Survival, Success, Transformation...Where Are You Now?

Finding Your Way Through Incredible Change

Lately, I've had a lot of conversations − with clients, colleagues, friends and family − about the increasing unpredictability of change. Often what starts as casual comments about unusual weather quickly morphs into a more serious exchange about how we feel shocked and disoriented by a whirlwind of rapid-fire changes jeopardizing us, those we know and love, and people throughout the world.

What we once thought didn't or couldn't happen seems to be occurring in so many unexpected places and previously-considered-secure aspects of our lives. The question that keeps surfacing in client conversations and friendly chats is: How can I find my way through all of this incredible change?

Well if the way ahead feels uncertain for you too, let's begin by clearly discerning where you are. 

Survival, Success, Transformation...Where Are You Now?

Be candid with yourself about where you are now. Instead of judging whether you 'should' be there or not, let go of the need to make wherever you are right or wrong, good or bad. In a moment of genuine kindness and loving compassionate for yourself, just be radically honest about 'what is' true for you.

That may mean that you admit you feel afraid, even though you know you are not in any specific danger at this time. Unfortunately, fear is in the air, and it's contagious. So it's possible the fear you feel isn't your own. That's why it's important to know where you are now. As author and corporate executive Lable Braun points out, if we don't know where we are, we end up implementing strategies for where we are not. 

Survival

• Physiological Needs
  • Breath
  • Water
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Sleep
  • Health

• Safety Needs
  • Shelter
  • Security (protection & stability)

• Belonging, Love & Affection Needs
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Community

Success

• Self-Esteem
  • Achievement
  • Recognition (from self & others)
  • Respect (for and by self & others)

• Confidence
  • Natural Talent (pursued)
  • Vibrant Creativity (expressed)

• Mastery of Potential
  • Freedom to BE Yourself
  • Spontaneity of Expertise
  • Solution-focused Reflexes

Transformation

• Evolutionary Personal Growth
  • Change as Choice
  • Genuine Appreciation
  • Focus on Natural Next Step

• Seeker of Truth, Meaning & Wisdom
  • Understanding & Guidance
  • Inner Knowing + Support
  • Vibrant Clarity & Insight 

• Soul-Satisfying Fulfillment
  • Deeply Enriching Relationships
  • Life-Affirming Experiences
  • Happy for No Reason

Research studies tell us that emotional memories are stored in our hearts. Where does your heart tell you that you spend most of your time...in survival, success, or transformation?

To shift your predominant experience, choose to feel differently. How? Remember something that makes you smile or laugh. Allow that good feeling to fill you with joy and appreciation. Now ask yourself what small next step you are ready to take to experience where you want to be. 

Your Path

 It's easy to forget that there's a progression from survival to success to transformation. And, transitions can take much longer than we expect or would like. Sometimes we lose our way, or confusing forks in the trail don't take us where we thought they would. Yet what we discover from these unplanned detours shows us how to get beyond big obstacles and transcend the tangible basics in life.

What I know for sure is that your path - no matter how circuitous, scary or unfamiliar at the moment - is worth taking. So if you need help in figuring out how to navigate a particularly rigorous ascent on your current business or leadership path, give me a call.

And to inspire you to shift from where you are now to where you want to be...Enter the Conscious Leader Contest for a chance to win a f*r*e*e Virtual Vacation − a fun and fascinating armchair adventure (via guided audio), where you experience entrepreneurial success secrets of 'The Precious Women Leaders'.

Ask Oprah and Eckhart Tolle

Are You a Conscious Entrepreneur?

Your answer to this question begins with a clear definition of what it means to be conscious. I invite you to read how my colleague Steve Straus defines it. I find what he has to say both clarifying and inviting.

Conscious means being awake, clear, open, receiving, connected to, drawn by, and eager. It means you know you're not alone and that what happens to others matters to you. It means, fundamentally, that you have transcended mere thought and have access to a greater awareness of yourself and of Life itself.

The Conscious Entrepreneur is one who takes the above and applies it to his or her business. You quit trying to force outcomes and instead get in sync to help things happen. You quit feeling alone and notice the connections in your life that support the mission of your business. You feel that your business is an expression of who you are and of your purpose in life, rather than simply a way to earn an income.

As a Conscious Entrepreneur you work less, receive more, and have a greater impact on yourself and others than if you remain unconscious.

That's Why I'm a Consciousness Coach in Business, Leadership & Life. 

Let Life Enliven You

It's Easier Than You Think 

In our crazy busy work and lives we forget to feed the deeper parts of ourselves. If you're curious and fascinated by new perspectives and illuminating ideas, one easy way to do this is to watch videos from the TED Conferences - Ideas Worth Spreading. You'll find yourself thinking more vibrantly and learning a lot about what's possible when life and work enliven you.

The 19-minute presentation by anthropologist Wade Davis - National Geographic Explorer In-Residence - at the 2008 TED Conference is just one example. So grab a refreshing drink, sit back, relax for a bit, and enjoy this caffeine-charged brain trip to the worldwide web of belief and ritual that makes us human.

Living Fast But Not Well

Too Busy To Be Happy

I agree with Robert Holden, Ph.D., Director of The Happiness Project, when he says: "We live in a Success Culture." In his new book Success Intelligence he challenges us to escape the "insanity of success" that leaves us manic, hyper, and busy to the point of distraction. It's certainly no mystery that balance is the secret to sustainable success.

How Much Success is Enough?

Robert Holden's study of success reveals a hidden side of its pursuit.

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Your Leadership Story

In the Beginning...

It all started with a story I told myself about the fun talks I like to have with my 8 year niece and 10 year nephew. He read the book. They both saw the movie. So of course, I needed to see at least see the movie - The Golden Compass. I just didn't expect it to be a mythic story about audacious female leadership.

Mythical Meaning

Last October I presented a workshop pilot in collaboration with two other leaders. This LIVE event was the Audacious Women Workshop. After watching the fierce bold courage of the heroine Lyra in The Golden Compass, I was reminded of how women leaders who attended our event described Audacious Leadership.

It was fascinating to hear how their descriptions changed from the beginning to the end of our half-day event. After only 4 hours of conversation and fun exercises, their language and energy shifted. At the start of the workshop their definitions were intellectual and more like their male counterparts would be. By the end of our time together, their descriptions sounded more experiential and powerfully feminine. The number of their responses increased significantly as well. See for yourself. 

The Question

What words come to mind when you think about Audacious Leadership?

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