Women and Business

As a woman business owner I read alot of information and articles about women in business. Having come from a corporate male dominated environment in a "high power" position and giving that up to have a life, I know what women in business want. In my experience coaching over 300 women in business, we want to create businesses that reflect our life missions and purposes and we want flexiblity and balance in our lives. We want more connection and more time to do yoga, or take walks, or play with our kids, or clean our homes, or whatever it is we do.

Women are starting home based and other businesses at a rapid pace and are great in business! They do lack some key business fundamentals that typcially our male counterparts have been taught that we have not accessed.

I have a deep passion to help women succeed in their businesses and do what they love and love what they do while serving the world. I want for them to succeed and make money and to have a viable, solid business. My goal is to be sure women have the necessary tools and skills to be super successful.

I decided to teach what I know to women in business or those who want to be or MIGHT want to be in business. I hope you'll come out and learn from me. My passion is to share my resources and knowledge with you so you can do more of what you want and get paid well for doing it while making a valuable contribution to society through your business. If you want to learn from me, please join me by going to:

http://www.terrilevine.com/successfulWOB.html


Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com/

Do YOU Want To Be Part of My Podcast?

My podcast is in production and I am looking for two types of people/companies to come play with me. If you are a part-time or full time coach, who is a woman with children who is a coach, and have built a successful coaching business, you might be the star of my next show! If this is YOU, please send an email to Terri@TerriLevine.com telling me about you and your coaching career.

If you have a business that would appeal to people who are interested in hiring coaches or you are a coach who would like to reach my podcast audience, we currently have openings for sponsorships. Sponsors can either have me endorse them for up to 90 seconds on my show, or can have a professional voice over give their commercial or can give their 90 second commercial themselves. You'll reach a large targeted audience and will be my sponsor for a full month!

For details send an email asking about sponsorship to Terri@TerriLevine.com.

Come play!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Stop the Certification Madness

I am constantly amazed at how coaches get trapped into thinking they need to have some initials after their names to draw clients to them or for the coach to believe they are a great coach. I know coaches who get great coach training and are not only the top coaches in the industry, they are the real money making coaches, and none of them give a hoot about what it says after their name. I am really tired of the coaching industry taking the focus away from learning coaching skills and learning the skills to be a highly paid coach and making it about getting some silly initials after your name!

One of my clients said she just puts, MSU after her name, for Make Stuff Up! That really is the essence of saying, it doesn't matter! I have been coaching for nearly a decade and work with Fortune 100 companies, clients around the world and over 2,000 coaching clients and not ONE ever asked about initials. They ask where I got my training and they want to know what I am an expert at and how I can help them - THEY have the right focus and ask the right questions.

Michael Port and I were speaking recently and he agrees with my view and he said in the 3 years he has been coaching and the 500k of income he has generated as a coach he has never been asked about his certification and he has none and is one of the greatest coaches on the planet and makes a great income, too!

Coaches, stop procrastinating with your careers and get real. Consultants don't need inititals, we need great training and knowledge of how to sell what we do.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Live Events!!

I have had a great few days coaching clients, writing, doing phone seminars and interviews and working both ON and IN my business! The next two days with be spent with some of my super star Field Trip clients doing a live two day event where they will get high level training and kick their butt (with love, of course!) coaching. I so enjoy this balance and love when live energy comes together and connects. I am so excited and looking foward to this that I barely slept a wink last night and woke up at the crack of dawn! Let's rock and roll!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Late Night

I like to wake up early to take my walk and spend some time planning my day and enjoying silence before the pace of the day picks up, so I wake about 6 AM. By about 9 PM I am not so lively. Last night I got my second wind as I enjoyed 2 calls with Pamela Harper from University of Masters. On the first call we spoke about my upcoming classes with University of Masters which I am super excited about! Then, later that night she interviewed me about the field of coaching, some of my secret information about coaching and I got to meet and experience some new folks associated with University of Masters. What a treat and I had no problem keeping my high energy.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Getting Ready For Field Trip!!

Over the past 3 years I have conducted my favorite live program called "Field Trip" where very special business owners come together to learn my secrets and be supported by me for a full year. Part of the joy of working with this group is about the people who I get to know and support and the live experiences we have together to share and grow. This week, most of the Field Trippers come together here in PA, to continue their learning and growth. I am thrilled as I look foward to taking these folks to the next level and can't wait for this gathering. I spent much of the weekend gathering supplies, reviewing the agenda and just feeeeeeeeeeeeeeling and pre-paving this experience. I will be away from the office Thursday and Friday with this group and no one else will have my attention during that time. I cherish this opportunity and am blessed to have such wonderful business people to spend 2 days with. What an honor!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Weekend

I really enjoy the weekends as Mark and I have much more time to spend together. Sometimes we spend our time doing errands and other times we do nothing at all. This weekend is going to be a nice blend. Today I am working out and then taking my good friend, Shannon, to Philly for Tea for her birthday. Then, Mark and Shannon's husband, John, are meeting us for a drink and then we are going to a great Italian joint in Philly. Shannon loves chocolate, so part of her birthday celebration is going to another Philly hotel for their hot chocolate stations after dinner.

Saturday we have our usual errands and then we are going to watch some movies and relax.

Sunday is our lazy day and later that night a bunch of us are going to Philly for a Chinese New Year dinner celebration.

What a great way to rest and replenish. I am doing things I love with people I enjoy and having the thing I love most in life - lots of time with my husband.

Create an EXTRAordinary weekend!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Private Movie Theater

Yesterday my nephew and I went to see the Chronicles of Narnia. He has seen it many times and wanted to see it again and I have been looking foward to seeing it. We were the only ones in the entire 22 theater movie plex! It was so weird. So, there we were in our private theater enjoying the movie, sharing popcorn and soda and chatting.

It was really cool and the movie was awesome.

Next time I go to a movie I want it to be private:) There was something so cool about being the only ones in the entire 22 screen theater. Like it was part of our private space or something.

Cool beans and a great movie and great company!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Family Fun

Today I have taken off to be with my nephew who is visiting during February break. Last night we went to dinner and chatted about all kinds of things and connected. We then came home and watched TV and had some laughs playing "judges" on American Idol.

Today we are going to see the Chronicles of Narnia, which he has seen 3 times I think and I am anxious to see. Then we have a few places to stop and we'll connect with Mark for dinner and hang out together.

It is awesome to see my wonderful nephew develop and grow and mature and to get to know him more deeply.

I am grateful for this time and for having a business that I can take time away from to be with family.


Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Back to Working Myself Happy

We had an awesome weekend away and we had time together to relax, rest, and re-connect. When we got home last night I felt excited to be coming back to work today. I remember so well the days in "corporate" where I dreaded going back to work and would feel depressed when vacation was over. It is evidence that I am working myself happy, when I feel energized and excited to be with my clients today and feeling great about getting back to work.

What a blessing to be doing work I love with people I love and really deeply serving others through my work.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Getaway!

