the world. Or maybe just a tad overpowered by other stuff.

Now, to be clear, this is certainly not the case for everyone. Each day we hear of someone profoundly growing their community-enhancing business, or discovering an important cure, or obtaining their dream job, or making a difference in their corner of the world. Reaching a big dream. Thank goodness!

Thank goodness, because they serve as inspiration and remind us of possibility.

And thank goodness, because their energy can be contagious.

After a recent bout with the ‘exhausting’ side of dreaming big, I decided it was time to make a change.

I reminded myself that I am at my best when I am moving toward a bold + meaningful goal, and when I am helping others do the same.

This is where I tend to thrive.

And I was ready to thrive again!

I then took a long-term dream – one I’ve held as a future-maybe-someday vision for almost two decades – and asked, “What is one thing I could potentially do now to move one step closer to this vision?”

I brainstormed a bunch of possibilities, and honestly just that act alone made a difference in my mood and mindset.

Then, I decided to set one of those possibilities in motion.

I took a small step. I gained a smidge of momentum, and took another small step. I talked things through with my coach.

It’s too soon to tell how it will pan out. But you know what? It almost doesn’t matter. Because just that act of dreaming, followed by a bit of movement, has revived me.

I’m not focusing on the failures I’ve experienced, but rather on the possibilities ahead.

I’m not dwelling on a recent rejection, but rather on what I want to create in its place.

Dreaming big feels energizing again. I know this energy won’t necessarily last forever, but I also know I have the power to revive it.

It’s ok to not always be aiming high or dreaming big. Even as an achiever. But if you’re feeling a bit in the aforementioned ‘flop’ mode, take a moment to ask yourself what you need.

For me, the answer quite often involves envisioning possibilities. Asking new and different questions. Surrounding myself with other big dreamers.

Moving – however quickly or slowly – in the direction of something bold + meaningful, something that lights me up and makes a difference.

I am now in a big dream revival.

And if that’s what you need too, I invite you to join me.

What big dream are you ready to start, or rekindle, or begin envisioning?

Share it below, or write it privately in your journal. Whatever works.

Regardless, know that I am thankful for your company in the revival, and that I’m rooting for you!

Your Personal Monthly Review

Christi Hegstad October 27th, 2022

Do you ever reach the end of a month and wonder what you have to show for it?

If you run a business or set professional goals, you likely review your progress each month. I encourage you to adopt a similar practice for your own personal development as well.

Not sure what to assess? Here are several questions to consider:

* What wins did I experience this month?

Highlight moments, completed projects, unexpected successes – they all count!

* What challenges did I face?

Acknowledge what obstacles turned up and how you moved through them.

* What lessons did I learn?

As you scan your entire month, choose a few standout lessons you were reminded of or discovered.

* What progress did I make toward my goals?

Consider goals you’ve set for various time frames: month, quarter, year, and beyond.

* What did I read, watch, and/or listen to?

Books, blogs, podcasts, shows, YouTube videos … make note of helpful content you may wish to refer back to.

* What meaningful connections did I enjoy?

Quality time with one of your children? Coffee with a new colleague? A ‘quick dinner’ with a friend that somehow turned into five hours? Your future self will thank you for jotting these down.

* What memories did I make?

Whether a long-awaited vacation or an impromptu afternoon at the local apple orchard, don’t rely only on your brain to remember; a written record – perhaps with a photo included – will help!

* For what am I especially thankful?

Reflecting on the above questions will likely prompt some gratitudes you’d like to record as well.

Create a file or open a notebook, choose the questions that speak to you, and jot down your responses. Not only does this give you a launching point for planning your next month, it provides an opportunity to celebrate all that you’ve experienced recently as well.

And if you’re an achiever, you could probably do with a bit more celebrating before moving on to the next goal or project. 🙂

What else would you ask in a monthly review?

