“Finding your life’s work involves taking risks”.

Taking risks is non-negotiable when it comes to living your true purpose and calling. If you are unwilling to take risks, you’ll find yourself living in the safety of your comfort zone. You’ll  have an idea of what to expect here, and yet it comes with a cost. Eventually you’ll find yourself making some type of sacrifice, either physically, emotionally, spiritually or financially if you choose to take up permanent residence in your comfort zone.

I read the quote above this week as I was perusing the book “Boundaries” by Doctors Henry Cloud and John Townsend. To be frank, it pierced my soul in deep places. I’ve always known this statement to be true, yet this week more than ever it has significant relevance to me personally. This is because on August 31^st, 2010, I officially stepped into partnership with my friend and colleague Wendy Balman to create something new in the field of leadership development.

On the one hand, I am thrilled beyond words! The flip side is that this commitment feels risky and scary. Now that I’m “all in”, I am faced with managing the tension that comes with a major change such as this.

It’s all a part of a larger story that is being worked out in my life. For seven years I have been a solopreneur working as a professional certified coach. I knew I was on the target paper when it came to my business niche, yet I’ve known for years that I still hadn’t found the bulls-eye. I wonder if you can relate?

This season is one of taking ownership of who I am so I can “find my life’s work” and live in that sweet spot where I have greater impact with less effort. This was confirmed as I continued to read what Cloud and Townsend shared in the Chapter on Boundaries at Work.

“Finding your life’s work involves taking risks. First you need to firmly establish your identity, separating yourself from those you are attached to and following your desires. You must take ownership of how you feel, how you think and what you want. You must assess your talents and limitations. And then you must begin to step out as God leads you.” Henry Cloud & John Townsend

Are you willing (and ready) to take risks to find your life’s work?

Do you know how you feel, what you believe and what you want?

I highly recommend you take a moment to ponder these questions. As you head into the fall season in your life and business, now is the time to gain clarity around your answers. When you need support our team, which now includes Wendy, is here to partner with you. Contact us directly if you have questions or need more information beyond our website resources.

Take a stand today for your life’s work! Begin by making the risky choice to take ownership of your identity and embrace the unfolding story.

This question “For the sake of what?” is one that all business owners ask at some point. It doesn’t matter whether your business is in direct sales, if you are a professional coach or some other self-employed entrepreneur. There is a time when this question will be the question whether you are fully aware of it or not.

It’s a seemingly large and provocative question. As you read it, I wonder what’s happening for you in this moment? Where does it take you? You might be pondering your answer or perhaps, you are about ready to hit delete because the question seems overwhelming or irrelevant to where you are in life/work right now.

Wherever you find yourself, I invite you to sit and stay with me. Your answer to this question is crucial to your ongoing success in your life and business.

Yesterday was a perfect “real life” example of this for me. I blocked the entire day to work on administrative projects for my business, which I’d been resisting for months. With deadlines looming I could no longer put it off. Several times throughout the day I noticed that I was drained so I got up and walked around to shift my energy.

Quite frankly the work was sucking the life out of me so my thought was “thank goodness this isn’t my daily life anymore!” I also wondered if it would actually be easier to be an employee doing only work I love rather than dealing with these non-delegatable administrative items for my business.

When I asked myself  “for the sake of what?” I was able to reconnect to my greater purpose for my business. The excitement around my deeper why gave me the energy to get back to my computer and work through “the list”. Today I am energized, celebrating and moving forward with clarity and freedom.

Not bad for six hours, huh?

So what about you. What will you do with this question?

Will you say “yes” to discovering your answer? If you need help, schedule a free information session to find out how professional coaching will support you. My book chapter in Direct Selling Power will also help you in the discovery.

Take some time to think about the question for yourself. Knowing your answer will give you clarity and guide you in a focused direction in the choices you make and the activities you engage, improving the results you achieve in your life and business.

I’d love to hear what you think. What’s next for you? Share your comments at the blog at www.shannonbruce.com.

Photo compliments of Photoxpress © Dariusz Kopestynski

“Simplifying is really about choices – prioritizing what is important – and then sticking to those choices no matter how tempting it is to add more to your to-do list. In fact, take those tempting activities and put them on a list of things not to do. You are the only one who can assume responsibility for your time and clarify what’s really important to you.” Rick Warren

In returning from the Destiny Project Retreat in Hunt, TX, I have a lot on my plate since I was “unplugged” from technology for 6-days. In clearing my e-mails, I received the quote in a devotional from a client and it literally stopped me and took my breath away. As I read it, the truths laser pierced my heart reminding me that at every given moment, I have a choice about how I  “be” and “do” my life and work.

