Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for those who live their lives
consciously. Provided to you by coach and consultant, Joanne
Vitali, who offers you support, inspiration and strategies
for creating a life that matters.
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Please
forward this newsletter to others interested in improving their lives or
businesses. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, reply to
joanne@joannevitali.com to sign up for a free subscription.
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April 2003
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This
month’s topic: Dealing with Stress
Every month
Oprah writes a column called "What I know for sure" in O magazine. I
recently heard her confess that sometimes when she’s trying to think of
something to write she says to herself, " I don’t know what I know for
sure. I don’t know a *#%* thing! Let me see what I can steal from somebody
else." Well, I have to admit that I’ve had that feeling many times writing
this newsletter. Usually, I wait for some kind of inspiration to hit me, which
is why sometimes the newsletter comes out early in the month and sometimes
later on!
This month
I got my inspiration from both Cheryl Richardson (the renowned coach) and my
own clients. You see, several of my clients are under a great deal of stress
right now. The combination of increased pressure at work, especially for those
in corporate positions, and the responsibility of helping aging parents is
taking a toll. Our current economy and world situation are also not helping
things either. I know they are not alone in this situation and that many could
benefit from some advice. Coincidentally, tips from Cheryl Richardson about
dealing with stress recently caught my eye. So this month I’d like to focus on
specific ways to take good care of yourself during difficult times. With a
little help from my clients and Cheryl, here goes….
When you
feel overwhelmed, your body is telling you that it has gone into "fight or
flight" mode. In this mode, you tend to shift your attention to the task
at hand and neglect your self-care — believing that if you just push through
your stress, all will be well. For instance, many of my clients are working
through lunch every day, not willing to ‘lose’ even 10 minutes to a break. But,
it’s at exactly these times, when you’re feeling pressure, that you need to
return to basic self-care strategies. These strategies will not only protect
your health, but they’ll make you more productive and effective too. Remember: none
of us is unbreakable – only Bruce Willis in the movie has that privilege.
Here are
five things you can do:
1. Drink lots of water.
When your
body is under stress, coritsol levels increase and it’s easy to become
dehydrated. When you’re dehydrated your brain gets foggy, fatigue kicks in, and
your productivity plummets. You can be experiencing mild dehydration even
before you actually feel thirsty. Get a big bottle of water, keep it on your
desk, and when it’s gone, fill it up and keep on drinking. If you work near
electronic equipment like a computer (which causes dehydration) you’ll need to
drink even more water.
2. Reset your priorities.
Throughout
the day take short periods of uninterrupted time to reevaluate your priorities.
Too often high stress levels cause us to revert to mindless activities that
waste time like surfing the web or cleaning out a junk drawer. We may do the
easy things on our list, so that we feel active, instead of doing the most
important things that could relieve our stress. Shut off the ringer on your
phone, avoid voicemail or e-mail, close your door if you have one for 5 minutes
and ask yourself: "What’s the best use of my time and energy right
now?"
3. Play the ditch it or delegate it game
When I feel
overwhelmed I challenge myself to take one item off of my plate by delegating
it to someone else or by realizing I just don’t need to do it at all. For
example, you might ask a friend to baby-sit for an hour or see if your spouse
can run your errands. You’d be surprised at how well people help out when you
let them!
Or, by
rethinking an item on your to-do list, you may be able to remove it from the
list all together. For example, sometimes you put a task on your list because
you think in that moment there is no other solution. For instance, my son came
home yesterday and said he needed a white shirt to wear for a special event at
school the next day. Could we go buy one? I could have dropped what I was doing
and ran out to the nearest store with him to purchase the item. I could have
been caught up in his panic and just jumped into action to respond. However, by
giving it a little thought, we realized that we could just borrow a shirt from
a friend. So, look over your list and ask yourself if you REALLY have to do
everything that is on it (is it really necessary?) or is there an easier way?
4. Take a break.
Get out of
the office, even if it’s for 5 minutes. I can’t tell you how many times I have
offered this advice to my clients! It seems like it’s the new epidemic in
corporate America to not go out to lunch. It’s considered unacceptable
behavior to leave your desk, as if doing so means you are not committed to your
job. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Working straight through for 8
hours or more is actually the least productive way to go. You absolutely need
to take breaks. (You managers out there: If you want you employees to be more
productive, encourage them to go out to lunch!) Shift your focus from work to
something pleasurable: browse through a magazine, enjoy the weather or take a
brief walk. You’ll come back refreshed and better able to make wise choices.
Breaks change your perspective. Breaks give you perspective.
5. Eat protein.
When we’re
the most stressed we tend to grab high carbohydrate foods to calm ourselves
(for some, caffeine does this as well). Carbs (and caffeine) only provide a
quick-fix energy burst. When your blood sugar drops shortly after, so does your
energy and concentration. You need a longer, more even flow of energy. For
this, keep good sources of protein handy. For example, put a bag of unsalted
cashews or almonds in your desk. Pick up low sodium turkey breast and keep it
in the fridge at work (or at home). You might even keep a can of protein powder
handy to mix with milk for a mid-afternoon boost.
Life will always present us with challenging situations — a child who gets
sick when you have an important deadline at work, or a co-worker who suddenly
has a family emergency and needs to shift their work to your already full
plate. You may not be able to control the circumstances that show up in your
life, but you can control how well you take care of yourself while handling
them.
Action Steps
If you’re
in the midst of a stressful time, print out the following and tape it somewhere
you will see it:: your daily planner, your desk, or your bathroom mirror. Use
it to remind yourself to practice good self-care in spite of present stressful
circumstances.
Dear _______,
You are important! Please remember to take good care of yourself this week by
doing the following:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Reset your priorities.
3. Ditch or delegate one task today.
4. Take a break.
5. Eat protein.
Have a stress-free 2003!
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Upcoming
Public Workshops & Coaching by Joanne
I’m on
‘vacation’ from workshops until the fall. If you don’t want to wait until then,
please call me to set up a program for you and a few friends at your
convenience.
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Joanne’s
purpose is to make people’s lives easier – at work and at home. Blending her
previous career in organizational development with her passion for helping
people to reach for their dreams, Joanne coaches people to live a life that
brings out their best. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting,
enjoying her three boys and husband of thirteen years or presenting one of her
many workshops.
For
information about coaching, or to experience it, call or e-mail Joanne to
schedule a free, no-obligation, 30-minute over the phone coaching session.
(610) 518-5405. E-mail: Joanne@Joannevitali.com.
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UNSUBSCRIBE
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REPLY and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
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Copyright
2003, Joanne Vitali. All rights reserved.
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CONTRIBUTE
TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics
would you like covered? Do you have a story, suggestion, favorite quote or a
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Life Matters - June 2003
A free monthly newsletter
for those who live their lives consciously. Provided to you by coach and
consultant, Joanne Vitali, who offers you support, inspiration and strategies
for creating a life that matters.
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Could your department or organization benefit from a
planning session? Or, perhaps a workshop or team building session designed
around their specific needs?
I’m scheduling for the fall.
Please think of me first if you, or anyone you know, have training, meeting or
coaching needs. Call Joanne Vitali at 610-518-5405 or hit Reply.
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What’s Life
Coaching? How does it work?
If you’ve been
getting this newsletter and are still a bit unsure of what life coaching is all
about, here’s a link to a recent Washington Post article which will give you
what you need to know.
Joanne offers complimentary, over-the-phone sessions to explore how coaching
could change your life. Just hit Reply to schedule one for yourself.
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June 2003
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This month’s topic: Trust Your Instincts
She asked: “But how do
I know for sure?”
He answered: “Knowin’s
the easy part. It’s sayin’ it outloud that’s the hard part.”
From the movie The Horse
Whisperer with Robert Redford.
What do you know that you
haven’t been able to say outloud? We’ve all had a feeling inside that tells
us something isn’t right, that we need to change something about our lives or
take a risk. But, how many of us acknowledge that feeling and act on it?
Many times we fail to take
action because we are too busy listening to our heads. We think we
aren’t sure it’s the right thing to do. We question ourselves over and
over. We’d like someone, anyone besides ourselves, to assure us that we would
be making the right move, going in the right direction.
A question I’m asked frequently
is, “How do I know for sure it’s the right thing to do?” What I have
learned from coaching almost 100 people is that we all know a lot more than we
give ourselves credit for. We do know what we need or want to be
happy. We just aren’t in the habit of trusting our feelings. We
have been conditioned not to.
Also, sometimes, it’s easier
not to admit what we know to be true. Because, what if, just what
if, that inkling in our gut is right? What does it mean we will have to
change about our life? It could mean changes we’re not at all ready to face.
When your instincts tell you
that something in your life needs to change (ex. Career, employer, friends), my
advice is to listen. Your gut is usually light years ahead of your
head. In fact, it’ll probably take your head several months to catch up
to the place your gut is in!
During that time, your head
will make you analyze, research, network, study…whatever it takes for you to
feel comfortable with what your gut has been telling you all along. It’s
necessary to live with our new ideas long enough to feel comfortable.
What you want to avoid is not
doing anything because you:
Never have quite enough information
(“I need to call so and so first”, ”I need to find this out first”, etc.) or
Convince yourself things aren’t
really so bad (“Things are getting better than they were”, “If I just wait a
little longer, things will improve”, “I’ve invested so much time already, it’d
be stupid to leave now”, etc.)
Going from “Knowin’ it,” to
“Sayin’ it outloud” is a huge, but necessary, step. It’s a step you must
take if you are to make any change. “Sayin’ it outloud”
forces you to take a risk, to put yourself and your idea out there. You go
from thinking the thought, to saying the words, and finally to taking the
action.
When I work with clients on finding
their dream job, they complete a thorough profile of their interests, values,
etc. I then challenge them to share it with four people whose opinions
they trust to get their feedback. This can be scary. It means they
have to tell people what they are up to. It means they have to be able to
ask for help. They feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. But it’s a
step that must be taken. You can’t find your dream job (or make any other
significant change) sitting at home alone thinking about it. At some
point, you must get other people involved.
Our dreams are difficult to
share with others. They are cozy and warm in our minds and, the longer they
stay there, the more comfortable they become. After all, actually telling
someone about our dream is risky. It could ruin our fantasy. They might steal
the idea. They might be threatened or angry. Or, worse yet, they
might laugh! So, it’s best to just keep it under wraps, isn’t it?
The bottom-line is
this: Whether you want to go for a dream or just rid yourself of
that nagging feeling in your gut, your first step is listen to your instincts
and feel your emotions. The second step is to tell another person about what
you are considering. People are your greatest resource. It
is only through other people that we make our dreams come true. No one,
no one, is successful by themselves.
Listen to your instincts and
your feelings. They are wiser than we give them credit for. Take a
risk by sharing them with someone you trust. It’s the only way your
life can improve. It’s the only way your dreams can come true.
Action Steps
There is probably something that
your instincts are telling you to do right now, something in your life that
needs to change. It could be you need to:
Re-negotiate or end a friendship
Take charge of your finances
Start a business
Work on your relationship with
your partner or spouse
Change careers or leave your current
company
Go back to school
Move to another part of the
country
Whatever it is, Step 1
is to realize that your instincts, your gut, your emotions are trying to tell
you something. Recognize the wisdom coming from inside of you.
Discern the message that is being conveyed to you. Don’t ignore your
feelings.
Step 2:
partner, a friend or me. (Feel free to use me as your sounding board.
We could discuss what’s happening in your life as your complimentary
session.) Ask for their suggestions to move forward.
Step 3:
rewards action.
Listen to your instincts this summer!
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Upcoming Public
Workshops & Coaching by Joanne
I’m on ‘vacation’ from
workshops until the fall. If you don’t want to wait until then, please call me
to set up a program for you and a few friends at your convenience. Visit
my website (www.joannevitali.com) for a listing of my courses.
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Joanne’s purpose is to make
people’s lives easier – at work and at home. Blending her previous career in
organizational development with her passion for helping people to reach for
their dreams, Joanne coaches people to live a life that brings out their best.
When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting, enjoying her three boys and
husband of thirteen years or presenting one of her many workshops.
For information about
coaching, or to experience it, call or e-mail Joanne to schedule a free,
no-obligation, 30-minute over the phone mutual interview. (610) 518-5405.
E-mail: Joanne@Joannevitali.com.
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CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE
MATTERS
What topics would you like
covered? Do you have a story, suggestion, favorite quote or a comment? Send
your ideas or suggestions to joanne@joannevitali.com
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Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for
those who live their lives consciously. Provided to you by coach and
consultant, Joanne Vitali, who offers you support, inspiration and strategies
for creating a life that matters.
To read this newsletter on
the web, click here.
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NEW: Create Your
PERFECT Business – Group Coaching/teleclass
If it’s time for
you to go from thinking about your own great business to having
the perfect business, then these sessions are for you. More info at end
of newsletter.
Target Your Dream Job – Group Coaching
NEW SESSION begins and
April 1, 2003. Group coaching around
career issues held every other week.
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Please forward this newsletter to others interested in improving their lives or
businesses. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, reply to
joanne@joannevitali.com to sign up for a free subscription.
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February 2003
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This month’s topic: Defining Success
In a world with so many
coulds, shoulds and wants, how do you know how to select what’s best for
you? In this newsletter, I’ll tell you how in 3 steps, you can define the
most important and lasting measures of success for you. After this
exercise, you’ll never forget the phrase, “I know I am being successful by…”
First, a quick quiz.
Read each statement and decide if it is:
Not true – 1 point
Sometimes true – 2 points
Very true – 3 points
I know within seconds whether or
not a new opportunity is truly right for me.
I know exactly how I define
success; it is not in question or doubt.
