Day 10: Accept A Professional Challenge

Christi Hegstad June 21st, 2014

Why not go out on a limb? That’s where the fruit is.

Will Rogers

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 10: Accept A Professional Challenge

While at a conference years ago I heard Kate White, then-editor of Redbook magazine, compare taking risks to eating M&Ms: once you take one, you want more! How do you feel about stretching beyond your comfort zone?

There’s something about going for more than you think possible that makes you actually do more than you think possible.

Today I said YES to a business opportunity that simultaneously thrills and scares me. Have you had that experience where your heart says you can do it and make it extraordinary, while your head hasn’t completely figured out how? I’m going with my heart, and I’m not overthinking. Saying YES to this feels right.

The details are still in the works so I can’t share more on this professional challenge quite yet. Suffice it to say it could alter the trajectory of my business; it’s also the first step toward something that’s appeared on my Life List (a.k.a. bucket list) almost since I first wrote it. (Have you written your Life List yet? In addition to 42 Days Of Yes, that would be another great summer project!)

It could turn out amazing, it could go bust. But if you never try, you’ll never know, right? Sometimes the growth that occurs in pushing out of your comfort zone doesn’t depend so much on the outcome as it does in taking that first step and accepting the challenge.

To what did you say YES today? Share your YES below, on Facebook, or via Twitter. And click here to join us at Spark!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. Christi helps you flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

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Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Day 9: Peaceful Dinner in a Busy Week

Christi Hegstad June 20th, 2014

Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are.

Proverb

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 9: Peaceful Dinner in a Busy Week

I spoke with a client today and had to chuckle in agreement when she said, “I always feel like things will slow down in the summer, but in reality, I’m always ten times busier!” I’m beginning to wonder how many people truly experience those famed “lazy, hazy days of summer.” 🙂

Amid a busy week, tonight I said YES to dinner with a dear friend. We used to see each other at least twice a month; now it’s not nearly as often. But she is one of those friends that, even if we don’t see each other for six months (as was the case this time), it’s as if no time at all has passed.

As practically the only customers in a small local Greek restaurant, we caught up with each other, laughed, and reconnected. As I drove home, I thought how interesting it is that our relationship actually began as business associates and has, over the years, developed into something much deeper. Don’t you love it when life happens that way?

Today’s YES was good for the soul.

To what did you say YES today? Share your experience below, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Click here to join us for Spark for a day of clarity, courage, and bold leadership – plus learn the purpose behind 42 Days Of Yes!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. Christi helps you flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Day 8: Geocache (a.k.a. Become An Explorer)

Christi Hegstad June 19th, 2014

How To Be An Explorer Of The World:

Always Be Looking. (Notice The Ground Beneath Your Feet.)

Consider Everything Alive & Animate.

EVERYTHING Is Interesting. Look closer.

Alter Your Course Often.

Notice The Stories Going On Around You.

~ Keri Smith

42 Days Of Yes

Day 8: Geocache (a.k.a. Become An Explorer)

Today my sons and I said YES to geocaching for the first time. I wasn’t 100% familiar with this myself, so here’s the in-a-nutshell version: People have hidden thousands of “treasures” around the world and, using a GPS and the coordinates posted on a website, you can find these secret gems and sign your name to the long list of seekers who have come before you. It’s fun, challenging, and a great way to become an explorer in your own town or somewhere new.

Talk about fun! We walked through streams and we (okay, they) climbed trees in search of these hidden items. I couldn’t help but think of all the times we had walked by these areas in the past, never knowing “treasures” were there; then when we discovered them, to find pages and pages of names of those who came before us! It was like seeing with new eyes – a completely different perspective.

Aside from its entertainment factor, this activity shed new light on the awesomeness that surrounds us. To think that people take the time to create decorative weatherproof containers, find excellent hiding places in nature, cleverly title their spots (we knew we had to find the one with the Monty Python reference: “Find…A SHRUBBERY!”), and log them into the site – all to feed others’ sense of adventure.

