Keep a Victory Log!

by: Catherine James

Do you ever think that you’re the only one that gets into a “funk” or has a bad hair day? Do you say to yourself that I can never move this brick wall that I’m hitting my head against? Well I can assure you that you are not. We all get into a “funk” at one point or another. What is different for each of us is what action we take or don’t take to get out of this “funk”.

Time and again I’ve had the opportunity to work with people who seem to be in a ”funk”. They get caught in the spiral having one bad day after another. Then adding frustration into the mix, it just seems to make matters worse. You don’t want to talk to any one, you don’t want to do what you need to do. I’m not talking about depression, I’m talking about those days that you can’t get motivated no matter what you do!


Chocolate is what helps us at the mid-afternoon lull, but I’m talking something entirely different here. I’m talking about those times when you feel like you’re spinning your wheels. Those times when you can’t figure out where to begin or you start to loose site of a task that you are fully capable of doing or even the job that you’re avoiding doing. When you say what’s the point.


Well there is an easy way to prepare in advance for these little “funks”. Keep a Victory Log! It’s something that each of us can do. Many keep it in a journal, notebook or their daytimer. Others may keep it on their computer. One of my friends keeps hers on the bathroom mirror, while another keeps hers in a scrapbook.


Are you asking yourself what a Victory Log is? Don’t worry most people don’t know either, so read on.


A Victory Log is just a simple listings of your victories, your pat on the back, things that have worked out wonderful for you. Many include their spouse, children . . . . others include that big account that they won or the day they walked across the stage to get their diploma or some other event. Don’t forget about all those great ideas that you come up with. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is, just so long as you see it as a Victory!



Now I’ve personally added another twist to my personal Victory Log, I keep a log of my Company’s sales and the categories of the sales, it’s what gets me excited and reminds me that I’ve had bad times before and have been able to continue moving my business forward.



So pull out the stops and start making a list of your Victory’s. If you’re having trouble coming up with a list, ask some of your friends what they see or remember as one of your Victory’s . . you may be surprised and realize that you have enough to write a book!



Catherine James is Managing Rep and Chapter Director for Country Bunny Bath & Body and President of Dixie Cullen Interests and Industrial Storage Company servicing clients around the world. She is a 2003 National Top Ten Business Woman of American Business Women’s Association. She can be contacted at catherinejames@bunnymart.com http://www.cbunnyrep.com/3854

Article Source: www.ladypens.com

New Year's Resolutions

Using "Self-Talk" to Fulfill New Years Resolutions

by: Michael J. Russ

There is something truly special about the coming of a New Year. Another twelve months present the perfect opportunity to start over, transform or change your self in some way. Regardless of what you resolve to do, be it to improve your health, develop better relationships with friends, make a job change or even see a part of the world you've been dreaming about, everything is within the realm of possibility if you say so.

The important question then becomes "why do New Years resolutions go unfulfilled?" Is it because they are too ambitious? I don't think so. At the beginning of the year you are full of optimism, excitement and hope. The thoughts and words you use to describe your resolutions reflect positive tones as you say, "I can do this" or "I believe I can do it this year." You
even tell your closest friends how excited you are about what you are going to accomplish. Then, as the days and months progress your enthusiasm fades and you find yourself making excuses and being apologetic for not pursuing your goals, saying things like "I just can't find the time" or by thinking "I am just too tired today."

Has anything really happened to make your resolutions unachievable? Yes,
you're "self-talk." You simply talked yourself right out of your resolutions. "Self-talk" is what you think and say about yourself, both in your head and in conversations with others. In order to fully manifest your resolutions, your "self-talk" must be completely in sync with them. A
congruency of "self-talk" and action helps you maintain the attitude, drive and motivation to keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity and procrastination. Here are some things you can do to get your "self-talk" on the right path and manifest your resolutions.

Be clear about your resolutions. The quickest route to what you want is a straight line. When you create resolutions you are unsure about, your "self-talk" will eventually sabotage your efforts by chipping away at your motivation and enthusiasm. Having clarity about your resolution instills greater focus, ignites passion and enhances self-confidence. You become more
willing to design, monitor and use "self-talk" to support you every step of the way. Choosing not to make a resolution is better than making one you aren't willing to stand behind. With time and patience you will decide upon and fully support changes that are perfect for you.

Become familiar with the "self-talk" you are using now. "Self-talk" is something you use all the time. Whether it takes a positive or a negative direction is up to you. Being alert to the kind of "self-talk" you use allows you to discover and defy its negative nature and see that it maintains proper alignment with what you are doing to achieve your resolutions.

Consciously design "self-talk." Use "self-talk" that is positive and on track by consciously designing supportive statements that begin with words such as "I am", "I can", "I will" and "I intend." These words build confidence, motivate and reinforce your intentions. Drop statements that begin with "I can't", "I don't" and "I'll try" from your "self-talk" vocabulary. In order to succeed in reaching your resolutions you must always speak of yourself and what you are doing in a positive way, regardless of the circumstances.

