The park memorial stated, “A man of uncommon energy.”
That park memorial sparked my own epitaph, or at least what I want to be known for. Tiffany Eckhardt, a cockeye optimist who’s death found her living with uncommon energy.
Uncommon energy is actually a feeling. Much like any other energy-producing feeling, such as motivated, fascinated, inspired, vigorous, dynamic, energetic, etc.
Uncommon energy propels you to take massive action, embrace life with enthusiasm, contribute to your family and community with passion, and do what it takes to realize your dreams.
Uncommon energy creates singular people who are willing to work against the grain.
I know what your thinking, “sign me up!” Just kidding.
You may not aspire to uncommon energy, but have ever considered the idea that your feelings propel you or keep you stuck?
Generate feelings
There are two types of feelings; feelings that are energy-creating or feelings that are energy-depleting.
As a certified life coach, I teach thoughts generate feelings.
Here is an example from my own life….
I was recently coached on thoughts that will help me build my business. I often indulge in distractions; like surfing social media, projects around my house, etc. My coach helped me identify the thought that was actually causing my procrastination.
My opposing thoughts:
“I’m not doing enough”
“I’m willing to do what ever it takes.”
Can you feel the difference between those two thoughts?
Thinking that I was not doing enough was defeating and depleted my energy. The other thought creates a feeling of determination and fuels massive action.
What thoughts would you need to think to generate energy-creating feelings?
Try on some of these thoughts….
I am capable
I am in the best shape of my life
Doing what I love energizes me
I am making a tremendous contribution
How do you access feelings to create a life?
Take a moment to think about what you truly want to achieve in life.
How do you believe you will feel when you achieve it? The truth is you can actually feel that way right now. What thoughts would support your desire?
If this concept blows your mind, you are not alone.
It took me a while to wrap my head around the power of my thoughts. When I made the decision to be known as a cockeyed optimist with uncommon energy, I knew that managing my mind is key to creating that outcome. Death will find my living!
This is my life’s work. I love helping women discover thoughts that are creating the life they have, and develop thoughts that will better serve them. It sounds simple enough, but what I’ve learned is that most people have no idea why they are feeling stuck, frustrated, or unhappy. They just need a little push to generate energy-creating thoughts.
If this is you, schedule a FREE mini session with me, someone who truly believes your best years are ahead. Click on the link below and choose a date on my calendar. It really is that simple.
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!
Embracing my grey hair! What parts of midlife are you embracing????
Your Script
Do you feel that you were handed a script to live by when you were young, but at midlife feel ready to birth something new? As the master of reinvention, let me offer you ideas to get your creative juices flowing and allow you to flip that script.
Here’s a fun exercise to stir those creative juices. If your life played out on the big screen, what would the title of your movie be?
Sex In The City
The Housewife of {your town}
Real Women Have Curves
Last Woman Standing
Unfortunately, the titles I typically hear sound like these instead…
Do I Deserve It?
Why do I Always Attract The Wrong Partner
They Just Don’t Like Me
I’m Too Old For This
All too often, women can not identify what they truly want. Has society conditioned women to assume what they should want? If you do know what you want, do you tend to believe you don’t deserve it?
Dear friend, please know you were born worthy. You deserve the desires of your heart, have purpose and are capable of far more than you can possibly imagine.
In fact, you are not doing anyone favors by staying stuck. You just need to flip the script.
How do you flip the script?
Ditch the old worn out story
The past does not equal your future, unless you live there.
Look, I am a self professed master of reinvention, with a stack of business cards to prove it. I could choose the title of failure, allowing the failures to prevent me from pursuing something new, or create a different future.
The daily “trinity thoughts” are useful prompts for journaling. I learned this exercise from Dr. Northrup’s book Goddesses Never Age.
“This exercise will help you remember how important it is to enjoy life instead of just getting through your To Do list.” ~ Dr. Northrup.
1. Something to brag about – wow! I had a hard time with this one at first. What are you really proud of? Can you imagine how good you will feel celebrating daily successes?
2. Something to appreciate – gratitude is a an attitude everyone could agree on. Look for something you appreciate about your life, your body and/or your tribe on a daily basis.
3. Something you desire – OK this is a muscle that needs to be flexed! I have gotten very clear on what I want in life by answering this daily. It might be easier to answer what you don’t want, but can you name one thing you desire right now?