This idea that “I get to choose” is a hot topic for me post-Destiny Project retreat. I had the privilege of co-leading with my awesome friend and colleague Wendy Balman as we witnessed 13 incredible women break through their fears to reclaim the truth.  Each one overcame barriers and courageously pressed through the resistance to give themselves full permission to dream again. It was beautiful process to watch as each and every one uncovered their authentic desires, values, identity, mission and more.

We all left the retreat transformed, including me and Wendy. As we all re-enter the “world” after experiencing a slice of heaven on earth, we are navigating how to boldly remain on our own paths, learning  to guard our hearts as a wellspring of life. We choose to press on and persevere so we can become even more of the authentic masterpieces we are created to be.

What does this mean for you? It means this is a time to risk and simplify. Why? Because the world needs what you have to offer and the only way to unleash your true identity and to fulfill your unique mission is to follow the advice that Rick Warren has offered:

• Prioritize what is important.
• Stick to those choices no matter how tempting to add to your to-do list.
• Put those tempting activities on a “not-to-do” list.
• Assume responsibility for your time.
• Clarify what really matters.

A couple of weeks ago, I asked self-employed and work at home professionals to share their tips for balancing work and life in the summer months and beyond. The bottom line of their feedback is this: Schedule your work time and play time, let go of non-essentials and get support.

Here’s what I’m curious about for you:

• What changes do you need to make with your time as you schedule both work and play?
• What will you let go of?
• What support do you need?

All of this great advice is really about simplifying, yet clearly it’s risky based on the fact that so many, myself included, have such a hard time letting go of control. I encourage you to read the specifics that each friend shared as it could be helpful wisdom that guides in making the necessary changes in your life.

So now what? What’s your next step? I’d love to hear how you’ll simplify; feel free to share your comments at the blog at www.shannonbruce.com.

I am currently in a pretty awesome (and scary!) transition place in my life and work. I’ve been here before so I’m keenly aware of a “pattern” that surfaces when I’m called forth to a new level. I notice that I become very “controlling” toward my outer world in an attempt to bring peace to the chaos I feel inside. Can you relate?

I’ve also recognized that the one person in my life who takes the brunt of my “controlling” nature is my daughter as you’ll see by my post below. When I realized this (again), I decided to share the article I wrote 3 years ago on the topic to let you know that “moving forward” toward your inspired life also results in some “moving back” in order to overcome the obstacles that are in your way. It may seem like you’re “stopped” but as the spiral staircase shows, this is actually a coming back around the loop at a slightly higher place all for the purpose of moving upward to your authentic success.

I also want to make the point that when you are going through this “letting go of the old” to “make room for the new” you must practice extreme self-care. For me in this moment, it means sharing something I’ve already written so I don’t have to muster the attention and strength to be creative with a new blog post this week. (by the way, I’m redirecting you to the original article to keep this post length manageable).

As you read the article below, I invite you to ponder the following questions:

1. In what area are you being called forth to a new way of life that is more genuine and authentic?
2. What support do you need to overcome the patterns, beliefs and behaviors that are holding you back in your life and your business?
3. What’s your next step?

I welcome your comments and insight. Feel free to share by posting them at the blog at www.shannonbruce.com. If you like the article and want to receive more tips, wisdom and insight from our team, we invite you to join our community and sign-up for the Inner Wisdom Unleashed Monthly Newsletter.

The Heart of a Mother – The Power of “Yes”

Have you ever noticed that one of the first words out of a toddler’s mouth is “no”?

Hmmm. I wonder why that is?

I have been reflecting on my role as a mother and I realize that I frequently use the word “no” with my nearly 7-year old daughter, Taylor. With our recent struggles, I am aware that my overuse of this word has been a hindrance in our ability to reconnect. It’s draining me and separating us further. This is not who I want to be as her mother, nor is it the relationship I want to have with her.

I recently decided to try a different approach. I started to say “yes” more often.

I am in awe of what I have noticed…Read on here.

Photo from Photoxpress © Lars Christensen

Remember that commercial years ago where  a woman is overwhelmed and frustrated by the many demands for her attention? She finally took a stand and declared “Calgon, take me away!” This woman was really onto something that I think bears repeating. Her declaration points to the truth that we all need to step away from the chaos and demands of life to slow down, pause, breathe, check in and reassess.

