Bringing INTENTION To Work and Life

Christi Hegstad September 28th, 2017

“Have you ever driven home from work,” a client asked, “and realized that you have absolutely no recollection of the drive? Like you’ve done it so many times, your car just goes where it needs to go, and it’s all a blur to you?

“That’s how I feel like I’m living my life. On complete autopilot.”

Can you relate?

I’m willing to bet many of us can, on some level. We live in a go-go-go time, often running on autopilot – and on empty – all at once.

But it’s just the time we live in, right? What can we do about it?

Well, it turns out, a lot.

I’ve long said that time management ultimately comes down to two key factors: priorities and intention. In other words, deciding what deserves your highest attention, then consciously choosing to place your attention there.

Living and working with intention doesn’t require a complete overhaul, either. Start with your morning: What’s one thing you could do upon waking that would focus on what matters most rather than “what’s always there”? Forego the email and social media first thing in the morning in favor of a quiet word of gratitude, a bit of stretching, some journaling. You’ll start your day with intention, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

Consider actually setting an intention for the day, too: A word or phrase that captures who and how you want to be in the world that day. Calm? Focused? Energized? Positive? Intentional? Scan your day’s activities and choose a word that speaks to what’s ahead. You can call your intention word to mind all throughout the day for a quick pattern-break and reminder to focus on your intention.

Experiment with your senses, too. Earlier this year I read the book Mindfulness by Williams and Penman, and I will never forget their simple-but-poignant exercises – like slowly eating a small piece of dark chocolate, paying attention to the sound of the wrapper, the shape of the chocolate, the texture, the scent, the feel as it melts in your mouth. When you practice mindfulness in small activities like this, you start to embrace how you can move with greater intention through other areas of your life as well.

Take note of what distracts you most, too. Your phone? TV? Social media? A less-than-helpful habit? You can just as easily begin your intentional practice by removing a distraction rather than adding an activity.

When you begin living and working with greater intention, and make it part of your regular practice, the benefits will be so pleasant you will likely want to continue. How will you start bringing more intention into your work and life today?

When you know your purpose, intention flows much more easily. Join us to write your Purpose Statement at Spark! Click here for details.

Three Favorite Ways To Get Unstuck

Christi Hegstad September 27th, 2017

Have you ever stared at a computer screen, trying to figure out a solution, but essentially getting nowhere? Then, as soon as you walk to the break room for a cup of coffee, the solution suddenly appears?

Or have you struggled with how to move forward on a problem, making all your pro/con lists and feeling your mind spinning in circles, only to have the perfect next step come to mind when you hop in the shower?

There’s something to be said for dogged determination…but it’s not always a reliable player in the game of getting unstuck. Next time you feel yourself overthinking and undersolving, try one of these actions:

Change Your Scenery.

I did this myself just today. With the desire to invite some fresh thoughts and bursts of inspiration as I finalize activities for my upcoming event, I visited our local botanical gardens. I roamed the gardens, taking in the lush greenery and vibrant colors, then found a table bathed in sunlight and had an incredibly productive 2-hour writing and planning session. This served a double-purpose since I was working on Spark materials – an event which will be held at these same facility in November!

Move Your Body.

You’ve likely seen the quote attributed to Jim Rohn floating around social media: “If you don’t like where you are, move. You are not a tree.” While you may not necessarily need to move your home, moving your body a bit might do just the trick. Going for a walk, hopping on your bike, turning on some music and having a little dance party – all of these things can redirect your brain and prompt new ideas.

Surround Yourself With Inspiring People.

Sometimes this might be touching base with your friends or colleagues; other times you might benefit from meeting new people. Arranging a few inspiring lunch dates or attending a one-day event can work wonders for propelling you out of ‘stuck’ and into flourishing!

What helps you get unstuck? Share your ideas below or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter!

Want to surround yourself with the uber-inspiring people of Spark? Click here to enroll – limited space left!

Attend Your Next Event With Purpose

Christi Hegstad September 26th, 2017

I remember the first conference I attended after starting my coaching business. Upon returning home, my husband asked how it went, to which I replied, “Fine – though it wasn’t quite what I expected.”

“What were you expecting?” he asked.

“I don’t know…just not that!”

As the words left my mouth, I knew I had done little to prepare myself to be a flourishing attendee, and I vowed to take a more proactive, purposeful approach to my own experience when at conferences and classes. Since conferences typically require money, time, childcare coordination, work arrangements, and a whole host of other preparations, we do ourselves a disservice when we don’t give forethought to our own desired outcomes.

