Dream Small? Set Timid Goals?

Christi Hegstad February 7th, 2024

If you’ve been with me for a while, you know I’m an advocate for dreaming big, setting bold + meaningful goals, and making a positive, purposeful difference.

I have, in fact, built my life’s work around these practices.

Last year, some confidence-rattling things occurred in my life. Not for the first time – not by a long shot. My confidence gets challenged on a very regular basis.

This time, however, shook me to the extent that I began to wonder if I needed to start aiming lower. Dreaming smaller. Setting only goals that I felt certain I could achieve instead of bold, stretching, reach-for-the-stars goals.

Was it time to change it all?

Reality Check … According To Whom?

In that state of bruised confidence, I decided I needed to take a look at my goals and ‘get real.’ I imagined showing my goals to an external, objective ‘reality-consultant’; I then imagined them looking at where I wanted to be, at where I was, and breaking out in laughter. There was no way I could actually, realistically achieve these goals, right?

Who did I think I was?

But when I thought of scrapping them altogether – of aiming lower, dreaming smaller – I felt almost ill. Sure, it would be nice to say I reach all my goals all the time – and to check every single one off my list.

But without stretching myself? Without experiencing the growth that accompanies reaching, or attempting to reach, the out-of-reach?

I love to check things off the list as much as the next person, but I knew the satisfaction in that would be short-lived for me. It’s when I exceed my own expectations, and help others achieve beyond what they think possible, that really lights me up.

Also, I – like you – have a track record of wins and successes behind me – large and small, planned and unexpected. Yes, that fictitious reality-consultant could say I’m completely out of my league. But it’s ultimately up to me to decide if they’re right.

So I took a step back, cleared my head, and asked myself a question I ask pretty much every day – but this time in the context of my Bold Goals:

Who, and how, do I choose to be in this situation?

That, and some other actions that I’ll outline below, changed everything.

**Back On Track (Or Actually, On A New Track)**

Here are a few of the strategies that helped me redirect my mindset, fuel myself up, and start dreaming and believing big again:

Celebration of Triumphs

If you’ve attended any of my goal-setting sessions, you’ve heard me encourage you to start by making a list of wins. And remember, you get to decide what constitutes a win: Maybe it’s a goal you reached, maybe it was a meaningful conversation you experienced, maybe you kept your houseplants alive longer than usual. (All three of these showed up on my list this time! 🙂 )

Seeing your track record of success will remind you that you can and do achieve great things.

Dear Friend

When you miss the mark, ask yourself, ‘What would I say to a dear friend, or client, or child in this situation?’ Chances are you’d be more supportive and encouraging with them than you are with yourself. Flip the switch and apply those words to yourself and your own situation.

And just like your dear friend may take a bit of convincing, so might you. Be patient but persistent.

Change of Scenery + Conversation

In the midst of all this, I actually had a couple out-of-town trips planned – and the timing could not have been better. I talked to new people, saw new scenery, and got out of my usual routines (and out of my own head, too). And while my goals/decisions weren’t the topic of these conversations, just hearing new perspectives and ideas and others’ current pursuits refreshed and energized me.

Even if you’re not heading out of town, you can experience these same benefits by spending time in unique-to-you places (I love our local art center and parks for this), asking a few acquaintances for coffee, or reconnecting with someone you respect and haven’t seen in a while.

Confidence Role Model

Whom do you admire for their confidence, perseverance, or other quality you appreciate? Consider them a confidence role model, even if from afar, and think about how they might carry themselves in a certain situation or talk to themselves when things don’t go according to plan.

I took this a step further this time and made a list of inspirational people – even including a few fictional characters. My confidence role model is currently an amalgamation of several different people I admire!

Blend

If I only set small goals that I was confident I’d easily reach, I’d eventually feel bored, disappointed, and/or unfulfilled. If I only set bold, shoot-for-the-stars goals, I’d likely feel overwhelmed, disappointed, and/or – for different reasons – unfulfilled. The magic involves a blend of the two.

Create a mix of big dreams, bold goals, doable projects, and check-off-the-list items. Not 357 of them, mind you, but a variety to keep you delighted and moving forward.

