I replied, “Yes, I have and you always need to be prepared for a quick change in the weather when you are on the mountain.” As I prepared myself to leave for skiing that morning, I began to reflect on how being prepared for snow skiing is a lot like preparation for success as a woman entrepreneur.

When you desire a successful day of skiing, there needs to be some planning before you get on the chair lift. You need to stop and think about all of the things you will need in order to have a successful day (This is why ski clothing has so many pockets!). If you’re a woman who skis, you know that the weather can change at any given moment so you need to pack accordingly. If you choose to go skiing without thoughtful preparation, you may be in for a challenging day.

As I rode up the chair lift that morning, I thought of 5 solutions to help you have a great day of skiing and achieve success as a woman entrepreneur:

1. Be prepared for all sorts of weather – If you can imagine the top of the mountain representing your big idea or business goal, you know as you make your journey upward, there will be changes in the climate and the terrain. In your business, there will be times of quick and easy success and there will be challenges that need to be met along the way. Make sure you have packed the necessary items for success. For example, a detailed plan of action, ample support, focus, and consistency. Don’t forget to pack extra energy and unlimited passion!

2. Don’t stay “Green” for too long – Smart women know that you need to get uncomfortable in order to become a better skier. To facilitate improvement, you need to advance beyond the “Green” (easier trails) and move on to “Blue” (more difficult or intermediate). In reaching your business goals, if you are feeling comfortable, then most likely your goals are not big enough or you have lost some energy and passion for your vision. It’s important to stretch yourself. When I challenge myself on the mountain by taking a trail that’s a bit beyond my ability, it feels good when I reach the bottom and can look back and reflect on my accomplishment. Always strive to dream or have a vision that’s just a little bit larger than what you think you can accomplish. You will be surprised at what can happen!

3. “Follow The Leader” – I see a lot of people struggling on the mountain who are beginning skiers. The fastest way to reach your goals whether it’s skiing or realizing your entrepreneurial vision is to follow the leader. Follow someone who shows a clear mastery of where you want to go. Take a lesson or get some coaching. This one solution has helped me gain the most momentum in my own entrepreneurial journey. I like to move quickly when I’ve made a decision to take action on an idea. I always have coaches, mastermind groups, and mentors in the wings ready to help me achieve my business goals at a faster pace.

4. Rest and Re-energize – Smart Women need to take breaks often. Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of energy. When we get passionate about something, we tend to go non-stop until we make our dream happen. It’s essential that you stop along the way to reflect and re-energize. It’s during those times of rest and relaxation that we can ponder what might be next with real clarity and focus.

5. Celebrate – I always end a day of skiing by enjoying a steamy, hot chocolate with my family. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the day. It’s essential that you celebrate every goal or milestone you accomplish in your business along the way. When you honor progress, you set the intention to keep moving forward toward the next level of success.

It was a gorgeous day for skiing. The weather conditions were just about perfect. In the late afternoon, the sky became overcast and a chill was in the air. I was happy to have my face mask in my pocket. Jack was happy to have his too. I’ll see you on your way to the top…

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2012 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur. She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs. If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at Creating The Spark.

At one point, women were expressing the challenges they face in getting everything accomplished each day including running a business, managing a family, and hopefully time to squeeze in a little self-care.

I shared with the group that when I’m in the office, I ask myself three questions to help me stay focused and directed on making money in my business:

1. Where is the potential for new business?
2. Are my private clients and groups experiencing award winning results?
3. Have I reached out to my referral sources this week?

Discovering new business opportunities, creating award winning client results and focusing on my relationships with referral sources are the very best ways to build a successful company for the long term.

I noticed one woman in the group had a rather strange look on her face and at the break, I went up to her and asked if everything was ok. Her response? “I’ve never heard a woman speak so freely about making money. It’s liberating for me. I love this idea!”

As I travel around the country and meet women from different parts of the globe, this idea that money should not be discussed is universal. I had one woman tell me that she was raised with a belief that “Money is evil.” Money is not evil. What you do with the money is what matters.

This opened the door to a freeing, thought-provoking, conversation about why women need to overcome their fear of making money or having money. If your business is not making the money you desire, could it be possible it’s due to the relationship you have with money? If your business is barely “surviving” instead of “thriving” I invite you to think about creative ways you can embrace what a positive cash flow could do not only for you but the world.

