Leadership & Legacy Lessons

Christi Hegstad September 13th, 2016

This article was originally published by Des Moines Business Record.

You will not find “When Breath Becomes Air” in the leadership section of your bookstore. But when I finished reading it — after feeling uplifted while also wiping away tears — I couldn’t help but think of the leadership lessons inherent in this powerful book.

Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon in his mid-30s, wrote this memoir after receiving a terminal diagnosis. Essentially, it’s his story of finding meaning, purpose and joy every day, even amid the great difficulties he faced throughout his journey. It’s inspiring, heartbreaking, uplifting and thoroughly thought-provoking.

While I won’t attempt to summarize this book in a few words, I will share some reminders to draw upon in your leadership:

1. Let compassion prevail.

Regardless of appearance, everyone is fighting a battle or dealing with challenges we know nothing about. That includes your team members, your children, your leaders, the angry customer calling to complain. Continually turn to your kinder, higher self.

2. Clarify your values.

Whenever he’d ask “should I …” questions, Kalanithi’s physician would steer him back to his values. What matters most? How can you best honor that today? This week? Going forward?

3. Reconsider the perfect time.

Don’t wait until everything is perfect to pursue a dream, strive for a goal, make a difference. Your work can bring great meaning to your life, and vice versa. What if now is the perfect time?

4. Surround yourself with greatness.

Consciously spend your time with people who challenge you to be your best. Kalanithi’s wife, physicians, various co-workers and other connections served as heroes in his story.

5. Live each day to the fullest.

This is so much more than a cliche. Every day is a gift and an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Don’t let obstacles prevent you from creating meaningful experiences whenever and wherever you are.

COACH CHRISTI’S CHALLENGE:

One of my favorite topics to coach around is what I call your Leadership Legacy. Give this concept some thought this week.

Legacy isn’t something to think about only when faced with our own mortality. You essentially choose your legacy by how you live, work, and lead every single day. If you don’t have a grasp yet on your “big picture” legacy, consider it in smaller doses:

What would you love for people to say about you when you leave your next meeting?

How would you like someone to describe you to a stranger?

When people think of you, what word would do you want to come to mind for them? How will you live out that word today?

As a leader, you have the profound privilege and responsibility to make a difference in the lives of others through your example, words and actions; something to take seriously while living lightheartedly. Decide, right now, your Leadership Legacy. Then let your days be a beautiful expression of those with every action and interaction.

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning coach helping people work, live, and lead with meaning and purpose. Learn more on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi (Random House, 2016).

How Do You Read So Much? 15 Tips From A Dedicated Booknerd

Christi Hegstad September 12th, 2016

This article was originally published by The Huffington Post.

I’ll admit it: If I walk by you and your friend and overhear you talking about books, I will probably insert myself into your conversation.

If you’re reading a book across the aisle and five rows ahead of me on an airplane, I will strain awkwardly to see what you’re reading — then likely head up to ask you about it.

I have literally cried upon hearing stories of children without books, book burnings, and the closing of small-town libraries.

Yes, I am a booknerd.

In a typical year, I’ll read 60-80 books — mostly nonfiction, but a pretty eclectic mix overall. I’m often asked, especially when I’m posting books on Facebook and Instagram, “How do you read so much? Where do you find the time?”

I’ve never taken a speed-reading course, though I do think we become faster readers with practice, much like your tenth time running a mile will likely be faster than your first. And while I don’t have any super-sneaky tricks, you might find the following helpful:

1. Strategically plant reading material. Keep books in various places around the house. Keep one in your handbag. Keep magazines or a file of articles in your car. Have readables ready for unexpected free moments.

2. Blend reading with another goal. Sometimes I’ll get an audiobook, then only allow myself to listen when I’m on the treadmill. If the book is engaging enough, I will walk or run a lot longer than usual — win-win!

3. Forego TV. Very little on TV keeps my attention anymore (in fact, I couldn’t even tell you how to turn ours on). You don’t have to give up TV or other entertainment completely, but consciously choose your programs and the time you’ll spend watching.

4. Join or start a book club. At one point, I was actually in four book clubs simultaneously: a neighborhood one, a professional one, a church one, and a parenting one. While sometimes a bit confusing (“Oh, we’re discussing Mindset, not Kristin Hannah’s latest?”), all filled important roles and kept me on top of my reading game.

5. Follow readers on social media. You might think I read a lot, but I’ve got nothing on some of the Instagram accounts I follow. Search hashtags like #bookstagram or #booknerd and you’ll find all kinds of inspiration (not to mention add tremendously to your must-read list!).