Know the what and why, ditch the how
A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul. Proverbs 13:19
I long for the day Jeff can retire from his full-time job. {Some say be careful of what you wish for LOL} We both want to stay active with outdoors sports and activities. We will pursue projects that will support our retirement goals. I desire to spend more time with family and friends who live across the United States. So, travel is an important component. Although I am crystal clear on the what and why, I don’t stress over the “HOW”.
“When you know your WHY, you can endure any HOW.” ~ Viktor Frankl
A longing fulfilled is sweet for the soul.
Your heart is engaged by the WHY.
Dr. Martin Luther King had a “I have a dream” speech, not a “I have a plan” speech.
Tap into your imagination. Ask yourself, “wouldn’t it be amazing if…”
What comes up for you when you allow your heart to dream?
Can you get creative with a title for this dream?
Do you know WHY you chose that title?
Please, just don’t let the HOW choke out your dream.
Do you need a guide?
I have come to realize that I no longer fear death. I fear a life not fully lived, a purpose not fulfilled.
Do you feel stuck in an old script and fear you may not be fully living?
I’d love to help you flip the script. As a certified life coach I am trained in helping you identify the old worn out story that is holding you back.
Schedule a FREE mini session with someone who truly believes YOUR best years are ahead.
We can discuss where you are and where you would like to be, and then identify strategies for overcoming the obstacles.
Click the link below and choose a date on my calendar. It really is that simple!
Cheers,
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!
Have you found yourself in a lockdown funk? In your attempt to NOT shut down during lockdown you managed media input and discovered new things about yourself, but your limits have been severely tested. So, you spend a day in a funk allowing the feelings to well up.
Is this your story? It was mine last Friday.
I had a low energy day after receiving news that our trip to Ohio would be postponed again because the stay at home order for Ohio was extended through the end of May. I won’t tell you what I thought about that. Feelings of deep sadness turned to anger as the day progressed. I was in a funk.
It is healthy to fully experience all the feels and then release them. It is detrimental to stuff emotions. I love Dr. Christiane Norhrup’s take on feelings…
“The crying will stop when it needs to stop. I have the strength to tolerate my strong emotions.” Dr. Northrup
Do you believe in coincidences?
In the book, Goddesses Never Age, Dr. Christiane Northrup, M.D. speaks to my soul! It is no coincidence that this week my friend Dawn and I happen to be reading Chapter 2: Goddesses Know The Power Of Pleasure.
By Friday evening I knew that I needed to get out of the funk! It simply is not good for my sense of well being. Luckily, I had tools! I self coached myself and then worked on finding some much needed pleasure.
Here are three simple steps you can take to get out of a lockdown funk.
Make a list
I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, “If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is.” ~Kurt Vonnegut
Are you aware of what brings you pleasure?
Dr. Northrup’s prescription for general health is to experience more pleasure every day. She suggests an activity that I practice daily. Take a minute every day to list as many joyful activities and experiences that you can. Think big and small experiences.
This list can be helpful in getting out of a funk, and could guide you in finding what your soul longs for. As I became more aware of what gives me pleasure (and what does not), I was surprised by what I discovered.
Phone a friend
Dr. Northrup calls these friends Wingwomen. I love that!
Good friends will point you to a healthy mindset, while allowing you to feel your emotions.
On Friday I enlisted the help from a life coach from my certification class and my book club friend. I also had several dear friends reach out to me for encouragement. It felt like a lifeline.
Who are your Wingwomen?
Take action
Saturday morning I woke up with the thought, “this is a new day.” I knew I had a choice to make it a good day or wallow in my grief. Fortunately, Jeff was on board with a day of fun!
Saturday was a beautiful sunny day, nearly perfect with a cool breeze. Jeff and I rode our bikes to Round Top (thirty miles round trip). While in Round Top, we had coffee at Royers Pie Haven and ate hamburgers at Popi Burgers. During lunch we FaceTimed with our daughter and grandson (fill my cup). We then went to Brenham to see what shops had opened. I bought a new dress at The Canyon Chic and then visited a newly opened Brazos Valley Brewing Co that happened to have live music (heaven). We took crawfish home for a backyard picnic. I washed our 48 Ford Maggie and took her for a drive in the country. After dinner I could barely keep my eyes open. I fell into bed extremely happy.
“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.” ~Martin Luther
Discover what fills your pleasure journal
I’m not thankful for the funk, but it did teach me the importance of the pleasure journal. Taking a day to experience as much pleasure as possible got me out of a funk.
When you discover what fills your pleasure journal, taking action is very simple.
