This initiative is being tossed out there because in the last decade more people are eating at their desks or skipping their lunch hour totally. Caused by salary cuts, fears, insecurities, or the desire to look-like-you-are-so-important-that-you-have-to-work through-lunch, this trend is not healthy. Forgoing a lunchtime break is leading to obesity, burnout, less comradeship and sticky computer keyboards.

Regardless if you are an employee, top executive or entrepreneur,  begin to embrace the concept that a break for lunch can lead to better health, less stress, more creativity and productivity. Dump this new status symbol of efficiency and “get up and get out for lunch” by following these strategies:

Change your perception: You may think that time away from your work to eat is a disruption in your day; or perhaps you are caught in the trap of showing your commitment to your work by sitting at your desk, sandwich in hand, as you continue to delve through all of the work you still need to complete. Stop it! Begin to think of taking a lunch break as a much needed diversion from your job or project. Imagine how refreshed and recharged you will feel upon returning.

Start small: Okay, I understand that for some of you eating at your desk is going to be a hard habit to break. Take one step at a time and start small by committing to get away from your work and eat lunch one day a week. I know you can do this.

Run errands: Use your lunch break to be productive in other ways. Go to the bank, check out the library or pick up food for dinner. This is a great way to disengage from your desk.

Network: Schedule lunch with a colleague or potential client. This is a perfect time to make connections, socialize and exchange ideas. Join a group that meets over lunchtime.

Eat healthy: Choose foods that are low fat, fresh and healthy. This eating plan will energize you instead of causing the afternoon sugar lows.

Move: Get away from your workspace and get revitalized by movement. Go outside for a quick walk or do a quick work-out at a nearby gym. Finish up with a light healthy bag lunch and feel more energized and strong.

Expand your mind: Take a mini vacation from phones, computer screens and people by leaving your desk and reading a good book or article – you won’t want to return. But when you do you will feel more resourceful and productive.

You can put an end to the bad habit of ignoring the benefits of a healthy stop for lunch. Get up and get out and see what unfolds!

To your success,

Jeanette

First, what is a SWOT analysis? A SWOT analysis is a strategic planning method used to evaluate the Strengths, Weakness/Limitations, Opportunities, and Threats involved in a project or in a business venture. It involves reviewing the objective of a business venture/project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable or unfavorable to achieve the results.

Okay, to some of you this may sound boring, but you can use this simple SWOT analysis to assess and improve a variety of things in your business, career or personal life:

• Where can I improve my leadership style?
• How can I maximize my business?
• What is happening with my personal relationship?
• What will it take to make this project successful?

Change the way you think about a boring SWOT analysis into one of an energizing, fun, creative, eye-opening and productive way to put your issue inside the SWOT Box and see what comes out!

Now that you may be a little more excited about using this updated SWOT Box, follow these nine steps to find some solutions to your situation. Begin by recreating the SWOT Box on a large sheet of paper. Use colors that stimulate you to use your creativity.

1. Define the issue/project you want to put inside the SWOT Box.

2. Brainstorm all of the strengths/good things/things you like about your issue/project and write them in the Strengths section.

3. Brainstorm all of the weaknesses/challenges/things not going so well about your issue/project and write them in the Weaknesses section above the arrow.

4. Brainstorm all of the opportunities/things that could really excite you about your project and write them in the Opportunities section.

5. Brainstorm all of the threats/things you do not want to see happen with your issue/project and write them above the arrow in the Threats section.

6. Sit back and take in everything you have written inside the entire SWOT Box. Brainstorm the actions you can take to turn your weaknesses/challenges into strengths/good things and write them below the arrow in the middle of both Strengths and Weaknesses sections. Next, brainstorm actions that you can take to turn threats into opportunities and write these below the arrow in the middle of both the Opportunities and Threats sections. Your goal is to turn those things that you are viewing as weaknesses and/or threats and make them work for you and your project.

7. Choose the top five actions you want to begin immediately and commit to completing them.

8. Celebrate that you are on your way to good stuff!

9. Evaluate your progress in 8 weeks. Review the SWOT Box and see how you have creatively implemented some changes or review where you need to regroup.

Regardless of your issue; stuck in your business, asked to chair a new project or wanting to launch a new idea, the SWOT Box will help you get think out of the box and harness your creativity!

You can take charge of your time. Here is a quick list of twenty favorite tried and true time-management tips. See which ones resonate for you and then make a commitment to try a new tactic for at least one week.

