Living In Gratitude

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Linda Yates

Living in gratitude is a powerful way to live.

The saying “you get what you focus on” is true. If focusing on the good in your life and business brings more, then you have just found the secret to life!

I am grateful for the opportunities I have in my life to grow and learn. As I reflect on my journey it amazes me the thread that has been woven into the tapestry. I grew up in farming country. Going to town meant a 10-mile drive to get groceries and supplies. I am grateful for the opportunity of living where life was full and rich.

My extended family continues to teach me today even though I don’t see them often. I still feel their love and support. If I were to focus on how I miss them especially during the holidays, sadness would fill my heart. Instead I focus on all the lessons I’ve learned from them.

Thomas S. Monson tells us that gratitude in all things is necessary to a rich and abundant life. I have thought a lot about that over the past several months. Showing gratitude even when trials hit has given me increased strength and peace. It may sound counter-intuitive but it will work for you.

What do you have to be grateful for today? I challenge you to write down at least three things. As you use or put in place a gratitude journal your day will feel happier and lighter. More goodness will come to you. I am grateful you have taken time to read my thoughts. I appreciate the opportunity to share my insights with you.

TEE 033: 3 Tips To Polish Your Speaking Skills – Linda Yates

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Linda Yates

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In episode 33 of The Executive Edge Linda Yates shares 3 tips you can use to polish your speaking skills. Giving a presentation or speaking in public doesn’t have to scare you to death! For the next 24 minutes you will learn how to attack your presentation with confidence.

Highlights from this episode:
How to connect with your audience
How to structure your presentation
How to prepare for your speech
Questions to ask before presenting
What to do before you utter your first word
How to create rapport with your audience
How to start your presentation
How to close your speech
How to handle it when things go wrong when you are speaking
How to mentally prepare
The power of practice
How to practice and polish your speech
How to conquer your fears

By implementing what you learn on this podcast you will feel competent, calm and be articulate. These speaking skill tips can be learned. What is your favorite tip from this episode? Please comment below.

Thank you for listening to The Executive Edge podcast! Please leave a question so that we can address it on the podcast so that you can uncover, realize and accomplish your potential!

Here’s some tools to assist you in giving a speech or presentation. Be sure to sign up for our free newsletter, buy our audio course on energizing your personal brand or let us know how we can work together in 2015 with an email to Linda@LHYatesConsulting.com.

Music provided by FREESFX

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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!

Happiness Comes Through Sacrifice

Posted on December 18, 2014 by Linda Yates

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!

TEE 021: How To Coach Others – Linda Yates

Posted on December 10, 2014 by Linda Yates

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In episode 21 of The Executive Edge I will share with you how to coach others. A few weeks ago I was asked the question of what I do. A great question and it made me think about the coaching process. We all have different occasions where we may be assisting others in their role to accomplish a specific task or solve a problem. This episode will provide best practices, the process and framework to help you in all of your coaching roles.

Whether its a co-worker, employee, child, or friend there are steps to keep in mind. As an certified professional executive coach the process has some overlap. The following highlights from this podcast will give you what you need to be successful with all you may have to coach:

3 T’s to be aware
– Training
– Tools
– Time

What is the motivation factor?

Questions to ask those you are coaching

Best practices during “The Coaching Session”
– Private setting
– Turn off distractions
– Allow plenty of time
– Focusing on the goal
– Positive and friendly mindset
– Specific reason
– Express concern about performance (your concerns)
– Impact on you and others regarding the performance
– Acknowledge and listen to what is said
– Seek ideas to solve the issue
– Discuss the probability of the suggested solutions
– Agree on the solution and actions to take
– Follow up on the progress
– Praise positive results

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. What would you like to learn more about in a training episode?

Blessing of a Work Ethic

Posted on December 4, 2014 by Linda Yates

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!