The goals I set for myself don’t
change all that much; they stay true.
I know what is most important to
me as a person
My primary measures of success in
life are internal benchmarks, not external goals.
I don’t find myself juggling my
priorities, I know and live what matters most.
The key people in my life totally
support what is most important to me.
If I lost everything, I would
still know what’s most important to me.
I am no longer diverted or deduced
by ‘great ideas’ that turn out to be expensive distractions.
Scoring: Go for a perfect 30.
What does Defining Success mean?
It means you have identified
the 3 key relationships, things, or other elements of life that are most
important to you. These 3 items can be things like “The love I experience
from my spouse,” to “How creative I’m being.”
Until you take the time to
define success for yourself, it is most likely being defined for you by others,
your culture, the past, hope or advertising. As I say in my
workshops, “If you don’t know what you want, then you are subject to the
whims of your environment.” For example, if you are unsure of your
priorities, when others come to you with things they would like you to do
(chair a committee, go to dinner, etc.), it is more difficult to make a
decision. Many times we just end up saying yes and regret the commitment
we’ve made afterward.
Only you can truly define
success for yourself. Your success definitions, which you will
create in the 3 step exercise, will let you enjoy life more completely.
They will help you to decide how to spend your time and release you from
priorities that are not relevant or meaningful to you.
The 3 Steps
Step 1: Complete this question:
I know I am being
successful by…[fill in blank here]
Come up with 3 different phrases to complete the
sentence. It’s very important that you use the exact sentence structure
and words that you see above because this sets you up to articulate more
clearly how you not only define success, but how you know you’re being
successful at any given moment.
Step 2: Tweak your 3 responses
You’ll know that a success
definition is phrased well when you feel a tingle in your body, or the light
bulb goes on or you feel excitement. Not feeling that way yet?
Don’t worry. If this exercise is new for you, it may take a couple of
days of tinkering with your definitions before they zing. And they
will. You will also find yourself thinking about success as you are redefining
it and that is good. If you are truly stuck and just can’t find
resonating definitions, then simply start over and pick totally different
ones. Sometimes we confuse what we should or could want for success with
what we really, really want.
Step 3: Notice what you feel
As you think about your
success definitions over the next weeks, notice the way they may tug at you to
make small, or perhaps, significant changes in your life. You’ll catch
yourself fairly quickly when you feel pulled away from your definitions.
You’ll find it easier to say no to people or situations that just don’t fit
anymore with what is most important to you.
Examples
Here are some Strong (S)
Weak(W) examples of definitions of success. What makes an example strong
is that it resonates with you, instead of just describing something important
to you. Give the phrasing a twist until it zings for you.
W: I know I am being
successful by how creative I am.
S: I know I am being
successful by how much I am enjoying my creativity.
W: I know I am being
successful by how often I am nice.
S: I know I am
being successful by how nice a person I am being no matter what.
If you’d like a list of 50
Sample Success Definitions, send me an e-mail and I’ll get them out to
you.
Action Steps
The Action Steps for this month are the 3 steps talked
about in the newsletter.
If you‘d like to have me help you
make your definitions zing, please contact me. I’d be happy to use
this topic as a complimentary session. You’ll be surprised how much
clearer you’ll be after our call. No need to struggle. I’m here to
help!
Have a
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Upcoming Public Workshops & Coaching by Joanne
(NOTE: all workshops are also listed on my website)
NEW: Create Your PERFECT
Business – Group Coaching/teleclass
If it’s time for
you to go from thinking about your own great business to having
the perfect business, then these sessions are for you. This business coaching
group is designed to help you, as a Solo Entrepreneur, make your business the
success it can be. You won’t even have to leave the comfort of your home
office! Just pick-up the phone and join the class.
to be successful. We cover the areas that you want help with AND bring in
experts to answer your questions.
Sessions begin
April 15 and continue through mid-June. Co-Led
by Joanne Vitali, and Melinda Williams, marketing maven of The Williams Group! Contact
Joanne for further details and pricing.
NEW: Going Solo: Life
After Corporate America
Thinking about going solo? Are you longing to break
free and go out on your own? If you’re afraid to leave the security,
comfort and benefits of your present cushy job…If you are afraid to unlock
those "velvet handcuffs," come talk to two people who actually did
it. They cut loose and left their longtime careers in Corporate America to
pursue their dreams. Hear about the ups and downs of starting your own
business. Real people. Real careers. Real ideas. We’ll discuss what
to do before you leave and give concrete suggestions on how to survive in the
"real world."
March 12:
9:00 PM. Call 610-692-1964 to register. This
one is filling up fast. Register today.
Co-Led by Joanne Vitali,
Performance Design Group and Melinda Williams, The Williams Group
Target Your Dream Job – Workshop
Hate to go to work in the
morning? You’ll never do work you love unless you take the time to find out
what you really want. Otherwise, you’ll just end up in another mediocre job.
You will: learn what you must have in your work to be happy, define success for
YOU, determine what’s holding you back and, finally, make the room in your life
you need to do the work you love.
March 19:
9:00 PM. Call 610-692-1964 to register.
Target Your Dream Job – Group Coaching
NEW SESSION begins
and April 1, 2003. Group coaching
around career issues held live every other week.
To reserve a spot, contact
Joanne.
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Joanne’s purpose is to make
people’s lives easier – at work and at home.
Blending her previous career
in organizational development with her passion for helping people to reach for
their dreams, Joanne coaches people to live a life that brings out their best.
When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting, enjoying her three boys and
husband of thirteen years or presenting one of her many workshops.
For information about
coaching, or to experience it, call or e-mail Joanne to schedule a free,
no-obligation, 30-minute over the phone coaching session. (610) 518-5405.
E-mail: Joanne@Joannevitali.com.
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TO UNSUBSCRIBE
We’ve made it easy for you to
unsubscribe to this newsletter, Life Matters. Simply hit REPLY and type
UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
Feel free to forward your
copy to anyone you think might enjoy it. Please keep the entire broadcast
intact, including contact and copyright information.
Copyright 2003, Joanne
Vitali. All rights reserved.
YOUR PRIVACY
We do not share your address
with anyone, ever.
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CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics would you like
covered? Do you have a story, suggestion, favorite quote or a comment? Send
your ideas or suggestions to joanne@joannevitali.com
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Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for
those who live their lives consciously. Provided to you by life coach and
consultant, Joanne Vitali, who offers you support, inspiration and strategies
for creating a life that matters.
To read this newsletter on
the web, click here.
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FREE Laser Coaching – February
7th
Call between 9:30 – 11:00 AM OR 6:00 – 9:00 PM
From time to time, as my way of saying thanks to my newsletter subscribers, I offer
a day that you can call me for a 15 min. (what I call Laser Coaching) session.
Just call anytime during the available time slots. Maybe you’d like to
clarify those goals for 2003? Call: 610-518-5405. Talk to you then!
GOING SOLO: Life After
Corporate America – New Class Feb. 11th!
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Please forward this newsletter to others interested in improving their lives or
businesses. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, reply to
joanne@joannevitali.com to sign up for a free subscription.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
January 2003
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This month’s topic: Making progress in the new year
– Peter Drucker
A new year…always a time when
we review where we are and think about where we’d like to be. For a process
to help you reflect on 2002 and plan for 2003, click here (
Planning,” which covers this extensively. Or, get a free, concise
Life Designer 2003 worksheet by clicking below. It’s just 2 pages long
and includes sections for:
– Your 25 Biggest Opportunities/Goals
– 25 Supporting Environments
– 25 Cool Things to Do For Yourself During 2003
– 10 Ways to Simplify Your Life
– 10 Daily Habits
The form is in PDF (view/print/save at
Of course, you’ll need Acrobat Reader (free at adobe.com)
Over the holidays, I received
many cards from friends and relatives. Several had enclosed holiday
letters or short notes, which seemed to echo a similar theme. They talked
about a “hectic life” or a “busy schedule.” Now might be a good time to
question what we are so busy doing. Could we be confusing movement
with progress, as Peter Drucker warns?
Anyone who has held a job in
corporate America knows the difference between movement and progress. All
too often, our jobs require a lot of movement (looking busy, generating
documents and e-mails, etc.) and little observable progress toward a goal
or improved situation. You’ve seen the Dilbert cartoons!
What are you doing that is
merely movement, keeping busy, or maintaining a façade? What would happen
if you just stopped? For instance, for me, working in a home office
presents the constant challenge of being confronted by the imperfections in my home
environment. I could clean, do repairs and laundry 24 hrs./day. I’d
be very busy, but would I be making any progress? Progress toward the
things that matter most to me?
Since life is all about
choices, I had to choose. I chose to do laundry on two specific days per
week. This means that if someone goes without a desired item clean for a
day, oh well! House cleaning is done when I feel like it, and I hired a
cleaning professional to do the rest.
We’ve all only got 168 hours
each week, including time to sleep. Make sure in 2003 you are doing the
things that actually get you where you want to be and not those that are just taking
up your time.
Action Steps
1.
the exercises I suggest in Life Matters: Reflection and Planning
2.
the LifeDesigner 2003 checklist to list your goals.
Listing your goals is 90% of the
work of planning. Once they are written, they are embedded in your
subconscious. Let your subconscious do the work for you all year long.
3.
your time commitments.
What are you spending your time doing? If
necessary, keep a time journal for a week. Make sure you are committing
your time to the things that really matter to YOU. If you are a parent,
how many activities do you have your child scheduled for? I recommend
cutting children’s activities back to one to two (at the most) at a time.
For example, music lessons and baseball in the spring.
4.
Learn to say “No.”
Yes, you will make some people unhappy. That’s
the price you have to pay sometimes. It’s up to you to decide if it is
worth it.
Have a well-planned 2003!
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Public Workshops & Coaching by Joanne
(NOTE: all workshops are also listed on my website)
NEW: Going Solo: Life
After Corporate America: See Press Release that follows.
Thinking about going
solo? Are you longing to break free and go out on your own? If
you’re afraid to leave the security, comfort and benefits of your present cushy
job…If you are afraid to unlock those "velvet handcuffs," come talk
to two people who actually did it. They cut loose and left their longtime
careers in Corporate America to pursue their dreams. Hear about the ups and
downs of starting your own business. Real people. Real careers. Real
ideas. We’ll discuss what to do before you leave and give concrete
suggestions on how to survive in the "real world."
Feb. 11: DARC Lionville,
PA 7:30 – 9:00 Call 610-269-9260 to register.
March 12: Henderson High
School, West Chester, PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Call 610-692-1964 to
register.
Co-Led by Joanne Vitali,
Performance Design Group and Melinda Williams, The Williams Group
Crafting the Good Life
If you could live "the
good life," what would you be doing? What do you really want for
this year, and the next few? It’s too easy to get caught up living a life
you’ve fallen into and not one you’ve actively chosen. This fall, take the
essential step towards the good life and make a real plan. Design a life
you can be excited about. Joanne Vitali, a life coach who has worked with
individuals and businesses for over 15 years, will take you through a proven,
step-by-step planning approach that will put you on the road to your good
life-and the process is even fun! Don’t just let your life happen.
Create the life you want before another day goes by.
March 26 and April 2:
Henderson High School, West Chester, PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Call
610-692-1964 to register. 2 nights.
Target Your Dream Job Workshop
Hate to go to work in the
morning? You’ll never do work you love unless you take the time to find out
what you really want. Otherwise, you’ll just end up in another mediocre job.
You will: learn what you must have in your work to be happy, define success for
YOU, determine what’s holding you back and, finally, make the room in your life
you need to do the work you love.
March 19: Henderson High
School, West Chester, PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Call 610-692-1964 to
register.
Target Your Dream Job – Group Coaching
NEW SESSIONS begin February and
April 2003. Group coaching around career/starting a business issues held
live every other week.
To reserve a spot, contact
Joanne.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
For Immediate
Release
Making It On Your Own
DOWNINGTOWN,PA-January 16,
2003-Ever think about leaving that cushy job in the rear view mirror and
breaking out on your own? Do you keep hearing the words to “ It’s
Now or Never” replaying in your mind? Did you ever want to pack in the 401K,
the medical, five weeks vacation, company car, bonuses and perks just because
you simply can’t take it anymore? Do your friends tell you that you’ve “lost
it”? Well, you ‘re not alone.
You’re invited to meet two
women who did just that. DARC proudly presents, “ Going Solo: Life After
Corporate America” at Lionville Middle School, on Feb. 11 from 7:30-9:00.
Meet workshop presenters Joanne Vitali of Performance Design Group (formerly of
NASA and a Siemens 12 year veteran) and Melinda Williams of The Williams
Group (an 18 year soon-to-be lifer at The Philadelphia Inquirer).
They cut loose from their jobs in Corporate America to pursue their own dreams.
Hear about the “ups and downs” of starting your own business and the trials and
tribulations of “doing it on your own”.
Joanne Vitali is currently a personal coach, seminar
leader and consultant who frequently offers workshops on work/life
issues. Melinda Williams runs her own advertising, marketing and public
relations company. She also has a business that specializes in finding
antiquities for collectors. “Both Melinda and I had a dream of doing what
we love best and having the flexibility to still handle family life,” Joanne
Vitali said. “Both of our businesses are still young, so we clearly know
the fears and trials and tribulations of getting started.” For more information
about the workshop presenters, visit their websites:
For more information, contact DARC at 610-269-9260 for
fees and registration.
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Joanne’s purpose is to make
people’s lives easier – at work and at home.
Blending her previous career
in organizational development with her passion for helping people to reach for
their dreams, Joanne coaches people to live a life that brings out their best.
When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting, enjoying her three boys and
husband of thirteen years or presenting one of her many workshops.
