Life Accelerated

Create a "Do It Now" Attitude

A few months ago I worked with a client who wanted to be coached on eliminating procrastination in his life because it was effecting his productivity at work. With my help he was able to jump start the path to a procrastination free life. To start my client, created some "Do It Now" labels and put them around his desk area at work; on the computer, telephone, desk, cabinet, and so forth, so that he could mentally create and re-inforce a "Do It Now" attitude.

He started by consciously writing down all tasks and activities that he was responsible for executing and completing into his electronic calendar. He set time and date alerts in the calendar to ring and popup when the task needed to be completed. After months of practice, applying more strategies and conscious effort he was able to overcome most of his procrastination.

What would your life look like with a "Do It Now" attitude?

Secrets to making a lasting change

To make a lasting change, you start wherever you are and stretch a tiny bit more each time. If you fall off the wagon, or experience resistance, identify the cause or circumstances— who you were with, where you were, or your emotional state. The key is to get up and get back on the path again. You may go back and forward a few times because making a lasting change is hard. Your level of readiness to change will determine how successful you are, and how much time it will take. But you need to be ready, able and willing to make change happen.

Have you made any changes lately? 

Please share with us your secret to making a lasting change!

Set boundaries around your life

Say "no" to things that don't support your overall priorities. Only accept requests that support you at  home and in the workplace. Learn your limits--pay attention to what you can and cannot do to reduce the stress of excessive demands on your life. Make the choice not to overload your schedule.

Take three actions this week to set a boundary. Email me at Diane@LifeAccelerated.com to share with me personally what has worked for you. I'd love to hear about your success!

The Last Kid Has Gone! Now What?

Five practical ways to restart your life after your last child leaves home

by Diane Randall

It’s official! My last kid has “flown the nest.” She has left our home in the Midwest to attend college on the west coast. My loss has become southern California's gain. Go figure!

I felt a little anxious and unsettled when she initially told me that she wanted to go to school in California. The nurturing, protecting self said, “No, you need to stay closer to home for at least one year before you go so far away!” But once I gave it some thought, I released my hold and started supporting her choice of schools. After all, I was the one who had prepared my daughter for this day throughout her whole life by taking her on trips, far and near, across the globe. I always wanted my kids to know that there was a great big world out there, and that they could go wherever, and be whatever, they wanted.

I flew to the west coast to help her settle in and get a comfort level for what her life would be like in California. It was a very physically draining and stressful event – for me, that is. It only took a couple of days before my daughter was very relaxed and happy in her new environment. She connected with her new colleagues that she had reached out to months earlier on MySpace.com – her great idea! Forming a bond with other students ahead of time allowed her to feel at ease and quickly adapt to her new surroundings.  click here to read the whole story

Paul, Alexis & Candice

Take care of your body

Make yourself number one as a priority; spend your energy maximizing your health and wellness. Try mind-body exercises, such as breathing, meditation and yoga. Be physically active everyday and get plenty of rest. Take time to nourish your body with a massage, which releases tension, revitalizes energy, and helps you increase vitality.

Take three actions this week to take care of your body. Email me at Diane@LifeAccelerated.com to share with me personally what has worked for you.

"Bouncing back" from difficult life situations

How do you deal with difficult life situations?  Facing such life-changing situations as the death of a loved one, loss of a job, serious health problems, terrorist attack or other traumatic experiences can be very challenging.

People who adapt well in the face of adversity and stressful situations have resilience—the ability to “bounce back” from difficult experiences.

Resilience is a trait that involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned by anyone according to the American Psychological Association (APA). 

Please share your "stories with us about how you've "bounced back" from difficult life situations

Stole of Gratitute

I attended a graduation ceremony over the weekend to support someone very special to me.  After the ceremony, the new college graduate presented me with the Stole of Gratitude which is presented to someone who has helped with wisdom, words of encouragement, or financial assistance.  It  was placed around my neck by the graduate.  I was surprised and grateful to be acknowledged by someone for helping them succeed.

ENERGIZE!

Find yourself dragging by the midday?  Here are some tips to help you rev up and energize:

• Get 6-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Eat balanced, nutritious meals and healthy snacks and remember that a good breakfast is a great way to “jump-start” your day.
• Take mini breaks to stand up, stretch and move around to get your blood flowing.
• Do some deep breathing.
• Go for a short walk to get some fresh air.
• Drink enough water so you don’t get dehydrated.
• Laugh and have some fun.  Humor increases energy and is good for mental health.
• Manage and reduce your stress.  Stress can really zap your energy.

What you do to rev up and energize during your day?

Is Self-Confidence Important to Well-being?

Do you exude grace and self-confidence when you walk into a room?  Do you command attention without asking for it?  Self-confidence is so important to our well-being, women that have it, know it and if you want it, read "10 Habits of Confident Women" to get some ideas on how you can become more self-confident.

Do you know a woman who exudes confidence?  What is it about her that commands attention? 

What are your thoughts about this post?

Yoga Helps Prevent Weight Gain

I read a new study led by researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA.  the study has found that regular yoga practice may help prevent middle-age weight gain in normal weight people. It may also promote weight loss in those who are overweight. What accounts for yoga’s apparent fat-fighting potential when most people practice in a way that is not aerobic? 

According to Allan R. Kristal, DrPH, the study’s lead author, “From my experience, I think it has to do with the way that yoga helps you to focus on your inner self and you become more aware of your body. So when you’ve eaten enough food, you’re sensitive to the feeling of being full, and this makes it much easier to stop eating before you’ve eaten too much.” 

I started taking Dahn Yoga about six months ago.  My overall food consumption has decreased.  I've lost a few pounds and my flexiblity has improved as well.  I feel really good!  I plan to keep practicing yoga for the rest of my life.

Sources: Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, July/August 2005 and news release Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

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