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Passioneering Moment #6: Wrapping Your Passions in Faith

April 22, 2011 By Leave a Comment

“I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.” ~Bible, Mt 17:20

This week’s Passioneering Moment is on Faith.

When I think of the great saints and mystics of the past and present, I think of their incredible faith: truly, the faith of a mustard seed that says to the mountain “move from here to there” and it moves.  Nothing would be impossible if you had such faith, yes?   As for me, I’m not there yet.  And..instead of beating myself up about it, I see it as an ongoing opportunity to up my game of faith.

Building faith is like building a staircase, one step at a time, as you’re climbing.  It’s a journey, not an endpoint, where you put one foot in front of the other, often without knowing where you’re going.  Each situation where you courageously step outside of your comfort zone and end up thriving, not just surviving, is another step forward on your faith walk.

My Invitation

Consider one area in your life where you’ve been feeling scared or discouraged; where you feel like you’ve lost faith.  What’s one small step or action that you could take to move forward?  I invite you to take it and notice the renewed energy and momentum that it creates for your life.  Bonus points for sharing your step with a supportive friend or partner.

 

I’m Sue Zeal Oliver, the Passions & Possibilities coach who supports individuals and groups to leap vibrantly and prosperously into paying it forward in the world, as Passioneers®. I’m on a mission to prove that when you do what you love AND give back, the rest DOES follow.

For more information about Passioneer coaching, consulting, and marketing services OR if you’d like to connect with the wisdom of over 350 Passioneers around the globe, check out www.passionsandpossibilities.com.   Happy Passioneering!

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Passioneering Vibrancy: Nourish Your Mind, Body and Spirit

April 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Today I woke up with a splitting headache and stiff upper back. This is not the first morning that I have felt this crappy; yet today I noticed my half-assed honoring of my body temple for the past two months.   Yes, I am a fitness trainer who exercises regularly and eats healthfully.  Yes, I challenge clients to follow the same regimen; yet I often treat my body as if it were an inanimate machine instead of a precious, dynamic organism.  Did I tell myself this morning “Great job, Sue, let’s nourish YOU of today”?  Nope.  Instead, I berated my body with negative comments such as “You’re falling apart.” “Get with the program.” “Suck it up and get going.”  Can you relate?  You may have heard the saying that, if you treated your car the way that you treat your body, you would be walking, not driving.

On your last airline trip, do you remember the flight attendant’s asking you to put on your oxygen mask before helping others? It makes perfect sense to have oxygen flowing in your own lungs before you attempt to help others breathe, right?   So why do many of us in the helping and healing professions neglect our own sacred vessels, by depriving them of the basics of good food, rest, exercise, and play?

The definition of “good health” isn’t simply the absence of illness or disease.  Rather, it is the ability to support not only your own bodily functions and needs, but to also lend support and service to others in need.  This optimum state of physical well being is what I call “overflow,” which requires the tending of your mind, body, and spirit.

Quiz: If you were to rate your body’s vibrancy right now, what would it be?  (1 being “dragging big time;” 10 being “leaping for the sky.”)  Now, what’s between you and being a 10 on a more consistent basis?

What stands between me and being a consistent 10, is the eighteen inches between my head and my heart:   the crazy belief that I must do, do, do, in order to be of service and real value in the world.  Unlike other cultures, we in the U.S. do not highly regard or reward “being”.  Instead, our culture’s success stories highlight rough and tough individuals who overcame big challenges and accomplished well-recognized feats, regardless of the toll on their bodies.   Ironically, the U.S. heritage of pioneering spirit and rugged individualism does not translate into happiness.  For example, we ranked much lower than did other countries in the categories of “being well-rested” and “having a work/life balance” (2011 Legatum).

In the spirit of supporting physical vibrancy in Passioneers who seek to thrive as you give back, here are five tips for experiencing more overflow in your body temple:

1) Healthful Eating. The technology adage of “garbage in, garbage out” is very relevant for our physical bodies.  Eight years ago a dear friend helped me to organic-ize my life and make better choices about what I put into my body.  Most recently, I have eliminated meat (or “anything with a face,” my friend says).  Each day,  I also drink at least one gallon of water, eat five or more small meals, and avoid processed foods and additives.

