How to Be Fabulously Fit & Healthy [Radio Interview]

Tune in to hear my recent interview by Renee Wiggins, Registered Dietitian and founder of Results by Renee. Her radio show is called Being Fabulously Fit in God's Kingdom.

We had a very insightful conversation about nutrition, fitness, stress management, and mindfulness. Let me know after you listen what you think about the show. And, share your best tips for how you maintain balance and a healthy lifestyle.

Check Out Spirituality Podcasts at Blog Talk Radio with Being FabulouslyXinXGodsXKingdom on BlogTalkRadio

Learn Top Time Management Mistakes You Can Avoid on April 30

Your TIME is your greatest asset. It's the one thing you can't get back -- once it's spent, it's gone!

What if you could develop new habits and a mindset about how to manage your time (including “time wasters” and distractions) so you could focus on what's really important to you?

Join me on April 30th for Tik Tock on the Clock: Time Management Made Easy. I'm offering this primer workshop because I've heard that founders and leaders like YOU who are out there in the arena, making things happen can use a little more focus and organization.

What will you get out of attending?

• Discover how you REALLY spend your time so you can reclaim your schedule and get more done in less time
• Reveal your true intentions so you can refocus your attention on what’s most important and get pumped up about doing it
• Find out what’s causing your indecision so you can reduce anxiety, make decisions faster, and stop procrastinating 
• Eliminate clutter and distractions so you can achieve your goals faster and crush them

This workshop IS for you if you're an ambitious rock star, who wants to be more self-aware; if you feel like you're not making fast enough progress, and want to expedite success in your life and business.

Tik Tock on the Clock: The workshop don't start till you walk in ... if you're on time! :-)

Sell Tickets Online through Eventbrite

NEW Podcast: Is Your Stress Making You Ugly?

You know that stress isn't good for your health, but does it play a part in how you look? You bet it does! Want the good news? It IS possible to "de-stress your skin."

Learn how in my latest podcast with guest, Gorgeous Lifestyle Expert & Celebrity Makeup Artist Nicole Lundy, founder of Ne`lani Beauty.

Your body responds to pressures by releasing stress hormones (such as cortisol, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine that increase your blood pressure, speed your heart rate, and raise your blood sugar levels. This "flight or fight" response is usually self-regulating and likely will subside when you return to a calmer state of mind. Yet, when your stress becomes chronic or constant, it can aggravate and worsen skin conditions, such as acne or eczema.

Tune in to the podcast to hear the telltale signs that stress is having a negative impact on your skin and learn some healthy beauty habits. Not only will you feel a lot better, but you will look a whole lot younger too!

Nicole’s signature 6-step Gorgeous Living Success System™ is at the core of all of the beauty programs, classes, and products that she creates. She specifically helps professional women to transform their entire beauty regimen, master their makeup techniques, and adopt a skincare regimen that caters to their exact skin type.

If after listening to the podcast, you're interested in learning more about Nicole's NEW 3-Month Gorgeous Living Program, email me or follow/DM me on Twitter and I'll let you know the inside scoop!

Can a Successful Career Woman Juggle Work, Life & Dating Without Making Sacrifices?

Last Thursday, I participated in a coaching panel sponsored by the City Tech Alumni Association called Today's Woman: Your Life, Career & Outfit to help women define their personal style and boost their confidence.

Source: citytech.cuny.edu via Coach_Colette on Pinterest

We received a number of questions from women at the event about how to navigate their careers, balance work-life commitments, find mentors and just stay motivated! I thought I'd share a few of the questions and my responses here on the blog so that you too can benefit -- and start Q4 off with a bang!

Q: "I recently read an article about women not being able to 'have it all.' How can a successful, young career woman juggle work life and dating without sacrificing one or the other?"

A from Coach Colette:

* Get clear ... and be HONEST about your priorities; and then, don't judge yourself for having them -- in whatever way and in whatever order they show up for you. Your priorities WILL change over time -- figure out what they are for you right now.
* When you choose actions that align with your priorities, you will feel more comfortable and less conflicted, because you are being true to yourself -- working in the direction of your desires, dreams and goals.
* When you choose actions that contradict your priorities, you will feel uncomfortable or even guilty because there is a part of you (deep inside; yes, it's that voice) that realizes you’re not honoring what you truly want.
* Once you've honestly defined your priorities, take a look at your schedule for the last 2 weeks. Does your schedule reflect your priorities; i.e., do you allocate time to the people and the tasks that are most important to you? Whatever answers you learn from reviewing your schedule, again, don't judge -- just observe.
* Set the intention to spend more time with the most important people (e.g., family, friends, significant other, or whomever you choose), and to start spending more time working on the most important activities that you find valuable and that contribute to your priorities. In the beginning, you may only be able to make small changes in your schedule, and that's OK. In Covey speak, we call that living "above the line" -- starting to focus more of your attention on activities and people that are important to you and your goals.
* Minimize time you spend on non-important activities (e.g., putting out fires or responding to interruptions) and avoid potential "time wasters" or excessive "escape" activities -- the time wasters and escape activities are different for everyone; figure out what they are for you.
* And, perhaps most important, as you begin to make these changes, talk to the most important people in your life, including the person you're dating, who will be affected by changes in how you will spend your time -- don't do this in a vacuum, share your reasoning and let them know why you're making the changes. Let them know how it can benefit them as you become more fulfilled and excited about what's going on in your life.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on my suggestions. What's your take on "having it all?" What have you tried to keep a good balance between your business/career and your personal interests?