If you feel stuck in a funk, I can help! I’ve been trained to identify thoughts that are creating unwanted feelings. Curious? I offer a free mini session. I’d love to chat with you!
Could it be possible that you have accepted common midlife myths as reality?
For instance, have you accepted the message that your fighting a loosing battle with age when you reach fifty years? What if you were actually entering into the best season of your life filled with abundant wellness?
I am a cockeyed optimist who wants her tomb to read, “Here lies Tiffany Ann Eckhardt. Her death found her living with uncommon energy.”
I do not subscribe to rainbows or unicorns, but have learned tools that allow me to fully function through life’s 50/50. I am convinced it is possible to create a life that includes abundant wellness and the realization of dreams at any age.
So what gets in your way?
It occurred to me the other day that there are some common midlife myths accepted as truth. What if they were simply not true?
What thoughts do you have about midlife and aging? Gathering your thoughts is a perfect place to start. I love journaling! Take a piece of paper and jot down all the thoughts that you have about midlife.
Next, take a look at the thoughts circulating in your mind that have now landed on your paper. Do you like the thoughts? Is it possible that there are limiting beliefs? Where have these thought and ideas come from?
It is widely believed that our bodies are not separated from our thoughts or emotions. This is why I preach Self-Aware is the first step to Self-Care. It is time to let go of toxic beliefs. Then frame, or reframe, what your idea of midlife is and create it!
A few midlife myths worth busting
1. Midlife means the beginning of a loosing battle with well being.
In her book Goddesses Never Age, Christiane Northrup, M.D. confirms, “physical deterioration occurs in large part because of the accumulation of toxins, which results in cellular deterioration and damage along with tissue and organ breakdown.”
Yet, she also offers that the body is in a constant state of reinvention. “You do not have to have the same physical body you had just a few years ago. Every cell has been replaced.”
I am living proof of this! In 2017 I decided to question the idea that our bodies have to fall apart in midlife. I spent three years removing toxins from my diet and home. In November 2018 I became intentional about personal growth, learning tools to manage my mind. Thanks to this work, I am not the same person I was back then.
You can achieve wellness at any age, that can carry you into the best season of your life!
2. An empty nest is boring and lonely
I heard someone say in passing, “An empty nest isn’t lonely because I am there.”
Typically women spend there lives between 20 and 40 tending to their families. Without giving it a second thought, their schedule is dictated by work and family. When their little birdies fly the coop, there is naturally a void to fill.
Although change is rarely popular, a new routine emerges from the quiet house. At this point in life, you are ready to make decisions about what your future will look like?
Unfortunately, “we believe that if something great was going to happen, it would have happened when we were 20 or 30, right? It would have happened when we were in college or when we were going to school or whatever. That’s when all the amazing things happen. But what if we’re totally wrong about that?” ~Brooke Castillo
I guarantee there are several ways to look at an empty nest. What if you discover that you really enjoy your own company and that you are actually fun?
3. Time is running out with little options
The ideas that time is running out and that there are few options to those who are of a certain age are two myths that are definably limiting beliefs, in which the focus is on what can’t be done.
I intend to bust these two myths wide open!!!! There have been too many examples of successful people who achieved greatness after the age of 40. Success leaves clues. Studying their stories encourages me to explore my own.
Does the cost of learning new skills feels indulgent? This might be the real obstacle to busting theses myths. It feels too indulgent to shift the time, the resources, to something that’s purely for you. I hear people comment that they hesitated taking a course if it cost a few thousand dollars. They have never given themselves permission to spend on themselves, let alone challenge themselves to expand their minds.
Time will run out if you indulge in self depravation. Midlife is the time to invest in childhood dreams, ideas that have took a back seat to the demands of family and what your soul longs to teach you.
The Crossroads
I am sure you have heard or even thought of a few midlife myths of your own. Maybe you are manifesting some of your beliefs, and want to pluck out them out of your story!
Are you at the crossroads, at a point in life when you are ready to make decisions about what your future will look like?
This is where I can help! Not only have I mastered the fine art of reinvention, I am a certified life coach that can help you bust the myths.
Schedule a FREE mini session today! It is my life’s work to inspire people to aspire to a life of well being! Self-aware is the first step to self-care.
What midlife myths do you wish to bust? Click the link below to schedule your FREE mini session!
ALWAYS BEEN A BIT OF A DREAMER! This was taken before my hair went grey 🙂
Last week I notice a shift from a feisty “get’er done” attitude about the COVID-19 lockdown, to a lethargic F’It attitude.