Tomorrow, my husband and I are going away to our favorite hotel in Philly to spend a quiet weekend alone. We have dinner plans for Friday and then plan to listen to music and relax in the lounge. Saturday we'll use the gym and then read by the indoor pool, do some swimming, use the jacuzzi and veg:) We'll probably take a long walk to China Town and grab some dinner there and then find a nice place to sit and chat and hang out. Sunday we are having brunch and then going to several museums and then Sunday night we are having dinner at a Cuban restaurant we've always wanted to try. Monday my sister and 2 of her children might take a train to Philly so we can all go the museums, have some lunch and spend time visiting. Then, Mark and I will have dinner at a noisy, fun, funky place in the city and my sister and her children will take the train back to my home, outside Philly, where they are staying for a bit.

Man am I looking foward to this!!!!

My favorite weekends are the ones alone with my husband;)


Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Loving My Work

As the author of Work Yourself Happy you may have guessed that everyday I get to do what I love and love what I do.

I deeply LOVE my work and I also love the people I get to work with. My clients and support team are awesome and I am blessed to have them in my life.

It is a delight to see my clients grow and build a business or create more success in their personal lives or at work or in their health and wellness goals or relationships or with their mates and children. I so enjoy watching my clients shift from worry and stress to easy, effortless systems and lives.

I happen to make a great living doing what I do, but even if I did not, I am too passionate about this work, and would keep on doing it even if the financial rewards were small.

I also am so glad to be surrounded with great teammates that support my work and assist my clients. In corporate America I didn't get to choose the players and now I have the wonderful benefit of selecting top people who are fun to work with.

I am appreciative each day that I do get to Work Myself Happy!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Relationships

I was noticing how friends and family talk a lot about what is not quite right in their relationships with their children, parents, mates, co-workers and their family and friends. I was silently listening thinking about how I focus on postive aspects of what IS working and what IS right about all the people I experience, even ones that might pose some "difficulty".

I asked a few questions (of course, the Coach in me could not stay quiet!) and as I did I saw each person begin the gentle shift that comes from coaching. One of my closest friends said, "I am not sure what you just did or how you did it, but 10 minutes ago I was really pissed at my sister-in-law and all of the sudden I am finding her silly ways just that, silly"...

Ah, the power of coaching and simply asking the right questions. I am blessed to know these tools and have them to coach myself and my clients and the side benefit of observing others and assisting them by living as a coach is soooooooooooooo rewarding to me.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Car Show

Every year my husband and I attend the car show in Philly and I enjoy seeing the new cars and wondering around. We went yesterday even though we had 16 or so inches of snow on the ground, and it was a great time to go, as it was empty and you could really get in and see many cars.

He is looking for something bigger than his current car and we stumbled over to Maserati... WOW... what a freaking car! While he was looking there I saw a small, convertible Maserati and loved it.

I have been waiting for the new Bentley to come out in a convertible for over a year and it is coming shortly and for about 1/2 of that price of that car, I can get the Maserati. I am confused now!

We are going to drive the Maserati's on Saturday. I have already driven the Bentley and know it's an awesome ride.

Mark would rather I get a "cheap" car but he knows that won't happen as I have a passion for fast, exotic cars and as a race car driver, expensive cars are my thing!

So, we are going to drive the Maserati's on Saturday.

Kind of cool playing with some new toys.

Everytime I spend a lot on something for "me" or "us", I make a donation to a favorite charity so I feel like I am giving and getting and it makes it more fun. I have the charity all picked out and now I have to see if I pick out the car, too!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Winter

The buzz today is that we are expecting a HUGE snow storm so everywhere I went people were talking about it and rushing to get groceries. I was calmly thinking about it and how beautiful it might be and how I was NOT going to rush to get food, knowing we won't starve and will be out and about again!

Interesting how the weather forecast alone can send people into a panic and add more stress and take them away from living in the present:(

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Getting My Husband To Eat Veggies

I have been primarily vegetarian for many years. Sometimes very strict, sometimes vegan, and sometimes I eat meat IF my body seems to crave it. I always listen to what my body is asking for.

My husband, Mark, would love to have chicken, fish or meat most of the time for dinner. I almost never have time to cook up a dinner and he comes home from work late, so we grab something and make it up real fast or he brings something in.

When he is out for an evening on business or with his friends, I make eggplant or spaghetti squash a lot. I am trying to get him to eat this tonight!

Everytime I think of this I laugh. My squash will have some garlic and onion and cottage and mozzarella cheese, spices and bread crumbs and be baked like a casserole. Mark's will have all of that plus MEAT sauce:) before I bake it.

I know the one time I made it without meat, the poor man was starving all night.

Anyway, the recipe is awesome and it is such a healthy food and easy to prepare.

I say YUM!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

The Flow of Life

I have always found my life to have a flow, or certain rhythm to it. Fast, up beat and then sometimes quiet and off tempo. I noticed this week, I was feeling like the flow was set to high speed and so much was happening at once... great contacts, many friends, lots of social events, family functions, weather changes, craving hot foods, working out more hours than ever and wishing I could walk for hours...

So, today I decided to turn down the pace knob a tad. I did yoga instead of weight lifting and I had time to read and meditate built into my morning. I also noticed that so far, my clients are speaking slower (or I am hearing slower!) and that this change of pace is giving me thinking time.

Interesting to notice and be aware and observe and then take some action from this place.


Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Technology

A few weeks ago I got Dragon Naturally Speaking 8 and was loving it. 7 never worked well and 8 was working so well I was writing several new books while speaking in it!

And then:(

Explorer started closing over and over again.

Then Word.... then my computer was freezing.

And of course what came next was the BIG crash:(

Back up and running but not with Dragon. I think I'll try to use it just on my laptop and see how that works.

I have chased the dragons off my desktop for now.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Keep Alert For New Project

I know I have mentioned the project I am soooooooooo excited about and have been working on behind the scenes with Peter Julian. We are both amazed at how this is coming along and believe when you have access to it, you will expand what you know in an instant and find you feeeeeeeeel totally different. I have been learning so much and having a great time playing with Peter and we are working on this like nuts and hope to get it to you in the late Spring.

I just am so amped up about it, I had to let it out a bit!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Momentum

This has been an awesome and an amazing week! I have been busy working on the secret project that I mentioned earlier, and really enjoying the time I am spending working on this and putting my focus there. It's interesting to me that I often coach clients on how to keep momentum and I am using the same skills that I coach my clients to use when working on a project. To keep the momentum each day, I look at my vision for this project, and I read it and I think it and I see it and I feeeeeeeeeeel it and I get passionate and excited about making it happen!

When I do something that I feel this excited about I choose to put my energy there. It is easy and effortless and fun to spend my time on a project that has great value, and that I believe will impact others in a big way. As this week closes out, I am grateful to be working with people and on projects that I absolutely feel connected to am excited about bringing forth.

This weekend, I will have a lot of time to relax and rejuvenate will be spending much of my time with clients, friends and family. This gives me the time that I need to be away from my business and enjoy the company of others, and the experiences of life and allows me to be truly focused on those experiences and breathe them in, and rejuices me for Monday!