1. Delegate tasks
2. Hire someone else to do it
3. Stop doing it
4. Ask for help
5. Make a list in one place, then check off your tasks
6. Get rid of your smart phone and quit the constant checking for emails and text messages
7. Keep a weekly work log of where you are spending time – adjust as necessary
8. Say no to the things that are getting in your way of being happy, balanced and productive
9. Put yourself first
10.  Move your business out of your hours
11.  Retrain everyone on your new rules of “Do not disturb during…”
12. Set a work schedule and stick to it
13. Check emails only 4 times a day
14. Get your big icky task out of the way first thing in the morning
15. Set up email filters and have email go directly to folders
16. Have a secret office where there are no interruptions
17. Plan your day
18. Set priorities – what do you need to accomplish immediately to put you closer to your goal?
19. Take a break and regroup
20. Have fun. If it is not fun then why are you doing it?

There are zombies everywhere. This week was the season finale of The Walking Dead; if you are a fan, you know that the zombies are everywhere – if not a fan, you probably don’t care. But you should, for you too could have a zombie lurking inside of you!

Why is a success coach, who only wants the best for you, talking about zombies? Several years ago, when I decided to change the name of my business from StresstoBalance Coaching, I wanted a name that would represent what people wanted in their life. The opposite of stress was balance, energy, liveliness, and fun – vitality! Thus the new business name was born, Focused Vitality: helping people live with the intention of having more energy and liveliness!

One day after I launched my new business, I was asked to give a speech about living a life with more vitality. In preparing for this speech I researched the definition of the vitality and found one that was very meaningful: “….distinguishing the living from the non-living.” This definition was the perfect fodder for not only my entertaining speech but also as an important addition to my signature FOCUS coaching program.

When you think of the non-living, you think of…zombies! No one wants to be a zombie – they have a horrible diet, they usually only come out at night, they look horrible and they go along with the crowd. You want a life filled with vitality, not the life of a zombie!

But beware, because as I said before, you can have a zombie lurking inside of you; I call this your Inner Zombie – that thing that keeps you down, your own worst enemy.

This is what I know about your Inner Zombie:

She doesn’t like change. Your Inner Zombie wants to keep you stuck, she likes living here and she likes routine. She enjoys seeing you suffer and wishing for something better.

Her voice gets louder when you are onto something new. You know how you can sometimes hear those nagging voices in your head when you’re trying to make a change in your life? This is your Inner Zombie acting up and trying to sabotage you. She wants you to be insecure and lack confidence.

You can control her! The good news is that you can control your Inner Zombie:

• Become aware that she is there and trying to hold you back from what you really want. Know that you are stronger than she is.
• Know what you want! If you are doubtful or confused, she will know it and feed into your confusion.
• Tell her to “stop it!” Yes, you can speak to her and tell her to “stop, go away, or do something else.” Declare out loud what you want and she will get the message – you may want to do this in the privacy of your own home however!
• Do what you want anyway. Your Inner Zombie voice may get louder in the beginning, but it will quiet down as you take charge and forge ahead with what you want to create.
• Realize that she may always be lurking around. You may not be able to totally defeat your Inner Zombie, but you can manage her. When her voice begins to creep in disguised as low confidence, fear or worry, know that you can reassure her that you are in charge and plan on being okay.
• Know that she is not you. You are a beautiful, fabulous and creative woman. You are not the Inner Zombie.

The time to act is now. Defeat your Inner Zombie and create the business, the career and the life you really want. Do not be held back anymore. You can walk lively!

To your success,

Jeanette

• I have clarity for what I want to achieve
• I uncover new inspiration to keep my eyes ahead
• I find fun and creative ways to achieve what I want

I love my coaching sessions! Just like Daylight Savings Time, they help me spring ahead into sunnier and longer-seeming days that help me manifest the vision I have for my life.

I don’t like feeling overwhelmed and stuck. Who does? The insight that comes from time spent with my coach prevents that laid back feeling. You too can capture this!

How are you feeling right now? Inspired to spring ahead or feeling held back by something you think is beyond your control to change?

Maybe it’s time for you to spring into one of my 90 minute Power Coaching Sessions.

A Power Coaching Session is a focused 90 minute coaching and consulting
session with me. Regardless of where you are feeling stuck or not inspired, this Power Coaching Session will have you springing forward into actions for your success.

