NEW PODCAST: Transform Your Life With One Call--to a Life Coach

Feeling a little frustrated, overwhelmed or stuck? Did you have the BEST intentions at the start of 2015  ... for your career? For your relationship? For your health? For your finances? And, then, LIFE happened! Maybe things have turned out differently than you had hoped, so far. Guess what? That's OK!

Did you know that working with a coach can be the difference between a catastrophe and your comeback! That's what happened to Lee Nazal, best-selling author and founder of SociaVerse Publishing.

Tune in for my interview on iTunes to learn how Lee transformed from being unemployed with only a part-time newspaper delivery job to pay the bills, to becoming an online marketing expert who has generated millions of dollars in revenue for his consulting clients. Also, learn more about our NEW book: Transform Your Life with One Call: America's Top Life Coaches Reveal What You Need to Know.

Tune into the podcast and let me know what you learned. Comment below or tweet me on Twitter -- so we can continue the conversation!

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.

Keep a Photo Journal to Reduce Your Stress

Did you know that journaling can help reduce stress? Studies have shown that journal writing has led to reduced anxiety, worry and depression.

Yet, sometimes even words aren't enough to fully express your emotions, thoughts -- let alone to fully document your goals or vision. Like they say ... a picture is worth 1,000 words!

Wouldn't it be great to have a site that allowed you to photo journal your goals and start your vision board?

I'm so excited to let you know about a NEW photo journal and vision board tool created by ShutterCal!

ShutterCal is an online, calendar-based daily photo journal (and vision board!).

As a coach, I think it's really important to keep track of your goals, intentions, and life vision -- for your own accountability and to get support from your network of champions and advisers.

Let's say you've set a goal in the next 30 days to lose 10 pounds, or to get physically active at least 4 days per week, or to meet 15 new people to expand your network, or to do ANYTHING that's important to you!

You can use your photo-a-day journal to track your goals in a creative and FUN way. It just means taking a moment each day to:

• STOP
• BREATHE
• NOTICE SOMETHING
• TAKE A PHOTO

ShutterCal will keep your photo journal / vision board organized. The ShutterCal community will keep you inspired with comments and feedback. And, through your daily photos, you will watch your story unfold into something truly amazing!

Deepak Chopra says: "Whatever you pay attention to will grow more important in your life." Use ShutterCal to pay attention to something you care about -- and create a visual timeline of your best moments!

Check out the site and let me know in the comments area below what you think -- and share your link when you sign up so I can watch your story unfold!

PS -- since the ShutterCal team and I are all LEAN Startup Weekend graduates, I'm able to offer you a 5% discount on their digital membership and a 10% discount on their print membership!!

Get Beach Ready & Support Wellness In The Schools - May 24

Did you know that:

• Nearly 75% of NYC adults report no regular physical activity and 9 out of 10 don't eat the recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables?
• More than 20% of students in NYC public schools would be considered obese?
• At least 40% of all cancer is diet related?

The GOOD news is that YOU have the power to change your habits and develop a healthy lifestyle!

Are you ready for summer? It's right around the corner! If you're in the New York City area, come check in with our wellness experts on Tuesday, May 24 from 6-9 pm to make sure you're on your way to a fantastic, glowing, healthy YOU this summer!

You can Spring into Summer Wellness, and participate in our RAFFLE to support our charity partner, Wellness in the Schools (WITS).

 Wellness In The Schools inspires healthy eating, environmental awareness, and fitness as a way of life for kids in New York City's public schools. Through public/private partnerships with school leaders, teachers, chefs, coaches, and parents, WITS creates hands-on programs such as:

• Cook for Kids -- healthy meals prepared from scratch plus education for kids and parents about the benefits of eating whole, unprocessed foods
• Green for Kids -- introduces bio-based, effective cleaning products that are not harmful to kids or the environment
• Coach for Kids --  trained coaches work with kids in the recess yards of NYC public schools to encourage fun, physical activity and help combat bullying

So, for only $10, you'll have the chance at winning one of our great prizes (including a Spring into Summer Wellness Package) AND support the healthy development of New York City public school students!!

SPRING INTO SUMMER WELLNESS! | CONNECT-EMPOWER-SHINE ON MAY 24TH!

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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?

Inspiration to Pursue Your Childhood Dreams

Last evening, I opened a link I'd received to the Last Lecture given by Randy Pausch, the esteemed Computer Science professor from Carnegie Mellon University who recently passed away due to pancreatic cancer. I couldn't believe how touched I was, on so many levels, by his commentary on life.