Comment here on the blog or tweet me on Twitter. And, keep an eye out as I answer more career and life questions from the discussion.

NEW Podcast: Clear Your Clutter – Why It’s OK to Let Go Now

In our New Normal of rapid change and 24/7 technology, it's important that you find ways to be more centered and focus on what's most important. That can be challenging if your living or working space is cluttered or disorganized.

The good news is I've just released a new podcast with my friend and professional organizer, Juli Oliver: Clear Your Clutter: Why It's OK to Let Go Now!

As founder of OrganizeNY, Juli specializes in helping clients with home and office projects such as: how to balance household and home office areas; how to create inviting living and working spaces that take full advantage of every last inch of space -- really crucial in cities like New York!

Clearing clutter can go a long way to creating space for you to receive new ideas and new opportunities -- just by changing your line of sight (i.e., the things you see - or don't see) when you walk into a room can refresh your energy, open your mindset, and change your outlook on your situation. Letting go of old items also can help you release emotional ties to negative or non-productive aspects of your past. I started off the year by clearing out old TV's and phones, a printer and other bulk items. It truly lightened my load and made me feel better about my living space. [Now, to get rid of that old air conditioner ...]

In addition to sharing her TOP 3 Tips on How to Be More Organized to Find Greater Balance, Juli also describes her entrepreneurial background -- which seems to run in her family!

And, that's really appropriate since this podcast is the second in a series of shows featuring women entrepreneurs you really need to know -- featured along with me in the CRAVE New York City Guide, an urban girl's manifesto of the most chic, savvy, and vibrant business owners this city has to offer.

Stress in the City: Is Cuddling the Answer?

Forbes recently released its report on America's Most Stressful Cities. Topping the list for the second year in a row is Chicago -- followed by Los Angeles, New York, Cleveland, and Providence, RI.


Life factors considered in the study of 40 of America's largest metro areas were:

1. Unemployment figures (Bureau of Labor Statistics - June 2009)
2. Cost of living figures (Council for Community and Economic Research)
3. Median home price declines (National Association of Realtors - 2008-2009)
4. Population density (US Census)
5. Number of sunny and/or partly sunny days (NES-DIS - 2007)
6. Air quality figures (US EPA - 2007)

As a native New Yorker, I can appreciate our ranking in the Top 5 of metro areas. However, you know that I'm a big proponent of finding creative, proactive ways to manage your stress. A lot of this has to do with your self-perception and self-talk.

Most of the life factors on the list are not things we can actively control -- EXCEPT that we do have a choice about where we live. In today's tight job market, you may challenge me on that a bit. "I HAVE to live here because of my job." But, remember, once you start to view your situation in terms of what you "HAVE" to do, you've already given yourself an extra burden of stress. The choice still exists; hopefully you're able to choose your best option at the particular moment in time.

From the career/job search perspective, I've written before about the value of focusing on the things you can control - your physical and online career presence, and your marketing collateral.

From the personal wellness perspective, I've written about the importance of flipping the script to create a more positive viewpoint. That may mean changing how you think about your situation, letting go of the "SHOULDs", or allowing space for things to be less than perfect. [I know, the horror!]

Social supports are important, too. One interesting link in the article was to a video about a new trend of hosting Cuddle Parties. Apparently taking heed of the value of physical touch in reducing stress, these parties have been held in the New York and San Francisco areas.

Would you attend (have you attended) a Cuddle Party? Comment here or tweet me your response and to share other ways you deal with stress.

Take Some "ME-TIME" at 2 PM EST TODAY! Win $25 Makeup Gift Certificates

Just for fun, ladies! Coach Colette has decided to participate in a LIVE Multimedia Show with Katja Presnal of Skimbaco Lifestyle TODAY at 2:00 PM EST. The show is part of e.l.f. cosmetics BlogHer stories series produced by Snazl.com. Why tune in? Well, you've just got to love her business slogan/motto: "Live Life to the FULLEST!"