Since that first event, I’ve become much better at preparing myself for an outstanding experience – regardless of how well-planned the event is (or isn’t), how helpful the content is (or isn’t), how moved I am (or not) by the speakers. How about you?

With conference season approaching, consider adopting one or more of these ideas to make the most of it:

1. Prepare For Your Return.

What? Before you even go? Yes. One of the struggles with personal / professional development (and a big reason I went into coaching) is that we’re good at getting inspired and motivated, but not so good on the follow-through. Prepare your environment now for a successful return. Cleaning up your office and blocking time on your calendar to activate your biggest learnings are two great starting points.

2. Define “Success.”

Don’t make the mistake I did at that first conference or make your experience wholly dependent on things outside your control. What will make it worthwhile? If you leave with five new ideas? Several new connections? A selfie with the keynote speaker? Decide, then act accordingly.

3. Request An Attendee List.

The event may offer a prime opportunity for you to reconnect with old colleagues, meet new like-minded people, or introduce yourself to someone you’ve long wanted to meet. If the organizers cannot send you the attendee list, check for an event Facebook page, sponsor listing, or other easily-accessible online resources.

4. Choose Your Mindset.

When I conduct trainings in organizations, I can typically tell with ease the difference between those attending of their own volition and those for whom attendance is mandatory. Decide to be open, curious, willing to learn. You’ll find your experience much more valuable, not to mention a lot more fun!

5. Bring A Highlighter.

A speaking colleague of mine was recently floored to discover several less-than-stellar ratings on her evaluation forms. When she reviewed the reasons, all were related to the room temperature – nothing to do with her speaking content or quality. Bring a sweater. Pack a water bottle and protein bar. Put a pen and notepad in your bag, and a highlighter so you can mark your most valuable takeaways and next actions. Act like a scout and be prepared.

Like in nearly all aspects of work and life, your odds for success increase dramatically when you act with intention, purpose, and forethought. Here’s to your best-ever conference season!

Want even more tips for making the most of your experience? Enroll for Spark – you’ll get a full list before attending this life-changing retreat on Nov 3. Click here for details!

Do You Work? Then Your Work Matters.

Christi Hegstad September 25th, 2017

Do you do work?

Then you do work that matters.

Coaching Tip of the Week:

Your work matters.

Regardless of your title, if you have one.

Regardless of your pay, if you receive any.

Regardless of the number of people you encounter in a day, where your office is housed, or how many letters you can put after your name, your work matters.

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance.” Whether you’re managing thousands or changing diapers or conducting lab experiments or sweeping floors, your work matters and makes a difference in this world.

This week, act as though your work matters.

Even if your role is behind the scenes, distant from the end-user, or feels monotonous, act like what you do uplifts humanity and has dignity and matters.

Because it does!

Want to bring a great deal of purpose to your work, regardless of your job? Join us at Spark – click here for details!

Choosing Your Breakthrough Goal

Christi Hegstad September 24th, 2017

Today begins the last week of September, which means we’re heading into the final quarter of the year. What do you want to make happen before 2017 wraps up?

Maybe you have numerous goals, or maybe just one with several moving parts. Either way, now – before the holiday hustle and bustle begins – is a great time to kick things into high gear.

Do you feel ready?

Or overwhelmed?

If you’re ready – go for it! Watch my blog a bit later this week for a tool that will help ensure you do what you set out to.

And if you’re not quite sure what to do next or feel overwhelmed by it all, start with two questions:

1. What do you most want to say about yourself at the end of the year?

2.Which one goal, if achieved, would complete – or propel forward – several other goals?

The first question will focus your attention on what matters most at this time.

The second question will reveal what I call your Breakthrough Goal.

Your Breakthrough Goal

Essentially, your Breakthrough Goal is the one that, if completed, elevates progress on several other goals or desires at the same time. Rather than slowly moving the various chess pieces forward one at a time (a tactic that often works well when time allows, like at the start of a new year), your Breakthrough Goal is like the one move that catapults you – keeping to the chess metaphor – toward checkmating your opponent.

Even if all your other pieces still remain on the chess board.

For example, a new client of mine sought out coaching in part because he hadn’t progressed on his 2017 goals as hoped. Now, with year-end approaching, he’s beginning to worry.

At the start of our partnership I asked about his goals, and he had set several: start his own consulting business within his current field (which he loved), begin a blog of helpful tips in his often-complex industry, publish an article in a trade publication, start a speaking career on the side, and various personal goals as well.

