Bold Goal Dream Team: The 5 People Who Will Help You Achieve

Christi Hegstad January 18th, 2018

When I was in college, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, and several other NBA stars took on the basketball world at the Olympic games. Nicknamed “The Dream Team,” these well-known players showed up with the goal of bringing home the gold. And with hard work as well as the support of coaches, trainers, fans, and more, The Dream Team did just that.

What goal could you accomplish with your own personal Dream Team?

Whenever I embark on a Bold Goal (a regular occurrence), I make sure I have five people/groups in place. Consider recruiting them for your Bold Goal Dream Team, too:

1. Inspiration Group

More than a standard networking group, an Inspiration Group surrounds you with like-minded people who want to see you succeed. The ASPIRE Success Club is a great example: Each member declares a Bold Goal toward the start of the year, then updates us on progress at our monthly meetings (and even more frequently in our online discussion forum) so we can offer ideas, provide encouragement, and cheer them on.

Ideally, your Inspiration Group will gather around a common purpose and offer a structure that ensures time is respected and well-utilized. Look for possibilities in your industry, community, or the area of your goal, such as a writing group through your local library (or join us in ASPIRE !)

ASPIRE Success Club members at our summer Garden Party! — Some ASPIRE Success Club members celebrating at a summer Garden Party!

2. Mastermind Group

While larger groups have their place, a small, intimate Mastermind Group provides an even higher level of growth. I have been in several masterminds over the years and imagine I always will be! We meet regularly, share wins and best practices, and each member gets time in the “spotlight seat”: they present an issue or challenge they are experiencing, then everyone else brainstorms, idea-shares, or even solves the problem. It’s really kind of magical!

Essentially, the premise is this: Each of us is smart individually, but when we put our brain power together, we essentially create a third mind – a ‘master mind’ – that is even better. I always find that to be true and leave each mastermind session feeling light and empowered!

One of my current mastermind groups. We've met monthly for 3 years! — One of my current mastermind groups. We have met monthly for 3 years!

3. Accountability Partner

You know how it goes: You decide to wake up early every morning and go for a run. You do great for a few days, then the snooze button becomes more appealing and you start talking yourself out of your goal… unless you know your neighbor is on the sidewalk waiting to run with you. That friend = accountability partner: You make a commitment, she makes sure you’re honoring it.

While I have a coach (see #4) for my professional goals, I love connecting with an accountability partner to keep other intentions moving forward. Right now, for example, I am in the midst of a health goal; I know what I need to do and how to do it – I just need someone to check in weekly to make sure I’m actually doing it. My sister and I are currently accountability partners and so far we are both rocking our commitments!

My current accountability partner (and sister) and I. If only all our check-ins took place on the beach! — My current accountability partner. If only all our check-ins took place on the beach!

4. Coach

I’ve been a certified coach for many years and still always have a coach myself. Nothing compares to the power of a trained, experienced professional coach to provide objectivity, serve as a high-level thought partner, hold the space for growth, and move you forward! While the groups I’ve mentioned have definitely elevated my business and life, it was when I hired my first coach that I truly saw my results skyrocket. I’ve hired countless coaches over the years since!

Each coach is unique in their approach and style, so I always think about what I most want to gain from the experience and then find the coach I believe will best help me get there. I have invested a hefty amount of money, time, and energy into coaches and will continue to do so, as little else brings such a significant return on investment! If you’re considering hiring a coach, check out these 5 questions so you can make a sound choice.

My current coach and I typically meet by phone but got to meet in-person recently! — My current coach and I typically meet by phone but enjoyed an in-person session recently!

5. YOU

As you already know, YOU are the common denominator and key ingredient to your success. You have the gifts and strength to accomplish what matters most to you. Do what’s necessary to build your confidence, believe in your abilities, create a foundation of positivity, and design an action plan that moves you forward with intention, purpose, and delight.

Seek the support of the above four people for help! You can do it – but you don’t have to do it alone. See here and here for a few more thoughts.