6. Take advantage of small gifts of time. I will often sneak in a few pages as I’m stirring the soup I’m cooking for dinner or while waiting for one of my kids to finish sports practice. While I prefer a cozy, dedicated “reading session” (see #15), a few pages here and there add up over time.

7. Go on vacation. I read like a fiend when we recently spent a week on the Florida beach! Bring a few books along or pre-load them on your e-reader and let them become part of your relaxation or adventure plan.

8. Commit to sharing what you read. I write a monthly column on leadership books for our local business journal, and honoring that commitment keeps me reading. Even posting your current read on social media can start up a lively conversation and will often lead to more recommendations.

9. Prioritize reading. Even when my three children were babies, I read every day. Sometimes I only made it through a paragraph before I was snoring, but reading still made an appearance. If you decide something is important enough, you’ll more likely create time for it.

10. Take a digital detox. Whether for a period of days, one day a week, every day after 6pm, or some other schedule, power down all electronics regularly. You might be surprised how much time and energy this frees up.

11. Let go of random requirements. For some reason, up until just a few years ago, I felt like if I started a book I had to finish it. I’m still not sure where that ‘rule’ came from, but now if a book clearly isn’t for me, I close it up and send it off – no matter how far I’ve read.

12. Support a culture of reading. Since beginning my coaching company thirteen years ago, we’ve consistently donated money to literacy organizations, hosted book drives for local shelters, contributed to Little Free Libraries, and spread the love of reading in many other ways. That saying that love multiplies when shared? True when books are involved, too.

13. Go on book outings. When my kids were younger, we made story time at our local libraries and bookstores part of our weekly routine. You can do this by yourself as an adult, too. There’s something magical about reading while surrounded by books and other readers.

14. Choose to be a reader. I’ve found the path of an adult booknerd usually begins in one of two ways: 1) falling madly in love with a series (how many people got back into reading because of Harry Potter?), or 2) deciding, intentionally, to invite books into your life regularly. Make “reader” part of your personality, and wear the title with pride.

15. Savor the ceremony. Pour a cup of tea, curl up by the fireplace, and treasure the turning of the page. Or grab your book, walk to a coffee shop, order a latte, and enjoy a peaceful hour on a Saturday morning. Or head to the back porch or hammock and let the sun serve as your book light. Relish the reading experience.

I should forewarn you, you might experience some drawbacks to your reading obsession, too. For example, if someone starts talking about the latest episode of basically any popular TV show, you may only be able to nod and smile. You may spend more money on coffee than most, due to late nights with new releases (I credit the brilliant Jodi Picoult for much of my lost sleep!). And sometimes, I’ve learned, people on airplanes just want to read their books in peace.

But the benefits far outweigh any risks. Reading allows you to contribute meaningfully to conversations that can lead to powerful decisions and actions. A thought-provoking book can bring communities together, advance our understanding of others, and provide for growth. Books can change moods, change lives, and change the world.

So whether it’s five minutes a day or five books a week, keep reading! Your fellow booknerds are cheering you on.

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning coach, author, and trainer who helps positive people make purposeful change. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

10 Quick, Purposeful Ideas for Work and Life

Christi Hegstad August 15th, 2016

I’ve had so much fun lately speaking with a huge variety of groups – Habitat for Humanity, several banks and financial institutions, United Way, ChildServe, and leadership institutes across the state, to name a few. Whether we’re working at their monthly staff meeting or annual retreat, the energy of the professionals in attendance has been palpable and they are clearly making significant, positive contributions to the world!

Whomever the audience, I find that several tips resonate across the board. As we approach a new season and school year (read: fresh start!), I thought I’d share 10 of these widely applicable, highly resonant, quick, purposeful tips with you. Let me know on Facebook which one speaks to you the most!

1. Start with a win. Begin your staff meetings, one-on-ones, or dinner conversations with everyone sharing a win. This elevates the energy and allows for celebration and recognition.

2. Say thank you. One of the top reasons people leave their jobs is due to a lack of appreciation or feeling like their work doesn’t matter. A sincere note or comment of gratitude can make all the difference.

3. Create a Life List. Identify 100 dreams you’d love to bring to reality if you had unlimited resources. Encourage others to create their Life List as well, and share ideas.

4. Track your #1 developing habit. Whether you want to make 10 daily prospecting calls or drink 8 glasses of water each day, create a chart (or order a Purpose Planner, available again next month) and track it. You attract what you track!

5. Enlighten your mornings. (Even if you’re not a morning person!) Start your day with intention: gratitude, journaling, exercise, or any of the ideas you find here.

