Chick Chat

Ah, it sure feels great to be back to the land of the living!  Last week, I was lucky enough to be hit not only with a cold, but the flu!  (I don’t mind multi-tasking, but illness is NOT one of them!) Needless to say, last week was a fairly unproductive week.   One of the lessons I needed to be reminded of was the fact that even when I’m trying to be productive, there are times I just need to slow down and do nothing.  Easier said than done, right?  Absolutely!  Now, in my regular human way, you’d think I’d be right back to my quick speed and turnaround with projects to try and make up for lost time.  I am happy to report that I’m still only functioning about 60%, but am slowly easing myself back into work.  Hopefully, it won’t take an illness or something physically wrong with your body to show you how to slow down when necessary.   Here are a few tips to help you practice and integrate self-care into your life: 1. Give yourself permission to say ‘no’ or ‘not now.’2. Delegate whenever possible-if you assume you must do everything, remember everyone else will assume too!3. Schedule personal down time-YOU must have energy in order to give personally and professionally.  Down time is for recharging your batteries.    ACTION ITEM FOR THIS WEEK:Take one or all three tips and incorporate them into your life.  Statistics show that by staying physically, mentally and spiritually healthy, you live a healthier, longer life.      Lynn Jarrett, “The Life Balance Chick,” empowers Generation Y to get what they want while keeping it real. 
An international bestselling author, check out Lynn’s latest book in her ‘Hip Chick’ series “The Hip Chick’s Guide to Success in College & Beyond.”  It is designed especially for college women.
Visit www.thelifebalancechick.com and click on the home page’s “ASK LYNN” button to ask for feedback on your biggest life challenges.
 

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I had lunch with a dear friend and colleague last week that was a great experience.  It had been several months since we talked and connected, and I was delighted to hear of all the exciting changes taking place in her personal and professional life.  She has revamped her business to really articulate who she is in her work and the roles she plays as an entrepreneur; she has learned to ‘let go’ and trust God more in her decision-making; and she believes she is coming closer to balancing quality time with her kids and husband.  It was so neat to see the life dance in her eyes!  It all started with the belief that personal and professional success is possible. 

Seeing her just made me think of how your outlook and perspective speaks volumes on how you approach a task that seems daunting and the success you achieve.

 I look at it this way: BELIEF—-àACTION—àOUTCOME Thoughts must turn into action in order for you to reach your desired outcome.   How do you keep a positive perspective? I believe it starts with evaluating if you have a “spring” mindset.  What do I mean by that? Below is an excerpt from my best-selling book “Why Bother Looking?”  Take a look to see if you have or approaching a spring season mindset. Indicators of a spring season mindset:       

1.      You have a new, positive outlook about a previous challenge.

2.      You have a more positive outlook on life in general.

3.      You approach people and situations with a more proactive mindset.

4.      You see loved ones with a fresh, new perspective.

5.      You have more physical, emotional, and spiritual energy.

6.      You have more self-confidence.

7.      You think, “I can conquer anything!”

If you checked off one item, you are entering into a spring season.  If you checked off three or more, you are already in your spring season. 

 If you find you are no where near a spring season, ask yourself these questions: 1. What situation or mindset is keeping me from enjoying any spring moments in my personal and/or professional life? 2. What action steps have I taken to change my situation or mindset? (The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results-have you tried different action steps or approaches?) 

3. Am I willing to ask for help?  We can’t do everything in our own strength-we’re human!  Ask friends and family for input.  If you’re comfortable with including God in your life, praying and seeing how God will work in your situation could bring much needed relief.  God gives us what we need, not always what we want!

For more information on my book “Why Bother Looking?” visit here  http://www.authorhouse.com/BookStore/ItemDetail~bookid~30396.aspx    Lynn Jarrett, “The Life Balance Chick,” empowers Generation Y to get what they want while keeping it real. 
An international bestselling author, check out Lynn’s latest book in her ‘Hip Chick’ series “The Hip Chick’s Guide to Success in College & Beyond.”  It is designed especially for college women.
Visit www.thelifebalancechick.com and click on the home page’s “ASK LYNN” button to ask for feedback on your biggest life challenges.
734-718-3892

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Webster’s dictionary defines resolve as:

 To come to a definite or earnest decision about; determine (to do something): I have resolved that I shall live to the full.  It is always interesting to hear everyone’s resolve at the beginning of a new year, only to hear of its demise less than a month later.  For some, it’s the same resolution every year (i.e. to lose weight), and for others, it sometimes is an idealistic rather than realistic goal (having a huge promotion and corner office by the end of the year).    I’d like to suggest taking a different approach to your 2009 goals.  Forget them!  That’s right!  If you haven’t learned a new approach or have a different angle on your same personal and/or professional goals, chances are you will not succeed this year either. For example, a friend of mine told me he plans to lose 40 lbs. this year.  I have heard him say he wants to lose weight for the last seven years.  So, I asked him, “What makes this year any different from previous years?”  “Well,” he says, “There was a time it was only 20 lbs. and now I’m staring at 40 lbs.  Visiting family and seeing what their weight has done for their health and what I have noticed with my own health is more of a motivator for me now more than ever.  I didn’t notice as many weight-related issues until this year.” See the difference in this friend’s outlook?  SEEING and FEELING the impact of an unfinished goal is a motivator he never was willing to see before.  Now he is.     SOME IDEAS FOR ATTAINING YOUR 2009 GOALS: 1. Keep your goals realistic, not idealistic. 2. If you are setting the same goals (i.e. weight loss), ask yourself if you are taking a completely different approach or have gained some new insight about yourself that you didn’t have in previous years.  If you haven’t, skip that goal-you’ll disappoint yourself. 3. Consider something you have wanted to do for many years, but have never done.  Set a realistic goal to move you closer to that personal or professional item you have wanted to incorporate in your life. (For example, a friend of mine has always wanted to be a certified fitness instructor.  Her goal this year is to research, select, and start the best certification program that meets her needs and what she wants to do.) 4. Don’t compare your personal/professional goals to anyone else.  You are unique and are best motivated when the ideas come from within.  

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Top 5 Work-Life Balance Myths 1. If I just had more hours in the day, then I’d have enough time for home and work.No need to have more hours in the day-You need to become more efficient. Idling leads to boredom. Boredom leads to procrastination. Too much time is wasted on the non-urgent and unimportant. Prioritize what is truly urgent and important that needs attention within the day.2. I’ll get involved in non-work activities to provide more personal balance.Not if it’s something you don’t enjoy! Identify your hobbies and activities that give you physical and mental energy. The last thing you need is something you dread to do in your personal life.3. I promised myself and others that I’d leave work by 5pm daily.Really? What happens on the days you actually finish your day before quitting time? It is possible if you are prioritizing and organizing your days well. Reward yourself (if you can) by leaving early on certain days.4. I need to make more time for my loved ones.Telling yourself you need to make time is putting more pressure on yourself, which renders you ineffective at work and home. Make weekly efforts to do something new with your family. Making small strides will provide the confidence as you move closer to your own work/life balance.5. If I take time off, the team will see me as not pulling my weight.It may be time to evaluate what you really need and want out of your current position. Does your job bring you great fulfillment and energy? Are others’ expectations of you real or perceived? Work to live, not live to work.

Lynn Jarrett, “The Life Balance Chick,” has helped thousands of people through her speaking and coaching programs to bounce back from setbacks
and create lives that soar!
Visit www.thelifebalancechick.com to sign up for Lynn’s free bi-weekly “Chick Tips,” which gives insider techniques to stay stress free & be more productive. 

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Talking Beyond Your Thumbs-

                        5 Tips to Comunic8 Past The Txtng

By Lynn Jarrett

“The Life Balance Chick”

On an average day, how many text messages do you send or receive?  When do you text the most:  During class, walking between classes, or when you’re procrastinating on getting that paper done?

In the first half of 2008, more than 384 billion text messages were sent-already 22 billion more than in the entire year of 2007.  Rates are roughly doubling every year.*

(sourcewww.ctia.org)

In this fast-paced, instantaneous world, texting is the perfect way to communicate, right? It keeps your busy mind occupied and is convenient. Outside of college, however texting is not the norm.  As you look to the future and making a smooth transition into the real world, you’ll need to be more adept at forms of communication beyond the ease of texting. 

Here are the top five tips for transitioning from communicating in college to doing so in the real world:

1. Know your audience

One of the chief complaints from corporations who have hired Gen Y employees is that they do not possess the face-to-face communications skills needed to succeed in the company.  While it may be easier to text your roommate even when you are in the same room, put down the crackberry and actually talk face-to-face. Keep in mind that the Gen Xer’s and Boomers you will face in the workplace are not text savvy as you. Shocking as it may seem, they may never have texted!

In a professional environment, there are expectations that you can put a presentation together and communicate effectively to a potential new client.  If you use texting shorthand like NP, TY or PPL in your sales pitch, you can easily get laughed out of the room or even fired!  Different types of people require different communication approaches and successful Gen Yer’s recognize the differences and enter the other person’s world.