A New Chapter

I definitely struggled with this last year. The above strategies helped tremendously, as did talking with my coach and a few wise friends.

I also decided to let go and start fresh with my goals and plans, to the extent possible, even though we were well into the year by this point. Making the mental choice to embark on a new chapter helped my all-or-nothing personality greatly (see last month’s newsletter for more on that particular ‘goal-itude’!).

And back to that earlier question of who and how I choose to be in this situation?

I chose, and am still choosing, to dream big. To aim high. To help as many people as possible achieve their bold and meaningful goals. I choose to live my purpose, and fuel myself with positivity, and celebrate along the way – not just at some distant point in the future.

My Conclusion?

Here’s what I’m ultimately taking with me:

Dream big. You’ve been given the dream for a reason. Plus the world needs more big dreamers.

(Side note: You also get to decide what ‘big’ means, which may look different in different seasons of life. One person’s ‘big dream’ may be another person’s ‘Thursday afternoon,’ and that’s ok!)

Bold + meaningful is the way to go. You have a track record of success behind you, and a world of possibility ahead of you.

Take action. What’s that saying about small hinges swinging big doors? Take small actions, and mark your progress as you go. Make sure one of those actions involves getting support to help you stay motivated, accountable, and encouraged, too.

What big dream or bold goal are you going for? Let me know if I can help – I am rooting for you!

January 2024 – Reading Wrap-up!

Christi Hegstad January 31st, 2024

January proved to be an excellent reading month for me! And between listening to audiobooks while traveling and cozying up with books when the wind chills stayed at -40 degrees for multiple days, it was a productive one as well.

I read 9 books in January, including 6 nonfiction and 3 fiction. My favorite nonfiction of the month was How To Know A Person by David Brooks. Here’s an excerpt of the LinkedIn post I wrote upon finishing:

At its core, How To Know A Person focuses on how to help others truly feel seen, heard, and valued. Brooks touches on topics like vulnerability, empathy, grief, and asking thoughtful questions, as well as the significance of being there for others even when we don’t know the ‘right words’ to say. I was unexpectedly brought to tears with a few of the stories he shared, particularly around what we might think of as ‘small’ moments that can actually turn out to be incredibly deep and meaningful.

(You can find more @ChristiHegstad on LinkedIn.)

If you wish to strengthen certain relationships, connect more deeply with others, or engage in a profession that includes regular one-on-one conversations (ie, coaches, managers, and more), consider giving this a read!

Have you read this or other books by David Brooks? What other excellent book(s) have you read recently?

Lessons Learned In 2023

Christi Hegstad January 24th, 2024

For the past several years, I’ve conducted a review at the end of each month. One feature of these reviews involves recapping the top lessons I learned or was reminded of in that particular month, most of which I have documented here on my blog.

Now that 2023 has come to a close and I’ve had some time to reflect, I’ve generated my overall lessons for the year – ten reminders that I am carrying with me into 2024. Let me know if one of these resonates with you, too!

1. Inspiration can come from the most random and unexpected places. Stay open.

2. Fuel yourself with what you want more of in your life (ie, optimism, gratitude, positivity). This may require conscious effort at times.

3. Sometimes you need to take a few steps back – or even several – in order to recalibrate and move in the direction you’re meant to go next.

4. No year is all good or all bad or all anything. Acknowledge, celebrate, learn.

5. Honor the small moments that bring you joy, make you think deeply, or fill you with wonder. Make note of them whenever possible, too – they can be so profound but also so easy to forget.

6. When in doubt, take a walk. It almost always helps!

7. Rekindling a hobby, and/or starting a new one, could be exactly what you need – even if (especially if?) you don’t feel you have the time.

8. Pausing and asking, ‘Who and how do I choose to be in this moment?’ will be worth the few seconds it requires. Do so often.

9. Some things take longer and/or are more difficult than expected. Don’t be afraid to adjust the goal, seek help, or try a new way. Rerouting does not equal failure.

10. Trust yourself. You have decades of experience to show that you can rely on you.

Thank you, 2023. You weren’t necessarily the easiest year ever, but I learned a lot from you.

What lesson are you carrying into the new year?

What’s Your Goal-itude In 2024?

