CHRISTI HEGSTAD PH.D.

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What’s Your Positivity Ratio? Why Does It Matter?

Christi Hegstad August 30th, 2015


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

Think about your typical day. I know – “typical” probably doesn’t exist in these ever-changing times, but humor me for just a moment.

On a typical day, how many positive acknowledgments do you receive? Praise from your colleagues, inspiration from your leader, “You’re the best parent in the world” from your kids, that kind of thing.

Now, on that same typical day, how many negative acknowledgments do you receive? Perhaps criticism, expressions of disappointment, “You’re the meanest parent in the world,” and the like.

Would you say your negative number is usually equal to or higher than your positive? On some days, the ones that have you reaching for your TV remote or vice of choice, the negative might really outweigh the positive.

But what can we do about it? And is it really necessary to do anything at all?

According to Barbara Fredrickson, researcher and author of the book Positivity, YES. The amount and quality of positivity in our lives impacts our relationships, well-being, even our physical health. We must consciously invite more positivity into our work and lives if we, and those we lead, are to flourish.

Positivity is more than simply replacing negative thoughts with positive ones or becoming more “Pollyanna-like,” asserts Fredrickson. It runs deeper, tapping into true joy, gratitude, hope, inspiration, and more. Just like a flurry of complaining and frustration can lead us into a negative spiral, conscious positivity creates an upward spiral that benefits not only you, but transfers to those around you as well.

I first learned about the book Positivity while attending an executive coach training in Santa Barbara, CA. After a few instructors mentioned it, so I picked up a copy at a local bookstore and devoured it on my entire flight home. Even if you shy away from “researchy” books, Positivity is a rare breed: thoroughly based in science but also entertaining, engaging, and pertinent to anyone who wants to lead with joy and purpose.

Positivity shares powerful research and applicable tips on everything from boosting one’s own positivity to dealing with negative people to bouncing back from challenges. One of the most intriguing takeaways from the book involves the positivity ratio: Fredrickson encourages us to shoot for a positivity ratio of 3:1; in other words, three positive, uplifting experiences for every one negative or heart-wrenching experience. While the examples I offered in the opening sentences mostly include experiences that happen “to” you, keep in mind that you are the leader in your own positivity. You can create, seek out, and inspire positive experiences at any time, and you have a lot more power in this realm than you might think…especially as a leader!

You don’t have to be peppy, hyper, and happy-go-lucky all the time in order to experience the benefits of positivity; remember, the ratio is 3:1, not 100:0. You do, however, need to consciously cultivate positive moments into your daily experience. Check out Dr. Fredrickson’s quick online quiz to see how you presently fare: www.positivityratio.com.

Tipping the scales in favor of positivity is not always an easy thing to do, but your life will never be the same once you make this your habit!

COACH’S CHALLENGE:

This month, start every meeting – staff meetings, 1-on-1 meetings, performance reviews – on a positive note. My favorite way to do this is to allow each person to briefly share a win they’ve experienced since the previous meeting. Don’t let people off the hook; everyone shares something, even if it’s “I kept my tomato plants alive another week”!

By starting positively, you raise the energy and mindset of everyone in the room, which will prove helpful when delving into important topics and challenges later in the meeting. Give it a shot and let me know how it goes!

How else might you bring positivity to work? Share your ideas below!.

 

Dr. Christi Hegstad coaches leaders and executives to succeed beyond their expectations while bringing meaning and purpose to work. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MAPIncFan, and via Twitter at www.twitter.com/DrChristiCoach.

Positivity by Barbara Fredrickson, Ph.D. (Crown Publishing Group, 2009).

Are You A Leader – Or An Appreciative, Intentional Leader?

Christi Hegstad August 24th, 2015

“A central measure of success [for appreciative leaders] is, ‘Contribute good to the day.’ What this means is that at the end of the day, appreciative leaders can describe what they did that day to add value to others, to bring out the best of people or situations, and/or to set positive ripples in motion.” 


Diana Whitney, Amanda Trosten-Bloom, & Kae Rader

Coaching Tip for the Week:

 

It’s one thing to be a leader.

It’s another to be an appreciative, intentional leader, dedicated to meaningful goals and elevating those around you. 

This week, wake up each morning and set the intention to contribute good to the day. Look for opportunities to add value, to bring out the best in others, to set some ripples of positivity into the world. 

Then at the end of every day this week, ask yourself how you contributed good to the day. For added oomph, document it in your planner or journal. 

All those small ripples of good can create big waves quickly!

The Spark seats are filling! Join us at the Earlybird Rate by clicking here! 

 

 

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.

Chore Or Meaningful Experience? Depends On This

Christi Hegstad August 17th, 2015


“Researchers have found that even the smallest tasks can be imbued with greater meaning when they are connected to personal goals and values. The more we can align our daily tasks with our personal vision, the more likely we are to see work as a calling.” 

Shawn Achor

Coaching Tip for the Week:


You’ve heard me share, time and again, that meaningful work isn’t something awarded to a select few; it’s something we create, by design, with intention.

It also doesn’t mean every single task, every single day, is filled with fun.

But every task can be made meaningful. Really!