Your Next Inspired Action

Various friends and family members can certainly support you, as can other goal-specific professionals (therapists, professional organizers, personal trainers, accountants, and so on). Just make sure you have the objectivity and expertise of your Bold Goal Dream Team in place, too! To support you in this, download this Bold Goal Dream Team worksheet.

Brainstorm possibilities, narrow in on the best ones, then start building your Bold Goal Dream Team. Watch your results improve and the entire process become more fun, too! Let your team support you in turning dreams into goals and goals into reality.

What To Actually DO With Your Annual Theme

Christi Hegstad January 16th, 2018

Years ago, I wrote an article on the power of choosing an annual theme, something I’ve done for 15 years now. (It’s still one of my most popular posts and you can read it here.) Lately, I’ve seen numerous references to this practice – also called word of the year, intention, and other labels – while scrolling through Instagram and Facebook. It’s such a simple yet profound strategy for focusing your energy toward who and how you want to be throughout the year.

When I shared the tip during a speaking engagement recently, a woman raised her hand and said, “I love this idea and a word came to mind right away. But once you choose your theme, what do you actually do with it?”

The main purpose is for your theme to remind you of your high-level focus for the year and to serve as a through-line for your actions and decisions. In addition, you can use your theme in a variety of practical ways to keep it present and infuse it into your life. Some of my favorites:

* Raise your hand if you seem to enter passwords into your computer and phone at least 853 times per day! Weave your theme into your passwords for continuous reinforcement.

* Find or create a visual anchor that represents your word. A vision board, photo, sculpture, pendant, painting, or any number of items could serve as a line-of-sight reminder.

* Make your word your laptop screensaver or phone wallpaper. You’ll enjoy a reminder every time you turn on your screen.

* Create a breakthrough map around what your word means, looks like, and feels like to you. For example, one of my all-time favorite themes was ‘expansion.’ I journaled about how I wanted to expand my mind and sense of possibility, ways I could do that (attend conferences, hire a coach, put myself out there more), and what it meant to me. That year, I used to say, “I want to expand in all ways except my waistline!” I was only half-joking. 🙂

* Consider creating a few goals in the area of your theme. When your goals and theme are aligned, you’ll find forward movement much easier.

* Write your theme on sticky notes and place them wherever you could benefit from the reminder: your bathroom mirror, the front of your planner, the top desk drawer you open repeatedly, and so on. If your theme is ‘calm’ and you have it posted on the dashboard of your car, the next time someone cuts you off while driving or you find yourself waiting endlessly in a traffic jam, you’ll have an instant visual reminder of how you want to be in that experience.

* Each evening, pull out a journal or notebook (decorated with your theme word, of course!) and jot down an example of how you lived out your theme that day.

How else will you use your annual theme? Feel free to share your ideas below, or on Instagram or Facebook!

What Would A Blank Do Now?

Christi Hegstad January 14th, 2018

What would a ______ do now?

Coaching Tip of the Week:

What is your top goal for 2018?

To write a book? Grow your team? Host a retreat? Earn a certification? Strengthen your leadership skills? Obtain a degree? Launch a podcast, blog, tv show, or business?

And, what tends to get in your way?

For many, distractions, procrastination, uncertainty, or lack of clarity keep our goals just out of reach. When we’re not sure what to do next, we can easily find something to fill the time – often in the form of scrolling social media, finding (or creating) busywork, surfing the internet, watching TV, or adding lower-priority items to our to-do lists.

It may keep us busy, but not necessarily moving in the direction of our dreams.

This week, ask yourself, “What would a [your goal] do now?”.

Write that question on a sticky note (or if you’ve got one of my magnets like the one pictured here, use that!). Fill in the blank with your #1 goal, then place it somewhere prominent.

For example, “What would a published author do now?”

“What would an award-winning CEO do now?”

“What would a compassionate, highly-respected leader do now?”