I asked him question #1 above, to which he responded, “To be honest, the writing piece is huge for me. For years I’ve said I want to start a blog, publish articles, and eventually write a book. I’d love to end the year able to say I wrote something for the public.”

Question #2 brought him an interesting ‘aha moment’: “Actually, if I started a blog, I would get writing practice as well as potentially get noticed by my trade publication. It could also position me as a thought leader in my field, which would help get my consulting practice and speaking work off the ground. The blog would set the foundation for everything else. And even just publishing one blog post would allow me to say I wrote something for the public!”

Guess where he has decided to focus his energy?

Maybe, like my client, you have several goals to accomplish and need to put them in a manageable order. Or perhaps you’ve got just one goal but it really needs a boost. Either way, try asking yourself those two clarifying questions: What do you most want to say about yourself at the end of the year? Which one goal, if achieved, would complete – or propel forward – several other goals?

Get clear on your top priority outcome for the remainder of the year, and you’ll likely find your motivation improving, your next best action becoming clear, and your momentum building. Then, tune in to this blog a bit later this week for one of the best tools I know to make your goal achievable!

Want help determining what matters most and how to prioritize it in your work, leadership, and life? Join us at Spark on Nov 3 – click here for details!

How To Set Yourself Apart

Christi Hegstad September 23rd, 2017

Want to truly stand out in your profession? Achieve #1 status? Be viewed as a thought leader, an expert, the best in the business?

Don’t worry about being better than anyone else. There’s no need to compare.

Instead, focus on your unique abilities, your deep purpose, and your strengths and gifts that make this world better.

Be so good that others are drawn to you, inspired by you, and transformed because of you.

Make your difference with your absolute awesomeness!

Unsure about your unique abilities, strengths, or purpose? You’ll uncover them at Spark – click here to join us!

(Source of sticker in photo unknown)

Work, Leadership, Life…and Love

Christi Hegstad September 22nd, 2017

When it comes to work and leadership, what role does love play for you?

We often don’t think of our professional roles and responsibilities in terms of love. To many, it may sound fluffy, mushy, or just plain odd.

But consider how you behave when you experience love in any of its myriad forms. Perhaps you speak more kindly. Maybe you pay greater attention. It’s possible you make more of an effort, want to give your best, move with greater care, or take a vested interest in how you act or what you say, knowing you want everyone to leave the experience feeling uplifted.

From this perspective, why wouldn’t we think in terms of love with regard to our work?

Today, consider how you could bring more love and kindness into your work, leadership, and life. Set the intention of taking each action with great love – even if (especially if) you think this sounds cheesy. What a profound difference you will make by doing so!

Come and hear how some extraordinary professionals have brought love, values, and purpose into their work and lives, and how you can too! Join us for Spark – click here for details.

Childhood Clues To Your Purpose

Christi Hegstad September 21st, 2017

What did you love to play as a child? How would you spend a lazy weekend or unplanned time after school? What lit you up before the tween/teen years, before you perhaps started caring more what others thought and said?

This is not a fluff question. What you loved as a child can typically connect you to your purpose in some way, shape, or form.

For example, looking back I was never a girl into hair or fashion (contrary to what the accompanying photo might suggest! 🙂 ). I rarely wore anything name brand and had long, thick, wild hair for most of my youth.

And for better or for worse, I still have pretty big hair and little idea how to dress myself!

But, I started a lot of clubs, and required…er, requested…that my friends come to meetings prepared with new ideas, research, drawings, and so forth. I wanted them to showcase their best, share what I had learned, and for everyone to cheer everyone else on. I asked a lot of questions. I read a lot, and even had a favorite willow tree in the front yard that I would climb with a book for hours on end. And I wrote constantly – in diaries, to friends, for school. In fact, when required to turn in a week’s worth of daily journal entries for junior high English class, my teacher wrote in the margins how in all her years of teaching, she never had a student write quite so many pages for that assignment!

As an adult, my career revolves around bringing out the best in people in a variety of ways: creating communities, speaking and training, coaching – which involves lots of questions, sharing new worlds discovered through reading, and writing, writing, writing – for the blog, in my journal, for publications like Forbes and Huffington Post, in academic journals, and so on. What I loved to do as a child has shifted form in some ways but is still the foundation of what I love to do now – and what I believe is part of my purpose here on earth: To inspire positive action.