2) Rest. Most American are sleep-deprived and do not give themselves the requisite eight to nine hours of sleep for optimal health.  Some of my hotshot friends attest that they subsist on five hours or less of sleep each night.   Well, that’s when I push the B.S. button and say that the self-care “fumes” that they live on are going to kill them, eventually.   Schedule your days so that you have plenty of rest, and your body will thank you.  Profusely.

3) Exercise. As you age, the importance of exercise increases exponentially.   In this electronic age, it is easy to forget the hazards of sitting in front of a computer or big screen TV for endless hours.  Find an activity that you adore and an accountability buddy who will enjoy it with you. Here in the Pacific Northwest, my favorite activities are hiking, walking, and being out on the glorious water. Find time to exercise at least three times this week.   If you already exercise regularly, explore a new activity and a new location.

4) Quiet Reflection. In today’s society, we are bombarded with an overwhelming stimuli from a plethora of sources.  It is easy to go several days without any quiet time, let alone time for self-reflection.  A dear friend once told me that meditation would transform my life, and I didn’t believe her.  She was absolutely right. Now I create an appointment in my Google calendar every day for 30 minutes or more of meditation. While I don’t always honor the appointment, I do set the intention.   What would become possible if you created at least 15 minutes of quiet time this upcoming week?  Test it out!

5) Play. I must confess that I don’t experience enough joy, delight and play, which includes time with friends, music, my dogs, in nature, writing, dancing, and travel.   What does play look like for you?   Last month I took a fun, short trip to Southern California and surprised myself  with how much of a blast I had:  walking the beach, exploring new restaurants, meeting old and new friends, and meditating on a bench overlooking the Pacific Ocean.   This week, book at least one hour of play time in your calendar.  Bonus points if you invite a partner in play!

“To keep the body in good health is a duty, for otherwise we shall not be able to trim the lamp of wisdom, and keep our mind strong and clear. Water surrounds the lotus flower, but does not wet its petals.” ~Buddha

Photo Attribution: Andrew Stawarz

 

 

 

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Walking in Faith to Create the Life You Love

April 19, 2011 By Leave a Comment

“I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish He didn’t trust me so much.” ~Mother Teresa

Our passions and purpose are fully orbed, orderly, and orchestrated, whether or not you believe it. At the same moment that I entered this world, my heart’s desires were heard and answered by God. As long as I stay clear on “what” I am here to be and do, the rest follows. So, while challenges may be inevitable, struggle and strife are optional. When I climbed Mount Rainier many years ago, I carried a 60-lb backpack with the essential elements for making the trek, including a map, compass, emergency food, waterproof matches, and a change of clothes. I also was tied into a lead line with three other climbers that would support me should I have fallen into a crevasse or off a slope.

Similarly, in my journey as Spirit having a very human experience, I am completely equipped to live the life of my dreams: one where I am in loving service to myself and others. For over twenty years, I have been studying teachings in the areas of self-development, spirituality, and leadership that point to the indomitable human spirit, our oneness with the Divine, and our access to the treasures of the universe. No lack and no limitation.

So why have I not been experiencing these truths completely in my life?

First, the principles I have been learning have made it only halfway into my spirit and soul: that is, they reside primarily as thoughts and principles in my mind. They haven’t yet made the 18-inch journey from my head to my heart, at least not on a consistent basis. Sure, I can spout quotes, affirmations, prayers, and stories. Yet, talking about them does not make them real in my own life. To really put them into practice, I must actively integrate them into my day-to-day affairs. Simple, if not easy. Living in faith requires that I remember that I AM fully backed and supported in God, as God. I am not alone, even though it often feels that way. Most importantly, living fully in faith requires that I give myself permission, as a human being, to have fear, doubts, and worries. It’s okay to be in the question mark of life, as long as I don’t stay there.