What are you going to do this weekend so that you create a weekend, which is extraordinary and you feel passion for?

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Low self-esteem

Working as a parent coach, I am often amazed at how many children have low self-esteem. I deeply believe that parents mean well, and want to help their children create high self-esteem for their lifetimes. High self-esteem comes from being listened to, respected, and acknowledged. I have been coaching many parents to focus more on their children and to be truly present with their children. In our busy society today, parents are often distracted while thinking about their work and life's stressors. They interrupt their children either verbally or by being preoccupied in their own minds with their own thoughts. To be a better parent, it is important that you master the skill of deeply tuning in, and listening fully with your heart. Children long for connection and to be heard. Today, I have been thinking about the people that I have been coaching to become better parents as well as those that I have been teaching to become coaches to those parents. I very much want to impact the way children in our society are raised, and truly hope that parents will create time each day to deeply tune in, connect, and fully be present to one of the greatest gifts on this planet, their children.


Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Businesses To Watch

Today I found out that The Coaching Institute became a "Business To Watch" and has been rated as the Delaware Valley's top rated business coaching center! I am doing my happy dance:)

I have so enjoyed building Comprehensive Coaching U and then expanding that program to become the program at The Coaching Institute and now we have been recognized as a "Business To Watch".

While I am happy dancing, I thought I'd share this news with you right away.

I am so proud of the work we do at Comprehensive Coaching U and The Coaching Institute and of the fine folks that work with me each day to make these programs rock. My heart feels warm and I know that others are seeing the value in our programs, too. And that my friends, is what it is all about!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

My Health Has Improved!

Several years ago, I had a sinus infection that lasted for 9 months - yes, 9 full months! I was in bed, on tons of medications and very ill. I had sinus surgeries and I improved but never regained my energy nor my voice, fully.

Last year I began to have problems with my larynx and esophagus and had trouble keeping down food (including water) and would loose my voice many times a day. I had low energy and felt sick all the time. I went for three 4 medical procedures and began to take 7 prescription drugs and didn't improve at all.

I was seeking more energy and to eliminate my health issues. I mentioned this to one of my coaches and he connected me with a simple 5 Step Health Program built on common sense and leading medical research.

I began to see and feel the possibility of creating a healthier life and a life where I did not have to mask my symptoms by filling my body with damaging drugs.

As I researched health conditions of others, I came across some shocking facts from the US Department of Health and Human Services. I won't list them all here, but some of them thatgot my attention:

Diabetes affects 10 million people in the US alone - including my husband:(

High blood pressure affects 2 million people in the US

Heart disease is the #1 cause of death

Cancer is the #2 cause of death

and over 50% of us have chronic digestive disorders

I started on the 5 Step Program and found that when I came to step 3- cleansing my body to get rid of built up toxins that create disease and illness, I began to have some dramatic changes and began to feel better.

When I moved to step 5, a few months ago and matched the right treatment of natural supplements, I woke up one day feeling like I used to and have never looked back! I am eating things like chocolate and tomatoes and having some coffee and citrus fruits and red wine, which I was unable to tolerate for a year.

I then encourgaged my husband Mark to try products for his diabetes. His numbers, in not yet 60 days, have come down and because all the products are natural, there are no harmful side effects that come with traditional drugs, so we both feel confident about our decisions in using these products (and there are clinical studies and listings in the Physicians Reference Guide, too!).

Today I am celebrating that I am feeling rid of my health issues and feeling youthful and full of vitality and believe I have eliminated my debilitating diseases.

What I did to get started was to take a health assessment and if you want to do the same (there is no cost, no obligation, just a free service to spread the health), visit http://www.terrilevine.com/4minhealthassessment.htm.

I want for you and your families to have more energy, to eliminate health issues and to create the lives you desire filled with health and well-being.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Busy Weekend

What a delightful weekend! Friday we signed an agreement for a large expansion to our home, adding on much needed additional office space, meeting space, and a conference area. We are also putting in a private living quarters for my father, so we all have more space and privacy. That night, Mark and I went to dinner to chat about the week and just relaxed and took our time enjoying the night out.

Saturday we met our good friends Elaine and Steve in NJ and had lunch out and caught up on post-holiday events and exchanged our holiday gifts. It was a lot of fun being with them and we laughed a lot - and we ate a lot, too!

Mark and I came home and did some errands and late that night we munched on some Chinese food and then watched TV and cuddled.

I love the weekends as we have alone time and also special time with our friends and family. Sunday, we went to brunch (that is our weekly ritual and my favorite meal of the week) and then relaxed in front of the TV until it was time to meet up with some more friends for a meal where the chef cooks in front of you and does a really funny show while he cooks.

We chatted with them in the parking lot for ages as we had so much to share none of us could pull away to our cars.

I reflected last night on how restful and peace filled the weekends are and wondered if that is why I am always so ready to go on Mondays! My former coach, Sharon Teitelbaum sent me a wonderful book she authored, "Getting Unstuck Without Coming Unglued" and I read the entire book before bed. It was awesome and she is an extraordinary coach.

This morning I went back to eating light and healthy after that weekend filled with so much food. I planned a super long workout today as it is to be almost 60 degrees in the Philadelphia area today! I don't want to miss out on that, so after I hit the weights I am going to walk in the park.

I am looking foward to another amazing week with my clients and my coaching students. I am listening to my silent affirmations from my Brainspeak program right now and really feeling amped up.

Go create an extraordinary day, too!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Working on Something Major!!

I am really excited and wanted to share some news! I have been working (secretly) with my partner, Peter Julian, on a major breakthrough that will change the world of coaching and self-help forever. It's been a super busy time and for the past months we've been underground developing this and are coming closer to launch.

I don't have time frames yet and when I do, I'll post them here for sure. If you want to be notified directly, just let rachel@coachinginstruction.com know and she'll add you to the project announcement list.

This is really awesome and I am out of breath working on it almost around the clock because I am so excited!

If you aren't doing something that juices you, I encourage you to go for it now!


Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

What's missing?

I know that with me, by the end of January I have to remind myself what New Year's Resolutions I've made. It always seems that when we start the New Year we're all excited about our goals for the year. Then we get overwhelmed with other things and our gung ho attitude starts to fade. Face it; we all lead busy lives. But that shouldn't keep you from your goals for 2006.

So how can you go about fixing this problem? What's missing for you? What do you need to do for your business? What goals have you made for yourself? What's not working? The end of January is a good time to reassess your New Year's Resolutions.

What resolutions are working for you and what's not? Which ones are unrealistic? Set time frames for each resolution. Do you have new ideas that you can add? I suggest you give your resolutions a "make over". By the end of January you should have a pretty good idea of what changes need to be made. Don't let your New Year attitude fade!

