My Vision for Tomorrow + How I'm Making It a Reality

Last night, the Centre for Social Innovation hosted its annual fundraiser. The theme was Make Tomorrow | Create a Better World.The CSI community consists of over 250 social entrepreneurs working to make our dreams of a better world come to life.

Here is a photo of me with our Agents of Change cohort at the fundraiser.

The public lobby of the IAC Building has two tiled video walls that provide an interactive experience of imagery display. Capitalizing on this innovative feature, CSI asked all of its members to describe our vision for tomorrow and how our social innovation is making that vision a reality. Our impact number (some metric or outcome measure of our work) along with a headshot and collage of pictures were displayed on the video wall during the event.

This is a phone capture of my headshot on the video wall.

I thought you might like to read my responses to the questions for my Social Impact Innovator Profile. I answered from the perspective of Start Within Coaching, the new brand umbrella that encompasses my coaching, EFT work, and public events/workshops for women.

My Organization Mission:

Start Within Coaching seeks to disrupt the conversation around self-worth and self-esteem for women of color. Motivated by Sustainable Development Goal # 3.4, we promote women's mental health and wellbeing via live and virtual workshops, events, and coaching programs. 

My Vision of Tomorrow:

To reduce the percentage of black women who live with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and/or that everything is an effort all of the time. For the last point, nearly twice as many non-Hispanic Black women felt this way in 2014, compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts (9.9% vs. 5.8%). More than just the absence of a disorder, true mental health is a state of wellbeing in which a woman can realize her own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make a contribution to the community. "Tomorrow," women of color will feel a sense of worthiness; they will know that their dreams, their health, and their overall lives matter. Start Within to Finish Strong!

My Social Impact:

In 2017, we hosted 10 New Moon Circles at CSI designed for women to create supportive relationships with other women, and to receive rejuvenation and support (via Guided Heart Meditations, Intention-Setting Rituals, and other wellness activities). Other public workshops and events focus on topics including Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT-Tapping), Self-Care Strategies, and Stress Management. Through private coaching, we map out personalized strategies for women to enhance their interpersonal communication, leadership style, and personal wellbeing.

When I Joined CSI:

October, 2016

Impact of CSI on Me / My Organization:

Since joining, I've become an Agents of Change Fellow, which has connected with more female founders who are committed to improving the status of women and girls globally. I've also been a founding member of the Women's Lab at CSI, an experiment in creating a safe haven space for female founders and their mission-driven organizations. I have hosted my New Moon Circles at CSI.

What is YOUR Vision for Tomorrow?
How are YOU Making it a Reality?

Here's the Problem with New Year's Resolutions

According to the Journal of Clinical Psychology, of the people who typically make New Year's Resolutions, 64% are successful in maintaining those resolutions beyond one month. How's it going for YOU? To increase your odds of achieving what you want this year, I'd like to suggest elevating your perspective to define an overall Vision for 2015. It's important to have a compelling vision, for you personally as well as for your business or organization. That way, when life and work demands pull you in multiple directions, you keep perspective.

Here are four steps to define your 2015 Vision:

1. Get Prepared for a Fresh Start in 2015
Consider any setbacks or disappointments from last year that you need to let go of in order to begin anew. Can you forgive yourself, and forgive any other people who may have been involved? Bringing old resentments into the new year can stop you from spotting new opportunities because your lens is being clouded by your previous experiences. You can learn from the past without letting it hold you back from trying again or keeping you mired in fear or doubt.

2. Get (Re)connected to Your WHY 
What core mission or purpose inspires you? What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning and keep striving for another day? Revealing your true intentions can make it easier to choose between competing ideas, requests or tasks. 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 deepest desires and priorities.

3. Get Honest About Your Patterns 
Sometimes we can hold ourselves back from realizing our vision; sometimes this happens when we encounter new situations that take us out of our comfort zone. We end up doing the exact opposite of what we intend to do. These behaviors, and/or habits are blind spots because you're not always aware of them and/or fully aware of the impact they can have on fulfilling your intentions. What attitudes, behaviors, and/or habits could get in your way of fulfilling your intentions?  

4. Get Clear on What You Want 
As you look back at the close of 2015, what will be your most memorable achievements? What will you have felt and experienced, and with whom? What key milestones will have helped you achieve your vision? You might consider doing some creative visualization to imagine your life as it will be when you have fulfilled your intentions in 2015.

What’s important is to define and articulate your vision so that you are declaring that this is what you want to achieve. Then, perhaps you can relax a bit, and as Deepak Chopra says: “Let the Universe handle all the details.”

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! 

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

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!

From 3 Words to 1 Word for 2013

Happy 2013! Here's hoping the year is off to a fantastic start for you. I realize there's been a little radio silence here on the blog. Kind of got wrapped up with my wellness event, closing out 2012 projects, and then the holidays. Now, I'm ready to get out there and make things happen!

