5 Unexpected Tips to Beat Your Holiday Stress

'Tis the season to be jolly. If you're seeking ideas on how to ease into the holiday season and lessen your stress, read on for 5 Unexpected Tips to Beat Your Holiday Stress!

1. Recognize your holiday stress triggers: A stress trigger is an incident that causes either a negative physical (e.g., headache, cold, or pain) or emotional response (e.g., anxiety, insomnia, or sadness). The holiday challenge is that stress triggers can be associated with family and personal relationships, or finances. What are your holiday triggers? A dreaded encounter or perhaps the absence of a loved one? Concerns about your holiday shopping list or travel? Becoming aware is your first step to lessening your stress.
2. Be willing to let go of past resentments: Once you've identified your triggers, consider viewing them from a NEW perspective. If you're already dreading an encounter, try imagining that your experience will NOT be negative.  Set an intention to approach the person with a positive outlook, and not allow their comments or behaviors to affect your stress level. 
3. Seek out lower-cost holiday options (e.g., "grab bags," "Secret Santa’s," or “potluck” dinners): If your trigger is your finances, be honest with yourself and your family about what you can and cannot take on this year. Focus your attention on how great it will feel to spend time with those whom you love. Infuse yourself with the true holiday spirit of loving and sharing!
4. Tune in to your holiday self-talk: We all have a running script of "self-talk." These are unconscious thoughts about finances, relationships, or goals that occur when you're stressed or overwhelmed. Coach yourself to flip your script for a more positive outlook. When you notice a negative thought, tell yourself to STOP! Take a deep breath, think of a positive statement, and reflect. Think of as many positive ideas that show the negative perspective is NOT true. 
5. Give yourself holiday ME-TIME: With the hustle and bustle, it can be easy to forget your needs. Build time into your holiday schedule just for you. Take on a new physical activity; or social activity, like volunteering to help others in need. Sharpen your mental abilities with a new book; unplug from your devices. Create more space in your mind for holiday joy!

This year has been a year of many changes for me, some of which I've not yet shared with you. Looking back, I'm thankful for all of the expected AND unexpected blessings that 2014 has brought me. For example, I literally have a new looking-glass through which to view the world, my new living space! Now, I'm looking forward to spending time with my parents and extended family over the holiday season.

What are YOU most thankful for? How will YOU beat your holiday stress? Comment here or tweet me on Twitter. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Tap Your Way to Less Stress, Better Health

I just had an amazing experience at a workshop I went to last week to learn a technique called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique).

EFT (sometimes known as “Tapping”) involves tapping on a series of acupuncture meridian points on the face and body while repeating certain phrases to clear negative emotions and painful sensations. Tapping in this structured way helps to clear energy blockages and release stresses deep within the body.

In fact, it goes far further than this; EFT can be used to improve many areas of your life and health. Empirical and evidence-based research has shown that EFT has helped people to overcome anxiety, stress, panic attacks, PTSD, fears and other phobias; as well as to achieve weight loss and eliminate food cravings. Such compelling results for such an easy, user-friendly technique -- it's priceless!

I came across EFT early this year through an online tapping summit, as I was seeking out new body-mind-spirit healing techniques. This summer, I decided to purchase the EFT Manual by Gary Craig to guide me through learning this fantastic technique. Gary Craig is a Stanford-trained engineer who developed the EFT process in the early 1990's based on his study of Thought Field Therapy (TFT) with Dr. Roger Callahan.

As I read through the EFT Manual and began tapping, I became more and more interested in learning how I might include EFT into my own stress management practice. This led me to explore various EFT websites to find out about training and certification programs. Lo and behold, I found the amazing EFT Master Trainer, Practitioner, and course leader Peter Donn. 

Peter came all the way to NYC from London last week to lead an exciting 2-day Level 1 EFT Training! As well as having my own powerful experiences, I personally witnessed many participants’ past traumas dissolving (likely permanently) over the course of 30 minutes work with Peter, as well as physical symptoms being relieved in as little as 5-15 minutes. 