How To Read More

Christi Hegstad October 25th, 2022

While I’m not a big fan of labeling in general, there is one label I fully embrace:

I am, without a doubt, 100% a booknerd.

If you follow my blog or LinkedIn, you’ve probably seen my various reading wrap-ups and book reviews throughout the years. You also may know that I tend to read about 100 books each year. Back when I was active on Instagram and Facebook, I even began posting video reviews and ‘book flights.’ (I may start that up again – let me know in the comments below if you’d be interested!)

With such posts, I am frequently asked one question:

“How do you read so much?”

Today I thought I’d share a bit of what works for me. Feel free to adopt one or more of these ideas!

1. Always carry a book with you.

You never know when you’ll find a small pocket of time to read: At the dentist’s office, during a work break, while waiting for your kids to finish sports practice.

2. Designate certain reading times.

Try reading a few pages of inspiring nonfiction with your morning coffee or a fun novel before bed. A few pages here and there add up!

3. Join or start a book club.

Book clubs provide accountability, different perspectives, and often the motivation to pick up books you wouldn’t normally read.

4. Read what intrigues you.

Do you love to escape into a fantasy world? Are you fascinated by birds? Is there a historical figure or modern celebrity you find remarkably interesting? Choose books that speak to your interests.

5. Enjoy audiobooks.

I listen to audiobooks – most for free via my library’s Libby app – while walking, driving, cleaning, you name it! And I often find myself engaging in those activities even longer than I planned because I want to keep going with the story.

6. Create or join a reading challenge.

Whether a ‘bingo card’ of different books to read, a certain number of pages per week, or a few titles you commit to reading in the next year, reading challenges can be motivating – particularly for us achievers. Check my blog next week to learn about my own 2022 reading challenge and how I did / what I learned!

7. Assess your current activities.

As you think about your typical day or week, where would you like to spend less time? Consider how you might replace that activity, or a portion of it, with reading.

8. Remove or minimize obstacles.

With #7 above, ‘endless scrolling’ and other tech distractions are often the reason people give for not reading more. Experiment with closing your phone in a drawer a few times per week or leaving it in the car while you take a book into a coffee shop for an hour.

9. Track your reading.

If you follow my goal-setting work, you know I’m a firm believer that we attract what we track! Keep tabs of the days you read, the books you finish, or another action that inspires further reading.

10. Surround yourself with readers.

Many people join the ASPIRE Success Club because they want to read more. (Enrollment will open again in early November!) Check your library, local or online bookish communities, or consider ASPIRE to surround yourself with fellow readers.

11. Generate a pile of possibilities.

I’m a mood reader, so it helps to have at least a few possibilities around me from which to choose my next read. Whether it’s a physical TBR (‘to be read’) pile or a list of titles in the notes app of your phone, having some exciting books on deck can keep your reading momentum going.

12. Or generate a pile of one.

On the flip side, if a stack of possibilities feels like pressure or clutter, focus on the one at hand. You’ll learn more about your reading style and preferences the more you continue reading and exploring.

13. Buddy-read with someone.

Similar to a book club, reading a book at the same time as a friend or colleague can provide motivation, perspective, and fun discussion points along the way.

14. Browse library or bookstore shelves.

For many of us, roaming the library shelves used to be how we’d find our next picks! The internet can provide abundant possibilities, but don’t underestimate the power of freely wandering through shelves and shelves of books.

15. Begin a book discussion group in your company.

A monthly or quarterly discussion about an insightful book can build community while also expanding your team’s professional development. I facilitate these – including reading guides, discussion questions, and more – if you’re interested in bringing me into your organization.

16. Pay attention to upcoming movies.

Is there a film on the horizon that you’re excited to see? Commit to reading the book it’s based on before it comes out! I know several people who did this with Where The Crawdads Sing this summer, for example. You may be surprised how many movies are based on or inspired by books.

17. Ask for recommendations.

If you know someone who reads often or shares similar interests, ask them for a few books they’ve enjoyed. If you’re speaking to a booknerd like myself, they’ll probably spill out all kinds of titles – and be super excited about it, too!