For information about
coaching, or to experience it, call or e-mail Joanne to schedule a free,
no-obligation, 30-minute over the phone coaching session. (610) 518-5405.
E-mail: Joanne@Joannevitali.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Copyright 2002, Joanne
Vitali. All rights reserved.
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We do not share your address
with anyone, ever.
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CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics would you like
covered? Do you have a story, suggestion, favorite quote or a comment? Send
your ideas or suggestions to joanne@joannevitali.com
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|
Structure
What are some other ways
The Benefits of Structure
Whether you are running a THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS Think of an aspect of your
Take the action steps necessary
Have a highly structured
|
|
Organization Organizing and simplifying So why don’t we? We know So, let’s regain control What are Tolerations? They
There are thousands of kinds And what about all of those The trouble with Tolerations It’s too much because each Would you like to feel inspired, THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS Start by creating a list
Once you have a complete To focus on Spring Cleaning Next, pick the 5 Tolerations Extra Credit: Don’t More Extra Credit: Whenever you take care of Have a rejuvenating March. If you’d like help in decluttering
You can contact Bobbie at Book Suggestion (from
Copyright © |
|
Money This month, since it is tax Here is a story from one All of us in the session At that workshop, these statistics So, what happened to Kathy? Kathy did not return to the How are you like Kathy?
THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS Following is Your assignment:
©1998 Coach
Have a financially Copyright © 2002. All rights reserved. |
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for
those who live their lives consciously. Provided to you by life coach and
consultant, Joanne Vitali, who offers you support, inspiration and strategies
for creating a life that matters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Please forward this
newsletter to others interested in improving their lives or businesses. If this
newsletter was forwarded to you, reply to joanne@joannevitali.com to sign up
for a free subscription.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
November 2002
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This month’s topic: Gratitude
what is deeply important to us,
really matters most."
– Stephen Covey, First Things First
Do you know what is deeply important to you? You can
find out by exercising your gratitude muscle on a regular basis.
Feeling gratitude is a daily
habit, a muscle in a sense, worth developing. It is a habit, just
as complaining, whining and feeling victimized are habits. If find
yourself complaining frequently and feeling miserable about your current
situation, then listen up. An attitude shift is what we are talking
about. Making the change to a perspective of thankfulness will change
your life. Remember: What we focus on expands.
Gratitude is one of those
things that is easy to feel when our life is going well. It’s so obvious
then what we have to be grateful for. We can come up with a respectable
list of things we are thankful for at the drop of a hat.
And yet, it is during our
time of distress that gratitude helps us the most. During these times,
finding meaning while the world is swirling in chaos, can be a lifesaver.
But, as I said, coming up with things to be grateful while we are in the midst
of trauma is not an easy thing to do. This is why we need to have a list
before crisis strikes. It’s like putting money away in a bank account for
a rainy day. What we all need is a gratitude reserve that we can tap into
when we need it.
Action Steps
Develop your gratitude muscle by
exercising it regularly.
Journal – The easiest way to do this is to begin a
gratitude journal. Keep a notebook on your nightstand and every night
before going to bed, list at least 5 things you have to be thankful for.
Coming up with 5 may be difficult at first if you have not had this
mindset. You will soon notice patterns in the items that you list.
These items will let you know what is deeply important to you. Once you
know, you will have a list of what really matters to you the most. You
will be constructing your own personal list of what makes your life worth
living. When times get tough, this list will prove invaluable.
If you have a spouse or life partner, get two journals,
one for each of you. Each of you jot down the reasons you are
thankful for your partner that day. Then, exchange journals so you can
read each other entries. It will bring you much closer and help you to
learn the things your partner thinks are important.
Think at night – If
journaling is not your thing, then begin even more simply and just think of 5
things to be thankful for as you fall asleep. What better way to end the
day and get to sleep.
Think during the day –
You want to work up to spontaneously thinking several times a day about what
you are thankful for. You want to sensitize yourself to the things in
your life that are going well, as opposed to being sensitive to that which is
causing you pain.
Live a grateful winter.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Public Workshops & Coaching by Joanne (NOTE: all
workshops are also listed on my website)
NEW: Going Solo: Life
After Corporate America
Thinking about going
solo? Are you longing to break free and go out on your own? If you’re
afraid to leave the security, comfort and benefits of your present cushy job…If
you are afraid to unlock those "velvet handcuffs," come talk to two
people who actually did it. They cut loose and left their longtime careers in
Corporate America to pursue their dreams. Hear about the ups and downs of
starting your own business. Real people. Real careers. Real ideas.
We’ll discuss what to do before you leave and give concrete suggestions on how
to survive in the "real world."
Feb. 11: DARC Lionville, PA
7:30 – 9:00 Call 610-269-9260 to register.
March 12: Henderson High
School, West Chester, PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Call 610-692-1964 to
register.
Co-Led by Joanne Vitali,
Performance Design Group and Melinda Williams, The Williams Group
Crafting the Good Life
If you could live "the
good life," what would you be doing? What do you really want for
this year, and the next few? It’s too easy to get caught up living a life
you’ve fallen into and not one you’ve actively chosen. This fall, take the
essential step towards the good life and make a real plan. Design a life
you can be excited about. Joanne Vitali, a life coach who has worked with
individuals and businesses for over 15 years, will take you through a proven,
step-by-step planning approach that will put you on the road to your good
life-and the process is even fun! Don’t just let your life happen.
Create the life you want before another day goes by.
March 26 and April 2:
Henderson High School, West Chester, PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Call
610-692-1964 to register. 2 nights.
Target Your Dream Job Workshop
Hate to go to work in the
morning? You’ll never do work you love unless you take the time to find out
what you really want. Otherwise, you’ll just end up in another mediocre job.
You will: learn what you must have in your work to be happy, define success for
YOU, determine what’s holding you back and, finally, make the room in your life
you need to do the work you love.
January 28: DARC, Lionville,
PA 7:00 – 9:00. Call 610-269-9260 to register.
March 19: Henderson High
School, West Chester, PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Call 610-692-1964 to
register.
Target Your Dream Job – Group Coaching
NEW SESSION begins February
2003. Group coaching around career/starting a business issues held live
every other week.
To reserve a spot, contact
Joanne.
Life Balance for the Ridiculously Busy
Does it seem like your life
is running you? Do you never have enough time in the day? You are not
alone! According to Joanne Vitali, lack of balance is one of the most
common issues her clients work on. Come to this workshop and learn the
tips and techniques she uses to help them. You’ll come away with a better
understanding of yourself, priorities for your life and a plan for change.
Tuesday, February 4: 7:30 -
9:00 PM DARC, Lionville, PA 7:00 – 9:00. Call 610-269-9260 to
register.
A New Year…A New Life
What are your resolutions? What do you really
want for the New Year, and the next few? It’s so easy to get caught up
living a life you’ve fallen into and not one you’ve actively chosen. This year,
take the time to make a real plan. Design a life you can be excited
about. Joanne Vitali, a life and business coach, who has been working with
individuals and businesses for over 15 years, will take you through a proven,
step-by-step planning approach that you can use for the rest of your
life—and it’s even fun! Don’t just let your life happen.
Create your own personal plan before another day goes by.
Thursday, January 16 and 23:
7:30 – 9:00 PM 7:00 – 9:00. Call 610-269-9260 to register.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joanne has openings in
January for a few new coaching clients and is always interested in new venues
to offer her workshops. Her purpose is to make people’s lives easier – at work
and at home.
Blending her previous career
in organizational development with her passion for helping people to reach for
their dreams, Joanne coaches people to live a life that brings out their best.
When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting, enjoying her three boys and
husband of thirteen years or presenting one of her many workshops.
For information about
coaching, or to experience it, call or e-mail Joanne to schedule a free,
no-obligation, 30-minute coaching session. (610) 518-5405. E-mail:
Joanne@Joannevitali.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TO UNSUBSCRIBE
We’ve made it easy for you to
unsubscribe to this newsletter, Life Matters. Simply hit REPLY and type
UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
Feel free to forward your
copy to anyone you think might enjoy it. Please keep the entire broadcast
intact, including contact and copyright information.
Copyright 2002, Joanne
Vitali. All rights reserved.
YOUR PRIVACY
We do not share your address
with anyone, ever.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics would you like
covered? Do you have a story, suggestion, favorite quote or a comment? Send
your ideas or suggestions to Joanne@joannevitali.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for those who live their lives
consciously. Provided to you by life coach and consultant, Joanne Vitali, who
offers you support, inspiration and strategies for creating a life that
matters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Please forward this newsletter to others interested in
improving their lives or businesses. If this newsletter was forwarded to you,
reply to joannevitali@earthlink.com to sign up for a free subscription.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
October 2002
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NEWS
My website, www.joannevitali.com,
is up and running. You can access all the past issues of Life Matters on
the site. Just click the Newsletters button. Thanks go to my
brother, webmaster, John Ferenzik. If you’d like to have your own site,
contact him at frnzk@comcast.net.
Unsubscribe: It’s been a while since you have been on
this mailing list. If you would like to unsubscribe, please do so.
I don’t want to contribute to e-mail glut. If you are getting this
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* * * * * * * * * * *
This month’s topic: Face Your Strengths
Face your strengths…what could I possibly mean by
that?
I’d like you to consider that you have a set of unique
strengths. Your strengths are those ways of thinking, relating or doing
things that come easily and naturally to you. By understanding what your
strengths are and developing them to their potential, you will achieve more and
be happier.
I’m asking you to face your strengths. Why
“face your strengths”, like facing a fear? The answer is because most of
us are, in a way, frightened by our strengths. Isn’t it much easier to
hide behind our weaknesses as an excuse not to achieve something? For
example, “I just don’t have the follow-through to write a novel,” or “I don’t
know XYZ, so I couldn’t possibly do that job.”
Following is my favorite quote of ALL time. He sums it
up better than I could ever possibly say it:
"Our greatest fear is not
that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our
light, not our darkness, that frightens us. We ask ourselves, "Who am I to
be brilliant, gorgeous, handsome, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are
you not to be? You are a child of God, your playing small does not serve the
world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people
won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God
within us. It is not just in some; it is in everyone. And, as we let our light
shine, we consciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are
liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates others."-
Nelson Mandela Inaugural Speech
Your “playing small does not serve the world.” If you ever find yourself
short on courage, think of this. If you ever feel egotistical when you
acknowledge a strength you have, think of this quote.
From the book, Now, Discover
Your Strengths:
“Is it egotistical to spend your
life building on your strengths? Building on your strengths isn’t
necessarily about ego. It is about responsibility. Your natural
talents are gifts from God, or accidents of birth, depending on the articles of
you faith. Either way, you had nothing to do with them. However,
you have a great deal to do with fashioning them into strengths. To avoid
your strengths and to focus on your weaknesses isn’t a sign of diligent
humility. It is almost irresponsible.”
OK, so now you get the idea.
But now you’re saying, “I don’t even know what my strengths are!”
Discovering your strengths is all
about getting to know yourself really well. For those of you that have
taken my class “Target Your Dream Job”, you will recognize this as Step
#1. Luckily, there are lots of ways to get to know yourself better.
Here are a few:
Get the book, “Now, Discover Your
Strengths.” It will give you access to an online assessment that will
tell you your top five strengths. The assessment was based on years of
research by the Gallop Organization. You must purchase the book. A
password is provided that you can only use once (so borrowing from the library
won’t work.)
- Take the Needs and Values assessment tests, available
through me via e-mail for $20. This is an assessment available at no cost
to my clients and the one that they find extremely valuable. It can be
life changing. Your Values align very closely to your Strengths. If
you’d like to have a session over the phone to discuss your results, I can
provide that for an additional $45.
Read some of the following books:
Finding Your Own North Star, I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What
It Was, The Purpose of Your Life, Making Your Dreams Come True.
They all contain many questions and exercises that can help you. If any of you
know of others that you can recommend, please e-mail me.
Take some other assessment tests. If
you work in a corporation, see if someone in HR can administer the MBTI.
Or, you can take the DiSC assessment by calling (800) 278-1292. It is
$24.95 to take online or $15.50 paper version. Contact me for a
professional who can discuss your DiSC results with you, if you like.
Take my Target your Dream Job class or
group coaching. Each provides you with more tools to help you know
yourself really well.
Schedule personal coaching to
specifically address getting to know you better. I have a 14 page Passion
checklist that I work with my clients on that is a synopsis of the best
exercises out there to help you know yourself.
Whew! If that list doesn’t
get you started, I don’t know what will.
My final message: You have
gifts to give to the world. Help make the world a better place by
realizing what they are and sharing them. It doesn’t do you or anyone
else any good if they are locked in your basement!
THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS
I’ve given you lots of follow-up items in the list
above. Your only assignment is to:
-Begin discovering your strengths, if you don’t know them
already.
-
you know your strengths, determine one way that you can use them that you are
not doing already. Pick one thing that strikes a bit of fear in your
heart.
Have a courageous fall.
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* * * * * * * * * * *
Next month: Gratitude
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Public Workshops & Coaching by Joanne
NEW: Going Solo: Life After Corporate America
Thinking about going solo? Are you longing to break
free and go out on your own? If you’re afraid to leave the security,
comfort and benefits of your present cushy job…If you are afraid to unlock
those "velvet handcuffs," come talk to two people who actually did
it. They cut loose and left their longtime careers in Corporate America to
pursue their dreams. Hear about the ups and downs of starting your own business.
Real people. Real careers. Real ideas. We’ll discuss what to do
before you leave and give concrete suggestions on how to survive in the
"real world."
Feb. 11: DARC Lionville, PA 7:30 – 9:00 Call
610-269-9260 to register.