Second, I forget that the treasures of the Kingdom and Queendom arrive via other individuals. In the egocentric media messaging in the United States, I often get so wound up in rugged individualism and competitiveness that I overlook my deep connection to all beings on the planet. In my petty worries about how to pay the mortgage or monthly health insurance on an entrepreneur’s income, I feel my body tighten and armor itself again the very beloveds who are desperately throwing me lifelines. Yes, I must be the flow that I seek, because prosperity is an “inside out” job. Yet, the riches of the Universe are shared through the hearts and hands of others. The new movie, I Am, by Tom Shadyac, tears away the facade of separateness here in the United States and draws the conclusion that the only solution to worldly ills is L.O.V.E. Go see the movie…please.

Finally, I sometimes forget that faith is a journey and not an endpoint. Each answered prayer and each step forward along my Passioneering journey strengthen the ladder of faith over time. I imagine the incredible faith that Jesus had, even during his very first miracle of turning water into wine. He did not conduct a feasibility analysis, write a business plan, evaluate the type of wine, and he certainly didn’t worry about quantities. He simply and confidently called forth six vessels of water and knew that, when the master of ceremonies drew the first ladle, it would be incredible wine. It was. Jesus also called each of us into knowing that the power within him is also in each of us. The saints and mystics throughout the ages have had a deep and powerful faith in their connection to a higher power. As for me, I often feel as if I am taking a million baby steps up a steep mountain trail where the summit is hidden and I’m called to walk steadily in faith. Sometimes a couch and TV sound very appealing, and yet, I know that I am here to download a much bigger message than last month’s re-run.

Happy Passioneering!

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Passioneering Moment #4: Creating A List of 100 Things that You Love

February 17, 2011 By 2 Comments

This Passioneering Moment is on Love, which is February’s theme.

As I get older, I notice that, more and more, what I love falls off of my plate.  It becomes more of a dessert than a main course, as life happens and I check off “to dos” on a ever-growing list.  In truth, it’s easy to forget what I really love – what sings my soul, where I lose myself completely and dive into the infinite, timeless spaciousness of the Divine.

During my coach training program several years ago, I was asked to write down 100 or more things that I truly love. At first I thought this would be easy – a piece of cake. Wrong! It was easy to come up with the first 35 things, and then I got stuck. Road block! I literally froze, and yet I was supposed to keep going regardless. For several minutes I hung out on that precipice, not being able to write a single word. It felt like eternity – as if the permission to express my joys would never sink in. Suddenly, as if a dam had burst, the passions came forth, and I couldn’t write fast enough. The remaining 65 items poured from my heart to pen to paper quickly and easily, as my list of Top 100 “Love List” was born.  In this moment, several years later, I realize that it’s high time to create another Top 100 list, in order to keep my passion connections strong.

My Invitation:
Write down 100 things that you love: activities, people, places, sensations, anything. Keep writing, even if you get stuck like I did. When you have completed your list, post it front and center in your life – where you will see it on a regular basis. I’m putting my new one on the vision board right over my computer. Bonus points for incorporating at least one item on your list into EACH day.  Then see what is possible!

For more information about coaching and consulting services for Passioneers – inspired and inspiring individuals who are giving back vibrantly in the world, or if would like to connect with a network of over 350 other Passioneers around the globe, please contact us here.  Happy Passioneering!

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Passioneer® Podblast (11 minutes), Deborah’s Tips on Authentically Writing YOU

February 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Honored and thrilled to interview Deborah Drake, a writing coach, business and marketing consultant who champions authentic writing for business development. She enjoys helping those who desire to write, publish, and market themselves authentically, boldly, and consistently. Her mantra: “Authentic writing provokes.”  You can reach her at www.deborahdrake.wordpress.com and deb@deborahdrake.com.

Each week we offer a brief Passioneer® Podblast on an aspect of thriving and giving back.  If you would like to share one or other wisdom, ideas, or comments, please let us know below.  Thanks and Happy Passioneering!

Deborah’s PodBlast (downloadable version at bottom) and below is a summary of the podcast:

SZO:  What’s Your Focus as a Passioneer, Deborah?

Authentic Self-Expression is what I call it. Writing is but one form. I am a champion for being authentic in one’s life and relating and where business is concerned, one’s marketing in every way. I also know that if we share who we are with our clients and prospective clients, share those things that are important to us, those things that made us what we are, we get to really connect with our clients. Writing via a blog or an article or how we represent ourselves on a website or any material we generate is HUGE. It works for us 24/7. Why not take advantage of technology to help us connect with those all around us that can benefit from our talents and offerings?