I almost didn’t say YES to this today. It was raining, we had a lot to do, blah blah blah. It’s so easy to come up with a thousand excuses not to do something, isn’t it? But sometimes all we need is one compelling reason to say YES – and then actually say it. I so enjoyed watching my boys take the lead and all of us feeling that “thrill of the hunt.” And I am reminded how when we have a clear goal (in this case, the geocache treasure), we can take various paths to reach it, enjoy the scenery and camaraderie along the way, and still stay purposefully focused toward our destination.

Like J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, “Not all those who wander are lost.”

To what did you say YES today? Share your experience below, on Facebook, or via Twitter! And click here to join us at Spark for clarity, courage, and bold leadership!

To learn more about geocaching, you can start with this website. Apps are available on iTunes as well.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. Christi helps you flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Day 7: Thank The Local Above-and-Beyonders

Christi Hegstad June 18th, 2014

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.

William Arthur Ward

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 7: Thank The Local Above-and-Beyonders

A while back, I received a phone call from my local print shop shortly after sending them a large workbook order. Chad asked a few questions about my order, then said, “By the way, I noticed you spelled your name incorrectly on the front cover so I went ahead and changed that before printing.”

After asking how I had spelled it (I had omitted the “s” in Hegstad, if you’re wondering!), I thanked him profusely. His catch saved me money and frustration, and it’s not a detail I imagine a “big box” printer would have noticed.

I am so grateful for local small businesses who pay attention to details like that, who care about their customers and the communities in which they operate. While I hope I thank them each time they provide a service, today I said YES to sending a handwritten thank you card to a few of those that have partnered with me for many years.

I sent one to that print shop, thanking them for their high-quality work and friendly service. Another went to my website guru who, along with his team, respond quickly to technological details so I don’t have to think about them (a good thing). I felt compelled to send a note to our local coffee shop, whose staff could bring a smile to your face even before you’ve had your first cup. 😉

The dedicated people at these businesses have helped MAP Inc. grow over the past 11 years and have brought joy and friendship into my life in the process. It felt good to stop thinking, “I should send them a thank you note,” and instead just do it.

Is there a small business you’d like to thank? Share your thoughts below, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Want to see how these 42 Days Of Yes all come together? Join us at Spark – Earlybird Rates expire soon!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. She teaches you to flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Day 6: Share The Abundance

Christi Hegstad June 17th, 2014

Just because you own something doesn’t mean you have to keep it forever.

Karen Kingston

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 6: Share The Abundance

What does it feel like, in a word, to clear out a closet or office and donate bags of items to charity? When I ask this in my “get unstuck” workshops, words that frequently arise include:

Clarity

Relief

Light

Fresh

Joyful

Today I said YES to bringing items to a local charity. I thought maybe I’d have a bag or two but ended up dropping off 8 bags of clothing, office supplies, and kitchen utensils that work perfectly well but could benefit someone else.

When you truly stop to think that the items sitting in your home or office could help give someone else the fresh start they need, clearing a closet or office feels like a gift. I like to put our donations in gift bags (which we also often seem to have in abundance!) for that very reason.

In addition, the link between our physical space and mental state is quite remarkable. Don’t you love it when you can elevate others and yourself simultaneously?

So many worthwhile places are ready to share our abundance with those who need it: Goodwill, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and Dress For Success to name just a few. Where is your favorite place to donate? Post your thoughts and YES experiences below, on Facebook, or via Twitter. And be sure to join us for Spark to bring more clarity into your work and to see how the 42 Days Of Yes come together!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. She teaches you to flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Day 5: Practice Good Book Karma

Christi Hegstad June 16th, 2014

I enjoy sharing my books as I do my friends, asking only that you treat them well and see them safely home.

Ernest Morgan

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 5: Practice Good Book Karma

Today I visited the smallest, cutest library I have ever seen!

I’ve driven by this charming stand about a thousand times without knowing what it was. A few months ago, I heard about people building “leave a book, take a book” structures around the country and started to wonder…but I still didn’t take the time to stop and find out.

Until today! I said YES to the urge to check this out, grabbing a couple of novels on my way out the door just in case.

Sure enough, The Cozy Corner is a mini-library, right in the middle of someone’s yard. Lucky for me, the owner happened to be outside weeding her flower bed when I stopped, so I got to find out the story behind the brilliance. She loves books (instant friend 😉 and works at a library in the Des Moines metro. She thought the mini-libraries were a great idea, and about 18 months ago her husband surprised her with one. When she first learned about “little free libraries,” about 2,000 existed; that number has quintupled since then!

