Ready, Set, Go! (Special Edition)

by Rafael Badziag

  About Philippa

  Philippa Steel has extensive experience in development, raising and syndicating finance, production and delivery of projects on all media platforms, including film, television, theatre, journalism, print, publishing, photography, concerts, internet and exhibitions.

  Her qualifications are:

  • BA – University of British Columbia

  • Dip. Tech. – British Columbia Institute of Technology

  • Life Member – NUJ

  Philippa has worked in both public and private sectors, from North America to Europe and Asia, writing and producing. Notable examples include production for the Canadian Habitat Secretariat for the United Nations, the English Tourist Board and the London Docklands Development Corporation – as well as her landmark interview with HH the Dalai Lama in Dharamsala.

  Numerous theatrical ventures with Pola Jones such as The Nerd, Nevil e’s Island, The Life and Death of Arturo Ui, Forbidden Planet, Little Shop of Horrors and more.

  In addition, she has orchestrated many varied television development projects, most extensively the work of Jilly Cooper with the late Sir David Frost, OBE.

  Philippa is a supporter of the Danson Chair in Anthropology at the Museum of Northern Arizona, and the Kensington and Chelsea Music Society among others.

  She also supports youth in changing attitudes, inspiring new ways to take a stand via their creations in compel ing cutting-edge media – art, music, drama, dance, documentary, video, games and internet, etc. through the DFNDRS of the Environment project. (https://www.facebook.com/EvironmentDFNDRS/)

  Contact information for Philippa is:

  • Email: philippasteel@hotmail.com

  Philippa supports fundamental good health through free information and HEADSTART app at:

  • www.changeofmind.ca

  For further information on DFNDRS youth workshops, please go to:

  • www.dfndrsoftheenvironment.ca

  CHAPTER 26

  THE ART OF MOVING FORWARD

  GET UNSTUCK IN SEVEN STEPS

  BY JACKIE SMITH

  I was so curious! So, I did some research on the word "art". I learned that Art means skill, the ability to do something. So, I call this chapter, "The Art of Moving Forward" because it requires much talent and skill to take the steps to move forward and become the artists we are meant to be.

  Let me explain my point of view, I believe we are all made by a Creator.

  Whoever that creator may be for you, God, the Universe, Science, etc.

  This is a matter of your own beliefs; nevertheless, we can all agree an artist made each and every one of us. Therefore, I invite you to wander in my theory that says we own the gift of being creative. I was even more curious and did some research on the word, ‘creative’. I learned that ‘creative’ means: possessing the power to make something.

  We all have this special power to do something with our lives. We are meant to add something wonderful to the world. Whatever we want to create we can create, it is up to us. I hope we agree, so far.

  Often, we don’t use this power enough. In fact, we often forget we have this special talent at all. It is there – all we need to do is tap in to it. This leaves us to live a life with no purpose. And, that is not an option!

  I am here to remind you of your powers and to help you tap in to them.

  Let’s begin with a requisite to be eligible to be a participant. Think of it like a club rule. The key word is Desire . It is the requirement for accepting the challenge of moving forward. You must want to move forward! … truly and deeply feeling the need for change. With this revelation alone, you have accomplished at least half, according to my calculations.

  I will tell you a bit about me, so you understand where I am coming from. I was an only child, living in the 1970s, with no electronics. I spent loads of time alone and in silence. I had full on conversation with my imaginary friends. The dolls were my friends, we would often have tea.

  My home. It was so quiet that I had the time to hear the voices in my head … in a good way! Today, I recognize it as the voice of intuition.

  It sounded like a faint murmur in my ear. Hints, I imagined, of some higher power that helped guide me through my life. Kindly assisting me to move past things that no longer served me.

  Gently nudging me towards what is best for me. I found a sisterhood in this voice and kept the practice of this power. It has helped me throughout my life. And I would like to share it with you.

  I believe that life speaks to us in whispers. These are the messages that the Universe sends. They are announcements that say something has to change. I think we can all hear them; we just need to learn to listen. I think we all come into the world with a purpose, a special art. It is a gift provided by the Universe, and what you do with it is your own gift to humanity.

  Have you ever felt stuck and did not know what to do? I think we all have come to this realization before we make a decision to change our lives.

  Are you ready to move forward? Do you want to live the life you desire?

  If ‘yes’ is your answer, then this practical guide is for you. I know that coincidences do not exist. Rather, they are opportunities that grow, based on the accumulation of your efforts. The decisions and steps you take today are what the future will be built on. There is a reason you are still reading my chapter and you are about to find out.

  Through my years of experience and studies, I have come up with seven steps to unstick you. A practical LifeCoaching lesson you can give to yourself.

  1. LISTEN

  We all have a story to tell. You want to be heard and acknowledged.

  Some stories are nice. But then, some stories are often paralyzing and bad. They are like loaded bags of dramas from past generations that do not belong to you. Perhaps a teacher, friend or relative told you “no” and you believed them. This formed a limiting belief. I got curious again, and researched ‘limiting belief’. I learned it means to hold something as true in your heart that constrains you.