Then, whenever you find your mind wandering or your hand reaching for your phone (or whatever your distraction of choice), answer that question – then do that thing.

Game-changer! You’ll find yourself moving much more purposefully and swiftly toward your Bold Goal with this simple action!

Share your thoughts below or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter! And if you’d like coaching to gain clarity on your goals and action plans, let’s talk.

The One Person Who Must See Your Worth

Christi Hegstad January 8th, 2018

There will always be someone who can’t see your worth.

Don’t let it be you.

Mel Robbins

Coaching Tip of the Week:

When you look at your goals for 2018, is there a little (or perhaps loud) voice inside that says, “What makes you think you can achieve that? Who do you think you are?”

Self-doubt stunts more goals than actual obstacles ever will.

So this year, let’s make sure the first person who believes in you, cheers you on, and sees your tremendous worth is you.

This week, review your successes.

Confidence doesn’t come from one big event – it develops over a series of small successes and little wins.

In your journal, Evernote, or a fresh document, title the page “Celebration of Triumphs.” Then, list your various successes from the past year. Include the little ones, the ones no one else knew about, the minor wins that make you think, “I’m the only one who would ever think of that as a success!”

Even if (especially if) the past year didn’t feel very victorious all around, challenge yourself to do this exercise. Then, whenever doubt creeps in, turn to your list and remind yourself you can succeed – and you have the written proof!

Share your thoughts below or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter!

My Favorite Books of 2017

Christi Hegstad January 3rd, 2018

When you are an avid reader, you often find yourself in the midst of big, deep, difficult questions, such as:

Can I let go of all other responsibilities today and just read?

Do I stop buying books, or do I start buying more bookshelves?

What on earth am I going to read next?

Other people will also ask you hard things, including the most challenging of all for a voracious reader:

What’s your favorite book?

I typically respond to that question with various questions of my own: What genre? Favorite as in inspiring or as in a gripping story or as in a thought-changer? Classic or contemporary? etc., then offer a top ten list of sorts. But at the end of each year, I do try to generate a short-list of favorites read that year – hence today’s blog.

A few disclaimers:

* This list includes only books I read for the first time in 2017 – so the excellent books we discuss in the ASPIRE Success Club, for example, are not included.

* I utilize a highly-specific and technical rating system to generate this list, involving a handwritten book journal and foil stars. 🙂

* I’m only including nonfiction books (which is what I mostly read) on this list, however I will share my fiction faves later this week on Instagram. (Side note: If you’re a book lover, let’s connect on Insta! I post most books I read [except the ones I dislike] along with a brief description of my thoughts and takeaways.)

OK, enough chit-chat – let’s dig into my 3 favorite nonfiction books of 2017:

Option B by Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant (Penguin Random House, 2017).

If you ask someone what to read next, how often do you expect them to recommend a book about navigating grief? Since reading Option B, I have actually done this often. Powerful, practical, and beautifully written, this book is a terrific resource for anyone who has ever experienced adversity or loss, or who may experience it in the future. It’s also invaluable for those wishing to support others through difficult times, such as family members, leaders, friends, and coworkers.

You can read my experience (and it truly was an experience) with this book here.

Of Mess & Moxie by Jen Hatmaker (HarperCollins, 2017).

When we discuss books in the ASPIRE Success Club, members frequently make two points: 1) “I wish I had read this when I was younger,” and 2) “Until reading/discussing this book, I thought it [whatever ‘it’ the book addresses] was just me.” I experienced both of these when reading this hilarious, heartwarming, insightful, and affirming book!

Hatmaker has the unique ability to make the reader laugh, cry, and say, “Oh my gosh, YES!” all within the same page. I actually didn’t highlight much in this one – it read so much like a story! – but one of my favorite lines:

“There is no scarcity in creativity… There is no such thing as too much wisdom and literature and story and craftsmanship. There is room for you.” (p99)

The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking (William Morrow, 2017).

