So this is Christmas …..I hope you enjoyed the holiday with friends and family and treated yourself to a chocolate or two. I was reading an article about excuses and how the holidays are no excuse to splurge on treats.
I disagree…holidays are the PERFECT excuse to dig in. Just like everything else, there are consequences to every action so I found this funny holiday poem and I wanted to share.

Twas The Month After Christmas

Twas the month after Christmas and all through the house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.

The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I’d taste.
All the holiday parties had gone to my waist.

When I got on the scales there arose such a number!
When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber).

I’d remember the marvelous meals I’d prepared;
The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared,

The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese
And the way I’d never said, “No thank you, please.”

As I dressed myself in my husband’s old shirt
And prepared once again to do battle with dirt—

I said to myself, as I only can
“You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!”

So–away with the last of the sour cream dip,
Get rid of the fruit cake, every cracker and chip

Every last bit of food that I like must be banished
Till all the additional ounces have vanished.

I won’t have a cookie–not even a lick.
I’ll want only to chew on a long celery stick.

I won’t have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie,
I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry.

I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore—
But isn’t that what January is for?

Unable to giggle, no longer a riot.
Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet!

Author Unknown

So how to do you set an effective New Year’s resolution? Read my last post.
Still full,
Katie

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 

I am so charged up!!!!!!!!!!!!…I just hopped off the MONEY RELATIONSHIP conference call  with Bruce Bradshaw and I gave out soooo much good information that you NEED right now. The good news? We recorded the call and you can reserve your FREE copy of the call by contacting Bruce Bradshaw at www.walworthfinancial.com

Just let him know you want the link to the recording…it’s that simple….

What a great call. Thanks to all that opened themselves and their schedules up to create new possibilities! If you missed it, I am cooking up some amazing things for 2010 and invites will be posted here. Make 2010 your best year yet!

Otherwise, I have snowed myself in for the nite and hoping that those that have to do traveling in Southeast WI and Northern IL choose patience and drive safety.

WINTER is no doubt here, I am enjoying my seasonal tamales (why are tamales seasonal again?)  and successfully completed my annual “I LOVE SNOW” photo-shoot at the WLKG studios. My Christmas shopping is also complete and I am  ready for the holiday!

The photo shoot started out as a big joke. I don’t know how I became the proud owner of my I LOVE SNOW hat but I do know why…I was famous for whining and complaining about snow. I was the first one to say “I am moving West” at the first sighting of snowfall. Through the years, I have coached myself to really appreciate the snow and I am learning how to continue living when snow does in fact fall. (I am not kidding, I would hibernate when it snowed)

So this amazing hat I have had for quite sometime and one year when the first storm came through I wanted to take pictures for my “west coast friends” so I got out a ruler, blew the dust off my fun winter cap and did a little photo shoot for those that don’t get snow this time of year.

That is the back story….This year I did my best to enroll Dave Michaels in my shoot. He was being a grinch but I did manage to convince him as long as he didn’t have to wear a Santa hat. (party pooper) So below is a few pictures in-front of our new and improved WLKG Holiday Tree.
Dave doesn’t know it but he may in for an annual treat now

Check out this hat!

Dave and I getting ready for the electric parade!
(ps. Dave it would have been alot better with that Santa on…)

Admiring Nancy and Erin’s work with the WLKG tree makeover.

GOTTA LOVE THE HOLIDAYS!!!

Katie Kruz

www.coachkatie.com 

MONEY: The Root of all Evil?
How to Nurture, Weed, and Fertilize your Relationship with Money.

IF YOU MISSED THE CALL IT WAS POWERFUL….AND ITS INFORMATION YOU NEED RIGHT NOW

GOOD NEWS: WE RECORDED THE CALL SO YOU CAN LISTEN IN WHEN YOU WANT!

CALL ALICIA AND TELL HER TO SEND YOU THE RECORDING!

Contact Bruce Bradshaw by clicking here or call Alicia at 262-643-8883

What does money mean to you? Some would argue money to be a measurement of success in life and can never get enough of it. Others experience money as the source of most of life’s problems and are burdened by financial restrictions. Still others view money as a means to and end, living paycheck to paycheck not really giving much thought to the future. And then there are those who have discovered money to be a useful tool to achieve their life’s goals and dreams.

In less than 60 minutes you will:

• Identify the “money beliefs” that block your success
  
• Transform your money beliefs to heal your relationship with money
  
• Explain why you are not where you want to be
  
• Reveal the single most important thing you need to master in order to receive financial freedom.

It is time to take a look at your relationship with money and unlock your abundance right now!

“The quality of your life is the quality of your relationships”

A HOLIDAY GIFT

It’s time for the Holidays, the season of giving. We’re all busy thinking about how to make the people in our lives happy. What’s the perfect gift to give that special someone? What can you put under the tree that will fill your kids’ lives with joy?

I have a suggestion: Forget the cashmere sweater or the latest electronic gadget or stocking stuffer. These are tough times. If you are living in fear and uncertainty, if you are unhappy or unfulfilled, none of that stuff is going to help you achieve what you really want and deserve-an extraordinary life.