The generous free-flowing of ideas is so important in our world, and free-flowing books support that – whether through local libraries, book exchanges, or adorable mini-libraries like this one. What a fantastic way for the owners of The Cozy Corner to make a difference and inspire others not only to read, but also to share!

What mini-step could you take to share your passion and make a positive impact on the world? Share your idea below, on Facebook, or via Twitter. Join us at Spark (click here) to see how 42 Days Of Yes all comes together!

To find a “little free library” near you or to create your own, click here.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. She teaches you to flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Clarity Kickstart: Speak Up, And Help Others Be Heard

Christi Hegstad June 16th, 2014

You have ideas that were meant to be seen, felt, and heard. Use your voice to astonish people, inspire them, and change the world.

~ Carmine Gallo

Coaching Tip for the Week:

How often do you speak up?

Comparatively, how often do you not speak up because you feel your ideas aren’t worth sharing?

As a professional, you need to voice your ideas – whether in meetings, brainstorming sessions, or conference calls. Your ideas are worthwhile, and sharing them demonstrates your engagement.

As a leader, it’s important for you to make sure everyone on your team is and feels heard – even those who tend to be more quiet or softspoken. Just because someone doesn’t speak up doesn’t mean his ideas aren’t worth hearing.

This week, I offer you two challenges: First, if you tend to hold back in meetings, voice an idea. Even if it’s not 100% perfect, and even if you have to do it with sweaty palms and a racing heart.

Second, ask someone to share his/her thoughts on a topic. A simple “What do you think, Sam?” followed with sincere thanks can boost one’s confidence while shedding light on otherwise unheard ideas, too. Win-win!

Where will you speak up – or help others do so – this week? Inspire others by sharing below, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. She teaches you to flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Day 4: Watch A Pure Sunrise

Christi Hegstad June 15th, 2014

…and I thought

how the sun

blazes

for everyone just

so joyfully

as it rises…

Mary Oliver

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 4: Watch A Pure Sunrise

Are you an early riser?

I love mornings. I used to be a night owl but “made the switch” several years ago and now savor the early hours. I’ve written before about my morning practice that I rely on to begin my days with meaning and purpose.

Although I’m usually awake at sunrise, I’m also typically doing something: reading, journaling, walking. Today, I said YES to “a pure sunrise” as I call it – simply watching the sun make its way up the horizon, doing nothing else, with nothing to distract me. This morning I sat on my deck, coffee in hand, and watched.

What a surprisingly soothing experience. Although a bit antsy at first (“Shouldn’t I be doing something?”), I was quickly reminded of the joy in slowing down. The word that comes to mind to describe this moment: contemplative.

We live and work in a busy, noisy world. We have demands on our time, responsibilities to carry out, worries and uncertainties. But every day, the sun makes its way across the sky as it has for, well, basically forever. Every morning dawns a fresh start, a new opportunity to live the life we imagined, a chance to make our difference. When I take the time to truly contemplate that, gratitude almost overwhelms me. What a gift.

I’ve included a few more photos of the sun’s progress on Facebook. It was stunning!

To what did you say YES today? Share your ideas below, on Facebook, or via Twitter. And to see how 42 Days Of Yes all come together, be sure to join us at Spark!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. She teaches you to flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Day 3: Play

Christi Hegstad June 14th, 2014

“How would your life be different if you decided to give freely, love fully, and play feverously? Let today be the day you free yourself from the conditioned rules that limit your happiness and dilute the beautiful life experience. Have fun. Give – Love – Play!”

Steve Maraboli

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 3: Play

Today was one of those ideal Midwest summer days: 75 degrees, sunny, a slight breeze. Although my to-do list seemed to have expanded overnight, this morning I looked out the window, looked at my children, and said YES to the urge to play. We hopped in the car and drove to a nearby state park to enjoy its trails, lake, and playground.

