Spring Clean Your Leadership

Christi Hegstad May 19th, 2016

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

What on earth does decluttering have to do with career, business, and leadership success?

Quite a lot, actually. Consider this scenario:

You wake up in the morning feeling uncharacteristically energized and alert. An exciting project awaits you – one that uses your strengths and passions and that will make a huge difference – and you’ve been anticipating the day when you’d have focused, quality time to work on it. Today’s the day!

You shower, grab your coffee or tea, walk into your workspace, and immediately feel swallowed up by all the papers, files, notes, lists, piles… You can hardly see your desk or chair for all the clutter.

How likely are you jump right into that project now?

Chances are, your energy and focus promptly take a nosedive. Just as physical “stuff” can drain us of precious motivation, so too can clutter in other, less obvious forms.

Good news, though! You can spring clean those less tangible areas, too – at any time of year. Here are five great places to begin clearing up your leadership:

1. Your schedule.

Is every moment of the day accounted for? The lack of breathing room can contribute significantly to stress and distraction. Build in some buffers throughout the day – even just ten minutes here and there – and use them for quick walks, meditation, or absolutely nothing.

2. Your meetings.

What do unproductive, aimless, never-ending meetings bring out in you? Probably not your best side. Send a (brief) agenda in advance, clarify and gain agreement on the desired meeting results, hold standing meetings, start and end on time. Side note: Start each meeting with everyone sharing a win. It’s quick, uplifting, and energizing!

3. Your to-do list.

How many items are on your to-do list today? Now, honestly, how many will you actually complete? Identify what I call your Daily Top 3 – your three most important priorities of the day – then focus on them intently. Practice delegating, outsourcing, re-ordering, or letting go of other tasks.

4. Your self-doubt.

Everyone questions their decisions and abilities from time to time, but don’t let your uncertainty derail you. “Decide & Take Action” has long been one of my guiding principles; seeking support, reviewing your successes, and surrounding yourself with positive people can all help.

5. Your message/brand.

What do you stand for? What is your authentic leadership brand? What do you want to be known and remembered for? Trying to please everyone means essentially you please no one, especially not yourself. Conduct a values clarification and revisit (or create) your purpose statement, using them as your filter and guide.

COACH CHRISTI’S CHALLENGE:

What’s your favorite spring cleaning tip? Consider how you might apply a variation of it to your work, leadership, or life. For added inspiration, check out a decluttering book for ideas.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo, for example, promotes physical decluttering based in one underlying question: “Does the item spark joy?” If it does, keep it, says Kondo. If it doesn’t, it’s time to let it go.

Ask yourself similar questions with commitments, to-do items, activities, and the like: “Does it help me fulfill my purpose? Does it align with my values and goals? Does is serve the greater good? Am I the best person to do it?”

Pause. Open the proverbial window and let in some fresh spring air. Spring clean your work, leadership, and life – and move a little more lightly as a result!

How will you spring clean your work, leadership, and life? Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter (@ChristiHegstad), and Instagram (@ChristiHegstad).

Use This Tool For Clarity and Focus

Christi Hegstad May 15th, 2016

Recently while engaging in my morning routine, it dawned on me that we are approaching mid-year. Surely we all know this – the graduation announcements alone are a good clue! – but as I looked at the milestones I hope to reach by the middle of 2016, it really hit me: that’s mere weeks away. I’ve got some work to do between now and then!

Overall, I feel good about my goals, but one is really falling short. I knew it was time to make some decisions, so I conducted what I call a Success Stoplight. It’s a simple but profound activity that I’d like to share with you.

First, take any goal you’ve set and write it at the top of your page.

Then, ask yourself 3 questions:

1. What do I need to START doing in order to achieve this goal?

2. What unhelpful habits or actions do I need to STOP doing?

3. What strong practices do I want to make sure I CONTINUE doing to ensure my success?

Brainstorm and jot down whatever comes to mind.