Christi Hegstad January 17th, 2024

How many personality assessments have you taken over the course of your career? Whether shining a light on our personal strengths or telling us which Disney character we most resemble, assessments can prompt us to look at our actions and behaviors through a different lens.

And while I prefer well-researched and validated assessments, I did think it might be fun – and perhaps helpful, especially at the start of a new year – to think about goal achievement in terms of personal preferences. Please note these five goal attitudes – goal-itudes, if you will 🙂 – are not based in scientific data, but rather on some tendencies I’ve observed in my 20+ years in business. I’ll share a tip for each, as well as one way (of many) a coach can support you, in case you recognize yourself in any of these examples!

The Strong Starter

Description: You have big energy / motivation when launching your goals but find it waning over time.

Tip: Frontload your action plan to the extent possible, taking advantage of that early momentum.

Coaching: Can provide ongoing accountability and help you connect with your ‘why’ when your energy and focus falters.

The Big-Picture Dreamer

Description: You can easily see the grand result of what could be, but not always the smaller steps needed to get there.

Tip: Create guideposts and checklists to stay on course. (You’ll most likely have a vision board of some sort already in mind!)

Coaching: Can co-create your action plan and help you level up your progress on a regular basis.

The Detail-Oriented Doer

Description: You’re great at crafting the step-by-step plan, but don’t always envision the big picture.

Tip: Craft a vision board, statement, or some visual representation of what you’re moving toward. (You’ll likely create the checklists naturally!)

Coaching: Can help connect the dots between the small actions and the big vision, particularly if you find yourself ‘lost in the weeds’ at times.

The All-Or-Nothing

Description: Similar to a go-big-or-go-home approach, you find yourself doing everything (and soon burning out) or doing nothing (and feeling like you’re not fulfilling your potential).

Tip: Get the ‘all’ out on paper (ie, a breakthrough map), then choose a select number of items (ie, no more than three) to focus your energy on.

Coaching: Can look at the ‘all’ with you then help you prioritize, complete, and move forward smoothly and systematically.

The Continuous Improver

Description: You strive to keep building and enhancing your skills, focusing more on ongoing growth than on a particular end result.

Tip: Give yourself mini-milestones and deadlines, so you enjoy the momentum of completion / accomplishment while continuing to expand your capabilities.

Coaching: Can help you quantify and measure seemingly unquantifiable areas of growth, such as clarity or confidence, and celebrate wins along the way.

For all five goal-itudes, as well as many others not listed here, a coach can help. We still have a few spots left in C+C with Dr. C if you’d like to join us for this guidance, support, and encouragement all year long!

Whatever your attitudes towards goals, intentions, projects, and ideas, I wish you a year filled with meaningful success!

A Letter From Your Future Self

Christi Hegstad January 10th, 2024

Want to plan a beautiful year for yourself but don’t quite feel in goal-setting mode?

Here’s an idea to try instead. All you need is a pen, a piece of paper, an envelope, and your calendar.

At the top of your page, write December 31, 2024 (or whatever future date you choose).

Imagine yourself on that date, and consider what you’d love to be celebrating and acknowledging at that time.

Then, write yourself a letter from that space.

Give yourself a time limit of 15 minutes (to prevent overthinking) and simply write from the heart. What would you love to be celebrating at that time? What growth will you ideally experience, what goals will you ideally reach, what projects will you ideally accomplish? For what will you be especially thankful?

You can be as general or specific as you’d like with your letter. Let go of any perfectionistic tendencies (I no longer allow myself a rough draft, for example 🙂 ) and any requirements or expectations. Yes, it may feel silly to write a letter to and from yourself – but so what. Simply let it be fun and illuminating.

Next, seal your letter in an envelope with your name and the instructions ‘Open on December 31, 2024’ on the front. Place it somewhere secure, and make a note or appointment in your calendar for the open date. (Include a reminder of where you placed it, if needed.)

I have conducted this exercise many times and it’s such a fun way to dream a bit now and celebrate later. I am nearly always surprised at how my ideas have transformed or come to fruition over the year, too!

Have you ever written a letter from your future self? What did you discover in the process?

Top Ten Books Of The Year – Fiction Edition!