SZO:  What Tips Do You Have for Budding Passioneers to Cultivate Authentic Self-Expression through Writing?

  • Practice. Practice. Practice.
  • Find a trusted friend to critique, work with, edit and give honest feedback as you develop your voice and transparency.
  • Read other good writer’s stuff and try what appeals to you if only once.
  • Carry a blank book with you at all times to capture moments that deserve to be remembered and shared.

SZO:  What Resources Do You Recommend for Budding Passioneers in this Area?

Any and all Natalie Goldberg Books: Writing Down the Bones and Wild Mind offer great exercises to cultivate your writing muscle.

I can’t say enough about what a friend writing has been to me in my darkest hours and my finest moments.

Thanks Deborah and Happy Passioneering!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Passioneering® Journeys with Deborah Drake, Writing Coach and Marketing Consultant

February 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Honored and thrilled to interview Deborah Drake, a writing coach, business and marketing consultant who champions authentic writing for business development. She enjoys helping those who desire to write, publish, and market themselves authentically, boldly, and consistently. Her mantra: “Authentic writing provokes.”
You can reach her at www.deborahdrake.wordpress.com.

Listen live at (347) 205-9038 or archive via the Blog Talk Radio site.

SZO:    What’s your definition of “passion”?

Passion is authentic self-expression, in whatever form that is for a person. For me it involves writing as my Self, for my Self and others and inspiring others to embrace authentic self-expression.

SZO.    Which three of the following factors have been most important in your success?

Love is a given as is Gratitude. And.. Courage, Perseverance, Community

SZO.    What has been your biggest challenge in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed it?

To balance working and living and ultimately being a good mother has  been my great challenge. Ever since I became a parent, I saw being a good steward of my daughter as my #1 responsibility. That being said, I have raised as early as possible, an independent and interdependent being. Happily, she is clear at the tender age of 11 that she wants to do what she loves from the start, and that makes my continued commitment to my passionate self-directed career eminent and critical.

SZO: Do you have a quote to share that speaks of you and your passions?

Two actually…Speak well of yourself ALWAYS for your deep mind is ALWAYS listening – Anonymous

Honey is the truth on my tongue. –Gina Sala

SZO: What tips do you have for someone to discover what they really love/passion?

  • Ask three people you REALLY trust what they see as your talents above all else.
  • Be open to saying yes where curiosity strikes you.
  • Follow up and follow through on the odd things that interest you.

SZO:  What tips do you have for somebody to do more of what they really love?

Please…

  • Surround yourself with supportive people who are fiercely honest with you.
  • Trust your inner wisdom for it won’t let you down.
  • Create space in your life–if only a little–for being and doing what nourishes you most.
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8-Minute Passioneer® Podblast, Karen Whittier, Founder, Embrace Activism

February 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As a yoga instructor, Karen Whittier knows how valuable yoga can be in improving the practitioner’s health and wellness. She believes having good health translates to a high quality of life. She is passionate about extending yoga’s health & wellness for all and is commited to not only empowering people to take control over their own health, but make a difference in the health of others. She can be reached at www.EmbraceActivism.com.

Each week we offer a brief Passioneer® podblast on an aspect of thriving and giving back.  If you would like to share one or other wisdom, ideas, or comments, please let us know below.  Thanks and Happy Passioneering!

Karen’s PodBlast (downloadable version at bottom) and below is the transcript:

SZO:  What are the biggest barriers for budding Passioneers as they move into activism or philanthropy?

Fear of failure or not doing enough. When you’re fueled by passion for a cause you want to make an impact, not just participate. I participated in many events to raise funds/awareness for a variety of diseases—mostly to help in the fight against breast cancer.  Those were amazing experiences where I met people that’d gone through so much.  The admiration I have for  them knows no bounds.   I learned of others that also had gone through a lot, but whether their disease wasn’t found in time or they were under-insured—whatever the reason, the disease ended their life.  I saw the pain of that loss in their loved ones…and empathized, then got angry, and finally determined.  I wanted to empower people to take more control/responsibility over their own health AND contribute to making health better for others.