Keep your "self-talk" moving in a positive direction. Adversity is a natural part of life. It's been said that people should be judged not by their successes, but by how they handled their adversities. When adversity strikes, instead of beating yourself up about what happened, respond with positive "self-talk" that inspires you to work through it, such as "I am strong enough to get through this and get back on track." What's important is to keep your "self-talk" moving in a positive direction and focus on what you can control- the way you feel, how you respond and the attitude you maintain.

"Self-talk" is the most amazing force you have for creating the life you envision. Words have the potential to build or destroy and influence everything you experience. However one thing holds true, when you support yourself in every moment, life doesn't seem so difficult. This is the power of "self-talk."

About The Author

Michael J. Russ has authored audio books on the mental side of golf, life and sales. His titles include Powerful Golf, Powerful Self-Talk and Powerful Sales and his latest Design Your Life. For more information please visit www.powerfulliving.org.

WAHMs, Don't Compare Yourself With Others!

by: Carrie Lauth

Wahms, do you constantly compare yourself with other wahms and come up short?

You know how it is...you feel like this wahm's website looks better than yours, that wahm's direct sales business is more successful than yours, and then there's that one wahm who is everywhere spitting out infoproducts, seemingly in her sleep. Do you torture yourself like this?

This is something I've been giving a lot of thought to lately. Maybe it's because I had to take a long hiatus from my own business to start a baby growing, or maybe it's because as women we just tend to compare ourselves with other women and focus on our perceived inadequacies. As wahms, we even tend to justify our negative thinking!

Whatever the case, I hope I can help you avoid this problem with some things that help me when my thoughts turn negative. First I'll talk about why comparing yourself with others is a fruitless exercise, then give you some positive steps to take to help you stop it!

1) Comparing yourself to others is an incredible waste of energy.

Here's why: We're all unique individuals with different talents, skills and abilities.

One wahm may excel at technical aspects of web design while you can write great articles. One wahm may be a great networker who is always finding JV opportunities while you can optimize web pages with one hand, nursing a baby at the keyboard. One wahm may be a real people person while you're great at testing and tracking your marketing efforts.

Use your unique talents and personality to your benefit in your business. Keep honing your skills and beefing up your weak points with learning, but don't expect your basic personality to change! Celebrate your strong points.

If you need to, treat yourself like a child. When you do something you're proud of in your business day, say out loud: "Great job! I'm so proud of you!" Or put a cute little sticker in your organizer, paint your toenails, drink something hot and yummy, whatever...just give yourself some positive reinforcement.

Let's face it...wahms need more energy to do all they must do, don't suck it up with negative thinking!

2) Comparing yourself with other wahms is unfair.

Everyone also has different challenges. Are you pregnant? Have little babies or toddlers? Several children? Chronic health problems? A special needs child? Single wahm? A husband that works too much? Caring for an elderly relative? Limited budget? See what I'm getting at here?

Stop beating yourself up and acknowledge your challenges. We all deserve a pat on the back for doing something to improve our financial standing whilst caring for house and home!

Now, let's talk about some of the things you can do to stop comparing yourself with others.

1) Decide whether this negative self talk is just moodiness/fatigue/morning sickness or whatever, or if you really DO need a kick in the pants. Proceed accordingly.

2) Acknowledge the challenges that you work around, mentioned above. Give yourself about one minute to do this.

3) Now get busy.

Get your notebook (the one you keep within reach at all times when those great ideas come to your mind) and make sure you've completed your "Daily Activity Standard" (those activities that pay you that must be done daily). If so, spend 15 minutes working on that project you've put into bite sized pieces.

Finally, remember that appreciation attracts prosperity, and thoughts of lack and "woe is me" only repel it. And don't waste any more time comparing yourself with other wahms!

Carrie Lauth is a work at home Mom of 4 who enjoys helping other Moms learn how to build their businesses online. For your free help, go to http://www.business-moms-expo.com and sign up for the "No Fluff" newsletter.

Article Source: www.ladypens.com

How To Get Motivated For Business

by: Carrie Lauth

"I've lost my mojo!"

Do you ever feel that way in your home business? Do you often start projects with boundless energy then fizzle out quickly? Do you need some ideas on how to get motivated again for your business?

How To Get Motivated For Business

-> Review your "why".

If you haven't done this already, try to make 100 goals for yourself. This is a work in progress and may take you several weeks to finish, but do start the process. You need to have a bunch of things that motivate you to accomplish your goals when the going gets tough or when your progress is slower than you might like.

-> Spend 20 minutes a day focusing on your goals.

Now that you have your goals written down, spend 10 minutes twice a day, preferably first thing in the morning and last thing at night, reviewing them. Visualize yourself as having accomplished those goals, and let yourself feel the emotions. Act "as if". This can be one of the most powerful things you ever do to get and stay motivated for your business.

-> Hang out with motivated people.

Avoid people who are negative and who drain your energy as much as possible. Sometimes this is unavoidable, but do try to minimize contact with those types of people, especially when your own motivation is low.