We are so close to the end, let’s finish strong!
With a little effort, it is possible to live well during quarantine. We were born to create and are naturally innovative, not vegetative.
Be YOUR hero of YOUR health!
Self-aware is the first step to self-care
First, I would like to offer a huge dose of grace. Don’t shut down your emotions. A good cry is therapeutic. Feelings are an indication of your thoughts, which are totally in your control once you understand how to manage your mind.
Full disclosure, life coaches are not immune to drama. I had a complete melt down when I had to cancel my 50th backyard birthday bash. I have a good cry every time I think that I could have seen my new grandson, who would have been at my party. Thankfully, my life coach helped me reframe my thoughts to remember that I can still be connected to them even if it’s not in person.
A good laugh is medicine too. That one takes a little effort, but so worth it. I found Leslie Jordan on Instagram www.instagram.com/thelesliejordan (You’re welcome)
Our mental health is under siege.
I totally understand getting lost in the last season of Shits Creek or scrolling through social media to get your mind off the lock down. Just don’t completely shut down your gorgeous mind, shut off the tv and social media!
This is actually an awesome opportunity to learn something new, create something amazing, or discover something about yourself. Y’all can’t say you don’t have time! You simply need to manage your mind!
Innovate. Create. Be amazing!
Your future self will thank you!
Don’t shut down your imagination!
Look into your future. How do you see yourself in a year?
In retrospect, how does your future self feel about lock down? Will she be glad you watched the Tiger drama, or proud of the victory garden you planted? Is she ready for her first 5k run, or worried about loosing the Corona 15 she gained (weight gained during the lock down)?
I don’t know what is important to you, but you won’t achieve it by shutting down your imagination.
You don’t have to spend all your time productive to be proactive. Just pick one goal you would like to accomplish in April. Is your future self worth it?
Human needs
It is safe to say that COVID-19 has sabotaged our six basic human needs, unless you hold uncertainty as a priority. The six basic human needs are certainty, uncertainty, love/connection, significance, growth and contribution. Meeting the need for love and connection, certainty or significance may seem hard during lockdown, but growth and contribution are totally within your control.
Seriously, don’t let the lockdown shut down your basic human need for growth and contribution! Finish the lockdown strong!
Get coaching!
Does the idea of managing your mind resonate with you, but not exactly sure how to apply it to your life? Click the box below to schedule a FREE Mini Session! A FREE Mini Session is a 45 minute zoom call where I can help you wrap your mind around where you are emotionally and where you’d like to be a year from now. So you can be the hero of your health.
As always, I am rooting for you! Self-aware is the first step to self-care.
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!
Full disclosure, life coaches are not immune to drama. In today’s blog I will share insights from my journal in hopes that it will help you navigate the chaos created when data drama cramps your style.
The struggle is real. At this point, are your thoughts and feelings “large and in charge?”
It dawned on me today that I have fallen into information overload. I can quickly get sucked into my iPhone apps, scrolling through Instagram and Facebook. Before I know it, I’ve spent hours down a rabbit hole searching for truth and researching possible solutions.
YEP, data drama is cramping my style. It is time to take charge of my thoughts and feelings, live for the moment and create a future that motivates me today.
An a-ha moment while doing a thought download.
Thank God for journaling! Thought downloads are extremely important during times of chaos. Journaling clarifies thoughts on paper and indicates where feelings are coming from.
It dawned on me today that data drama is like the toilet paper phenomenon. Investing hours in getting to the facts can be compared to standing in line for toilet paper. It is an attempt to maintain some control over the uncontrollable.
As if anything outside ourselves can be controlled.
The only thing YOU control is YOUR thoughts. What ever you focus your attention on becomes YOUR truth.
How about allowing an alternate scenario equal airtime?
I am not suggesting anyone should burying their head in the sand in ignorance. It is important to be well informed and know what you believe. Just understand, it is natural for your mind to obsess over the worst case scenario.
It takes seventeen seconds for a thought to produce the vibration of a feeling. If you feel tense or angry, take a hot second to to pause. What thought produced the feeling of fear, anger, etc.
“Do you want to feel fear or fierce?” ~Brooke Castillo
Shut off the data drama long enough to give creativity a chance to shine! You are in control of your storyline. Give innovation and curiosity equal airtime. Your unique talent is in desperate need in this moment. It would be a shame if data drama stole your thunder.