My list ended up quite long (read: overwhelming). Rather than unrealistically tell myself I could do it all, I thought honestly about what actions would make the greatest impact. I then chose just a few to implement, and made the commitment. I’ll share them with my coach for added accountability.

Not only do I now feel more in control and confident about achieving this goal, my energy and motivation have been re-invigorated, too.

Give this a try! You can write your lists out on paper or in your journal like I did, or subscribe to our newsletter to receive these types of tools in your in-box.

Select a meaningful goal, walk through the three questions, then choose just a few actions to implement. You’ll be more focused, clear, and confident as a result. Be sure to let me know how it goes!

What’s one of your stop/start/continue actions? Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning coach, author, and speaker.

A recognized leadership and professional development expert, Christi helps people live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose. She has received such honors as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, Forbes Coaches Council, and is current president of ICF Iowa. She is a frequently sought-after speaker and writes regularly for Huffington Post, Des Moines Business Record, ICF, and more.

Connect with Christi social media (see above) or by email.

Your 30-Day Plan For Meaningful Work

Christi Hegstad April 17th, 2016

This article originally published by The Huffington Post.

“I wish my work was meaningful, but…”

How would you finish that statement?

I’ve immersed myself in the topic of meaningful work since my doctoral program 15 years ago. Amid various opinions and research, one consistent truth continues to rise to the top: You ascribe meaning to your work. It’s not handed to you with a certain title, role, or activity, but rather brought out with intentionality by you.

For example, I once coached a former self-proclaimed “desk jockey” who now sees how his data entry work ultimately, by virtue of the ripple effect, saves lives. I also worked with a physician who directly saved lives but felt depleted, overwhelmed, and ready to call it quits. Each responded quite differently to the question, “How meaningful is your work?”

If working with meaning and purpose sounds far-fetched for you, commit to focusing on it for one month. I’ve created a calendar of simple but profound actions that will help you get started, which you can adapt as needed for your particular position.

Day 1: Start a Success Journal, noting one win at work per day. Commit to this practice daily for the month.

Day 2: Uncover your values and begin actively bringing them into your work. Check out the free online Values In Action assessment to get your thoughts rolling around this topic.

Day 3: Read an article about someone who inspires you.

Day 4: Select a project that engages your strengths. Underpromise and overdeliver.

Day 5: Add a motivating quote or helpful words of wisdom to your email signature.

Day 6: Write your ideal job description. Ask yourself how you could start bringing part of it to life.

Day 7: Choose a volunteer project that’s meaningful for you. Gather a few coworkers to join you.

Day 8: Turn off all phones, notifications, & pings for 1-3 hours of deep, focused work.

Day 9: Send a handwritten note to a teacher or mentor who made a positive impact.

Day 10: Leave a voicemail for a colleague thanking them for all they do.

Day 11: Keep a time log for the day (or week). Accurately record where you spend your time.

Day 12: Make a list of 10+ career triumphs — moments when you truly felt in the zone, energized, and doing exactly what you were meant to do.

Day 13: Bring special coffees, fruit, or a cookie tray to the office (or send to a client).

Day 14: Take a task that weighs you down and outsource, delegate, delete, or positively deal with it.

Day 15: Take on a leadership role for a project, committee, or experience that lights you up.

Day 16: Map your work’s ripple effect. How do you make a difference for your coworkers, customers, family, community, and the world at large?

Day 17: Send a note to someone’s boss sharing how well she/he served you.

Day 18: Choose your Daily Top 3 – your 3 most important priorities for today. Focus on them before all else.

Day 19: Do something delightfully out of the ordinary: Hold a staff meeting outdoors or host “bring your dog to work day,” for example.

Day 20: Ask your supervisor for suggestions to help you grow, flourish, and make his/her job easier.

Day 21: Develop a reading habit of at least 15 minutes, or 15 pages, per day.

Day 22: Envision where you’d love to be — personally and professionally — 5 years from now. Start creating your action plan for that vision.

Day 23: Invite someone you respect out for coffee. Share what you admire and ask how you can help them.

