CHRISTI HEGSTAD PH.D.

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5 Ways To Proceed With Purpose

Christi Hegstad October 7th, 2020

5 ways to proceed with purpose:

1. Consult your VALUES when making decisions. Like an internal lighthouse, they’re always shining to guide you. Choose in favor of your core values.

2. CREATE before you consume. Consider your priorities, discern who/how you wish to be in the world today, write or plan or envision a bit before inviting outside voices (ie, social media or news headlines).

3. Shift your PERSPECTIVE. Before (or ideally, instead of) judging, consider what might lead someone to think differently than you. Ask questions when you can. Empathy goes a lot further than assumption.

4. Invite the LESSON. I frequently ask ‘What might I learn from this?’ or ‘How might this help me grow?’ I’m not always *ready* for the lesson, but I appreciate knowing one exists. Especially in difficulty.

5. Pause periodically and ask WHY before acting. You may find a household chore rises above the mundane when you consider how it benefits your family. You may opt for the outdoor walk over the TV, or the gentle word over the harsh one, when you consider the ‘why.’

Whether you’re pondering a career change, heading out to vote, or simply checking your email, proceed with purpose.

It truly can make all the difference!

 

Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for Achievers, here to help you bring your purpose to work, leadership, and life! Reach out today to learn more.

When Your Inner Critic Takes Center Stage

Christi Hegstad October 3rd, 2020
When our results fall short of our expectations, the inner critic finds an opening and steps on stage.
– BJ Fogg
When I saw the above line in Fogg’s book, I immediately got a picture in my mind that looked something like this:
I’m standing on stage, feeling nervous but purposeful, about to share something important to me.
I mess up.
Within nanoseconds, my ‘inner critic’ jumps onto center stage, arms up in a V formation, yelling, “TA-DA! Look at ME!”
Do you ever feel like your inner critic hovers nearby, saying things like, “You should be farther along than this!” or “Seriously? That’s the best you could do?” or “It’s much too difficult – don’t even bother!”?
This week, reclaim center stage in your own life.
After picturing that scene, I envisioned myself grabbing one of those large vaudeville-type hooks and gently pulling my inner critic off of the stage.
I took a deep breath, then recalled a few successes from my past.
I reminded myself of my ‘why’ – my purpose.
And I stepped back on stage and tried again.
Don’t let your inner critic become the star of the show. We’d much rather see YOU out there, shining your light!
Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for Achievers, here to help you bring your purpose to work, leadership, and life! Reach out today to learn more.

Three Questions For A Purposeful New Month

Christi Hegstad October 2nd, 2020

How did last month go for you?

If this month is a repeat, will you be satisfied with that?

If so, carry on!

And if you’d like this month to look different than the preceding one, try asking yourself different questions. For example:

 

1. What one word do you want to describe your month?

You might choose a feeling (strong, peaceful), an outcome (productive, focused), or a general descriptor (courageous, light-hearted) – whatever serves you best.

 

2. What one project will you achieve, complete, or move significantly forward?

When everything is important, then essentially nothing is important; we have limited time and energy and therefore must prioritize. Choosing one focal point doesn’t mean everything else falls by the wayside – just that you commit to giving it attention each day or week.

 

3. What one daily action will you take to keep your mindset strong?

I suggest keeping this simple and brief – perhaps even something that takes less than two minutes. Some examples: Choose an intention each morning, write a win each evening, give thanks for 3 things, stretch for one minute before hopping in the shower, make your bed.

 

Record your answers at the front of your journal, on your monthly calendar, or on a sticky note placed where you will see it regularly. Let it serve as a guide and reminder for the month you are committed to creating!

P.S. Feel free to peek at Instagram or Facebook for my responses to these 3 questions this month!

Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for Achievers, here to help you bring your purpose to work, leadership, and life! Reach out today to learn more.

When Inspiration Doesn’t Strike

Christi Hegstad September 29th, 2020

“I know we’re heading into 4th quarter, and I want to finish the year strong … but I’m just not feeling it! How can I get re-inspired?”

Does this sound – or feel – familiar?

If you’re waiting for inspiration to strike, I have good news and bad news:

The good news: You’re not alone. Even the most high-achieving among us feels a dip in motivation and loss of inspiration from time to time.

The bad news: If you simply wait around for inspiration to strike, you may wait a long, loooooooooong time.

But, more good news: You don’t have to sit around and wait. You can re-inspire yourself, and it may not even require much time or effort!

 

Where To Start

When my coaching clients need a boost of inspiration, we often begin with a Breakthrough Map.

At its most basic: Decide the issue to solve, put it in the form of a “How can I…” question, and brainstorm away. (Learn more about the Breakthrough Map process here.)

Putting our two heads together, we can typically generate 25+ possibilities within a matter of minutes, an act that – in and of itself – tends to fuel further inspiration.