Ask yourself:
1. What do I want?
It is easy to know what you don’t want. It takes practice to train your brain to look for what you do want. A more beneficial thought might be, “how do I want to feel?”
Data drama exposed my need for certainty. So, I am choosing to look for thoughts that will serve my need for order. Instead of thinking, “This is a really scary time, feels worse than 2008.” I am choosing to think, “Jeff and I are in a better space mentally to deal with what ever presents itself.” Notice which thought gives me power over the unwelcome feeling of uncertainty.
2. What if this is happening for me, not against me?
Taken from Tony Robbins’ playbook… This is the best question to ask when looking for alternative scenarios. Your mind makes up shit about the circumstances, so you might as well make up some shit that works for you! Resist the worst case scenario. You control the narrative!
3. How can I create and contribute?
Out of the six basic human needs, growth and contribution are the spiritual needs. Using the circumstance as an opportunity to learn, create and serve humanity allows you to connect with your soul! Can you create something that will add value to your community? Are opportunities for growth presenting themselves? What can you do to help your neighbors?
“If you can’t do great things, Mother Teresa used to say, do little things with great love. If you can’t do them with great love, do them with a little love. If you can’t do them with a little love, do them anyway. Love grows when people serve.” John Ortberg
My commitment to solutions
I am dedicated to those who can’t be caged! Let me offer freedom from data drama! During this season I am committed to:
Sharing information & resources
Promoting wellness & immune health
Asking quality questions
Offering to listen
Coaching those who want practical ways to deal with real feelings.
Teaching the tools to manage thoughts
Promoting & supporting my entrepreneurial friends & neighbors
Sending love to this world!
As you can see I have NO time for data drama!
Reach out to me if you need someone to listen. I offer a FREE one hour consultation for first time clients. In that hour, I help you clarify how you really want feel and how to create thoughts to produce that feeling.
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!
Do you need to pivot? Have you noticed that no matter what you do, some circumstances in your life seem to be stuck? I promise that there is a thought you simply need to pivot from.
When you understand that thoughts cause the results in your life, it changes everything!
Let me offer you some thoughts I often hear.
Familiar thoughts to pivot?
“I just need a break from my thoughts.”
“I have no idea what I want.”
“Why do I keep self sabotaging?”
“The deck is stacked against me.”
“Why won’t he/she would just do….”
“My boss is a ….”
“I hate that I can’t seem to get my finances in order.”
“Why can’t I just loose the weight?”
“I’m worried…”
“I’m angry.”
I’m not good, talented, pretty… enough.”
A good life coach can help you flip the switch. They will help you recognize the thoughts that run on auto pilot and offer thoughts to pivot your feelings, behavior and results in life.
An opportunity to pivot can present itself in a variety of life circumstances. You don’t need to be facing a mid life crisis to realize that you need a change. Regardless of the circumstance, a pivot can happen when you take control of your thought life.
How can I help you pivot?
Through the work of Brooke Castillo I learned a proven model that helps identify the thoughts that keep you stuck. Thought work is a powerful tool in self awareness and mental health. I’ve personally used it to improve my marriage, loose weight, become a girl who loves exercise, make decisions, set goals and learn to love who I am.
I love this work! I am passionate about helping people have a-ha moments and pivot to what they really want in life.
During a coaching session with me, I listen to what your experiencing. I want to know all the thoughts you have about your circumstances. Next we will examine your thoughts and identify pivots. A pivot happens when you learn that thoughts are interrelated to feelings, actions and ultimately your results in life.
We will work together to create a future from your future. So, don’t expect me to drudge up all your wounds from the past. Although the story you’ve created around your past is effecting your life. We want YOU to become the hero of your own story and pivot to a new chapter.
You will need the help of a therapist if you have trauma from abuse or addictions.
What kind of person hires a life coach?
People who want to pivot.
I freakin love my coaches! I’ve experienced numerous pivots working with coaches at the Life Coach School and peer coaching. They help me discover something new about my thought life every time. Every brain needs a coach!
I work with women who are ready to take creative control of their lives. You are a person who hires a life coach if…
You’re tired of the patterns in your life. You have a vague idea that life could be so much better. Do you know what you want in life? Maybe you can’t understand why you do what you do.
You know that you have so much to offer the world and want to pivot towards creating your life. Self awareness is the key to self care.
Are the hero in their own story.