Christi Hegstad December 19th, 2023

Last week I posted my nonfiction favorites; this week, it’s fiction’s turn!

At the time of this writing, I’ve read nearly 100 books, almost evenly split between fiction and nonfiction. Below, after much difficulty (book nerd problems! :-)), I’ve listed the ten fiction books that topped my list. Have you read any of these?

French Braid by Anne Tyler

This is my second Tyler book (I read A Spool of Blue Thread last year) and I feel she writes the ultimate ‘quiet story’ – nothing much happens outside of everyday life stuff, yet as the reader I somehow can’t stop turning the pages. Her character development is extraordinary, as is the vividness of her environments and the draw of emotions. I have two more of hers I plan to read – possibly over the holidays – so I may need to update this list at that time!

Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Beaton*

I’m cheating a bit here since I’m encapsulating eight books into one entry. I was told about this series near the start of the year and have been enjoying about one book a month since (and luckily still have 20+ more waiting in the wings!). A fun mystery series with a smart, somewhat sarcastic middle-aged protagonist who keeps finding herself involved in solving the crimes of her small British village; these books have helped fill the void left by no Louise Penny book being published this year. I listen to the audiobooks via my library’s Libby app and thoroughly enjoy the narrator – a factor which often can make or break a reading experience.

True Biz by Sara Novic

I picked this one up on a bit of a whim and hoped to enjoy it, but I had no idea how deeply I would adore – and truly be moved by – it. The book focuses on a group of high school students and their families, faculty, and friends at the River Valley School for the Deaf, and seamlessly addresses a whole range of social issues while sharing a gripping story. I empathized with so many characters in this book and marvel at Novic’s ability to weave together such a compelling, eye-opening narrative.

Wandering Souls by Cecile Pin

I don’t follow many book prizes too closely, with one exception: the Women’s Prize for Fiction. This award list has led me to some of my favorite books of the year, multiple years in a row. Wandering Souls, a historical fiction story of a family fleeing Vietnam in the 1970s, was touching, heartbreaking, and beautiful, and probably not a book I would have known about had it not been for the prize. A short, powerful read offering a unique perspective.

The Half Moon by Mary Beth Keane

Keane’s earlier book, Ask Again Yes, made it into my top ten a few years ago, so I was thrilled to hear she had written another – and even more thrilled that I loved this one, too. She has a way of writing such flawed (aka, human) characters that have you cheering for them, yelling at them, and relating to them deeply, all at once. At one point in the story, I literally gasped because a character I thought I knew so well made a completely different choice than I expected. I love experiencing such emotion through literature!

The Lost Husband by Katherine Center*

I haven’t read much in the romance/rom com genre lately, but I wanted a paperback while traveling and decided to give Katherine Center a try. I’ve since read a couple more of hers and, like I wrote above about Anne Tyler, have others on deck in the near future! Center’s books somehow manage to be both light and funny yet deep and touching, too. Fortunately she has quite a backlist so I’ll have picks for a good while.

Wives & Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

Clocking in at 672 pages, this was definitely the longest book I read this year, and I enjoyed every page! Classics usually take me a little while to get into in terms of the language and cadence, but once I fell into the flow of this one, I was entranced. We often seem to revel in the ‘simple life’ nostalgia of these times, but authors like Gaskell show how not simple it truly was, especially for certain people. I’ve now got several other Gaskell works on my TBR; North And South will be next.

Foster by Claire Keegan*

Size-wise, this one is at the opposite end of the spectrum compared to Wives & Daughters at barely more than a novella, but equally as poignant. Keegan has a mastery of words unlike any other author I know; her writing is sparse yet packed with imagery and meaning. I had a hard time deciding whether Foster or her later book, Small Things Like These, would make the list – I read both this year and both were absolutely stunning.

Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

An award-winning book and a popular movie – both of which have been around for 30+ years – and I am just now getting to this novel! Definitely worth the wait, though. I loved the great care the main character took with his work, finding meaning in each of his various tasks as a butler; I also ached for him and some of the realizations he had along the way. Such a quiet, compelling story – I haven’t yet seen the movie and am not sure I will, but I may very well reread the book.