March 12: Henderson High School, West Chester, PA: 7:00
– 9:00 PM. Call 610-692-1964 to register.
Co-Led by Joanne Vitali, Performance Design Group and
Melinda Williams, The Williams Group
Crafting the Good Life
If you could live "the good life," what would you
be doing? What do you really want for this year, and the next few?
It’s too easy to get caught up living a life you’ve fallen into and not one
you’ve actively chosen. This fall, take the essential step towards the good
life and make a real plan. Design a life you can be excited about. Joanne
Vitali, a life coach who has worked with individuals and businesses for over 15
years, will take you through a proven, step-by-step planning approach that will
put you on the road to your good life-and the process is even fun! Don’t
just let your life happen. Create the life you want before another day
goes by.
March 26 and April 2: Henderson High School, West Chester,
PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Call 610-692-1964 to register. 2 nights.
Target Your Dream Job Workshop
Hate to go to work in the morning? You’ll never do work you
love unless you take the time to find out what you really want. Otherwise,
you’ll just end up in another mediocre job. You will: learn what you must have
in your work to be happy, define success for YOU, determine what’s holding you
back and, finally, make the room in your life you need to do the work you love.
January 28: DARC, Lionville, PA 7:00 – 9:00.
Call 610-269-9260 to register.
March 19: Henderson High School, West Chester, PA: 7:00
– 9:00 PM. Call 610-692-1964 to register.
Target Your Dream Job – Group Coaching
NEW SESSION begins February 2003. Group coaching
around career/starting a business issues held live every other week.
To reserve a spot, contact Joanne.
Life Balance for the Ridiculously Busy
Does it seem like your life is running you? Do you
never have enough time in the day? You are not alone! According to Joanne
Vitali, lack of balance is one of the most common issues her clients work
on. Come to this workshop and learn the tips and techniques she uses to
help them. You’ll come away with a better understanding of yourself,
priorities for your life and a plan for change.
Tuesday, February 4: 7:30 – 9:00 PM DARC, Lionville,
PA 7:00 – 9:00. Call 610-269-9260 to register.
A New Year…A New Life
What are your resolutions? What do you really
want for the New Year, and the next few? It’s so easy to get caught up
living a life you’ve fallen into and not one you’ve actively chosen. This year,
take the time to make a real plan. Design a life you can be excited
about. Joanne Vitali, a life and business coach, who has been working with
individuals and businesses for over 15 years, will take you through a proven,
step-by-step planning approach that you can use for the rest of your
life—and it’s even fun! Don’t just let your life happen.
Create your own personal plan before another day goes by.
Thursday, January 16 and 23: 7:30 – 9:00 PM 7:00 -
9:00. Call 610-269-9260 to register.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Joanne has openings in September for a few new coaching
clients and is always interested in new venues to offer her workshops. Her
purpose is to make people’s lives easier – at work and at home.
Blending her previous career in organizational development
with her passion for helping people to reach for their dreams, Joanne coaches
people to live a life that brings out their best. When she’s not coaching,
you’ll find her quilting, enjoying her three boys and husband of thirteen years
or presenting one of her many workshops.
For information about coaching, or to experience it, call or
e-mail Joanne to schedule a free, no-obligation, 30-minute coaching session.
(610) 518-5405. E-mail: Joanne@Joannevitali.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
TO UNSUBSCRIBE
We’ve made it easy for you to unsubscribe to this
newsletter, Life Matters. Simply hit REPLY and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject
line.
Feel free to forward your copy to anyone you think might
enjoy it. Please keep the entire broadcast intact, including contact and
copyright information.
Copyright 2002, Joanne Vitali. All rights reserved.
YOUR PRIVACY
We do not share your address with anyone, ever.
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* * * * * * * * * * *
CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics would you like covered? Do you have a story,
suggestion, favorite quote or a comment? Send your ideas or suggestions to Joanne@joannevitali.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for those who live their lives
consciously. Provided to you by life coach and consultant, Joanne Vitali, who
offers you support, inspiration and strategies for creating a life that
matters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Please forward this newsletter to others interested in
improving their lives or businesses. If this newsletter was forwarded to you,
reply to joannevitali@earthlink.com to sign up for a free subscription.
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Summer 2002 (June/July/August Issue)
This month’s topic: Turn down the volume
It’s summer: a time we all think of taking a
break. (In fact, you can see that I’m taking a break by doing just one
newsletter over the summer.) This month’s topic will give you ideas on
how to take a break, whether you can get away to a vacation paradise or not.
I call it "turning down the volume" on your life.
In our hurried lives, we often wish we had time to do
nothing. But, even if that’s not possible, here are a few ways to have
our time feel a bit less filled.
Our world constantly pulls us outside of ourselves. There
are the "breaking" news stories demanding our attention, nonstop ads
on television, radio, the Internet, and the daily overload of paper mail.
One of the easiest and most powerful ways to turn down the volume on your life
is to turn away from this and take a media break. No TV, no newspapers,
no magazines, no radio, no computers. How long could you go without
these? Would the silence drive you crazy?
A media break can be a powerful thing. We forget how
pervasive the media has become in our lives. Just leafing through a
magazine, which we do to relax, can actually have the opposite effect on
us. After all, how does looking at pictures of perfect people, in perfect
houses with perfectly new things make you feel? As much as we may be
inspired by these images from time to time, they also tend bring up feelings of
inadequacy. The images and ads do what they hope to do, which is to make
us want things we do not really need. They can make us feel as if what we
have is not enough.
Recently, PBS did a special about current-day families who
moved to Montana to live for 5 months as people did in 1870. Obviously,
they went without TV and radio. They also went without all the other
conveniences we take for granted. What was most interesting was how they
felt when they returned to their real lives. They felt that they had too
many things and are over stimulated on a daily basis in today’s world.
They said they were happier when they had less. Less things. Less
stimulation. Yes, even the children of the families said they were
happier without their video games and TV. (For info about the pioneer project
go to this link:
http://aol.bhg.com/bhg/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/bhg/story/data/amfam_bhg1_03252002.xml)
Look at a media break as a kind of ‘fasting’ for your
soul. Instead of restricting what you eat, restrict, for a while, what
you allow in from your environment. Realize that you have the choice to
be selective.
For your media break, I’d suggest you start with a relatively
short period of time, perhaps turn off the radio during your drive to work in
the morning or not watch the news before going to bed. When you’re
ready, commit to a day without media.
Then, consider turning down the volume on a regular basis
during your day. For instance, take voice/e-mail and cell phone breaks –
times when you turn off the cell phone or schedule checking your voice/e-mail
only at preset times during the day. Yes, you can do this!
These are come ways that you can ‘turn down the volume’ and
get a bit of space. And, what will you do with this space? In our spare
moments, don’t we usually make up something to do?
All too often we run from quiet moments, turning outwards
toward external stimulation. We turn on the TV, phone a friend, or grab a
magazine. Did you ever wonder what you were running from? What
would happen if you actually allowed yourself to have quiet time? What
would you find out about yourself?
Learn to treasure and arrange for empty and quiet
moments. See them as moments free of pressure, moments when you can find
yourself. Consider what it is that you truly want during these
times. You could make some amazing discoveries.
THIS SUMMER’S ACTION STEPS
- Schedule your own media break. Choose
the media that you will be breaking from (TV, magazines, newspapers,
Internet). Make the break as long or short as you think you can handle
successfully. Recognize how you feel while you are on your break and how
you feel afterwards. Then, decide the changes you could make on a
permanent basis that would enhance your life. Maybe you will:
- Cancel some (or all) magazine subscriptions
- Reduce to subscribing to basic cable (or no
cable)
- Watch only certain TV programs (or no TV at
all)
- Get the paper once/week instead of every day
(or not at all)
- Use your time in the car to think
- Get rid of your cell phone
- Schedule a media break for one day every week
(Don’t get me wrong. I’m not advocating donating your
TV and never reading the paper. What I am suggesting is that we have the
choice to be more selective about our distractions and that it’s healthy to
reevaluate our habits every so often.)
- Look for opportunities to enjoy a quiet
moment. If you’re sitting at a desk or computer reading this newsletter,
you might take five minutes right now to close your eyes and relax.
- Practice doing nothing. Take a period of time (even as
little as 5 minutes) and do absolutely nothing. When your discomfort rises with
being still (and it will), simply breathe and sit still. Over time you’ll not
only find that it gets easier to relax for longer periods of time, you’ll
strengthen your ability to shift into vacation mode on demand.
Have a peaceful summer.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Next month: I’m not sure. I’ll decide
while on vacation!
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Public Workshops & Coaching by Joanne
NEW: Unlocking The "Velvet Handcuffs"
Thinking about going solo? Are you longing to break
free and go out on your own? If you’re afraid to leave the security,
comfort and benefits of your present cushy job…If you are afraid to unlock
those "velvet handcuffs," come talk to two people who actually did
it. They cut loose and left their longtime careers in Corporate America to
pursue their dreams. Hear about the ups and downs of starting your own
business, the trials and tribulations of "doing it on your own." Real
people. Real careers. Real ideas. We’ll discuss what to do before you
leave and give concrete suggestions on how to survive in the "real
world."
September 9: DARC Lionville, PA 7:30 – 9:00
Joanne Vitali, Performance Design Group and Melinda
Williams, The Williams Group
Call 610-269-9260 to register.
Crafting the Good Life
If you could live "the good life," what would you
be doing? What do you really want for this year, and the next few?
It’s too easy to get caught up living a life you’ve fallen into and not one
you’ve actively chosen. This fall, take the first essential step towards the
good life and make a real plan. Design a life you can be excited about.
Joanne Vitali, a life coach who has worked with individuals and businesses for
over 15 years, will take you through a proven, step-by-step planning approach
that will put you on the road to your good life-and the process is even
fun! Don’t just let your life happen. Create the life you want
before another day goes by.
September 30 and October 7: DARC Lionville, PA 7:30 – 9:00 -
2 nights
Target Your Dream Job Workshop
Hate to go to work in the morning? You’ll never do work you
love unless you take the time to find out what you really want. Otherwise,
you’ll just end up in another mediocre job. You will: learn what you must have
in your work to be happy, define success for YOU, determine what’s holding you
back and, finally, make the room in your life you need to do the work you love.
September 18: Henderson High School, West Chester, PA: 7:00
- 8:30 PM. Call 610-692-1964 to register.
September 12: DARC, Lionville, PA 7:30 – 9:00.
Call 610-269-9260 to register.
Target Your Dream Job – Group Coaching
NEW SESSION beginning October 8 thru November 19,
2002. Group coaching around career/starting a business issues held live
every other week.
To reserve a spot, contact Joanne.
Life Balance for the Ridiculously Busy
Does it seem like your life is running you? Do you
never have enough time in the day? You are not alone! According to Joanne
Vitali, lack of balance is one of the most common issues her clients work
on. Come to this workshop and learn the tips and techniques she uses to
help them. You’ll come away with a better understanding of yourself,
priorities for your life and a plan for change.
Thursday, September 26: 7:30 – 9:00 PM
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Joanne has openings in September for a few new coaching
clients and is always interested in new venues to offer her workshops. Her
purpose is to make people’s lives easier – at work and at home.
Blending her previous career in organizational development
with her passion for helping people to reach for their dreams, Joanne coaches
people to live a life that brings out their best. When she’s not coaching, you’ll
find her quilting, enjoying her three boys and husband of twelve years or
presenting one of her many workshops.
For information about coaching, or to experience it, call or
e-mail Joanne to schedule a free, no-obligation, 30-minute coaching session. (610)
518-5405. E-mail: Joannevitali@earthlink.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
TO UNSUBSCRIBE
We’ve made it easy for you to unsubscribe to this
newsletter, Life Matters. Simply hit REPLY and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject
line.
Feel free to forward your copy to anyone you think might
enjoy it. Please keep the entire broadcast intact, including contact and
copyright information.
Copyright 2002, Joanne Vitali. All rights reserved.
YOUR PRIVACY
We do not share your address with anyone, ever.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics would you like covered? Do you have a story,
suggestion, favorite quote or a comment? Send your ideas or suggestions to
joannevitali@earthlink.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for those who live their lives consciously. Provided
to you by life/business coach, Joanne Vitali, who offers you support,
inspiration and strategies for creating a life that matters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Please forward this newsletter to others interested in improving their lives or
businesses. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, reply to
Joannevitali@aol.com to sign up for a free subscription.
May 2002
This month’s topic: Structure.
What does the word "structure" suggest to you? For some of us, it
might conjure up ideas of army boot camp…lots of structure there. What I mean
by structure is the support systems we need to have in place to be our best.
Having the right support systems is anything but confining or restrictive. A
structure that works is actually incredibly liberating.
Let me give you an example. Say you are starting your own business. As
Americans, we have a tendency to go it alone — the "Lone Ranger"
mentality. We believe that people who are successful do it by themselves.
Nothing could be further from the truth. Every successful person had people
around him/her who wanted them to succeed. These people were a part of their
"structure." In fact, I suggest that anyone starting their own
business establish a support group. Think of 3 – 5 of your most uplifting and
resourceful contacts and ask them to be a part of your support team. They will
be flattered. Either meet formally with them once/month or ask them if you can
call on a regular basis. The help you will get from them will be invaluable.
What are some other ways you can add structure to your life of business?
Structure can be:
- A Regular Schedule - Assign a certain day of the week to do a
particular task. Around the house, this could be laundry done on Wednesdays. At
the office, it could be every Friday afternoon before leaving you prioritize
the tasks for the next week.
- A Buddy – A buddy keeps you accountable and motivated. Use a buddy to
help you to exercise or lose weight. Hire a coach to keep you on track and
moving forward.