The good news is that this is not a large investment in time or money. This one session can be enough to inspire you to:

• Create the actions necessary for you to begin reaching your goal
• Realize the one thing that is getting in your way – and decide to do something about it
• Decide the next big step you need to take
• Figure out how to put yourself first

Your Power Coaching Session is jammed packed with:

• One, 90 minute focused coaching session with me – in-person or telephone
• One, pre-Power      Coaching phone assessment – this sets the stage for      your very individualized session
• One, telephone      follow-up session to answer questions and check      progress
• Focused Vitality handouts and other resources
• Follow-up email from me to inspire success and accountability
• My client-only Wisdom on Wednesdays – a weekly      inspirational message and challenge by me
• A 10% discount on      any future program with me within 12 months of your session

Your investment in this Power Coaching Session is only $375.

If you are ready to grasp the season of change and spring into your greatness, then you are ready for this type of coaching conversation. You too can leave with inspiration, creativity and optimism moving forward. I really do hope that you make the decision to jump at this special offer.

YES – I am ready to spring forward and get unstuck, out of overwhelm, have less stress and jump into my greatness. I want a Power Coaching Session with Jeanette!

PURCHASE YOUR POWER COACHING SESSION BY
CLICKING HERE

You’ve been diligently forging ahead on creating a successful business: building relationships, developing products and services, and writing marketing copy. Or maybe you’re charged up about your career: engaging in meaningful conversations, meeting deadlines, and demonstrating your strengths to others.

Then it hits you – burnout. Burnout is the feeling of overwhelm, distractions, not-caring, lack of inspiration, irritability, non-productivity, tiredness, and non-creativity all rolled into one yucky package. This does not feel good and if not addressed it can lead to more burnout, poor relationships and a crash-and-burn failure.

If any of this sounds familiar it’s not too late for you to take control, grab the steering wheel of your life and rev up your motivation. Here are thirteen engine roaring strategies to help you drive into some inspiration.

Assess your goals – Are your career or business goals realistic or are you setting yourself up for unachievable expectations and failure? It may be time for you to regroup and rewrite what you want your specific results to look like. No self-defeating judgment here. Let go of perfection and of pleasing others and go towards your definition of realistic and satisfying success.

Get some help – If you are trying to do everything yourself then it may be time to find some help. Hire an assistant for your business, delegate tasks to someone at work, or get some help for something else in your life to free up your time. (IE: house or yard work, child care, or a personal assistant)

Take a break- Short breaks throughout the day can help change your perspective and charge up your energy. Go outside and breathe in some fresh air or take a walk within the building. Listen to music or watch the news. Leave your work early or take an extra day off. Depending on your situation, rework your schedule so that you are working one less day each week.

Say no – Sometimes your schedule is filled with so many activities and projects that you don’t have time to recharge, relax or to even complete your necessary activities. Where can you say no? This also may mean saying no to some good things to provide you with a less-demanding schedule.

Talk with your coach or mentor – Getting a different perspective on your situation can be very beneficial and inspiring. Coaching conversations can reveal what you really want and uncover fears and other barriers that could be getting in your way.

Rally to a retreat – Invest in a creative retreat to help refresh your mind and be exposed to new strategies.

Go for fitness – Get moving! Go for a walk, practice yoga, ride through the woods or hire a personal trainer. Exercise and getting fit stimulates your endorphins, your natural feel-good hormones.

Change your routine – Try readjusting your schedule so you complete your most demanding work during your most creative time. Hold meetings when you feel most productive and sociable.

Routinely get quality sleep – Most people need a good eight hours of sleep to recharge and wake up fresh and eager to seize the day. Assess your sleep habits and commit to improvement. No electronics or caffeine just before bedtime.

Take a vacation – Stop saving your vacation time and book a trip somewhere. Getting away can provide stimulation, relaxation and fresh perspective all at the same time.

Rearrange your office – The simple act of moving furniture, adding color and reorganizing the piles can boost your energy.

Begin a hobby – Grab your camera or your paint brush and begin a mind-releasing and relaxing hobby. This is a very creative way to provide a good distraction from your work and stimulate your senses.

Do something different – Maybe it is time for a change – a different career, a new business or something else. Take time to look into your heart and ask if it is time to move along with an entirely different and exciting plan for your life – only you will know!

Don’t become overwhelmed with the suggestions above, thinking you need to immediately implement each one. Take one new idea and begin it today.

A great acronym is FOCUS.