It can be a daunting, even overwhelming, task once you decide to take the risk to DO something.  Keeping realistic expectations and understanding this is the beginning of a journey can help keep things in perspective.  A quote of Helen Keller’s speaks to doing and doing what you can:  “I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;  and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse something that I can do.” And think of the ripples made from tossing a stone into a lake–that single act has discussions that expand and grow.  You may never know the extent of your actions, but they might be just the spark that sets aflame another’s passion.

SZO: What are your top three tips for these Passioneers to succeed and thrive as activists?

1.  Crystallize your vision–What are you trying to accomplish?  Who are/what are you wanting to benefit?  Setting your goals in clear and specific language will insure you don’t get sidetracked and avoid expending resources–often limited resources– needlessly/unnecessarily.

Typically Passioneers are caring individuals–caring about a lot of things.  But you need to be careful.  For example, if you’ve got products that are specifically suited to children, it wouldn’t make any sense to donate your products to an auction benefitting the environment.  Sure, there could be parents there, but more than likely your products just wouldn’t be on the radar screen of the environmentalists.  If you do want to get some product exposure AND help raise funds for an organization the more effective route would be to align yourself with a charity geared to helping children.

2. Form your support group, a group consisting of people who can advise on business matters  offering honest feedback/advice with individuals that are knowledgeable in their areas of expertise.

I saved myself a ton of headaches and probably a lot of money by using a company leader in importing.  They were more expensive than some, but the personal, customer service I received and the peace of mind knowing all the i’s were dotted and t’s crossed were invaluable.

3.  Recognize the path to success rarely goes straight forward

In addition to the business support group, have a personal support group; one that gives encouragement during those inevitable hiccups.  Posting inspirational quotes like the one above from Helen Keller can help keep your eyes on the goal and periodically reviewing the why(s) and for whom you started this passioneering will help you ride out the bumpy road to success.

I have 3 quotes that resonate for me and together with the Helen Keller quote that essentially sum up the how and why of me and what I’m doing:

  • “You create your own destiny.” Anonymous
  • “The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” William James
  • “Yoga teaches us to cure what cannot be endured and endure what cannot be cured.” BKS Iyengar

SZO:  What three resources do you recommend for these Passioneers to check out in this area?

  1. Make use of groups that are in the business of supporting business such as the SBA, Chamber of Commerce.  Networking groups offer great opportunities to meet like-minded  people; get advice or recommendations; and make contact with potential customers/clients.  Similar to the donating product scenario above, checking on the networking group’s focus/interests will save you a lot of time and effort.  Sure the people could be fascinating and engaging, but if their businesses revolve around high fashion, how will that help you with your children’s products?  Also be wary of groups with members that thrust their business card in front of your face; give you their elevator speech and scan the room for their next conquest even before you’ve had time to give your name.  Again, in these situations they will NOT remember you or what you do.
  2. Get involved with social media.  Create a Facebook fan, Twitter and LinkedIn pages to name a few options.  This is another situation where you must evaluate the sincerity of the other person/business before liking or following.  You’ve got to weigh whether you clutter up your page with a non-stop pitches from a serial poster or think of it as a potential link to a possible consumer.
  3. Introduce yourself/company goals to the organizations you want to support.  I would recommend writing a letter as opposed to email and following up with phone call.

SZO:  Anything else?

Take time for yourself.  Indulge in something that brings you joy.  Passioneers have incredible amounts of energy, but even they can suffer burnout.  Don’t expect to be superhuman or selfless…take care of yourself so you’re able to take care of others.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Passioneering® Moment #3: Get Messy as You Unleash Your Passions

January 25, 2011 By 2 Comments

Over the past two years, I have been interviewing Passioneers® around the world – over 350 of them. It’s an honor and joy to hear their journeys, ups and downs, all arounds, and their ah-ha and oh-oh moments. I selected these Passioneers not only because they are living big lives and creating amazing things in the world, but also because they are thriving and prospering big-time as they give back.

One of the greatest lessons I have gleaned from their stories is this: Expect the unexpected. The realm of infinite possibilities, that is our true nature, is a realm of mystery and majesty beyond our five senses, and definitely beyond our logical, left brains. It’s unknown, unknowable, and often mucky, messy, uncontrollable, and uncomfortable. It’s life!