- A Reminder System – We have so much to keep track of in life. We need
reminders to keep us working on what is important, as opposed to what’s urgent.
Post your goals for the year on your daytimer page keeper so you see them all
of the time. Choose an object to put on your desk that will remind you of
something important to you.
- A Plan - Plans and goal setting keep us on track. If you have a big
project, cut it down into bite size steps. When I make quilts, I pick an end
date for the project and work backward to set goals for each phase.
The Benefits of Structure:
1. You don’t have to think as much! Your mind is freed up to work on other
things. If you’ve already planned dinner choices for a week, you don’t have to
make that decision every day.
2. It sets the expectations of others. If it’s Friday, we know we have a group
meeting and must be prepared.
3. Saves time. Shopping once/week takes far less time than running out in a
panic to get the items you need.
Whether you are running a business or a household, structure can make all of
the difference. You need two things to make you dreams come true: a clear
vision and the structure to make it happen. Where could you use more structure
in your life?
THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS
Think of an aspect of your home or business life that would be easier if it was
under control. Decide what kind of structure would help:
- A Plan
- A Schedule
- A Buddy
- A Reminder
Take the action steps necessary to put your support structure in place. If you
need a plan, write down the steps. If you could use a buddy, choose who you’d
like and ask for their help.
Structure is a way to make your life easier. If you are feeling overwhelmed or
that you are not accomplishing all you’d like, don’t blame yourself. It’s not
that you lack personal discipline. You probably just need to put some
additional structure in place.
Have a highly structured May.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Next month: Turn down the volume
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Public Workshops by Joanne
· Stop Juggling & Start Living: A Life Balance Workshop
How balanced is your life? Seem to never have enough time? Is your head
spinning from too much to do? Look at your life a new way in this workshop.
You’ll come away with priorities for your life and a plan for change.
Learning Studio, Malvern PA: 610-578-0600
May 9: 7 – 8:30
PM and May 30:
9:30 – 11 AM
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joanne has openings in July for new coaching clients and is always interested
in new venues to offer her workshops. She supports people in living a life that
honors their personal values and needs.
Blending her previous career in organizational development with her passion for
helping people to reach for their dreams, Joanne coaches people to live a life
that brings out their best. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting,
enjoying her three boys and husband of twelve years or presenting one of her
many workshops.
To experience coaching for yourself, call or e-mail Joanne to schedule a free,
no-obligation, 30-minute coaching session. (610) 518-5405. E-mail:
Joannevitali@aol.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TO UNSUBSCRIBE
We’ve made it easy for you to unsubscribe to this newsletter, Life Matters.
Simply hit REPLY and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
Feel free to forward your copy to anyone you think might enjoy it. Please keep
the entire broadcast intact, including contact and copyright information.
Copyright 2002, Joanne Vitali. All rights reserved.
YOUR PRIVACY
We do not share your address with anyone, ever.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics would you like covered? Do you have a story, suggestion, favorite
quote or a comment? Send your ideas or suggestions to joannevitali@aol.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * *
Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for those who live their lives consciously. Provided
to you by life/business coach, Joanne Vitali, who offers you support,
inspiration and strategies for creating a life that matters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Please forward this newsletter to others interested in improving their life or
business. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, reply to
Joannevitali@aol.com to sign up for a free subscription.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Congratulations to all of you who took March’s newsletter to heart and have
begun to de-clutter your lives. Here is some feedback from last month that may
further inspire you.
- "I did it! I called my friend and told her I didn’t want to continue on
the Board….The conversation went well, and XXXXX thanked me for being honest!
Thanks for encouraging me to resign…!"
- "This (newsletter) was so well-timed for me! I have been looking at a
garage, a basement, a closet, and a body (not in that order) all of which are
disasters! I think I’ll get started tonight with my half-hour egg timer routine
that has worked so well for me in the past. I just set the timer for 1/2 hour
and start the job, giving myself permission to finish for the day the minute
the bell rings. Somehow it just doesn’t seem so overwhelming to me that way
& I generally end up working more than a half hour anyway."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
April 2002
This month, since it is tax season and money is on our minds, we’ll focus on
handling those pesky financial matters.
Money, investments, bills, savings….For many of us, these are not words that
bring feelings of security and relaxation. For many of us, we try not to think
about money very much. Not thinking about it very often is OK, once you have
the basics taken care of, once this part of your personal foundation is under
control. Otherwise, ignoring your money is one of the worst things you can do.
Here is a story from one of my recent life planning workshops to bring this
point home. An attendee, I’ll call her Kathy, was a woman approaching retirement
age. During one exercise, participants look at their current financial
situation and then anticipate where they will be five years from now.
Kathy said she didn’t want to think about it. She said, "It’s just too
depressing. In five years, I’ll be sixty-five years old and I’d like to
retire." All of us in the session came to learn that Kathy had a major
problem…she had absolutely no money saved, not a dollar, not a nickel! Needless
to say, we were all deeply affected by her acknowledgment. Our thoughts flew to
consider her situation five years from now. What would she do? How would she
live?
We hear frequently how little Americans save. In fact, how the average American
has $8000 in credit card debt. At that workshop, these statistics took life and
everyone in that classroom was made to confront their own fears about money.
So, what happened to Kathy? I wish I had happy news. I wish I could say the
workshop had a positive impact and she went on to make major changes in her
life. I asked her to learn the specifics of her social security benefits and to
start saving immediately, even if it was a very small amount. She said she had
thought about saving, but what good would saving $25 a month do? (She felt that
was all she could spare.) She said it all seemed so useless. She said she just
didn’t want to think about it.
Kathy did not return to the workshop for the second night.
How are you like Kathy?
THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS
Following is an excerpt from a program every new client of mine begins with called
"The Clean Sweep Program." What follows is the portion concerning
Program is a checklist of 100 items which, when completed, give you more
personal freedom. The 100 items are grouped in 4 areas of life (Physical
Environment, Health and Emotional Balance, Money and Relationships) with 25 in
each group. These 4 areas form the cornerstone for a strong and healthy life
and the program helps you to clean up, restore and polish these key aspects.
It’s your first step to establishing a firm Personal Foundation.
Your assignment: See how many of the 25 items below you can check. Your goal is
to work on this list until you complete 25 out of 25.
o I currently save at least 10% of my income.
o I pay my bills on time, virtually always.
o My income source/revenue base is stable and predictable.
o I know how much I must have to be minimally financially independent and have
a plan to get there.
o I have returned or made-good on any money I borrowed.
o I have written agreements and am current with payments to individuals or
companies to whom I owe money.
o I have 6 months’ living expenses in a money market-type account.
o I live on a weekly budget which allows me to save and not suffer.
o All my tax returns have been filed and all my taxes have been paid.
o I currently live well within my means.
o I have excellent medical insurance.
o My assets (car, home, possessions, treasures) are insured.
o I have a financial plan for the next year.
o I have no legal clouds hanging over me.
o My will is up-to-date and accurate.
o Any parking tickets, alimony or child-support are paid and current.
o My investments do not keep me awake at night.
o I know how much I am worth.
o I am on a career/professional/business track which is, or will soon be,
financially and personally rewarding,
o My earnings are commensurate with the effort I put into my job.
o I have no "loose ends" at work.
o I am in relationship with people who can assist in my career/professional
development.
o I rarely miss work due to illness.
o I am putting aside enough money each month to reach financial independence.
o My earnings outpace inflation, consistently.
©1998 Coach U, Inc. All rights reserved. May be freely duplicated by Coach U
students and licensed users ONLY
If you are interested in more ways to improve your finances, ask me to send you
a copy of my Top 10 Ways to Cut Your Monthly Expenses.
Have a financially rewarding April.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Next month: The Importance of Structure
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Public Workshops & Coaching by Joanne
FYI….If you’ve been thinking about taking one of my workshops, schedule
yourself for one in April or May. My workshop offerings decrease significantly
over the summer, so don’t put off registering or you may have to wait until the
fall.
· Target Your Dream Job Workshop
Hate to go to work in the morning? You’ll never have a job you love unless you
take the time to find out what you really want. Otherwise, you’ll just end up
in another mediocre job. You will: learn what you must have in a job to be
happy, define success for you, determine what’s holding you back and,
finally, make the room in your life you need to do the work you love.
April 10: West
Chester, PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM. Call 610-692-1964.
April 16:
Lionville (DARC) 7:30 – 9:00 Call 610-269-9260.
· Target Your Dream Job – Group Coaching
NEW SESSION beginning
May 7th thru June 18th. Four meetings over eight weeks. Come and experience the
support a group can provide.
To reserve a spot, contact Joanne.
· Stop Juggling & Start Living: A Life Balance Workshop
How balanced is your life? Seem to never have enough time? Look at your life a
new way in this workshop. You’ll come away with priorities for your life and a
plan for change.
Learning Studio, Malvern PA: 610-578-0600
May 9: 7 – 8:30 PM and May 30: 9:30 – 11 AM
Personal Foundation© Program
Four courses sponsored by DARC and held in Lionville, PA. Call 610-269-9260 for
information.
1. Get Your Needs Met and Live Life More Effortlessly
Are you cranky, frustrated or restless? You may have unmet needs. Your needs
are what you must have to be your best. Understanding your own needs can make a
huge difference in your life. Take an assessment test to uncover your needs so
that you can begin to live a happier, more effortless life.
April 11 -
Lionville – 7:30 – 9:00
2. Zap Your Tolerations and Enjoy More Energy
We tolerate many things on a daily basis… too many! They weigh us down and keep
us from being able to improve our lives. Come learn a new way to live which
will provide you with the energy you need to move forward and have more fun.
April 18 - 7:30
- 9:00
3. Saying "No": Define your Boundaries and Live Life Your Way
You know who you are. You are the nice one, the one that everyone asks for the
"small" favor. Get clear on your boundaries and learn how to have
everyone else in your life be clear about them too.
April 25 – 7:30
- 9:00
4. Create Your Own Life Map: Discover what you want for yourself and your
life
Our soul speaks to us in images. Our heads speak to us in thoughts. Use images
to create a picture of what you want to bring into your life. A fun ‘arts and
crafts’ exercise that lets you be creative and gets you thinking. Includes lots
of time to chat!
May 2 – 7:30 – 9:00
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joanne has openings in May for new coaching clients and is always interested in
new venues to offer her workshops. She supports people in living a life that
honors their personal values and needs.
Blending her previous career in organizational development with her passion for
helping people to reach for their dreams, Joanne coaches people to live a life
that brings out their best. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting,
enjoying her three boys and husband of twelve years or presenting one of her
many workshops.
For information about coaching, or to experience it, call or e-mail Joanne to
schedule a free, no-obligation, 30-minute coaching session. (610) 518-5405.
E-mail: Joannevitali@aol.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TO UNSUBSCRIBE
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Simply hit REPLY and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
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Copyright 2002, Joanne Vitali. All rights reserved.
YOUR PRIVACY
We do not share your address with anyone, ever.
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CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * *
Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for those who live their lives consciously. Provided
by life/business coach, Joanne Vitali, who offers you support, inspiration and
strategies for creating a life that matters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Please forward this newsletter to others interested in improving their lives or
businesses. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, reply to
Joannevitali@aol.com to sign up for a free subscription.
************************************************************
March 2002
Organizing and simplifying are lives are "hot" topics these days. New
stores are popping up like Unique Storage, magazines such as Real Simple and
web sites like flylady.net (Thank you, Sue H.). Plastic storage containers seem
to be endlessly on sale at the local Target. Professional organizers are busier
than ever. (See end of newsletter for a local resource.) In part, it’s because
we live such hectic lives. We dream of "getting organized" and
leading a "simpler life."
So why don’t we? We know that taking the time to organize and simplify would
help us to create much needed space in our lives. Space, openness, room…all
equal a little bit of freedom…more room to breath. We have jammed pack our
lives with activities and things. Instead of making us feel fulfilled and
content, the activities and things start to run our lives. They begin to
have the control and not us.
So, let’s regain control this month! We’ll work on decluttering our lives –
Spring cleaning, so to speak. We’ll get a handle on our Tolerations. We will
specifically attack those Tolerations that relate to excess things and
activities.
What are Tolerations? They are those things, people, and activities that we put
up with on a regular basis. They sap our energy every time we think of them or
see them. Here are just a few:
- the pile of mail that must be handled
- the car that is littered with trash or needs vacuuming
- the closet that is overflowing
- the desktop that you can’t see
- the meeting or social event you need to attend out of ‘obligation’
There are thousands of kinds of Tolerations. (In fact, if you’d like to see a
list of 1000 possible Tolerations, e-mail me and I’ll send you a list!)
You see, the more things you have, the more energy you must expend. Each
"thing" you have requires attention from you. It must be cleaned,
insured, filed, stored. For example, the larger house may be beautiful, but it
will need furniture, increased insurance, more cleaning, higher taxes, higher
utilities, etc. Is the dream house really a dream house or a self-imposed
burden? Are our belongings enhancing our lives or depleting our time and
increasing our worry?
And what about all of those activities we’ve gotten ourselves into: The
investment groups, the school committees, the sports organizations for our
kids, the church functions. People are counting on us. We can’t just walk
away…or can we?
The trouble with Tolerations is that they tend to build up, one at a time,
until we are tolerating more things than we are aware of. Most people, when
they really think about it, create a list of about 50 – 60 Tolerations. That’s
a lot of tolerating on a daily basis. In fact, it’s way too much.
It’s too much because each thing we tolerate drains a bit of our energy. Every
time we see it or do it, a little bit of our enthusiasm and power is zapped
away. We feel burdened, overwhelmed. We’re not as creative. We feel
unmotivated.