So far in 2013, I have:

• Kicked off the year with a 3-day detox that has rejuvenated my taste buds and (hopefully) helped me to let go of any last physical toxins from 2012
• Started exploring co-working spaces so that I can connect more closely with the NYC start-up and entrepreneur community
• Wrote my 2013 vision boards ... so far, they are two flip-charts posted on my wall -- I started with a WHY? column this year so that I can connect all of my goals (or WHAT's?) to themes and values that are important to me. These include: "Grow my business" "Experience synergy" "Heal the World" and "Open my home to those I love."

And, now for my 3 Words tradition -- which, this year, I believe has become One Word. For some reason, I've resisted writing about it (which is SO ironic when you see what my word is), as if I've been questioning the universe whether this word was to be my true focus for the year. As in years past, the word came to me during a silent moment towards the end of 2012, and kept resonating with me as we moved into the new year.

So, what is my 2013 word: SURRENDER

Now, you see the irony in all of my previous resistance. First, came thoughts of the (usually) negative connotations of the word: give up, give in, forfeit, forego. And, I began to question: How could I have my focus and vision for the year be so powerless and defeating?

Then, I began to look deeper ... on a more spiritual level for alternative meanings of surrender. According to Deepak Chopra, "Surrender is trusting that God, the Universe, or a higher intelligence can accomplish anything, even when you can’t foresee the outcome of a situation." Imagine that for a type-A person like me (you know the Coach keeps it real!). It's not like I don't know I can't control everything. It's just a reminder to step back, let go, and trust once I've done all I can in a particular situation.

Deepak goes on to say, "By surrendering to Spirit, you end the struggle, freeing yourself from fear and doubt and releasing the obstacles your ego has created." And, I've realized that that's what my spirit is craving -- freedom from doubts, fears (False Evidence Appearing Real), and blocks from flow and ease.

I had the pleasure of hearing Marianne Williamson speak last December on her new book: The Law of Divine Compensation: On Work, Money and Miracles plus to receive a copy of the book. I've been reading portions of it daily to inspire and motivate me on my journey of SURRENDER, including one of her prayers:

Dear God, I surrender to You my work and my desire for work. I surrender to You my fear, I surrender to You my money, and I surrender to You my debts. I surrender to You my sense of failure and I surrender to you my shame. I surrender to you my dreams and my visions and my hopes. Amen.

Right now, I'm eager to continue on my journey as I know it will not only benefit me but will benefit those with whom I come into contact through brainstorming, chatting, coaching, dining, exploring, hoping, loving, networking, sharing, training, traveling ... and whatever else 2013 has in store for us!

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!

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!!

How Do You Define Success? Find a NEW Way July 16

Have you ever asked yourself: "What does success mean to me?" or "How do I measure my success in life?"

The answers that shape your reality in today's New Normal may be much different than the answers would have been in the past. This process of self-exploration may be more challenging as our paradigms continue to shift and we find that our old definitions of success and leadership don't serve us in quite the same way anymore.

The GOOD NEWS is that you can get access to experts and resources to help guide you on your journey towards your unique, wonderful definition of success!

My colleague, Kate Siner Francis, founder of the Life Fulfillment Formula and the Larger Visions non-profit, is presenting the World Changing Success Summit from July 16-27. Each of the 12 teleseminars will teach you skills and lead you to insights aimed at answering your most important questions about how to improve your leadership abilities and realize your vision all the while feeling empowered to do so.

The best part – it's FREE to register! Listen in from wherever you are by phone or on your computer. It's just that easy!

The World Changing Success Summit brings together visionaries and leaders like YOU, and the helping professionals who want to find a heartfelt answer to what will bring you more satisfaction and joy in your life. These experts include Suzanne Evans (on Authentic Marketing), Anne Merkel (on Balancing Mind-Body-Spirit) and Gayle Joplin Hall (on Busting FEAR). You will be taught powerful tools and essential skills that will help you:

● Lead from a more empowered place
● Effectively deal with conflict or other work challenges
● Create more prosperity in your life and business
● Inspire yourself!
● Collaborate and partner most effectively for your vision
● Clearly see how you get stuck and how to get free

I'm so excited to be a part of the incredible line-up of 12 fantastic speakers who are ready to help you make the difference you were born to make. My session is Reconnect to Your Purpose: The Benefit of Doing Less with More. We're all sharing powerful and practical tools to create the life you have always wanted to live! There is no other time than NOW.

Mark your calendar and sign up now because this amazing event starts July 16th. Join us for the World Changing Success Summit! Learn from these master teachers and creative experts how to flourish living the life you were meant to live!

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.

Have a Major Breakthrough in Results on September 13

Have you been working hard to achieve results this year, yet things aren't happening as fast as you'd like? Are you ready for a major BREAKTHROUGH?

Join me on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 at 7 pm ET for a special, NO-COST Preview Session for my Reconnect to Your Purpose & Get RE-Focused Group Coaching Program. On this call, you will create a crystal-clear vision of your ultimate success and perfect lifestyle. You'll get re-energized and inspired to create a powerful, results-driven plan that helps you get things done and still have a flourishing personal life.

