Lake 961 Blog

You knew it was coming….

Tiz the season for resolutions.

Many people are preparing to willingly gain two to three sizes over the holidays and justify this by telling themselves that everything is going to change in 2010 and this year the new years resolutions are going to stand tough.  The problem is that this never works.  Its called self sabotage.

There’s a reason most gyms and fitness centers make 60-80% of their money in January and February.  The problem is that 80% of those new members never make it back in by March or April.

I recently joined a tele-conference call setting up ‘New Years’ goals. Among the most common were Get Organized, Be More Spiritual, Lose Weight, Quit Smoking, and Spend More time with the Family.

I don’t know about you, but this kind of To-Do List approach to life transformation does little to inspire me. And it doesn’t surprise me at all that the success rates were pretty depressing.

Why Resolutions Don’t Work

The reason most resolutions don’t work is that they address only one level of your life. The DO level. It’s the DO-HAVE-BE model. “I will DO this thing.” (i.e., Lose weight) “So I can HAVE this other thing” (Self-Esteem) and I can BE this thing. (Confident.)

The average New Year’s Resolution doesn’t address the core of the issue – the “BE” level.

The best order for creating positive changes in your life is the BE-DO-HAVE model. This means you start from the BE level. When you begin changing on the BE level of your life, then the DO level and the HAVE level follow more easily.

When you start only on the DO level, then all the blocks on the BE level will often become the obstacles you can’t overcome.

Nine times out of ten I end up introducing my clients to the BE-DO-HAVE model. We don’t go there easily but with a coach it flows easier and gets your quicker results. Contact me if you have questions about this-It can get confusing.

A Better New Year’s Ritual

I believe in this ritual so much that if I recall I blogged about it last year.  The ritual is simple…pick a word that will  guide you throughout the year. It would be your touchstone. It would remind you of living your life at the BE level. It’s a good practice. This one word will guide your choices and support you in making decisions easier. When you get grounded in your word-life will see a bit more clear.

Just one word. That’s all.

Then, hold that word in your mind throughout the year, and let your word guide you to take action.

Example: Let’s say you are one of the many people who would normally choose “Get Organized.” You look around to see clutter and crap all over your life. You’re tired of the chaos. So, you think, “I need to get organized. That should be my Resolution this year.”

UNTIL YOU SEE THIS BLOG…You sit with your clutter. You spend a few days pondering words that will inspire you. You realize in an “Ah-Ha!” moment that you tend to cling to lots of things. You’re scared to let go. So you choose the word “Release” because it inspires you in a bigger way than “Get organized.”

So, every time you approach your clutter you remind yourself of that word. “Release,” you say softly. You start to let the clutter go. Eventually, you realize that you’re still holding on to lots more than just physical clutter. You realize that you hold onto resentment at old relationships. “Release,” you remind yourself. You realize that holding on is affecting your diet and health. “Release” applies to some of the extra weight you’ve gained as well.

Throughout the year, you can see clearly how much you hold on. “Release” is your touchstone. It grows you throughout the year. It becomes your guiding force, not your harsh standard.

This wouldn’t have happened if you’d opted only to “Get Organized.”

What word to choose?

Many people know immediately which word resonates with them. For others, a little contemplation is required.

It’s tempting to choose four or five, believing that you can do it all! (Or that you’re too messed up to narrow your flaws down to one helpful word!) I recommend that if you can’t choose just one, narrow it down to no more than three.

One is ideal. It gives you focus. If you master that one word, you can choose another one in June.

I typically would give you a list of words to choose from. In doing that, I find that it makes it easy to go down the list and just “pick” a word that you like. This word has to really resonate with you, it won’t work if you just like the word.

I would love to hear what you come up with.
Last year my word was LOVING. I set out to be more loving and I accomplished it!
This year…I had a list of 3 or 4 for 2009 and I have decided that my 2009 resolution is CALM. I am committed to BEING more calmer in the new year.  (BEING the key word here)

Calmer in the way I respond to my outside environment.
Calmer when making decisions
Calmer in my relationships

What is your word?

Choose one. It works if your committed.

I raise my glass to simplicity in 2010,
Katie Kruz

Give the ultimate gift this season.The gift of Coaching.
This is the best deal of the year-grab it, make a difference today.

www.coachkatie.com 

 Brrrrrrrrrr!!!

It’s Katie here freezing her tail feather off!  The transition to Winter is always a slow process for me but like I mentioned before I am beginning to really appreciate the seasons. It heats things up!

I was blessed to have the opportunity to participate in a Tony Robbins seminar in Chicago called “Unleash The Power Within.” The “gist” goes something like this…

How do you really want to live? What are you most excited about? What are you grateful for? Do you often feel “stuck” in your life? Are you unable to make changes or break through past beliefs?

We often look outside ourselves for these answers. When we do, we give away our power. It’s time to find your own answers … uncover your own internal motivations … and set your own rules!