Consider where you are today. Ten years ago, did you imagine doing or being what you are now? I know I didn’t. No business plan or long-term strategy would have predicted that I would be creating a wild and wacky Passions and Possibilities Network with such amazing individuals. In Marshall’s Goldsmith’s book, What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There, he emphasizes the need to release your old success strategy and to embrace the unknown. And, each of the Passioneers I’ve interviewed have had twisting, turning, churning journeys that were far from orderly, planned, or neat.

My invitation this upcoming week? GET MESSY!

It’s a week to let go of:

  • Needing to know how it will look,
  • Doing it right,
  • Wanting to look good
  • And, most importantly, a week to let go of control. Especially if you’re a control freak like me!

After all, there are only three sure things in life: death, taxes, and change. Change, glorious change! For more information about coaching and consulting services for Passioneers…OR if you want to connect with the Passions and Possibilities® community, check out www.passionsandpossibilities.com. Happy Passioneering!

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Passioneer® Harold James Wilkins, CEO and Owner of Tiny Green Cabins, Green Entrepreneur

January 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We’re honored to interview Harold James Wilkins, CEO and Owner of Tiny Green Cabins, on the radio show The Passions and Possibilities® Network on Wednesday, 9am PST, January 19th.

For several years in talking with his sons, Jim urged them to pursue their dreams, and yet found himself unable to take the risk for himself.  The weekend of Nov 13, 2008, at a retreat in Northern Minnesota on Gull Lake, an idea and dream surfaced that he knew he had to follow. This time, it went further than just dreams and idle talk, and actually moved into a mind mapping of the idea. Before long, he had hard reasons on paper to follow the dream. He now builds small houses, tiny cabins, tiny homes, and tiny houses that honor the environment and vision to make a difference for others.  Jim’s been featured in a variety of media channels, and can be reached at www.tinygreencabins.com

Check out www.blogtalkradio.com/passionsandpossibilities for the show’s archive!

Jim’s Passionography:

SZO: What’s your definition of “passion”?

Passion is the intense love and pursuit of my heart desires, the fire in the belly, the “thing” that makes me come alive with an energy that says this is mine to do.

SZO:  Which factors have been most important in your success? Vision, Faith, Perseverance, and Tenacity

SZO:  What has been your biggest challenge in leaping into your passions, and how you have addressed it?

The critical voice, inner and exterior, that questions or challenges my beliefs and abilities to do what I desire to do. I listen to spirit, the inner voice and intuition, seek out mentors and friends that will support me in my passion, sought counseling to build self esteem and to identify that critical inner voice and make peace with some aspects of it. I have learned to celebrate the achievements, large and small, and rejoice in them by acknowledging/honoring them in some special way. I keep a win journal so that when I get discouraged, I can review the wins and milestones of the journey. And I remember, “This too shall pass” And finally, I have learned to listen to the “whispers” that float through while I am “being”, whenever and wherever that may be.

SZO: Do you have a quote to share that speaks of you and your passion?

Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now. –Goethe

Visioning is a process by which we train ourselves to be able to hear, feel, see, and catch God’s plan for our life or for any particular project we’re working on . . . it is based on the idea that we’re not here to tell God what to do or to ask God for things but to absolutely be available for what God is already doing, to open ourselves up to catch what’s already happening. —Rev. Michael Beckwith, D.D.

SZO:  What tips do you have for someone to create a bigger vision for their lives?

Create a team, support group of like minded individuals for visioning your highest purposes. Each member of the team benefits from the insights and whispers they “catch” while visioning Find a coach or mentor that will be forthright with you, hold your highest vision, and support you in spirit, and is authentic and is in alignment with their beliefs.

SZO:  What tips do you have for somebody to do more of what they really love?

Identify what they love doing, and get curious about the possibilities of what you love doing. Know that you can do it and you can make a living at it. Remain open at the top, meditate and vision regularly, make a practice of it so you can check in on your vision as it reveals itself to you. Start a “win” file so that when things get discouraging, you can pull up your accomplishments and successes. Pick a song that reminds you quickly and easily of what you can do. For me, it is “Amazing Things” by Jana Stanfield.