Here's a tip for you: Are you looking back on your revenue from 2005 and trying to figure out what happened...what went wrong? Are you continually searching for ways to find out what's missing in your business but seem to come up empty handed? I have a product that might be of interest to you. It's called The Coaching Success Profit Generator - and this software program does just that; generates profit in easy steps. I highly recommend this to all coaches who are looking to improve their businesses in 2006. Perhaps this is just what is missing from your business? Read more about it here: http://www.terrilevine.com/software.htm or email me at terri@terrilevine.com

Check out some of my other business building products at: http://www.terrilevine.com/products.htm

What's missing in your business? In your life? What are YOU going to do about it?

Take action and get moving on "making over" your resolutions.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com/

Want to avoid the feelings of stress in the future?

Try these tips:

1. Get up 15 minutes earlier every morning so you aren't in a rush and can relax before leaving the house. You can eat your breakfast at a leisurely pace.


2. Exercise daily to unwind


3. Eliminate the words "ought" and "should" from your vocabulary and make your goals things you really want to do


4. Skip the daily news - it's full of negative events


5. Drive slowly and enjoy listening to music while you drive


6. Meditate or sit quietly for a few minutes every day


7. Schedule plenty of time between appointments so you don't feel rushed


8. Learn to say no or to delegate. Don't be a control freak - not only does this annoy those you're trying to control but it sets you up for big time stress!

Life is filled with changes and challenges, many of which you can't control. How you respond to these changes and challenges *is* in your control. Your attitude can determine a situation or you can allow the situation to control your attitude.

It is much better for your stress levels if you can learn to control your attitude so you and your emotions and stress levels are not at the mercy of every outside influence affecting you.

There are many self-help books, tapes and videos as well as live classes and programs to help stressed people deal with it and control it... if you are reading this and you are a stress-ball... you have no excuse! Go get help!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Stressed? What to do about it...

It may sound like a cliché, but techniques such as meditation, relaxation or even exercise does help reduce stress levels.

We're always reading stress advice for career people... but thinking about the lady who emailed me who wasn't sure if she was stressed made me think how this group in our community is so often overlooked.

So, this advice is for the stressed stay-at-home mom... the unsung heroines of our community (or heroes if the stay-at-home parent just so happens to be Dad!)

Take your mind away from what you are doing. Read the comics, take a walk. Take deep breaths. If you're a stay at home parent, take your children to the park, walk slowly and breathe in the fresh air. Find some time of the day to sit and soak in a long warm bath with a good book. If you can't get to a aerobics or exercise class of some kind (that has a creche), buy a video and do it at home. You have to have some special "you" time - this is not being selfish. If you are not feeling 100%, you are not going to be able to give 100% to your family - so you HAVE to take care of you first if you want to be able to take care of others.

It will take some practice but you need to relinquish the "need" for a spotless house - you have children - any mother will tell you, children and a permanently spotless house just don't go together unless you have a full time house-keeper! Train your children to pick up after themselves.

If you're house proud, sit down and make a list of the things you feel must be done to make you happy re your house and then schedule the tasks for the week, making allowances for interruptions along the way. Schedule in children time. Schedule in all the things you have to do. Now somewhere in that schedule, find at least half an hour just for yourself - possibly later in the evening when the children are in bed, or maybe you can get up a bit earlier before everyone else - but it's imperative you find time just for you. Buy one of those soothing meditation music tapes, put it on softly, lie on the sofa with your eyes closed and just listen and relax.

You might like to try a herbal remedy - St John's Wort is excellent and can be found on most vitamin shelves in the stores. Check with a naturopath for their recommendations.

Most of all, enjoy the time you have with your children... blink and they'll be grown up and gone!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Am I stressed?

You don't know? Actually, that's not as silly as you might think. I was once asked "How can I determine what is true stress or if I just overreact to everything. Or does it not matter as long as a person feels stressed no matter what the source?"

This poor woman went on to confide that she felt overwhelmed most of the time. She was a stay at home mom, with 3 kids, ages 12, 3, and 1yr. She said she felt stressed by everyday tasks and events - things that she thought other people wouldn't react to. She also confessed to being something of a control freak and liked things a certain way. She liked a tidy house, but was stressed by having to keep it tidy all the time and also stressed if she didn't do it.

Actually, I think that last part is something most of us can relate to! But back to her stress...

True Stress is that state of overwhelm which affects you physically and mentally and renders one incapable of functioning without that sense of panic and urgency, an inability to relax. Her need to control and have things "just so" was exacerbating her problem. Mind you, not all stress is bad. Stress is your body's response to any change in its inner or outer environment. Even good things, such as a promotion at work or a new baby in the house can create stress. It's when you are faced with one stress period after another, with no time to relax in between, it can affect your physical and mental well-being.

Anyhow, if YOU don't know if you're stressed or not, here are some common symptoms of too much stress and not enough relaxation.

• Fatigue
• Sleeplessness
• Irritability, anxiety or depression
• A change in appetite
• Headache, backache or chest pain
• A noticeably negative attitude
• Numbness
• Feeling overwhelmed or out of control
• Poor concentration
• Little things bothering you
• Frequent crying
• Muscle spasms
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty controlling your temper

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

2006 and the State of Your Self-Image

I receive a lot of email about my articles on self-sabotage, grumpy people, combating stress, etc. and a common theme which runs through all the emails is that a lot of people carry around a poor self-image. Ever heard that expression "You ARE what you think!"?

It is as a result of a poor self-image that we believe we don't "deserve", and because of this, we subconsciously sabotage our own happiness.

Typical behaviors associated with poor self-image include:

• negative self-talk about ourselves


• jealousy/envy


• feelings of guilt


• poor health


• inability to give affection


• inability to receive affection


• inability to give compliments


• inability to receive compliments


• not asking for what we want or not taking into account our own needs


• being highly critical


• we compare ourselves with others


• lack of confidence in ourselves


• pessimism

You can start to overcome these things with practice.

You can start simply, for example, next time you receive a compliment, just say "thank you" and smile. Don't try and put the compliment down or turn it around or poo-poo the compliment giver! Just accept their compliment with a simple thank you!

Some people just burn up inside when somebody says something nice to them! For them, accepting a compliment gracefully and appreciating it is a real challenge. Getting them to BELIEVE it is the hardest part - know why? It's all that negative self-image getting in the way. Because they think they're lousy, no-good, useless wastes of precious oxygen, they think everyone else thinks the same and if they don't, its because they don't know them well enough and they should think the same! Good grief!

And practice giving others compliments.

Whatever your shortcomings, know that we are all human and one of our human traits is that we are not perfect! We all have shortcomings! We don't go around advertising our short comings, and the wise amongst us try to overcome our shortcomings, living lives of continual self-improvement. So stop with the negative self-talk and when you find yourself thinking poorly of yourself, stop yourself and replace the thought with something positive and uplifting. Acknowledge the good things about yourself. Hang around happy people. Don't accept abuse from anybody. Use positive affirmations about all areas of your life. Listen to uplifting tapes and read inspirational books.

You ARE worthy! And that applies regardless of what or who you are... I don't care if you're old, ugly, unemployed, beautiful in a plastic-surgeon-junkie kind of way (conceited), rich and selfish, poor and miserable, in jail, made mistakes... IT DOESN'T MATTER! Some things, like appearances and age, are simply superficial, other things (mistakes we're ashamed of) belong to yesterday and have no place in your thinking "today". Even axe murderers are only punished ONCE for the same crime... how many times do you punish yourself - in thought or deed - for the same mistake?