To ensure that your Big Idea comes to fruition and achieves growth year after year, it’s essential that you make money in your business. I’d like to share some ideas about why women and money go together and energize your thinking about why it’s key to stay focused on making money:

1. Contributing to the well-being of yourself and your family – It’s an empowering feeling to know that your business contributes to taking care of those you love and care about. It builds confidence, self-esteem and instills the idea in your family that you are an equal partner in every area.

2. Contributing to the economy – I’m thrilled to be able to have a small team of women support me in my business and I can help them achieve their goal of working from home. I’m adding value to the flexibility and freedom in their lives.

3. Giving back – I hear from so many women the reason they started their business is because they want to give back to the charities and organizations they feel so strongly about. This has been an emotional driver for me. My desire to give back has continued to grow over the last 3 years and my dream has finally come true. This year, Smart Women Smart Solutions® is now able to make a donation to several non-profits that support women and girls worldwide from coaching programs purchased by women entrepreneurs.

I’m going to invite you to start the process of creating a consistent, positive cash flow so you can use the money to take care of what’s important to you. Stop saying, “When I have the money, I will…” and start saying, “Now that my business is experiencing a positive cash flow, I will…”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2012 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

In my work, I’ve discovered that women find asking for help risky as they see it as a sign of weakness. They create a belief that they are the only ones having a struggle and this could not be further from the truth. Everyone is questioning some aspect of their business. Whether it’s to attract more clients, increase their income or expand their programs and services – women entrepreneurs have many of the same challenges.

If you want to remain queen of your domain, it’s essential that you surround yourself with supportive people who can guide you and brainstorm with you about new possibilities that will pave a path to success in your business. Here are some fast and easy ways to reach out for support:

1. Make a PB&A – Put together your own “Personal Board of Advisors.” Reach out and connect to people you know who are positive and looking to achieve success. Gather at least once a month by phone or in-person to exchange ideas and be accountable. I have a consistent group of people I speak with regularly to bounce ideas and support their growth as well.

2. Pack your bags – Yes, you read that right. Commit to a live event or retreat that takes you away from your domain for a few days. This is one of the most rejuvenating activities you can commit to for your business. It provides a new, fresh look – a new perspective. In my work with women, I sometimes refer to this as “reframing.” If you sit on your throne day after day looking at the same landscape, it dulls your creative process and keeps you stuck.

3. Commit to a “Thinking Partner” – It may be time to hire a coach. Working privately with a coach who has expertise in the areas where you feel stuck can be a good investment for your business. It can collapse your time frame and get you focused on where the momentum is to accelerate your success.

Being “queen of my castle” is a wonderful feeling –one that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. I’ve set my domain up to have plenty of support around me at all times so that it feels empowering, safe and secure. It allows me the freedom to think big and make grand plans for my domain. You can have this too.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.
*****
© 2012 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your coaching business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report, FREE MP3 and be the first to hear about my exciting new program for coaches and consultants at Smart Women Smart Solutions Coaching .

Goal setting, New Year’s resolutions, dreams, and big ideas-these are heavy on people’s minds right now as we cross the threshold into 2012. Everyone wants to make up for lost time and start off the year on a course to reach their biggest goals and why not? It’s a leap year which makes it even more exciting to think about soaring to new heights. I’m right there with you. I, too, have big ideas, dreams and goals.

Einstein’s quote helped me to realize there are two distinct parts to reaching your big ideas, dreams and goals. First you must have a Vision and second, you must have a Plan to accomplish the vision. One does not happen without the other. They are like partners working in tandem. Visionaries can be challenged by creating a plan and Planners sometimes lack the necessary vision to keep the dream alive.

Vision is the dream of your desired future. It’s a picture of something you hope for, something you can see clearly in your imaginative mind. A vision is a dream that inspires and motivates you.

Planning is logical, factual and realistic. A plan is a set of specific objectives and tasks broken down into achievable bite-size goals that you can reach in a targeted amount of time.

Without a passionate dream, a plan becomes idle busyness. Without a realistic plan, your vision becomes more like daydreaming.

Below are some tips and solutions that will help you during both the visioning and planning phases for your Big Ideas, Dreams and Goals for 2012:

VISION

1. Steal Some Solitude – Having some quiet alone time to focus on your vision is vital to the outcome. Block out a few hours, a day or even a weekend to get clear on what your dream looks like and what it feels like when it becomes a reality.