Thanks Jim and Happy Passioneering!

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Just Be It: Tips for Leaping Vibrantly into What You Really Love

January 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Two years ago, I wrote the blog post below, which summarizes the biggest tips for leaping vibrantly and prosperously into what you love.  Things haven’t changed one bit since then!  In fact, with the continuing challenges of the U.S. economy, these tips are even more important.  If I could distill the biggest key from the 300+ Passioneer interviews, it would be this:  JUST BE IT.  WHY WAIT?

Top Tips to Express What You Love

Often I ask individuals who have successfully leaped into their dreams if they have any regrets. Without exception, they have responded with a resounding “No”! Their most common tip for individuals who are considering the leap is to stop procrastinating and to just do it. Below are some easy, powerful steps to move forward today.

  • Clarify Your Dream. By tomorrow, spend at least 30 minutes exploring the life of your dreams. Write it. Paint it. Sing it. Create a vision board. Let it out!
  • Hang Out with Passionate People. When two or more individuals discuss together their passions, magic unfolds. So over the next week, find at least one social or professional group that shares your passion. Attend one of their events.
  • Explore a Career Change. Your dream life may require a career change. Write down at least five alternative ventures that would allow you to more fully express your passions. Consider hiring a career specialist.
  • Face Your Fears. Write down your ten biggest fears about fully leaping into your dreams. Then examine which of the fears are facts and which are really your interpretations.
  • Stake Your Claim. This week, when others ask you what you do, create a new sound track. Instead of describing an old role or job, declare your passion as your new occupation. “I now am a ___________________” (fill in the blank).
  • Create a 30-Second Elevator Speech. Know what target market you want to serve with your passions. Then use a simple, conversational approach to describe who you are. Here’s my blurb: “As a passions and possibilities coach, I support talented, driven, and successful individuals in taking the next big leap into their dreams”.
  • Order New Business Cards. You could have polished calling cards for your new venture by the end of the week. Several online vendors offer very low-cost choices, so order them today. There’s no excuse not to!
  • Spread the News. Tell at least ten people that you are pursuing the life of your dreams now. Ask them to tell at least ten people. Leverage new and existing venues, especially social networks on the internet.
  • Build a Cheerleading Team. Make a list of ten individuals who could be strong supporters of your dream. Meet with all of them over the next month, and make a specific request for their support.
  • Find a Mentor. Learn from the mistakes of others, to avoid unnecessary pitfalls along your journey. Use your connections to find five successful individuals who are already expressing a similar passion.
  • Hire a Professional Life Coach. A great coach will help you organize countless baby steps into a powerful game plan for your dream. Seek out someone who has solid experience, a successful track record, and with whom you have a strong connection.
  • Assess Your Finances. As you leap into your passions, take your financial pulse. Have you already saved at least one year’s worth of your expected expenses? If not, you will need additional income until your new venture is profitable. So don’t quit your day job right away!
  • Hire a Financial Expert. If you are facing major debt challenges or complicated finances, spend the time and money to hire an expert. You will avoid many headaches and be much more likely to prosper.
  • Take It Slow and Steady. Your progress towards your dreams, after taking many baby steps like these, will simply astound you. Consider Dick Miller, the man who ate a 2,800 pound car. How did he do it? One mouthful at a time.
  • Start Today. Take at least one step into your passions today, even if it’s a small one. Words without action are meaningless, so what do YOU commit to?

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Catching and Holding Bigget Vision for Your Life

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Vision = Clarity and Focus!

When you make the time to tune into the bigger vision for your life – to steep yourself in it with all of your senses, you can literally call it forth into your life.   Napoleon Hill said “What You can conceive and believe, you can achieve.”   Most folks don’t spend enough time in the conceiving part, so there’s no way they ever get to believing.   That’s where visioning comes in. The visioning exercise posted below was recorded during our first 2011 VisionCasting call, a monthly, free opportunity for you to tune into the vision for your life from the perspective of your Higher Power.

For more information on visioning, click here for the Visioning FAQ. To share your experience or wisdom with our Network or to sign-up for bi-monthly inspiration and tips, please contact us.