So this year, give yourself or someone you love the gift of a changed life. A change in perspective. A change in emotions. A change in your most intimate relationships. A change in your body. A change in your stamina. A change in your finances. A change in strategy. A change in results. A change in how fulfilled you feel. A change in what your life means. A change in what you contribute.

So as 2009 draws to a close, I hope that you take a moment to stop and think about what you really want for 2010 and what steps you can take to make the greatest, most immediate impact in your life or in those you care most about.
No matter what you’d like to change or achieve, the secrets to success are the same…so either way let’s connect!  Jump start a better 2010 and hop on this call and get good information to help you move forward!

If you wish it, wish it LOUD,

Katie

 GOBBLE GOBBLE!
It’s Katie, coming back to life after my 2 day food coma! I hope you got plenty to eat, enjoyed plenty of friends and family and gave yourself and others the gift of gratitude. I was giving myself this gift as I was driving to my Mother’s house and I was talking out loud, banging on the steering wheel and well actually pretty much yelling all the things I was grateful for. My heart was racing, my physiology changed quickly and in the moment I was filled with abundance. Though I study the brain and think it is fascinating, I do “practice what I preach” often and say “yep, this stuff really works!” Despite people looking at my like I was a crazy person, I was energized and filled with joy. The best part, nothing from my external world created that for me. I was in control. We look to external people places and things to “make us happy.” That is why we invite disappoint into our lives. We leave it up to others, things and places to decide for us so we don’t have to take the fall. So it’s not our fault.
If you haven’t yet, give yourself this gratitude gift before the weekend is over. It will take you less than 3 minutes.
If you are having a hard time believing that this “stuff” works…read the below article and then make a new choice!

Katie

www.coachkatie.com

Scientific Evidence:

Gratitude Increases Happiness
& Goal Progress

It was found that keeping a gratitude journal  (listing at the end of the day to list 5 - 10 things people are grateful of over the last 24 hours), generated a 25% increase in happiness levels! It was also found to increase progress towards important goals.

Robert Emmons and Mike McCullough are the two leading researchers on this topic. Here are some of their findings…

In their studies, the group that did “gratitude intervention” (keeping a gratitude journal at the end of the day to list 5 - 10 things they were grateful of over the last 24 hours), were:

* More likely to have made progress toward important personal goals (academic, interpersonal, and health-based) over a two-month period.

* Reported higher levels of the positive states of alertness, enthusiasm, determination, attentiveness and energy.

* Exercised more regularly, reported fewer physical symptoms, felt better about their lives as a whole, and were more optimistic.

 As an entrepreneur being a Life Coach I found this article to really charge me up! I did not write it, I seem to be having a writers block so I think I am going to look into audio/webcam messages in the new year.

In the meantime, I hope this charges you up as much as it did for me. We all are scared to fail in some area of our lives. Fear is the driving force in our life and I love reading about how everyday people overcome their biggest obstacles. I believe that is why I love to Coach people so much. I get to be there when they are faced with their fears and I get to then see them take massive action to overcome and create extraordinary results. I don’t coach because “positive thinking” will get you great happiness and I don’t believe that to recharge and find your spirit you need “sweat lodges.” I coach because when we are not in the mood to be accountable to ourselves, and when we are hiding in a dark corner because of fear-There is someone there to get the bottom of  the WHY and assist you to take massive action quickly.

The article below is like a quick swig of RED BULL. (As you can tell I am not great with metaphors)

Are you going to be the next famous failure?

To your failures,
Katie

——————————————————————————————————-

To succeed as an entrepreneur there is one thing you are going to have to master… never quit, especially when you fail. It’s the great irony of success… it requires countless failures. Don’t believe me? Watch this video, and check out the list of “famous failures” I have prepared for you. If you work hard enough, and if you never stop… perhaps you will be the next famous failure on this list:
Famous Failure 1: Hillary Clinton failed the D.C. bar exam in the 1970’s yet went on to contend for the President of the United States.Famous Failure 2: Isaac Newton was the greatest mind of his generation, often labeled a genius. Yet he failed throughout grade school, to the utter frustration of his teachers.

Famous Failure 3: JK Rowling lived on welfare for years. A failing author, she went on to write the Harry Potter series, and today has an estimated worth over $1B. Among many recent notable successes, she performed Harvard’s commencement speech.

Famous Failure 4: Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most epic composers of classical music. Yet at the early stages of his career, his music instructor labeled him “as a composer, he is hopeless”. Of course, we all know that he also lost his hearing, yet went on to make the world’s most famous music!

Famous Failure 5: Winston Churchill failed the 6th grade and now he is regarded as one of the most important leaders in British and world history.

Famous Failure 6: Michael Jordan is, well, Michael Jordan. He still is one of the most recognized name in sports, even though he retired from basketball years ago. Yet as a high school player, he was cut from his team because of his “lack of skill”.

Famous Failure 7: Walter Disney is the entrepreneur behind the Disney conglomerate, a company generating over $30B annually. Starting his first cartoon production out of his garage he quickly went bankrupt. And ultimately was rejected by over 300 banks when he went to seek funding for his theme park.