As a word focus can mean:

• A center of interest of activity
• Close or narrow attention; concentration

As an acronym FOCUS becomes

• Fulfillment and Fun
• Organizing and Optimizing
• Commitment, Courage, Connections, Confidence
• Understanding Drains and Drivers
• Strengths, Spunk, Spirit

To use FOCUS as a structure to support your success begin by answering these questions:

1. What is fulfilling for me? What am I trying to achieve?
2. What am I doing that is not fun? Why am I still engaged in this? What is fun for me and how will I get more of it?
3. How will I organize my schedule and my life to accomplish the activities that will create what I want?
4. To optimize my time, what am I going to say “no” to?
5. How committed am I to achieving my goals and being my best?
6. What one courageous thing do I do every day?
7. What will I do to reach out and make meaningful connections?
8. Where am I confident and where do I want more of it?
9. What habits, thoughts, attitudes or people are draining me?
10. How will I adopt habits, thoughts and attitudes that will drive me and support success?
11. What are my top three strengths and how will I harness them daily?
12.  How will I create ways to be spunkier!
13. What is my true spirit; my inner guide? Connect with this daily.

Your answers to these questions will create your FOCUS blue print that will lead you to fulfillment, achievement, and everything else that success means to you.

Carve out time to have a private retreat to explore the questions. Write down your answers, keep them close and review your progress daily.

When feeling stuck or in a slump, saying the word FOCUS quietly to yourself will ground you to your goals and become a good reminder of the wonderful journey you have chosen.

To your success,

Jeanette

• Do you attend networking events only to find that they have not been fruitful for you?
• Are you feeling frustrated because you are not getting any new leads, new clients, career opportunities or new friends?
• Does that feeling of dread hit you when you think of attending another event? ugh!

Perhaps you need to punch up your style and practice Vitality Networking! 

Join me on Thursday, February 23 at 7 PM EST when I discuss Vitality Networking during my monthly Connecting with Success Call!

During this 45 minute free teleconference, I will review the top mistakes that people make when they attend a networking event – and how to avoid them.

Even if you are unable to attend the live Connecting with Success Call at 7 pm, register for the call to receive the audio and the handout.

Regardless of your purpose for networking – new clients, connections, new job, making friends – you will walk away with some great ideas for adding success and Vitality to your networking style!

CLICK HERE to register for this free call, Thursday, February 23, 7 PM EST and/or to receive the audio and the handout.

To your success!

I am pleased to announce that for the first time ever – I am offering a download of my chapter from the book The Spirit of Women Entrepreneurs titled Be The FROG You Were Meant to Be: Four Strategies to Help You Leap Towards Success as an Entrepreneur.

This colorful version includes exercises to help you leap into:

• The life you really want
• Relationships that work
• Strategies for organization
• Gracefulness

This special download is being offered for only $5.00

CLICK HERE TO RECEIVE YOUR CHAPTER

Kick aside your dull planning tools – get a copy of this chapter and have some fun!

To your big success! Ribbit…

Jeanette

Regardless of cause of the distraction it keeps you from being productive and efficient, leaving you with feelings of discouragement, frustration and overwhelm. In addition, by making the choice to allow the distraction to steal your time you are making the choice to neglect your business or career goals. What is your priority?

You can dump the distractions by using some or all of the following strategies:

Make up Your Mind

Decide that your goal of completing your project or the other work at hand is more important than the distraction. Set an intention that you are creative and focusing on your work.

Be Assertive

When someone interrupts you by walking into your office to start a conversation, tell them that you are busy with a phrase like “Hi Pat, I’m glad you stopped by, but I am on deadline and really need some quiet time right now. Please email me or stop by after 3 pm and we can chat. Thanks.”

Tell the World

Before you close the door and get to work, tell everyone in the vicinity – co-workers, family and/or friends – that you plan on getting some work accomplished and do not want any interruptions for the next hour. (or however long you need!)

Schedule Your Work

Schedule yourself to quietly complete some work just as you would schedule yourself for an appointment with someone. This action stresses to you the importance of completing your project.

Post a Sign

Place a colorful “Working, Do Not Disturb” sign on your door to signal a no-interruptions mindset. I used to post a photo of a tiger growling when I needed quiet time.

No Peeking

Checking email and going down the rabbit hole of social media is very distracting. Turn off your computer tones or shut down your computer and silence your phone. Schedule yourself to check email routinely but not every time one comes in.

Stand Tall

If someone does make it into your office and begins a conversation, stand up. The act of standing up will convey you are not engaging in a cozy sit-down conversation. Make your responses short and then revert to your assertive statement as written above.

Hold the Phone

Avoid answering the phone. Screen your calls through the answering machine or voice mail. You can always immediately return the call if it is an emergency.

Create Your Office

Distractions can be disguised as piles of paper, misplaced pens and stuffy air. Create an office environment that promotes creativity and focus: Organize the clutter, have your supplies ready, play some inspiring background music and/or open a window.

Take charge of your projects and how you complete them with focus, enthusiasm and confidence. Dump the distraction – it is your choice.