Day 24: Publicly (i.e., on social media) thank an organization you admire.

Day 25: Who could benefit from your time and knowledge? Spend some time developing someone else.

Day 26: Overcome an obstacle. Choose something that’s frustrated you and take action to improve it.

Day 27: Give 3 sincere, specific compliments to others.

Day 28: Focus on one thing at a time. Be fully in each of the day’s activities.

Day 29: Take a significant leap to move a goal forward. Be bold!

Day 30: Decide your work is meaningful. Choose to act with purpose. Know, in your deepest self, that what you do matters!

You likely invest a good portion of your days — and therefore your life — at work. When you consciously use that time to express your purpose, make a difference, and help yourself and others grow, your experience changes dramatically.

As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. declared, “No work is insignificant.” Take these actions for the next month or create your own, knowing that your work provides an opportunity to live your purpose and make a meaningful difference — no matter what the role. Make it count!

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning coach, author, and speaker.

A recognized leadership and professional development expert, Christi helps people live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose. She has received such honors as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and is current president of ICF Iowa. She is a frequently sought-after speaker and writes regularly for Huffington Post, Des Moines Business Record, ICF, and more.

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter (@DrChristiCoach), Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or by email.

Protecting Your Time Block

Christi Hegstad April 11th, 2016

“Although time blocking isn’t hard, protecting the time you’ve blocked is. The world doesn’t know your purpose or priorities and isn’t responsible for them – you are.”

Gary Keller

Coaching Tip for the Week:

If you’ve been following the 30 Days of Meaningful Work this month on Facebook or Twitter, Day #8 may have struck a chord with you. How often do you clear away all distractions to focus on one singular project– even for just an hour?

Many of us have great intentions, blocking purposeful time with a flourish at the start of the week. But when that time rolls around, we find we’ve allowed a meeting to get scheduled or we use the time to catch up on to-do’s rather than our original project.

I relate this to reserving a hotel room. What if you reserved your room across the country, only to discover upon arrival that they’ve given your room to someone else? They took the reservation just fine – they just didn’t protect it.

(By the way, if this resonates with you at all, I strongly encourage you to attend one of our Run Your Day sessions – click here for details.)

This week, reserve – and protect – one block of time. Start by identifying the important project or goal that truly deserves your attention.

Open your calendar and block some time – even one hour – and honor it as if you were paying someone top dollar for that hour. Decide in advance what result you’d like to achieve by the end of your blocked time, and commit to removing all distractions.

Then, just this once, let nothing sneak into that time – no excuses.

After one period of true, engaged focus, I can almost guarantee you’ll be addicted!

P.S. You can view the 30 Days of Meaningful Work calendar in my recent Huffington Post article – click here.

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified and award-winning coach, author, and speaker.

A recognized leadership and professional development expert, Christi helps people live, work, and lead with meaning and purpose. She has received such honors as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, Forbes Coaches Council, and is current president of ICF Iowa. She is a frequently sought-after speaker and writes regularly for Huffington Post, Des Moines Business Record, ICF, and more.

Connect with Christi on Facebook, Twitter (@DrChristiCoach), Instagram (DrChristiHegstad), or by email.

Becoming A Leader Who Coaches

Christi Hegstad April 8th, 2016

This article originally published by the Des Moines Business Record.

Dr. Christi Hegstad is a certified executive and leadership coach, president of MAP Professional Development Inc., and leader of the ASPIRE Success Club.

Surely you’ve heard the ancient lesson: Give someone a fish and she’ll eat for a day, but teach her to fish and she’ll feed herself for life. Do you agree? How have you incorporated this philosophy into your leadership practices?

Most of us, I’m guessing, believe that helping people to help themselves is the aim of a strong leader. We want our team able to make decisions, solve problems, and be innovative.

But most of us are also probably time-crunched, finding it easier and faster to tell someone what to do rather than draw out their expertise.