 

Give The Breakthrough Map A Try

Let’s take the question, “How can I get re-inspired?” as an example. Some ideas appearing on your Breakthrough Map may include:

* Create new short-term goals that kickstart you into gear, one small step at a time.

* Revisit your Vision and Purpose Statements to remind you where you’re headed and why.

* Connect with your coach.

* Declutter / clear out your immediate space.

* Brainstorm advice you would offer if someone came to you and said, “How can I get re-inspired?”

* Read a memoir or listen to an in-depth interview from someone you admire.

* Step away from your current environment and into nature: Head outside for a walk, ride your bike along a nearby river, or grab your lawn chair and head to your own backyard.

Keep going with ideas until you generate twenty-five or more!

Re Inspired Breakthrough Map

Your Next Inspired Action

From there, you can choose one idea and begin.

Or you can categorize and order your ideas.

Or you could select your top 3 and focus your attention there, put the map away for a while and return to it for a second round, or take any number of actions.

And therein lies the key: Action.

While thinking about an issue is an important place to start, acting on it will boost our inspiration many times over – plus begin building momentum for the foreseeable future.

Take some time today to create a Breakthrough Map for re-inspiration, then hop into action. Be sure to let me know what other inspiration-boosting ideas you generate!

Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for Achievers, here to help you bring your purpose to work, leadership, and life! Reach out today to learn more.

 

 

Opening The Doors Of Possibility

Christi Hegstad September 27th, 2020
“Be someone who makes someone else look forward to tomorrow.” – Unknown
What helps you hop out of bed in the morning?
It could be a delightful morning practice, a purposeful project, a conversation you’re looking forward to, or a 45-minute walk you plan to take that afternoon.
It could also be the ways you hope to make a difference in someone else’s life!
This week, help open a sense of possibility for others (and yourself!).
Some actions to consider:
* Help them set a meaningful goal.
* Encourage one of their passionate pursuits.
* Ask them what possibilities they’re looking forward to.
* Ask them what they’re grateful for.
* Celebrate small joys and tiny wins.
* Remind them of their awesomeness.
* Lead by example.
* Listen on purpose.
* Show exceptional kindness.
What would you add? Share your thoughts below or on Facebook! And take note of how helping others open the doors of possibility supports your own growing sense of possibility, too!
Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for Achievers, here to help you bring your purpose to work, leadership, and life! Reach out today to learn more.

The One-Word Obstacle That Keeps Us From Our Dreams + Goals

Christi Hegstad September 25th, 2020

Want to know one of the biggest obstacles when it comes to our dreams and goals?

In my 17+ years of coaching and training, I have found that it’s not a lack of skill or ability that tends to hold us back.

It’s not a lack of time, either.

It’s not even fear or confidence issues, though each of these factors can certainly play a role.

It’s jumping to the ‘how’ before getting clear on the ‘what.’

For example:

“I’d love to write a book! I could help so many people by telling my story and sharing my research! But, how do I even go about getting it published? Where would I find an agent – and do I really need one? And I’ve never written a book before, how would I even start? And…”

We get the idea, we start to feel the excitement … and then we talk ourselves out of it before we even get a clear picture of what could be.

Today, I encourage you to live in the ‘what’ for a while.

Allow yourself the space to envision a dream or goal, in great detail. Instead of asking, “But how would I ever achieve this?” ask some different questions instead, like:

* What would be different in my work, leadership, or life once I achieve this?

* What would it feel like to accomplish this?

* Who might I inspire by pursuing this goal?

Suspend the ‘how’ for a bit, and get crystal-clear on the ‘what.’

You may find that the ‘how’ actually becomes much more clear as a result!

For a 5-step process to help you with the what *and* the how, feel free to download my free Big Dreams, Bold Goals! workbook – enter your email in the blue bar for immediate access!

Here’s to your big dreams and bold goals! I am cheering you on!

Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for Achievers, here to help you bring your purpose to work, leadership, and life! Reach out today to learn more.

What Does Confidence Look Like?

Christi Hegstad September 23rd, 2020

What does confidence actually look like?

Contrary to what some advertisers might encourage us to believe, confidence isn’t something we simply have or we don’t. It’s not something we can buy or that automatically appears once we ‘hit it big.’

Confidence is built, and rebuilt, over time.

The most confident people I know tend to have a few things in common:

* They honor their values. They’re the same person no matter the situation or with whom they find themselves.

* They’ve picked themselves back up, usually a bunch. They don’t always get things right, but they know that a single setback doesn’t define them.

* Their confidence radiates from within. Sure, a good hair day helps, but it’s not a requirement.

* They ask great questions – including asking for help. They don’t pretend to know it all, and they listen more than they talk.