Free consultation
Does the idea of pivoting intrigue you? I’m offering a FREE consultation! This is a no pressure hour of chatting about where you are in life and where you would like to go. If I am a good fit for you, then we’ll set up sessions to help you pivot to the life you want to create.
I wholeheartedly believe that YOU have the power to take creative control of your life! I’d love to guide you in the pivot! Learn more by reading: Three Reasons You Need To Hire A Life Coach.
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!
I like to think I possess a “never give up” attitude. Yet, there are times when I bailed on my dream, have not persevered or had the passion to see a project through to the end. I believe that I have the power to choose grit and can cultivate it. In fact, I have the power to get back up from a failure and reinvent myself. I have a lifetime of proof.
Let me share with you how to build GRIT!
Did you know you can choose your feelings?
Let me share a concept that I’ve recently learned.
The human experience is a balance of the positive and the negative. Accepting this fact allows for the negative without adding to it.Time spent avoiding negative emotions and experiences, limits access to the power some negative emotions carry.
For example, courage is an honorable trait that propels us to do hard things, but is an uncomfortable emotion.The definition of Courage is – mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.Wouldn’t it be great to be courageous in the face of obstacles without enduring fear or perseverance?
Grit is failing forward
I have been talking about failing forward the past few weeks in an attempt to make failure more acceptable.Failure is the uncomfortable balance to success and a necessary step in growth.No one wants to choose failure.Accepting it as a part of the success experience prevents adding shame, embarrassment, inadequacy, etc. to the experience.
Once this concept is understood,the choice is yours.Will you intentionally think thoughts that produce the feelings required to succeed in life?It’s worth noting that some emotions are simply negative indulgent emotions that keep us from success.Choosing confusion, doubt or worry never moves the needle.Choosing to walk through fear toward success is productive. Choosing overwhelm in the face of fear keeps you stuck. Do you see the difference?
I choose GRIT…
I have decided to become the person of my dreams. Oh my! 2020 is going to be EPIC! First of all, I turn 50 in March. I don’t hate turning 50 years young. It’s time to buckle down and do the things I’ve always dreamed of doing and being.
I made a list of emotions that I want to cultivate.I want to be tenacious, capable, genuine, authentic, connected and creative.
When I made the list of traits I think are important for my success, I realized that most of them have a negative connotation to them.I want to be tenacious.Well, that requires me to do something bold.I want to feel capable.Can’t feel capable sitting on the couch.I want to be genuine and authentic, but desperately want to fit in.I want to feel connected, but often find myself not inviting someone to coffee. Being creative, a truly positive emotion, is my happy place.
Recently I added gritty to my list of traits I want to be. In fact, I am starting to see that GRIT needs to be my word for 2020. I believe grit allows me to stay committed to the uncomfortable feelings necessary for success. Being gritty means that I will have both passion and perseverance.
What is grit?
Grit as defined by Angela Duckworth is the power of passion and perseverance.
“Our potential is one thing, what we do with it is another.” ~Angela Duckworth
Angela has spent her life studying grit.You can read more about her journey in her book GRIT The Power of Passion and Perseverance or find her TedTalk on YouTube.In her Preface she writes, “I won’t just have a job; I’ll have a calling.I’ll challenge myself every day.When I get knocked down, I’ll get back up.I may not be the smartest person in the room, but I’ll strive to be the grittiest.”
Wow!Angela personifies grit!The willingness to get back up from a blow, to work harder, to face fear, to embrace a calling… you get the idea.Fail forward.
Will Smith explains grit this way,
“The only thing that I see is distinctly different about me is: I’m not afraid to die on the treadmill. I will not be outworked, period.You might have more talent than me, you might be smarter than me, you might be sexier than me.You might be all those things.You got it on me in nine categories.But if we get on the treadmill together, there’s two things:You’re getting off first, or I’m going to die.It’s really that simple.”
Angela breaks grit down two factors, passion and perseverance.“Grit is about working on something you care about so much you’re willing to stay loyal to it.”There are no shortcuts.It’s about falling in love with what you do and staying in love with it.
Three steps to build GRIT… choose your feelings
Can you see yourself choosing grit?It is very similar to choosing to fail forward.
I’m not suggesting that everyone should choose grit.
I am suggesting that being intentional about how you want to show up in life is crucial to your results.I am offering that you have the power to choose.
Start by deciding the feelings you want to foster and becoming self aware.
1.Choose the positive feelings and the negative feelings necessary to succeed in what ever you set your heart.