As a certified executive and leadership coach, I “teach people to fish” on a daily basis; the nature of coaching invites the space for this to occur. But even if you are not a professional coach, bringing a coach approach to your leadership can transform your team in profound ways. I’ve partnered with countless leaders over the years to develop their coaching qualities, resulting in more time, stronger engagement, and greater leadership within their teams. You can start with these five strategies:

1. Be quiet.

How comfortable are you with silence? If you’re like most in conversation, you probably find silence awkward and jump in to fill it. So do most other people! And in their talking, they’re more likely to generate solutions and tap into their own inner wisdom – or at least give you insight into their perspective.

2. Be other-focused.

As a leader, you have valuable experience to share. But the goal in coaching, and in true leadership, is not to showcase your knowledge but to develop the knowledge of others. Ask questions, invite exploration of thought, and draw out their expertise before interjecting your own.

3. Be present.

I can’t tell you the number of clients I’ve coached, both male and female, who find themselves in tears during our first meetings. When I ask about it, nine times out of ten they tell me it’s the first time they’ve felt truly heard in ages. Remove distractions, clear your mind, maintain eye contact, and listen to understand.

4. Be curious.

Remember, everyone has a story – and everyone has something going on that we know nothing about. Keep your assumptions in check. Instead of thinking you know best, ask a few questions first.

5. Believe.

When it comes down to it, coaching relies on one important expectation: You believe the person you’re coaching is capable, resourceful, and has potential. Come to your leadership conversations with a true growth perspective and you’ll experience far greater outcomes. As you’ve probably already discovered, people generally rise to our expectations of them.

COACH CHRISTI’S CHALLENGE:

For the next week, whenever an employee (or friend or child) asks you a question, pause before responding. See if you might ask a question or two before sharing your advice or suggestion.

For example, if asked “What should I do?” (assuming a non-emergency situation), you could respond with, “What have you thought of so far?” or “I have a few ideas, but can you share yours first?”

This might take less than a minute but allows the person the opportunity to think differently and reminds him that he has wisdom within too.

Remember: The true measure of a leader isn’t how many followers you have, it’s how many leaders you’ve developed around you. Bringing a coach approach can promote leadership in profound and sustainable ways – not to mention free you up for strategy, visioning, and the roles in which you thrive. For additional ideas on bringing coaching into your leadership, check out books like Quiet Leadership by David Rock and The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier, too.

How has a coaching approach impacted your leadership, teams, or those around you? Share your thoughts below.

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

The Path To Becoming A Champion

Christi Hegstad March 21st, 2016

“‘What counts…is not the results,’ said Tino… ‘It is the enjoyment of every step in the process of doing; everything, not only the isolated piece we label art.'”

Sue Bender

Coaching Tip for the Week:

We all know what I’m about to share in this week’s Clarity Kickstart. But I benefit every time I get the reminder, and I am hoping you do, too.

Life is not about the end result. It’s not about the achievement of the goal, the completion of the race, the outcome, the promotion, the award, the destination.

Achievement is important. But it’s the icing on the cake.

What matters is the journey. How you transform. Who you become. What you learn. Who you help along the way.

This week, celebrate where you are. Maybe you’re moving more slowly than you’d like. What’s positive about right where you are?

Maybe you feel challenged, like you keep running up against a brick wall. What have you learned?

Maybe things aren’t the way you thought they’d be at this point. What have you experienced that you would have otherwise missed out on?

Whether in work, leadership, or life, the “if…then” approach to success and happiness never works. Like the saying goes, champions are not made in games – they are made on the practice field.

Savor your practice field this week! You’re right where you need to be.

Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram!

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

I am a certified executive & leadership coach, author, speaker, and president of MAP Professional Development Inc. I’ve been honored as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and president of the International Coach Federation (Iowa).

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

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

10 Ways To Get Your Mojo Back

Christi Hegstad March 3rd, 2016

Around this time of year, many of us tend to feel a bit drained. The excitement of the new year and all its promises has worn off, the grayness of winter begins to wear on us, and we might realize that we’re approaching the end of first quarter with nary a sign of progress on our goals. It’s easy to feel dips in energy, passion, and all-around mojo.

