CHRISTI HEGSTAD PH.D.

Tag Archives: meaningful work

How Will You Gently Shake The World?

Christi Hegstad January 21st, 2013

“In a gentle way, you can shake the world.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Coaching Tip For The Week:

How are you changing the world?

Gandhi also famously said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This does not require – or encourage – you to become someone you’re not. You can lead change successfully even if you are not boisterous, loud, or have 20,000 followers on your Twitter account.

This week, take an action to gently change the world. Sign up to volunteer with an organization you believe in, conduct a daily random act of kindness, leave an extra tip for the provider who joyfully served your meal. 

Don’t wait for “a better time” – it’s always the perfect time to be the change you wish to see in the world! 

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How To Set – & Stick With – Habits That Help

Christi Hegstad January 17th, 2013

How many ads have you heard lately promoting the “New Year – New You”? We’re taught to crave dramatic overhauls, instant gratification, and “get rich quick” results.

In reality, however, our ultimate success typically stems from small habits implemented consistently over time.
 
Though perhaps not as exciting as the overnight reinvention, building a series of small, positive habits into your work provides greater benefits: your efforts are realistic and your results are sustainable.

If your new year involves new habits, here are 3 tips to help you stick with them:

  1. Schedule your habit. Whether you resolve to send more gratitude cards to clients or add a brisk walk into your workday, decide in advance when you’ll do it. Ideally shoot for the same time each day, but if that’s not realistic, pull out your planner Sunday evening and give your new habit a time slot each day that week.
  2. Be clear on the “Why.” What’s the point of your new habit? What results do you expect to see? Why does that matter to you? Get specific here. Your why-power is more important than your will-power!
  3. Track your success. Speaking to a leadership institute last week, I told the group I believe we’re all second-graders at heart: those gold foil stars that we loved seeing on our assignments can motivate us just as much now as they did then! Create a simple chart, purchase a pack of foil stars, and track your new habit every day for the next month.

The trickiest part of developing new habits is, of course, the “stick-with-it-ness.” Decide in advance how to handle a setback, as well as how you will reward yourself for success along the way. Having your plan in place will liberate you to focus on the actual implementing.

What healthy work habits will you develop in 2013? Share your ideas below or on our Facebook page!
  

A New Kind of “What If”

Christi Hegstad January 15th, 2013

I started my business in large part due to the “What If” questions I heard repeatedly from workshop participants. Some common examples:

Today, I’d like to propose some different “What If” questions for you to ponder:

Ahhhh….what if….

What Work “Calls” You?

Christi Hegstad January 14th, 2013

“When navigating your core projects, think back to what you loved to do when you were a child…And pay attention to the work you gravitate to.” ~ Susan Cain

Coaching Tip For The Week:

When do you feel energized, lit up, or ‘in the zone’ at work?

If one of your goals in 2013 involves successfully doing work you love, take some time to discern your strengths and passions. Many times rather than overhauling our businesses or careers, we simply need to make a few adjustments so that we spend more time in our areas of strength.

This week, pay attention to what lights you up at work. Consider which activities make you lose track of time, what projects you volunteer to complete, and the committees (current or not yet imagined) on which you’d love to serve. 

As you move forward through the year, strive to tip the scales each day in favor of your strengths. You and your business will benefit?

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Ask Dr. Christi: Overwhelming Goals

Christi Hegstad January 11th, 2013

Ask Dr. Christi

One of my goals this year is to write a book, something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I’m passionate about the topic and excited about the project, but I can’t seem to get started! Every time I sit down to write, I feel completely overwhelmed and end up straightening my desk or checking email. Once I get going I believe I’ll find my groove – but how can I get started?

Congratulations on a thrilling goal! Your passion and excitement are good indicators that you’ve chosen your goal wisely, so since that’s not an issue, let me offer a few ideas.

First, consider talking to a few people who have already done what you’re setting out to do. (In this case, they’ve written books.) Invite them for coffee or request a brief phone call, then have some questions prepared. 

For example, you may want to ask how they got started, what they did when they felt overwhelmed, and how they sustained motivation even on the days they perhaps didn’t feel like writing. You’ll gain valuable tips and inspiration from someone who’s successfully done what you’re about to do. 

Make sure you follow up your conversations with a thank you note.

Also, you need to break a Bold Goal like this into manageable pieces. Rather than, “Today at 1pm I will write my book,” divide the project into segments and focus on one segment at a time: “Today I will complete my Introduction” or “This week, I’ll finish the Table of Contents.” Set mini-deadlines for yourself so you continue to move forward and avoid getting stuck in ‘busy work.’ 