Would you like to feel inspired, energetic, optimistic, less stressed? Handle
one simple Toleration. See what happens. Guaranteed you will get an energy
boost — No need for new vitamins, no additional caffeine required, just a
little determination and maybe some elbow grease. So, read below for the Action
Steps and begin to create a toleration free life this month.
THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS
Start by creating a list of all of your Tolerations. Here are some categories
to get you thinking:
- Home and Office – location, size, layout, cleanliness, lighting,
- Relationships and Family – parents, partner, children, boss, friends, vendors
- Car – age, paint, condition, cost, maintenance
- Equipment and appliances – computer, Internet connection, television, filing
system
- Work life and clients – work hours, freedom, quality of clients, compensation
- Money – credit card debt, income level, bill paying, mortgage
- Quality of Life – eating habits, weight, clothes, appearance, vacations,
exercise
- Activities – school, church, clubs, sports groups
Once you have a complete list (and take your time with this…give yourself a
week to catch them all), remove the items over which you have no
control. Some things in life we just have to tolerate because they are completely
out of our control, like some health problems. Concentrate on those items that
you can take action on.
To focus on Spring Cleaning for this month, narrow your list so that it only
contains those that pertain to things or activities. (Your ultimate goal is to
streamline the things and activities in your life, so that only the ones that
enhance your life remain. If you don’t use it, give it away. If you don’t enjoy
an activity that you are currently committed to, gracefully make your exit.)
Next, pick the 5 Tolerations that bother you the most on a daily basis. Decide
on a way to eliminate each one. Tell a friend about a toleration and what you
plan to do about it. Have them hold you accountable for tackling it. We tend to
rely too much on ourselves to make things happen in our lives. It is ALWAYS a
smart idea to enlist support, if support is available.
Extra Credit: Don’t just handle the toleration. Get to the source
of it and handle that, or you’ll just have to tackle the same toleration over
and over. Look for a way to eliminate the source, or set up an automatic system
to handle it. For example, if scheduling baby-sitters is a constant bother,
schedule them in advance for the same days each month or have them call you once
a week to see if they are needed. Put a system in place to eliminate the
toleration.
More Extra Credit: OK, so you’ve handled a bunch of Tolerations. Good
work. Maybe you’ve already stumbled across it, but if not, look for a pivotal
toleration. One that you can zap and resolve a bunch of other Tolerations
automatically. For example, making more money would replace the unreliable car,
pay for a housekeeper, etc. Getting a new job might take care of an
unsupportive work environment, too low pay, etc. It may not be a quick and easy
change, but something to be on the lookout for…find your pivotal toleration.
Whenever you take care of a toleration, take a minute to sit back and realize
how you feel. Each time you pass that cleaned off desktop, don’t you get a
lift, a little energy boost? Remember that lift. It’s what will keep you
motivated to handle still more Tolerations.
Have a rejuvenating March.
*******************************************************
Organizing Resource: If you’d like help in decluttering or organizing
your home or office, I highly recommend Bobbie Heil of Sort It Out, Inc.
She has years of experience organizing on a personal and professional level.
She’s currently offering lower introductory rates. Her business is to help
others sort out the things that:
- Drive you nuts
- Distract from your happiness
- You’ve been asking your spouse or kids to help sort out for 2 or more years.
You can contact Bobbie at 610-296-8381 or baheil@hotmail.com. Tell her Joanne
sent you!
A Book Suggestion (from client Kirsten – Thanks!):
Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston.
This book will help you understand why it is so difficult to get rid of that
clutter. It deals with the emotional ties that we have with our stuff. This
quick-read book teaches us that clutter clogs our energy. If you have a problem
with the Feng Shui part – don’t worry about it – just learn from the parts that
fit your situation.
Next month: Money Matters
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Public Workshops & Coaching by Joanne
· Target Your Dream Job Workshop
Hate to go to work in the morning? You’ll never have a job you love unless you
take the time to find out what you really want. Otherwise, you’ll just end up
in another mediocre job. You will: learn what you must have in a job to be
happy, define success for YOU, determine what’s holding you back and, finally,
make the room in your life you need to do the work you love in 2002.
April 10: West Chester, PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Call 610-269-9260 to register.
· Target Your Dream Job – Group Coaching
NEW SESSION
beginning May 7th thru June 18th
To reserve a spot, contact Joanne.
· Stop Juggling & Start Living: A Life Balance Workshop
How balanced is your life? Seem to never have enough time? Is your head
spinning from too much to do? Look at your life a new way in this workshop.
You’ll come away with priorities for your life and a plan for change.
Learning Studio, Malvern PA: 610-578-0600
March 7: 7 -
8:30 PM and March 14
Personal Foundation© Program
Four courses (see below) sponsored by DARC and held in Lionville, PA. Call
610-269-9260 for information.
1. Get Your Needs Met and Live Life Effortlessly
Are you cranky, frustrated or restless? You may have unmet needs. Your needs
are what you must have to be your best. Understanding your own needs can make a
huge difference in your life. Take an assessment test to uncover your needs so
that you can begin to live a happier, more effortless life.
April 11 – Lionville – 7:30 – 9:00
2. Zap Your Tolerations and Enjoy More Energy
We tolerate many things on a daily basis… too many! They weigh us down and keep
us from being able to improve our lives. Come learn a new way to live which
will provide you with the energy you need to move forward and have more fun.
April 18 – 7:30 – 9:00
3. Saying "No": Define your Boundaries and Live Life Your Way
You know who you are. You are the nice one, the one that everyone asks for the
"small" favor. Get clear on your boundaries and learn how to have
everyone else in your life be clear about them too.
April 25 – 7:30 – 9:00
4. Create Your Own Life Map: Discover what you want for yourself and your
life
Our soul speaks to us in images. Our heads speak to us in thoughts. Use images
to create a picture of what you want to bring into your life. A fun ‘arts and
crafts’ exercise that lets you be creative and gets you thinking. Includes lots
of time to chat!
May 2 – 7:30 – 9:00
*************************************************************
CHERYL RICHARDSON IS COMING TO PHILADELPHIA!
Cheryl’s new book Stand Up for Your Life will be released on March 26th
and she will be in our area April 5th or 6th (details below).
Friday, April 5, 12:30-2pm – One-hour lecture followed by a books signing.
Event sponsored by Waldenbooks – no ticket needed – FREE – Montgomery Mall -
Strawbridges Court, North Wales, PA
Saturday, April 6, 7pm – One hour lecture followed by a book signing. Event
sponsored by Joseph Fox Bookshop – no ticket needed – FREE. Friends Select
School, 17th & Parkway Philadelphia, PA.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joanne has openings in May for new coaching clients and is always interested in
new venues to offer her workshops. She supports people in living a life that
honors their personal values and needs.
Blending her previous career in organizational development with her passion for
helping people to reach for their dreams, Joanne coaches people to live a life
that brings out their best. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting,
enjoying her three boys and husband of twelve years or presenting one of her
numerous workshops.
For information about coaching, or to experience it, call or e-mail Joanne to
schedule a free, no-obligation, 30-minute coaching session. (610) 518-5405.
E-mail: Joannevitali@aol.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TO UNSUBSCRIBE
We’ve made it easy for you to unsubscribe to this newsletter, Life Matters.
Simply hit REPLY and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
Feel free to forward your copy to anyone you think might enjoy it. Please keep
the entire broadcast intact, including contact and copyright information.
Copyright 2001, Joanne Vitali. All rights reserved.
YOUR PRIVACY
We do not share your address with anyone, ever.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics would you like covered? Do you have a story, suggestion, favorite
quote or a comment? Send your ideas or suggestions to joannevitali@aol.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * *
Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for those who live their lives consciously. Provided
to you by life/business coach, Joanne Vitali, who offers you support,
inspiration and strategies for creating a life that matters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
*
Please forward this newsletter to others interested in improving their lives or
businesses. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, reply to
Joannevitali@aol.com to sign up for a free subscription.
********************************************************
This week is International Personal and Business Coaching Week. To raise
awareness to coaching, the Phila. Area Coaches Alliance is offering
complimentary coaching by Phila. coaches. Just call 1-866-21 COACH (toll
free) thru Feb. 10. Leave a message and a coach will contact you within 72
hrs. to set up a session. Absolutely no selling or obligation from these calls,
just some free coaching. Yes, some things in life are free.
***********************************************************
February 2002
Ah, February. The month of hearts and cupids. Instead of focusing on the love
you have for others, we’ll use this month to take care of the most important
person in your life – You.
Yes, YOU. You are the most important person you have. Is that hard for you to
hear? Do you feel a little selfish if you allow yourself to believe that? You
are not alone. Your reaction is very common. To view yourself as "the most
important" is definitely a shift in the way most people view the world.
Look at it this way: you can’t give away what you don’t have. To love others,
be there for them when you need to be, be generous and helpful, you have to
have the love, time, generosity and help to give. When you don’t love yourself,
when you don’t give yourself the time you need, how do you feel? Are you ready
to be helpful? Are you in the mood to be generous?
By taking good care of you, you can be there for the ones you love. We get most
impatient, cranky and hard to deal with when we are not getting our needs met.
This isn’t to say that I’m giving you permission to be egotistical or to demand
that you get your own way all of the time. What I am saying is that some of us
tend to put ourselves last. And, putting yourself last does not make you a
better person. In fact, it leaves you with less to give.
For those of us that find ourselves in that category from time to time, it’s
more important, we think, to make sure that "other" people in our
lives are happy. We want our children happy. (How often do we hear, "My
kids come first.") It’s more important to have our boss happy. It’s more
important to have a clean house and perfect yard so that our neighbors are
happy. It’s more important that our significant other be content.
I’m asking you to take a step back and think about what makes you happy.
Usually, it’s little things on a daily basis that significantly increase our
level of satisfaction with life. It’s not the big car or even the promotion.
It’s probably more like feeling appreciated by your family or having more time
with your friends and family.
So this month, dare to start putting yourself first. Shift the way you look at
your choices. Choose to spend your time and energy on things that bring you
joy. Make more decisions based on what you want, instead of what others may
want. You’ll find you will have more of yourself to give. You’ll find yourself
being more of the kind of person you’d really like to be.
THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS
To get you started, you’ll need to take a holistic look at your life. This will
expand your view beyond your typical day-to-day. Here are the 9 key areas I’d
like you to think about:
1. Work and career
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Significant Other/Romance
5. Physical Environment (living and work space)
6. Fun and Recreation
7. Health
8. Finances
9. Spirituality/Spiritual well-being
Step 1: Think about each area above. Rate each on a scale of 1 to 10,
with 1 being the lowest or least satisfaction you could have in that area of
your life and 10 being the highest or "it’s as good as it gets." How
many 10′s do you have? Which areas would you like to work on? What does your
life look like as a whole?
Step 2: Choose the one or two areas that would really make a difference
in your life, if improved, and write a goal (clear words, due date and
measurable result) for each. Commit yourself to accomplishing your goal(s) by
telling others in your life and/or setting up some support.
Step 3: Finally, review those areas that you did not rate a 9 or a 10.
What would you have to do, have or be for the area to be a "10?" What
would a "10" look like for you? You are now defining success for your
life.
Have a reflective February.
*******************************************************
Here are some new classes from a colleague of mine:
inline with the theme of this month’s newsletter in that they each cover topics
that help you to take better care of yourself.
The Power of Sleep
Learning Studio Malvern, March 5, 10-2
DARC Feb 12, 7-9
Love is Never Enough: Skills for Enduring Relationships
2 part class Learning Studio Feb.6 and Feb 13,
Feb 7 and Feb 14,
10-2 or March 2 and March 9, 12-2
The Miracle of Empowered Love
DARC Feb 9,
10-3
Uncoupling: Turning Points in Intimate Relationships
2 part class Learning Studio Feb 19 and 26,
March 22 and 29, 7-9
Compassionate Parenting
DARC Feb 23, 9-3
The Soaring Heart: Valuing More and Resenting Less
Learning Studio Mar 14, 7-9, Mar 18, 10-12
Next month: Spring Cleaning for your life and business
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *******
Upcoming Public Workshops & Coaching by Joanne
· Target Your Dream Job Workshop
Hate to go to work in the morning? You’ll never have a job you love unless you
take the time to find out what you really want. Otherwise, you’ll just end up
in another mediocre job. You will: learn what you must have in a job to be
happy, define success for you, determine what’s holding you back and, finally,
make the room in your life you need to do the work you love in 2002.
April 10: West Chester, PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Call 610-269-9260 to register.
· Target Your Dream Job – Group Coaching
First 2002 Session started Feb. 5th
To reserve a spot in the 2nd session, contact Joanne.
· A New Year…A New Life
What do you really want for this year, and the next few? It’s sooo easy to get
caught up living a life you’ve fallen into and not one you’ve actively chosen.
This year, design a life you can be excited about.
West Chester, PA March 11 and 18, 2 nights 7 – 8:30
Call 610-269-9260 to register.
· Strengthen Your Personal Foundation -Workshop Series and Group Coaching
If you are building a great life, you want to be strong enough to handle surprises
or problems that you encounter along the way. With a strong Personal
Foundation, you can weather almost any personal or business storm that may
arise. Following are workshops aimed at improving your Foundation.
All held at Boscov’s Exton, PA 10:00 – 11:30 AM.
1. Create Your Own Life Map: Discover what you want for yourself and your
life
Feb. 13: Our
soul speaks to us in images. Our heads speak to us in thoughts. Use images to
create a picture of what you want to bring into your life.
2. -Get Your Needs Met & Live Life Effortlessly
Feb. 20: Are
you cranky, frustrated or restless? You may have unmet needs. Your needs are
what you must have to be your best. Understanding your needs can make a huge
difference in your life.