I experienced this myself not long ago and was a bit befuddled to find my ‘usual tricks’ not working. After some experimentation, soul-searching, a breakthrough map, and an enlightening conversation with my coach, I played with some different ways to get back on track. I want to share some with you, just in case you’ve lost a bit of your mojo, too!

1. Focus.

In my case, I realized I was spreading myself a bit too thin, personally and professionally. I reined things back in, focused in on the 2-3 areas that really matter the most right now, and committed time and energy to move them forward.

2. Connect with someone new.

Who have you met recently that you want to get to know better? Whose work do you admire? Set up a coffee or lunch date and gain fresh perspective.

3. Help someone else.

One of the first items I ever cross-stitched was the saying, “Nothing strengthens the heart more than reaching down and lifting up another.” It’s so true. Regain your mojo by helping someone else gain theirs.

4. Outsource something.

I discovered a task that drained my energy even thinking about it – and yet I was still doing it. I delegated it to someone else and instantly felt my load lightened.

5. Clean up your routine.

Take note of your mornings, weekdays, and evenings. Have you gotten squishy in your supportive routines? Recharge them – or at least one of them – with vigor. Rekindled discipline can be surprisingly motivating!

6. Go away.

Take a breather in a new environment. Whether a week-long vacation or just packing up a project and heading to a gorgeous coffee shop for an afternoon, changing scenery can work absolute wonders. I have spent time lately at our local botanical gardens and have felt inspired, productive, and peaceful each time.

7. Run.

Or go for a brisk walk. Or bike, or do some jumping jacks, or something else that gets your body moving and your heart pumping.

8. Step.

Outside of your comfort zone, that is. Embark on an adventure or try something new and healthfully daring. Use the adrenaline and fear to your advantage.

9. Infuse yourself with goodness.

Looking at the three major aspects of life – body, mind, and spirit – ask how you can “fill your bucket” with positivity. Answers might include listening to inspiring podcasts, reading uplifting books, eating nourishing foods, watching only positive movies, regularly attending a worship service, getting together with people who “get you” and make you laugh.

10. Ask for help.

You don’t have to go it alone. Seeking help is a sign of courage. Remember that most times, people don’t know you need help unless you ask for it. Take that step.

When you feel a dip in your mojo, keep the always-helpful phrase in mind: This too shall pass.

But maybe make it pass a little quicker with one of these tips or something you brainstorm on your own!

What helps you get your mojo back? Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

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

I am a certified executive & leadership coach, author, speaker, and president of MAP Professional Development Inc. I’ve been honored as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and president of the International Coach Federation (Iowa).

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

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

Share your thoughts on Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram!

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

I am a certified executive & leadership coach, author, speaker, and president of MAP Professional Development Inc. I’ve been honored as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and president of the International Coach Federation (Iowa).

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

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

13 Years, 1 Word

Christi Hegstad February 16th, 2016

I’m working with a new coaching client who has an ambitious goal: To start his own business this year. When he learned that my firm was about to celebrate 13 years, he asked me the secret to its success, but with a caveat: He wanted a one-word answer.

Uff-da.

A former over-thinker (I like to think I’ve moved past that phase…most days, anyway!), I shared the first word that came to mind. And upon further thought, I stand by this word:

Believe.

I could easily list 500 lessons I’ve learned over the years, most of which I wish I’d learned sooner. Things like knowing your target market, investing in resources (even before you feel you can afford them), choosing marketing strategies, hiring excellent support. While all beneficial, they aren’t going to do much if you don’t first believe.

Far be it from me to try and tell you what you should believe. But here I go anyway:

Believe in your service.