Your core values and beliefs control what you think about, the people you identify with, and the goals to which you aspire. Most of us adapted these long ago from our parents, teachers, friends, or peer groups. More often than not, they can limit our vision of how we want to live, and unconsciously alter our level of achievement and happiness in life. Unleash the Power Within teaches you how to transform your limiting beliefs, adding new meaning and depth to your life.

There is no one on the planet like Tony Robbins. His energy is electric. I was honored to be in his space for 4 days. I could write a whole book about my experience but most importantly I wanted to share that I am the newest FIRE WALKER!

(Not that kind of fire walking…plus I had CLOTHES on

(Now that is more like it but that is not me)

FIRE WALKING IS INCREDIBLE! COOL MOSS. I stapled my brain with the thought, feeling, smell and taste of COOL MOSS. I learned how to change my state of mind….fast.  If I didn’t, well I would have burned! I slowly made my way across PIPING HOT coals to achieve the impossible. (you couldn’t frolic across or you would burn) The coals were estimated at 1800 to 2000 degrees!

 So let me ask you,  what in life do YOU  think is IMPOSSIBLE to do, overcome or turn away from?

There are some great things ahead. Things that could help you achieve your impossibles…
STAY TUNED.

Thankful,
Katie Kruz
www.coachkatie.com

Life will never be the same again! 
Do you tend to get STRESSED OUT during the holidays? If you are already taking a deep breath then sign up for my newsletter and get the 3 keys to busting stress this holiday season. Keys you can start using before the family gets there ;)  Get the newsletter here

Today is a sad day as September 11th is the 8th anniversary of the Terrorist Attacks. Each year my heart is very heavy and it is a struggle to get through a radio show. I feel somewhat awkward each year when I go on the radio-I am just not sure what to do…I have a loss for words.
(more…)

Venetian Fest is here! Get a complete list of scheduled events here.

Summer is so great! Does it have to end? I sent out one of those survey mass emails to friends and one of the questions was-what is your favorite season? One of my pals from California responded with “All of them”…I started to laugh thinking…”this is the same lady who told me that there is only one season in her part of California-Sunny and 70’s…everyday. Regardless, I laughed thinking “there is only one season out in Cali and that is Sunny so I guess its easy to like all the seasons!”
 Anyhow-Another great weekend I had that is now stored in a sacred place in my memory. More memories to come as this next weekend approaches I am involved in a “golf cart parade.” No kidding.  That is what my family does for reunions…GOLF CART PARADES. The theme this year is Christmas so we are going to transform my families golf cart into a white X-mas in August! I will be sure to post pictures.

-Did you re-prioritize yet to get the best from what’s left of Summer? (refer to previous post)

My best,
Katie

———————————————————

Do you believe that your perception of things creates your reality and that when you change your perception you can change your reality? If so then you are a “cause person”.

A cause person thinks that there are things that can be done to manifest their desires and goals. You believe that you have control over your outcomes because you have control over your thoughts and actions. You have control over your life and you have power.

The best way to make sure you are in a positive and productive state is to become part of a group that will help you keep your forward momentum. Hiring a professional is a great way to get going.  

————————————————————-
COACHING TOOL: REFRAMING

What is Your Self Talk Telling You About Your Success?

Pay attention to your inner dialogue about your life’s success. Are you making excuses for not taking the actions you need to take to move your life forward?

Are you blaming others or outside factors like the economy or other things that are out of your control? Your perception of any situation is your reality. Your reality is the sum total of your conscious and unconscious thoughts.

Change your Thoughts by Reframing

When you begin to recognize your conscious thoughts and change them then those changes will affect your unconscious thoughts. Become aware of your thinking and when you catch yourself saying things like “I don’t think this is going to be my best Summer” change how you are thinking consciously. Create an affirmation to replace that negative thought and begin to focus on ways you can affect your outcome in a positive way.

Reframe your negative thought and turn it into an affirmation like “I am going to make an extra effort to be organized and participate in Summer activities with my children” or “I am going to create the space in my day to spend some quality time with myself/my children/family etc…”
We cannot always control what happens around us or what comes into our experience or the thoughts that may come into our minds. We can control how much attention and we give our unwelcome and unproductive thinking.

Accept What Is

We can also learn to accept our experiences without having to let the affect us negatively. For example, when we find ourselves thinking thoughts of “there is not enough hours in the day” or ” I am so dis-organized, where did the summer go?” You will spend more time searching for ways to validate your no time theory then actually being accountable for what you have created, where you are vs. where you want to be.

When negative thoughts come into your mind write them down then reframe them into positive actions. Accept what is and develop strategies to get the outcomes you desire.

What would you do with more empowerment?

What would you do if you had total control and
freedom to make incredible positive changes in
your life?

Where would you go?

How would you feel?

What would your surroundings look like in this
new empowered world?

Would there be less stress?

Would you go after that dream career?

Pursue that relationship you’ve always wanted?

These are questions I’d like you to ask yourself
right now.  Then tonight, as you’re lying in your
bed, I want you to think about it some more.

Then tomorrow, when you wake up and begin your
daily routine you should think even harder about
it.

Empowerment.  The middle of the word says it all:
POWER.

