Focus on Your Vision in 2015 - Get Started on Jan 8

What would it mean to focus like a laser on your vision for 2015? How much more would you accomplish with that level of attention and motivation?

The New Year is the PERFECT time for you to evaluate your priorities and refresh your game plan – for your business and your life. Now is the time to define your vision for 2015 so you can be less overwhelmed by life's distractions, and less likely to quit when obstacles come your way.

In my upcoming Breakout Session on Thursday, January 8, I'll be sharing some easy ideas to help you get started! It’s based on my eBook Focus on Your Vision: A Positive, Practical Approach to Achieve Your Biggest Dreams – a simple process to help you evaluate your priorities and manifest even your wildest dreams.

As a preview, my Four Steps to Focus on Your Vision for 2015 are:
1. Clear Your Lens
2. Reveal Your True Intentions
3. Watch Out for Blind Spots
4. Envision Your Future Results

This Breakout Session is for leaders who are ready to take action to turn 2014 setbacks into 2015 opportunities. Let me help you overcome your limiting beliefs and renew your enthusiasm for business, relationships and life! Let's take the limits off your ideas and put the apostrophe back in impossible ... that's right, affirm it: 'I'm possible in 2015!' 

I look forward to speaking with you on Thursday, January 8 at 1 pm ET - register HERE! 

Bring on the Goal Setting: January 29 CRAVE Chat

I'm really excited to kick off 2013 with the upcoming CRAVE Chat: Bring on the Goal Setting! on Tuesday, January 29 at 6:30 PM.

I love the focus of our event -- it dares you to bring on the visioning time (a look forward) and also the reflection time (a look backward) so you can manifest your wildest dreams in 2013.

To kickoff your brainstorming process before the event, I thought I'd share some thought-provoking questions here to get your juices flowing and wheels turning!

Looking Back: Reflecting

• What 2012 accomplishments make you the most proud personally?
• What 2012 accomplishments make you the most proud professionally?
• Which 2012 accomplishment(s) would you most like to boost, expand, increase, or build upon in 2013?

Looking Forward: Visioning

• What values are most important to you that will help shape your 2013 experiences and goals? 
• What personal accomplishment would most excite and inspire you if you were to achieve it?
• What professional accomplishment would most energize and motivate you if you were to achieve it?

If you're able to join us in NYC on January 29, I look forward to hearing your responses. And, if you can't join us LIVE, feel free to tweet me your thoughts and/or share your feedback in the Comments section below.

And, if you want even MORE help setting your 2013 intentions, I'm offering 3 BONUS gifts to anyone who buys my Focus on Your Vision book (only $2.99 download!) before February 1 -- including the How to Make Your 2013 Resolutions Stick workbook. Check out this site for more details.

Look out 2013, we're going to BRING IT!

How to Uncover Your Blind Spots: eBook Excerpt

I can't believe it's already late-September -- either back-to-school time or end of the 3rd quarter, depending on your perspective. And, even with the best intentions back in January, are there some things that haven't gone exactly as you had planned?

We all know, life happens! Yet, have you ever considered whether there was something you did (or didn't do) to get in your own way during the year? Perhaps not making a decision, or waiting too long to take an action, or even a miscommunication with someone? I know I've had a couple of conversations even I wish I could do over ... yes, remember, the coach is human too!

Sometimes, we're not even aware of our action (or inaction) until after the fact. If you begin to notice a pattern of these occurrences in your life, you may be beginning to uncover one of your blind spots -- these are behaviors, beliefs, and/or communication styles of which you're not consciously aware, usually until someone gives you feedback about them.

Last week, I explored how to uncover your blind spots in an article on HowToLearn.com. The article actually includes an excerpt from my Focus on Your Vision eBook and is called: Watch Out For That Blind Spot: What You See Isn't Always What You Get.

HowToLearn.com is the largest learning site online catering specifically to parents, teachers, homeschoolers and their students -- with over 1 million visitors each year. 

You can read my Focus on Your Vision excerpt about how to uncover your blind spots on HowToLearn.com, and then get a copy of the full eBook (so you can do the activities on your Kindle or iPad) on Amazon.com -- it's just a $2.99 download! Let me know:

• What blind spots have you begun to uncover? 
• How has this discovery changed your life and/or your relationships?
• What will you begin to do differently from now through the end of the year?

Share your comments here on the blog or feel free to tweet me on Twitter!

What eBook Are You Reading This Week?

What eBooks will you read during eBook Week?

Or, perhaps I should ask: on which device will you be reading those eBooks? Have you upgraded to the Kindle Fire, or are you awaiting the release of the new iPad?

To celebrate eBook Week, I'm offering a 50% discount on my Focus on Your Vision eBook through midnight (PST) on Saturday, March 10th. To participate in this offer, visit my Smashwords publishing site HERE and enter code REW50 at checkout.

