Appreciating the Good, the Bad & the Ugly
On March 23rd, 2011, by · Comments
I find it’s easier to appreciate the good that happens in my business or life. Inherently, I’m a positive person and much prefer to live in my “happy” place so I am able to pause, see the value of the positive, and embrace and celebrate the wins. I imagine this is mostly true for you as well.
But what about those “bad” and “ugly” instances that happen? Are you able to embrace and appreciate these too?
My hunch is that you’re like most of my clients who don’t want to dwell on the difficulties. You prefer to move forward and focus on what you want instead of what you don’t. I mean really, isn’t the point to keep moving toward your goals and dreams?
Well, yes. And no.
In my work, I’ve learned that appreciating only the good keeps you from being fully human as you limit your range of emotion. The challenge is that what you define as “bad” or “ugly” might actually be the situation in your life that will help you to break out of old patterns that don’t serve you that keep you stuck.
Another important truth to remember is the proverbial phrase that “what you resist persists”. Chances are there will come a time when you’ll need to appreciate the “bad” and the “ugly” in order to gain the essential insight that helps you change and propels you forward into the more fulfilling life you really desire.
Let me share a personal example. Back in November on the Friday after Thanksgiving, I was in a car accident with my daughter and my car was totaled. Without getting into the details, suffice it to say this has and remains a very difficult and painful experience on multiple levels. It is definitely a situation I would label as “bad” and “ugly”.
Because it also involves my daughter, I’ve been required embrace the “bad” and the “ugly” over and over again. I finally gave myself permission to embrace the challenge and while it has been awful in many ways, the good that has come far outweighs the challenges.
Keeping it in the context of work, this situation was the catalyst that brought clarity around my next season professionally and how I will move forward using The Leadership Collaborative as my new work platform. So because of this “bad”, I am experiencing deep joy and great fulfillment in my work and having fun every day as I’ve allowed this “bad” situation to bring me closer to my true purpose in life and work.
What “bad” and “ugly” are you dealing with right now? It may not be a car accident like I’ve experienced; it could be a business deal gone bad or a challenging relationship. Whatever it might be for you, is it time to give yourself permission to appreciate the situation so you can gain the essential insight needed to propel you forward?
It’s not always easy but it will be the most rewarding and fulfilling personal development work you will ever do.
I found this quote which sums up this blog powerfully. “Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem. The greatest success stories were created by people who recognized a problem a turned it into an opportunity.” Joseph Sugarman
I want this level of success for you. Are you ready to appreciate the “bad” and the “ugly”? Contact me if you want support to design a plan of action. Don’t try to be Superwoman and go the journey alone.
Picture Courtesy of Photoxpress © Petr Gnuskin
Three Key Principles for Sound Decision Making
On March 18th, 2011, by · Comments
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:
- Get the facts before answering.
- Be open to new ideas.
- 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
Be Resilient through the Ups and Downs of Change
On March 2nd, 2011, by · Comments
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
Free Preview Call – Direct Sales Success Refresh Virtual Summit
On February 28th, 2011, by · CommentsThis week I have the privilege of being a part of a virtual summit called the Direct Sales Success Refresh taking place March 4-6, 2011. It’s a 3-day virtual summit held entirely over the phone featuring 10 TOP direct sales trainers and coaches and tomorrow night is a FREE sneak preview to hear more about what it’s all about. It’s exciting to be a part of this summit because it’s also the first event I will be doing under my new business platform called The Leadership Collaborative. Read on to find how you can join me!
You’ve decided to build a business in the direct selling or MLM profession. You’re excited about the opportunity and ready to soar!
You set out to share your products, services and business opportunity with your family, your friends…the world!
But wait…what happened?
- You realize that you must market your product or service but you don’t want to be “pushy”.
- You can’t seem to balance your home life, full time job AND build a business.
- You’re a leader in your company, but building other leaders seems almost impossible.
- You start to wonder if you will EVER reach the higher ranks and earn the BIG paychecks.
Can you relate to these very real, very valid issues that plague so many well intentioned direct sales, network marketing and party plan professionals?
If so…your business is ready and thirsty for a REFRESH!
The most successful high income earners in our profession have all faced these issues. The difference is….they get proper training and develop the right mindset!
Whether you are brand new to the industry or a seasoned professional looking for a way to breathe new life into your business, attending the 2011 DIRECT SALES SUCCESS REFRESH Ultimate Training Teleconference is an absolute must! This event will feature 10 TOP direct sales trainers and coaches and is specifically designed to get you on the road to success! The event takes place over the weekend, March 4th, 5th and 6th, 2011. You participate from the comfort of your home…it’s all over the phone!
Here is some of what you can expect to learn:
- Gain a new perspective around building your business from the inside-out.
- Uncover the 5 Habits of Focus.
- Attract and motivate different personalities to move them to action.
- Use social media strategically to increase sales and recruiting.
- Balance your family and work life as you build a lucrative, rewarding business.
- Learn the five most important skills for successful leaders.
OnTuesday, March 1 at 8pm Eastern there is a FREE preview call to give you a sneak peek of all the content you’ll get if you attend the 2011 Direct Sales Success Refresh, March 4-6, 2011.
Don’t miss this opportunity! Head on over to Direct Sales Success Refresh to grab your spot and sign up for the preview call tomorrow night.
Do you know who you are?
On February 16th, 2011, by · Comments
“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