2. Listen to your audience

Miscommunication between generations will be a huge challenge in your personal and professional life. Just as different personalities learn to accommodate each other’s approach, you will have to adapt to the environment you are in.  Even if you’re in a room with 20-something peers, don’t assume texting or talking in short sentences is the best way to communicate. Great communication starts with great listening skills. When you take the time to understand others, you will have a much easier time connecting with them.

3. Diversify and be open-minded

One of the complaints from Gen Y is that the other generations don’t get you.  They seem outdated and unable to relate to your world. You’re not alone in feeling that other generations don’t get you.  Other generations feel you don’t get them either! 

One of the habits from Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is to ‘seek first to understand, then to be understood.’  Part of the generation gap is that each individual feels misunderstood.

What are you doing to try and understand your parents, professors, and others in your life?  Likewise, how are you being proactive in teaching the other generations how to communicate with you?  Be teachable and proactive!

4. Adapt, don’t adopt

It can be so easy to adopt your communication style according to what is needed at the moment.  For example, if you’re in a college environment, you behave one way; if you’re in a corporate environment, you behave another way.  I call people who adopt another person’s environment chameleons. Chameleons are the little animals that change color to blend into their environment to avoid predators.

What if there was a way you could be who you are, no matter what environment you are in? Adapt your wording according to how the other person wants to receive information. Remember to be comfortable with your natural form of communication and your message will be understood.  For example, I know when an individual college student is asking for advice, taking the time to listen and ask questions first allows me to understand how best to talk to that person.  I adapt my language in a way that will be heard and understood by that individual.

5. Know your message

It is not only important to know your audience, but to know your message. As a communication/personal development expert who speaks, I must constantly evaluate my topics and the message I want to convey.  For example, when I’m in a corporate setting, I might use words like “Bottom-line, results, or performance.”  When addressing a group of Gen Y’s, I might use words like “Goals, your calling, get real.”  My message throughout all my topics and speaking venues doesn’t change; it still is to help people get real so they can live passionate personal and professional lives.

Putting your message into practice

All texting aside, what greater message do you want to send to the world about who you are and what you want out of life? You certainly do not have to have your life purpose all figured out by the time your graduate, but take advantage of those university studies courses that have more of a personal development aspect to them.  Apply for internships that will challenge you personally and professionally.  These experiences will give you a broader perspective that will prepare you well for understanding who you are and what you have to offer the world! Everyone has a message. If you take the time to get to know yourself on the inside, you’ll have a greater confidence in communicating well with others-no matter what generation!

B4N!

Lynn Jarrett, “The Life Balance Chick” empowers Generation Y to get what they want while keeping it real.  Lynn is a sought after communications/personal development expert who has been quoted in USA Today, MSN.com, Detroit Free Press and has various articles posted throughout the internet. Some of the colleges Lynn has worked with are Clemson University, Madonna University, Illinois State, and Wayne State along with the American Association of University Women.

Lynn is the author of the international bestseller “Why Bother Looking?” along with three books in her “Hip Chick” series.  Her latest book, “The Hip Chick’s Guide to Success in College & Beyond” is designed especially for college women. Lynn’s coaching and speaking programs have helped thousands of people exceed their personal and professional goals.  Learn more at www.thelifebalancechick.comVisit www.thelifebalancechick.com and click on the home page’s “ASK LYNN” button to ask for feedback on your biggest life challenges.    

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Enjoy a fun little article I wrote on what NOT to do during the holiday season!

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Top-Seven-Ways-To-Increase-Your-Holiday-Stress&id=829324

 Lynn Jarrett, “The Life Balance Chick,” has helped thousands of people through her speaking and coaching programs to bounce back from setbacks and create lives that soar!
Visit www.thelifebalancechick.com to sign up for Lynn’s free bi-weekly ”Chick Tips,” which gives insider techniques to stay stress free & be more productive

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What amazes me about this whole bailout plan for rescuing AIG, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and others is that now reports are surfacing of the abuse of those funds already because the stipulations were not made clear enough to these companies.  If you give a company who has had past financial management issues and you throw more money at them, will they know how to properly use all of it?  Of course not.  We have enabled a broken system that needs leaders with integrity and wisdom.  The financial woes of these companies aren’t based solely on the economy.

But then, you have the Big 3 who have a plan, leaders and unions  willing to make sacrifices to ‘prove’ themselves to congress that they are NOT asking for a bailout, just a loan.  They don’t have the luxury to squander any money that is given to them.  Yet they have been made scapegoats and raked over the coals because they are scene as companies ‘behind the times.’  Sure, they are not government entities, but why the double standard?

I hope congress really takes the time to see the message it’s sending America. 