So how about you? What captured your attention when you were young? What did you find yourself drawn to during summer vacation, quiet weekends, or even as favorite subjects and activities at school?

What role do they play in your life now? Or perhaps, what role would you like them to play?

How might they contribute to your purpose?

Consider taking some time to reflect on these questions while out for a walk, in your journal, or with a trusted friend. You may be surprised how many clues your childhood offers you about what lights you up and matters most to you today!

Want to get crystal clear on your purpose, as well as how to put it into action at work and in life? Join us for Spark on November 3 – click here for details!

Playing To Win, Or Not To Lose?

Christi Hegstad September 20th, 2017

In your work, leadership, and life, and with your big dreams and bold goals, are you playing to win – or playing not to lose?

Do you see the difference?

To me, playing to win means preparing fully, strengthening your mindset, visualizing success, believing, choosing positively, giving your all. People who play to win also play fairly and respectfully, know that winning is deep and holistic – not simply points on a scoreboard.

Playing not to lose, on the other hand, looks like the bare minimum. Avoidance of the important in favor of the urgent. Doing just enough to get by. Seeing the short-term as more valuable than the long-term.

In essence, playing not to lose is playing small rather than accessing your fullest and highest potential.

Today, play to win! Believe in yourself, your strength, and the difference you can make in the world. Decide what matters most then give it your all!

How To Become A Peak Performer

Christi Hegstad September 19th, 2017

Think about a time in your work or life when you felt truly at the top of your game. Maybe crossing the finish line after an invigorating 10k race, giving a presentation that left you and your audience completely inspired, or adding fine details to a painting that just kept getting better and better.

How did that experience feel?

What if you could feel that way more often?

In the book Peak Performance, Brad Stulberg, a former business consultant, teamed up with athletic coach Steve Magness to explore the concept and, more specifically, how we can experience more of it in our work, fitness, and lives. The authors incorporate a great deal of sound research to support their ideas, and hearing their examples from both business and athletic perspectives truly adds to the book’s flavor.

As a coach for high achievers who often crave those feelings of accomplishment that accompany peak performance, I read this book, as I typically do, with my clients, family members, and friends in mind. A few standout points:

Multitasking does not serve you.

“For 99% of us,” the authors state, “multitasking is nothing more than effective delusional thinking.” Science has supported this for years: We are far less effective when we jump from activity to activity, trying to do it all at once, than when we experience deep and focused work.

If you think you’re part of the 1% that can smoothly juggle projects and email and social media notifications and interruptions with no loss of productivity or no gain of stress, you may want to re-examine that thought. I love the example Stulberg and Magness offer: “Just imagine if a runner doing intervals on the track came to a complete stop to check her phone after each and every notification.” Doesn’t that put those ‘quick checks’ in perspective?

Mindset is key.

Researchers like Carol Dweck, Alia Crum, and others have scientifically shown how our mindset shapes our reality – physically, mentally, emotionally, and otherwise. And great news: If we’re not pleased with it, we can change it!

The authors point out how Olympic athletes tend to look calmer at the starting line – about to embark on the race of their lives – than many “weekend warriors” at a local 5k race. This is not because Olympians don’t get nervous – they’re human! But when they feel the butterflies and nerves, they tell themselves “I am excited!” instead of “I’m so stressed” – and their bodies respond. This shift in mindset, research tells us, can be even more effective on your performance than trying to calm yourself down.

Purpose leads the way.

Much to my delight, the entire final section of the book is dedicated to purpose. “Once you’ve developed a purpose,” advise Stulberg and Magness, “do whatever it is you can to build a life that allows you to fulfill it. The closer you can move to…living completely in alignment with your purpose, the better, happier, and healthier you’ll be.”

I agree wholeheartedly; consequently, so does the research. If your purpose feels unclear, consider enrolling for Spark where you will leave not only with your Purpose Statement written, but also numerous examples of people living theirs out in work, leadership, and life.

Overall, Peak Performance is an insightful book that will likely prompt you into action. Other terrific topics addressed include deliberate practice (vs. just any practice) to gain mastery, the power of (even quirky) routines, and the great value in showing up. “The best performers are not consistently great,” explain the authors, “but they are great at being consistent. They show up every day and they do the work.”

Think back to that peak performance you recalled at the start of this article, and come up with a few others. What patterns do you see? What supports your ability to perform at your best? Blend that with the ideas from this book and the supporting research, and you’ve got yourself a plan for sustainable success!

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