After you've download and read my eBook, it would be great if you took a moment to write a review and share what you learned/gained on the Smashwords or Amazon site.

FUN Fact: You probably won't be surprised to learn that The Help is the most downloaded eBook from libraries (in adult fiction) -- it's been on the list for 32 months!

How to Position Yourself in a Tight Job Market

Yesterday, I offered insights to participants at Tory Johnson's Women for Hire NY Career Expo in a Power Seminar on How to Position Yourself in a Tight Job Market. I thought I'd share some of the pointers from my talk here on the blog. I still believe that today's market provides an opportunity for you to reevaluate your priorities and refresh your game plan. So, in essence, my tips on positioning yourself in the market are more internally than externally focused.

We know that in today's New Normal keeping your head down, doing your work and just hoping that your efforts will get recognized won't help you land your next major job or business opportunity. I've spoken before about the value in developing 20/10 Vision: the ability to see things clearly at 20-feet that other people can only see from 10-feet away. It means developing your own bird's eye view of your target market, industry or opportunity.

Here are Four Steps to Develop Your 20/10 Career Vision. They are aligned with the steps in my eBook Focus on Your Vision.

1. Clear Your Lens: Remove Distractions -- Get centered and refocus on what's most important. Track your schedule over the next three (3) days to see how you REALLY spend your time, and begin to recognize the times of day when you're most productive. Why? Because then you'll be clear about when it makes sense to do your market/industry research; when to make "warm" calls to your champions and advisors; and when to make "cold" calls to industry leaders for informational interviews. Every company and industry has its own unique characteristics. In today's New Normal, you need to be an investigative reporter who explores and uncovers all the relevant issues, trends and opportunities.
2. Reveal Your True Intentions: Figure Out What You REALLY Want -- Revealing your true intentions can make it easier to choose between competing careers, jobs, tasks, and industries. Have you created a crystal clear vision of the type of job you want, the level of income you desire, the work environment in which you'll thrive, the qualities in your ideal manager or team? Do you know the values that reflect your personal attitude and work ethic? The more you know about your motivators, strengths, and values the easier it will be to attract opportunities that truly inspire you to perform.
3. Envision Your Future: Visualize Your Dream Job -- Imagine your world as it will be when you've landed your dream job -- do this proactively and consistently. What is your next best role? Write down positive affirmations of what you'll be able to do, what you will have accomplished once you've secured this position. Keep visual reminders to stay motivated -- create a vision board with inspirational images and quotes that reflect your dream job and ultimate lifestyle. Review it often.
4. Watch for Blind Spots: FLIP Your Script -- Even with the best laid plans, you will encounter setbacks -- both external roadblocks and even situations where you might get in your own way. My clients have told me about past situations where their inertia or indecisiveness led to missed opportunities. Listen to the things you say to yourself about your career, your job, and your chances of achieving your carer goals. How many are positive vs. negative? When you hear yourself repeating negative messages, say "STOP!" and replace the thought or message with a more positive statement. Do what you can to flip your script to get back on track to visualizing your dream job and ultimate lifestyle.

Let me know your thoughts and reactions, and also share your own success stories and tips -- here on the blog or tweet me @Coach_Colette.

Coach Colette is Finalist in '50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading' Contest

It was exciting to learn that I've been selected as a finalist in The Authors Show 2011 contest to select the 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading.

More than 110 authors were chosen from an array of featured guest experts who were interviewed on one of their radio or TV shows this year -- including business, children's and wellness authors. From October 1 through October 8, YOU will have the chance to VOTE for your FAVORITE Writer from among the finalists (stay tuned for more details!).

The winning writers will have their stories published in the 2nd edition of 50 Great Writers You Should Be Reading.

My essay entry will feature my story of how I began writing. For me, my personal writing journey actually began in high school (winner of a National Council of Teachers of English award). My professional journey continued with beginning to write this blog back in 2005. In my essay, I share what I enjoy most about writing and what are my biggest writing challenges ... and how my "Muse" often saves me! I also discuss my motivation for writing my Focus on Your Vision eBook as a straightforward tool to help women reevaluate their priorities and give vision to their own greatness.

I also share 5 tips of advice for aspiring authors, two of which I can share here:

1. Listen to your "self-talk" about your writing, your abilities and your chances of achieving your goals. How many of the messages are positive vs. negative?
2. Coach yourself to "flip the script" and replace negative thoughts or messages with positive affirmations. Write down 1-3 positive strengths/skills that make you stand out from other authors in your genre.

If you want to read the rest of my tips for authors, you'll have to check out the contest site to Vote for Your Favorite Writer starting on October 1st!

Coach Colette Gets 'Savvy' About Self-Awareness

Here is a video featuring my appearance on Brooklyn Savvy TV to discuss ideas in my Focus on Your Vision eBook. Watch as show host and co-executive producer Toni Williams, along with her Savvy panel of women, prompt me to share tips on how you can become more self-aware, flip the script on your negative inner dialogue to help you achieve your BIGGEST dreams.