Katja will be sharing fashion tips - perhaps you'll gain some ideas for creative but professional attire for interviews? Or, maybe, just ideas for ME-TIME fun and summer gatherings. She also will be raffling $25 e.l.f. cosmetics gift cards - perfect to save a little cash while still rewarding yourself.

Don't you deserve some ME-TIME today? Then, relax, refresh and tune in HERE for some fun ideas today at 2PM EST! Tweet me to share the cool tips you receive and definitely let me know if you WIN one of the gift cards. Good luck!

Can You Flip the Script to be More Positive?

I'm not sure if I mentioned that I was invited by Diane Danielson founder of the Downtown Women's Club to be a guest blogger on the womensDISH blog. My latest post is called Flip the Script: How To Stay Positive in Challenging Times.

I was prompted to write the post because of the national economic and employment situation. I'm concerned that the heightened media coverage may be making some of us get over-anxious and miss out on new, positive opportunities. It can be challenging enough to flip the script on our own negative "self-talk" [tips for which I share in the post]; let alone to override the media. As I admitted on the DISH, I have minimized the amount of news coverage that I watch as one strategy (the former die-hard-CNBC junkie did get a small "fix" today!).

As you may know, I've been working on incorporating the Strategic Attraction TM approach into my business and personal spheres. To help me, I've created a daily task in Outlook that includes positive affirmations that encourage me to accept the positive energy and blessings that are available to me.

Incorporating new behaviors like flipping the script often takes time to "stick" because it takes practice. And, because we're human, sometimes we'll slip up [the Coach admits to feeling cranky about an hour ago]. The trick is to not beat yourself up and cause more anxiety because you think you "should" be getting better at it.

I like that I have multiple tools and mantras that I can use to re-center myself when I do feel a bit off balance or blue. What do you do? Post your ideas or tweet me! :)

Get Coached on Work-Life Balance Strategies TOMORROW!

This is a quick reminder that tomorrow (Saturday) is the Craigslist Foundation Nonprofit Boot Camp at NYU. I'll be onsite as a career coach from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM. And, given the statistics I read in an email today, I think we're all in need of some coaching on work-life balance!

According to a survey by AOL, here are some places that people send and receive emails:

· In bed in their pajamas: 67%
· From the bathroom: 59% (up from 53% last year)
· While driving: 50% (up from 37% last year)
· In a bar or club: 39%
· In a business meeting: 38%
· During happy hour: 34%
· While on a date: 25%From church: 15% (up from 12% last year)

OK, the bathroom stat makes me not want to borrow anyone's phone or BlackBerry anytime soon! I'll admit that I've checked email (or more likely texts) while at a bar waiting for someone to arrive [it's that knee-jerk reaction so you don't appear so "alone" while sitting there]. But, on a date? What would Andrea and the folks at MeetMarket Adventures have to say about that one?!

So you know I've written many posts about the challenges of being unplugged. I have noticed an increase in the number of emails I receive after 7:00 PM. Now, truth be told, it may not be an increase in traffic -- just a heightened awareness since now I, too, have a BlackBerry and can see the blinking light when a new message comes through. Although, I typically choose not to respond -- unless I've been on the road or out of the office all day. That's my caveat for evening/night emailing ... what's yours?

And, so, our work-life balance struggle continues. Which of the places above do you check email? What about texting?

What are the Economics of Love?

Hope you had a great weekend! I attended a Bastille Day celebration on Smith Street in Brooklyn yesterday.


I thought I'd share a link to an article by Ben Stein in yesterday's New York Times about the "Economics of Love." In it, he makes comparisons between high-quality bonds and high-quality love (i.e., stay away from the "junk" in both situations!).


I guess I found it a bit ironic to receive the article link from a friend today, given my recent podcast and last blog post about managing the stress of urban dating. Of course, when we focus on something, it becomes almost inevitable that everything we see/hear seems somehow related. Perhaps this is more of a personal journey than I'd like to admit!

In my life balance board on MOLI, I've posed a similar question: how do you maintain the balance between your business and social (personal) life? I've talked about my challenge of taking off my coach hat when I go to social functions.

I'm wondering if this is a unique challenge for entrepreneurs/business owners; or does everyone have various hats (or maybe masks) that they wear to protect themselves in social settings??

Disconnect Anxiety - Is it Real?

I stumbled on this article on the MSN Tech & Gadgets site and thought it would be a good topic to discuss in this my 2008 Year of Technology. I've posted before about the challenges of "unplugging" from our tech gadgets. And, I've even discussed the potential upsides of staying connected. Yet, I didn't know that there's now a phrase that describes the challenge -- Disconnect Anxiety.