Live and Teleclass group coaching sessions also forming on these Personal
Foundation topics.
· Stop Juggling & Start Living: A Life Balance Workshop
How balanced is your life? Seem to never have enough time? Is your head
spinning from too much to do? Look at your life a new way in this workshop.
You’ll come away with priorities for your life and a plan for change.
Learning Studio, Malvern PA: 610-578-0600
March 7: 7 – 8:30 PM and March 14: 9:30 – 11 AM
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joanne Vitali has two openings for new coaching clients and is always
interested in new venues to offer her workshops. She supports people in living
a life that honors their personal values and needs.
Blending her previous career in organizational development with her passion for
helping people to reach for their dreams, Joanne coaches people to live a life
that brings out their best. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting,
enjoying her three boys and husband of twelve years or presenting one of her
numerous workshops.
For information about coaching, or to experience it, call or e-mail Joanne to
schedule a free, no-obligation, 30-minute coaching session. (610) 518-5405.
E-mail: Joannevitali@aol.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TO UNSUBSCRIBE
We’ve made it easy for you to unsubscribe to this newsletter, Life Matters.
Simply hit REPLY and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
Feel free to forward your copy to anyone you think might enjoy it. Please keep
the entire broadcast intact, including contact and copyright information.
Copyright 2001, Joanne Vitali. All rights reserved.
YOUR PRIVACY
We do not share your address with anyone, ever.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics would you like covered? Do you have a story, suggestion, favorite
quote or a comment? Send your ideas or suggestions to joannevitali@aol.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for those who live their lives consciously.
Provided to you by life/business coach, Joanne Vitali, who offers you support,
inspiration and strategies for creating a life that matters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Please forward this newsletter to others interested in improving their lives or
businesses. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, reply to
Joannevitali@aol.com to sign up for a free subscription.
FREE Laser Coaching – January 16th
Call between 9:00 – 11:30 AM OR 6:30 – 8:00 PM
From time to time, as my way of saying thanks to my newsletter subscribers, I
will be offering a day that you can call me for a 15 min. (what I call Laser
Coaching) session. Just call me anytime during the available time slots. We’ll
make headway on whatever issue you’d like to discuss. Call: 610-518-5405. Talk
to you then!
***************************************
January 2002
As we start this new year, it’s the perfect time for Reflection
and Planning. This month’s newsletter will
help you do both. You can use the process that follows for your personal life
or to wrap up/plan your business for this year. First, let’s do some
reflection.
Before you jump into new goals and resolutions, some positive reinforcement
could sure help get you going. So, what I’d like you to do before setting
any new goals is to list your accomplishments from last year. Look
beyond what you got done and also consider how you’ve grown as a person. This
is an exercise to celebrate all you did right last year.
Some questions to get you thinking
· What are you most proud of from last year?
· What character qualities did you strengthen? Are you more honest, giving,
communicative, sensitive, proactive, etc.?
· How have you helped others? Did you help a friend, family member? Did you
volunteer? Coach a team? Donate time, goods or services?
· What special memories did you create? Did you organize or attend a memorable
event, vacation or just have a great time doing something? What time(s) will
you always remember?
· What goals have you achieved or started? Did you start or finish a project, a
new hobby, a significant project at work, a new book, etc.
Your answers will focus you on the positive aspects of the past year.
Dwelling on what didn’t happen won’t energize you for 2002! Focus on what
worked and you will be poised for great things this new year.
Now let’s do some planning…Business planning used to be my life. I’ve condensed
a few basic techniques I’ve learned over the years for you. Feel free to put as
much detail or as little as you need into your plan.
Once you’ve completed the reflection exercise, and I’d advise you take a good
week to really create a significant list of at least 20 things, think
about what you’d like to accomplish this year. Use your list of 20 as a
starting set of ideas for this year.
January 2003? What do you need to do to be "successful" this year?
Post-It Notes work great for brainstorming your ideas. They allow you to
rearrange, categorize or timeline them. Brainstorming implies unrestricted
thinking, meaning just let the ideas flow. You can edit all you want later.
Write one idea on each sticky.
After brainstorming, you need to turn your ideas into REAL goals. A REAL goal
has 3 parts: 1) it’s specific…not vague, 2) it has a timeframe or deadline…like
every week or by March 16th and 3) it’s measurable…you can tell when it’s been
reached…you will know…it will be observable.
For example, say you have a "goal" to see your friends more often. As
it is, that is not a goal. A REAL goal would be to visit with friends at least
once a week throughout this year. If you want to be more specific, you could
list the friends that you want to see.
Once you have your list of real goals, give yourself a BIG pat on the back. If
you like, you even can stop planning right here! Something magical now happens.
The simple act of writing your goals has embedded your list into your
subconscious and you will now be more sensitive to opportunities that present
themselves that relate to your goals. It’s automatic!
To continue fleshing out your plan, you’ll want to put your goals on a timeline
according to the month each will be completed. (Use a piece of paper for each
month as your timeline, or just draw twelve month blocks on a page) For
example, if your goal is to lose 10 pounds by April 30th, put the Post-It note
for that goal in the April block. For weekly/daily goals, make 12 Post-It
notes, so that you can put one note in each month of the year.
Now, for each goal, backup one month at a time from the due date to now and
plan the monthly goals that need to happen to reach your final goal by the due
date. It’s much easier to plan backwards than to project forward from today. It
also provides a way to check to see if your due date is realistic. Finally,
fill in what needs to happen each week of this month (January), to fulfill each
January goal. Now you have an overall schedule for the year and a to-do list
for January.
Each month, review your goal list for that month and backtrack to plan the
steps needed for each week to meet each goal. Use this process throughout the
year. Congratulations! You’ve just created a plan for 2002!
THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS
- Reflect on 2001 and create a list of at least 20 things that you are most
proud of accomplishing
- Brainstorm your goals for this year. Turn them into REAL goals and create a
timeline for 2002.
- Celebrate your accomplishments from last year and for coming up with a doable
plan for this one!
Have a reflective and organized January. Happy New Year and thank you for being
a part of my community for the last year.
Next month: Taking care of the most important person in your life.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Public Workshops & Coaching
All January workshop dates are noted in RED
· Target Your Dream Job Workshop
Hate to go to work in the morning? You’ll never have a job you love unless you
take the time to find out what you really want. Otherwise, you’ll just end up
in another mediocre job. You will: learn what you must have in a job to be
happy, define success for YOU, determine what’s holding you back and, finally,
make the room in your life you need to do the work you love in 2002.
Jan. 8:
Lionville, PA: 7:30 – 9:30 PM
April 10: West Chester, PA: 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Call 610-269-9260 for registration info.
· Target Your Dream Job – Group Coaching
Contact Joanne for details. Live Sessions: Feb. 5, 19,
March 5, 19: 7 – 9 PM. Teleclass sessions also forming.
· A New Year…A New Life
What do you really want for this year, and the next few? It’s sooo easy to get
caught up living a life you’ve fallen into and not one you’ve actively chosen.
This year, design a life you can be excited about.
Lionville, PA: Jan. 15 and 29
West Chester, PA March 11 and 18, 2 nights 7 – 8:30
Call 610-269-9260 for registration info.
· Strengthen Your Personal Foundation -Workshop Series and Group Coaching
If you are building a great life, you want to be strong enough to handle
surprises or problems that you encounter along the way. With a strong Personal
Foundation, you can weather almost any personal or business storm that may
arise. Following are four workshops aimed improving your Foundation.
All held at Boscov’s Exton, PA 9:30 – 11 AM.
1. Become Toleration Free & Enjoy More Energy
Jan. 30 : We
tolerate many things on a daily basis… too many! They keep us from being able
to improve our lives. Learn a new way to live which will give you the energy
you need to move forward.
2. Saying "No": Define your Boundaries
Feb. 6: You know who you are. You are the nice one, the one that everyone asks
for the "small" favor. Get clear on your boundaries and learn how to
have everyone else in your life be clear about them too.
3. Create Your Own Life Map: Discover what you want for yourself and your
life
Feb. 13: Our soul speaks to us in images. Our heads speak to us in thoughts. Use
images to create a picture of what you want to bring into your life.
4. Get Your Needs Met & Live Life Effortlessly
Feb. 20: Are you cranky, frustrated or restless? You may have unmet needs. Your
needs are what you must have to be your best. Understanding your needs can make
a huge difference in your life.
Live and Teleclass group coaching sessions also forming on these Personal
Foundation topics.
· Stop Juggling & Start Living: A Life Balance Workshop
How balanced is your life? Seem to never have enough time? Is your head
spinning from too much to do? Look at your life a new way in this workshop.
You’ll come away with priorities for your life and a plan for change.
Learning Studio, Malvern, PA: 610-578-0600 to register.
Jan. 10: 9:30 -
11:00 AM, Jan. 17:
7 – 8:30 PM, March 7: 7 – 8:30 PM and March 14: 9:30 – 11 AM
· Strategic Planning for Your Business
What are your goals for your business over the next few years? Without concrete
goals, it’s very difficult to get results because, frankly, you haven’t
determined the results you really want. Learn a proven process for creating a 1
- 3 year strategic plan. Led by a former strategic planner, you’ll be taken
step-by-step through the planning process for your business.
Lionville, PA: Jan. 24 and 31
Call 610-269-9260 for registration info.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joanne Vitali is accepting new coaching clients and is always interested in new
venues to offer her workshops. She supports people in living a life that honors
their personal values and needs.
Blending her previous career in organizational development with her passion for
helping people to reach for their dreams, Joanne coaches people to live a life
that brings out their best. She is a certified career coach, member of the
Phila. Area Coaches Alliance and co-chairperson on the Chester County Women’s
Business Mentoring Council. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting,
enjoying her three boys and husband of twelve years or presenting one of her
numerous workshops.
For information about coaching, or to experience it, call or e-mail Joanne to
schedule a free, no-obligation, 30-minute coaching session. (610) 518-5405.
E-mail: Joannevitali@aol.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Copyright 2001, Joanne Vitali. All rights reserved.
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We do not share your address with anyone, ever.
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Life Matters
A free monthly
newsletter for those who live (or want to live) their lives consciously from
life/business coach, Joanne Vitali.
Offering you support, inspiration and strategies for creating a life that
matters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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Please
forward this newsletter to others who are interested in improving their life or
business. If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please send an e-mail
free subscription.
December 2001
Since its December,
it’s appropriate to offer some tips about how to experience the holidays
well. So, with that in mind, following are Five Ways to Have a
Bountiful Holiday.
They have an underlying theme: Be More You.
What do I mean by that? It’s a point that I base my coaching practice on
and mention frequently when I speak. “Be More You” means to be truer to
yourself and live your life more according to what you value. The
truer you are to yourself this holiday season, the better you will feel, the
more integrity you will have, the more solid will be the foundation for your
life.
The challenge is to be yourself in a world
that is trying to make you like everyone else.
Five Ways to Experience a Bountiful Holiday
Make
Decisions As Soon As You Can
You’ve probably heard this suggestion before for minimizing
the paper in your life: Handle each piece only once. See if you can
apply this principle to your holiday decisions.
For instance, if you see a gift that might work for someone,
buy it. (Save the receipt, just in case.) You probably won’t come
up with something more appropriate and you risk it not being around if you
have the time to go back for it. Trust your intuition.
Or, as soon as you can settle the details of where and how
you spend the holidays. Delays on holiday decisions add to your
stress.
Finally, here’s a tip for next year from a friend. (Thank
you, JoAnn B.!) Every year the day after Thanksgiving, put up your tree
and/or holiday décor. I used to think this was very early, but when my
second child was due to arrive Dec. 15th one year, I had no choice
but to give it a try. Even with a newborn on my hands, I’ve never had
such a relaxing holiday.
Getting the basics covered early allows you to concentrate
your time on other holiday-related details, with the added bonus of furnishing
you with the momentum to get going with the rest.
Participate
You have to participate in the holidays to discover how fun
they can be. If over the next few weeks your life is no different than
the rest of the year, it’s no wonder you’re not in a holiday mood. No
wonder it just doesn’t feel as special a time as you’d like.
So, if you are invited to a holiday gathering, attend.
Especially for those with small businesses or temporary unemployment, it’s
important to participate in a holiday event of some kind. You do not have
the luxury of the office holiday party, so you’ll need to create your
own.
Rethink what you believe you “should” do this season, and
discover what makes the season special for you – and do it!
Make decorations, cookies, whatever…because you WANT to, not because of a
“should” that you feel imposed from somewhere else. Do things that you
can only do this time of year: Go caroling, sing the Messiah with others,
decorate your house or office….have some fun and participate!
Be Clear
Be clear with others and with yourself as to how you want to
spend your time (and money).
Think about what
went well last season and be sure to reinforce that this year.
Remember what
didn’t work and decide on a new approach this time around, unless you a willing
to experience the same feelings as last year.
For instance, I’ve heard repeatedly from clients and friends
that relatives expect them to provide the holiday dinner because they always
have. They are tired of the work that is involved. If this is your
situation, remember your options: continue to do it yourself, ask others
to pitch in, decline to do it, hire a caterer and have relatives contribute, go
to a restaurant instead, etc. Decide which options work for you and be
clear with those involved as to your needs. You do have a
choice. And, while you are considering your options, notice which
ones you react to with “Oh, but I could never do that!” Really,
why not? Who will you be disappointing? You may realize just how
many of your expectations are actually self-imposed.
Don’t
Worry About the Jones’s
I was at the craft store the other day, purchasing items to
create ornaments (so that I could practice Step #2 – Participate!).
