Are You A Model Or A Critic?

Christi Hegstad October 5th, 2015

“Be a light, not a judge. Be a model, not a critic.”

Stephen Covey

Coaching Tip for the Week:

Do you find it easier to tell someone else how to change than to change yourself?

Or catch yourself pondering ways to convince others “see the light” once you’ve discovered it?

Or simply wonder how you – one person – can make a difference, especially when an issue seems overwhelming?

Whenever I am in one of these places, I remember Gandhi’s profound suggestion to be the change we wish to see in the world. We can talk, teach, advise, suggest, and at times wear ourselves out spouting wisdom. But unless we are living, breathing examples of the change we wish to see, we will never be very effective.

This week, model the behavior you’d like to see in others. Wish your coworker would stop complaining constantly? Make it a point to consistently speak in uplifting, positive ways.

Want others to work proactively rather than waiting until the last minute? Demonstrate how beneficial this is by your calm demeanor and focused productivity.

Long to be part of a supportive, positive culture? Be a supportive, positive role model.

Teaching, advising, and lecturing all have their role, but if someone must choose between what you say and what you do, chances are they will look more closely at what you do. Do your part to be the model for change.

Share your thoughts with us on Facebook and Twitter!

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What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?

Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.

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Letting Go Of The Cliff: Sandy Eimers’ Journey of Passion, Purpose, & Profit

Christi Hegstad September 30th, 2015

“I am determined to live not from a place of fear. I am here to be brave.”

Have you declared such bravery, too – or wanted to? Sandy Eimers, owner of Balance Yoga Lounge and Balanced Breath School of Yoga, recently shared her experience turning her dreams into reality with the ASPIRE Success Club. Her journey has been fueled by passion, filled with decisions large and small, and dotted with moments of letting go of the proverbial cliff. In our recent interview, she generously shared some of her bold actions, bright ideas, and lessons learned.

Sandy began the yoga lounge in 2007 while working full-time as a pharmacist. Over the years, her passion for yoga steadily grew while her passion for pharmacy dwindled. She knew she wanted to take the leap and focus on the yoga lounge full-time, but uncertainty and practicality held her back – for a while.

“It got to the point where I was moving through my days at the pharmacy feeling dead inside, only coming alive when I practiced or taught yoga,” Sandy remembers. “So after seven years of clinging to the cliff of ‘safety,’ fingers bleeding, I let go. And as soon as I did, amazing doors started to open.”

Quickly, I might add. Within two days of resigning from her pharmacy position, an opportunity to work alongside her mentor – which would take her to Brazil for three months – appeared. She embraced the experience, dedicating herself to her practice and her business, and made the lounge what it is today: a thriving studio “bringing people from separation to unity.” She has a full array of yoga and related classes, and also certifies others to become yoga teachers through her training center.

In addition to sharing stress relief, breathing, and visualization techniques with us during our interview, Sandy reminded us of the importance of moving through work and life from a place of courage, intention, and purpose. “If I don’t get out of my comfort zone, there is no reward,” she explains. And though Sandy, like most entrepreneurs, is not afraid to work hard, she recognizes there’s more to it than that. “Hard work by itself doesn’t bring success,” says Sandy. “You must have purpose and direction.”

Sandy’s purpose and direction have led her to help others heal, grow, and connect through yoga and related modalities, and the ripple effect of her work extends all borders. “We all have a gift,” Sandy shares, “we just need to choose to open it.”

Learn more about Sandy and Balance Yoga Lounge at www.balanceyogalounge.com.

Ready to make your Bold Goal a reality? Join us at Spark! Click here for details!

What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?

Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.

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

Connect with Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

The Antidote To Waiting

Christi Hegstad September 28th, 2015

“After a while, you learn that it’s better to write an unexpected letter than to sit around waiting for the postman to deliver one. Sooner or later, you discover that it is better to help someone plant a garden than to wait for someone to bring you flowers.”

Matthew Kelly

Coaching Tip for the Week:

What are you waiting for?

What action can you take other than waiting?

I had a rather embarrassing realization on my 35th birthday. I’ll share the story at Spark later this fall, but suffice it to say that I got a wake-up call I probably should have gotten years (and years and years!) earlier!