Here's a nifty trick to make all this easier... picture in your head how you want to be, not how you are now.

I wish you all a HAPPY and successful 2006!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Think Before You Quit

This is one of those times of the year when people start looking ahead and thinking, "Oh my God! There is NO way I can spend another year doing this job!" And thoughts of new careers start filling their heads.

Well, no matter how strong the temptation may be to just up and walk out of your job, have a good long think before you do it. Quitting suddenly without a plan is not recommended. Even though your work position may be impossible to live with a minute longer, you may find being unemployed, with all that entails, even more stressful. Picture it... the long, boring days ahead with no regular income... and looking for work is stressful in itself, particularly if you live in a high-unemployment area.

It doesn't take long for depression and feelings of hopelessness to set in. Believe it or not, most of us are simply not equipped to adapt easily to being unemployed. We are not trained to handle the social and financial adjustments required. Do you have a car loan? Mortgage? Family to support? Any other debts or financial obligations that require you have an income? If you do - don't just quit and walk out!

So, what should you do if your work situation has become so intolerable that you'd consider just walking out the door, never to return? Well, first, consider just what it is that is making you so miserable. Is it the job itself? The department you work in? Your immediate supervisor? Work conditions? Overall morale? Any particular person or people? Now think what can you do that might improve this? Is it possible to transfer to a different department? Apply for a different job? Is there a H.R. Manager you can speak to about your concerns/problems?

If you've tried the "sensible" things like this and nothing can be done or has been done, what do you do next? Avoid acting in the heat of the moment. If your emotional and or physical health and wellbeing is at serious risk where you are, then start looking for a new job elsewhere with a new company. This, in itself, has been known to buoy depressed spirits... you have something to look forward to, and it can make 'hanging in there' more tolerable knowing that it's not permanent.

If you are really suffering, you needn't be 'fussy' about what new job you take if it means having something to go to when you leave. And maybe that is not such a bad thing either, to take a less stressful job for a while, as a filler, to rebuild your strength and give you time to assess where you're going.

And don't forget there are employment laws in place designed to protect not only yourself as a worker, but also the employer. You may, for example, have signed something saying if you leave you will give x number of days written notice. You may stand to lose pay and other benefits if you just walk.

When the temptation to just quit arises, ask yourself if you will manage to live on your savings, because unemployment benefits are not made available to those who quit their jobs. What real benefits do you stand to lose by just walking out the door? How will this affect your family? What are you going to do with yourself? Might seeking the services of a Career Coach be helpful to you in your situation?

Before quitting, try to rectify whatever it is that is making you so miserable and when that is impossible, take the necessary steps to seek new employment. If, while waiting for a new job, things become unbearable, consider taking a part time job somewhere, or a lesser qualified position just so you have something to go to and an assured income to tide you over until you find a 'better' position. But remember, even when doing this, once the initial sense of release and freedom has passed, how will you feel about yourself, your new temporary position, and smaller income?

Get yourself a Career Coach who can counsel you and help you make the necessary adjustments, or speak to a career counselor.

Nobody "has" to stay in a job that makes them miserable, but just walking out the door is not necessarily the answer. As with most things, even quitting your job requires careful planning.

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Simplify Your Life

If you're like most people, you probably toyed with the idea of some new year resolutions a week ago. Did you? I admire you if you had on your list things like: get healthy, quit smoking; work on work/life balance, etc. I'll admire you even more if you STICK to it and succeed!

Sometimes the reason we do NOT succeed, even with our most heartfelt desires, is because we are not physically or mentally "ready" and able to. We are tired, stressed, overwhelmed or plain burned out. Well, I'm not... don't know about you!

When people tell you to work on your stress levels they talk about work/life balance, taking extraordinary self-care, learning relaxation techniques and so on… however, a simple, cost-free method to help reduce your stress almost immediately is to simply SIMPLIFY your life.

Sounds easy, but it involves change - for some reason, any form of change just freaks some people out! You'd think you were asking them to sacrifice a limb! By simplify your life, I mean clear away the clutter. Get rid of that and you get rid of the "overwhelm".... and voila! One less thing for you to "stress" about!

So, where do you start? Start with a list. List those activities and "responsibilities" that really ARE necessary and unavoidable... like having to go to work every day, or feeding your children. On the other hand, having to do the breakfast dishes immediately before going to work is something that can go in the unnecessary column. Get the idea? Nobody is going to die, become ill or lose their job if your kitchen isn't spotless every morning after breakfast.

And remember, just because you've always done something or done it a certain way, doesn't mean you have to always do that something or do it that certain way! You ARE allowed to change! In fact, change is compulsory... your body changes every day whether you like it or not!

Remove any unnecessary activity that forces you to feel stressed about having to keep on top of it all. Even if you are not particularly overwhelmed with activity just now, but you are putting aside your own goals and dreams simply because there are not enough hours in your day as it is... Something has to go to make room for the new.

Think honestly about your priorities and start clearing your plate of all the non-essential clutter that has accumulated over the years. Is there an activity around the home or office that could be delegated so you have more time to do other things? Check every activity you are involved in every week - is it done out of habit or is its purpose still necessary? Can it be delegated or modified in some way, or perhaps totally scrapped?

Identify those areas in your life that are complex, time consuming, money consuming or maybe just emotionally or energetically draining in some way, then think of some ways in which you can simplify each of these complex areas PERMANENTLY.

When you simplify your life, you will feel better for it. You'll be refreshed and energized. Less stressed. More efficient. You can slow the pace down and stop and smell the roses! You will be more fun to be around. You will have more time to work on the things that really count, spending quality time on the activities and people that really count, and have time for yourself and your dreams and goals.

In short, you will have a life, not a "to-do" list!

Here's to a successful 2006!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

A Little New Year Humor

The following was donated to my newsletter some years ago... I came across it and remembered some of the sour faces I'd seen at the shops earlier... seemed to me that some people needed to start the year off with a smile and a laugh... it might not bring instant fame and fortune, but it will make dealing with whatever awaits you in 2006 a lot easier! So, look in the mirror - if you look like you've just sucked a lemon, read on...

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt and a flat tyre.

The darkest hours come just before the dawn. So if you're going to steal your neighbor's milk and newspaper, that's the time to do it.

Don't aspire to become irreplaceable. If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.

Never forget that like everyone else, you are unique.

Never test the depth of the water with both feet.

If you think nobody cares whether you're dead or alive, try missing a couple of mortgage payments.

Before you judge someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you judge them, you're a mile away and you have their shoes!

If at first you don't succeed, avoid skydiving.

Have you ever lent someone $20 and never seen that person again? It was probably worth it.

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.

Some days we are the flies; some days we are the windscreen.

The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put it back in your pocket.

A closed mouth gathers no feet.

Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.