Passion

Posted on October 30, 2014 by Linda Yates

What are you passionate about? How do you define passion? My definition is that my heart, soul and mind become consumed and it makes me smile. There are a lot of different things that I am passionate about here is a list:
1. God
2. Family
3. Health
4. Work
5. People
6. Sun
7. Music

I believe that when passion exists – life is easier. All the tasks I have to undertake become lighter. The question then arises: Can you make yourself feel passion when it is lacking? I believe the answer is yes! Here are a few tips that I have implemented in my daily life when I need to feel more:

1. Get curious. When my energy is lacking I try to find something that I can learn more about.
2. Balance. There are some days that I get out of balance. Those are the days I stop and take a breath.
3. Say no. When I dig to find passion and it’s just not there, I say no. That is something hard for me to do – but at times necessary.
4. Set goals. By setting goals I am able to get excited and determination grows.
5. Reflect on what I love. As I reflect on what has inspired me in the past, I have more energy for what I’m currently working on.

Passion is the critical factor in pressing forward when you feel discouraged or frustrated. Asking yourself “why” will bring you back to your higher purpose. As you reaffirm your purpose, you will find renewed strength to move forward.

Passion is the spice of life. When you can put it in place into all areas of your life then the magic is yours to enjoy!

Integrity

Posted on October 16, 2014 by Linda Yates

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.

Adding Value

Posted on October 9, 2014 by Linda Yates

The term value has several meanings. What we value also varies from person-to-person. Years ago, I worked for a company that taught accountants, attorneys and IRS agents how to perform valuations to determine the worth of a company. Through this experience, I learned the financial value of business and goodwill.

I saw this happen as I worked hard to make a positive impression to thousands of audience members throughout the country. I employed some guiding principles to make a positive impression.

Here are a few of them:
1. Being cheerful to everyone
2. Protecting my energy
3. Doing what I said I would do
4. Staying hydrated
5. Being responsive

Because I was serious about my role and I cared about those I served, my value went up to those I interacted with. People will remember how you made them feel. If you care for others and it shows in your actions your value will increase. In all our personal and professional roles, the more value you give the more successful you will become.

When you buy products or services you have an expectation of value. Your customers also have expectations. The opportunity to grow your business comes from communicating this to your customers. What are some ways you can increase your value today?

You may not own your own company but may be working for someone else. By adding value in your job your social capital will increase. The law of sowing and reaping applies. The more you sow the higher yield you will reap.

Whether it’s financial or social adding value will equal success in the long run. May you win the race!

The Future

Posted on October 2, 2014 by Linda Yates

What would you like your future to look like? This may be a question that is hard for you to answer. For years, I struggled to articulate what I wanted in life, business and the future.

Now, I can say I know what I want the future to be. Setting goals has always been a part of my DNA. If you have never set a goal in your life I challenge you now to set one. About a month ago I was listening to a speaker that spoke of writing down 101 goals or things to do by the age of 80. I took this challenge. It was a lot of fun to think about all the different areas of my life and list what would be meaningful for me to achieve.

Here are some of the items on my list:
1. Travel to all my Bucket List destinations
2. Be Debt Free
3. Interviewed by Oprah
4. Set up a foundation for youth
5. Own a Jet Ski

As I listed these items I began to visualize them already in my life. I can’t wait to cross them off as each year passes.

At times, planning for the future may be a frightening thought. The future may seem bleak or scary. When you start exercising faith, you will be able to see past the trial right now. There are good things to come. One way to insure positive happenings, is to work on your goals each day.

Your mindset is the key to unlocking a positive future. Take a few minutes and track your thoughts for the past 30 minutes. Were they more positive or negative in nature? If they were negative it is imperative that you start feeding your mind positive thoughts.

Here are a few suggestions to turn negative thoughts around:
1. Count your blessings
2. Smile at a stranger
3. Think about your favorite things

We are what we think about. That is why I have decided that planning and working everyday on my goals is the best strategy to a fulfilling and happy life. If you would like me to help you craft your future, please email me at linda@lhyatesconsulting.com. We will begin your journey to the future of your dreams.

Servant Leader Who Inspires

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Linda Yates

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.

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