So what about you? Could you use a “Calgon” break? Permission granted…Go for it! Maybe it’s not a bubble bath, but it could certainly be a ten-minute break to breathe or go for a quick walk. Or how about sitting down to eat your lunch at the table rather than “on the go” or standing up?!

At some point, you will get caught up in the “doing” and “serving” others through your business and your life that you barely have time to think, let alone feel.  Some of you might press in and push through, while others shut down and just stop all together. In either scenario, you’ll reach the point where you are ineffective and unproductive forcing you to reevaluate.

So what’s the answer?

The answer is this: give yourself permission to pause. Take a quick assessment right now and contemplate the following questions.

• What are you currently experiencing internally? Are you at rest inside? Or are you feeling chaos within? Name what you notice.

Once you tune in to what’s happening in your internal world, take a look at what’s going on externally by answering these questions.

• What’s working?
• What’s not?
• What really matters?
• What changes are needed?

Your answers to these questions will reveal some powerful truths. However, you’re just scratching the surface at this point.

There are actually deeper truths that need to be accessed.  This internal wisdom will actually help you on the front-end to be proactive in your life and business rather than reacting to the shut-down or burn-out that comes after you hit the proverbial wall.

When you give yourself permission to glean this inner wisdom, you’ll discover your true identity and life mission which reveals your purpose. With this information, you have filters for your choices and you can design a path to the life you’re intended to live. This keeps you anchored in peace while achieving greater impact and tangible results with less effort in both your life and your business.

There’s actually a coaching journey that can help you tap into these deeper truths. It’s called The Destiny Project and this week it went virtual under one website location with it’s own unique brand, identity, mission and purpose. What’s really cool about this journey is that it provides enough structure to keep you moving forward, blended with enough process that takes you deeper into the learning of who you truly are at the core.

Many say they don’t have enough time to dream because there’s too much to do.  How about you? What do you think?

What if the question isn’t how can you afford to dream, but rather the question was how can you afford not to? I invite you to contemplate this in your “Calgon” moment as you exercise your permission to pause.

Post your comments at www.shannonbruce.com; I’d love to read your thoughts and be sure to check out the new website because it’s pretty amazing! Thanks Michael Warden and Josh Tilton.

Photo Provided by www.photoxpress.com, Copyright Julia Britvich

A special thank you to to Joan C. Webb for writing this week’s blog post as I spend time with my daughter for Spring Break. This writing is adapted from Devotional #162 in Joan’s book, It’s A Wonderful Imperfect Life: Daily Encouragement for Women Who Strive Too Hard to Make It Just Right.

What do you need today?

Some of us need to stop thinking and do,
while others need to stop doing and think.

Some need to stop asking and give,
though others need to cease giving and ask.

Some of us need to stop crying and smile,
yet others need to stop smiling and cry.

Some need to stop confronting and give in,
while others need to quit compromising and confront.

Some of us need to stop waiting and run,
though others need to stop running for awhile and wait.

What do YOU need today? Share your thoughts and comments at the blog.

A special thank you to Joan for sharing her wisdom and insight. For more about Joan and her work, read on:  Joan C. Webb, a recovering workaholic and burnout victim, communicates a message of freedom and renewal. She is a free-lance writer/editor who has authored or co-authored ten books including her recent release It’s a Wonderful (Imperfect) Life. Joan has a passion to set people free to become who God gifted them to be and from what holds them back. Her work includes writing, coaching, facilitation and speaking. Joan and her husband, Richard, enjoy living in the sunshine in Chandler, Arizona near their daughter and son, their spouses, and their seven energetic grandchildren (three boys and four girls.) For more about Joan visit her blog at http://www.joancwebbblog.com/

Do you find yourself in the absence of “complete” clarity. I’m right there with you because in this season of my life, there’s a lot in flux in both my personal life and business. I have a sense of where these shifts will take me and I’m moving forward in action in new and positive ways.

At the same time, I find myself challenged by the lack of “crystal clear clarity” that “us coaches” support our clients to discover. Perhaps you’re like me, finding your schedule jam packed, having little margin, and new opportunities coming to you at warp speed.

Here are some of the realizations I’ve had over the past few weeks:

Strengths taken to an extreme become a weakness. My can-do attitude has resulted in me saying “yes” too often. Don’t get me wrong; I am saying “yes” to good things that honor my values, strengths and vision. The end result however, is that my quiet time has been impacted and the quality of my personal relationships is being affected. What about you? What strengths have become weaknesses in your life?