6. Take a break. Whether an afternoon museum tour or a week in the Bahamas, give your mind an (ideally unplugged) break.

7. Systematize. Systems liberate you. Create systems wherever possible, from email autoresponders to checklists for frequent tasks.

8. Speak your truth. Ask for what you want. Say what you need. Live aligned with your values.

9. Change your scenery. Hold your one-on-one meetings while out for a walk, bring your project to the park, or take a new route home. Shake things up!

10. Stretch yourself. Physically, yes, but how about also applying for that promotion or reaching for that new leadership role? When we stretch, we grow!

Want more tips, plus a much deeper dive into what will motivate and inspire you to make your difference in the world? Join me at Spark on November 4! Click here while Earlybird Rates still apply.

Which tip will you implement? Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Dr. Christi Hegstad coaches you to live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose!

A certified and award-winning coach, author, and speaker, Christi is a recognized leadership and professional development expert. She has received such honors as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, Forbes Coaches Council, and is current president of ICF Iowa. She is a frequently sought-after speaker and writer, contributing to Forbes, The Huffington Post, Des Moines Business Record, ICF, and more.

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or by email.

2 Steps To Purposeful Change

Christi Hegstad July 31st, 2016

“The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”

Socrates

There’s a line I’ve seen people posting quite often lately on Facebook and elsewhere: “Something has got to change.” So many of us are disheartened or frustrated by things going on in the world – and in our own lives – and longing for something different.

But longing only takes us so far.

Maybe you, too, feel like something needs to change. Or maybe you are about to embark on a change of your own – a career shift, an empty nest, a new goal or role – and find yourself wondering what to do or where to start. Even change that you’re excited about can be scary!

Whether you’re choosing to change or change is being thrust upon you, it’s in your best interest to navigate it with purpose. Here are 2 simple (though not always easy) ways to do that:

1. Clarify the WHAT.

Envision the ideal outcome of your change, as if I waved a magic wand over you and everything turned out just as you hoped. What does that picture look like? I walk many of my coaching clients through a guided visualization of this, engaging all of the senses and uncovering as vivid a scene as possible. When you have crystal clarity around what you’re moving towards, you’ll be less likely to linger in what you’re leaving behind.

2. Flip to HOW.

Questions like “Why does this always happen? Why me? Why now?” can keep you stuck. Ask “how” questions instead: “How can I make the most of this? How can I get from where I am to where I want to be? How can I use this experience to model purposeful change for those I care about? How might I engage the help of others?” This subtle shift moves you into a place of power and strength.

This has been a summer of change for me, both personally and professionally, and not all of it planned or expected. All of it, however, has been growing and stretching me (often uncomfortably!) as a woman, business owner, parent, and leader. I’ll share the surprising details of my “summer retreat” at Spark on November 4, but suffice it to say that change isn’t always easy.

It can, however, always be purposeful – and lead you to higher ground in the long run.

Here’s to your purposeful change!

What helps you positively navigate change? Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Dr. Christi Hegstad coaches you to live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose!

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or by email.

Conducting Your MidYear Review

Christi Hegstad June 24th, 2016

Every year around this time, I do three things:

Stock up on sunscreen.
Celebrate my birthday.
Conduct a midyear review.

I also send my MidYear Success Supercharge template to my coaching clients. June offers a great opportunity to celebrate successes, determine lessons learned, and plan an amazing second half of the year. In addition, a midyear review can serve as a great re-energizer if you’ve fallen into a slump.

If this all sounds great to you, here are a few recommendations:

Set aside 3-4 hours.

Allow yourself time to decompress, get silent, review, celebrate, and plan. Enter it into your schedule as an unchangeable appointment.

Gather minimal supplies.

All you really need: your 2016 goals, Vision/Purpose/Guiding Principles (Spark attendees, your B.O.B. would be useful!), journal, pens/markers, and a beverage of choice. Leave the electronics at home or, if you must bring your phone, put it in airplane mode. Conduct your review technology-free.

Choose (in advance) an inspiring location.

Over the years, I’ve done mine at the local art center, park, botanical gardens, the dock of a lake, and an inn. Select somewhere out of your ordinary.

Then, when the time comes, savor the silence and connect with your highest self. If you’re one of my coaching clients, bring along your MidYear Success Supercharge packet; if you’re creating your own, decide what questions will be most helpful to answer. Feel free to choose from these 25 journal prompts (click here) to get started.

If midyear has snuck up on you, you know the end of the year will, too. As a result, the question that often inspires me most:

When New Year’s Eve rolls around and I look back over my year, what do I most want to say about my work, leadership, and life?

Although time flies, there’s still plenty of the year remaining to shift gears or kick things into a higher gear. Take the time for your midyear review so you can supercharge your next 6 months and wrap up 2016 on a high note!

