10 Ways To Live Lightly And Achieve Boldly

Christi Hegstad January 14th, 2014

I’ve learned something rather important over the past few years: Bearing the weight of the world is a hard, heavy, and unrelenting job.

Perhaps you’ve learned this, too.

If you’re ready to live lightly and achieve BOLDLY in 2014, here are 10 tips to help:

1. Surround yourself with positive people. Consciously spend time with those who uplift, challenge, and inspire you.

2. Say what you mean. Don’t make others guess, assume, or answer for you. Speak your truth.

3. Make decisions. Do the best you can with the knowledge you have – then get on with it.

4. Schedule an adventure. Always have something to look forward to on your calendar.

5. Enhance a skill… Choose an area that matters to you and invest in developing it to your fullest potential.

6. …But in the meantime, act as if. Whatever you most long to be – confident, well-spoken, clear – play the part until you’ve developed it.

7. Write your manifesto. What do you value? Believe in? Stand for? Get it onto paper so you can live and work it consistently.

8. Move towards what you want, rather than away from what you fear.

9. Let go. You can’t carry everyone else’s burdens and expect to fully serve.

10. Do what you love. Engage in meaningful work, cultivate deep relationships, and do what you were put here to do.

What would you add to the list? Share below, on Facebook, or via Twitter!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Poem Of Gratitude For Teachers

Christi Hegstad December 15th, 2013

While cleaning out files this weekend, I came across this poem I had written 5 years ago and presented at a conference for early childhood educators. I become more and more thankful for extraordinary teachers as my children grow. Thank you teachers – from early childhood to geriatric care and every phase of life in between!

ODE TO CHILDCARE PROVIDERS, EDUCATORS, AND ALL-AROUND MIRACLE WORKERS

by Christi Hegstad, Ph.D.

When you’re filling out paperwork and it asks for “occupation,”

I think yours may be one of the hardest in the nation

To try to classify in just a word or two.

“Teacher” or “Care Provider” doesn’t do justice to you!

You are child psychologists helping kids work through their troubles,

Creative geniuses mixing volcanic solutions and nontoxic bubbles;

Cooks devising healthy snacks in a way that’s fun to eat,

Leaders teaching skills that make responsibility seem like a treat;

Mind-readers and fortune-tellers predicting moods from day to day,

Energy infusers and calm soothers, knowing just the right words to say.

You’re doctors, nurses, and psychiatrists all rolled into one,

Sharing healthy, lifelong lessons in a way that makes learning fun.

You’re officers and mediators, rule creators and abiders,

Loving arms, tender voices, compassion-and-care providers,

Scientists and optimists, one-on-one communicators,

Listeners, idea fountains, and public orators.

But even more than that, you are people changing the world;

Generous beings impacting us all through our little boys and girls.

You are whole and lovely people with a gift given to only a few;

Thank you for sharing that gift with us. Thank you for all you do!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Now enrolling for the 2014 ASPIRE Success Club! Click here for details.

Top 10 1/2 Success Books Of 2013

Christi Hegstad December 2nd, 2013

I don’t always exercise or floss every day, but one daily habit I rarely skip is reading. If you love a good book that changes the way you think, act, or believe, take note! Here are my top 10 1/2 professional development reads this year, as well as a takeaway from each.

1. The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan. What matters most to you – and what are you going to do about it? A great resource for focusing in on the one thing that’s going to make the difference in your work and life.

2. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. Filled with experiences and lessons learned, this is an incredibly important book to remind us how we need to call ourselves – and those around us – up to our greatness. (Lean In is also one of our 2014 ASPIRE Success Club picks.)

3. Quiet by Susan Cain. Whether you are a manager, parent, teacher, or leader of another sort, you’ll bring out the best in others (and yourself) when you know their preferences and styles. Learn the differences, similarities, and unique advantages between introverts and extroverts, as well as how to gracefully lead and work with both.

4. The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle. If you think master athletes, musicians, business people, and other elites were born that way – think again. This book shows how deliberate practice, ignited environments, powerful coaches and other key factors determine mastery more than genes.