Here’s a small example from my life:

My family of five – which includes athletes, artists, gardeners, etc. – generates a fair amount of laundry. Folding laundry is not necessarily something I look forward to upon waking. But I have done two simple-yet-significant things to change this from “chore” to “experience.”


First, I shifted my mindset. Instead of groaning about the laundry, I give thanks for a healthy and active family, a washing machine that does the hard work for me, the freedom to wear whatever we want. 

Then, I thought about things I do love to do and asked myself how I might blend. I love to learn. I love to see inspiring people “doing their thing.” And so now before I start to fold laundry, I load a TED Talk onto my iPad and watch while I work.

Simple!

This week, bring meaning and joy to one of your tasks. Think of one necessary to-do that you don’t particularly enjoy. Ask yourself how you might bring something you do enjoy to that task.


Then, with your new mindset and meaningful strategy, give it a whirl! Be sure to let me know how – below or on Facebook – it goes. 🙂

Ideally, your days will be deeply imbued with activities you love, people you enjoy, and goals that inspire. Learn how to design this for yourself at Spark – visit the website 
for details and the Earlybird Rate! 
 

 

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.

5 Habits Of Meaningful Achievers

Christi Hegstad August 13th, 2015
When you think “servant leader,” who comes to mind? 

How about “goal-driven leader”? 

Which would you rather be – service-hearted or goal-driven?

And the bigger question: Can you be both?

I completely, whole-heartedly believe so. You can set goals – even revenue goals – with a service-based heart. And when you can fully live and work in both, as most of my coaching clients do or strive to do, that’s the sweetest spot. 

I will declare this until the end: You can make a difference and make a living. In this situation, you do not have to choose.

That being said, there is a difference between inspired action and frenetic activity. My clients aim for bold goals but with meaning and purpose – not just busy-ness. Here are 5 key habits I’ve discovered among meaningful achievers that you can assess and incorporate in your work and life:

1. They decide, proactively, what matters most.
You can’t do everything all at once. (Trust me, I’ve learned the hard way!) Meaningful achievers choose what matters most, then invest time, energy, and resources selectively.

2. They focus on inspired action rather than “busy-ness.”
If you ask someone, “How are you?” and they respond, “Busy!”, are you impressed? Me neither. I am a rapt audience, however, when someone shares the energizing, purposeful actions he’s taking to grow, change, or serve. 

3. They create goals in alignment with their values.
Depending on your values, a revenue goal in and of itself might not be motivating. But how about a revenue goal with the desire to take your family on vacation, contribute significantly to a nonprofit, and support three community programs this year? Meaningful achievers know their core values and live and work in accordance with them. 

4. They designate time to plan, reflect, and think.
When talking about preparing for battle, Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.” Even if you don’t follow your plans to the letter, the act of creating them will help you achieve with meaning and purpose.

5. They live and work within the ripple.
When you pursue your passion, serve with joy, and strive for meaningful goals, you set off a positive ripple effect that, far-fetched as it may sound, can change the world. Meaningful achievers get this. They also recognize that being part of the ripple means asking for help, hiring support, and reaching out. No need to go it alone!

Which of these habits do you practice? What would you add? Share your thoughts below or on Facebook!
 

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.

 

Bringing Your Whole Self To Work

Christi Hegstad August 10th, 2015

“When a workplace is authentic and allows you to bring your whole self to a work environment that is congruent with your values, you can almost feel your wings unfurling.” 

Scott Mautz

Coaching Tip for the Week:


Think about a time when you were truly “in the zone”: when you felt focused, purposeful, strong, and like you were exactly where you were supposed to be. What was that moment like for you?

Now imagine feeling that every day when you go to work. 

What would that be like for you?

If you are in that situation now, give thanks – and give yourself a pat on the back for it, too. Meaningful work is not something handed to us by someone else; it’s something we design and move towards with intention. It requires us to know our values, desire to make a difference, and bring our whole selves to work.
If you are not in that situation, take heart. You can get there, and you likely don’t need to change jobs to do so.

This week, bring your “whole self” to work. Commit to honoring your values at work. Strive to create a positive, growth-oriented environment – even if it’s just you and one other person in the office. Decide that you are here to work with meaning and purpose, then be aware of the ways you can experience that every day.

Let your wings unfurl! 

“Spark gave me a renewed sense of pride in how my work makes an impact on others’ lives. I gained confidence that I can accomplish my Bold Goals, discovered that I can give meaning to every day… I am so very grateful for everything I took away from Spark!” 

Jayme Fry 


Enroll in Spark today at the Earlybird Rate! 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, 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.

Who’s In Your Top 5?

Christi Hegstad August 3rd, 2015

“We all need people in our lives who raise our standards, remind us of our essential purpose, and challenge us to become the-best-version-of-ourselves.” 

Matthew Kelly

Coaching Tip for the Week:


It’s been said that you become the average of the 5 people with whom you spend the most time. As of today, are you o.k. with that?

I cannot stress enough the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support you, inspire you, and challenge you to raise your game. Not a bunch of “yes men” or people exactly like you, but those who make you want to work more meaningfully and live more purposefully.