18. Listen to book-related podcasts.

I add a lot to my TBR this way! You can find a number of bookish podcasts that offer new episodes each week, or you can do a search for a particular author and listen to them being interviewed. Like audiobooks, this is a great way to enjoy a walk or drive.

19. Watch a few booktube videos.

I’ve recently discovered booktube (book-specific content on YouTube) and, like with #18, have found a number of excellent books this way. Plus it’s just so fun to watch people light up when talking about their favorite books!

20. Determine your ‘why.’

You didn’t think I’d skip an opportunity to talk about purpose, did you? 🙂 Ask yourself why you want to read more: To expand your learning? To grow as a professional? To periodically step away from the day’s pressures and escape into a rich, well-crafted story? If it’s because you ‘should,’ you likely won’t be very motivated. If it’s for a personally resonant reason, however, you’ll probably claim the label of ‘booknerd’ yourself pretty soon!

Some of my upcoming newsletters will share my favorite nonfiction books of all time, the best books I’ve read in 2022, and more – click here to subscribe!

What other tips would you add to help people read more? Share your bookish ideas below! And happy reading, friends!

What Goal ‘Season’ Are You In?

Christi Hegstad October 24th, 2022

As I write this, my environment practically sings ‘autumn’: richly-colored leaves falling off the tree outside my window, vegetable stew cooking in the oven, gentle rains on the horizon. I adore the changing of the seasons (and good thing, too, since I am firmly in the midwest!).

Changing seasons in nature often prompt a different pace in life as well. You may feel fresh energy and ambition with the spring, for example, or more inwardly-focused in the winter.

Have you ever considered the changing seasons of your goals, too?

For instance, you may set a specific number of miles to run each week. You track your daily mileage and find yourself highly motivated as a result.

At another time, that exact same goal may feel restrictive, inauthentic, or even discouraging.

You might find greater satisfaction in a goal of ‘daily movement’ at that time. Or a goal of running several times per week without looking at the number of miles.

This is exactly what I experienced this summer, with this exact goal. What was so motivating early in the year was no longer working for me.

My goal had reached a different season.

We have several options when this occurs: Change our methods, alter our measures, even restructure the goal.

With it all, I encourage you to return to your ‘why.’

Why did you set the goal in the first place? What do you most want to gain?

In my running example above, my purpose for the goal revolved around health and strength – outcomes that could still be met as long as I kept moving.

Even if I stopped tracking mileage for a while.

I honored that season of my goal. And you know what? I am now back to tracking my miles, and it feels fantastic again.

My season – like nature’s seasons – was not permanent. And I’m so glad I didn’t think it was and abandon the goal completely.

As we approach year-end and goals may be on the mind more than ever, I encourage you to reflect on the season of your goal.

What do you find motivating right now?

What’s lighting you up?

How can you incorporate that into your year-end achievement?

Take note and adjust accordingly where you can.

Let’s finish the year strong, energized, and in a season of purposeful achievement!

Midwest Coaches Conference: My Top Takeaways (Part 2)

Christi Hegstad October 7th, 2022

As I mentioned on LinkedIn yesterday, I have somehow turned approximately 563 takeaways from last week’s ICF Midwest Coaches Conference into a Top 10 list. 🙂

I am happy to continue sharing it with you today!

In yesterday’s Midwest Coaches Conference: My Top Takeaways (Part 1), I offered five lessons that I believe nearly anyone could reflect on and/or apply in their work or life. Today in Part 2, I focus more on coaching-related takeaways. (Fellow coaches, feel free to add to this list in the comments below!)

Once again, I’m including a reflective question you can ask yourself for each item listed below. I hope you find these prompts thought-provoking, whether or not you attended the conference.

Top Takeaways, Part 2 – let’s get to it!