Tom Lake by Ann Patchett

As I shared in my nonfiction top ten list, I believe this is the first time in decades of reading that an author has made both my fiction and nonfiction favorites the same year! I adore Patchett’s gift for storytelling; while I didn’t love everything she incorporated into this one, I can’t deny how vividly I still picture the cherry orchards and the theater company and nearly everything else she described. The cover of this book is glorious, but I also recommend the audiobook – read by another master of her craft, Meryl Streep.

What an outstanding reading year 2023 has been, supplemented by fun bookish podcasts and insightful booktubers, too. What tops your list of favorite books for the year?

* Signifies that I’ve read and enjoyed multiple books by the author this year!

Top Ten Books of 2023 – Nonfiction Edition!

Christi Hegstad December 13th, 2023

What an excellent reading year 2023 has been! This has made narrowing down my list to ten favorites delightfully difficult, but today’s blog is my attempt to take on this annual challenge.

My ten favorite nonfiction reads are listed here in no particular order. If you’ve read any of them, I’d love to hear your thoughts, too!

HumanKind by Rutger Bregman

A beautiful, thoughtful read that can help restore your faith in humanity. Bregman does a terrific job presenting facts about our world that show quite a different story than what we may see on the nightly news. Although not sugar-coated nor in denial of the issues we face, HumanKind is an optimistic and uplifting read, and also a good reminder to think critically and not simply take headlines and sensationalism at face value.

All The Beauty In The World by Patrick Bringley

This may be the only nonfiction book on my list this year that actually brought tears to my eyes. We see (and I typically enjoy) a lot of ‘project for a year’ types of books, but this was completely different: prompted in large part by grief, Bringley left his fast-paced career in journalism to quietly stand guard over the artwork at the Metropolitan Museum of Art – a position he then held for the next ten years. I love the reflective nature of this work and his story, and the deep impacts he experienced in all aspects of life.

Wild & Precious, narrated by Sophia Bush and others

I’ve long been a fan of Mary Oliver’s gorgeous poetry, and this book (found only in audio format, I believe) reminds me that I’m certainly not the only one. This unique celebration includes commentary from famous actors, general readers, Oliver’s students, and more, and even includes samples of Oliver reading her own poems – a beautiful way to take them in. A very unique format and a powerful example of legacy.

Quit by Annie Duke

This was one of the first books I read this year and has remained one of the most impactful. Duke’s perspectives on quitting – from her unique background in both psychology and professional poker playing – really challenge my long-held beliefs about quitting. I’ve written articles about how this book has affected my thinking (you can find an example here) as well as the realizations I had when reflecting on the connections between quitting and persevering (as discussed here).

The Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff

For 20+ years my professional life has been dedicated to helping people experience meaning and purpose at work and in life, so I love reading different explorations of this topic. By sharing a variety of individuals’ unique career experiences, this book provides an intriguing look at our relationship with our work, how much it defines us, and whether or not we ‘require’ a certain job or role in order to find fulfillment. If you find your definition of success changing over time, you may find this book particularly insightful.

The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris

Confidence is an area I coach on often, although it is rarely the specific one that brings people to coaching; it’s often an underlying component that can unwittingly impact our motivation, achievement, and sense of purpose. This book is over ten years old but just made my reading list last month and instantly became a favorite. I especially appreciate the practical solutions Harris suggests, as well as the section on values, goals, and their connection with confidence.

Let Your Mind Run by Deena Kastor with Michelle Hamilton

I can’t quite imagine the life of a professional athlete – someone whose livelihood requires them to run for miles upon miles upon miles every day – but this memoir took me a bit closer! Beyond the intense physical training of an elite distance runner, Kastor shares the importance of mental toughness and the training she had to undergo in mindset, optimism, and positivity in order to achieve the incredible feats she has accomplished. I particularly love her drive and determination blended with utter kindness, care, and compassion for teammates and competitors alike. I recommend listening to the audiobook while exercising – a good motivation boost!

Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban by John Talty

When I started this audiobook I barely knew who Nick Saban was; by the end he practically felt like a colleague. I’m admittedly not an avid football fan but I am a fan of effective coaching – whether in athletics, business, or elsewhere – and I took away a number of tidbits from this book. Informed by a variety of people who have interacted with Saban over the years, this book clearly shows he has impacted many throughout his lengthy career. I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on foundational keys like consistency, focus, efficiency, and not letting external circumstances run the show or impact your level of effort/dedication. Very motivating!

