Running your business (& your life) doesn’t need to be overwhelming or hard. Amazing results are just 1-2-3 steps away!

As a coach, I have learned what it takes to find joy, create ease and achieve prosperity. I’ve personally taken these three steps and seen the positive impact in my life as well as the clients I serve.

It’s this simple:

1. Gain clarity of purpose and vision and keep it in front of you,
2. Have the right support behind you (and beside you, above you, and in front of you) and,
3. Take focused and inspired action consistently!

You might be asking yourself “how” do I start? It begins with saying “yes” to investing in yourself as you walk the path of change. For this type of transformational journey, partnering with a coach is imperative if you’re really serious about creating amazing results that are lasting and sustainable. This was confirmed for me yesterday when one of my clients shared, “I matter” and “I am worth the investment.” This is the place where you learn to believe in yourself and have the ability to accomplish what’s necessary for steps 1-2-3.

Too often I see people “stop” when it gets difficult. You’ve probably found yourself here as well as you begin to doubt and question; before you know it you find yourself doing the same old thing and expecting different results.

The truth is when it matters you can expect opposition. Don’t take it as a sign to stop but as an opportunity to pause and assess so you know how to proceed based on intention, wisdom and discernment. Partnering with a coach will give you the ability so stay the course. In my opinion, coaching is the “circle of life” as it relates to achieving extraordinary results by following the 1-2-3 steps.

Are you taking action on steps 1-3 above? If not, start today because you matter and the world needs what you have to offer.

So, what’s your next step? What will you commit to to achieve amazing results starting now? Post your comments at the blog and share 1. what you’ll commit to and/or 2. how working with a coach has helped  you achieve amazing results in your life!

“Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark, in the hopeless swamps of the approximate, the not-quite, the not-yet, the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish, in lonely frustration for the life you deserved, but have never been able to reach. Check your road and the nature of your battle. The world you desired can be won. It exists, it is real, it is possible, it is yours.”–Ayn Rand

Photo Courtesy of Photoxpress © Olaru Radian

Your life is on the fast track; school is ending, you’re preparing for the summer, and somewhere inside there’s a nagging question whispering “How will I do it? How can I be effective this summer as a Mompreneur when both my home and my business need me at the same time?”

The answer? It’s an inside job and only you hold the wisdom.

I’m asking myself these same questions, especially during this season of my life. My daughter just completed 4th grade last week and as I watched her with great joy at the awards ceremony, I wondered what happened to my little girl? Now that she’s 10, I realize that we are on a new trajectory of her life that is preparing her to become a woman and honestly, I don’t want to miss any of it.

My reality is that I’m a single parent which means I need to work; however, I’m on a mission to do this in the most life-giving and fruitful way. I am dedicated to leveraging my time, energy and resources for the sake of achieving my “lights on” vision. I am committed to thriving as a woman, showing up consciously and engaged as a Mom, while growing a sustainable business that leaves a positive impact on others and makes a larger contribution in the world.

How about you? What do you want?

It’s a tall order and I truly believe it’s possible for you and for me. It requires tenacity, perseverance and commitment to continue finding your way in the midst of an ever changing world as you create a life that is “less, yet more”.

I’m not alone in this movement….This is what I’m up to with Wendy Balman and our work through The Leadership Collaborative and Compass. Wendy and are just two examples of thousands of others who are after the same thing; another movement of these types is led by Soren Gordhamer who shares his thoughts about the 2010 Wisdom 2.0 Conference that he created.

Soren poses the question:

“What does it mean to say “yes” to a connected life and use all of the great technologies of our age AND say “yes” to what it means to have an inner life and cultivate wisdom, compassion and awareness?”

Ahhhh, sweet music to my spirit as I listen to industry experts from Google, Twitter, Facebook and more share their insights and ask provocative questions at the Wisdom 2.0 Conference Highlights. Be sure to watch the video and post your comments at the blog.

So what  do you think? Is it possible to live from the heart, honor your role as a Mom AND build a sustainable business at the same time? Let’s get the conversation going…the time is now!