5. The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor. Research-based strategies shared by a very humorous author (his TED Talk is fantastic!) make this a great read! You’ll learn how to elevate your happiness and why this is critically important in the business world today.

6. The Four Disciplines of Execution by Stephen R. Covey & Chris McChesney. Quick: What is your Wildly Important Goal (WIG) and how are you eliminating the Whirlwind in order to reach it? If you can’t answer that, you’ll be able to – and excel at work – once you read this enlightening book.

7. Daring Greatly by Brene Brown. I was surprised how taken I was by this book, since it sat on my shelf for some time before I was drawn to open it. Quit living steeped in fear and step into your greatness with the helpful insights from this excellent researcher. (Read my book summary and takeaways here.)

8. Mindset by Carol Dweck. Do you avoid activities where you might fail, or do you approach them with a learner’s attitude? Discover how your mindset affects everything you do, how to praise people to encourage further growth, and the importance of an expansive mindset in work, sports, parenting, and every other aspect of life.

9. Wonder by R. J. Palacio. Yes, a Young Adult novel made it onto the professional development list. The main character in this book is a role model for us all, as are many of his friends and relations. The principal’s speech at the end is outstanding.

10 1/2. Drop Dead Healthy by A.J. Jacobs and Blue Zones by Dan Buettner. To be successful at work, you need to be as healthy as possible, and these two books inspire and educate: Drop Dead Healthy with humor, Blue Zones with awe-inspiring interviewees. I now want a treadmill desk for my office!

What books would you add to the list?

Make Thanksgiving a Verb

Christi Hegstad November 25th, 2013

CLARITY KICKSTART: November 25, 2013

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

~ John F. Kennedy

Coaching Tip For The Week:

Here in the U.S. it’s Thanksgiving week, a time to celebrate family, friends, relationships, blessings, and all for which we are grateful.

This week, tell at least 8 people what you appreciate about them. Send a few cards, share your gratitude with them before your Thanksgiving meal, and/or pick up the phone.

Make Thanksgiving a verb!

Thank YOU for supporting MAP Professional Development Inc! We appreciate you!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Now enrolling for the 2014 ASPIRE Success Club! Click here for details.

Which Do You Choose: Purpose, Paycheck, Or Both? Meet Lori

Christi Hegstad November 10th, 2013

Every day this week (and weekend!), I’ll shine the spotlight on an ASPIRE Success Club member who will inspire and remind you that – with the right support, tools, and focus – you can achieve Big Dreams and Bold Goals! If you want the ASPIRE Success Club to support YOU in achieving your 2014 goals, click here to join while openings are still available. ~ Dr. Christi Hegstad

SUCCESS STORY: Lori Card

Four years ago, I started on a path that I hoped would lead me to do what I love; I made the decision to seek purposeful work and not just a paycheck. Every step along the way has taught me something and reminded me what I want (and also what I don’t want) in my new career.

I joined the ASPIRE Success Club this year and set the Bold Goal of working at one full-time position that honors my purpose of making a difference for others. This was a challenging goal because the position I knew I wanted was a stretch for my current experience, so I had to grow professionally.

I have gained experience by working in several part-time jobs, developing my resume and interview skills, and going back to school to start my master’s degree. Even though I had some disappointments along the way and I didn’t know when or how I would get there, I continued to work confidently on my Bold Goal with my ASPIRE network’s support, encouragement, and resources.

Today I am so thrilled to say I have met my BOLD goal!

I start my new career in November – helping students achieve their goals. I am so excited!

And I am thankful to Dr. Christi and the ASPIRE group – I don’t think I would have had the courage to grow enough to be prepared for this opportunity without their support. And I’m already thinking about my next BOLD goal… 🙂

Congratulations Lori! You are a perfect example that you don’t have to choose between purpose or a paycheck – you can enjoy both while making your difference in the world. Readers, join us in the 2014 ASPIRE Success Club by clicking here!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Now enrolling for the 2014 ASPIRE Success Club! Click here for details.