2. Clarity is Key – Becoming crystal clear is a must. Visioning about the who, what, where of your dream will help you later in the planning phase.

3. Use Tools to Make it BIG – Buy some large white post-it paper at your local supply store and colorful, vibrant markers to write or draw. I always say to women I work with: “How big can a dream become on an 8×11 piece of paper?”

4. Create a Vision Board – Once you are clear about what your dream is, a vision board is a productive way to keep the dream alive every day. I use this in my “Creating The Spark” Success Circles and women share that this one tool has helped them stay on course and reach their goals. Have it laminated and place it somewhere you’ll be reminded often or make it your wallpaper on your electronic devices.

PLANNING

1. Set Specific Goals – Here’s an example of a general goal: “I want to have more clients and make more money.” Here’s a specific goal: “I want to increase my income by 25% and work with 10 additional people who are my preferred ideal client by April 1.” Notice the difference? The first goal is general while the second holds a specific outcome and date. You are more likely to reach your goal if you are specific. It helps you to measure your progress along the way and reward yourself when you cross a milestone.

2. Make a commitment – Create time in your calendar to work on your goals. In the example above, it will be necessary for you to decide what marketing strategies will shorten your time frame to accomplish the goals and then schedule those into your calendar daily, weekly, monthly.

3. Know your areas of weakness – Everyone has areas of strength and weakness. Operate in your strengths and get support in the areas where you are weak. For example, I do not enjoy the technical aspect in my business or bookkeeping (two essential pieces to any successful business) so I have people on my team who are experts in this area and love doing these tasks. This is where having a coach could be helpful in helping you to identify your strengths and find creative support in the areas where you need help.

4. Evaluate and Course-Correct – Along the way, you may need to course-correct your original plan because of new learning or changes that occur along the way. Being an entrepreneur means you are open to new possibilities and ready for change when necessary.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2012 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

In my work with women, one of the essential exercises we do together is peel back the layers of their lives both personally and professionally to explore and discover their “gift” or what I sometimes refer to as their “genius.” You may be reading this and thinking, “I don’t know what my gift is” or “I don’t have a gift.” You do have a gift. You have genius inside You.

Once you uncover your “gift”, life and business become far more enjoyable. When you have a business that allows you to work in your area of genius, you will have the opportunity to earn more money because you will be doing what comes naturally to you. When you live in your genius, you feel happier and healthier.

I know you want to be happier, healthier and make more money in 2012—right?

In his book, “The Big Leap” Gay Hendricks talks about 3 zones that we live in: The Zone of Competence, The Zone of Excellence and The Zone of Genius. Most people live in the Zone of Competence or the Zone of Excellence. Why? It’s comfortable and it’s safe. Making a decision to live in your Zone of Genius means getting a little uncomfortable initially. You’ll have to admit to yourself and eventually the world that you actually have a gift and you’ll begin to say “No” more often to opportunities that are outside your Zone of Genius. Women are nurturers by nature so “No” can be a challenge, however once you give yourself permission to do so, you’ll be delighted you did.

Here’s a quick exercise to begin the process of uncovering your “gift” – your “genius,” so 2012 will become easy and effortless:

1. Grab a pen and paper.

2. Steal some quiet time and make a list of everything you do in your business and I mean everything (sharpening pencils, filing, etc).

* Some women carry this list around with them for a few days to get crystal clear about all of those “hidden” tasks you are doing. If you have a smart phone, you can also voice record as you do each task and write it down later.

3. After you complete the list, I invite you to draw a circle around the tasks that:

* Seem effortless when you perform them
* Other people compliment you on how well you perform a task
* Brings immediate cash flow into your business
* Give you a surge of energy and happiness

You should have no more than 4 items circled. When I do this exercise with women, they typically have a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 40 tasks on their list. There are only 2-4 tasks that answer all 4 of the questions above.

Yes, laundry has to be done, dishes washed and bills paid. If you give yourself permission to stay in your “genius” and live in your “gift,” you may find that your income will suddenly allow you to have more support in getting those other tasks accomplished.

This was a big shift for me several years ago. It is one of the changes that supported my big “leap” into living a life of service and support.