2. Keep a log of the thoughts that generate those feelings.There is always a thought that produces the feeling.It is also beneficial to document the thoughts that keep you in a negative indulgent emotion like confusion, worry, or anxiety.
Here is an example of mine:
Positive Feelings
Abundant
Connected
Loved
Focused
Determined
Negative Feelings
Courageous
Tenacious
Bold
Fear
Grit
3. Journal your thoughts and feelings on a daily basis.Are the feelings wanted, necessary or unwanted?What thoughts produce those feelings?Are there areas in your life that you can choose to think differently about?Try on new thoughts.How does the new thoughts make you feel?This simple activity will open up so much insight!
What do you choose?
Let me encourage you to become the person of your dreams.You may not choose grit, but you have the power to be gritty in choosing the feelings that will produce the life you always wanted!
I am excited to bring you along on my journey!Becoming a certified life coach is the most rewarding work I’ve done!I’d love to help you take hold of the thoughts, to help you decide what is servicing you.Schedule a FREE consultation to see if I’m a right fit for your journey!It really does help to talk through the thoughts that produce the feelings, that cause action and give results in your life!
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!
Does your current circumstances have you feeling caged in a life you didn’t choose? Do you have an exit strategy? Let me share what I believe are 3 mistakes choosing a working exit strategy.
A few reasons you might not even have an exit strategy.
You love the life you created
You don’t believe there is a choice
You have a pattern of self-sabotage
You are telling yourself stories about your abilities
It’s not the right time to try something new
There isn’t enough money to explore dreams
I don’t have support from family or friends
I’m too old
I’m too young
I need to be perfect
There are infinite reasons to excuse yourself from living the life you want to create. I believe we all have limiting beliefs that keep us caged. It is important to recognize the storyline you’ve created for the life you currently have.
A working exit strategy?
According to a recent Forbes article on retirement by Robert Laura,
increasing number of baby boomers are disenchanted with their current careers. They’re worn-out from years of the corporate grind and don’t feel the connection between their job and the people it impacts outside their office walls or company grounds. They’re shifting their focus from accumulating a giant nest egg to a desire to be part of something bigger and better… to have a positive effect on others… and working in retirement.
This concept can be applied to any segment of society. You don’t have to be a baby boomer to wake up and realize you aren’t satisfied with your current trajectory. An exist strategy is a shift in focus.
I don’t profess to have all the answers. God blessed me with a tenacious spirit, bent on sharing my imperfect journey with the world.
I “woke up” a couple of years ago after a series of unfortunate health issues. My journey is committed to promoting wellness and entrepreneurship. In the process, I chose to leave a traditional business model (my store.) I’m now apart of a “clean” movement in wine and wellness. I’ve embraced social selling and enjoy developing leaders who want to have an impact on the world.
A business model for personal growth with a compensation plan. ~Bob Heilig
I know you love lists! Here are the top ten benefits of developing the social selling business model.
Low investment
No overhead
Shipping, product development, customer service is handled
Can be part-time
Freedom to work from anywhere
Contribute to a movement
Personal development
Passive income
Impact helping change people’s stories
Surrounding your life with enthusiastic people
3 mistakes in choosing a working exit strategy.
I’ve been teetering a learning curve for the past two years. I’ve approached this new journey several different ways. Here’s what I know to be important…
1. Product
You must have a product you believe in. The product could be a life changing consumable, fun clothing, fitness related, wellness related, education, coaching or technology. There are a gazillion options.
You don’t need to become an evangelist to be excited about a product. I think endless product pushing has given the social selling business model a bad name. Unfortunately, I’ve been guilty of being over zealous for the products I represent. Rather, choose a lifestyle product and join a bigger movement.
2. Company
Is the company apart of the Direct Sales Association? I would say that most companies are reputable. It doesn’t hurt to check.
What is the company’s mission? What is their outlook for future growth? Does the company have a plan to help you succeed in the first ninety days? Is there continual product education and personal development?
3. Leadership
Ideally you will be working closely with the people who invite you to join a company. What investment will they make into your success?
The leader who invites you to join the company should be committed to growth. Do they treat the opportunity like a business or a hobby? Can they clearly articulate their exit strategy?
Are they interested in your goals and dreams? Do they know the reason you want an exit strategy? Leaders who are serious about your success will check in regularly to encourage you and offer experienced perspective. Remember, the success of your leader depends on their investment of time and resources in developing you as a leader.