When we are born we are naked, wet, hungry, penniless, and we get smacked on our behinds. From there on in, life gets worse.

And on that note, I wish you ALL a Happy and prosperous 2006 and whatever life throws at you, find something to smile about!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Stretch Yourself in 2006

For no special reason, other than perhaps it's the start of yet another new year, I had a think about all the many wonderful people in the world who, for one reason and another, never realize their full potential.

If you've lived your life so far not realizing your potential, maybe 2006 is the year you should look at yourself in the mirror and discover just who you are and what you are really capable of!

Have you ever thought to think about the boundaries and labels that define your life and your work? There may be geographic boundaries, socio-economic boundaries, industry boundaries, ethnic boundaries. You may be wrapped in the labels of wife, boss, father or employee. You may be believing what your parents or other people in your life have said you are. If their opinion of you hasn't been flattering, this has been keeping you down... maybe it's time you proved them wrong and started living up to your full potential!

Today's world is filled with amazing opportunities. Stretch your boundaries and labels to discover new ways of thinking and being. Stretch for your success.

Here are three easy ways to begin to stretch yourself:

1. Meet someone new every day. Make a point of saying hi to five total strangers every day!


2. Read a publication from a different industry. You don't have to buy them, you can read them for free at your local library.


3. Drive a different route home from work.

Do something differently, just for the heck of it. It really will make a difference. Try it!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

How is 2006 going to be different for you?

Have you set any goals? Have you dreamed big dreams and visualized wonderful outcomes? What bad habits have you decided to do away with? Have you strategies in place to combat these habits? Have you decided to incorporate fun and relaxation and YOU time into your calendar this year?

Once you get back into the swing of things at work, it's easy to make excuses for not finding 'you' time. It's busy, busy, busy. Again, everyone wants a piece of you. Before you know it, you're feeling stressed again and this year is little different to last.

Let me put it like this... if you suddenly came down with a serious illness and your life depended on you slowing down and taking time to smell the roses, you'd find plenty of 'you' time! But why wait until that happens? Do something now!

Just can't relax? Take your mind away from what you are doing. Read the comics, take a walk, or file papers. Take deep breaths. Listen to soothing music.

Try these tips to avoid feelings of stress in the future:

1. Get up 10-15 minutes earlier every morning so you aren't in a rush and can relax before leaving the house.


2. Exercise daily to unwind. Even 5 minutes here and there counts. Get a dog and walk it in the evening.


3. Eliminate the words "ought" and "should" from your vocabulary and make your goals things you really want to do. Think about "wants" this year!


4. Skip the daily news - it's full of negative events.


5. Drive slowly and enjoy listening to music while you drive.


6. Meditate or sit quietly for a few minutes every day.


7. Schedule plenty of time between appointments so you don't feel rushed.

What ways can you think of, that will work for YOU, that you can make 2006 better than every year that has come before it?

You are important. There is only one of you... that makes you rare and valuable! Take care of yourself!

To Your success in 2006!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Looking to the New Year

I trust you enjoyed your Holidays and are looking forward to a very prosperous 2006!

I am currently enjoying taking some time off and relaxing. You may (or may not) have noticed that I didn't get to my usual postings this week. For those of you not on vacation reading this I want to wish you a very Happy New Year.

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for my postings next week! They'll be worth the wait!

Have a safe and happy New Year!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Help Your Children Celebrate Hanukkah... despite the Tinsel!

It's a rare child who can ignore the bright lights and decorations and Santa Clauses and all the fuss that is "Christmas". However, as Hanukkah and Christmas are so close together on the calendar, it can present some challenges, especially for very young children who are easily confused.

Here are a few tips:

1. Talk to your children and make sure they understand the true meaning of Hanukkah, how it relates to them, and its special significance for them.


2. Find ways to make Hanukkah special and significant for them. Make the most of the Hanukkah traditions, keep them alive and encourage your child's active participation.


3. Explain "why" Christmas is special to Christians and explain the differences between Christmas and Hanukkah. If you try to place a "ban" on all things festive related, you will only create a desire for the forbidden. (The Xmas tree and all the decorations actually pre-date Christianity and have nothing to do with the Christian "Christmas" celebration itself.)


4. Invite a couple of your children's non-Jewish friends to celebrate Hanukkah with you and allow your child to accept an invitation to a Christian friend's Christmas celebrations. Maybe some of your non Jewish friends will allow your younger children to help decorate their Xmas tree. (Where's the harm in that? It's just making a tree pretty, after all!) This is also a great way to establish religious tolerance and understanding. Let them learn that all religions have significant celebrations and that they are all meaningful and can all be fun.


5. Some families manage to ignore the fuss of Christmas entirely, and some have decided to participate in certain aspects of the holiday season - such as exchanging gifts, putting up some tinsel or special festive lights, hanging stockings for "Santa" and some even put up Xmas trees! That's okay. Why shouldn't we all be allowed to participate and join in the celebrations? It doesn't detract from who you are or what you believe. It can all be part of understanding each other's culture and traditions. Why not share some of YOUR special celebrations with your non Jewish friends? In fact, if you have a group of friends with different religious backgrounds, why not start something where you ALL celebrate each other's special days of significance in some way. Your child will look forward to "their turn" to show their friends what is special about "their" significant days!

Remember, the Xmas tree and all the lights and tinsel we now associate with the Christian celebration of Christmas, have, in fact, nothing to do with Christmas and these traditions pre-date Christianity. With this in mind, there is little harm in enjoying the colorful aspects of the festive season with your children, provided you take the time to explain it all to them!

Happy holidays!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

It's Get On The Soapbox Time Again!

Regardless of your religion and whether or not you celebrate the time of year known as Christmas, just about everywhere you read you will find articles shouting how stressful this time of year is. It's "emotionally, physically and psychologically draining".

Oh puh-leeze! Aren't you just a little bit tired of this?

And who decided that the time of year when there is peace and goodwill among men (or supposed to be) will be an emotionally, physically and psychologically draining time? You did! You decide how you are going to feel at any given time. You can't blame December for your choices!

It's all in your mind! Don't blow things out of proportion. Instead of seeing this time of year as a test of endurance or who can put on the fanciest spread and buy the most expensive gifts or whatever, see it as a time to enjoy special food and the company of friends and family that you might only see once a year.

Your house doesn't have to be spotless. Whatever you cook doesn't have to make the Chef at the Ritz proud. Explain to your visitors that they are visiting a real family living in a real home with all that entails. If they'd prefer spotless perfection, there are any number of grand hotels available for them to visit. Just tell them that this year you are doing things differently... because this year, you plan on enjoying yourself, too!

Don't insist warring factions within the family suddenly and miraculously make-up and be friends. Keep them apart - sit them at opposite ends of the table. Ask your guests to help you serve the meals and clean up afterwards. You are NOT a hotel, remember?

Yes, you can be stressed by all the fuss made at this time of year, but as with any emotion, it is your choice. You can allow yourself to feel stressed by it all, or you can step back and decide to think about it in a different way this year.