I'll keep you posted as I continue to use EFT to heal myself and as I work towards my EFT certification -- my next step is Level 2 Training. I'll also be including EFT into my coaching sessions and training workshops in the coming weeks and months. Let's TAP our way to less stress, better health, and emotional freedom!! 

Coach Colette Says Relax on August 15

Did you know that August 15 is National Relaxation Day? What will YOU do to calm and quiet your mind? 

To ease your anxiety and release your tension, why not join me for a (free) Guided Meditation session?! I'll be guiding you based on meditation principles I learned from my training in Coping with Work & Family Stress. 

With all of the emails, IM's, FB posts, texts, tweets, voice-mails -- don't you deserve some ME-time to relax, unwind, and re-group? 

You probably don't need much convincing of the benefits of relaxing and reducing your stress. Just in case, though, here are three health-related reasons:

1. Your stress is aging you faster -- by damaging critical DNA in your cells
2. Your stress increases your risk of a heart attack -- by nearly 70% for women
3. Meditation can ease your stress -- by changing your brain to delay aging and improve health

This Guided Meditation session is my gift to you. Will you accept and sign up today? 

Know that I'm rooting for you and support your intention to relax so that you can achieve your biggest dreams and create the fulfilled, joyful, and purposeful life you want to live! 

I look forward to "seeing" you next Wednesday, August 15 ... meet me in the gap.

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!!

Be Mindful to Beat Your Stress

Have you been wondering how to manage your stress and anxiety in today's fast-paced world, where it seems there aren't enough hours to get everything done? Or, how to balance multiple roles and responsibilities while still maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

Good news! You CAN incorporate healthy habits into your routine to achieve a healthy mind and well-being! Your thoughts are just that ... thoughts -- they don't have to control you.

Don't let the dark clouds of avoidance, anxiety, procrastination, or worry overshadow you today. Tune in for easy, practical stress-busting techniques you can use right away from my recent appearance on Turtle Shell Health Radio.

Plus, you'll learn why I've personally decided to help people like you to better manage your stress -- particularly those of you who are coping with or are at risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke. This keeps me passionate about sharing relevant tips and to exploring new ways we can track, monitor, and manage our stress for better overall health ... maybe an app for that??

Listen to the recording in the widget below, and let me know what ideas were most helpful for you. Feel free to share your comments and stress-related questions here, or tweet me so we can keep the conversation going!

Listen to internet radio with Turtle Shell Health on Blog Talk Radio

How I Broke Through My Fears - Literally

I had the privilege to be a guest last Saturday at the Winter Rejuvenation Workshop hosted by Jasmin Terrany and her fantastic team of experts and healers. It was so rewarding to experience their gifts and take part in their activities to help re-align my mind-body-spirit.

As a coach, I know it's important to take ME-TIME, and this workshop was a great opportunity for me to practice what I preach. I'd like to share a bit about my personal breakthroughs.

The closing exercise was designed to help us find our true power so that we can experience true mind-body-spirit alignment. This was achieved through breaking -- several participants agreeing to strike a wood block with their fists. It's often in these situations that I'm not sure from where my motivation to participate strikes me. All I knew was my hand shot up in the air when El asked for volunteers.

My instruction was to write on one side of the board some of my FEARS [false evidence appearing real], and to write on the opposite side of the board some of my DREAMS [dedication responsibility education attitude motivation]. Then, at the front of the room, I would acknowledge my fears (by bowing to the board) and then BREAK-THROUGH by striking the board with my fist.

I was the first volunteer; so in addition to the fears I had written on the board, I also had performance anxiety chattering in my head ... "What if I don't break the board? Will they laugh at me? Will I de-motivate everyone else?" Not to mention, will I break my hand?!