Do you have an important decision to make? Are you struggling with making the best one? Or do you have a hard time making most decisions?

Just yesterday I was talking with a potential client and one of her reasons for considering professional coaching is because she struggles with decision making. She’s looking for defined processes that will help her respond when she makes decisions rather than react in the moment or not do anything. What’s her ultimate goal? To find a way to make decisions that is authentic AND that eliminates stress!

Could you us this process too? How do you make sound decisions?

Straight out of the Proverbs here are three key principles for sound decision making:

1. Get the facts before answering.
2. Be open to new ideas.
3. Make sure you hear all sides of the story before judging.

All three of these key principles center on seeking additional information. This is difficult work but it is essential. It requires you to “pause on purpose” in order to gather the additional insight necessary to be proactive and respond instead of reacting.

John Maxwell, leadership expert and author says, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Practicing the “pause on purpose” and using these principles for decision making will enhance your ability to be an effective leader of your life.

So what do you need to do differently so you can “pause on purpose”? What needs to happen so you use three key principles in your decision making process?

What do you think? Post your comments at the blog after you’ve had a chance to practice these skills.  Together I can support you in your struggles and join you to celebrate your wins.

“Nothing is more difficult, and therefore more precious, than to be able to decide.”
Napoleon Bonaparte

Photo Courtesy of Photoxpress © Sophia Winters

I am completing my Monthly Action Plan (MAP) on the topic of Overcome Overwhelm for my coaching this month with  Compass. The topic of resiliency inspired me to reach out to others and to share the learning with the intent to support you around how to be resilient through the ups and downs of change.

Here’s the question I posed to my Facebook Community: How would you rate yourself on a scale of 1-10 in dealing with change? 1 being NO! I don’t like it all to 10 being Bring it on!

Take a look at what others shared with me and see where you can relate:

Kathy Owens Rowland Depends. Mostly I like change…trying new things, finding a better way, going new places. But, if change means loss, or something negative I have no control over, then not so much. But, for overall dealing with any kind of change, probably a 6 or 7 (higher for the good, maybe lower for the not good, but always better after I’ve had a chance to process). Good question…I’ll be interested in reading your blog.

Carrie Tolar Jalonen I like to *think* of myself as closer to a 10! “Everything is an adventure!” BUT, when they change the aisle that they keep the beans on at the store and I have to wander aimlessly for several minutes to find them, I’m closer to a 1… heehee

Stephani Strege Morgan Change is not always a choice that I want to do, so sometimes it is the hardest thing to accept. However, I have come to realize that change can be a good thing. I have to look back on where I was to realize it and so acceptance has become an idea that I am embracing. On a scale of 1 -10, I believe I am about a 9. Look for the open door and go through it.

Noelle Lang Beverly I go up and down the scale. really depends on my perspective. For example, if I am really plugged in to who I am and who God sees me as then I handle the change better. I’m not so much me centered and I can accept that I don’t know all o…r see all and can still be at peace. I see adventure and possibility and creative solutions/miracles. In that place nothing can truly rock me. But when I allow outside stuff to define me and tell me who I am then I try living up to these manufactured standards that don’t match up with my authentic self. In those times, I can’t handle change at all. It ends up handling me. Just some thoughts.

Linda Mae If you’d asked a few months ago, I’d be way close to a 1. Meanwhile, I faced a layoff, new position with a great new department and even a new personal relationship. I am comfy with a 9 for now largely because of the new body work I’ve been doing. Also, I was in a class called Movement and Mindfulness and it changed my perspective on life through Yoga, Pilates, Hiking, Reading/Writing, Meditating and being totally present in the moment.

Wow! What amazing authenticity, wisdom, humor and more!

Through my MAP, I’ve learned that resiliency is the ability to bounce back from whatever is going on. People who are resilient are much better at handling change of any kind; they have a “human rubber band attitude.”

Resilient people are: optimistic, persistent, unstoppable, flexible, curious, creative, laugh a lot, go with the flow, have a sense of adventure and boundless enthusiasm.