Keep this in mind, too: Everyone is here to teach you something – even those who frustrate you or drain your energy. You can treat them with patience, kindness, and compassion even while choosing to limit the amount of time you spend with them.

This week, connect with one of your raise-your-game colleagues. Invite her out for coffee or dinner, and give one another the best of yourselves. 

Chances are high you will both leave the meeting feeling energized, stronger, and ready to take on the world! 

Surround yourself with inspiration by joining us at Spark! Earlybird Rates still apply – but not for long. Click here for details!

Share your thoughts below, on Facebook, or via Twitter! 

 

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, 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.

 

For Those Who DON’T Love Micro-Managing

Christi Hegstad July 27th, 2015

“If all you give are orders, then all you will get are order-takers.” 

D. Michael Abrashoff

Coaching Tip for the Week:


In all my years of coaching, I have yet to come across a leader who says, “I want to micro-manage. I really enjoy it, and I’m sure my team does, too.”

High-achievers do not need or want someone looking over their shoulder, questioning every action. They need vision and parameters, yes, but minute-by-minute check-ins? No.

This does, however, require some letting go on our part. Not always easy for our ‘inner control freak’! But well worth it in terms of empowerment, engagement, even in freeing up our time.

This week, choose an area you are micro-managing, and change your strategy. 

Create a clear and compelling vision that your trusted person understands and believes in, outline the parameters, build accountability into your plan, then let them go. Be available and offer resources as needed, but trust them to get the job done.

A big responsibility of a leader is developing other leaders. By holding your team to high expectations and enabling them to meet the bar you’ve set, you are enhancing their leadership – which benefits them, you, and your entire organization! 

What’s your micro-managing experience? Share your thoughts with me below, on Facebook, or via Twitter! 

 

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, 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.

WHY Do You Do What You Do?

Christi Hegstad July 22nd, 2015

“The person who knows ‘how’ will always have a job. The person who knows ‘why’ will always be his boss.” 

Diane Ravitch

Coaching Tip for the Week:


Why do you do the work you do?

If you respond with “Because I get paid” or “It’s what I went to school for,” I’m here to challenge you. Those things are nice and important, but for most, they’re just not enough. 

We yearn for more, and we – and our workplaces – suffer when we don’t find it.

In order to work with purpose, you need to know your purpose. 

Once you know your ‘why,’ it will give you stamina through challenges, focus through nebulousness, clarity through uncertainty. It will anchor you.

This week, ask yourself ‘why.’ And do it at least a dozen times.

Why so many times? To get beyond the surface to the true heart of the matter. 

With this exercise, one of my coaching clients – a banker on the verge of burnout – discovered that his why wasn’t just navigating finances and lending money. His why was helping people clarify their dreams – then watching them light up as he helped make them come true!

Ahhhhh. So much more powerful than, “Because I get paid”!


What’s your why? Share your thoughts with me below, on Facebook, or via Twitter! 

 

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, 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.

 

Boost Your (& Your Team’s) Energy

Christi Hegstad July 16th, 2015

Whether it’s the summertime humidity, vacation recuperation, or just a midyear slump, motivation and energy at work often tend to go into hiding this time of year. To help my coaching clients thwart this, I recently sent them a MidYear Success Supercharge exercise. One of the reflective questions in this program:

 

What infuses you with energy?


We all need a few tricks up our sleeves for those times we just don’t feel like doing what we need to do. Here are a few ideas to boost your – and your team’s – energy:


Of course, one of the best ways to instantly boost your energy is to surround yourself with inspiring, energizing people! You’ve got a brilliant opportunity to do just that at our 3rd annual Spark. Watch the meaning-and-purpose.com website for details and Earlybird Registration! 

 

What boosts your energy? Share your thoughts with me below, on Facebook, or via Twitter! 

 

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, 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.


 

All That’s Left Undone

Christi Hegstad July 13th, 2015


“Find your joy in something finished, not a thousand things begun.” 

Douglas Mallock

Coaching Tip for the Week:


Are you an idea fountain? Can you start all kinds of projects, plans, and goals…but then lose interest once the start-up phase has passed?

Fundamentally, there is nothing wrong with this. We all have different strengths, and activating ideas is a great and necessary one.

The challenge arises when you feel bogged down by unfinished business, partially-completed projects, or too much stuff left undone.

This week, finish something. One of my favorite ways to do this: look at your to-do list, choose the lingering task that has transferred from day-to-day (or week-to-week) for the longest, and do it – no excuses.


Or look for a pile (papers, files, etc) and dedicate an hour to tackling it.

If you can’t completely finish a project, achieve a milestone and then put it away until next time. Don’t let the sight of things yet-to-be-finished keep you from working with meaning and purpose in the present moment!

What will you finish this week? Share your thoughts with me below, on Facebook, or via Twitter for added accountability! 

 

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, 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.


Or look for a pile (papers, files, etc) and dedicate an hour to tackling it.

If you can’t completely finish a project, achieve a milestone and then put it away until next time. Don’t let the sight of things yet-to-be-finished keep you from working with meaning and purpose in the present moment!
What will you finish this week? Share your thoughts with me on the blog, Facebook, or Twitter for added accountability!
 
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