Somehow, I was able to access my inner power, make connection with the board, face my fears, and BREAK-THROUGH to the other side! And, NOT break my hand, LOL! I've since kept the broken board pieces on my fireplace mantle as a reminder of my experience. What's ironic, though, is my little inner fear-voice inside isn't completely silenced. Occasionally, I've found "her" internally critiquing me because I didn't break-through the board in two equal parts like others had done. Of course, I know that my willingness to take this activity on and face my fears head-on is what counts. And, I'll always have the broken board as my reminder to motivate me when "she" surfaces. And, I'll gently let her know it's ok.

Was there a time that you faced your fears head-on? What happened? What did you learn? How are you stronger as a result of doing so? Share your comments here or tweet me on Twitter.

NEW Podcast: How to Love Yourself More in 2012

As we get closer to Valentine's Day, it seems as if LOVE is in the air. This day can be a source of great joy for some, while for others it can be a source of stress and anxiety. So, I decided to kick off 2012 with a podcast to help you manifest more (self) love this year.

The idea of loving yourself often seems cliché. We throw the phrase around, but do we really understand what it means? As you know, LOVE was one of my 3 Words of 2011. And, even I'll admit that my focus more often than not was externally focused -- to attract more love into my life. It does leads one to wonder: Do we actually know how to love ourselves? On the other hand, do we even know what the process of self-love looks like?

Tune into this informative podcast with Jasmin Terrany, founder of JasminBalance.com. By combining traditional psychotherapy, life coaching and eastern practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, she helps her clients feel supported and inspired as they overcome barriers and blocks to fully loving themselves.

In the podcast, Jasmin explains her “love tank” theory, and provides tips to help you fully love and accept yourself just as unique and special as you are! She also shares more info on an upcoming Winter Rejuvenation Workshop she's offering to kickoff V-Day weekend on Saturday, February 11 here in NYC.

After you listen to the podcast, I'd love hear what's your biggest insight on your journey to greater self-love and acceptance? Comment here on the blog or tweet me your thoughts on Twitter.

Tune in and Take the 2012 Mind Cleanse Challenge

It's the start of the year, yet are you already feeling overwhelmed?

Take the Mind Cleanse Challenge and take some ME-time! Tune in to hear my tips on how to regain your focus and identify your stress triggers -- and learn how those triggers show up in your body. I was recently featured as a guest expert on Own Your Power Radio Show hosted by founder, Simone Kelly Brown. You'll also hear some great ideas from yoga expert, Kelly Ann Clark.

Let me know what you learn and what new mind cleanse habits you'll take on in 2012!

Cyber Monday 2011: Save 20% on VIP Coaching Days

What dreams could you manifest in 2012 with better health and better communication?

The possibilities are endless! Even better, you can save 20% on a VIP Coaching Day to help you get started when you sign up on Cyber Monday, November 28!

Have you ever wondered why others fail to achieve their big dreams and goals? Studies have shown that 83% of people hit barriers in the process -- sounds about right -- here's the kicker: these people aren't working with a coach to get accountability and support, so when their own efforts don't work out, they typically GIVE UP!

Do you want to be part of the 17% of people who WILL achieve their goals in 2012? Get a jumpstart on your 2012 dreams and reserve your private VIP Coaching Day.

Your VIP Coaching Day gives you dedicated, individual access to me online for a half-day. This targeted timeframe means we'll get right down to business to pinpoint your most significant health or communication challenge, and come up with positive, proactive solutions that you can start using right away!

You have two options for a VIP Coaching Day:

1. Communication Breakthrough VIP Day: to exude confidence and rock your next business meeting or interview by mastering techniques like body language, assertiveness, and people style (not fashion, but how others view the way you communicate)
2. Healthy Habits - Healthy Minds VIP Day: to live a brilliant, radiant lifestyle without tension and anxiety by incorporating habits like meditation, affirmations, and chakra clearing

Save up to $200 on this one-day holiday sale: when you sign up online at Betterfly.com ONLY on Cyber Monday, November 28!

Remember, it's important to plan your 2012 personal growth and development activities. Why not treat yourself to a ME-TIME gift this holiday season! Know that I'm rooting for your success now and in the coming year.