Go ahead. Give yourself permission to take ownership of your gift, your genius. Embrace and enjoy the abundance that 2012 holds for you.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

We all have Big Ideas, Dreams, and Goals that we would like to manifest and share with the world. Our dreams and ideas are unique to us and come with our creative thought. Whether it’s a product, a service, or a program, the “launch” phase or getting a Big Idea “off the ground” can feel daunting or possibly like mission impossible. We can feel anxious and frustrated by this seemingly slow process.

By chance, I happened to meet an owner of a hot air balloon company in Park City and was surprised to learn what’s involved in a successful flight. In order to take that glorious, colorful ride, the majority of work goes on before anyone arrives to get inside the bucket of the balloon. Teams of two or more people work together to make sure everything is ready for a safe and enjoyable flight. 50% of the energy source – — the heat that creates the air to get the balloon off the ground — is used in the beginning. After the balloon gets off the ground and reaches its desired altitude, it’s smooth sailing.

How about you? What color is your dream? Have you made a decision to get your Big Idea, Dream or Goal “off the ground?” Have you started the process of getting everything ready to fly your idea high into the sky where others can see it and want to be a part of it either as a customer or a support system? Plato, the Greek Philosopher said, “The beginning is the most important part.” Getting a new idea “off the ground” is exciting. The beginning is a time of creativity and designing your product or service that is unique to you. It’s important to realize the amount of effort it takes. It requires a lot of energy and commitment and certainly worth it in the end.

Here are a three solutions that can help you get your big idea “off the ground” much easier:

1. Develop the right mindset – Remember: Mindset first, details later. Make a commitment to yourself that this is important for you and that you are going to manifest this dream. It’s essential that you share your commitment with the valued people in your life in order to gain their support.

2. Develop a plan -  Write a detailed plan of everything you can think of that needs to be done to make this dream happen. As you look at the list, decide where you will need the expertise and support from others. You cannot do it all by yourself. The key to a successful outcome is to have people around you who are excited about your dream and have the expertise you need to make it happen. I have a great support system around me and it didn’t happen by accident. I made a commitment to foster this environment because I knew my success depended on it.

3. Just do it – This phrase (coined by Nike) says it all for me. Taking that first step with the intention to make it happen is the real key to success. Most of the successful people I’ve met didn’t have any more knowledge or expertise than you and I. But what they did have is a desire to reach the goal.

Ask yourself these questions: “What will it take to get my Big Idea off the ground?” “How high do I want to go with it?” “Who can help me accomplish this goal?” And knowing that in the beginning, it will take more than 50% of your time and energy to realize this Big Idea, take the steps to make it happen and get the support you need. Keep me posted and let me know how it’s going. I’ll be looking for you high in the sky.

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at Profits With Passion.

We all have fear about something. Fear of heights, fear of snakes, fear of rollercoasters. Many times these fears are related to childhood. I’m fearful of snakes. It was a big deal in our family when I was young. We lived on a farm in the mountains and in the summertime, my grandfather, “Pop,” would continually share with us the danger of snakes and to be careful at all times. You hear that “message” enough and your fear begins to grow. As a young woman, this fear began to alter my life experiences. For example, I would not go hiking with a friend on a hot summer day for fear of snakes. However, when my children got to the age where they wanted to go to the zoo, I had to face my fear. Why? My children do not know that I fear snakes. And guess what? I do not want to create that fear for them so I oblige them when they want to go to the “reptile center.” Do I feel anxious? Yes. But it’s something that I must move through.

Fear can affect your life in so many ways. One of the big “fears” is fear of failure. Fear of trying anything new because you are afraid it might not work out—you might fail. This is why many of us do not share our goals or even write them down on paper. I read an interesting study recently that only 3% of the population writes down their goals. Why? Fear. What if someone reads the paper and finds out you did not accomplish the goal? Fear is an emotion that we feel that appears to be real. This feeling can keep you trapped where you are in life. You can remain stuck in a place that no longer serves you. Fear can keep you from stepping into a place full of energy, passion, and purpose. It can hold you back from realizing your Big Idea, Dreams, and Goals.

How about you? Is there something that you dream of doing but you know that fear is holding you back? Do you get excited about taking action on a Big Idea only to talk yourself out of it with a fear-based conversation? One of my coaches shared with me, “If the desire is there, the how-to will come.” If you desire something new or different in your life, now is the perfect time to look that fear in the eye and really ask yourself on a deeper level if the emotion you are feeling is real. Here are a few solutions that can help you conquer your fear and step into your Big Idea, Dreams, and Goals:

1. Ask yourself this question: What facts do I have to support this fear becoming real? Where is the “truth” in this feeling of fear? See if you can find answers to support it. (My guess is you won’t—I’ve never been bitten by a snake.)