On a personal level, watching the connection between he and his wife caused me to wonder when I'll be blessed with such a great love. I also was re-inspired by his suggestion to "wait long enough and people will eventually impress you." In all honesty, patience is one virtue I consistently must cultivate; however, there have been times when giving people a little more time and space has worked out well.

On a professional level, I was intrigued by many concepts -- including the head fake [the concept of "tricking" people into learning complex things by teaching them something else fun and engaging]. As a trainer and even a coach, that premise resonates really well with me -- how can I help people have their "A-HA!" moments without making it so obvious that that's what I'm aiming to do?

I also relished his ironic interpretation of challenges and obstacles: "Brick walls are there to let us prove how badly we want something." There's something so basic in this concept and yet so compelling. How often have we scaled different "walls" despite our fears or reluctance? Or, when have we walked around other "walls" because they really have blocked the path to our true desires?

All in all, Randy's consistent dedication to helping his students and colleagues to pursue their childhood dreams is inspiring. The manifestation of my childhood "dream job" has changed a bit; although it's still in the realm of helping people. This became clearer to me as I was writing the purpose statement for my company about five years ago [to help people use their knowledge and abilities to achieve great things]. Although, I still believe I'm on a journey to find my ultimate purpose in life ... but, enough of my rambles (for now).

• What are your dreams?
• How are you pursuing them?
• Are you scaling the "walls" that get in your way?
• What "head fakes" have helped you have your A-HA! moments?

Do watch the video when you have the chance. And, thanks for sharing your thoughts! :)

A Personal Note: My Parents Sing at Lincoln Center

Happy Saturday! Last month, my parents had the opportunity to perform three times at JAZZ @Lincoln Center! How did this happen?

Well, they are part of the Bicentennial Choir of Abyssinian Baptist Church -- a special combined choir that was convened to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Church. This choir performed along with Wynton Marsalis & his Jazz Orchestra on April 10-12 at Lincoln Center and on April 19 at the Church. The performance was phenomenal!

And, not merely based on my [admittedly-biased] opinion. The story captured the attention of many media outlets, including Eye on New York -- which had a special feature on the performances last Sunday. In the video clip, my dad actually appears for a brief moment (to the right of Wynton).

Needless to say I'm very proud of my parents (not just for this, of course!). As my dad said, "it was a great time in our lives, not to be forgotten!"

You Deserve the Good Life - Join me in St. Maarten!

I'm very excited to announce a collaborative event with the JI Group coming up on April 23-28, 2008 in St. Maarten. The Good Life Festival & Retreat is designed for hard working professionals to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

As part of the Enrichment Series, I'll be leading visualization and meditation sessions based on my stress management model. I'll also offer exclusive, individual coaching on a limited basis (email or leave me a message on the message line if you're interested).

After you re-focus your mental energy, you can relax in the Good Life Spa, offering a wide range of beauty and body treatments. Or, take a dip in one of the freshwater swimming pools.

Sonesta Maho Beach is nestled on a 10-acre resort paradise overlooking Maho Bay and the Caribbean Sea on the south coast of St. Maarten, in the Netherlands Antilles.

It would be fantastic to have you join us at this uplifing, rejuvenating event. This "pearl" is a wonderful blessing for me because it supports the concept of attracting positive energy by sharing my vision for my practice with others. Might attending this event be a "pearl" for you in 2008?

If you want to learn more about JI Group (a network of talented professionals) and previous GLF events, check out their blog (they're sponsoring a contest to win a FREE event package). As always, if you have questions about my programs or coaching, leave a comment here or message on our message line. Take care and be well! :)

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

Women can WIN in 2007

Happy Friday! I just came across a NEW blog launched by Deloitte & Touche USA LLP to support its Women's Initiative (WIN). The blog is designed to focus on work/life issues for women (and men).

It's hosted by Cathy Benko, Principal and High Technology Sector Leader for Deloitte Consulting LLP and National Managing Director of Deloitte's Initiative for the Retention and Advancement of Women.

What I think is cool is that the blog used to be internal; now, they've opened it up to enable other professionals to benefit from the dialogue and idea exchange. WIN was launched at Deloitte 12 years ago. As a woman who's spent the past 7 years in consulting (internal and external), that says a lot to me about their commitment to the advancement of women in the industry!

Ladies, what has your company done for you lately?