4 Tips to Beat Holiday Stress

'Tis (almost) the season to be jolly. That's what the holiday-themed store windows and commercials are telling us. Despite all of the early bird hoopla, I prefer to ease myself into the holiday season. It's my personal tactic to mitigate and manage the stress often associated with this time of year. That and watching my parents and their phenomenal choir perform the Handel's Messiah Concert at Abyssinian Church in December.

If you're seeking more ideas on how to ease into this holiday season, read on for 4 Tips to Beat Holiday Stress!

• Recognize your holiday stress triggers: A stress trigger is a change or occurrence in your life that causes you to have either a negative physical response (e.g., headache, cold, or muscle ache) or emotional response (e.g., anxiety, insomnia, or distractedness). The challenge during the holidays is that stress triggers can be associated with our family and personal relationships, or our financial situation. What are your potential triggers? Is it an expected encounter with someone or perhaps another person's absence? Have concerns about creating your holiday shopping list or scheduling your holiday travel? Becoming aware is your first step -- knowing what are your holiday stress triggers helps you be proactive in how you respond.

• Be willing to let go of the past: Once you've identified your triggers, consider viewing them from a NEW, fresh perspective. If you're already dreading an encounter with someone, try on the possibility that the experience will NOT be negative. Can you let go of past offenses and resentments? Set an intention to approach the person with a positive outlook, and not allow their comments or behaviors to change your mood or stress level. If your concern is about holiday shopping or travel because of your financial situation, be honest with yourself and your family about what you can and cannot take on this year. Seek out fun, lower cost options (like family "grab bags" or "Secret Santas," potluck dinners, and layaway for significant items). Focus your attention on how great it will feel to spend time with those whom you love and enjoy. Infuse yourself with the true holiday spirit of loving and sharing!

• Tune in to your holiday self-talk: In addition to your favorite holiday song or commercial jingle you can't forget, there's also a running script of "self-talk." These are thoughts or messages you repeat silently to yourself, often about your financial situation, your personal abilities, and your chances of achieving your goals in the coming year. It's great when these messages are positive; they can be very empowering. Sometimes, though, negative messages pop up when you're stressed out or overwhelmed. You CAN coach yourself to flip the script to create a more positive outlook. The next time you notice a negative thought or message, tell yourself to STOP! Take a deep breath, think of a positive statement, and reflect on someone who inspires and supports you. Take it a step further by writing down the negative message; then cross it out, and write down as many positive ideas and statements that prove your negative thought about yourself or your abilities is NOT true or valid. Create more space in your mind for joy and fulfillment!

• Give yourself holiday ME-TIME: With all of the hustle and bustle of the season, it can be easy to to forget about our own needs. Build time into your holiday schedule just for you. Consider taking on a new physical activity you might enjoy like a winter sport (from snowboarding to ice skating!); or a new social activity like volunteering to help others who are in need during the season; sharpen your mental abilities with a new book or game; unplug from your various devices for a little while to relax and quiet your mind. Explore and discover all that the holiday season has to offer!

If you're interested in more tips to jumpstart your career during the holiday season, read my blog post on how to Shine at Your Professional Holiday Parties.

And, if you'd like to learn more about the potential long-term impact of stress on your life, read my post on 9 Early Warning Signs that Stress is Negatively Impacting Your Life.

Know that I'm rooting for your success, health and wellbeing. Here's wishing you the start of an abundant, joyful, magical holiday season!

Get Social! Expand Your Network on May 7

Now that it's Spring, it's time to come out of hibernation! Time to get out and socialize -- and, if you're in the New York City area, join me at the Social Events Expo on Saturday, May 7 at Sequoia in the South Street Seaport.

Come out for a fun day of networking, learning, socializing, information sharing and connecting. Meet owners of over 30 of the city's leading lifestyle companies at the Expo who will be onsite to offer brief consultations, demonstrations and mini-classes.

