Reflecting – “WOW, I did that!”

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How do you celebrate accomplishing a goal or fulfilling a dream? Do you take time to stop and reflect or do you move on to the next goal? The other day I was going through some files and found my “Wow, I did that!” list. I realized that I hadn’t updated it. Stopping to reflect on your accomplishments is important. It will help motivate you in reaching the new goals that you are setting.

As the year gets ready to wrap up, write down your wins. The power of this reflecting session will unlock the following for you:

1. Joy in achieving your goals.
2. Momentum to keep moving forward with your goals and objectives for the New Year.
3. Reminder to refer to when days may seem dark or discouraging.
4. Proof that you have more potential than you realize.

Reflecting is a necessary tool for keeping that winning edge mindset. You will be able to design your life and business in a way that aligns with your guiding principles.

As I have gone through this exercise, I have experienced the following:
a. Pride and humility at the same time.
b. Gratitude that so much of what I desired to do was possible and achievable.
c. Determination to stretch higher next year.

This is the season for celebration! “Wow, I did that” is something to celebrate, remember and embrace. Take time this next week to reflect on your past accomplishments.

Kicking Doubts

Self-Doubt

How are you kicking your doubts today? The word doubt is not as strong as the word fear. Yet, if you let doubt fill your mind and heart then fear can take over. I’ve heard it said that what you write and speak about is what you are currently struggling with. I am a positive person. I have also struggled with doubt and fear throughout my life and business.

Mindset and controlling your mind are subjects that fascinate me. I guess it is because I believe deep down that nothing is impossible. I believe that you each can achieve more than what you think possible.

When an innovative idea or even a dream comes to mind, it can be easy to dismiss the idea. Letting your doubts form is a surefire way to stopping growth.

Here are some of the doubts that I have:

1. I’m not good enough
2. That is not my reality
3. I need more resources
4. Will those I love approve?
5. Will I have time?

Perhaps you can relate to some or all. Why is it that doubts can creep in? Are you believing or buying into someone else’s doubts and insecurities? If you are to uncover, realize and accomplish your potential then it is critical that you learn to starve your doubts.

Here are five strategies that you can implement:

1. Look at your goal’s morning and night
2. Change negative thoughts to positive affirmations
3. Disengage from naysayers
4. Reflect on past wins
5. Ask “what if” questions

I know that if you integrate these strategies into your life you will be able to accomplish more than you ever dreamed. Kicking doubts will become a skill that will open up energy in every aspect of your life.

Executive Presence Speech Opening Tip #3

Want to increase your executive presence while speaking? This is tip #3 on how to open or start a speech and illustrate executive presence in the most polished way possible. The most engaging way to open a speech as an executive is to tell a story.

If you missed tip #1 and tip #2 you can access via this blog or on YouTube.

Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel in order to get all the latest tips to energize your image so that you can uncover, realize and accomplish your potential.

Thank you for watching this tip! Sign up for more image and success tips here @ www.LindaHYates.com – Have a wonderful day!

Happiness Comes Through Sacrifice

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What have you sacrificed to meet your goals? Lately I have been learning a lot about what I can live without. What I thought were needs has changed to be wants.

Sacrificing brings blessings. I know it can be hard at times to sacrifice. It seems like those are the times that the outcome is sweeter. For instance, when you want to buy that pair of shoes that cost a lot of money and it’s not in your budget. You have a choice, go into debt, go without something else or wait.

Our society is a “got to have it now” society. I believe we have lost the art of sacrifice. I have found that when I step back and check why I believe I need something I become clearer about my priorities. Here are some questions I use to make a wise decision:

1. Will it help me reach my long-term goal?
2. Will it help others reach their goals?
3. What is the harm in waiting?
4. What is the harm in not waiting?
5. How will practicing control make me stronger?

These may not be comfortable questions. Sacrifice isn’t comfortable – but it is worth it in the long run. As we sacrifice our wants to help another there are positive chemicals that ignite in our brains. Those chemicals make us feel happy. That provides the answer to why it is always better to give than receive. What are you willing to sacrifice to get your goals? What will be the benefit of reaching your goals? As you stay focused on those benefits the path will be easier.