Brooklyn Savvy allows viewers to participate in substantive and intimate conversations about issues that impact women. Conversations are reminiscent of what you'd have with a close group of friends -- led by a panel of culturally, ethnically diverse of women who share their own insights, perspectives and challenges.

Brooklyn Savvy shows air every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month on Cablevision 69, Time Warner 56, RCN 84 and Verizon 44 in New York City.

Focus on Your Vision: Free eBook thru March 12

Did YOU Know -- that 2011 is the 40th birthday of the e-Book? That's right, it's been 40 years since Michael S. Hart created the first "e-Book".

And, March 6-12, 2011 is Read an e-Book Week! First recognized in 2004, the week is designed to educate and inform people of the fun and advantages of reading books electronically -- on your e-reader, on your laptop, or any other "smart" electronic device.

In recognition of Read an e-Book Week, I'm giving away FREE copies of my e-Book, Focus on Your Vision: A Positive, Practical Approach to Achieve Your Biggest Dreams until MARCH 12.

To get your FREE copy, visit the Focus on Your Vision page on Smashwords.com and use code RE100  at checkout. My e-Book is a great introductory tool to jumpstart your personal (or professional) strategic visioning process -- with the help of guided visualizations and insightful exploration questions.

As you know, all Focus on Your Vision e-Book purchasers are eligible to receive a discount on an introductory coaching session with me (via phone). Exact details on the amount and how to claim it are available inside.

Are you wondering what was the first "e-Book"? Visit the ebookweek.com website to find out and get more insight on e-Book libraries and "Project Gutenberg".

After you have read Focus on Your Vision, please submit a review on the Smashwords or Amazon websites to let others know what you learned or discovered. Many thanks, and happy e-Reading this week!

What Are Your 2011 Intentions?

Happy New Year! To welcome you into 2011, I've created a CinchCast (mini podcast) of this post in addition to the article about setting intentions below. It includes an excerpt from my NEW eBook, Focus on Your Vision: A Positive, Practical Approach to Achieve Your Biggest Dreams. Let me know if you like this mixed media approach!

Do you know what it means to have 20/10 vision? It means being able to see things clearly at 20-feet, that other people can only see while standing 10-feet away. It’s literally like having a bird’s eye view of the world.


What would it mean for you to have 20/10 vision in your life? Can you think of how much more you could accomplish with this level of attention and motivation in 2011?

You might be wondering how it’s possible, especially since we’re living in a New Normal. You may feel like you’re running full speed ahead, at 90 mph, 24/7. I often feel like the circus performer who spins plates on those long poles.

But, a New Year is a New Beginning! And, you know I believe you can develop a POSITIVE, PRACTICAL and STRATEGIC mindset to achieve your biggest dreams and feel more fulfilled.

Focusing on your vision will help increase your confidence, so you'll be able to meet your current challenges; plus you’ll learn to anticipate and sidestep new roadblocks that might pop up throughout the year. One way to approach a level of 20/10 focus is by revealing your key intentions for 2011.

The word intention can be defined as: “an act or instance of determining mentally upon some action or result ”. Basically, it’s making a mental choice to act or behave in a certain way, with the hope that you will achieve a desired result. A first step towards revealing and setting your intentions is getting to know yourself better. This may seem easy at face value; but sometimes we’re not always honest with ourselves about what we really want. It’s important to truly contemplate your intentions because they can help motivate you when you encounter challenges or roadblocks.

So, let's start by reflecting back on 2010, and think of 3-5 things you’re most proud that you accomplished:

• What accomplishments made you most proud personally?
• What accomplishments made you most proud professionally?

Now, based on those accomplishments, consider what intentions (or actions, results) would most inspire you to keep moving forward in 2011?

Revealing your intentions can make it easier to choose between competing decisions, requests from others and/or tasks to complete. For example, if you were to have an intention of maintaining a healthy body weight for 2011, it might help you choose healthier food options while grocery shopping or eating out.


Ideally, it’s best when you can choose in favor of your intentions. Typically, when you choose to act according to your intentions, you feel more at ease and less conflicted. It’s because you are being authentic by honoring your true desires and priorities.

Feel free to comment here, or tweet me your thoughts on Twitter; just search for @Coach_Colette.

Here's looking forward to a happy, healthy, intentional New Year!

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 a LEAP: Shop for InStep Tools Online!

Sorry for stretching the leap year analogy there, but I'm excited to report that the InStep Consulting Online Shop is OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

This means you can now purchase the assessments and eBook for our Career Development and Stress Management programs; and, you can book coaching sessions online too!

It's wonderful to have achieved this milestone in our anniversary year! When you have a chance, please visit: http://www.instepconsulting.com/shop.html

Take care and have a wonderful weekend! :)