A surprise hit! I’ve been somewhat obsessed with Denmark ever since reading about its happiness factor in Dan Buettner’s book, Thrive (one of my 2012 favorite books, actually – learn more here). This quick little book shared the basics of hygge, marked by things such as candles, books, music, cozy quilts, warm socks. In a nutshell, “Hygge is about giving your responsible, stressed-out, achiever adult a break. Relax. Just for a little while” (p105). That’s exactly what I did when reading this book, and the feeling continued well after I closed the back cover.

You can read my reaction here (if the link doesn’t get you there, scroll down my Instagram feed to March 10, 2017).

As a literacy advocate, one of my favorite things to hear (and a big reason why I post books so often on Instagram) is someone saying they read a book because of my recommendation. If this list prompts you to read something new, please let me know! And feel free to share YOUR top books of 2017 below or on Instagram or Facebook. Happy Reading, friends!

Want to see my favorite books from the past several years? You can find them by year: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012. Join us for incredible book discussions and much more in the ASPIRE Success Club!

5 Ways To Be More Intentional With Your Time

Christi Hegstad January 1st, 2018

If becoming more intentional with your time is one of your New Year’s resolutions, here are 5 of my favorite tips to get you started:

1. Engage in a morning practice.

This may sound dramatic, but starting my morning practice truly changed my life! Whether you journal, meditate, pray, visualize, stretch, or say a few quiet gratitudes before getting out of bed, start your day in a positive, proactive way. Read my earlier Huffington Post article if you’d like more ideas.

2. Schedule a weekly review + planning session with yourself.

Set aside 30 minutes or so to assess the past week and design your schedule and goals for the upcoming one. Make a little ceremony out of this time: Pour a hot beverage, light a candle, turn on some Bach. I typically do this on Sunday evenings and love starting the week feeling prepared.

3. Set 1-3 meaningful goals to work toward.

I like to set 3 Bold Goals for the year (if you’d like to learn my process, I’ll share the details early in the ASPIRE Success Club). You can do something similar, or set goals for shorter time periods, too – the quarter, month, or week, for example. Don’t forget to track your progress!

4. Identify your time zappers.

What pulls you away from being intentional with your time? Be honest with yourself here, and with no judgment – only a desire for change. Consider potentially obvious zappers (social media? Netflix binges?) as well as more insidious ones (indecision or worry, perhaps). Identify to address.

5. Implement one simple, mindful routine in your day.

Years ago, one of my clients struggled with ‘turning off work’ when she left the office. We decided to have her use her commute to her advantage: Each day, when she drove over the bridge halfway between work and home, she would use that as her landmark to let go of work, quiet her mind, and shift gears to home and family. You could do this with a midday cup of tea, lighting a candle after dinner, or writing in your Success Journal.

We will be focusing on time, priorities, and purposeful action in the ASPIRE Success Club! If you’d like the tools I use to stay purposefully on track, genius ideas from your fellow ASPIRE members, and your growth supported for the entire year, join us!

What would you add to the list? Share your ideas below or on Instagram or Facebook!

Unlimited: There Is Room For You

Christi Hegstad December 11th, 2017

There is no scarcity in creativity…There is no such thing as too much wisdom and literature and story and craftsmanship. There is room for you.

Jen Hatmaker

Coaching Tip of the Week:

Do you ever wonder why someone would purchase your product / hire your service / read your book / offer you the promotion / vote you into the position when there are so many other talented possibilities from which to choose?

Self-doubt, comparison, and feeling “not enough” can hold even the seemingly most confident people back. This simultaneously hurts my heart and fuels my passion for coaching, to help people see the powerful difference they make in the world and to clarify the strengths and contribution that make each of us so unique!

This week, trust your unique gifts.

You are here for a purpose, and to contribute in a way that only you can.

By pursuing your dreams and goals, honoring what lights you up, and making your unique difference, you change the world.