May you reap the blessing that sacrifice provides and may it fill your life with beauty!

Blessing of a Work Ethic

Farm Work

Are you one that loves to work or are you one that runs from it? This ethic can be a blessing. Just like everything else, your perspective makes the difference.

I have shared bits about my background with you. I grew up in a family that valued work. My siblings continue to do so today. I am thankful that my parents taught me the power of this ethic. My life has been blessed in more ways than I can count because this principle was taught and lived.

I have found work as a solace when grief or disappointments have come up in my life. Some might even say I’m a workaholic. I’m working on that as well!

What in your life or business needs more of your focused effort? Perhaps a project you have been putting off? A relationship that needs strengthening? When you are passionate about your work then it may not feel like a task rather an opportunity. I can relate to that feeling as I speak.

Speaking in front of audiences is like breathing to me. I love it and I feel renewed from it. There is the work before and the work after the actual speech. Putting my head down and going to work on a speech that will inform and inspire is where the preparation pays off.

It is through our hard work that we realize the fulfillment of our goals. You can do anything you set your mind to. I have seen that in my life.

Teaching your children this value will pay off for them as well. Your attitude is everything. When a task needs completed, the way you attack that task will make all the difference. Embracing it and staying positive will make it go faster and give you deeper fulfillment.

Off to work I go!

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Linda H. Yates – The Image Energizer is a highly sought Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach and Corporate Trainer. She has produced over 250 educational seminars on helping individuals and businesses uncover, realize and accomplish their goals. Host of The Executive Edge podcast and author of the audio course and workbook 6 Steps to ENERGIZE Your Personal Brand, Linda Yates believes that NOTHING is Impossible!

TEE 018: George Horrigan – Creating a Thriving Business

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In episode 18 we learn that 80% of those polled want to own their own business. During the past 17 years our guest George Horrigan has shown over 1,200 people how to grow an existing business or start a new one. He is the author or four books with a new book titled,”Work Less, Make More and Have Fun in Your Business” due out in 2015.

He is a noted Innovation and Business Planning Expert, has started and operated 7 companies, and is Founder and CEO of Fountainhead Consulting Group, Inc.

When he is not showing people how to create the business of their dreams, you’ll find him playing with Isabelle, Jeremiah or Zechariah or hiking in the North Georgia Mountains.

Here are some of the highlights:
– Vision is the foundation to success.
– Systems are the roadmap to achieve the vision
– Innovation is the key to separate yourself from the competition
– How to create a vision
– The wisdom gained from past experiences
– How to turn failure into a framework
– Building blocks to a successful business
– Balancing work and life effectively

In order to create a thriving business the key is to build a economic factory through systems, innovation and vision.

To connect with George goto to his website: www.FountainheadConsultingGroup.com or george.horrigan@fountainheadconsultinggroup.com.

You can also find his book “Creating a Thriving Business” on Amazon.

Thank you for listening to The Executive Edge podcast! Please share your thoughts, comments and topics you would like covered in the comment section below.

Sign up for our FREE newsletter @ www.LindaHYates.com!

Integrity

Integrity

The late 90’s were a period of testing for me as it relates to integrity. I recall once a co-worker who I will call “Cindy” commented that I had and showed great integrity. That statement has been a measuring stick for me through the years that have followed.

This trait seems to be lacking in many organizations and individuals. When you try to take a shortcut around integrity you only end up hurting yourself. I saw this firsthand. I had a senior level manager tell me that he heard that my position with a company I was working for might be eliminated. Instead of asking the owner of the company if this was true, I allowed myself to go down a path with an employee that did not show integrity. I should have confronted the situation.

That experience taught me a great deal. The first lesson that faith and fear cannot live in the same space. Second, I sold my integrity based on the fear of losing a paycheck. Choosing the right can be a lonely path. Keeping your integrity intact, is the path to peace.