So many of my clients struggle with selling, or with charging what they’re worth. Whether you’re selling a product to a potential client or your skills to a potential employer, to fully step into your worth, you need to believe wholeheartedly in the service, product, or task you’re performing. If you knew the cure for a life-threatening disease and met someone with that disease, would you hold back because you didn’t want to seem pushy or sales-y? No, you would believe so much in your ability to enhance their lives that you would share far and wide. What aspect of your work do you need to believe in more?

Believe in your purpose.

Often, we approach the topic of purpose as if it has a huge, overwhelming capital P. Your purpose can be found in your passions, in your dreams, in the exciting ideas that just won’t leave you alone no matter how hard you try to push them out of your mind. There’s no question you are living your purpose; the question is, are you doing it with intention? To what extent? How do you believe you’re bringing purpose to your work and life every day?

Believe in good.

What you believe will essentially form your experience. If your belief is “Life is awful,” you will find plenty of evidence to support that; likewise, if you decide to believe that life is a beautiful gift, you will find the evidence to support that. You get to choose, folks! And trust me, one choice sparks a lot more joy than the other.

Most importantly, believe in you.

I floundered here for ages and, to be honest, I still have my moments. It helps when you hear people say, “My work / life is better because of you.” But you know what? You have to believe in that whether or not you get the verbal or written affirmation. And that requires trust.

Let me give you an example.

This week in the ASPIRE Success Club, we talked about anonymous acts of kindness. You’re at the drive-through at Starbucks, for example, and you decide to pay for the person in line behind you. You drive off, never knowing what impact your purchase made.

But you trust that you just made that person’s day.

And, since they likely “paid it forward,” you also made some other people’s day.

And also consider the Starbucks employee, who is so moved by your generosity and the string of pay-it-forwarders that follow your lead. You’ve made his day.

And maybe he then treats the in-store customers a bit more beautifully. Your act has made their day, and then they go out and pay it forward…

The ripple effect is far-reaching and widely impactful. And here maybe you thought you were just treating someone to a free coffee!

Much of the past 13 years, for me and MAP Inc., has been an exercise in belief. When I am strong in my belief, I see the results. When I waver and waffle, I see those results too – and they’re not nearly as fun.

So my one-word tip? Believe. Believe in what you’re doing, believe in your purpose, believe there is good in the world. And most importantly, believe in you. You are here to make a difference, and you have the opportunity to do that with every single action and interaction, every single day. Believe. Begin. Become!

Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram!

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

I am a certified executive & leadership coach, author, speaker, and president of MAP Professional Development Inc. I’ve been honored as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and president of the International Coach Federation (Iowa).

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

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

I’m working with a new coaching client who has an ambitious goal: To start his own business this year. When he learned that my firm was about to celebrate 13 years, he asked me the secret to its success, but with a caveat: He wanted a one-word answer.

Uff-da.

A former over-thinker (I like to think I’ve moved past that phase…most days, anyway!), I shared the first word that came to mind. And upon further thought, I stand by this word:

Believe.

I could easily list 500 lessons I’ve learned over the years, most of which I wish I’d learned sooner. Things like knowing your target market, investing in resources (even before you feel you can afford them), choosing marketing strategies, hiring excellent support. While all beneficial, they aren’t going to do much if you don’t firstbelieve.

Far be it from me to try and tell you what you should believe. But here I go anyway:

Believe in your service. So many of my clients struggle with selling, or with charging what they’re worth. Whether you’re selling a product to a potential client or your skills to a potential employer, to fully step into your worth, you need to believe wholeheartedly in the service, product, or task you’re performing. If you knew the cure for a life-threatening disease and met someone with that disease, would you hold back because you didn’t want to seem pushy or sales-y? No, you would believe so much in your ability to enhance their lives that you would share far and wide. What aspect of your work do you need to believe in more?

Believe in your purpose. So many people approach the topic of purpose as if it has a huge, overwhelming capital P. Your purpose can be found in your passions, in your dreams, in the exciting ideas that just won’t leave you alone no matter how hard you try to push them out of your mind. There’s no question you are living your purpose; the question is, are you doing it with intention? To what extent? How do you believe you’re bringing purpose to your work and life every day?