Lynn Jarrett, “The Life Balance Chick,” has helped thousands of people through her speaking and coaching programs to bounce back from setbacks and create lives that soar!
Visit www.thelifebalancechick.com to sign up for Lynn’s free bi-weekly “Chick Tips,” which gives insider techniques to stay stress free & be more productive. 

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Ok, how many of you have already purchased all your gifts online today? 

As I looked at some of the websites, it boggles the mind all the deals and retailers really luring shoppers to their sites.  It is really neat how shopping has become so convenient over the years.  It sure beats the crowds at the malls with all of that Christmas cheer that NO ONE has!

When I worked retail in college, I had to pace myself not to get caught up with rude customers.  Christmas Eve was always a joy because the last minute shoppers expected the stores to have everything they needed.  Hopefully they learned their lesson that it does not pay to wait until last minute!

In the hustle and bustle of the season, it is really easy to get caught up in the gift giving and forget the true meaning of Christmas or Hannakah.  A spirit of giving is easy to remember this time of year, but what about the rest of the year?  Are you giving of yourself, your time, your effort, or other ways where you don’t expect something in return?  Unfortunately, being a business owner, I have found that many take the “I’ll scratch your back if  you scratch mine” mentality.    I find the authentic people who give just because they want to, are great to do business with!  When I first started my business, I felt the obligation to return referrals even though I felt like I was fishing for others. 

In 2009, why not join me with the goal of “Keep it Real!”  Authenticity will open personal and professional doors you didn’t think were possible!

Lynn Jarrett, “The Life Balance Chick,” has helped thousands of people through her speaking and coaching programs to bounce back from setbacks and create lives that soar!
Visit www.thelifebalancechick.com to sign up for Lynn’s free bi-weekly “Chick Tips,” which gives insider techniques to stay stress free & be more productive. 

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My oldest daughter celebrated her birthday Saturday night with her guy and girlfriends.  It was a sight to watch their interaction and the indivdual dynamics between guys and girls today.

I don’t know if it’s the fact that this generation has grown up in front of computers and video games, but the depth of communication is certainly not there.  Talking over one another to try and be heard was painful to watch.  Being a communication expert, I’m always plugged in to people dynamics. 

That’s one of the reasons I developed the generation Y version of my personality types called “Are You An Ipod or Facebook Page?” It shifts the basic principles of listening and communications skills to Gen Y’s level along with even more interaction than my grown- up version. 

 I am fascinated to watch how different generations communicate and how that translates into the workplace as well.  My “They Drive Me Crazy!” communication training is always well received and helps bridge the communication between generations.

To learn more about the speaking and training programs I offer, visit www.thelifebalancechick.com

“Seek first to understand, then to be understood” is a cornerstone concept for communication!

Lynn Jarrett, “The Life Balance Chick,” has helped thousands of people through her speaking and coaching programs to bounce back from setbacks and create lives that soar!
Visit www.thelifebalancechick.com to sign up for Lynn’s free bi-weekly “Chick Tips,” which gives insider techniques to stay stress free & be more productive. 
 

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As a solopreneur, building a business can be very lonely and challenging if you don’t have a group of people like a ‘board of directors’ to provide ideas and support.  That’s the whole purpose of mastermind groups.  Generate, collaborate and celebrate ideas, concepts and plans that accelerate your business.

I am ever so grateful for the opportunity to host my first mastermind retreat at my home this week.  There will be eight of us pouring over ideas and strategies for our individual businesses so that we can break through the barriers that have kept us from our best.

This group of women were a long time in coming.  Over the last two years, I have been very fortunate to build strong relationships with several of the women where we have strategized over the phone, but now in person with everyone, I see it generating a lot more activity.  Prior to these years, I struggled to find other women business owners who were in the same playing field and wanted the same things.

Whether you’re looking for business contacts, or just wanting a group of friends, here are a few ways you can build your mastermind team:

1. Think of your current personal & professional contacts.  Ask yourself what kind of group you are looking for. 

2. Have coffee or lunch with those contacts you respect to see what you have in common.

3. If you already know several people really well, initiate a group.  Distance is not a factor-meet over the phone.

4. I’ve been in masterminds where a commonality works best to stick together.  In my mastermind group, we are all in the speaking profession and a part of Nat’l Speaker’s Association (www.nsaspeaker.org ), so that has helped us stick together for a while now.

I believe building strong relationships is key to any entrepreneur’s success.  Why not build your ’success team’ that will help take your business to the next level!

Lynn Jarrett, “The Life Balance Chick,” has helped thousands of people through her speaking and coaching programs to bounce back from setbacks
and create lives that soar!
Visit www.thelifebalancechick.com to sign up for Lynn’s free bi-weekly “Chick Tips,” which gives insider techniques to stay stress free & be more productive.   

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