Currently, I am reading a book called Integrity Selling – Ron Willingham. In this book he shares several Integrity Selling Success Principles. One of my favorites is:

“Selling success is more an issue of who you are than what you know. While knowledge is necessary, sustained success comes to the person who’s driven by strong values and ethics.”

This statement is so true. We buy people. When we make the decision to trust or invest our resources, the who is the deciding factor. If you desire to build a stronger business or happier life check your values. Integrity does not have varying degrees. You either have it and show it or you don’t.

I know that when you have integrity success will be sure to come.

Linda’s Success Tips: The Power of Taking a Deep Breath

Linda H. Yates – The Image Energizer shares the power of taking a deep breath and how it will help you be more productive and profitable.

When I was a young woman I had vocal lessons. Yes, singing is a major part of my life still to this day. When you take vocal lessons, a major focus is on how to breathe correctly. Through the years, I have come to realize that it is easy to hold your breath when you are feeling stressed or anxious. Perhaps you have noticed that this happens to you on occasion.

When you feel overwhelmed or something rattles you. Stop, take a deep cleansing breath then move forward. Oxygen provides a multitude of benefits. All of our systems work better when we tune in to how we are breathing.

Thanks for watching and sharing these success tips! I know that you can uncover, realize and accomplish more each day as you implement these tips! Please be sure to share your thoughts and comments. If you have any questions please put them in the comments below and I will respond personally.

Sign up for our FREE newsletter for more tips on how to energize your image and your life on www.LindaHYates.com. Have a wonderful week!

Servant Leader Who Inspires

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Have you ever had a leader that inspired you? I know I have. I have been fortunate to have had many such leaders. The common trait with each of these leaders is that they serve me.

As a member of Toastmasters International, I have seen first hand great leaders that have blossomed before my eyes. There is a difference in motivation when a leader is self-serving rather than serving others. What is the key to success? The following are what I have seen servant leaders do:

1. Stay focused on the individuals that they have responsibility over. Whether it be in a corporation or member association, those who lead are the most successful when they look to empower others. When that happens they as a leader look even better.
2. Great listeners. Those who are effective leaders listen to those they serve.
3. Make the hard decisions. To be a great leader there are days you have to stand alone. Servant leaders are there in the beginning and will be there at the end.
4. Being an example to emulate. Those leaders that are the most successful realize that their actions speak louder than their words. Their integrity leads their life and is not stuffed in a drawer.
5. Keep balance. Leaders understand the need to keep balance. They draw their strength and energy from a variety of sources and realize when they start to get out of balance.

You can learn how to become a servant leader. A servant leader uses their head and heart in leading. Being a powerful leader starts with humility. Keeping the perspective of who you serve will be the catalyst to success.

Confidence In Every Season

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A few weeks ago I was speaking with a client and she made the comment she always wants to remain relevant. I have thought a lot about this statement and realized, being relevant is a derivative of confidence. Having confidence through each stage of our life will empower and open possibilities.

The question then, is how do we achieve or maintain confidence throughout the different stages we go through? The following are some strategies:

1. Keep setting goals to achieve. As we push our self to achieve our goals, we allow our self to keep growing. I believe if you are not climbing, then you are sliding. I have also found this is one of the secrets to life.
2. Try something new. Whether you succeed at something new, the process of trying and stretching will build confidence.
3. Do something everyday that scares you. This is like trying something new. By conquering fear you will have a big boost to your confidence.
4. Do your best. When you know deep down that you have given your all, then your confidence with grow.
5. Healthy daily habits. Take stock of your daily habits. Are they helping you reach your goals or are they stunting your growth? If you need to change your habits, begin in a small way and set a goal to apply them into your daily life.

Years ago I started a new job in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. I realized my confidence was shaky even though I had been hired. I decided each day I entered the parking lot for work, I would greet the parking attendant with a smile and warm hello. What was amazing about this experience was it set the tone for the rest of my day in a positive and confident way.