The beauty of social selling is community support. Does the leader foster community space to share ideas, successes and failures? Do they offer consistent opportunities to interact in Facebook groups, monthly meetings and special events?
Do you have an exit strategy?
Flown The Coop has always been dedicated to those who can’t be caged. I am committed to helping entrepreneurs, makers and creatives.
Side note: Please remember to support your friends who are blazing a trail. These entrepreneurs are the new “Mom & Pops” fighting the Amazons of the world. And they have more of an impact in their communities!
Have you considered your options, questioned your beliefs and/or contemplated your dreams for the future? Does an exit strategy excited you? Let’s chat!
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!
This is a common occurrence in the Eckhardt home. Jeff will communicate a thought he thinks will help me. He is dumbfounded when I share the same thought as an epiphany I learned from a podcast or a book. Why did I have to hear it from someone else? He was right the whole time.
Today I had a similar moment with God
I am a journaler. I write out all my feelings to determine what I think about them. God has been whispering the word “BE” to me for a long time. It didn’t register until today.
Road to an epiphany
I have created a wonderful habit of listening to podcasts as I get ready for the day. If you haven’t already, check out my 5 Podcasts To Finish 2018 Strong article.
My habit has introduced me to wonderful Influencers. I am currently enjoying the #Last90Days challenge with Dave and Rachel Hollis. I tune into their daily FB live for inspiration. Their Five To Thrive has really propelled me into some great foundational habits.
I’m seeing a reoccurring topic arise throughout the podcast world. Everyone seems to be talking about habits.
I am currently listening to The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do on Audible. This is a book Rachel Hollis recommended the first week of the #Last90Days challenge. Wow! The study of habits is fascinating. The same week I started to listen The Power of Habit I heard an interview on Lewis Howes’ podcast with James Clear. James just wrote the book Atomic Habits. Blew. My. Mind. I highly recommend listening to this podcast!
The road to an epiphany led me to a Habits.
I am a reader
My copy of Atomic Habits arrived in the mail yesterday. Ironically, I am creating a new reading habit at night. (I am a reader) I devoured the first three chapters, underlining and wiring comments on several key ideas. Here are a few of my favorites:
A habit is a routine or behavior that is performed regularly – and, in many cases, automatically.
the quality of our lives depend on the quality of our habits
Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement
Success is the product of daily habits – not once-in-a-lifetime transformations
You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems
an atomic habit refers to a tiny change, a marginal gain, a 1 percent improvement
atomic habits are the building blocks of remarkable results
there is a difference between outcome based habits and identity habits
It’s hard to change your habits if you never change the underlying beliefs that led you to your past behavior
The ultimate form of intrinsic motivation is when a habit becomes part of your identity… when your behavior and your identity are fully aligned, you are no longer pursuing a behavior change. You are simply acting like the person you already believe yourself to be.
The focus should always be on becoming that type of person, not getting a particular outcome
Wow! A paradigm shift! I had to let all of these ideas sink in. What stood out to me is that I didn’t truly believe I could be the person who accomplished dreams. I didn’t believe I could BE successful or healthy (skinny). I didn’t even believe I could BE a nice person. UUGH!
He was right the whole time
This morning God whispered to me again, “Be.” Turns out he was right the whole time. God was leading me to focus on who I wanted to BE. He is interested in leading me to my true identity. Why didn’t I hear him from the beginning? I was focused on outcomes. I didn’t have faith in the journey!
Now what?
I will focus on small changes over time. My goal is to become the best version of myself.
The question becomes, “Who do I want to BE?”
I am a christian (true identity). I am loving and loyal to my family and friends.
I am a healthy person who is committed to daily exercise, drinking water, and eating well (I am skinny). 😉
I am a natural networker. I love connecting people and helping them realize their dreams!
I am a leader who uplifts her team to the best version of themselves.
I am a reader… love to learn!
I am patient… becoming the best version of myself takes time. 🙂
This epiphany might only be for my benefit.
He was right the whole time. I don’t think God is upset that I didn’t hear “BE” the first time. I think he knew I needed to take this road to an epiphany. Tiny habits over time compounds into the person I want to become! I am thankful for this lesson.
I am humbly grateful if this resinates with you! Let me encourage you! Decide the person you want to BE and create habits that serve that person.
I’d love to hear from you! Get a copy of the book Atomic Habits. Let’s share what we learn with each other! Let’s believe in who we can BE!
~Tiffany
And the birds fluttered around her writing “YES” in the sky!