This call is especially for women entrepreneurs, leaders, and managers who want to overcome fear, regret, setbacks, or struggle in your business and other career-related endeavors -- to give yourself the space, time and permission to reconnect with your passion and enthusiasm for life!

Know that I'm rooting for you and look forward to hearing you on the special Preview Session on Tuesday, September 13!

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 3 Words Will Shape Your 2011?

Two years ago, I was inspired by social media expert Chris Brogan to refine my goals and capture my true intentions by focusing on 3 Words that would shape my year. Here is a link to that post. Each year since, I've used my 3 Words and accompanying affirmations as a daily mantra to keep me focused and forward-thinking.

Here are my 3 Words for 2011:

1. RELEASE: I intend to release negative beliefs, energy and people from my mind and my life

2. ACT: I intend to take concrete, specific actions to fulfill my true intentions, dreams and desires

3. LOVE: I intend to keep my heart open to love in all its manifestations so that I may attract my love partner and soulmate

It's fitting that I write and share this post with you today, as I was able to physically release some "e-waste" from my space (old audio, computer equipment) -- one item, in particular, I was especially glad to let go of. The space is beginning to feel lighter.

In Focus on Your Vision, I write about how reaching a deeper level of awareness of your intentions can help you make choices about what you do, who you want to do it with, and how you respond to people when they make requests of your time.

Your intentions can transcend your personal and professional relationships and encounters. For me, this year, my intentions are blended between the two aspects of my life -- in a more explicit way than ever before. And, I feel that it's important for me to articulate them in this way so that I can be authentic to both my personal and professional goals.

What about you? What 3 Words Will Shape Your 2011? Feel free to comment here on the blog or tweet me your 3 Words on Twitter to @Coach_Colette.

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!

How's Your Want-To? Get Inspired for FREE through Nov. 30

Have you been looking for a little boost these days? Or, searching for insights to keep you motivated as you continue to navigate today's New Normal? Good news -- right now, there's a FREE online Leadership & Influence Summit happening! Originally scheduled to end today, the event has been extended through November 15th.

This online event features brief, inspirational and informative videos from over 30 of the top experts on business and leadership including: Marshall Goldsmith, Michael Gerber, and Keith Ferrazzi. And, they're all "on-demand" so you can watch them on your own time, at your own pace.

I first learned of the program from my good friend, Kevin Carroll (8/31!!!!), who is also part of the Summit. His presentation is about how we can maximize our Human Potential. The great thing about Kevin, though, is that he keeps it real and shares insights from his lessons on the playground and from his grandparents.

I had the wonderful fortune to meet and travel with Kevin during my work on the Turning the Page leadership development training for public librarians. His keynote presentations inspired me every single time I heard them (over 25 times). And, I must admit, that recently I've had to check my "want to"-- that's his grandfather's expression for passion and drive -- as it's been a little worn down. Yes, even the Coach has to do some soul searching every now and then! Kevin reminded me that I am courageous by staying committed to building my business even in the uncertainty of today's New Normal.

Listening to Kevin on the Summit has helped. I also discovered a new potential inspirer, Jon Gordon, whose video is about Positive Leadership. His soup analogy made me recall my grandma's macaroni and cheese -- it wasn't the type of cheese she used that made it so good, it was all the love that was baked in.

When you have the chance, take a look at the videos on the Summit, and let me know what are your favorites! You can share them here, or feel free to tweet me on Twitter (their hashtag is #landisummit).

Coach Colette Offers FREE Strategy Coaching in October

In 2010, I’ve focused on helping you define your key priorities, implement your SMART goals and stay motivated in today’s New Normal. As you know, I’ve offered a series of FREE quarterly events (two teleseminars and one webinar) to help you and your team Bring Your Future into Laser Focus. The next seminar was originally scheduled for Thursday, September 30. Since I know it’s been a challenging year for many of us, I’ve decided to sweeten the deal and give you even more personalized help.

To help you kick start your 4th Quarter results, finish the year and exceed even your own expectations, I’ve decided to replace the September seminar and instead offer FREE one-on-one 30 minute laser coaching sessions! You should sign up if you are a CEO, CFO, Executive Director, Board Chair, or any Team Leader who is responsible for bringing in revenues, setting organizational priorities, or managing strategic projects.

Sign up for your Bring Your Future into Laser Focus individual strategy coaching session so that you can:

• Create a crystal-clear vision for the business results and revenue goals you will achieve in the 4th quarter
• Uncover hidden challenges that may be sabotaging your success in achieving these goals
• Identify ONE task you can execute right after the session that will bring you immediate, positive results
• Leave the session renewed, re-energized and inspired to share your vision, and encourage active participation and ownership by all team members in your collective success

Being clear on your vision will improve your productivity, morale, and motivation so you'll able to pull your team together to meet current challenges (e.g., higher expectations, tighter budgets and fewer resources, increased need to integrate systems and teams).

If you’re serious about making some real headway for you and your team as the economy rebounds in 2011, sign up for your FREE Bring Your Future into Laser Focus individual coaching session TODAY! I have a limited number of spaces for individual coaching sessions that will begin on Monday, October 4, 2010.