May 7 will be a great opportunity to learn more about my Focus on Your Vision eBook, strategic coaching programs, and my upcoming launch of a NEW holistic health collective! The Expo runs from 1:00-7:00 pm and is FREE to attend.

During the day, there also will be several themed activities to help you expand your network, including:

• Historic Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour
• South Street Seaport Scavenger Hunt
• Latin/Ballroom Dancing Lessons
• Speed Dating

Some of the themed activities will require tickets. You can pay for your tickets at the door or eliminate the hassle and pre-pay HERE.

After the Expo, there will be a fun Happy Hour at Sequoia's Tropical Bar. Plus, a social networking dance party so you can continue connecting with all of your new friends!

If you set an intention in 2011 to expand your network, learn a new skill, or explore what New York City has to offer, come out and join us on Saturday, May 7 at the Social Events Expo. Post a comment or tweet me if you're planning to attend. Look forward to seeing you there!

Coach Colette Joins Fashion Relief to Support Japan Earthquake Fund

Spring is in the air (sort of!); and it's time to Look Good, Feel Good, and Do Good!

On Thursday April 21, I'll be participating in a Lion'esque Style POP Up Fashion Relief event at mizu new york on Fifth Avenue to help support the Red Cross Japan Earthquake Fund.

Hosted by Melissa Gonzalez, this VIP reception and trunk show will feature sophisticated designs from Ramy Sharp for Ramy Brook, and stylish jewelry from CatherineBeth. In addition to a fabulous gift bag with purchase, we will be holding a raffle for all donating guests.

The winning prize is a special treat including a 3-month membership to Equinox, a collection of mizu new york products, a complimentary life coaching session with Coach Colette of InStep Consulting, and a closet revamp with celebrity stylist Lauren Rae Levy.

I'm delighted to partner with these lifestyle entrepreneurs to help busy, New York women feel good from the inside out, and do good -- by donating to support relief efforts to help those affected by the earthquake in Japan and the tsunami throughout the Pacific. This event aligns well with the mission of my socially-conscious company, InStep Consulting, and with my personal goal to help women achieve a lifetime of learning, lead a luxurious lifestyle, and build a lasting legacy.

Renew and Recharge Yourself this Spring

As you think about your health and lifestyle, do you feel like you're on target with the goals you set out at the beginning of the year?

No worries about your response -- Spring is the perfect time to refocus and renew your energy!

On my end, I've done a one-day "liquid fast" to begin clearing out toxins; I also completed a 3.5-day retreat at the beginning of April to get my juices flowing so that I can be fully present with my clients, colleagues, and family/friends.

If you're looking for some guidance to refuel your energy, I'm excited to let you know about a special offer to participate in a 21-Day Recharge and Renewal Program -- a 4-part telecourse beginning April 25th -- hosted by my friend and colleague, Frances Cheung.

Frances is a board certified Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Coach and graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York. She and are working together this year to offer new programs to help re-connect you with your health goals, empower you to commit to a healthy lifestyle, and re-ignite your inner brilliance. As a first step, I'm offering a FREE copy of my Focus on Your Vision eBook as a bonus to all who sign up for her 21-Day Recharge and Renewal Program.

Frances, like me, is someone who believes in "walking the talk." She developed her program because she once struggled with being overweight/underweight, feeling burnt out because of erratic sleeping patterns and headaches. She will personally guide you through a 21-day journey to re-engage your body, mind and spirit.

What would you get? Four weekly group coaching calls [Mondays: April 25, May 2, May 9, May 16] led by Frances to help you start your cleanse/whole-foods eating, set yourself up for success, and transition out so that you don't shock your system! Plus, Frances will give you access to "Done-for-You" recipes, shopping lists, meal plans, take-out "cheat sheets," and other food guidelines to help you maintain your healthy momentum going forward.

I'm going to stop here and let Frances tell you more about the benefits of participating -- except to say that if you register by April 20, you'll get to take advantage of the early-bird pricing (save $50). If you're open to a new, gentle approach to whole-foods eating, healthy dieting, and curbing cravings, visit the website to learn more about the 21-Day Recharge and Renew Program. And, if you sign up, let me know how it goes!