You know it's serious stuff when there's talk of adding it (tech-related compulsion) to the updated manual of psychiatric disorders. This would be the dangerous level when the desire to stay connected overwhelms someone to the point it significantly impacts personal and professional relationships. It suggests that the compulsion to check email or text or "Twitter" others would be as strong as the pull people may feel from food or other controlled substances.

I do know that I'm a bit fascinated with my new laptop because of its newer features and software. I like the fact that I can check email on my BlackBerry when I'm on the road. And, to be honest, I felt a bit guilty when I couldn't check in or post to the blog when I was in St. Maarten as I said I would [I don't have international coverage yet]. Although speaking as a stress management coach, I don't believe I need an intervention just yet. I do manage to find some balance -- e.g., my BlackBerry doesn't chirp or buzz when I have a new email [OK, really b/c I didn't know how to change the setting at first]; I typically don't answer business email at night unless I've been out of the office all day.

What struck me most, perhaps, was the almost Catch-22 nature of our social networking tools and sites [including, GULP, this blog?!]. Could it be that the very systems we're creating to stay in touch and build networks are actually facilitating the problem? What do you think?

Colette is Featured Expert in MOLI Small Business Center

Hope you all had a FABULOUS Memorial Day weekend! Keeping in line with my 2008-year of-Technology, I'm excited to announce that I'm now a Featured Expert on a NEW social media and commerce community -- MOLI Small Business Center.

MOLI is a free, online social community where small business owners and individuals over the age of 18 can create and manage multiple profiles from a single account to control their privacy and separate their social, business and family relationships.

The Small Business Center is a comprehensive, multimedia, interactive destination where members can network, engage in discussions, and access expert advice, resources, tools and tips on how to take their businesses to the next level. An important component of the Center is the interactive forums, where members can engage with a seasoned group of entrepreneurs and business experts. The forum that I moderate is the Life Balance community.

What's cool is that in addition to the tools and coaching services that field experts like me can offer, MOLI also has found great partners (like E-Myth) to provide resources.

The MOLI Small Business Center – Where Entrepreneurs Work, Network and Play!

Come join me in the Life Balance community!

The Coach is In ... but Should I be?

After attending the BlogHer conference and hearing about the benefits of keeping it real on my blog, I'm deciding to share this quick anecdote.

So, it's about 6:30 pm EDT and I'm still in the office. Not late by any stretch of the imagination ... especially for a business owner. But, the reason is that a previously-scheduled meeting with a colleague was cancelled due to a family emergency. Why am I sharing? Because I actually felt guilty about shutting down / closing shop -- even though I'm prepared for my client meeting tomorrow afternoon.

Sure, there are many other things on my plate for NEXT week (a combo of prep for presentations, trainer interviews, meetings and even a quick out-of-county trip). What was my aha moment? I wouldn't have been able to do any of those things tonight because I would have been focusing on meeting with my colleague! So, why did I feel compelled to keep working when this time had already been "booked?"

Why couldn't I re-assign this time to ME-TIME? There was this tiny voice inside my head (we talk about self-talk in the Stress Management program) saying: "Maybe you can get ahead and do a little more." When, honestly, the thought of editing my presentation at this moment seems daunting because I'm not as fresh with ideas as I know I can be.

Last night on Life Coach TV, Marianna and I talked about ways to find balance. I've blogged here before about the challenges of "unplugging." And, I talk with Simone and her listeners on Own Your Power about ME-TIME. If nothing else, this proves to you that no one (not even your coach) is perfect. We all struggle to juggle our responsibilities.

Ok, so after this, I'm going to print a couple of invoices and then sign off ... promise! :)

Stressed Out? Get Tips on April 15, 8:00 PM EDT

Hello everyone, hope you had a great holiday! I apologize that it's been so long since I've written. We've been busy planning exciting events to help you have a fun, balanced, productive second quarter!

On Sunday, April 15, I'll be sharing tips on dealing with stress on the Own Your Power Radio Show. After you file your taxes, tune in at 8:00 PM EDT -- either online for live streaming or NewsTalk WTPS 1080 AM in Miami! During the ME TIME segment, I'll be chatting with host Simone Kelly-Brown about how to manage your multiple roles and deal with stressful work and life events.

DID YOU KNOW that April has been designated Stress Awareness Month? Sponsored by The Health Resource Network (HRN), a non-profit health education organization, Stress Awareness Month is a national, cooperative effort to inform people about the dangers of stress, successful coping strategies, and harmful misconceptions about stress that are prevalent in our society.

Tune in April 15 online (http://www.wtps1080am.com/) at 8:00 PM EDT!

Call in with your questions about stress! 877-825-1080