And the summary of that wake-up call is exactly what Matthew Kelly is describing: Rather than waiting around for that hoped-for outcome, take an action that will move you closer to it.

This week, decide to quit waiting. Take an action in favor of your desired outcome. Longing for some time to yourself? Block it on your calendar and make the necessary arrangements.

Wishing you were braver? Do something that pushes you outside your comfort zone.

Bummed because no one shows you appreciation? Go out of your way to show appreciation for others.

“Decide and take action” is one of my guiding principles. What will you decide and take action on – today?

Share your thoughts with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Wanting to make the next year your best, most focused, and most purposeful

ever? Less than 20 seats left at Spark – and Earlybird Rates end September 30!

Click here for details!

What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?

Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.

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

Connect with Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Happiness: The What, Why, and How

Christi Hegstad September 22nd, 2015

This article was originally published by the Des Moines Business Record.

I recently had lunch with a friend who never ceases to amaze me. She’s an inspiring leader, a caring mom, a savvy professional and an excellent athlete. She’s also one of the happiest people I know. I always leave our get-togethers feeling better than when I arrived.

Her life isn’t perfect. She faces overwhelming responsibilities at work, worries about her aging parents, and is navigating some tough issues with her teenagers. She also deals with an uncertain health diagnosis that often saps her energy, bringing in its place pain and fatigue.

And still, she’s one of the happiest people I know.

Contrary to what some skeptics would have you believe, happiness isn’t about ignoring pain or pasting an inauthentic smile on your face no matter what. You can experience the full range of life’s emotions – including grief, fear, and sadness – and still live a happy existence. As a recent article in the Harvard Business Review suggested, happiness is more about building your mental and emotional strength than about maintaining a constant state of rah-rah.

And why does happiness matter, really? When I first began my business, I wondered how to educate employers that happiness at work isn’t just a nice-to-do; it’s a critical component for success. Fortunately, research now abounds in this field (see my column last month, for example) and brings with it personal and workplace benefits: higher engagement and productivity, lower turnover, greater morale. In all, a healthier bottom line along with a healthier workforce. Check out the work of Martin Seligman, Sonja Lyubomirsky, and Shawn Achor for starters, as well as the real-world application shared in Tony Hsieh’sDelivering Happiness and Gretchen Rubin’s The Happiness Project.

So the big question: How can we elevate happiness in work, leadership, and life? Here are 5 evidence-based principles to kickstart happiness:

Express gratitude. Several of my executive coaching clients keep a gratitude journal, jotting down three things they’re grateful for each day. This simple strategy not only encourages recognition of the small joys, it shifts your mindset to focus on the positive.
Commit to meaningful goals. “Find a happy person and you will find a project,” writes happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky. Striving towards goals engages our strengths, feeds our sense of optimism, and provides a sense of purposeful challenge.
Connect with others. In addition to cultivating relationships, practice random acts of kindness, too. Give some thought to how you might do this with your coworkers, clients, and others with whom you work – so fun!
Get into flow. What activities grip you so much, you lose track of time? However possible, weight your day in favor of your strengths, and help your employees do the same.
Practice mindful presence. Over 40 years ago, Ram Dass titled his popular book “Be Here Now” – and that advice has only become more necessary over time. Rather than constantly thinking about what’s next (or what you’re missing), savor the moment.

COACH CHRISTI’S CHALLENGE:

Choose one of these practices to implement daily over the next three weeks. Jot down a few notes about how you believe the practice might benefit you; you may wish to also record how you engaged your practice each day. Then, three weeks from now, review what changed for you. You may be surprised how quickly these happiness practices can impact you and those around you!

What’s your favorite happiness booster? Share your ideas below.

Dr. Christi Hegstad coaches leaders and executives to succeed in meaningful work, and to help their employees do the same! Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MAPIncFan, and via Twitter at www.twitter.com/DrChristiCoach.

Actually, What If You DID Fail?

Christi Hegstad September 21st, 2015

“Instead of asking, ‘What would you do if you knew you would not fail?’

ask yourself, ‘What’s worth doing even if you fail?'”