What will your midyear review include? Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Dr. Christi Hegstad coaches you to live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose!

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or by email.

Summer Retreat

Christi Hegstad June 20th, 2016

Every Monday morning for the past 8 years, I have kicked off your week with positivity and purpose through my Clarity Kickstarts. Thank you to everyone who has shared what an impact these have made in your work, leadership, and life!

This summer, MAP Inc. is going through some major transformations. In the near future you’ll see a brand-new website, new service offerings, and much more. We’re cultivating amazing things now that the company is a teenager and can’t wait to share!

In the meantime, I will be retreating a bit to give this transformation – and my family – my energy, time, and attention this summer.

You’ll still hear from me periodically (i.e., our upcoming Spark! Earlybird Enrollment!). You can still find my writing in Forbes, The Huffington Post, and elsewhere. And you can still find me on social media and connect via email.

Then, watch for big things this autumn!

“Silence is a source of great strength,” wrote Lao Tzu. May you create what you need most this summer! And may it be a season filled with meaning and purpose.

Love,

Christi

Dr. Christi Hegstad coaches you to live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose!

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or by email.

My 2016 Manifesto

Christi Hegstad June 16th, 2016

I am big proponent of setting goals, creating vision and purpose statements, and living in honor of your values. But at the dawn of 2016, feeling a combination of both frustration and inspiration, I decided to try something a little different: I wrote a manifesto. It turned out to be an incredibly clarifying and purposeful exercise!

The dictionary definition of manifesto that I landed on is “a public declaration of intentions or motives.” Put simply, I see my manifesto as who and how I intend to be in this world. I keep this on my desk (those of you familiar with my Purpose Planner – it’s part of B.O.B. 😉 ) as a daily reminder.

As we approach mid-year, I’m revisiting my manifesto a bit more closely and assessing how I’m carrying it out so far this year. Definitely some wins, and definitely some areas to course-correct.

Up to this point, I’ve ignored the “public declaration” part of the manifesto definition. I’ve decided to share it now for two reasons: a) added accountability for me, and b) potential ideas for you, in case you’re interested in writing your manifesto, too.

MY 2016 MANIFESTO

I believe we choose who and how we want to be in this world. In 2016, I will:

1. SHOW UP. Fully. Freely. With an open mind, abundant heart, and confident spirit.

2. LESS THINKING, MORE DOING. Cultivate courage, strength, and grace through action.

3. SHARE FROM THE HEART. Even if it means exposing the full extent of my nerd-ness. 🙂

4. DETACH. Strive for excellence, do my best, be all in…and detach from the outcome.

5. BE INTENTIONAL. Others’ moods and opinions do not dictate my own. I am the leader of my life.

6. LEARN more songs on my ukulele. 🙂 It’s difficult to be anything but cheerful when strumming the uke!

7. ASK FOR HELP. Admit when I don’t have it all figured out.

8. TRUST MY HEART. Respectfully, firmly, kindly stand up for what I believe in – even if I am the only one standing.

9. PLAY. Let go of shoulds and burdens; grab the lightness of the moment.

10. BE A STRONG, CONTINUOUS VOICE – that everyone matters, all work makes a difference, good always triumphs, and we are better together.

This is who/how I strive to be throughout 2016. How about you? We are at midyear, friends – what do you commit to for the second half of 2016? Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

I am Dr. Christi Hegstad, and I coach people to work, live, and lead with meaning and purpose. Ready to join the movement?

I am a certified executive & leadership coach, author, speaker, and president of MAP Professional Development Inc. I’ve been honored as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forbes Coaches Council, Forty Under 40, and president of the International Coach Federation (Iowa). I am a contributor to Forbes, The Huffington Post, Des Moines Business Record, and various magazines and books.

On the personal side, I am a book addict, coffee lover, and mom to three amazing kids. I am passionate about growth and believe kindness is a game-changer. I am a recovering perfectionist and am learning to lean into my vulnerability more and more.

I love working with meaningful achievers who want to make a positive difference in their work, lives, communities, and world. Join our mailing list, connect on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!

Small Decisions = Big Decisions

Christi Hegstad June 6th, 2016

“The choices you make, make you.”

Unknown

Coaching Tip for the Week:

I saw today’s quote on a team shirt at my daughter’s track meet a while back, and it has really stuck with me. Do you believe its message?

Sometimes we put a lot of pressure on the “big” decisions, thinking they form the course of our lives: what college we attend, what job we take, whether or not we start the business, and so on.

