TESTIMONIAL - "WHEN THE CANDLE BURNS BRIGHT"

A few years ago, I had the extreme pleasure of working with a corporate professional from Canada's west coast.  During our coaching sessions, a transformation of confidence and clarity of vision directly impacted and exponentially changed the outlook of this focused and assertive woman.

Here is her letter:

Paula,
Life is great, well now anyway.   Upon completion of our year working together, I became much more conscious in how I am in control of my life.   I bravely grabbed ahold of the reigns and finally made some much needed decisions that start a ripple effect of so many WONDERFUL things that I was dreaming would happen.  We have spoken so many times of how our perception of our current situation can have such a firm grip, literally holding us back from the potential that we could be living. I am forever grateful for the nudges and the swift kick once in a while too!   

I can see how you completely and totally moved me through and out of a period of not trusting my own instinct and leadership capabilities to where I am today. I am so thrilled to say that although challenging many times, I feel as though I have finally found my groove once again ... but even better.  I feel as though I am leading much more effectively while honouring my vision, passion and goals for where I want to go and how I am going to get there.  My career feels brand new with a breath of fresh air again.  

Thanks for helping me to light the candle again. It's burning bright!

THE BIGGEST DRIVER OF CHANGE

Do you realize that you have the power to influence, to lead and to encourage change?

Managing change whether as an individual or as an organization can often be disruptive, chaotic and spur disengagement and yes, negativity.

To create an environment of what I call "dynamic transformation", there are a few core things that will help you navigate in an easier fashion.

1. Create Ownership - You want change?  Well the best and fastest way to drive it is to own the decision and the plan that change must happen... and that YOU will be playing at part in that process.

2. Communication is Key - Clearly understand the journey as you see it and communicate with other parties so that all are on the same page as you move through the transition.  If it is just you, then give yourself some grace and know that fear and uncertainty go with the territory but that excitement elicits the same emotions so try and move through it in a positive manner.

3. Celebrate Milestones - Learning to celebrate the small wins and milestones along the way will absolutely change the trajectory of how you manage and embrace change in the future.  Instead of focusing on what hasn't happened yet, how about focusing on what has.

WHEN THE STORM RAGES

Change can be really hard.  Everything seems so confusing when there are disruptions in our life.

We live in an age where the ability to be flexible and adaptable is a necessity.  When life feels like it's in a state of flux and you feel like there are waves crashing all around you, remember there is a solution.

You can either stay in that same place and get bounced around; eventually creating more confusion, instability and fear, or you can push through the storm and deal with things head on.

That might include making tough decisions, having difficult conversations, doing a little reality check of your own life and the list goes on.

Just know, that in your courage to face any storm, you will always find a way to lead yourself out of it.   Being a great leader doesn't mean just in your work like.  It means you as a person are taking responsibility and steering your own ship. A little faith, hope and resilience doesn't hurt either as we wait for the calm to arrive once again.

TIME TO GET GROWING

In celebration of the first day of spring!

Be challenged in your thinking of what you could be OR should be growing in.

Have you been waiting for something to happen? Or should you dig deep and understand that in order for something to happen, it is up to YOU to get it started.

Planting new seeds may take time but once you do (and if you take the time to give those seeds some attention), new growth will happen.

Enjoy this season of renewal.

THE BEST IDEAS

Is your best potential being hidden?

What would happen to your life if that could be uncovered?

The best ideas I have ever had were born in the midst of some type of chaos. That includes the need or want for change, the desire to pursue something more and not sure what that is, or those survival moments in life where you are just looking for a way to make it through.

What ever place you are in, take comfort in knowing that even though it feels like it is swirling, maybe it is to bring the best idea to the top and to uncover the potential within you!

THE CHASM

I received this wonderful visual from my friend this morning and it is great illustration of how it feels to move throw those refining moments of making change and growing.

What an adventure life surely is. I know I am constantly changing and evolving and once you make the jump it never feels as hard as what you put yourself thinking about it.

BE UNCOMFORTABLE

Want change in your life... Be Uncomfortable

Be uncomfortable in the sense that there is a stirring and burning deep in your stomach that there is something that you have to do and it will not rest until you do it. 

Uncomfortable that the job isn’t finished and YOU are the one called to follow through and bring it to pass. 

Uncomfortable because there is a problem to be solved and YOU are just the person to do it.

Be challenged to make the best use of your time and energy by taking your God given gifts, talents, knowledge etc.. to fuel the fire of that "uncomfortableness".

What would it feel like to know that your efforts made a difference to you, your family or to hundreds, thousands or even millions of lives?

There is beauty, knowledge, resiliency, money and impact to be made when we start in a place of being uncomfortable. It is what you do with that feeling that makes all the difference.

Make the most of this Friday. Wishing you a great day.

DID YOU SAY CAN"T?

I didn't think so.

You can always deal with adversity by saying NO and doing whatever you can to move past it and win!  This is your life, have the courage to stand up for what you believe in. Remove negativity from your midst and embrace everything that is good and right.

Never give up on your dreams.  Take a break, breathe and try, try again.

THE STAIRCASE

We rarely get the visual of the whole journey, however you always have the choice to take the first step.  Steady as she goes.  One at a time. One in front of the other and you will see your way through to making progress.

RE-INVENTION

"Reinvention happens the moment you let go"

Staying in control doesn't always mean you are on the right path. What if you shift your strategy and let go of those things that you cannot control anyway and that includes your worry as well.

What would happen if you just allowed yourself to see all of the many possibilities that could exist for you? What would that feel like?

What if you allowed God to orchestrate your life in such a way that it had meaning, purpose and you were used to make a meaningful impact?

One of my favourite songs is called The Potter's Hand. In it, it tells the story of allowing our life to be like a piece of clay and allowing God to transform us into an amazing creation.

The chorus goes like this:

Oh take me, use me, fill me, mold me. I give myself to the Potter's hand.

Oh call me, lead me, guide me, walk beside me. I give myself to the Potter's hand.

May God bless you on your week ahead and may you been used in a mighty way.

THE WANTER, THE WISHER AND THE DOER

Let me ask you a question. "Are you a wanter, a wisher or a doer?" 

Motivation happens when there is a desire to see change. Start a business, get a new job, lost weight, get in shape, take a holiday and the list goes on.

Are you one that is constantly waiting for "one day, when it might happen".

The best way to start becoming a doer is just to take a step. Start with one action, one task, one decision. What's just one thing you could do today to increase your motivation and make it happen!

Have a great day friends!

THE POTTER'S HANDS

"We are the clay, and You our potter; and we are the work of Your hand" Isaiah 64:8

Act like clay and not like rock. Clay is soft and pliable to move, shape and form. Clay has the hope of change built into it. Clay has no permanent flaws. In a second it can be re-made and re-created. If it does not work, the potter can change it. In fact it cries out possibility! The potter can pour all of His love into the formation of the clay.

We need to trust His touch. Rely on His perfect intentions for us. If we act like clay and not rock, the Potter can be free to do His magnificent work in us.