The “good” can crowd out those things that are “best”. When you receive an opportunity that appears aligned with your strengths, talents, values, vision, etc. pause before saying yes. Evaluate whether the opportunity is “good”, “better” or “best”, and choose accordingly.

Replenish on a grand scale so you can continue to give to others in a big way. You must renew and replenish to the same degree you are giving to have increase your impact, influence and results. To be in service from a “full” tank you need to take care of yourself. This isn’t selfish; it’s a fact of life!

So now what?

Reduce your screen time—my daughter’s pediatrician told me that she should have no more than 2 hours of TV, Computer, and Electronic Games a day. Hmmm, I wonder what that means for us adults. For me, this means that I must turn off the computer when I leave my office daily.

Aim for an earlier bedtime—what bed time allows you to wake up being your best self? I have found a time that allows me to wake up refreshed and every time I “push it”, my morning is challenged.

Radically reduce your multi-tasking—you can’t send an e-mail, put a load of laundry in the machine, talk on the phone and be present all at the same time. Keep the main priority  your focus and be real about how many activities you can handle at any given time.

Here’s the truth in all of this. You need to shield yourself from the busyness to hear what your body, soul and spirit are saying. External noise and excessive activity interferes with your ability to hear the still small whispers within that will give you the “complete” clarity you need.

What do you think? I welcome your feedback and comments.

On your mark, get set, GO! It’s off to the races, go, go, go…Come on get going, now! Can you feel the shallow breathing, the quickness of your pace, and your thoughts being consumed with “what’s next?” It’s almost suffocating, isn’t it?

Thanks to blog read Lisa Lauffer for her inspiration as she shared that tip #27 from the Quick Tips for Daily Living blog post has encouraged her to “slow down”!

Here’s what Lisa had to say:

“I felt led lately to follow #27–sloooowwww doooowwwwwnnnnn. I mean really–what’s the hurry? Why am I trying to get through everything and get everywhere so darn fast? Aren’t I doing all these things so I can enjoy the journey of life? This single one-liner has led me to take many a deep breath and sink into my experiences, so that even if I’m scraping dried food off my countertop with my fingernail, I’m really engaged with that activity! And I’m loads more engaged with my kids. Life feels fuller, and I close my eyes at the end of the day with much more satisfaction.”

Ahhh, breathe into that?! Feel the spaciousness and life that comes with slowing down and breathing.

I want to invite you to slow down for a minute right now and breathe fully. And by the way, it doesn’t take any extra time for those of you with with an already full day!

As you breathe, contemplate the following questions:

• What do you notice around you? Become present to your surroundings.
• What’s going on in you? Check-in with your thoughts, your body, your heart to become conscious right now.
• What’s the wisdom from slowing down and breathing? Make a choice right now that will allow you to engage completely with today’s journey.

I’d love to hear the impact this has on you. Share your comments below. And keep breathing!

Remember when you were a kid and there was that Magic “8″ ball toy that you’d ask a question, and when you turned it over you’d find your answer. Do you ever wish you had something like that to give you answers now?

What do you use for step-by-step instruction in those moments when you are feeling scattered, overwhelmed or unclear?

Today’s “Quick Tips for Daily Living” are powerful “one-liners” that you can refer back to when you just need someone to give you the answer. It’s your “press here” when you need to know what to do next! I’m not sure who to credit for the following list because the author was unknown in the e-mail I received from a friend. I do hope these little doses of wisdom give you exactly what you need in those moments when you just need to know what to do next!

1. Pray.
2. Go to bed on time. Get enough rest.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say “no” to projects that won’t fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult problems over time; don’t lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns.
12. Live within your budget.
13. Have back-ups; an extra car key in your wallet, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in YOU everyday.
16. Eat healthy.
17. Get organized so everything has a place.
18. Listen to a tape while driving that can improve your quality of life.
19. Write down thoughts and inspirations to read when you need them again.
20. Every day, find some time to be alone.
21. Laugh! and laugh some more!
22. Take your work seriously, not yourself at all.
23. Develop a forgiving attitude.
24. Sit on your ego.
25. Be kind to unkind people; they probably need it the most.
26. Talk less; listen more.
27. Slow down.
28. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
29. Every night before bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for that you’ve never been grateful for before.
30. Love yourself.

Would love to hear which of these speak to you. What tip will you use today? Post your comments below!