6. Ask Embodied Questions.

I found Dr. Melissa Peet’s entire keynote on the differences between psychological and generative coaching fascinating. In brief, psychological stays more in our heads (ie, ‘How do you define success?’), whereas generative is more about embodied wisdom/experience (ie, ‘Tell me about a time you experienced success.’) I am weaving this into my coaching practice by consciously asking for time- and experience-stamped examples.

Reflective Question: What coaching question can you shift to help clients move from their heads to their deeper, more embodied wisdom?

7. Let Go Of Boxes, Be Aware Of Biases.

In general, and often without our conscious awareness, many of us have a tendency to put people in boxes; even more literally, we have them check certain boxes when filling out job applications or other forms. Even as coaches who have gone through rigorous training and done extensive amounts of self-work, we are still prone to implicit biases. We don’t need to judge ourselves for this, but we do need to be aware of it in order to, as keynoter LaTonya Wilkins stated, allow people to bring their whole selves to work, to life, and to coaching.

Reflective Question: How can you become more aware of your own biases?

8. Be – Or Help Begin – The Change.

One of my favorite sessions of the conference was led by Dr. Susan MacLellan-Tobert, a pediatric cardiologist and coach. She knew the data around and saw the evidence of burnout, depression, chronic stress, and such among healthcare providers. Rather than wait and hope for things to change, she and small team of others worked with their organization to create coaching programs to provide a safe and professional support option for their peers. The initiative she took, and the results she shared, have inspired me since!

Reflective Question: Where are you hoping things will change – and what action can you take to begin the change?

9. Actively Build Trust.

“In the absence of trust, people will create their own stories.” I circled and highlighted this line from a breakout session with Kristina Ralston, where we discussed trust – particularly in times of change. I love the long list of skills and practices I walked away with to promote conscious leadership! I also appreciated the reminder that trust is continually earned – and not simply by saying, ‘You can trust me.’

Reflective Question: What are some specific ways you build trust with your clients?

10. Take A Walk.

From health benefits to promoting mental clarity, the power of nature is well-documented. As coaches, we can utilize this power in our work: Inviting clients for a coaching-while-walking session, for example, or even as a self-reflection opportunity after a full day of coaching others. In a breakout session with Mark Skillings, he had us look at photos of nature and generate coaching questions we might ask based on what we viewed – a very impactful exercise!

Reflective Question: When can you experience nature today?

Have you attended a conference recently? What was one of your top takeaways?

P.S. The photo depicts the view of Milwaukee from my hotel room during the conference. I’m not sure what the fireworks were for – maybe to celebrate the awesome spirit of coaching? 🙂 Again, thank you to the conference presenters, organizers, and fellow attendees!

Midwest Coaches Conference: My Top Takeaways (Part 1)

Christi Hegstad October 6th, 2022

Last week, I attended the ICF Midwest Coaches Conference in beautiful Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Connection, inspiration, education, meaningful conversations, exceptional growth – all my favorite things and core values basically came together in one space! I left rejuvenated and am thankful to everyone who worked so diligently to bring us together in such a purposeful way.

Attempting to narrow down my copious notes to just a few takeaways has proven challenging! I’ve thus decided to divide this into two parts:

Today I am sharing five general life takeaways from this experience – things I believe nearly anyone can reflect on, learn from, be reminded of, or apply into their work or life. And in true coaching fashion, I’ve designed a reflective question for each item that you can ponder if you wish, too.

Coaching colleagues, be sure to check back tomorrow as Part 2 will highlight my top coaching takeaways.

Here we go!

1. Dream Bigger.

In multiple sessions, we were invited to dream bigger – for our professions, our families, the organizations and communities and people we serve, our world at large. The last few years have challenged us all in many ways, and for some of us, that has meant playing smaller than we perhaps otherwise would. I could practically feel my future vision expanding while I listened to Dr. Damian Goldvarg’s closing keynote!

Reflective Question: What would a really big, bold, audacious, meaningful dream look like for you right now?