NEW Podcast: Meditation-Your Secret to Success in the New Normal

Can meditation change your brain? That's a question that neuroscientists have been seeking to answer for decades - and there appears to be some evidence that it can, in a positive way. In today's New Normal, the pressure to perform can be overwhelming. The good news is that you CAN find tools to relax and release your tension and anxiety. Meditation is one of those stress-releasing tools. And one, I'd suggest, that could become your [peaceful] "secret weapon" to overcome personal or professional hurdles and challenges you may be facing.

This summer, I completed a 21-day meditation "challenge" led by the Chopra Center for Wellbeing. I've been meditating nearly every day since then (even while I was out of the country). I've found that it helps me because I'm more easily able to access a mantra or positive phrase to flip my script when things get stressful.

With my newly-regained interest in meditation, I thought it would be great to create a podcast that would help others learn more about the benefits of regular meditation. And, so my latest podcast is my conversation with Stacey Shipman, creator of the audio CD Let it Flow: Short Guided Meditations and author of Experience Less Stress, More Success: Networking for Business. It was great to chat with Stacey again because she really makes it easy for people to learn how to relieve their stress and boost their personal confidence.

In the podcast, Stacey and I talk about the different types of meditation, and how easy it can be to begin meditating using the type you most enjoy. We share tips to remove distractions (internal thoughts and external things) that can get in your way, and discuss how you can build meditation into your daily schedule to help you focus on your true priorities.

So, you know I'm a curious coach! After you've listened to the podcast, let me know what you think; and share your successes (or challenges) with meditation. Where is the best place, and when is best time for you to meditate? Feel free to share your comments here, or tweet me on Twitter. Until we next connect, Namaste!

It's Day 12 & I Feel Empowered

Today is Day 12, and I'm proud to have made it this far. To where? For what? It's Day 12 of the Chopra Center 21-Day Meditation Challenge. This has been a series of guided meditations (audio & video) led by davidji to help promote a daily meditation practice.

While I've recognized the benefits of meditation, I hadn't yet committed to a daily practice. As you know, I've committed to my daily affirmations and review of my vision board. My approach was more of a "just-in-time" meditation practice -- using it when I specifically wanted (or needed) to relax and regroup. Two things from the meditation experience have struck me personally, so far:

1. davidji's concept of "RPM" -- "rise, p**, meditate" which means you basically meditate FIRST before any other brain-related activity. I'll admit that I didn't start the challenge that way; but have been pretty diligent about doing so for the past 5 days or so. This morning I felt like I had to remind myself to start the meditation first -- only then did I realize that I'm still formulating it as a habit [also possibly because I hadn't followed the RPM concept last Monday??].
2. Today's focus for the meditation was Ego & Limiting Beliefs: neither of these concepts are new to me. What did strike me was the suggestion to "be kind to your ego." Perhaps it's because one of my 3 Words for 2010 is also kind. I think it was a good reminder to allow and accept all aspects of the self -- to witness/observe without judgment -- so that true transformation can be possible.

The additional guidance and breathing mantras around limiting beliefs also were very powerful for me today. The suggestion to "breathe in possibilities, and breathe out limitations," for example, really resonated and made me feel empowered. [yes, even the coach needs reinforcement and reminders!] I did feel lighter at the end of the meditation as if loads had been lifted from my shoulders.

That's all for now ... I may revisit this later as the meditation experience continues. Feel free to share your meditation experiences with me here or you can always tweet me on Twitter. Namaste!

What Matters Now: Take Time to Reflect

I was fortunate today that I changed my view on Facebook to "Pages". As I scrolled down the list, I came across a post from Seth Godin's blog describing a new FREE ebook called What Matters Now. It contains brief but compelling ideas from over 70 big thinkers (Elizabeth Gilbert, Jacqueline Novogratz, Guy Kawasaki).