How would you rate yourself in being resilient? Do you embrace change or resist it?

As you can see from the posts to Facebook, there is humor, wisdom, struggle and joy that comes through being immersed in the change process. I want this for you!

So, what’s your next step so you can become more resilient in your life? Share your thoughts at the blog at www.shannonbruce.com.

I want to invite you to stop “getting ready to get ready”. Decide on an action step and make the commitment to become more resilient. Visit Compass or The Leadership Collaborative to find out how we can partner together in making permanent change as you experience joy in the process.

Photo courtesy of Photoxpress Attila Toro

“Possessing information about yourself is not the same as truly knowing yourself. Self transformation is always preceded by self-acceptance. And the self you must accept is the self you actually and truly are–before you start your self-improvement projects.”
David G. Benner, Author of The Gift of Being Yourself

Your success in the world is contingent upon knowing who you are. It is critical to achieving your goals and having the impact you desire.  Building your self-esteem by discovering and knowing yourself allows you to be more confident, open and comfortable with who you really are and this self-knowing leads to self-acceptance allowing you to give more to your families and the world.

So how do you come to know all of who you are?

I recently found an assessment tool that you can use to gain feedback from others about your personal brand identity. It’s a powerful tool called the 360 Degree Reach which you can use free for 15-days.

I imagine you’re wondering if you really want to have others feedback about you. Yes, it’s extremely vulnerable to ask others for input. If you come from the perspective that not everyone is out to get you and in fact they may have good feedback to give you, it can help give you the courage to take this next step.

I was inspired to do this as a result of reading a recent Daily Workplace Inspiration received from Os Hillman. Here’s what he shared:

Someone once said, “Success is when those who know you  the best are those who love you the most.”

Years ago a self-assessment toll was developed by Joseph Luft and Harry Ingram called the Johari Window. The Johari Window helps you realize where you are in your ability to know who you are and for others to know who you are. Real transparency in communication takes place when those we associate with us know who we are after we discover who we really are. See if you can identify what category you might fall among these four:

Transparent Life: The transparent life is the life we should desire. I know who I am and others know me. There is nothing hidden. I have come to know who I am as an individual and basically people get what they see in me.

Bull-In-The-China Shop: This person is blinded to the things that others recognize about him. The solution to becoming a transparent person is to get feedback from those around us about our blind spots in our personality. We must ask for the feedback and be willing to respond to their input.

Aloof/Hidden Secrets: This person lives in a secret world. They don’t allow others to know about themselves. They know themselves but are fearful of letting others know. Those around them do not know them either. What do others really about you? Have you allowed yourself to get close enough to others to share who you really are inside?

Hidden Potential: This is a combination of Bull-In-A-China Shop and Aloof/Hidden Secrets. It is the saddest of all conditions. These people don’t know themselves and others don’t know them either. This means both parties have to invest the energy to communicate and get feedback from one another.

How about you? Why not take a step to find out who you really are in the lives of others. It could change your life.

Photo Courtesy of Photoxpress © brunoil

On Monday night, areas of Western Washington State were hit by a major snow storm. In fact, 50,000 people remain without power and some won’t have it restored until Friday. The temperatures remain at or below freezing so this is a significant situation as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday.

With the snow and ice on the roads, I asked my Dad to be my chauffeur because I don’t do well in ice. I remember sliding down the ice on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle years ago and ever since then I have decided this is one area I have no expertise! Hence, the request of my father.

I left my daughter at my parents’ house and my Dad and I headed to mine. Along the way, we saw trees downed due to high winds up to 60 mph, police cars and tow trucks everywhere, flashes of lightning in the sky, cars in ditches and power outages creating an eerie landscape. Amidst the chaos, I was deeply grounded believing that there was something significant about to happen.

We came upon a downed tree and needed to turn around. As we crested a hill on our new route, we found a man who went up over the ditch with his car as he landed against the telephone pole. It had just happened moments earlier so we pulled over to ask if he was OK. He was shaken but with the exception of his damaged car, he was fine. We gave him a ride home and as we left him I could feel emotions stirring within me.