The person in front of me in the checkout line had a dozen wreaths stacked
up. I asked her why she needed the wreaths. She replied that she
was putting one on every window of her house. I came to learn that she
felt she had to have her house decorated well because everyone in her
neighborhood really went all out. She said ‘if it was up to her’ she
would just hang a wreath on the front door and be done. My question for
you is: How often are you respecting the values of others and not
honoring your own? If it’s not up to you how you decorate your house,
spend the holidays (or live your life), then who is it up to?
Practice
extreme self-care
Despite all of our best efforts, sometimes the holidays are
still stressful. This is especially true if your business picks up and
increases its demands on you during this time, e.g. retail. Realize this
and plan to practice some extra self-care during this time…a relaxing bath,
meditation, reading, exercising, whatever it looks like to you, plan to do more
of it over the next few weeks. As always, taking care of you is the best
investment you can make to be your best for your family and friends.
THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS
the holidays. If you are overwhelmed, get down on paper everything that
needs to be decided or done. Getting it all out on paper gets it out of
your head and should provide some relief and perspective. Then, add to
and work with your list over the next few weeks.
Choose ways that
are special to you to “participate.” Decide how and when you will do
them.
Talk with those
you will be spending the holidays with to make sure you are on the same
page. This is especially useful if you are feeling stressed. Don’t
try to do it all on your own. Ask for help.
Check in with
yourself to understand why you are doing some of the things you are doing for
the holidays. Ask yourself what your real motives are. Are you
trying to impress someone? Meet someone else’s expectations? Have a
“perfect” holiday?
Choose ways to
increase your self-care and schedule them on your calendar. Ask your
family or friends to support you in making it happen.
You have my
wishes for a bountiful holiday. See you all next month when I’ll provide
a process to review the past year and plan for 2002.
* * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Public Workshops by Joanne
Group
Coaching – Target Your Dream Job
Register by end of
December for a 15% discount
Call/E-mail for details. Live Sessions: Feb. 5, 19,
March 5, 19. Teleclass sessions also forming.
Group
Coaching – Strengthen Your Personal Foundation
Register by end of
December for a 15% discount
Call/E-mail for details. Live Sessions: Dates TBD
Teleclass sessions also forming.
Stop Juggling
& Start Living: A Life Balance Workshop
Learning Studio, Malvern PA: Jan. 10, 17, March 7 and
14
Target Your
Dream Job
Lionville, PA: Jan. 8
West Chester, PA : April 10
A New Year…A
New Life
Lionville, PA: Jan. 15 and 29, 2 nights
West Chester, PA March 11 and 18, 2 nights
Strategic
Planning for Your Small Business
Lionville, PA: Jan. 24 and 31, 2 nights
* * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joanne Vitali is accepting new coaching clients and is always interested in new
venues to offer her workshops and group sessions.
She supports people in living a life that honors their personal values and
needs.
Blending
her previous career in organizational development with her passion for helping
people to reach for their dreams, she coaches people to live a life that brings
out their best. When she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting, enjoying
her three boys and husband of twelve years or presenting one her numerous
workshops.
If you’d like more information about coaching, or would like to experience it,
call or e-mail Joanne to schedule a free, no-obligation, 30-minute coaching
session. (610) 518-5405. E-mail: Joannevitali@aol.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TO UNSUBSCRIBE
We’ve made it easy for you to unsubscribe to this newsletter, Life
Matters. Simply hit REPLY and type UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line.
Feel free to forward your copy to anyone you think might enjoy it.
Please keep the entire broadcast intact, including contact and copyright
information. Copyright 2001, JoanneVitali. All rights reserved.
YOUR PRIVACY
We do not share your address with anyone, ever.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics would you like covered? Do you have a story, suggestion,
favorite quote or a comment? Send your ideas/suggestions to
joannevitali@aol.com
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* * * * * * * *
Life Matters
A free monthly newsletter for those who live their lives consciously.
Provided to you by life/business coach, Joanne Vitali, who offers
you support, inspiration and strategies for creating a life that matters.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Please forward this newsletter to others who are interested in
improving their lives or businesses. If this newsletter was forwarded
to you, please reply to Joannevitali@aol.com to sign up for a free
subscription.
December 2001
Since its December, I’m offering you some tips so you can
experience the holidays well. They have an underlying theme:
Be More You. What do I mean by that? It’s a point that I
base my coaching practice on and mention frequently when I
speak. "Be More You" means to be truer to yourself and live
your life more according to what you value. The truer you are
to yourself this holiday season, the better you will feel, the more
integrity you will have, the more solid will be the foundation for
your life.
make you
like everyone else.
Five Ways to Experience a Bountiful Holiday
1. Make Decisions As Soon As You Can
You’ve probably heard this suggestion before for minimizing the
paper in your life: Handle each piece only once. See if you can
apply this principle to your holiday decisions.
For instance, if you see a gift that might work for someone, buy
it. (Save the receipt, just in case.) You probably won’t come up
with something more appropriate and you risk it not being around
if you have the time to go back for it. Trust your intuition.
Or, as soon as you can, settle the details of where and how you
spend the holidays. Delays on holiday decisions add to your stress.
Finally, here’s two tips for next year from friends. (Thank you,
JoAnn B. and Kathleen E.!) 1.) Put your outside Christmas lights
up before Thanksgiving. The weather is warmer and you can
just flip them on after Thanksgiving is over. 2.) Every year the
day after Thanksgiving, put up your tree and/or holiday décor.
I used to think this was very early, but when my second child was
due to arrive Dec. 15th one year, I had no choice but to give it a try.
Even with a newborn on my hands, I’ve never had such a relaxing
holiday.
Getting the basics covered early allows you to concentrate your
time on other holiday-related details, with the added bonus of
furnishing you with the momentum to get going with the rest.
2. Participate
You have to participate in the holidays to discover how fun they
can be. If over the next few weeks your life is no different from
the rest of the year, it’s no wonder you’re not in a holiday mood.
No wonder it just doesn’t feel as special a time as you’d like.
So, if you are invited to a holiday gathering, attend. Especially
for those with small businesses or temporary unemployment, it’s
important to participate in a holiday event of some kind. You do
not have the luxury of the office holiday party, so you’ll need to
create your own.
Rethink what you believe you "should" do this season, and
discover what makes the season special for you – and do it!
Make decorations, cookies, whatever…because you WANT
to, not because of a "should" that you feel imposed from
somewhere else. Do things that you can only do this time
of year: Go caroling, sing the Messiah with others, decorate
your house or office….have some fun and participate!
3. Be Clear
Be clear with others and with yourself as to how you want to
spend your time (and money).
· Think about what went well last season and be sure to
reinforce that this year.
· Remember what didn’t work and decide on a new approach
this time around, unless you are willing to experience the same
feelings as last year.
For instance, I’ve heard repeatedly from clients and friends that
relatives expect them to provide the holiday dinner because they
always have. They are tired of the work that is involved. If this is
your situation, remember your options: continue to do it yourself,
ask others to pitch in, decline to do it, hire a caterer and have
relatives contribute, go to a restaurant instead, etc. Decide which
options work for you and be clear with those involved as to your
needs. You do have a choice. And, while you are considering your
options, notice which ones you react to with "Oh, but I could never
do that!" Really, why not? Who will you be disappointing? You may
realize just how many of your expectations are actually self-imposed.
4. Don’t Worry About the Jones’s
I was at the craft store the other day, purchasing items to create
ornaments (so that I could practice Step #2 – Participate!). The
person in front of me in the checkout line had a dozen wreaths
stacked up. I asked her why she needed the wreaths. She
replied that she was putting one on every window of her house.
I came to learn that she felt she had to have her house decorated
well because everyone in her neighborhood really went all out.
She said ‘if it was up to her’ she would just hang a wreath on the
front door and be done.
My question for you is: How often are you respecting the values
of others and not honoring your own? If it’s not up to you how
you decorate your house, spend the holidays (or live your life),
then who is it up to?
5. Practice extreme self-care
Despite all of our best efforts, sometimes the holidays are still
stressful. This is especially true if your business picks up and
increases its demands on you during this time, e.g. retail.
Realize this and plan to practice some extra self-care during
this time…a relaxing bath, meditation, reading, exercising,
whatever it looks like to you, plan to do more of it over the next
few weeks. As always, taking care of you is the best investment
you can make to be your best for your family and friends.
THIS MONTH’S ACTION STEPS
- Do what you can right now for the holidays. If you are
overwhelmed, get down on paper everything that needs to
be decided or done. Getting it all out on paper gets it out of
your head and should provide some relief and perspective.
Then, add to and work with your list over the next few weeks.
- Choose ways that are special to you to "participate." Decide
how and when you will do them.
- Talk with those you will be spending the holidays with to make
sure you are on the same page. This is especially useful if you
are feeling stressed. Don’t try to do it all on your own. Ask for help.
- Check in with yourself to understand why you are doing some of
the things you are doing for the holidays. Ask yourself what your
real motives are. Are you trying to impress someone? Meet
someone else’s expectations? Have a "perfect" holiday?
- Choose ways to increase your self-care and schedule them
on your calendar. Ask your family or friends to support you
in making it happen.
You have my wishes for a bountiful holiday.
month when I’ll provide a process to review the past year and
plan for 2002.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Upcoming Public Workshops by Joanne
· Group Coaching – Target Your Dream Job
Register by end of December for a 15% discount
Call/E-mail for details. Live Sessions: Feb. 5, 19,
March 5, 19. Teleclass sessions also forming.
· Group Coaching – Strengthen Your Personal Foundation
Register by end of December for a 15% discount
Call/E-mail for details. Live Sessions: Dates TBD
Teleclass sessions also forming.
· Stop Juggling & Start Living: A Life Balance Workshop
Learning Studio, Malvern PA: Jan. 10, 17, March 7 and 14
· Target Your Dream Job
Lionville, PA: Jan. 8
West Chester, PA : April 10
· A New Year…A New Life
Lionville, PA: Jan. 15 and 29, 2 nights
West Chester, PA March 11 and 18, 2 nights
· Strategic Planning for Your Business
Lionville, PA: Jan. 24 and 31, 2 nights
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Joanne Vitali is accepting new coaching clients and is always
interested in new venues to offer her workshops and group
sessions. She supports people in living a life that honors their
personal values and needs.
Blending her previous career in organizational development with
her passion for helping people to reach for their dreams, Joanne
coaches people to live a life that brings out their best. When
she’s not coaching, you’ll find her quilting, enjoying her three boys
and husband of twelve years or presenting one of her numerous
workshops.
If you’d like more information about coaching, or would like to
experience it, call or e-mail Joanne to schedule a free, no-obligation,
30-minute coaching session. (610) 518-5405. E-mail:
Joannevitali@aol.com.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
TO UNSUBSCRIBE
We’ve made it easy for you to unsubscribe to this newsletter,
Life Matters. Simply hit REPLY and type UNSUBSCRIBE in
the subject line.
Feel free to forward your copy to anyone you think might enjoy it.
Please keep the entire broadcast intact, including contact and
copyright information. Copyright 2001, Joanne Vitali. All rights reserved.
YOUR PRIVACY
We do not share your address with anyone, ever.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
CONTRIBUTE TO LIFE MATTERS
What topics would you like covered? Do you have a story,
suggestion, favorite quote or a comment? Send your ideas or
suggestions to joannevitali@aol.com
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
I believe
that Talent Management has become a topic of discussion and
articles because of several factors:
* The market for talent has tightened because a healthy economy has returned
us to much lower unemployment rates
* The looming retirements of 70+ million Baby Boomers will create a
significant loss of experienced talent
* The smaller size of the incoming generation often called <Millenials>
will
not replace the Boomers and what we know about them is that they are much
more likely to switch employers often
* More executives are finally realizing that employees are an important
resource, particularly as our economy continues to transform from a
manufacturing base to a knowledge base
Those of you who are members of the Society for Human Resource Management
(SHRM) also are aware that HR Magazine and SHRM conferences are pushing this
awareness of the need for better Talent Management (recruiting, developing,
retaining, replacing).
The lack of succession planning in American business is widespread and very
costly to employers of all kinds who are scrambling to find management and
executive talent because they have failed to develop them internally!
Who do you know? Are
most of the people you know working at your present company? If so, you’d
better start making some new friends because you’re in a vulnerable position.
Job security is long
gone. Like it or not, you must take charge of your career. Maybe
you are one of the few who has remained unscathed from a layoff or
takeover. Count your blessings. While you are counting, I advise
you to get prepared.
One of the best ways to be
prepared is to expand your network. Back to my opening question: If the
majority of the people you know are those who work where you work, what happens
if you are laid off? The people you know may be laid off too. Those
who are not will be working for a company that is not in a position to hire you
back. Who will help you then?
As I’ve said before, people
are your greatest resource. So, start expanding your network now. With
the Internet, it’s easier today than ever before.
Ever heard of the concept of
‘six degrees of separation?’ For those of you who are not familiar with
the theory," here is an explanation. Six degrees of separation states
that: "Everyone on earth is only six acquaintances away from each
other." Experiments have been conducted that prove this. That means that
you and Arnold Schwarzenegger (for example) are separated by (at the most) six
friends.
There is a new internet
service (currently free) that works on this principle. It’s called
Linkedin is an online service helping
professionals find and connect with one another more effectively. Whether
looking for jobs, a lead for that next deal or seeking out an industry expert,
users can make contact with thousands of professionals through a chain of
trusted connections.
You must be invited to be
‘linked in’ to Linkedin, but once you are, you have access to thousands of
people.
I’m inviting you to be
‘linkedin’, if you like. I am currently linked to 43,000 people. If
you think this could be helpful to you, just e-mail me back and I will send you
an invitation to be included in my network.
In the meantime, happy
networking.