2. To help you overcome fear and believe in yourself, grab a pen and some paper. Write down all of the compliments that people have given you over the years. This is an exercise that I use every time I’m getting ready to step into something new in my life. I pull out all of the rave reviews that women have sent me and I read them. You will be surprised how powerful and “fearless” you become after doing this exercise.

3. Surround yourself with a group of people who are supportive. In my Women’s Success Circles, we call these people “possibility thinkers.” Spend time with those who can think in terms of possibility. Most negative thoughts and conversations come out of fear-based thinking. When you are stepping into your preferred future, you want to minimize contact with fearful, negative people.
It’s interesting where we find the lessons in our lives. I certainly did not think that it would be in my 8-year-old daughter’s backpack. Take a leap of faith and begin this New Year with belief in yourself. “Learn to relax and face fear. Trust in yourself.”

Anything is possible.  Everything is waiting for you.

*****
© 2011 Joy Chudacoff

 
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at http://www.ProfitsWithPassion.com.

I can recall periods in my life when I did not feel completely in control.  At times, the idea of being in complete control can seem a bit like a fantasy. After all, we have businesses, careers, families, and other activities that demand so much of us, our time, and our day. When we finally feel in control of our time, it’s 9:00 at night and we are too exhausted to do anything! And in some cases, we allow others to be in control of our lives. There are times when we are faced with a decision and we can become “stuck” or unsure that our ideas or choices could be the “right” ones for us and so we allow others to steer the course of our lives.

Here’s the good news and bad news: You really are in control of your ride throughout your life. It can be full of energy and passion or it can be heavy and full of despair. It can go fast or it can go slow. Your life can be reckless or it can be more controlled and filled with more of the things that you want to have happen. You see, you are in the driver’s seat. What’s essential before taking the ride is making sure that you decide where you are going and how fast you want to get there.

How about you? Are you ready to take your ride to a meaningful life, filled with passion and purpose? Does it excite you to know that you are in control of your ride—your life? Have you taken some time to ask yourself the important questions about where you are going and how fast or slow you want to go? Have you given some thought to who is going with you on your ride? This is a key part of my work with women in the Success Circles. It’s a time for women to hit the “pause button” on their lives and see where they want to go next. They reflect on what energizes them, what their passions are, and how they can weave more of this into their lives. Here are a few key questions that might support you in your ride:

1.  What would it take for you to feel happy and content?

2.  What situations in your life right now are holding you back from taking action on your Big Idea, Dreams, and Goals?

3.  What do you need to let go of in order to create the space for something new?

That day on the slider, I was excited to be in control of my ride. My 7 year-old daughter, Jenna, was sitting in my lap and I found it comforting to be able to slow down when she was a little scared and speed up again when she said, “Go faster, Mommy!” I invite you to take some time this fall to reflect on your life. Begin to think about how you might take more control over your time so that you too, can enjoy the ride of your life—a life filled with energy, passion, and purpose.  

Anything is possible.  Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2010 Joy Chudacoff 

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions®, a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, FREE Report and FREE MP3 now at www.ProfitsWithPassion.com.

As women, we can sometimes carry a heavy load of responsibility. We are nurturers by nature. We tend to say “Yes” more than “No.” Over time, some of the roles and responsibilities you take on no longer serve you well and can become “obstacles”. There have been times in my life that I’ve felt as if I was being held captive to some of the roles and responsibilities in my life. What are possible “obstacles” right now in your life?

*A job or career that no longer challenges or excites you
*A toxic relationship that drains your energy levels and provides no nourishment
*A health concern that’s keeping you from living your life fully

We begin to see these “obstacles” as a normal part of our lives. We develop a belief that we can’t shed these “obstacles” and we carry them around with us day after day. As I lay in that hospital bed, hour after hour, I became focused on one thing: freeing myself from the “obstacles” that were holding me captive. Over the next few days, I slowly shed each of the “obstacles” and began to feel confident that I would take control and be discharged from the hospital.

In order for you to live a life that is full of passion and on purpose, it’s essential that you take charge of your life and make decisions from a place of honesty and authenticity. Give yourself permission to identify what’s holding you back, what “obstacles” are holding you captive in your own life, and take steps to rid yourself of these.