I knew I was experiencing a transformational moment. Something shifted deep within as I connected with my spirit. I realized that all of the work that I’ve been doing to launch The Leadership Collaborative came into crisper focus.

I made connections between my work and the noble cause I am passionate about. I’m still in process with it as I allow the evening adventures to continue to percolate in me.

This is all rather timely as I have been asking myself “Why?” and “For the sake of what?” to get clear on the impact I want to have in the lives of others through my business. Monday night’s adventures are helping me find my true answers which I am committed to gaining. I believe these core truths will help me create a sustainable life and business that will allow me to help the under privileged in a significant way.

All of this has brought me to a place of deep thanksgiving. Since that Monday night, I have acknowledged my gratitude in the following ways:

• being grateful for the gift of basic necessities and praying for those less fortunate,
• honoring this serving moment with my father by talking about it with him and allowing this to create a deeper connection between us,
• being thankful that as an entrepreneur, I have freedom and flexibility in my life to accommodate the unexpected situations that come up.

What about you? What are you grateful for this Thanksgiving?

From this experience, I recognize that Thanksgiving is more than a holiday. It’s a state of being that leads to thanks living, calling forth a shift of perspective that is aligning my thoughts, actions and behaviors to match the core of who I am authentically.

I’m curious what changes this post might inspire in your life? What will thanks living mean to you? I invite you to share your comments at the blog at www.shannonbruce.com.

As you engage with family and friends this Thanksgiving, share your gratitude with them. Let them know what matters and feel the shift within and around you as you express from this place of intimate authenticity. Carry this new perspective of thanks living with you beyond the weekend and watch the world transform.

Saying a prayer of Thanksgiving for the gift of your support and relationship.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

~Irish Blessing

Photo Courtesy of Photoxpress © .shock

Life is a developmental process as you stretch and grow. You see this in your kids no doubt as they grow physically, emotionally and spiritually. Somewhere along the way though, you might have let go of the notion that you are continuing to develop as an adult because physically you’ve stopped growing. You have a set shoe size and have reached your height that you will be for the rest of your life so your done growing, right?

But what about your emotional and spiritual growth?

See if this sounds familiar as you think about your business (or life if you prefer to look here). You have a new direction that you wish to pursue so you develop a plan of action. You start moving forward and all of a sudden you hit resistance. You get sick, your car breaks down or some how  “life” gets in the way. You feel discouraged and frustrated.

But wait! Step back and take a look at what’s really happening. Eight steps forward, five steps back. You get healthy again. Three steps forward, two steps back. Your car is fixed. Now do the math: 8-5+3-2=4. Notice the net positive gain! It is forward progress even in the midst of your set-backs!

So don’t give up! You are making headway and you’re growing, changing and evolving at the same time so keep your eye on your vision!

Go ahead right now. Take a moment and think about this idea in your own life.

• Where have you made forward steps?
• Where have you moved backwards?
• What’s your net number if you turned each of these “steps” of movement forward and backward into a math equation?

It really doesn’t matter whether you have a net gain or loss. The key is to celebrate every step ahead as you acknowledge your frustration for steps backward. Let that frustration fuel you to persevere as you keep your ultimate vision in front of you. Then decide what your one next step is that will move you toward your vision and take it!

I’m curious what you’re learning as you go through this exercise? I invite you to share your comments at www.shannonbruce.com. Perhaps writing your comments here is your one next step forward to your vision. If you don’t know your vision, contact me for a complimentary 15-minute informational call or watch this TED Video on what it means to discover your “why”.

Remember the journey of a 1,000 miles begins with a single step. Even you though you may go backwards and there are detours along the way, you can experience the richness of life and joy as you embrace what comes. And one key to “moving” is that sometimes you need to “deepen your learning” before you can “forward the action”. It’s all a part of the developmental process leading you to your destiny!

Photo Courtesy of Photoxpress ©Alfonso d’Agostino

“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.