Brene Brown

Coaching Tip for the Week:

Have you ever had a true “lightbulb moment,” where you hear something so resonant that you find yourself saying “YES!” out loud without even realizing it? Hearing this line from Brene Brown in a podcast recently prompted a HUGE lightbulb moment for me.

I love the first question and often ask this of coaching clients when they feel stuck. It’s a terrific ‘unlocking’ question and it is worth your reflection.

And after you’ve uncovered whatever big dreams and wild goals arise with that question, ask the second one: “What’s worth doing even if you fail?” You’ll connect directly with your passions, priorities, and values.

Although Bold Goals are a significant part of my work, you’ve heard me say countless times that it’s not so much about achieving the goal as it is about who you become in the process. The outcome typically pales in comparison to the journey!

This week, ask yourself, “What’s worth doing even if I fail?” Do some uncensored journaling, ponder the question while out on a walk, discuss with a trusted friend.

Is writing your book worth it regardless of sales? Is speaking up in a meeting worth it regardless of whether your suggestion is acted upon? Is offering a kind word to a frustrating coworker or challenging family member or stranger worth it regardless of how it’s received?

What journey will change you and those around you for the better, regardless of the outcome?

Share your thoughts with us on Facebook and Twitter!

Create your make-it-happen plan with me at Spark! Earlybird rates expire this month (and we’re almost sold out!). Click here for details!

What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?

Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.

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

Connect with Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Confidence From Unexpected Places

Christi Hegstad September 20th, 2015

Last week, Lift IOWA and the Des Moines Business Record published an article in which I wrote about, of all things, my hair. OK, it went a bit deeper than that, but my main point was this:

When you believe in yourself and your highest values, unimportant criticism rolls off your back the same as if someone said you have three arms. You wouldn’t feel hurt or let it derail you; you’d know in your heart that you have just two arms, could say, “Thank you for your feedback,” and move on.

(You can catch the full article here.)

I’ve done a lot of personal work in the area of confidence, and I’m still not 100% there (just ask my sister about my random “freak-out” texts!). I also work with a number of exceptional leaders, men and women who appear to sail smoothly through life, and confidence issues frequently come up for many of them, too. We’re all a work in progress when it comes to confidence.

But this work has brought me to two very important conclusions:

We never outgrow the need to hear someone say, “You can do it. I believe in you.” (Please, please never underestimate the power of these words!)
Confidence can stem from the most unexpected places.

What heightens your confidence?

If you’re unsure, call to mind a time when you felt strong, confident, and “in the zone.” Then tease that moment apart for confidence clues.

When I did this exercise early in my business, I discovered clues ranging from the way I prepared myself to the shoes I wore (tall black boots were key! ;-)) to the people with whom I chose to share certain moments. I was surprised how much I learned from my scan of a few confident moments.

Each of us is different, so what lifts your confidence may not match what lifts your coworker’s. But here are a few ideas worth exploring:

1. Steep Yourself In Purpose.

When you know your core values, top priorities, and mission, you become crystal clear about when to say “yes” and when to disengage. Don’t you naturally feel stronger and more confident when you’re doing what you love and when you know it is helpful, positive, and in integrity?

2. Prepare.

A common denominator for confident moments among my clients is feeling prepared and planful. It’s a huge reason why I’m sharing my planning system at Spark this year! (We’re almost sold out – click here to join us!) Plan your days with intention and in favor of strong moments.

3. Focus In Your Strengths Zone.

Do what’s necessary to get your weaknesses up to par, but don’t dwell on them. You’ll always find greater success when engaging your strengths, and success breeds confidence. (Leaders, help your employees with this. It’s so beneficial for them and the organization, and it’s rewarding for you!)

Coach Christi’s Challenge:

This month, experiment with your confidence boosters. Put yourself in settings, based on your confidence clues, where you will shine. You may, by necessity, need to spend time in not-so-shining areas too, but you have might have more power over your schedule than you realize – and you definitely have power over the attitude you choose.

Like actress Kate Winslet once said about choosing her roles: “I wouldn’t dream of working on something that didn’t make my gut rumble and my heart want to explode.”