Here are a few tips that I used in the hospital to rid myself of my own “obstacles.” I believe they can support you in your journey to living a life of freedom, passion, and purpose:

1. Identify your “obstacle” – what’s holding you back? Where’s the energy drain in your life right now? It’s important to identify exactly what you want to eliminate.

2. Visualize life without the “obstacle” – what might be possible? How will your life be better or different without this “obstacle” preventing you from having the life you want and desire?

3. Create a plan to make it happen. I made a plan to rid myself of those annoying pieces of equipment in this order: oxygen, catheter, sitting up, standing, walking, the IV. I decided this was the best (and easiest) way for me to reach my full freedom from the hospital. Create a plan that feels right for you – challenging but achievable.

4. Set an intention and share it with a nutritious friend. Tell someone. I told everyone who came to visit what my intention was, and I asked everyone to help me. Was it uncomfortable? You bet. Would I have rather stayed in bed at times? Yes. Would that decision have led me to my goal? No.

When the desire is there, the how-to will come.

On my last morning in the hospital, I was taking a walk and I saw a man being supported by his wife attempting to take his first steps after surgery. I had passed this man’s room before and I would always flash him a smile. He typically looked at me with an expression of “I want to walk, but I’m in too much pain.” I understood completely. I walked over to him and gave him the thumbs up and congratulated him on taking those first steps to shed his “obstacles.” He looked at me and said, “It’s so hard.” My reply? “Yes, it is. But it’s the only way out.” I invite you to think about shedding the “obstacles” in your own life. It truly is the only way to live!

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

*****

© 2009 Joy Chudacoff 

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it:  Joy Chudacoff, ICF, PCC, is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions(tm), a Professional Certified Coach to 1000’s of women, Motivational Speaker, and Entrepreneur.  She publishes a weekly buzz generating ezine, Reflections On Life and Business for Women Entrepreneurs.  If you’re ready take your life and your business to the next level, get your FREE Tips, 2 FREE Reports and FREE MP3 now at http://www.creatingthespark.com/ .

What I noticed in my son’s box, were not only hobbies that he’s interested in at present (baseball, Lakers cards, Harry Potter) but also past accomplishments (soccer trophies, art pieces) and photos of his family, including grandparents. This is a great exercise for all of us, no matter what age. Women’s lives are so busy today with many demands for our precious time. We typically make sure that everyone around us is achieving their dreams and goals—children, family, friends, co-workers, and community. We don’t have much time to get into that space where it’s “All About Me.” However, it’s essential that we do this, if we are to manifest our own dreams, take our own risks, meet our own challenges and create our legacy. In my work with women, one of the benefits they share over and over again, is that it gives them the space and creative environment to focus on their “All About Me.” It’s taking that time to learn what’s next for you and then making a plan to make it happen.

How about you? What would be in your “All About Me” display today? Would you stand back to admire all that you have accomplished? Would there be a representation of where you are going in the future? Are all of your dreams and goals represented? Is there something that you would like to include but have not had time to get around to it? If so, make some time this week to sit down in a quiet place, maybe with a cup of tea or coffee, a journal and a writing pen in your favorite color. Make it an “All About Me” hour or entire day! Ask yourself a few key questions. A wonderful question by a very wise and talented author, Parker Palmer, goes like this, “If your life were asking you a question, what would the question be?”What do you need to let go of in order to create your next big idea? Notice that I said “let go of.” We live in a society where it appears that we always need more of something in order to move forward. Sometimes the act of “letting go” creates the space you need to live into that big idea or preferred life.

My “All About Me” would certainly be displayed with my husband, children, family, mentors and coaches. It would also include a celebration of the women who have come into my life to discover their passion and purpose. It would have the color lavender somewhere and, of course, my nautilus shell, representing the evolution of a woman’s life.

As Jack, Jenna, and I finished putting his display together in the classroom, the three of us stood back and took a long look. We then turned to each other with a smile and nod of the head.  Yes, this truly was his “All About Me.”

Anything is possible. Everything is waiting for you.

© 2008 Joy Chudacoff

WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Joy Chudacoff is the founder of Smart Women Smart Solutions and a Certified Professional Coach. To read more articles by Joy and learn more about her Success Circle workshops and teleseminars, please visit her website, www.SmartWomenSolutions.com or contact Joy at Joy@SmartWomenSolutions.com.