December 2005

COACHINGTRAININGWORKSHOPS

End of Year Reflections ©

This is the time of year when we come to the stark realization that there is very little left of the current year and we suddenly wonder if we have accomplished the goals we set a few months ago. This frequently results in feelings of panic and frustration which, in turn, lead to feelings of increased inadequacy.

There's a better way to do this! Put your feelings aside. Tell yourself the following gems about goals:

The main reason for setting goals is to move you to take action,

YOU are in charge, not your goals! You can change them, toss them, or rearrange them,

A goal not met may simply be an indication of poor timing for that goal,

Goals are tools for accomplishment, not the accomplishment itself.

Now, review the goals you set for this year and ask the following questions about each goal.

1. Did you accomplish this goal?
2. If not, how much of it did you accomplish?
3. Is this goal still important to you?
4. What do you need to do in order to accomplish it?
5. Who can help you?
6. How will you know when this goal is accomplished?
7. If you choose to abandon this goal, what did you learn from this experience?

Reflecting on your goals for this year will help you in your planning for 2006.

Now, take a broader view of the past year by reflecting on the following questions and your answers to them.

1. What was your major accomplishment this year?
2. Why was it so important?
3. In what ways did this accomplishment make your life better?
4. How can you duplicate the processes used in this accomplishment to create success in 2006?
5. Describe your feelings about this accomplishment.

Let's take a look now at the not-so-lovely aspects of the past year.

1. What was your biggest disappointment (or failure, mistake, etc.) this year?
2. Why do you think this happened?
3. What could have been done to create different results?
4. What can you learn from this experience that will help you in the future?

Take the lessons learned and let the rest go. The world goes on!

Reflections are a gentle way of reviewing the past. Don't beat yourself up over what is done. You did the best you could at the time. Use these questions gently with yourself. Just let the thoughts and answers simmer in your mind. Out of this simmering process, new ideas and creative thoughts will emerge to help you plan for a new year.

Last, keep things in perspective. Remembering the thousands of people left homeless by this year's hurricanes and the families devastated by the loss of a loved one in the military will help us to see our own little world through different eyes.

The purpose of reflecting on the past is to renew our hope for the future and to provide us with new tools to embrace it.

FOCUS: A Guided Mastermind Group^©

Most of us know what it takes to be successful. We've heard about motivation, learned about business plans, action plans, strategy plans and a dozen other plans for success. We work them all and we still work all of the time. Yet, we are not getting where we want to go in the time frame we want.
What's wrong? What's lacking?

Based on my own personal experiences as well as years of observation, I'll bet the missing piece is FOCUS! Simply stated, we aren't!

To help you achieve focus, I've created the environment and structure for FOCUS: A Guided Mastermind Group. The group will be limited in order to nurture an environment of trust where individuals know that what they share will be respected and kept confidential. Participants will be as committed to the success of each member as they are to their own success. I will facilitate the group: guiding, prodding, praising, instructing, etc. as needed. This group will start in January and will run for 6 sessions with 2 hours per session. After that, the group will reflect on what they have received and choose where they want to go with it.

Topics to be covered in the first session include:
WHO Am I? Create your powerful self introduction
What Is Your Vision For Your Business or Career?
Where Are You Now?
What Are Your Strengths That Contribute To You Success?
What Are The Barriers That Detract From Your Success?

Topics to be covered in later sessions:
Removing Barriers
Setting Goals
How to develop the focus of a laser
5 key reasons why focus get lost
The devastating impact of lost focus
The principle of addition through subtraction
The importance of blinders
Monitoring progress
Intention and Accountability
Collaboration
Action Plans
Strategies for Accomplishment
Measuring Success

Participants receive the 6 sessions, a comprehensive manual, handouts, copy of book, "The Power of Focus," and one phone call each week with Donna Reed.

If you live in Tucson, Arizona and want to jump start yourself and your business in 2006, please contact me for more details about FOCUS: A Guided Mastermind Group.

 -- Donna M. Reed, Trainer and Life Strategy Coach
Tools For Achievers

Coaching Corner

Q. I've been thinking about working with a coach but I don't know if this is the right time. Do you think I should wait until I'm sure?

A. Most of us would never do anything if we waited until the "right time." If you think a coach might help you, start now! Call several to learn how they work and what they offer. Select one and make an appointment. Don't make long term arrangements with a coach until you feel confident that they are the one for you. If it doesn't work out, call another coach. You will be amazed at the results you will get with the right coach.

Copyright © 2005 Tools For Achievers