2. Go Deeper.

In a society that often focuses on vanity metrics and comparison culture, we can sometimes lose sight of what truly matters to us and to those around us. Taking the time and energy to dig deeper – either alone, with a coach, or with another trusted professional – can remind us of our true values and priorities, and prompt us to design new, more meaningful measures of success as a result. I loved Dr. Melissa Peet’s take: “I don’t want you to level up, I want you to deepen down.”

Reflective Question: What are you keeping at surface level, and how might you go deeper?

3. Show Greater Compassion Than (Seemingly) Necessary.

Several sessions highlighted the prevalence of burnout, workplace stress, physical and mental health challenges, and issues with psychological safety. These challenges are faced by so many – even the most ‘put together’ among us – and we often have no idea what others are trying to navigate. My takeaway? Extend extra compassion and kindness whenever possible – with our healthcare provider, our child’s teacher, our next-door neighbor, our grocery clerk. It all matters. We all matter.

Reflective Question: Who seems to ‘have it all together’ but could benefit from a kind word or gentle encouragement?

4. Going ‘Back To Basics’ Can Actually Move You Forward.

Technology and other advancements can support us in myriad ways, no doubt. At the same time, going ‘back to basics’ doesn’t necessarily mean going backwards. Making eye contact, writing by hand in a journal, walking in nature without headphones – sometimes returning to the most basic actions will move us forward more swiftly and seamlessly than anything!

Reflective Question: Where could going ‘back to basics’ help you move forward?

5. Let People Know They Make A Difference.

During one session, we were asked to partner up and share about a person who inspired us to become a coach. Later that day, a beautiful friend and colleague of mine approached me and said, “During that segment, I shared about you.” I cannot express how meaningful that felt, and how those words came at just the right time for me. That interaction has inspired me to let more people know the difference they’ve made in my life!

Reflective Question: To whom could you send a note of appreciation this week?

Which of these takeaways speaks to you? How might you incorporate it into your work or life this week?

A Late-Summer Reading Wrap-Up

Christi Hegstad October 5th, 2022

I’ve just finished reading book #77 of the year and realized I haven’t posted a wrap-up in a while! Below are some of my recent nonfiction reads, along with a two-sentence description for each:

The Power of Regret by Daniel Pink

A thought-provoking look at the role regret can play in our lives, both positively and negatively. I particularly appreciated the description of four different types of regret and the section offering suggestions on what we can do about them.

The Power of Ritual by Casper Ter Kuile

Great ideas for bringing meaning and sacredness into any activity, particularly things you’re already doing rather than adding more to the to-do list. I really enjoyed the conversations around reading, prayer, connecting with nature, and meaningful conversation.

How To Read Literature Like A Professor by Thomas Foster

An interesting look at how to read more critically, including looking for deeper meanings/symbolism, considering the impact of word choices, thinking about the time period the book was written, and more. I gathered a few helpful nuggets to hopefully enhance my individual book reviews.

This Book Is Anti-Racist by Tiffany Jewell

An engaging resource written for youth but equally impactful for adults! I appreciated the descriptions of anti-racism and non-racism, the differences between calling in and calling out, and numerous specific actions we can take to make a difference.

Why Bother? by Jennifer Louden

I picked this up after randomly hearing an interview with the author and immediately read it in a matter of days! A powerful look at turning a potentially negative question – why bother? – into a more purposeful one that asks what truly is worth bothering about, then focusing our attention there.

How To Change by Katy Milkman

An excellent blend of insight on habits, confidence, goal achievement, grit, and more, all supported by extensive empirical research. Fantastic practical solutions/suggestions along with incredibly compelling stories and examples; I have put much of this into practice since reading!

The Joy Of Movement by Kelly McGonigal

An inspiring and research-backed look at the gift of movement, including its connections to community-building, nature, music, service, and beyond. I downloaded the audiobook on my sister’s recommendation and thoroughly enjoyed listening while walking!