30-Minute Visioning Podcast (Facilitator, Sue Zeal Oliver)

(down-loadable version at the bottom of the page).

Transcript from the 1.6.2011 Visioning Exercise:

  • We’ll create a reflective, contemplative place for about 15 minutes and then will ask our Higher Power to share this vision with us. We’ll open up the phone lines at the end, for anyone who wants to share.
  • Please get at least 2 pieces of paper and pen, pencil, markers, or even crayons. Write the words “Vision” on one page, in small letters in the top part; then, “Be” on the back of that page (or use a new sheet); write “Release” on another side or sheet, and then “Anything Else” on the fourth side or sheet.
  • You can use these sheets to write down any images, sensations, words, etc., that come to you during the process, either as they come forth or at the end. I highly recommend doing so throughout.

Background of Visioning

  • Visioning is a tool for connecting with the realm infinite possibilities – your true nature. That which you do not know with your five senses.
  • It goes beyond visualization which is limited to what you have actually seen with your eyes (for example, imagining yourself successfully dunking a basketball through a hoop).
  • In visioning, you ask your Higher Power to share the biggest possible vision for your life. Or for a project, situation, venture – it can be used for any area of your life.
  • You can create time for visioning monthly, weekly, even daily…from a few minutes to several hours. I include it for about 10 minutes in my daily spiritual practice and for a few hours each month.
  • The technique here includes Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith’s line of simple questioning. You can find out more about his programs by Googling Life Visioning or going to his website.
  • I’ll be sharing four simple questions that you can record on your IPOD, phone or other device and use during your own meditation and journaling practices.
  • Ground rules:
  • Ask your censor, left brain, and inner critics to take a break. There’s no right or wrong way to do visioning. It’s highly likely that some of what comes forth will not make sense. That’s OK!
  • Sometimes the answer will come later down the line, and other times, it may not.
  • Please honor the reflective space and the variety of spiritual traditions.
  • Allow each person to share AND be laser like, focused in your sharing.

Visioning Questions:

  • What is the Greatest Good for my life in 2011? What does it look like? Sound like? Feel like? Smell like? Taste Like?
  • What am I to be in order for this Greatest Good to unfold?
  • What am I to release in order for this Greatest Good to unfold?
  • Anything else for me to know about this Greatest Good for my life?

Giving great thanks for what has unfolded and for the truth that as we believe it, it is so. That we are indeed here for a Higher Purpose – spiritual beings having a human experience.

************************************

Happy Passioneering!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Passioneering Moment #2: An E-Ticket to the Life You Love

January 10, 2011 By 2 Comments

Each week, you’ll receive a brief, 3-minute Passioneering Video Moment on the month’s theme. January’s theme is Vision, and this week’s moment is on immersing yourself fully in the greatest vision for your life.

When I was growing up, Disneyland issued hard-copy coupon books full of E-tickets that allowed you go go on any of the rides in the theme park. Woohoo!!  They were nirvana for me because I got to choose whatever ride I wanted.  In truth, life works this way.  When you are born, you receive a virtual E-ticket – the infinite possibilities to create the life that you truly want.  Not simply as a particular occupation – doctor, lawyer, entrepreneur.  Or as a particular role -  mother, boss, employee.  You get to catch the biggest possible vision and purpose for your life:  a ride that’s exciting, scary, and invigorating, with its ups, downs, and bumps.

Yet most of you squander our E-ticket on average, mediocre rides.  Why?  Because you sell out!!   You simply don’t make the commitment or take the time to clarify what you truly desire.  It’s as if you show up to the universal ticket window of life, and, when asked where you want to go, you say “I don’t know” or, worse yet, “I’ll get back to you.”  Then you wonder why your life looks murky and chaotic.

What’s the solution?  Consider what you want your life to look like, all barriers aside.  That is, if you knew that you couldn’t fail.   This week, I invite you to catch the biggest possible picture for your life and to spend at least one hour writing, drawing, painting, or somehow creatively expressing your biggest, passionate and possible life – where YOU want to spend your lifetime of E-ticket rides.  You’ve got a full coupon book.

Now use them!!

Happy Passioneering!

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