That power can be yours.  In fact, you already
have it in your possession.  You just need
someone to help you bring it to the surface.
Check out www.coachkatie.com Get inspired-gain back your power today.

I have been taking it ‘easy’ on my foot so I can be present tonight for a double header softball game. We are tied for 3rd and I have learned after a few many bug bites that when you play the right field…bug spray is a must. Good luck to the TRUElCREW tonight. 7:30 and 9:30 games, make a dinner picnic and come cheer us on!
Today’s topic is on positive thinking and how it can make a big difference in your life. I find that most experts tell you it’s a good idea to start thinking ‘postive’ but don’t provide ‘how to’ steps for success. We all think negative thoughts, that will not go away.
However, with a few coach ‘tools’ you can easily manage your thoughts. If you read on and sign up for my monthly newsletter, I provided some of the tools to get you started.

(more…)

Hello and welcome to my blog. I am still on an energy high from the July 4th weekend. I am so blessed to have amazing friends and family. I got to hang out with my Niece and take her to one of her first swim lessons. ( I wanted to post pictures but from the looks of the pictures, I need to lay off the honey roasted peanuts and look into a one piece swim suit
Kids rock my world. I love watching them learn and grow.

I had been speaking with a few friends of mine who are out of work and looking everywhere for a fulfilling job. I came across this article and the feedback they gave me was so good I wanted to share it with you. If you or someone you know who is struggling in the job market…here is a great resource.
I trust this will help. (more…)

It’s Friday May 1st! These April showers better bring the most  beautiful May flowers!   I am cooped up at home again this morning. I have had the nastiest cold this week! I am ready to be 100% healthy again. I am whole and complete and see the light at the end of the tunnel . (The light is still a bit hazy but it’s there!)  I don’t get sick often so when I do,(to quote R.E.M) ‘it’s the end of my world as I know it!’   eeeeek!  Thank you Ted for filling in for me this week on the radio!

While I have been getting some R&R–I watched Jim Carrey’s latest movie “Yes Man”— Like any Jim Carrey movie, I was entertained and at some parts a bit disturbed. Below I am going to talk about the movie’s message and what it means for you. (Warning: I am on alot of meds right now so if my words a bit ‘foggy’ –please forgive me)
(more…)

I must of been sleeping under a rock to have avoided the Susan Boyle frenzy. I heard people speak of her but I never investigated any further…until today.  

She appeared on Britain’s Got Talent show on April 11, 2009. Just a little over 10 days later, the top four You Tube videos of her appearance had been viewed over 45 million times.

This is a remarkable story on so many fronts.  Stories like this is where the ‘life coach in me’ comes out in full force. 

 I wanted to cry the entire 7 minutes.  I had that ‘choked up’ feeling in my throat the entire time. I think the messages within that moment was simply incredible.

The woman is 47 years old and has never even been on a date! The judges and the audience were actually sneering at her before her performance. After, everyone was in total shock. She has such a full, beautiful voice and even though I have watched the video numerous times, I still find it very emotionally moving.

There are plenty of articles and essays that explore all the different facets of this remarkable story.

But there is one insight I want to share with you. When Simon asked Susan, “What’s your dream?” She replied, “To be a professional singer.” He then followed up with a question about why she was 47 and had never gotten started. Her answer has a very important lesson for everyone. “I’ve never had the right chance before.” She had never before been able to perform before the right audience.

Some might attribute her “overnight success” to luck or good fortune. Earl Nightingale one said that “Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity.” Susan had been preparing for some time and when she finally got the chance to appear before the right audience, she rocked.

Here is the lesson I want you to take away from Susan Boyle’s experience. It does not matter how talented you are, how well you can perform, unless you get in front of the right audience, you can go through life an unknown.

Susan mentioned that she performed as a tribute to her late mother. Her Mom told her to take a risk…and here are her results. 

Get in front of the right audience.  Be heard. Take a risk.

You can do it,
Katie

Here are a few Susan Boyle updates:

Watch her performance

Susan Boyle: Just a scam? Also see what people think here

As I await to see what the diagnosis will be for our favorite doctor. Izzy Stevens on Greys Anatomy tonight I find myself in a reflective place. I was coaching one of my clients earlier and he said to me:
(more…)

This week has been a good week—A new energy, a new hope. Watching the news, reading blogs, watching talk shows, people are charged up and feeling a sense of community and optimism! I love it and to see how big corporations are getting involved like Starbucks reassures me that YES WE CAN.
I wanted to tell you about the current Starbucks promotion…”I’m IN” …I am sure you have see the fabulous commercials. Through January 25th Starbucks will give you a free cup of coffee if you pledge 5 hours of community service. One million hours were pledged alone already from the Starbucks employees so let’s double it! Find out if your local Starbucks has the pledge boxes at www.starbucks.com 

This new era of hope can not only be fulfilled by Obama…we need to do our part as well and here is an opportunity to pledge your time…It is the little things that go so far and we can create a better community, economy and be our BEST self’s by lending a hand.
Make your pledge now

Keeping the hope alive—Exciting!

Katie