Instead, actively seek out motivated people. These might be friends or they might be business peers. One great place to find motivated successful people is at the home business mentors Mom Masterminds.

-> Celebrate your successes

Sometimes we get so caught up in growing our businesses that we forget to celebrate the little achievements. That small affiliate check, a new page added to a web site, an unsolicited, glowing testimonial about your product, etc. Keep a log of all the little things that happen in your business and review them when you need to get motivated again.

-> Imagine the Worst

Ask yourself "What will happen if I don't accomplish my goals?"

Sometimes that fear of looking and feeling like a failure will snap you out of your low period and get you motivated.

-> Give yourself a deadline for slack time

Everyone has slumps, and sometimes the best thing you can do during those times is to take some time off to regroup, so that you can come back to your business refreshed and motivated again.

Just be sure to set a deadline for yourself. Give yourself a day or two or whatever period of time feels comfortable to slack off, and then get back to work!

You'll probably find that you have no trouble getting motivated again as your energy increases.


About the Author: Carrie Lauth is a work at home Mom of 4 who enjoys helping other Moms learn how to build their businesses online. For your free help, go to www.business-moms-expo.com and sign up for the "No Fluff" newsletter.

Article Source: www.ladypens.com

Drama: How It Zaps Creativity and Success

by: Catherine Franz

Drama occurs all around us. We don't think of ourselves as a drama queen
or king. "isn't that a movie?" isn't that a neighbor, co-worker, friend, or
in-law? For artists, drama contributes to their creative production. There
is a darker side. One we don't want to admit to. At least not easily.

We add drama in order to make life or situations more interesting.
Artists like to do this when their creativity is blocked. Drama adds fizz to
imagination. We also create drama when we're bored or need to shelter our
feelings.

Drama, thought of as a serious narrative for fiction, can also be serious
emotional muck that zaps both creativity and success. Like quicksand, we
don't know you're in it until you can't move your legs.

A friend, let’s name her Jane, phones and pulls you in with her BMW
(bitch, moan and whine). She curls your ear about life not going according
to her plan. You have just become stuck in her drama. You pat your foot and
think about what else you could be doing. The critic justifies staying with:
"She’s your friend. She listens to your BMW." Afterwards, your energy sags.

Drama is easier to see in other people, it is harder to see the muck we
create for ourselves. Here is a process that will assist your awareness and
propel you forward:

Step 1: Recognize when the drama is appearing or when it did appear. Do
you drag yourself out of bed? That’s drama. Do you moan and groan about
something? That’s drama. Our inner critic has a natural ability to ignite
drama when you don't want to do something. Did you give an excuse for
something? That’s drama. We're you late because you weren't sure you wanted
to go? Drama! Excessive emotion is drama.

Step 2: Acknowledge the event as unnecessary. When you acknowledge it as
unnecessary and you are in a dramatic moment, the shift begins.

Step 3: Identify what part, or whole, is "just" your part? Weed out the
other players. See only your part. Decide: Are you going to continue or
change it?

Step 4: Begin the transformation. Write or carefully think through what
occurred. If you see the drama unfolding before you, and it includes other
players, stop, don't continue just to save face. Once you decide to
transform it, declare it out loud three times.

Let me share with you one of my changing events...

My fought my own thoughts as I moved down the isles. "Yes, I need these?
No, I don't really need this?" Justifying with the great price. I stared at
items without seeing as my thoughts fought. "Should I or shouldn't I." At
the checkout counter, I couldn't let go of the items so the cashier could
price and bag them. Slowly I let go.

When it came time to pay, I stopped, looked at her, and explained that I
changed my mind. I apologized, slightly embarrassed. Not so surprised but
delighted from my explanation, she said thank you, she learned something to.
I said, "Me too."

I sat on the mall bench in disbelief for quite some time. It was one of
those memorable moments. One I still remember very clearly today. It took
time to process what occurred but I did see that my spending process changed
significantly. It was one of my shifts in seeing my drama.

Step 5: Make a conscious choice to let it go.

Step 6: Take action. Talk with someone about it -- a friend, clergy, or
coach. Just do it. If you prefer to write your way through the process, do
it. Process it lovingly. For when you see the drama as if it’s a television
soap opera "an out of body view" this particular drama behavior ends.

Step 7: Repeat this phrase three times: "And this has passed. I now move
forward in joy and success."

Enjoy the less dramatic you and watch your new success unfold.

Your Assignment, If You Choose To Take This On

Make a list, 1-10. Close your eyes and revisit the last 24 hours. See
where the drama occurred? What was your contribution? Was the drama getting
the kids to go to bed? Did you procrastinate on something and then create
drama to get you started? Write down even the smallest memory. Even the
appearances you're not sure of. Choose one. Start with Step 1.

(c) Copyright 2005, Catherine Franz. All rights reserved.

About The Author

Catherine Franz, is a syndicated marketing columnist, radio host,
International speaker, and master business coach.

http://www.abundancecenter.com. Also available in audio.