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase – just take the first step.” Keep his words in mind. You don’t have to write the whole book today – just take the first step, then the next step, and before you know it, you’ll be signing book jackets and changing lives with your written words.  

Do you have a question about growing your business/career, goals, or getting unstuck? Dr. Christi doesn’t claim to have all the answers but she’s happy to share what she’s learned! Send us your questions via email or on our Facebook page.   

Caffeinated Leadership: Lessons From Starbucks

Christi Hegstad January 4th, 2013

I’m not sure if it stems from my love of books, the contagious enthusiasm of the baristas, or my coffee addiction passion, but I am enthralled by all of the books relating to Starbucks. 

I mentioned Onward by Howard Schultz in my Top 12 Books of 2012 post a few weeks ago, which focuses on the company’s highs and lows from the CEO’s perspective. In The Starbucks Experience, Dr. Joseph Michelli takes a different viewpoint and offers five lessons in moving from ordinary to extraordinary. 

Consider “the cup of coffee.” Having a cup of coffee is certainly not new. I fondly remember sitting in my grandparents’ kitchen – which often felt like Grand Central Station with its bustle of activity and visitors – and the first question asked of anyone walking through the door was, “How about a cup of coffee?”

Over the years, however, Starbucks has encouraged us to take this routine part of our day and make it a “moment.” Rather than mindlessly gulping down a cup, the atmosphere in your local Starbucks shop prompts you to sit down, savor, and enjoy the experience. Truly connect with yourself or the person with you.

And they’ve built a wildly successful business model on this concept of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Here are a couple of my takeaways from The Starbucks Experience that you can implement in your own business or career to help set yourself apart, succeed in a values-oriented way, and make the most of your work experience:

Other principles shared throughout the book include Make It Your Own (add your personal touch), Everything Matters (pay attention to details), and Embrace Resistance (open yourself to feedback). 

The Starbucks Experience is one of those books that you don’t want to simply read and place on the shelf. Its clear lessons, applicable in any work setting, invite us to examine our own professional experience and uplevel it in significant, sustainable ways. 

I encourage you to adopt one of these principles for the next week and commit to playing it out on a daily basis. At the end of your week, reflect on your experiences and see how you – and perhaps your environment and those around you – have taken a step from ordinary to extraordinary!


End Of The Year Inventory: 21 Questions

Christi Hegstad December 18th, 2012

Before you dive into a new year with its fresh opportunities, goals, and hopes, make sure you set aside time to reflect on your 2012. Not only does this give you an accurate starting point for new goals, it also nudges you to do something you may not do very often: celebrate your successes!

This questionnaire encourages you to take a healthy look at your career or business, as well as how your work is supporting your overall vision for your life. Like I told my ASPIRE members this month, I encourage you to head to a quiet place with only your journal and pen, a cup of coffee or tea, and this questionnaire. Savor this time!

End Of The Year Inventory: 21 Questions

  1. What are my ‘wins’ this year? What highlights am I celebrating?
  2. What has worked well in my business or career?
  3. What have I tried that has not worked well?
  4. What new actions or healthy risks did I take? What were their results?
  5. What did I let go of or stop doing this year? How has that turned out?
  6. How have I lived out my annual theme? (Watch for more on this next week.)
  7. In what ways did my business/career grow this year?
  8. What relationships did I build or strengthen?
  9. How have I honored my time (e.g. planned vacations, being intentional with my workdays, planning my week in advance)?
  10. What goals did I reach? What helped?
  11. What goals didn’t I reach? What got in the way?
  12. In what professional development opportunities did I engage (e.g., attended a class, hired a coach, spoke at a conference)?
  13. How have I grown as a leader? What leadership skills have I strengthened?
  14. How have I carried out my Vision, Mission, and Guiding Principles?
  15. What were my top priorities this year? How did I honor them?
  16. How have I cared for my well-being – physical, mental, relational, and spiritual?
  17. What support did I seek (e.g., coach, mentor, housekeeper, therapist, personal trainer)?
  18. What new habits or systems have I developed that support my growth?
  19. How have I balanced my work with other Life Dimensions like family, self-care, and home?
  20. What positive difference did I make through my work – for myself, my business, my family, my community, the world?
  21. What positive lessons have I learned about myself this year?

Consider designating a journal or nice notebook for your reflection and future planning. You’ll have all of your growth thoughts captured in one place and will be able to return to it throughout the year.

Watch this blog for further articles to help set up a flourishing 2013. In the meantime, be sure to share other questions you’ll add to your Inventory!