Really, though, I’ve come to learn our lives are charted more by the small decisions we make (or don’t make) on a daily basis:

Do I get up and start my day with journaling and meditation, or do I hit snooze?
Do I show up for the conference or event, or do I let the ‘urgent’ work take priority?
Do I tell my employee how much I appreciate his conscientiousness, or do I assume he knows?
Do I say Yes to the healthy-but-scary new adventure, or do I let fear rule my decisions?
Do I complain about the situation, or do I take action to change it?

Any one of these decisions might be made in a millisecond, but over time their effects add up – and eventually create your work and life experience.

This week, focus on making mindful decisions.

If we were awarded do-overs, we all likely have some decisions we’d make differently. We don’t get to relive the past, but we can forge a new future.

Make conscious choices with your seemingly smaller decisions this week. Reconnect with your values, review your Purpose Statement, remind yourself what matters most to you. Then, choose in favor of these – over and over.

You’ll appreciate the compound effect of your decisions in a year or so, when your life reflects the effects of the small decisions you’ve made over and over again!

Share your thoughts with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Dr. Christi Hegstad coaches you to live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose!

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or by email.

5 Steps To Focus (Or, Curing “Oh Look, A Squirrel!”)

Christi Hegstad June 2nd, 2016

In the last couple of weeks, I’ve had three clients who have removed email and/or social media from their smartphones. All three did so with a blend of nervousness and excitement (and even a “You can actually do that?”).

And all three have reported feeling more focused and intentional, even in that short time frame.

I just finished reading a fascinating book called Deep Work by Cal Newport. In it, he discusses how as our distractions and interruptions increase, our ability to focus continues to diminish. Cultivating a sense of focus and depth is becoming more rare – and more valuable.

So, that “Shiny Object Syndrome” or “Oh Look, A Squirrel”? It’s not just you.

But it’s also not going to fix itself.

Much of my coaching work resides in this area of focus, priorities, and making the most of time. While some changes naturally take a while, others prompt immediate results. Below I offer 5 steps to FOCUS , any one of which you could begin this week:

Find your rhythm.

Are you a morning person? Night owl? Somewhere in between? Determine what part of the day your energy tends to be highest. Then, to the extent possible, schedule your high-concentration and -creativity projects during those times, reserving lower-energy time for more routine tasks.

Omit notifications.

If removing email, social media, and other “interrupters” from your phone doesn’t seem viable, at least turn off the beeps, pings, and light-up bubbles that appear with each new contact – preferably all the time, but especially during your scheduled focus time.

Clear your space.

Clutter comes in all forms – physical, mental, noise, and so on. Prompt clarity by cleaning up your physical space, starting with a highly-visible space like your desktop. Don’t feel like cleaning? Pack up your project and head to an inspiring locale: botanical gardens, out-of-town coffee shop, hotel conference room.

Utilize filters.

And I mean this in the broadest sense possible. Set up filters in your email so non-important messages go right to folders. Filter your to-do list by choosing your Daily Top 3 priorities each morning. Filter your calendar by asking if a request helps you honor your purpose.

Schedule in focused time.

Time blocking is a beautiful thing! It requires discipline, but even brief blocks of time reserved for a specific outcome will make a significant difference in your sense of focus and purposeful productivity. Schedule – and honor – time blocks each week.

None of these tips is necessarily easy, especially if you’ve become addicted to those Facebook notifications or “looking at squirrels.” 😉 But none of them needs to be difficult either. Choose one, decide why it’s important to you, and commit to it for a week. Then, reassess at week’s end.

I bet the moments of focus and clarity you experience will be enough to make you want to continue!

Which strategy will you commit to? Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Dr. Christi Hegstad coaches you to live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose!

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or by email.

Thinking, Doing, and Gratitude – Where You Can Make A Difference

Christi Hegstad May 30th, 2016

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.”

Oscar Wilde

Coaching Tip for the Week:

Lately, how often have you thought:

I need to send him a thank-you note.
I want to post a testimonial about their company.
She’s wearing fatigues – I should thank her for her service.
His Facebook posts are so uplifting – why haven’t I “liked” and shared them?

Thinking grateful thoughts is terrific. Acting on them is even better!

This week, give someone the thanks they deserve.

Whether it’s someone who provides above-and-beyond service, who fills his Facebook feed with thoughtful content, who gave you a second chance, who puts themselves in harm’s way in order to keep you safe, who uplifts you with their writing or product or attention…

Say thank you. Write a thank-you note. Publicly thank them via social media. Send an email or text.

Don’t let your grand intentions disappear as fleeting thoughts. This week, act on them!

Who will you thank this week? Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Dr. Christi Hegstad coaches you to live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose!

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or by email.

Category Archives: Uncategorized