Stop demanding perfection. Stop expecting and wanting things to be "just so". Lighten up and for once, you might just enjoy the festive season, and if you can't, then simply, don't do it! Go away next year. Stay in a hotel. Do whatever it takes for you to feel relaxed... just don't go on and on complaining about how this time of the year stresses you. This time of the year doesn't do anything... YOU stress yourself!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

How to Survive the Office Xmas Party with your Dignity Intact

Well, I can really answer this in one sentence: Don't do anything stupid! But that doesn't make for much of a blog, so let's elucidate a little...

• Know the "rules". Are you allowed to bring your partner or is it strictly staff only?


• Do you need to RSVP? Do so if you are required to.


• Dress accordingly - the venue will determine what you should wear but if you are not sure, ask.


• Don't assume anything - some companies can afford to provide an open bar for their staff parties and some cannot. Make sure you bring sufficient funds with you to cover your own drinks AND the cab fare home!


• I know somebody has to be the first to arrive at the party, but that doesn't have to be you! It's not good to be the last to arrive either - if the office party involves a formal sit down dinner, your late arrival will be rude. If the start time is 7.00 pm, try arriving between 7.15 pm and 7.30 pm. Don't make other arrangements for the same evening - it will not look good if you have to leave early to attend another engagement!


• Be sober when you arrive! Don't go getting drunk, bar hopping on the way to the venue!


• Likewise, don't head straight for the bar when you arrive. Mix first and say hello. If you have brought somebody with you, make sure you introduce them to everyone.


• This is one of those occasions when it is a good thing to be friendly with your Boss' wife. When I say friendly, I don't mean flirty - I mean make conversation; be polite. In fact, be friendly and make conversation with all the invited spouses - make them feel welcome. Some will be feeling uncomfortable, perhaps among strangers.


• Don't talk shop. Discuss sports, the weather, ask about families, children, plans for the holidays or whatever.


• Don't flirt! Now is not the time to make your moves on the secretary or any other co-worker you've had your eye on the past months!


• Watch your language! If you watch your drinking, drink slow and sensibly, you are less at risk of making a fool of yourself or losing control over your language. This means be careful about the types of jokes you tell also!


• When it's time to eat, avoid sloppy foods - unless you are an adept with the cutlery. You will not make a good impression on the CEO if you have food stains on your tie! And do remember your manners at the dinner table. If you are unsure, wait until others start eating and follow their example. Don't talk with your mouth full. Chew your food slowly. Don't burp!


• Of course, you have to enjoy yourself too. If there is dancing, join in. If there are "games", join in.

Don't forget, important people in your company will be watching you - and how you conduct yourself at events such as these can make or break your career!

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

Guide To Proper Introductions

Every now and then I like to get on my soapbox about manners... manners are going the way of the dinosaur! In the past, parents taught their kids manners... then we learned a different kind of courtesy when we started out in our careers - manners for business situations. These days, seems people are too busy to include "manners" in their training! We're growing into a rude society of ignorant, me-me-me, so and so's who don't deserve ANYBODY's business! (Yes, thank you, that does feel better!)

Today, my "soapbox" special is about introductions...

Have you ever had to introduce people to one another and found yourself a bit tongue-tied?

Here are a few situations where people often get stuck: who gets introduced first, forgetting names, and when to introduce yourself.

Business etiquette always prevails but most people never receive formal instruction in this. So, here are the "rules" that seems most of us have never been taught.

1. Always introduce the older person to the younger person:
   "John Smith, I would like to introduce you to Bill Evans."


2. Use proper language: "Janice Jones, I'd like you to meet
   Sue Robins."


3. If you are not introduced to someone, wait a few seconds
   and then say: "Hi. I'm Harry Higgins." And yes, you can offer
   your hand to shake.


4. When you forget a name: "Why don't you introduce yourselves
   to each other since I am so bad with names?" (Said with a
   twinkle in your eye!)

Recently, someone told me about a network function they attended and a person they had met once before was there and they really wanted his business! So up he goes and just before he puts out his hand, he realizes he can't remember the other guy's name! So thinking quickly, he whips out his diary and says, "I don't think you had any business cards left last time we met and I just wrote your name in my diary... I just want to check the spelling because you know how tricky names can be!" The other guy smiled and spelled out obligingly: "T E D S M I T H".

So, on meeting, it is a good idea to ask the other person if they have a business card!

Until next week...

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

How Are Your Verbals?

Whether you are a Speaker or a "thinking about it" speaker, you need to think about this...

When you speak, do you inspire, persuade, and enthuse, or do you send people to sleep? When you look out over your audience, are they captivated by you and you have their full attention? Or when you look out over the room is one group discussing something secret with their heads together, someone else sneaking out of the room with some other sneaky friends, and people starting to do their own thing? Maybe some really are snoring! You get the idea.

If you fall into the latter category, fear not my dull friend...

Good verbal skills can be easily acquired, and to get you started, here are a few tips:

• Speak energetically, with enthusiasm - vary your pitch - don't just speak in a monotone - sound excited.
  
• Speak with feeling. Speak with sincerity - of course, in speaking thus, you must always mean what you say!
  
• Don't "preach" - give examples. People understand more by example. Get your point across via a story.
  
• Speak clearly, slowly, and in simple terms that everyone can understand - don't try to impress by using big words or jargon!
  
• Speak animatedly - make twinkling eye contact - move your hands a little (but don't conduct an orchestra!)

That should do for starters... oh, forgot something really important - pick an interesting subject! (Creative Uses for Toenail Clippings just may not do it for everybody, get what I mean?)

Until next time...

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

10 Ways to Lose Customers

If you are in a 'live' business as opposed to a 'virtual' online business and you actually deal firsthand with your customers, if you want to make the most of the buying frenzy this and any other special season, make sure your staff don't makes these mistakes!

There are many things which drive all of us, in our capacity of "customers" absolutely crazy. Things which can turn us off buying from certain shops and businesses. Some of the most irritating things which drive us crazy include:

1. Queuing up in a long line at a cash register because despite the crowd, the other registers are closed!


2. Waiting to be served while the salesclerks stand behind the counter chatting about what they did on the weekend or take private calls!


3. Rearranging our busy schedules so we can stay home all day waiting for a tradesman who never turns up or comes hours later, and never bothers to ring to tell you!


4. Being given wrong information from salesclerks who don't know what they're talking about!


5. Being served in person or on the phone by a lazy salesperson who can't be bothered finding out for you and will either lie to you or just say 'its not my department' and leave it hanging there!


6. Misleading advertising!


7. Being quoted a price by a salesclerk, only to discover later that the real price is higher!


8. Sales items are not in stock. What? Did they only have one to sell at sales price?


9. Rude salesclerks. Sales and store people who patronize you with their attitude.


10. Hanging around a store waiting for service - you can see clerks available but they don't want to do any work! Or worse, being tailed like a potential shoplifter!

Of course, your staff are likely to be on their best behavior if you stand around them... why not have an unknown friend or relative come into your store and put your staff to the test!

Till next time...