The ebook includes many simple truths, plus several ideas to make you go "hmmmmm ..." as you reflect on 2009 and prepare for the New Year. I'm taking on Seth's challenge to help spread these ideas to 5 million people.

I'm only half-way through the ebook, but thought I'd share my TOP 3 Ideas so far:

1. EASE: Even as a stress management coach, I can chuckle at Elizabeth Gilbert's suggestion to make time to "meditate but secretly nap" to ease off the gas and build in some "me-time." I can't be mad at her because sleep is SO important, and is also rejuvenating for your soul.
2. 1%: Jackie Huba and Ben McConnell talk about the "One Percenters" -- the small group of folks who spread the word about new ideas, trends and concepts. Even as a vegetarian, I had to love the "Bacon Salt" story that spread like ... porkbellies? My question to YOU is: Who will be YOUR One Percenters in 2010? In my career and business coaching sessions, I've called these people your champions -- those people who will go the extra mile to create a buzz about your talents and accomplishments.
3. UN-Sustainability: Given that my mission involves helping people achieve sustainable results, I was particularly intrigued by Alan Webber's flipping of the script. He suggests we identify and un-mask the UN-sustainable systems that "represent the dead weight of the past." From this essay, my question to YOU is: What will be UN-sustainable for you in 2010? What dead weight do you plan to lose?

Download the ebook NOW, and as you read the ideas and concepts share your favorites here on the blog; or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

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!

Words of Thanks from Coach Colette

In honor of the season and Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I'd share my thoughts on people and things for which I'm thankful.

• I am thankful for my family - especially my parents who have given me love, encouragement and support throughout my life. The dinner I'm cooking only scratches the surface at my love at gratitude to you both.
• I am thankful for my friends - many of whom are not "local" to my area. But know that I'm glad for our connection.
• I am thankful for my health - I've felt a few more "creaks" in the joints; but overall, thanks to the body that enabled me to travel the country this year -- often on less sleep and nourishment than it deserved!
• I am thankful for my talents and abilities - touches on the core mission of my company to help others recognize their greatness -- I'm glad for my skills (including those I've not yet surfaced).
• I am thankful for my business - a vehicle to help fulfill my life purpose.
• I am thankful for my home - even when I'm stir crazy on those "in-office" days, I'm aware of how lucky I am to have a warm safe place to live.
• I am thankful for all the "right" people with the "right" energy I've met - along the way, on the journey ...

AND ...

I am grateful for the opportunity to express these thoughts and share positive energy with YOU!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and yours!

Finding "Me Time" in Salt Lake City

Greetings from Salt Lake City! I'm here conducting leadership training as part of my exciting new project with the Public Library Association. Over the next several weeks, I'll be helping public librarians and trustees across the country build their confidence and enthusiasm for advocacy to help fuel their efforts to increase local library funding . The event, Turning the Page: Building Your Library Community is a unique leadership development program created by PLA.

My goal is to share with you insights and ideas I gather from participants in my various sessions on enhancing project leadership; creating compelling stories; and making impactful presentations.

Some of you may remember that this isn't my first visit to Salt Lake. Back in February 2006, I visited the area on another business trip. In that post, I talked about how a change in scenery can be motivating. While I haven't had as much time to wander the city, I did feel a sense of calm as I entered the region on the plane -- the view of the mountains really has a calming effect on me.

In a recent enhancing project leadership session, we discussed the characteristics of effective leaders. After we'd developed a very comprehensive list of qualities and traits on the flipchart, one participant raised her hand and said "time for self." When I prompted her to share more, she reminded us all of how important it is for leaders to find time when we're not representing or speaking on behalf of anyone or any organization. It reminded me of our ongoing challenge to "unplug" and relax in our ever-connected world. By nature, librarians are so giving and helpful. I'm glad she was able to give herself permission to create some space for me-time.

I'm excited to share more tidbits and nuggets I gather from the library leaders and their supporters. The energy and participation levels have been great! Next week, I'll be visiting Wichita, Kansas for the first time! Until then, take care and find some me-time this weekend!

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! :)