* They seek positive solutions. They don’t ignore the hard parts – they just don’t let the hard parts run the show.

Confident people don’t walk into a room – or into a group chat or an online forum or a social media post – thinking they’re better than everyone else.

They likely walk in thankful for and inspired by everyone else!

What do *you* notice about confident people?

Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for Achievers, here to help you bring your purpose to work, leadership, and life! Reach out today to learn more.

The Habit To Boost Your Motivation

Christi Hegstad September 21st, 2020

After feeling a bit under-motivated recently, I took a thoughtful look at my task list and noticed something curious:

Several items were appearing for the second, third, or fourth week in a row.

In some cases, they had appeared week after week for months.

And in looking around my home and office, I also noticed several ‘not quite there yet’ or ‘almost done’ projects there, too.

Lots of stuff undone = clutter, distraction, and (for me, anyway) low motivation. How about you?

A New Habit

One of the most satisfying – and perhaps underrated – habits we can develop is one you may not have considered before:

The habit of COMPLETION.

It was a habit I had let slide, and I definitely noticed.

To remedy the situation, I time-blocked a few hours the following Monday with the sole purpose of completing as many almost-finished tasks as I could.

I literally felt lighter afterwards!

If you find yourself dragging a bit or feeling less-than-motivated, see if you can take a couple of things all the way to completion: mail that birthday card, finish reading that tabbed article, wash that paint stain off the entryway mirror, actually shred your ‘to shred’ file.

Then, do what you can to build this habit of completion into your work and life.

You may find that finishing what you start (not to mention the exhilaration that comes with checking things off the list :)) leads to a whole new level of motivation!

Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for Achievers, here to help you bring your purpose to work, leadership, and life! Reach out today to learn more.

How Do You Listen?

Christi Hegstad September 20th, 2020
Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.
– Stephen Covey
How many times have you shared a story with someone, only to have them interrupt with their own story?
How many times have you been the interrupter?
Listening to understand requires great intention and focus.
But if you’ve experienced someone truly listening to you lately – listening to understand, not to reply – you know how worthwhile this skill is to develop.
This week, listen on purpose.
Give someone the gift of your full attention.
Simple actions to support this effort:
* Make eye contact.
* Ask follow-up questions.
* Close the laptop.
* Hide the phone.
* Say, ‘Tell me more.’
As a coach, purposeful listening is a critical job requirement. And I cannot tell you the number of times a new client has said,
“I don’t remember the last time I felt so heard.”
Give this rare and powerful gift to someone this week!
Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for Achievers, here to help you bring your purpose to work, leadership, and life! Reach out today to learn more.

Please Don’t Do This One Thing In 2020

Christi Hegstad September 17th, 2020

Normally I like to offer actionable ideas – things you can implement or experiment with in order to bring purpose to your work, leadership, and life.

Today, I’d like to ask you NOT to do something.

You’ve probably seen memes on the internet suggesting the opposite of what I’m about to say. And chances are most of us have at least thought it a time or two ourselves.

But I’ll ask anyway:

Please don’t throw in the towel on 2020.

Don’t write off the year or label it as a defeat, a failure, or a complete disaster. Don’t toss out all you’ve worked for and just wait around for the new year to reset and start new goals.

Here are 3 reasons to support my heartfelt request:

1. You have grown by leaps and bounds this year.

“How do you know?” you might ask. Because this year has offered all of us opportunities for growth and development – and also because you grow every year. Look at something you’re doing now that you’ve never done before. Or look at something you can quickly accomplish now that, five years ago, would take you days or weeks or more. Look at your internal growth too, and the way you’re able to navigate change or support your wellbeing. That’s growth! It counts!

2. We have a lot of year left, and there’s a lot we can do.

As I publish this post, we still have more than a quarter of the year remaining. Three and a half months. Fifteen weeks. You could write and distribute an ebook in that time. You could launch a business or build a crafting shed or learn a new skill in that time. If you positively impact just one person a day, that’s over 100 people for whom you can make a difference yet in 2020!

3. The world needs you now more than ever.

We need the strengths, talents, and purpose that only you can provide. We need your creative vision, your calming presence, your inspiring energy, or whatever beautiful combination of gifts you possess. What cause matters most to you? Which of the world’s problems would you most like to solve? Just imagine what you could get started yet in 2020 to support that important issue!

I could go on and on, but I’ll close by suggesting once more: Don’t give up on this year. Every single day offers you the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to make your difference. It may look different than what you anticipated a year ago, or even a week ago, but that doesn’t mean you you can’t still achieve in meaningful, purposeful ways.

Thank you for making your positive difference! I’m rooting for you!

Christi Hegstad, PhD, PCC is the Certified Executive + Personal Coach for Achievers, here to help you bring your purpose to work, leadership, and life! Reach out today to learn more.

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