Believe in good. What you believe will essentially form your experience. If your belief is “Life is awful,” you will find plenty of evidence to support that; likewise, if you decide to believe that life is a beautiful gift, you will find the evidence to support that. You get to choose, folks! And trust me, one choice sparks a lot more joy than the other.

Most importantly, believe in you. I floundered here for ages and, to be honest, I still have my moments. It helps when you hear people say, “My work / life is better because of you.” But you know what? You have to believe in that whether or not you get the verbal or written affirmation. And that requires trust.

Let me give you an example.

This week in the ASPIRE Success Club, we talked about anonymous acts of kindness. You’re at the drive-through at Starbucks, for example, and you decide to pay for the person in line behind you. You drive off, never knowing what impact your purchase made.

But you trust that you just made that person’s day.

And, since they likely “paid it forward,” you also made some other people’s day.

And also consider the Starbucks employee, who is so moved by your generosity and the string of pay-it-forwarders that follow your lead. You’ve made his day.

And maybe he then treats the in-store customers a bit more beautifully. Your act has made their day, and then they go out and pay it forward…

The ripple effect is far-reaching and widely impactful. And here maybe you thought you were just treating someone to a free coffee!

Much of the past 13 years, for me and MAP Inc., has been an exercise in belief. When I am strong in my belief, I see the results. When I waver and waffle, I see those results too – and they’re not nearly as fun.

So my one-word tip? Believe. Believe in what you’re doing, believe in your purpose, believe there is good in the world. And most importantly, believe in you. You are here to make a difference, and you have the opportunity to do that with every single action and interaction, every single day. Believe. Begin. Become!

I’m working with a new coaching client who has an ambitious goal: To start his own business this year. When he learned that my firm was about to celebrate 13 years, he asked me the secret to its success, but with a caveat: He wanted a one-word answer.

Uff-da.

A former over-thinker (I like to think I’ve moved past that phase…most days, anyway!), I shared the first word that came to mind. And upon further thought, I stand by this word:

Believe.

I could easily list 500 lessons I’ve learned over the years, most of which I wish I’d learned sooner. Things like knowing your target market, investing in resources (even before you feel you can afford them), choosing marketing strategies, hiring excellent support. While all beneficial, they aren’t going to do much if you don’t firstbelieve.

Far be it from me to try and tell you what you should believe. But here I go anyway:

Believe in your service. So many of my clients struggle with selling, or with charging what they’re worth. Whether you’re selling a product to a potential client or your skills to a potential employer, to fully step into your worth, you need to believe wholeheartedly in the service, product, or task you’re performing. If you knew the cure for a life-threatening disease and met someone with that disease, would you hold back because you didn’t want to seem pushy or sales-y? No, you would believe so much in your ability to enhance their lives that you would share far and wide. What aspect of your work do you need to believe in more?

Believe in your purpose. So many people approach the topic of purpose as if it has a huge, overwhelming capital P. Your purpose can be found in your passions, in your dreams, in the exciting ideas that just won’t leave you alone no matter how hard you try to push them out of your mind. There’s no question you are living your purpose; the question is, are you doing it with intention? To what extent? How do you believe you’re bringing purpose to your work and life every day?

Believe in good. What you believe will essentially form your experience. If your belief is “Life is awful,” you will find plenty of evidence to support that; likewise, if you decide to believe that life is a beautiful gift, you will find the evidence to support that. You get to choose, folks! And trust me, one choice sparks a lot more joy than the other.

Most importantly, believe in you. I floundered here for ages and, to be honest, I still have my moments. It helps when you hear people say, “My work / life is better because of you.” But you know what? You have to believe in that whether or not you get the verbal or written affirmation. And that requires trust.

Let me give you an example.

This week in the ASPIRE Success Club, we talked about anonymous acts of kindness. You’re at the drive-through at Starbucks, for example, and you decide to pay for the person in line behind you. You drive off, never knowing what impact your purchase made.