One important note: Make sure you own your confidence boosters – that they are within your control. Sure, hearing “Well done” feels amazing, but it’s completely dependent on someone else. Taking responsibility for yourself will build your confidence, too!

Perhaps ironically, you can grow your own confidence by commending others on a job well done. Look for an opportunity to tell someone, “You can do it. I believe in you.”

You will likely change two lives – your recipient’s and yours – with that simple expression of confidence!

What boosts your confidence? Share your thoughts below or on Facebook!

Spark is almost sold out! Earlybird Rate ends in less than 2 weeks! Click here to join us.

What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?

Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.

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

Connect with Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

From “Oh Look, A Squirrel!” To Mindful Focus

Christi Hegstad September 14th, 2015

“Focus is the most important factor in determining whether you’ll achieve a goal or stick to creating a new habit. Not self-discipline, not rewards, not sheer willpower, not even motivation.”

Leo Babauta

Coaching Tip for the Week:

How focused are you these days?

In my coaching conversations, we often talk about focus in terms of “Shiny Object Syndrome” or “Oh Look, A Squirrel!” It seems the slightest ding of a notification or new piece of mail or link to a new website can swiftly and easily send us down a rabbit-hole of distraction.

Lack of focus leads to so many frustrations: less presence, increased stress, mistakes, misinterpretations, even damaged relationships. Our 24/7 world does not encourage focus, but it’s a critical component of meaning and purpose – which is why it’s one of the headliners at Spark in a couple of months!

To help you get started enhancing your focus, try this:

Every morning this week, choose your Daily Top 3 – the 3 items from your long and flowing to-do list that matter most today. If the whole rest of the day goes haywire (not that that ever happens, right? 😉 ), what 3 things do you need to accomplish in order to know you’ve moved forward in meaningful ways?

At Spark, I will be teaching how to choose your Daily Top 3. But experiment with it now and just see how it supports your focus, purpose, and productivity!

Get a hold of my custom planning tools – designed to keep you focused, purposeful, and productive – at Spark! Click here for details!

What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?

Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.

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

Connect with Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Creating A Mission-Based, Values-Driven, Multi-Million Dollar Business: Interview With Zhena Muzyka

Christi Hegstad September 9th, 2015

“As women, mothers, career builders, world changers, wives, and dreamers, we need to find our individual mission as well as our collective mission. It’s important to find ourselves and then gather together, share what we learn, support one another, and love our work.” Zhena Muzyka, Life By The Cup

As soon I read these words, which land even before page one of the excellent book Life By The Cup, I knew this was a book I wanted to share with the ASPIRE Success Club. I also longed to connect with the author, Zhena Muzyka, for as I continued reading I found myself nodding, smiling, and practically having little conversations with her in my head. 🙂 To my great delight, Zhena agreed and we engaged in a wonderfully insightful conversation recently – one that continues to fuel our ASPIRE discussions.

Zhena began the tea company, Zhena’s Gypsy Teas, at a time when most people would likely opt for a “safer” route: $6 in the bank, a 4-week-old baby with medical needs, and feeling pretty much alone in the world. But she felt called to start the business and create an organization that fueled her passion and values while honoring the environment and those who work in the fields. Zhena’s Gypsy Teas is now a multi-million dollar business appreciated around the globe for its environmentally- and socially- healthy practices.

“The world didn’t need another tea company,” Zhena admits right at the start of our conversation. “The world did need hope. It needed a mission, and it needed what was right.” As it turns out, the world seemed to have needed all of the above! A few tips gleaned from our recent conversation:

Don’t wait for the “perfect time.”

Zhena had the odds stacked against her when she began her company, but she a) had a passion for the product, b) couldn’t accept the way workers were being exploited in the field, and c) felt the call. “As soon as I started moving in the direction of my dream,” Zhena shares, “things started working.” Not all easily, mind you, but Zhena was willing to move through the obstacles in favor of making her difference in the world.

Hold your values high, no matter what.