Even if you’re the 8 millionth person to give a presentation on financial advising or to write an article on servant leadership, no one has ever done it quite like you – and no one else ever will!

Please don’t deprive us of your amazingness! We need you.

Share your thoughts below or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter!

Not-Quite-Fearlessly Letting Go

Christi Hegstad December 9th, 2017

As many of you know, for nearly 15 years I’ve set an annual theme. My 2017 theme has been FEARLESS.

The night before Spark, I cozied up, laptop nearby, and reflected on my FEARLESS theme. I thought about all the fearless actions I have taken this year, as well as what I’ve learned from fearless family members, clients, friends, and leaders I admire. The more deeply I reflected, the more examples of fearlessness came to mind. I must admit, I felt quite strong and emboldened by this immersion into fearlessness!

And then I glanced over to where my sister was sleeping, spotted a mouse scurrying under her bed, and I immediately jumped on top of the furniture, screamed, and went into full freak-out mode.

Perhaps I am not *quite* as fearless as I thought. 🙂

I didn’t beat myself up over that, though. Besides the fact that we are all a work in progress, I view fearlessness mostly in terms of my values, purpose, and overall vision. If I speak up when a core value is not being honored but squeal at the sight of a tiny critter in my room, so be it!

An Unexpected Theme Emerges

But as I’ve reflected more and more on 2017, I realize another theme has emerged, too: the theme of LETTING GO.

This year, my oldest child graduated from high school and moved on to college. A super exciting, inspiring time, for sure! And also, for this mama, a big lesson in letting go.

This year, I burned 90 of my journals from the past 30+ years (you can read about that experience here). The decision took me 15 years to make and required a great deal of letting go.

This year, I brought some new team members into MAP Inc. and learned the power in letting go of many things I previously thought only I could do. They have been outstanding and have inspired me to let go of even more!

And of course, this year I made the decision to let go of the public Spark event after 5 amazing years. While I still offer Spark within organizations and businesses, the annual fall gathering of 100+ purposeful professionals will not take place in the same way going forward.

What Letting Go Has Meant

Letting go isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do. But it always prompts growth – if we are open to it.

Letting go has taught me that my white-knuckle grip to try and control as much as possible does not serve me – nor those around me. When I open my palms, quiet my mind, and flow in purposeful action, miracles happen.

Letting go has created space in all areas: my mind, my calendar, my sense of possibility, and in the case of my journals, even my physical surroundings.

Perhaps most importantly, letting go has allowed me to listen more deeply to what I now feel called to do. For over a year, I’ve sensed the need to leap further out of my comfort zone, and I’ve even had some very specific ideas on what that might look like. But I’ve pushed those ideas to the back-burner because how do you let go – especially of things that are going well – in favor of the unknown? I couldn’t seem to quite get past this (see ‘white-knuckle grip’ above).

But I’ve learned. And here’s how I do it:

I get quiet and clear.

I do the necessary homework.

I gather support (my coach and mastermind group have been invaluable in this).

I run everything through the lens of my values, purpose, and what matters most.

And then I breathe in positivity and confidence, honor what I know to be true even amid the unknown, and take inspired action.

I am now able to coach more one-on-one clients than I could in the past, which is where such deep and transformational work occurs. I am bringing the ASPIRE Success Club, as well as my coaching course for leaders, into more organizations and potentially universities. I am connecting with counselors and mental health experts to explore ways we can support confidence, positivity, and coaching-style communication among more children and young adults. I am finally finishing the draft of my latest book, completing a Positive Psychology + Wellbeing coaching certification, and exploring the possibility of a podcast.

And I am staying open to other ways of reaching more people, more deeply, with the message of meaning, purpose, and making a positive difference.

Letting go has meant discomfort. It has meant allowing that voice that comes up with such big, wild, ridiculous – yet 100% inspired – ideas speak, rather than silencing it. It has meant clearing away to create space for the new.

And it has meant incredible – and in many cases, fearless – inspired action.