  You must have the desire to take the steps in moving forward … each time further and further away from these limiting beliefs. You must be willing and open to changing your thoughts and leave your comfort zone. When you change how you see things, the things you see change. Listen to your inner dialogue, “WHAT IS ON YOUR MIND?”

  Take some time to find silence. Notice how you talk to yourself.

  Your words have power. Shhhhh, do not judge, just listen!

  These are five ways you can find silence:

  (a). Meditate for one minute at any time. Everyone has one minute! Close your eyes and breathe deeply. Inhale and exhale three times. Listen to your heartbeat. Smile with every breath.

  (b). Practice yoga. This ancient Asian practice is proven to be good for your health.

  (c). Take a warm bath. There is a natural healing property that is in water. It comes from our Mother Earth.

  (d). Be in touch with nature. I like to practice "grounding".

  My research says that Grounding is the practice of walking barefoot on the grass. The healing properties of the Earth take pains away. This philosophy says that the Universe balances your energy, leaving the good within you and discarding what you do not need. Or hug a tree.

  (e). Pray. Faith is key.

  2. ASK

  Are you ready to ask yourself Powerful questions? I did some more research and learned that Powerful questions are those questions that make you explore the depths of your being.

  It is your job to answer the question truthfully.

  At this point, ask yourself, “WHO AM I?”

  Shhhhh … do not judge, just listen!

  It is the time when you have to think deeply about your answers.

  They are to be found in your silence, the most private place within you.

  I know it is easier said than done! The mind does play tricks on you.

  Outsmart your mind by simply observing what feeling come up for you. This gives you clues about wha
t your answers are.

  3. ORGANIZE

  Based on your phenomenal ability to listen to yourself and truthfully answer the powerful questions, now you should feel more mindful. I did even more research, and learned that Mindful means to notice.

  Your job is to be aware! The powerful question is: “WHAT DO I WANT?”

  Take your time. It is your job to make a list and prioritize. It is important to be precise as this step shapes the steps to come. It is starting to mold your action plan. My research says that an action plan is a proposed strategy or course of action.

  Ideas to organize priorities:

  (a). Take a pencil, a sheet of paper and make a list. Something magical happens when you write something down.

  (b). Surround yourself with people you admire. Be mindful of the company you keep.

  (c). Forgive others, not because they deserve it, but because you deserve peace. You will feel much lighter and easier to move forward.

  (d). Consistency is key. When you think, say and do is the same, the Universe conspires to make your wish come true.

  4. FOCUS

  You are taking the correct steps towards the path of your choosing.

  You are carefully selecting what you pick to focus on. Remember that you are the master of your life. You dictate what you want or do not want in your life. Look at your list and powerfully ask yourself,

  “WHERE DO I BEGIN?” Shhhhh, do not judge, just listen!

  Once you have decided what to focus on, it becomes time to take action.

  Celebrate both your victories and the challenges. Celebrating victories is easy and obvious. But challenges are always peeking through and it is a sure sign that you are trying. This is where a good attitude is most important in order to thrive.

  I firmly believe that human beings can achieve what they want. You must be prepared to take the steps you need to achieve it. No one will do the job for you. It is that simple.

  Five things you can do to help focus on your goal:

  (a). Strive to be in the company of people with similar goals.

  (b). Study the topic that interests you. Soak up wisdom.

  (c). Use your words carefully. Words have power! Choose

  (d). Continue to meditate. Silence organizes your thoughts.

  (e). Do not complain about what you do not have, rather, be grateful for what you do have.

  5. PERSIST

  Do not give up! You have come this far. You have gained clarity to determine which direction you want to pursue. You have set goals and are determined to achieve them. At this moment, take a look at your habits. You have become more aware of the patterns of behavior that benefit you. This is part of the awareness process: Instead of being a victim, you turn into the hero of your own story.

  Habits fill up your day and days fill up your life. Small changes transform your life. The powerful question is: “WHAT DO I NEED

  TO DO, to make my goals happen?”

  Five activities you can practice to be consistent:

  (a). Celebrate small goals. This is a process that is achieved in parts. Do not wait to celebrate in the future. Celebrate today, now!

  (b). Place reminders and motivational notes in places where you know you'll see them – on your desk, in your car, or on your mirror.

  (c). Take note of your internal dialogue. Make sure you keep a positive mind. Thank you, thank you, thank you is what I say when a negative thought is interrupted. I feel evil is wiped out when I choose to be thankful.

  (d). Write about your process in a journal.

  (e). Keep a positive attitude.

  6. BE GRATEFUL

  Pause and be thankful. Have an attitude of gratitude. Recognize the steps you have taken and how much you have progressed when you appreciate what you already have. Instead of complaining about what you do not have, you will always have more than enough. Start with what you have and move forward.

  The powerful question is: “WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?”

  Five Ways to be thankful:

  (a). Put your hand on your chest. Do you feel your heartbeat?

