This Month's Article

How to Have a Successful Business and Still Have a Great Life!

Yes, you really can have a successful business and a great life. So often you get caught up in growing your business or climbing the corporate ladder that you put your personal life on hold. Rather than filling up your calendar with work, organizations, commitments and activities that don't bring you joy, think about putting on your calendar the activities that you really want to do first. No time to exercise? Put it in your calendar first. Want to catch up on some reading? Block out an hour a few times a week. Make having a great life your top priority. Let's design a plan.
 

1.    Simplify your life

Do you have a vision for what you want your life to look like? Think about your vision and let's focus on creating your ideal life. Do you know that 80% of your thoughts are about the past or the future? You're thinking about what you should have done yesterday or what you're going to do tomorrow. Let's focus on today. Think about really being present in the moment. Do you block out time to go to a soccer game with your child but take paperwork with you or spend half the game on your cell phone? You can simplify your life and really focus on being present. In order to have a great life you have to unclutter your life. That's right!! Clutter drains you of energy. Look around your office. Are your in-out baskets overflowing? Is your file cabinet filled with information that you rarely need? Do you have stacks of unread magazines? Every time you look at the messy desk or stacks of papers it's draining you of energy. When you organize your physical space it makes a big difference.
 

2.    Eliminate tolerations 

Tolerations are the petty annoyances that you are currently putting up with in your life. They drain you of energy; the car that needs an oil change, the dentist appointment you've been meaning to make, the button that's missing from your blue suit. Whenever you think, "I must make that phone call" whether you are consciously aware of it or not, it's probably draining you of energy. Make a list of everything you're tolerating. Yes, it might be 50 to 100 things, but by writing them down and planning to eliminate them you are taking the first step to having the life you really want. Take the time today to pick 5 tolerations that you have been putting up with. Take action on the first one as soon as possible. You'll be pleased to see the positive results.
 

3.    Raise your standards

Do you have an Ideal Client? Sometimes people say, "I'll work with anyone who needs my services". I'm suggesting that you take a 3 x 5 card and list seven qualities of your ideal client. Focus on working with clients who reach those standards. If you work with clients who are not ideal they are taking up your time and energy that could be spent with people who bring you joy. Raise your standards and work with people who appreciate you and the services you provide. In order to have a great life, you must raise your standards. 
 

4. Set boundaries 

Boundaries are like a mote around your castle. The imaginary lines you establish around yourself to protect your soul, heart and mind from the unhealthy or damaging behavior of others. A boundary simply defines what people can and can't do to you. When you have healthy boundaries you get respect and you grow emotionally. You must establish and set boundaries.You might have set up a boundary that people can't yell at you, but what about making rude remarks to you or always being late for appointments? Once you know what your boundaries are what do you do when someone crosses them? Use the simple four-step communication model. Inform, request, demand and if still no result, then leave. The key to success in setting your boundaries is to use a neutral tone of voice. Keep it calm, flat and neutral. When you protect yourself with you boundaries you will attract people who have a similar respect for themselves. 

Have a great month!! 

Phyllis Sisenwine, MCC

Published by Phyllis Sisenwine, Master Certified Coach, Motivational Speaker and writer. She works with clients to earn more money, improve time management and stay focused. To schedule a powerful coaching conversation send an email. Her website is located at www.powerfulcoaching.com

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Phyllis Sisenwine, Master Certified Coach
POWERFUL SOLUTIONS, INC. Inspiring Excellence...in You.