 

Today’s Small Act of Kindness

Christi Hegstad December 17th, 2012

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” ~ Aesop

Coaching Tip For The Week:

Can you make a difference? 

Sometimes events happen that we can’t fully understand or wrap our minds and hearts around. At times like these, it’s easy to feel small and powerless.

But each one of us – including you, including me – has the power to make a difference. And I believe it’s our responsibility to step into that power every single day.

Each day this week, extend an act of kindness to someone. Don’t worry about the size of the act or the outcome or what you may see in return. Willingly give that smile, a compassionate ear, a card, a random gift, a hug.

None of us can do everything, but every single one of us can do something. Let’s follow Gandhi’s advice and be the change we wish to see in the world

Peace and blessings to all.
 

Top 12 Professional Development Books of 2012

Christi Hegstad December 5th, 2012

If your idea of fun includes a crackling fire, a hot drink, and a book that changes the way you think, work, or live, this list is for you! I’ve highlighted some of my favorite reads this year (though they were not necessarily published this year) – books that either changed my mindset, altered my behavior, or set off several proverbial lightbulbs as I read.

A couple of caveats: This list doesn’t include a)  books that I’ve already reviewed on my blog, such as Switch and Start Something That Matters, and b) the 4 books The ASPIRE Success Club will read, discuss, and apply in 2013. All of those books, of course, would be included in the Top 12! Also, this list is in no particular order.

Enjoy – and be sure to add your suggestions below!

1. Thrive by Dan Buettner. He studied four of the happiest places in the world to find out what they’re doing right. I love the rich storytelling and applicable ideas.

2. Succeed by Heidi Grant Halvorson. A research-based look at goals, achievement, and motivation. I think I quoted from this book in nearly every ASPIRE call this year!

3. SoulSpace by Xorin Balbes. A delightful client of mine recommended this book which focuses on decluttering, elevating, and personalizing your home or office environment. Inspiring and peaceful.

4. The Freedom Formula by Christine Kloser. Uplifting content about being a conscious business owner – bridging the gap between soul and money. I’ve made this required reading for one of my mastermind groups. 

5. Blissology by Andy Baggott. A random picked-off-the-bookstore-shelf selection that won me over! A unique perspective on happiness from a healer/acupuncturist’s point of view.

6. Bossypants by Tina Fey. While maybe not a professional development book per se, Tina is a great example of an intelligent woman succeeding at doing what she loves – and being able to see (and share) the humor in it all.

7. Being Strategic by Erika Anderson. A terrific strategic planning resource with very practical ideas and insightful case studies to support them. Great for business owners and leaders, and could even be applied to strategic life planning.

8. The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto. The photos – along with the premise – place this book on the list. It’s all about the kindness, love, gratitude, and how we can heal our planet by raising our consciousness. 

9. Quiet Strength by Tony Dungy. Perhaps embarrassing to admit (especially to my MN Vikings fan husband!), I had no idea who Tony Dungy was when I picked this up at the library. I quickly grew to appreciate his calm leadership approach and his refreshing perspective on priorities.

10. The Firestarter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte. Another random pick written in a fun, almost poetic, way. The central theme – pursuing your passion and finding meaning by doing what you love – makes this a winner in my eyes.

11. Onward by Howard Schulz. I’ve read several Starbucks-related books and continue to be intrigued by the company and its philosophy. While I don’t necessarily agree with everything this book offers, it does share some great business lessons about holding your vision and staying true to your beliefs.

12. Wild by Cheryl Strayed. Like Tina Fey’s Bossypants, this is actually a memoir and probably not intended for the professional development genre. It’s an engaging story about one woman’s quest to find answers to some of life’s great questions amid huge life transitions. The themes of strength, courage, and finding oneself really resonated.

The year isn’t over, and I’ve still got a stack to read…as well as about 10 more that could’ve made this list. 🙂 Don’t be surprised if you see an addendum soon (is that allowed in blogging?!). 

In the meantime, please tell us – what have YOU read this year? 

There Are No Ordinary Moments

Christi Hegstad December 3rd, 2012

“There are no ordinary moments.” ~ Dan Millman

How often do you savor the moment?

Much of our action seems mundane: you wake up, you brush your teeth, you drive to work, you make calls. Ho-hum.

But what if you chose to make these mundane moments extraordinary? How might that change your approach to life?

This week, choose something that you do on a routine basis – your commute, or perhaps preparing dinner – and make it extraordinary. Pay attention to the details, focus on the purpose of the act (“I am nourishing my family by preparing this meal”), ask yourself how you can elevate the experience. 

You’ll find that success and joy live even in – sometimes, especially in – the small moments of work and life.

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