Uniting Gardens, Travel, and Life To Make A Difference: Meet Mary

Christi Hegstad November 8th, 2013

Every day this week, I’ll shine the spotlight on an ASPIRE Success Club member who will inspire and remind you that – with the right support, tools, and focus – you can achieve big dreams and Bold Goals! And if you want the ASPIRE Success Club to support you, join now while openings are still available – click here for details. ~ Dr. Christi Hegstad

SUCCESS STORY: Mary Knight, San Diego, CA

www.ForFoodForLoveFromMary.com

When I joined ASPIRE this year, I knew I wanted to grow my blog in an expansive and purposeful way. I love to share my passion for gardening, cooking, travel and life with others and, although I have received great feedback on my blog, I wanted to uplift even more people with my writing. I felt ready to take things to the next level.

I declared my Bold Goal at the start of the year and immediately began setting myself up for success: Dr. Christi advised us to find something that would visually represent our goal, which I did right away. ASPIRE also connected me with an accountability partner and we meet by phone regularly to share strategies and ideas, which has been invaluable.

Since I also co-own a holistic pet supply store, adding this Bold Goal reminded me of the importance of good time management. I knew if I wanted to succeed, I needed to make it a priority and to set strong daily habits in place.

About mid-year, I experienced some unexpected and difficult events in my life. I put things on hold as I tried to figure out my “new normal.”

But a few months later, my Bold Goal still felt just as important to me, and I knew I wanted to infuse new life into it. Through my work in ASPIRE and some additional coaching from Christi, I dove in: I clarified my vision, streamlined my systems, and challenged myself with some new milestones.

Now, I am happy to report I am posting on my blog regularly, increasing my readership, and hearing wonderful feedback from people about how my writing inspires them! People share how they’re trying my recipes, they’re inspired to garden when seeing my photos, and they feel like they’re traveling right along with me. I even learned new technology so that I could easily update my blog frequently during my recent trip to Italy.

To do what I love and to know it’s making a difference for others has been HUGE for me! I am already thinking about next year’s Bold Goal and am excited for what’s ahead!

Congratulations, Mary! You set a lofty goal and took the action to support it, while giving yourself compassion to handle those difficult times, too. We’re inspired by you! Readers, join the success by clicking here! Watch tomorrow for a story of someone who doubted herself for quite some time – then made a huge leap towards her Bold Goal!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Now enrolling for the 2014 ASPIRE Success Club! Click here for details.

When One Door Closes…Build Another! Meet Dianna

Christi Hegstad November 6th, 2013

Every day this week, I’ll shine the spotlight on an ASPIRE Success Club member who will inspire and remind you that – with the right support, tools, and focus – you can achieve big dreams and Bold Goals! And if you want the ASPIRE Success Club to support you, join now while openings are still available – click here for details. ~ Dr. Christi Hegstad

SUCCESS STORY: Dianna Ranger, Professional Organizer

Location Matters

A few years ago, I began coaching with Dr. Christi to strengthen my career path. At the time, I was employed by a large company and very successful, but after 28 years there I was looking to deepen that experience to fulfill my purpose.

In coaching with Christi, I rediscovered my passion for organizing. I love to organize and knew I had natural strengths in this area – I’d often help friends organize their kitchens or craft areas – but that’s as far as it went. I began researching, taking courses, and educating myself on the possibility of becoming a professional organizer, thinking this would be fun to do on the side.

I was thrown a curve ball when my employer announced a series of layoffs – and that I would be one of them.

Although I was LOVING everything about the organizing field, I quieted those passions to look for a new job, which I found fairly quickly and really enjoyed. About 18 months into it, however, the urge to organize started creeping back. I chose to pursue professional organizing on the side while keeping my full-time job.

A few months later, I was thrown another curve ball when my new employer announced a series of layoffs – and that I would be one of them. I felt like the universe kept trying to tell me something – and this time I was ready to listen!

Having already set the wheels in motion, I decided to pursue my dream full time. I vividly remember the ASPIRE meeting where I announced, for the very first time, that my Bold Goal was to become a professional organizer. I was so excited and nervous saying that out loud! My ASPIRE friends supported and encouraged me the entire way.