But you trust that you just made that person’s day.

And, since they likely “paid it forward,” you also made some other people’s day.

And also consider the Starbucks employee, who is so moved by your generosity and the string of pay-it-forwarders that follow your lead. You’ve made his day.

And maybe he then treats the in-store customers a bit more beautifully. Your act has made their day, and then they go out and pay it forward…

The ripple effect is far-reaching and widely impactful. And here maybe you thought you were just treating someone to a free coffee!

Much of the past 13 years, for me and MAP Inc., has been an exercise in belief. When I am strong in my belief, I see the results. When I waver and waffle, I see those results too – and they’re not nearly as fun.

So my one-word tip? Believe. Believe in what you’re doing, believe in your purpose, believe there is good in the world. And most importantly, believe in you. You are here to make a difference, and you have the opportunity to do that with every single action and interaction, every single day. Believe. Begin. Become!

How To Be Happy, Fulfilled, and Successful

Christi Hegstad February 15th, 2016

“Once you understand that you can choose what meaning and importance to place on something, you can also understand that it is you, not external circumstances, who determines the quality of your life.”

Bernard Roth

Coaching Tip for the Week:

How would you finish this sentence:

When I ______, then I will be happy / fulfilled / successful.

So often, we are waiting. Waiting for the magic answer, the right time, the perfect circumstance, permission. Waiting, waiting, waiting.

What if you filled in the blank above with the word, “Decide that I am”?

This week, decide how you want to be. Want to engage in more meaningful work? Decide that your work is meaningful, and approach it as such.

Want to be a leader? Decide to be a leader, regardless of your role or title.

Want to make a difference? Decide that you – a strong, empowered person – have the ability to make a difference.

Last week on social media, I shared one of my guiding principles. Another one is this: Decide And Take Action. I encourage you to adopt that as well.

Decide to lead, work, and live with meaning and purpose, then immediately take an action that supports that choice. Your momentum will build and, before you know it, your days will be filled with meaning and purpose – because you’ve decided that they are!

Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram!

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

I am a certified executive & leadership coach, author, speaker, and president of MAP Professional Development Inc. I’ve been honored as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and president of the International Coach Federation (Iowa).

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

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

The Perfect Time To Make A Change

Christi Hegstad February 12th, 2016

This weekend – on Valentine’s Day, in fact – marks 13 years in business for MAP Inc. Or, as we call it around here, our 13th MAPiversary! 🙂 (We’re cool like that.)

If you don’t know my story, I am very much an unexpected entrepreneur. I majored in sociology (after changing my major five times). I knew very few business owners. When asked as a kid what I wanted to be when I grew up I replied, “The Bionic Woman.”

I am 99.9% sure no one in my past said, “She’s going to run her own business someday” – including me!

I did, however, have passion. I knew that most people (80%, according to Gallup) were unhappy at work, and I knew those same people spent the majority of their adult lives at that work. I was not o.k. with that statistic, and I knew I wanted – to paraphrase Gandhi – to be part of the change. I wanted people to know their work mattered, and that THEY mattered.

I wanted my children to grow up believing they could make a living and change lives doing what they loved.

The article depicted here was written shortly after I began my business in 2003. In this photo, I am about 8 months pregnant; my two toddlers were chasing each other nearby. 🙂 There is no perfect time to start something new, to make a change, to live your best life.

Wait, I take that back. There IS a perfect time. That time is NOW.

Like Karen Ireland wrote, “Waiting until everything is perfect before making a move is like waiting to start a trip until all the traffic lights are green.”

Sometimes, the calling is so loud and the need so strong, you just cannot wait any longer.

Thank you for the past 13 years, friends. Here’s to at least 30 more!

Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Twitter, and now Instagram!

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

I am a certified executive & leadership coach, author, speaker, and president of MAP Professional Development Inc. I’ve been honored as NAWBO Iowa Business Owner of the Year, Forty Under 40, and president of the International Coach Federation (Iowa).

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

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

Tag Archives: meaningful work