These Precious Days by Ann Patchett

As I’ll share in my upcoming fiction top ten list, I believe this is the first time in decades of reading that an author has made both my fiction and nonfiction favorites the same year! A collection of essays, this book explores aspects of Patchett’s life ranging from her unique relationship with her three fathers, to how Tom Hanks came to narrate her Dutch House audiobook, to friendship, bookstore ownership, and more. Patchett became one of my favorite writers of all time back in the early 2000s and I will pretty much read her grocery lists at this point, should she choose to publish them.

Hidden Potential by Adam Grant

If you heard me gush about Think Again a couple years back, get ready to hear me gush about Grant’s latest release in a similar fashion. I tabbed and highlighted pretty much every page of this one, and even copied a few poignant lines in my personal journal because they spoke to me so deeply. If you’d like to chat with me about Hidden Potential early next year, make sure you’re on my email list or connected with me on social media, as I’m partnering with a nearby bookstore for a fun book club chat about this one!

There you have it: My ten favorite nonfiction reads of the year! A few honorable mentions came close – feel free to peruse my blog for thoughts on those. And stay tuned for my ten fiction favorites, coming soon!

What was your favorite nonfiction book of the year?

If You’re At A Crossroads

Christi Hegstad December 6th, 2023

Do I stay in my current role, or is it time for a new one?

Will I finally pursue my bold goal / dream / adventure in 2024, or will I delay it another year?

What do I stand for? What do I want to be known for?

The end of the year often brings big questions, like the above examples, into the light. As we reflect on what we’ve done (and haven’t done) in the past 12 months, many of us view the approaching new year as a clean slate and, understandably, want to make the most of it!

Those big questions don’t always come with easy answers, though, and we can find ourselves mentally back-and-forth’ing for quite some time. I found myself at such a crossroads a while ago when faced with some significant business decisions I needed to make.

Today, I’m sharing a few strategies that helped me get clear, refocused, and confident in those decisions. Perhaps one of these can help you too, or spark new ideas of your own!

1. Work with a coach.

I can’t emphasize enough how helpful it is to have an objective, trained professional to point out what I’m too in the weeds to see myself, and also to remind me of what I’m often quick to forget. I’ve hired a couple different coaches for my specific issue, and both have provided unique and valuable support in my decision-making.

By the way, I recognize that by saying this as a coach myself, it may sound like a ‘hire me!’ ad. But honestly, even if you don’t work with me, I encourage you to explore hiring a qualified, certified, ICF-credentialed coach.

2. Create a Weights + Lifts list.

I often share this exercise with clients, and it had been a while since I’d done it myself. Basically, this involves drawing two columns on a page and filling one with things (tasks, obligations, aspects of business, etc) that weigh you down and the other with things that lift you up. From there, you can begin deciding what to change, delegate, maintain, etc.

This proved exceptionally eye-opening! I actually discovered several items that had switched columns completely from just a year ago. You can read more about Weights + Lifts here.

3. Craft a new vision statement.

I even took this a step further and also wrote new goals, guiding principles, and a fresh business plan from scratch. When I compared my new documents with previous ones, there was a lot of overlap – but also some unique ideas that may not have emerged had I just tweaked the old ones again.

4. Blend grit with quit.

Being an all-or-nothing kind of gal, I often lean toward absolutes: train for a marathon or don’t run at all, for instance. It can be a helpful quality when I’m ready for an ‘all in’ experience, however it can also be waaaaaay too limiting!

In reading Quit by Annie Duke and rereading Grit by Angela Duckworth – and actually seeing much common ground between the two – I realized that, in my particular situation, I wanted to persevere with my overall goal but also needed to let certain aspects go. You can read more of my thoughts on these two books here.

5. Declutter. Massively.

I’ve cleared out and cleaned up a bunch throughout this process, from papers and closets and books, to emails and icons and media platforms, to my schedule and ‘shoulds’ and beyond. (If you’ve been with me for a while, the only thing surprising about this one might be that I have anything left to declutter! :-)) The clear-out has, as per usual, felt light-giving and liberating.