I am pleased to say my professional organizing business, Location Matters, opened earlier this year! It feels wonderful to do something I’m good at and enjoy to make a difference in people’s lives, helping them find clarity, energy, and order. To set such a Bold Goal – one that scared the crap out of me – and then achieve it has been a life-changing experience!

By sharing my dream with the ASPIRE group and using the resources we receive every month, I realized I could be nervous and afraid AND still move forward in the direction of my dreams. Christi and my fellow ASPIRE members have truly been a blessing in my life. I am so thrilled to be successfully doing what I love!

Congratulations, Dianna! You’ve inspired all of us with your courage, perspective, and ability to persevere, and we’re thrilled to see your dreams coming true! Readers, join the success by clicking here! Come back tomorrow for another inspiring success story that started with a list and blossomed into a new way of life.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Now enrolling for the 2014 ASPIRE Success Club! Click here for details.

Her “Impossible” Goal Is Changing Lives: Meet Charlie

Christi Hegstad November 5th, 2013

Every day this week, I’ll shine the spotlight on an ASPIRE Success Club member who will inspire and remind you that – with the right support, tools, and focus – you can achieve big dreams and Bold Goals! And if you want the ASPIRE Success Club to support you, join now while openings are still available – click here for details. ~ Dr. Christi Hegstad

SUCCESS STORY: Charlie Kiesling, Executive Director

Amanda The Panda Grief Center

At the start of the year, Dr. Christi had each ASPIRE member set a Bold Goal – something that would stretch and challenge us, that would take the better part of the year to achieve, and that was truly meaningful to us and our professional success.

I decided to really go BOLD. I said that I wanted to have a stand-alone facility for our nonprofit, Amanda the Panda, for which I am the Executive Director. I knew that having such a facility would allow us to more fully impact the people we’re here to serve and fulfill our mission even more effectively.

I also knew this was a huge stretch of a goal – HUGE.

I get goosebumps when I look back at how things have transpired! I completed the activities Christi provided us to lay out an action plan. Within just a few months of stating this Bold Goal, we found the perfect facility, our fundraising efforts received incredible outside support, the right people came into the picture…

Long story short, we are now happily settled in our new stand-alone facility, which is centrally located within the community we serve, and we are able to focus our energy on helping those who come to us for support.

It wasn’t all easy, to be sure. We hit some bumps in the road along the way. But each time I came to an ASPIRE meeting, I was surrounded by the encouragement, tools, mentoring and motivation to stay focused. I’d leave with renewed energy, connections, and ideas to continue towards the vision we had created.

And as I see those we serve using the new facility in the way we intended, I am so thankful we stayed the course. It’s been a meaningful experience that will continue to make a difference for many years to come!

Congratulations, Charlie! We’ve been blessed to support your success which makes such a difference for so many people. Readers, join the success by clicking here! And come back tomorrow for a success story that will show you how obstacles can actually serve as doors to your right livelihood.

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action.

Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Now enrolling for the 2014 ASPIRE Success Club! Click here for details.

Takeaways From THE ADVANTAGE by Patrick Lencioni

Christi Hegstad October 15th, 2013

Although I am a big reader, I am typically not a fan of “workplace parables,” which explains why I haven’t been particularly drawn to Patrick Lencioni’s work in the past despite seeing his books on the bestseller lists.

When he released a non-parable book last year, The Advantage, I decided to take a peek. I ended up reading (devouring) the book quickly and about wore out a highlighter in the process!

In brief, The Advantage serves as a guide to organizational health. Right from the start, Lencioni highlights two requirements for success: an organization needs to be smart (in terms of strategy, finance, marketing, and the like) and healthy (minimal politics and confusion, high morale and productivity). Rather than providing simple “quick fixes” for organizational health that don’t last, he offers a more sustainable culture shift: one underscored by strong leadership, recognized values, and defined purpose.