“Living by my values is like a GPS system for happiness,” offers Zhena. She’s very clear on her core values – such as honesty, protecting people, and serving others – which has helped her make decisions and take action from a place of confidence and joy. Honoring her values may have cost her along the way in terms of investors, but she, her businesses, and many others are better because of it. “If you stand for something, you will draw the right people closer to you.”

Serve others while honoring yourself.

As an entrepreneur, mom, wife, author, and many other roles, we in ASPIRE were curious how she balanced it all and maintained healthy boundaries. “I have a mission to serve others,” Zhena joyfully says, “but I do a lot of things to serve myself, too.” Yoga, shopping, hiking, and obtaining a yurt for her backyard where she can reflect and write have all helped fuel her energy. She uses technology, such as the digital timer on her phone, for everything from honoring an hour of writing time each day to reminding her to practice gratitude.

I’ll admit it: I was giddy talking with Zhena, as I so believe in her message and way of operating, and several ASPIRE members picked up on and shared in that giddiness. 🙂 We were inspired, delighted, and motivated into action with Zhena’s suggestions for us!

If you haven’t yet read Life By The Cup, move it to the top of your list. (And for a few more of my thoughts on the book, check here and here.) In the meantime, remember these words from Zhena:

“There is no higher purpose or honor in anyone’s life than to serve and nourish others. May your days be filled with this knowing.”

Learn more about Zhena’s work, including her retreats and publishing imprint, at www.zhena.tv.

What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?

Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.

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

Connect with Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

“I Want My Work To Make A Difference, But…”

Christi Hegstad September 7th, 2015

“Each of us is in the position to make some meaningful contribution to the life around us.”

Michael & Justine Willis Toms

Coaching Tip for the Week:

How do you make a meaningful contribution at work?

This is an area of struggle for many who come to me for coaching. They have the strong desire to make a difference, but they feel stifled and/or disconnected in how to set that free at work.

You will likely spend more of your adult hours at work than nearly any other singular pursuit. You need to know – I mean, know – your work makes a positive difference. In my opinion, this is a non-negotiable.

I have a tricky challenge for you this week. Take one aspect of your work that you don’t enjoy and connect it to the bigger picture. Decide how it makes a positive difference.

Even when you do what you love, you will have certain activities you’d rather not do but must. You can view them as “necessary evils,” or you can expand your mindset to consider how even the seemingly annoying or mindless tasks contribute to a stronger world.

(On the plus side, you’ll probably accomplish those tasks in a much shorter time with a renewed mindset!)

As we honor Labor Day in the U.S. this week, honor your own meaningful work, too!

Spark enrollments are flourishing and it looks like we will sell out soon! Earlybird Rate ends this month – click here to join us!

What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?

Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.

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

Connect with Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Transforming Envy

Christi Hegstad August 31st, 2015

“Admire someone else’s beauty without questioning your own.”

Unknown

Coaching Tip for the Week:

Do you ever feel a pang of envy at someone else’s success?

She got the promotion you should have received.

He published his book while yours is still an idea in your head.

She has had more clients in her first year of business than you have in the last five.

Sometimes it stings, right?

But here’s the deal: Success is not in limited supply. The world is not in danger of running out of success anytime soon. Someone else’s success does not in any way diminish your own, nor does it take away your chances of future wins.

This week, sincerely congratulate someone who has achieved one of your goals. Breathe in a mindset of abundance, remind yourself that there’s plenty to go around, and congratulate her on her action, bravery, and results.

You know what else you can do? Thank her. She is modeling the way for you and showing you that it can be done – whatever your “it” is.

Fill the space of envy with gratitude and genuine compliments. That pang can then transform into joyful motivation!

Surround yourself with success role models who want YOU to succeed! Spark Earlybird Rate ends soon – click here to join us!

What if your boldest dream is actually within reach…and you don’t even realize it?

Dr. Christi Hegstad, Dream Igniter & Growth Accelerator. Christi is a Certified Coach who has helped thousands clarify and reach Big Dreams and Bold Goals with meaning and purpose. She is president of MAP Professional Development Inc., NAWBO Iowa’s Woman Business Owner of the Year, president of ICF Iowa, and mom to three amazing kids.

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

Connect with Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

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