Monthly Archives: April 2015

Enjoy our weekly blogs that are written to inform and inspire.

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The Value of Daily Rituals by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
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April 28, 2015

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As you move into a new business or personal venture, it’s likely you feel a need to be agile and flexible. While the ability to shift focus and priorities as needed is important, it is also important to stick to those routines and rituals that are important in your ritualslife. Many people fail to recognize how rituals can keep us focused and balanced. Here are three benefits you can gain from sticking to important rituals in your life.

1. Rituals can reduce stress. Many of your routines have a calming effect. The few minutes you spend reading the newspaper in the morning may be just what you need to clear your mind for the day. The five minute check-in with your spouse at lunch time everyday may serve to keep the two of you connected, helping you to focus on other tasks the rest of the day.

2. Develop healthy rituals. Many of our rituals are inherently healthy. From a morning shower to stretches before bed, routines that are designed to keep you strong are critical to health and happiness.

3. Routines help minimize the strain of change. When much of your life is in flux, it is very comforting to have a few things you can count on. Just like your best friend or your favorite pillow, your favorite rituals serve to give your life continuity in a sea of uncertainty.

You may not give a lot of thought to your rituals, but it might be time to consider how these make your life more comfortable and stable. Have you let some of your favorite rituals take a back seat during busy times at work? If so, have you felt greater stress levels or lower levels of satisfaction in your life?

Take the time to put some of your most important rituals back in your life. If time is limited, evaluate which rituals and routines provide the most satisfaction, and start by incorporating those. You might be amazed at the improvement you see in your satisfaction both at home and at work.

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Moving From Good to Great – How a Coach Can Help by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
2343 Views

April 21, 2015

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As a leader, you’re looking for ways to constantly improve. As you build your business or career, you’re certain to gain goodtogreatexperience and skill along the way. However, at some point you may find that your growth has plateaued and you are no longer seeing continuous improvement in your processes and behaviours.

It is at this point that you may find it beneficial to invest in a coach to help you jumpstart your growth and development again. Though it may seem frivolous to spend money on a coach, the money can be a great investment in your future. Here are three ways a coach can help you go from being a good leader to being a great one.

1. They see the blind spots you cannot. Often, we have blind spots or behaviours that get in the way of our success. Many times, these behaviours or traits are so deeply rooted that we either don’t see them or we don’t see how they are hurting us. Our friends and family may also be blind to them, or may just want to avoid hurting our feelings. Your coach is being paid to tell you how to get better, so he or she will focus in on those traits that you may fail to recognize as stumbling blocks.

2. They help you focus. A coach can give you specific, concrete behaviours you need to either develop or change. Very often, we flounder simply because we don’t know the concrete steps we need to take. A coach can help you to hone in on those steps.

3. They help you gain perspective. A coach can be valuable in helping you to sort out what is really important versus what is wasting your time. Very often, we get to the end of the day and find that we couldn’t get everything done. A coach can help you narrow your tasks to those that are really valuable so that you block out the noise and work on what’s really important.

There are professional coaches available with many different areas of expertise. Talk to others in your industry or field to get recommendations before you choose. Even a little time spent with a seasoned coach may help you to get back on track.

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Understanding the Six Human Needs by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
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April 14, 2015

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We all understand the basic human needs for life that include food, shelter and clothing. But, did you know that there are six emotional human needs that we also require for our happiness? When you have an understanding of these six human needs and set out to ensure that you get each of these in your life, you can help ensure that you live a more fulfilled and satisfied life.

1. Uncertainty/Variety – Though most of us desire security at least to some extent, it is the uncertainty that keeps our adrenaline flowing. Each of us need different levels of uncertainty and risk, but we all need it. Whether your uncertainty needs are met by sixhumanneedstaking on new business ventures, gambling or simply trying something new every few months, it is important not to neglect your need for excitement.
2. Connection/Love – Each of us also needs human connection and intimacy. For many, this is found through romantic relationships. However, most of us thrive when we have a variety of connections in our lives, including romantic relationships, family relationships and friends.
3. Significance – Humans need to see that their lives have significance. Each of us seeks this significance in different ways, with some people putting a great deal of importance in leaving a business or volunteer legacy, while others get their fulfillment from raising children. Though the ways we seek significance vary, each of us wants to know that our lives have been meaningful to the world.
4. Growth – Humans are meant to evolve and change. We are happiest when we seek new opportunities to learn and grow. Stagnation creates unhappiness.
5. Contribution – Each of us wants to contribute to the world around us, through our families, our communities and our workplace. When we can give to another human, we gain fulfillment.
6. Certainty – Though we love variety and risk, humans need some things in life we can count on. Too much uncertainty breeds anxiety. Each of us takes comfort from the things we know we can count on, like the continuity of long-term relationships and the peace of mind we get from simple practical matters like saving money or owning our home.

As each of us seeks to increase our resilience for handling the curves life throws us as well as our success in our professional and personal lives, it is helpful to take occasional stock of where we are in having these six needs met. When you have a dose of each of these in your life, you are well on your way to feeling fulfilled and happy.

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The Positive Benefits of Regular Sleep by Cindy Stradling CSP, CPC
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April 7, 2015

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Any time you’re pursuing an important goal, there is a tendency to overwork. There can be too many tasks to accomplish and your life can feel overwhelmed. In many cases, this activity can lead to a lack of sleep.sleep3

Sometimes, the lack of sleep is the result of trying to fit too much activity into the day, resulting in working late into the night. Other times, you may try to sleep, but stress and a long list of incomplete tasks may make you restless, causing insomnia.

Regardless of which problem you’re having, it is important to get back into your regular sleep routine. There are several benefits that come from regular, restful sleep.

1. Ability to focus. When you are sleep deprived, you lack focus. Simple mental challenges are suddenly more difficult. You are more likely to make mistakes when you do not get regular sleep. In the long run, you may put in more working hours, yet be less productive.
2. Health. Busy people don’t have time to get sick. However, people who don’t get regular sleep are much more likely to get sick. This is another way lack of sleep negatively affects productivity.
3. Outlook. When you are tired and unproductive, you are more likely to have a negative outlook on things. It could even lead you to give up on a goal that you would likely have reached too soon.

Handling Insomnia

But, what if you’re trying to sleep, but just can’t seem to get any rest? This is an all too common problem when there are many things going on in your life, and when you are under stress. Here are some ways to help increase your chances of sleep.

1. Don’t work right up until bedtime. Take some time to unwind from work before bed. Do something enjoyable, such as reading, watching television or enjoying your favorite hobby. This will help slow your mind, making it easier to sleep.
2. Avoid alcohol. If you find that you fall asleep easily, but wake during the night unable to go back to sleep, alcohol could be part of your problem. Stay away from the alcohol and see if you don’t start sleeping better.
3. Don’t sleep with the television on. While television can be a great way to wind down before bed, it’s not a good idea to leave it on while you sleep. The background noise of the television can prevent your brain from shutting down appropriately so that you can rest peacefully. If you like to fall asleep to the television, use a remote with a timer so that the television will shut off.
Regular sleep is an important part of your health and your productivity. When something gets in the way, it can cause many problems you might never suspect. Work to get your sleep patterns back on track so that you can get back to your normal, productive life.

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