One of the longings I hear most often from my executive clients is their desire for clarity – an issue Lencioni has obviously experienced as well, since 3 of his 4 disciplines in The Advantage revolve around this topic. I was reminded of Cy Wakeman’s statement in Reality Based Leadership: “Ambiguity is the source of all conflict.” When we can clearly communicate goals, expectations, procedures and values, we reduce tension and misunderstandings and increase levels of engagement.

While profound statements – and more importantly, thought-provoking questions for organizational leaders to ask themselves – abound throughout the book, my favorite appears within Discipline 2 – Create Clarity. Here, Lencioni discusses the importance of knowing your purpose and asserts that all organizations exist to make people’s lives better.

“Now that doesn’t mean that all organizations make people’s lives better in major, transformational ways,” he writes. “And it doesn’t mean they make ALL people’s lives better. Nonetheless, every organization must contribute in some way to a better world for some group of people, because if it doesn’t, it will, and should, go out of business.”

He continues with a question all organizations should ask themselves first and frequently: “How do we contribute to a better world?”

That question alone, and the discussions that will ensue from it, make this book worth the investment, in my opinion. I also appreciate his exercises that focus on building on people’s strengths to make a stronger, healthier organization.

Whether you lead a large corporation or own a small business, the takeaways from The Advantage will benefit your organizational health. And if you, like me, are not a fan of leadership parables, you’ll be relieved to know that Lencioni’s storytelling skills make this an enjoyable read, too!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Drama-Filled Leaders

Christi Hegstad September 19th, 2013

Our ASPIRE Success Club just wrapped up discussion on a fantastic book by Cy Wakeman called Reality-Based Leadership. In the book, Cy shares practices for eliminating drama in the workplace so you can focus on what matters.

In the course of our discussion, one vibrant member asked an important question: What if your leader is the one causing the drama?

When a coworker or customer thrives on drama (and I’m sure we’ve all met those folks a time or two!), you have several options for navigating that experience. But when it’s your leader, you can easily feel stuck between a rock and a hard place. Do I just have to grin and bear it? Do I speak up – and at what risk? Do I ignore it?

Here are a few crucial points to keep in mind when a conflict or drama-filled moment arises:

1. Find common ground. What end result can you both agree on, even if your methods differ? What component matters to both of you? You need to start at a common meeting place if you’re going to move forward.

2. Know what motivates him/her. Whether we consciously recognize it or not, we lead (and live) by our values. If your leader has a core value of safety, do what you can to create a safe environment when talking with her – or she won’t hear a word you say. If he values organization and order, present your ideas in an organized manner – or he won’t be able to get past the disorganization.

3. View from a different perspective. A friend of mine shares how, when her children are bickering with one another in the back of the van, she “views them from above” and tries to see things from each one’s perspective before responding. A whiny child can drive you to the edge, but when you can acknowledge that he’s simply overtired and needs a distraction, you’ll handle things much more purposefully and effectively. Transfer this to your workplace – it works wonders.

If you’ve been with me for any period of time, you’ve likely heard me say, “Look for the lesson.” It’s one of my Guiding Principles – one that has helped me through countless difficulties. Apply that to your drama, too: what lessons can you learn here? Even if the biggest lesson involves learning how not to be as a leader, there’s value in that.

And I’d be remiss not to say, look honestly at how you may contribute to the drama, too. Take responsibility where necessary.

Of course, if the situation involves ethical, moral, or legal issues, that’s another matter altogether. And sometimes, the best solution is to limit time spent with the instigator or leave the situation. In the meantime, hopefully these tips give you insight into the psychology of the person you’re dealing with and allow you to grow and learn gracefully through the process.

How do you navigate drama-filled leadership? Please share your ideas below, on Facebook, or via Twitter.

Spark attendees will go deeper into #2 above, identifying their own core values with our pre-training call next week. We have room for just a few more – click here to join us!

Dr. Christi Hegstad helps you successfully do what you love! As President of MAP Professional Development Inc., she coaches professionals to get unstuck and reach Bold Goals with clarity, confidence, and meaningful action. Learn more at www.meaning-and-purpose.com and follow Dr. Christi on Facebook and Twitter.

Tag Archives: meaningful work