Famous Failure 8: Henry Ford’s first two automobile companies failed.

The Next Famous Failure: Is it going to be you? Are you going to give up at your next failure… or are you going to be inspired forward?

Compiled by Mike Michalowicz, Author of The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

It’s Friday with a beautiful weekend ahead! There is nothing like a sunny fall afternoon. (I am sure I will be seeing lots of you raking the leaves. I love to rake leaves…yep! Believe it! )

So this week I have been wrapping my brain around the holidays and sharing with you some Stress-free holiday tips to have a “nice and easy” holiday season. So as an extension of my last post I am posting some FOODS you can eat to reduced your stress level!

I recently completed a 10-day health challenge so I have attracted many didn’t health resources. This is what I found out:

If you’re looking to reduce your stress levels, try incorporating some of these foods into your diet more regularly:

Seaweed
Seaweed has anxiety-fighting properties. Magnesium, which it is filled with, reduces stress, and the benefits of fish are outstanding.

Cantaloupe.
Vitamin C is crucial for fighting stress and cantaloupe is filled with it.

Blueberries
They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, both of which promote low stress.

Almonds
The vitamins in almonds are great stress relievers: vitamin B2, vitamin E, Magnesium and Zinc.  They are high in fat, so only eat a handful.Brocolli
Filled with the B vitamins known to relive stress.  Also contains folic acid, which has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, panic and depression.

So you may be thinking…”who eats seaweed????”—What I learned through my 10 day challenge is that you can train your taste buds. What you eat is a habit. Your system is used to eating the sugars, acids, carbs etc. So when you go to eat “seaweed” your system says “HOLD THE PHONE LADY”   “WHAT Do YOU THINK YOUR DOING?!”
(I have had many many many many of these conversations the last few weeks) So if we believe “Change your thoughts, change your life” then you can do this with you diet as well. You can train your brain to crave the good stuff like seaweed, almonds, greens etc.  all you have to do eat this stuff whether you like it or not. Excuse my french but bullshit yourself if you don’t like what you are eating. If you tell yourself, “yuuummmmmmm seaweed” sooner rather than later you will tend to believe it and actually WANT those foods. So yes, “if at first you don’t succeed—bullshit yourself to start!” -Katie Kruz

On that note, have a spectacular weekend and get into the mindset of a “great holiday” starting today. (and now you know what to do if are challenged with this mindset.

Hooray for the holidays!
Katie

If you want more BS check me out here

 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

 Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! I could not believe that I saw flurries this past weekend. Okay, I CAN believe it living in Wisconsin- Everything is possible when it comes to weather. I still remember quite vividly the lovely January tornado that blew past my home when I lived in Kenosha! After the flurries started Saturday, I quickly texted my west coast friends and the response I got from my friend Amber was “I am jealous.” I have blogged about her before. The same lady who told me she can’t stand that it is sunny and 75 everyday in California. I love telling that story to my clients when we speak about perspective and how the “map is not the territory.”
Seeing the snow inspired me to go to the movies with a gal pal of mine. (Did I just say gal pal? hhmmmm)
Read the rest of this entry »

CAN YOU SEE ME?????
I am jumping for joy singing “it’s fall, it’s fall, it’s fall!” I am so lucky to live where I live during this wonderful season that is called FALL. Mere every corner I turn I can snap a camera shot of the fall colors over the hills, cornfields and farmlands!

I have a ton of energy after coming back from a weekend of fun with my Niece and Wayne Dyer! Wayne is one of the greats. He is an author, speaker, inspiration to many. He has a new book out called “Excuses Begone“  and he selected a few cities to speak regarding the subject of excuses. (One subject I think we all are too familiar with.) He is powerful and I recommend any of his books. If excuses are running your life-try that book out, “Excuses Begone.”
After getting motivated from Wayne I got to sing happy birthday to my niece who turned 1 last week. She is spoiled and got TWO ELMO parties! It was so much fun, I will post pictures when I get them.

Also-I just sent out my monthly newsletter with good information around how to be an effective listener to enhance your relationships. I am confident that in some relationship in your life, whether it be with your boss, your kids or significant other-you are simply not a good listener. If your not signed up for my newsletter, sign up now at www.coachkatie.com

Now, we all love stories! This one is an ancient story about holding on to things we need to let go of:

TWO MONKS & A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN

Two monks were on a journey when they came to
a river where a beautifully dressed woman was
standing.

As she did not want to ruin her lovely clothes, she
asked them to carry her to the other side. The two
monks glanced at one another because they had
taken vows not to touch a woman.

Then, without a word, the older monk picked up the
woman, carried her across the river, placed her
gently on the other side, and carried on his
journey.

The younger monk couldn’t believe what had just
happened. After rejoining his companion, he was
speechless, and an hour passed without a word
between them.

Two more hours passed, then three, finally the
younger monk could contain himself no longer,
and blurted out “How could you do that, when you
made a vow not to even touch a woman!”

The older monk looked at him and replied, “Oh, are
you still carrying her? I put her down hours ago.”

What are you holding onto?

All we have is this moment,

Katie Kruz 
www.coachkatie.com