Over the years in scenarios like this, I would often bring a book to read while the children played. Today I brought nothing but sunscreen, water, and the desire to join them on the playground. I re-learned what we as adults already know but sometimes forget: free play, without any rhyme or reason, is fun. 🙂

I did note one interesting observation. My sons challenged me to make it across the play structure (partially pictured here) without touching the ground. This involved climbing up slides, gliding across monkeybars, the works. About halfway through, as we crossed a wobbly and slightly-suspended balance beam, I noticed how the kids trusted themselves and charged ahead whereas I paused, looking first for what I could hold onto – some kind of railing or wall – for support.

This might make sense if I was on a highwire, but 1″ off the ground? Why the need to grab for reinforcement when I know I can do it – and even if I fall, what would it matter?

Sometimes we need to quit looking so hard for the safety net and focus on the journey and goal instead. Oftentimes, probably.

I’m pleased to report that once I made that observation, I forged ahead just like the kiddos. Well, not quite as fast as them, but… 😉

How often do you let yourself play freely, as if your age remained in single digits?

Where – in your work, leadership, or life – do you need to take off the training wheels, trust in yourself fully, and move forward?

Share your ideas below, on Facebook, or via Twitter. Learn about 42 Days Of Yes here. And click here for Spark, where you’ll learn how to boost your clarity, courage, and bold leadership – and see how the 42 Days Of Yes come together!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who need to get unstuck – whether in your leadership ability, income level, or from spinning your wheels in the day-to-day. She teaches you to flourish towards your purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 insightful audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more about Dr. Christi and MAP Inc. at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Day 2: Drive A Porsche

Christi Hegstad June 13th, 2014

“The score never interested me, only the game.”

Mae West

42 Days Of Yes!

Day 2: Drive A Porsche

A few months ago, in the midst of a long winter, we began the board meeting for our local International Coach Federation chapter by sharing something new in our lives. My cool office lamp that I had purchased the day before came to mind just as my colleague next to me, Chuck, shared about his new car – a Porsche. What?! Needless to say, his “new” kept our attention for a while!

I’ve never been a ‘car person’ and, while I appreciate others’ passion for cars, I could never quite imagine how driving a Porsche (or any other car) would be much different than driving, say, the minivan that has made up the bulk of my adult driving experience. (I’m sure car people cringe reading that! :-)) So on Day 2 of 42 Days Of Yes, I decided to say YES to my curiosity and ask Chuck if he’d take me for a ride. He graciously agreed.

I can now see how one might become a ‘car person’! 🙂

While the ride itself was a blast, and of course I actually could identify noticeable differences between this car and my minivan, what intrigued me most was Chuck’s passion. He was so knowledgeable and just lit up talking about the experience of identifying his ideal car, researching details, and the camaraderie of the Porsche club he recently joined. He brought me a magazine with more info about the car. He was in his zone, and it was such a delight to experience that.

He asked if I wanted to drive and I’m embarrassed to admit my first response: “Hmmm… I don’t know.” I haven’t driven a stick shift in years, he hadn’t had anyone else drive this car, and I hesitated.

Then I thought of 42 Days Of Yes and jumped in the driver’s seat. I am glad I said YES.

One phrase Chuck said really stood out. This car runs low to the ground, turns swiftly, and maneuvers with ease. You feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your skin – a much different experience than my high-off-the-ground, closed-window driving. When I asked what he loved about driving it he said, “When I drive, I feel like I’m in the game.”

I grabbed that as a great metaphor for life, and for this 42 Days Of Yes project.

So I’ll ask you: In what ways are you getting off the sidelines and putting yourself in the game today?

Share your game-changers below, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

My sincere gratitude to Chuck Stewart for his sharing, generosity, and trust! Click here to learn more about Chuck and his coaching work.

Click here to learn about 42 Days Of Yes. Want to see how the 42 days all come together? Join us at Spark – just click here!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As a Certified Executive and Leadership Coach and the President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches executives and leaders who feel stuck – whether in their leadership abilities, at a certain income level, or “spinning their wheels” in the day-to-day – to flourish towards a purposeful vision with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Receive helpful articles, resources, and 5 audios – for free! Click “Join Our Mailing List” above.

Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook, and via Twitter.

Author Archives: Christi Hegstad