  Be thankfullyou are alive and for the sound of your breathing.

  (b). Be thankful for your home, family, good friends, health, water, food and love.

  (c). Say “thank you” for no apparent reason.

  (d). Help others; perform acts of empathy.

  (e). Be thankful for the planet we live in.

  7. TRANSFORM YOURSELF

  This step is special; it is what you want to achieve and sustain. You realize your truth and have risen to a new level. You now know what you do and do not want. You also know what you need to do in order to achieve your goals. It’s a great revelation. I am convinced that the steps we make today build our future. If you improve by 1% every day, in a year’s time you will be in a position that is 365% better.

  The beautiful thing about transformation is that it can be repeated.

  Moving forward is your every day job. You can transform as many times as you want in your life. The powerful question is: “WHAT

  IS NEXT?” Shhhhh, don’t judge, just listen!

  Move forward! Reinvent yourself! The world awaits you. Are you curious? I am.

  About Jackie

  Jackie Smith was born October 1, 1967 in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

  As a child, she would spend her time writing and il ustrating books. She lived with her Honduran Mother and French Father.

  She lived in Honduras until she graduated the American School in 1985.

  Coming from a family of Bankers, she naturally went to Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts. She graduated in 1989 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing.

  Following her passion for studies, she continued on to Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey where she earned her Master’s degree in Positive Psychology.

  She graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a Teacher’s Assistant during her second year of Graduate studies.

  Fascinated by the world of happiness, she deepened her knowledge by studying mostly spiritual leaders, including Jesus, Deepak Chopra, Don Miguel Ruiz, Gandhi and Buddha to name a few. She travelled extensively around the world to extend her knowledge of other cultures. Her father’s French influence brings her to France often to visit friends and family.

  Immersed in the world of well-being, she decided to return to her roots and love of writing. She joined forces with ESTILO Magazine from Honduras in 2010. She writes a monthly magazine column and a blog on their online magazine. (http://blogs.revistaestilo.net/lifecoaching/)

  In 2004, Jackie decided to enroll In University of Miami Coaching Program. She is a Certified Life Coach, by the International Coaching Federation.

  In 2006, Jackie wrote The Art of Moving Forward and began a career in motivational speaking. She has shared the stage, radio show and has a Monthly column with former CNN news anchor, and now motivational leader, Ismael Cala.

  In 2007, Jackie came full circle and became the dream she wished for as a child. She became a BestSelling author by coauthoring with Brian Tracy in the popular book Ready, Set, Go.

  Jackie plans on continuing her route to success by empowering others with her expert knowledge.

  She lives in Miami, Florida and enjoys peaceful, quiet time at home.

  • lifecoachjackiesmith@gmail.com

  • Facebook: JACKIE SMITH

  • Instagram: jackiesmith67

  • Twitter: Jackie smith@smithjackie67

  CHAPTER 27

  ENOUGH ABOUT ME, LET’S TALK ABOUT YOU

  BY GARY KIEPER

  You can have everything in life you want, if you’ll just help other people get what they want.

  ~ Zig Ziglar

  When you hear words like selfless, servant, and unselfish, what images come to mind? I think of Jesus, moms, dads, teachers, or maybe my high school wrestling coach. But what words would you use to describe someone in a sales position, such as a banker, financial advisor, or insurance agent? My guess is it’s not
one of the above. Why is that?

  In today’s world, social media has made everything “about me”, inundating us with countless posts about new cars, fancy vacations, or anything that makes our lives seem more interesting. Everywhere, we are being sold the erroneous notion that it’s “all about me.” It’s to the point where we feel most people are not genuine in their posts. In fact, we know life isn’t as glorious as most people make it seem.

  Communication has changed. In just the past 20 years, we’ve gone from live telephone and face-to-face conversations to texting, emails, and voicemails. We’ve lost the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. We no longer make an effort to master the skills of reading body language and facial expressions, intuiting the emotions or motives of others, or interpreting other non-verbal signals. This change hasn’t just affected our personal lives, but our business lives as well. We spend more time texting and emailing than we do talking.

  If you’re in sales, and let’s face it, we’re all selling something, it’s time to say enough about me, let’s talk about you!

  THE PROBLEM WITH “ALL ABOUT ME”

  I have surveyed, interviewed, and communicated with thousands of sales professionals, and the one common thread amongst nearly all is that they seem to have trouble staying focused on the customer. They start out with every intention of being customer-centered, but shortly after the conversation starts, they drift back to products and services or features and benefits (more ‘me’ statements). They fail to truly listen to what the prospect needs and rush to solve problems before they have enough information.

  Why does this transition back to “me” occur? Simply put, we’ve lost touch with how to effectively communicate with people. Hard as we try, we slip back into trying to accomplish our own agenda instead of listening to and learning about other people and their problems.

  This creates the following issues:

  • The quick transition back to “me” eliminates the ability to gather more information about the customer.

  • By trying to solve problems too soon, we appear as a “know-it-all”.