If you’d like further information on any of these, or are interested in my fiction reads, just let me know in the comments below! Also, be sure to sign up for my newsletter, as upcoming issues will share my favorite books of the year (two of these listed here will almost certainly appear on that list) as well as my favorite nonfiction books of all-time!

What book have you enjoyed lately?

Map Out Your Quarter In 5 Steps

Christi Hegstad October 4th, 2022

I am all for helpful technology but I must admit, my best tools for mapping out a bold + meaningful finish to 2022 include the basics: pen, paper, and calendar!

If you are deciding new goals for the quarter (or any time frame, really), consider these five steps:

1. Dream. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and envision yourself at the end of the quarter. What are you celebrating? How are you feeling? What have you achieved or moved forward that delights you? Relish in that space for a few moments.

2. Jot down all possibilities. Pull out a good ol’ notebook and pen and start writing all the ideas that came to your mind. Don’t worry about what’s actually possible at this point (see yesterday’s blog for a primer on that!) – just get the ideas recorded.

3. Prioritize. Now consider your current reality: What’s most important to you at this time in your life? What events (vacations, conferences, holidays, etc) may impact your time or progress in the upcoming quarter? What calls to you now, and what can wait? Narrow down to your top-tier goals (typically one to three of them).

4. Plan. For each of your goals, create the action plan to move you from here to there. Keep resources, milestones, and other considerations in mind. (A coach can provide excellent support in this!)

5. Schedule. Here’s where your calendar comes in. Schedule milestones, touchpoints, what needs to happen and when. You can incorporate dates into the previous step, but if you refer to your calendar on a daily or weekly basis, I highly recommend putting your actions directly there so you see them regularly.

Personally, I’m not sure I’d ever accomplish anything if I didn’t journal it out first! 🙂

Are there other steps you would add? What is one goal you plan to achieve in Q4? Share your thoughts and comments below!

Avoid This Common Goal-Setting Mistake

Christi Hegstad October 3rd, 2022

Later this week, the ASPIRE Success Club will hold our 4th-quarter goal-setting session. We tend to leave these sessions with greater clarity and higher motivation – always a plus!

Many ASPIRE members are goal-setting pros by now. There is still one reminder that I offer at every session, however, and it’s one I need myself as well.

Let me paint a picture:

You ask someone to share one goal she’d love to achieve.

She lights up as she describes the podcast she dreams of hosting. She’s had the idea for years and is clearly excited about the content she can offer and the impact she can make in the world.

And then, just as quickly, you hear:

“But…I don’t know the first thing about podcasting. Where would I even start? I don’t have any equipment, and I have no idea how to get it onto the various platforms. It seems so frivolous, too. Plus, what if people hated it? I don’t really have any money to put towards this project, either. I’ll probably just hold off…”

Can you relate?

This showcases one of the most common goal-setting mistakes I see – and one that I actively need to address in myself, too. And that is:

Focusing on the ‘how’ before getting crystal-clear about the ‘what.’

We have an idea, it’s directly connected to our values, it’s exciting, bold, and impactful. We visibly light up as we talk – or even think – about it.

Then, before we’ve fully even stepped into the space of possibility, our doubtful, ‘Yeah, but how?’ switch turns on.

The result? We often talk ourselves out of the goal before we’ve even begun.

As you set your Q4 and/or 2023 goals, I encourage you to spend some time living in the ‘what’ before you even think about the ‘how.’

Envision what success would look and feel like.

Imagine how things could be different upon achievement.

Using all your senses, place yourself there. Breathe it in. Consider the impact.

Live in that space for a bit, and really pay attention to your energy and how it feels.

Once you’ve gotten super clear on your goal and can confirm that it’s calling to you, then let yourself start thinking about (or asking for help with) the how. The process will come together so much more easily this way!

‘What’ before ‘how.’ It’s a game-changer!

What is one goal you’d love to achieve before the end of the year?

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