Going Forward

The process has involved many layered decisions and bittersweet changes, but it has also felt rejuvenating and clarifying. In many ways, and combined with the approaching new year, I feel like I am at a fresh start. I’ve checked in with my values and purpose all along the way, and I am continuing to expand my vision, keep the faith – and do the work.

If you find yourself embarking on a goal, exploring a new idea, or standing at a crossroads, I encourage you to enroll in the 2024 Coaching + Connection opportunity and enjoy my – and others’ – support throughout the entire next year! Visit the website and hop on the Waiting List today!

Let’s choose the path that makes 2024 our most meaningful, purposeful, bold year yet!

Lessons Learned – November 2023

Christi Hegstad December 4th, 2023

For me, November was a month of implementing great change, and I’m definitely seeing that reflected in the lessons I’ve gathered from those 30 days. Do any of these lessons resonate with you, too?

1. Watching a 90-year-old’s first video on YouTube sparks a whole new kind of inspiration.

2. Believe the *best* – then take whatever actions possible to make that your reality.

3. Even after decades of experience, daylight savings time will still throw you for a loop.

4. Focus on the beautiful future you are creating, even with all of its unknowns and uncertainties.

5. An arrow gets pulled back just before it propels forward towards its target. Life can work similarly sometimes.

6. ‘What if it all turns out *fantastic*?’ is a helpful and productive question.

7. Focus your energy on what truly, truly matters.

8. As Marie Forleo said (and wrote an entire book on), everything is figureoutable.

9. Having all the Thanksgiving side dishes actually finish cooking at the same time can make a person feel like they’re winning at life.

10. Dream big, keep the faith, and do the work.

Here’s to more growth in December!

Create Your Own Career Development Retreat

Christi Hegstad November 28th, 2023

Nearly every year for the past 20+ years, my sister and I have taken ourselves on a roadtrip / business retreat. We are both entrepreneurs, so this annual event gives us time to brainstorm ideas, mastermind solutions, and map out the coming year for our respective businesses.

(And typically seek the best guacamole we can find in whatever town we’re in, but that’s a blog for another day. 🙂 )

If you’ve ever attended a retreat aimed at career or business development, you know how rejuvenating they can be. Part of that stems from the energy and idea-sharing with those around you, but much of it comes from dedicated time focused on your growth.

If you don’t have a retreat lined up in your near future, here are a few considerations for designing your own – either solo or with a colleague(s):

Change your scenery.

My sister and I live in different parts of the country, so sometimes we pick a location new to both of us. Other times, one of us flies to the other for our retreats – but even then, we still rent a place in a different town. The change of scenery can prompt fresh ideas for your career planning, plus heighten your senses and creativity.

Set a retreat goal.

What do you most want to gain from your retreat? Maybe you want to walk away with an outline of your product and marketing launches for the next year, or perhaps it’s a detailed map for the leadership role you’re about to begin. Whatever your desired outcome, specify it as clearly as possible before you go so you can structure your time accordingly.

Plan your tools + activities in advance.

Imagine paying to attend a two-day retreat, then watching the presenter spend the entire first day trying to decide what to focus on. Not super efficient, right? The same goes for your personal retreat: Invest some time before you go to gather or create the tools, guided worksheets, journaling prompts, or whatever will support you in achieving your retreat goals.

Plan your time.

Personally, I have my highest energy in the morning, so that is the best time for me to take on actions requiring creativity and concentration. The afternoons are better for more routine tasks, filling in details, and the like. Whether I am on a solo retreat or with others, I do my best to honor these personal rhythms so I can make the most of the experience.

Weave in fun-tivities.

If your retreat lasts only a day, plan some breaks throughout – and use those to refresh, replenish, and perhaps explore your surroundings a bit. If you’re on a multi-day retreat, you might even book an activity or two in advance to ensure you enjoy your location. As someone who can easily get in flow and stay in a hotel room for hours on end, I sometimes have to ‘force’ myself to do this, but I’m always glad I did.

If you’re able to make it happen, I definitely recommend taking yourself on a retreat! What else would you incorporate in your own career / business development retreat?

Author Archives: Christi Hegstad

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