**What’s Your Next Inspired Action?**

In addition to the many tools and resources I’ve shared with you over the years (and all that are to come!), right now I want to encourage you to do one thing that has helped me tremendously these past few months.

You’ll need to set aside a quiet hour, hide your phone, and go somewhere outside of your usual space. Bring a few pens and some paper or a journal with you – and nothing else.

Get comfortable, then imagine that I’ve waved a magic wand over your next year and everything has flowed seamlessly and beautifully for you. You’ve achieved meaningful goals, grown in significant ways, and have made a powerful, positive difference.

Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and just envision whatever comes up for you. Honor the feelings that arise, too.

Then, from that space a year from now, write a letter to yourself – from your future self. Keep your pen to the paper, writing in stream-of-consciousness style for a full ten minutes or more.

Seriously.

Sounds woo-woo, right? But give it a try. You can apply the structured goal-setting strategies later. But first, connect with what appears and how you feel.

I’ve been surprised – and at times, utterly shocked – by what’s shown up for me lately. But the joy, knowingness, and sense of purpose that have accompanied it are too strong to ignore. And once I gain clarity, it’s just like Joseph Campbell wrote – doors begin to open where before I only saw walls.

Give yourself the space to play with this exercise before the new year and see what arises for you. And if you discover some Big Dreams or Bold Goals, feel free to connect – I’d love to help you make them a reality!

Thoughts? Feel free to share below or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!

Is It An Ending, Or A New Beginning?

Christi Hegstad December 4th, 2017

“Often when you think you’re at the end of something, you’re at the beginning of something else.”

Fred Rogers

Coaching Tip of the Week:

Maybe you are nearing the end of something – or many things:

The year.

Your chance to accomplish your 2017 goals.

Your current role.

Your kids living at home.

A life chapter, a leadership position, a volunteer commitment.

You might be mourning or celebrating (or both!) your upcoming ending.

This week, consider your new beginning.

Whether your ending brings you delight or discomfort, view this as an opportunity for growth.

What space will now open up for you?

If I waved a magic wand over you, what will things look like next year at this time?

What beginnings are now in sight?

Endings can be difficult, but – as Mr. Rogers so wisely reminds us – they also offer the opportunity for a new beginning. Spend some time this week focusing on what is starting fresh and new for you. You might find this makes you more present and intentional in the moment, too!

Share your thoughts below or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter!

Intentionally Kinder Than Necessary

Christi Hegstad November 27th, 2017

“If every single person in this room made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than necessary, the world really would be a better place.”

R. J. Palacio

Coaching Tip of the Week:

When one of my favorite books becomes a movie, I rarely see it. I am so glad I made an exception this past weekend in the case of Wonder!

This beautiful book reminds us of our common humanity, the power of kindness, and how everyone is fighting a battle we may know nothing about. Never, ever think that your acts of kindness – no matter how small – don’t make a difference. They do!

I highly recommend reading Wonder by R. J. Palacio and then seeing the movie (see my Instagram post from last night for more detail)!

This week, conduct an intentional act of kindness.

Random acts of kindness are amazing, and I recommend them as well.

But this week, I encourage you to reflect on one or two people in your life who could really use a lift – then take action.

Mail a handwritten note of thanks to your coworker who has gone the extra mile for you.

Leave a restaurant gift card in the tip jar of the homeless person who plays his guitar on the sidewalk every weekend.

Think of a family member who couldn’t join you for Thanksgiving this year, or who is having a difficult time, and give her a call to share your support and time.

And while you’re at it, imagine everyone you encounter this week – even the person who always seems so upbeat, and even the person who can find the dark cloud in any silver lining – is handling a challenge you know nothing about.

How else can you be kinder than necessary this week?

Share your thoughts below or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter!

Author Archives: Christi Hegstad

An Unexpected Theme Emerges

What Letting Go Has Meant

What’s Your Next Inspired Action?

**What’s Your Next Inspired Action?**