Look for the Good!

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 22:09:55 -0800

Life Coach, Bob Tschannen-Moran, caught my attention as he explained that "Appreciation Appreciates." He went on to explain in one of his weekly provisions, that by definition, what we focus on gets more of our attention. If we focus on problems, what's wrong, and what we don't like, then that will get more of our attention. That's the way the world will spin for us. Yet, if we focus on possibilities, what's right, and what we do like, then that will get more of our attention and that will be the way world spins for us. What we appreciate, appreciates!

Sometimes I find it tricky to bend over picking up hoop after hoop, without allowing my attitude to fall completely to the ground! Yet, Bob's work, reminds me that no matter how bleak or barren a situation appears, I always have a choice to turn my perspective around. It is as easy as reversing the direction of my hoop! For in every situation something is working, that I can focus on, build on, and appreciate! I also recall Bob sharing a study that showed that people learn more effectively by focusing on what they are doing right, rather then on what they are doing wrong. I find that when I focus on what's positive and productive and empowering my spirit remains buoyant, despite any coordination challenges underway! I spend more time hooping, since my mindset, makes it more fun!

Try it out for yourself: focus on the best you can imagine, and watch all those good things grow more abundantly in your life!

Light UP!

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 15:32:09 -0700

As a variety artist, I found myself motivation ignite, when I set my props on fire! Yes, you heard me right. Whether it be juggling fire torches, or swinging fire clubs, or eating fire, or hooping with a ring of fire, as I did so my motivation caught fire! I have never been so passionate, so on purpose, and so motivated to succeed.

As a wellness coach, one of my goals is to lead people away from their "will-power" and towards their "want-power." To do so, I take them on an inner-journey to discover what makes them light-up! What ignites their inner-energy and drive! What makes their heart sing! It can take hundreds of repetitions to learn a new physical skill, or weeks of effort to change your body composition, so keeping the flames of your motivation burning hot will assist you in hanging in there. One way to do so, is to focus on enjoying the process! You are more likely to stick with activities that you enjoy...that make you light up!

Dr. George Sheehan, celebrated father of the running boom, goes as far as to say that "Play is were life lives." "….That is the aim of life: to become an adult while remaining a child at heart. For this to happen, play is the key. When we play, we do things because we want to, without thought of payment. He goes on to add that what happens to the body in terms of health and fitness is simply a bonus.
 Perhaps that is the key to success in any health and wellness program: we have to make it fun. And for it to be fun, the activities you choose must line-up with your individual tastes and preferences, your unique body, mind, and spirit combination!!! I find that when I engage in playful activities that stir my heart wide open, motivation is no longer an issue. When I can draw upon that inner-life-giving-energy, all change becomes natural and ultimately unstoppable. Sheehan refers to this as a "self-renewing compulsion," since we all want to keep doing the things that make us light up!