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

3 Steps to Prosperity - Step 3

The last part of the prosperity coaching process is to give money away.

I don't care if you are in a place of lacking for money right now, give something away. Pay for another car going through a toll booth, or give a friend something. As you give money away, you open up the channels of yourself receiving money. You show that you are believing (maybe not fully, yet) that there is abundance and that you trust that more will come back to you. This puts you in alignment with prosperity.

I have seen this in action. It is a universal law and it works. Until you feel confident and discover for yourself that this does work, start off with small donations. Give away your small change to all the small charity boxes in stores. Help out the old lady at the checkout ahead of you who is $5 short to pay her shopping bill. Give generously in your Church when the plate is passed around.

What goes around, comes around! If you hoard your money, you halt the process and effectively block any more coming to you... you have to keep the flow going...

Look at all of the wealthiest people in the world today - major business leaders and entrepreneurs, even famous singers and movie stars - these people spend hundreds of thousands on donations and doing things for those less fortunate than themselves. And yet, they never seem to run out of money, even though they're giving it all away! They know that somehow, it will come back to them plus more via some wonderful new opportunity or "amazing strike of good luck"!

I tell my clients, "you are allowed to have it all!". There is nothing that stops you from having financial independence but you - I know that's hard to hear. We'd rather blame someone or something else, right? It is time for you to declare YOUR financial freedom and create the money you deserve!

You've got the 3 basic steps, so what's stopping you?

Terri Levine
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

3 Steps to Prosperity - Step 2

I've never believed whoever created me said "you should suffer" or "you should starve"...

I believe my creator said, "We have this energy exchange; it is called money. There is an abundance of it. Go give it, go get it, go enjoy it, and feel free to want to give and get lots of it."

No wonder I've never experienced a financial lack. My inner beliefs aren't in alignment with financial lack. I have financial independence because my inner story creates the outer match to money. And that is what I was talking about in Step 1.

Now for Step 2...

I start my clients off by having them write a money story. I ask them to go decade by decade writing their own beliefs or stories about money, without judging them, just noticing them. People surface up all kinds of things from "money is the root of all evil" to "get enough money to burn". It is interesting to see what your own beliefs are. I highly recommend, to let in prosperity and financial independence, you begin to notice what you have heard or believed.

Separate the wheat from the chaff here... discard the beliefs you've inherited from well meaning parents or teachers. If you've been told that you'll never be rich simply because you come from a poor family yourself... well, that's one belief to toss away right now!

Then create a desire list. Come up with all the things you want that money can bring, like: ability to give to a certain foundation; a health care treatment; a new home, etc. Money doesn't come if we have a low desire for it and aren't feeling good about attracting it. When we get into a place of feeling high desire and feeling great about what we want to have that comes with money, then we are opening up to money coming in.

This is no time for feeling guilty. Everyone can put themselves in a place of abundance - the only thing holding them back is their limiting beliefs - their self sabotage. And you are not personally responsible for the way the entire world's population thinks, right? If you want to improve the world, you can only start with yourself. I think abundance is a great form of self-improvement - sure beats poverty, right?!

Terri Levine
http://www.terrilevine.com
http://www.comprehensivecoachingu.com
http://www.coachinstitute.com

3 Steps to Prosperity - Step 1

This is a nutshell version for people in a hurry. You'll get the other 2 steps throughout this week... so you have to come back!

The attitudes we hold about money and finances are often the reasons we don't have the financial independence we deserve. In fact, the only obstacle that truly stands in our way is usually our own beliefs.

Many times, people say to shift your beliefs just use more positive self-talk and you'll remove the obstacle. My experience as a prosperity coach, says that simply isn't what it takes. We have to go a bit deeper to allow a prosperity consciousness.

So here's Step 1:

You must first change your conscious feelings that stand in the way of seeing yourself as financially free and abundant. To begin this process, you'll need to identify why you even want to have financial independence.

Often, clients I am coaching say, "Of course, I want financial independence," and then when I ask them to really look at this with me, they might not see prosperity as good or might fear success or the concept of unlimited money. To pave the way to allow money in, most of us have to understand on a deep level that there is plenty of money. Think about this.. money is created by printing paper or molding coins... we can never run out!

If we feel there is a limited amount of money and fear that if we make a large share of it, there won't be enough for others, that fear of scarcity will drive us NOT to make money.

Can you see how we can get ourselves stuck?

Whatever we focus on and think about is what we intentionally create. So, if I say I want more money but underneath I am thinking "oh, I won't be able to manage more money" or "my friend needs it more" or "I don't deserve money" or even "this is a load of codswallop, I'll never be rich!", then that thought that we focus on is the dominant thought and the money gets blocked off. It is almost like self-sabotage.

So what are your real thoughts about financial abundance? How would you really feel if it fell in your lap? If you'd have any fear or doubts at all about how you would handle it or how you would react, then you have a blockage!

Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com

Are You Failing... or just Learning?

I was watching a friend's 7 year old riding her bike for the first time without those "trainer" wheels attached. She wobbled, she wavered, she yelled "Ya-hooey" (or something like that), straightened up, turned and faced us proudly and waved… then promptly proceeded to hit the curb and fall off.

We said she was doing fine, learning to ride her bike. Notice we didn't say anything about failing to ride her bike!

This got me thinking... we're nice to babies, too. Up they hop on fat wobbly legs, and usually only manage a couple of shaky steps before they fall on their heavily padded bottoms. When they fall over, we encourage them because we say they're learning to walk. Note: we do NOT tell them they are bad babies for failing to walk!

What about when your older child goes for their first real big job... and doesn't get it. (We know they didn't get it because they're kicking their bottom lip as they walk up to the house.) Do we scowl and mock them? Do we say things like, "You fool! Even a turkey sandwich could have landed that job! You're a failure at job hunting!" No, we don't say things like that. We are encouraging because our children are learning about what it's like in the "real world".

We consider all these types of experiences to be learning experiences... not failing experiences. In fact, falling on your bum, off your bike, getting rejected ... these are simply experiences in life. You may choose to think of them as failures but will that make you feel better? You don't quit, do you? You keep trying to walk, to ride, to get a dream job and so on... so you aren't failing... you are learning.

Not sure what brought this on... something to do with learning to ride... but there is a message in this for you. Read it again and if you are currently telling yourself that you are a failure in some aspect of life, it's time you reworded that...

Until next time...

Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com

"That's a Funny Thing to Say..."

If your clients or customers ask for something strange or say something unexpected, do you tend to respond with comments like, "What an odd thing to say!" or "Wow, I've never been asked THAT before!" or any other response that in any way suggests you consider their comment or question unusual?

Even if you laugh it off, realize this... most people feel awkward or embarrassed when they're made to feel they've uttered something different to everyone else. They don't like to be seen as stupid or silly, and 9 times out of 10, they usually know they're asking a doozy of a question anyway and may even tell you so themselves.

Keep a straight face - your client's dignity must be maintained at all costs. Do not laugh or seem surprised or incredulous. Merely reassure them that "No question is too silly" or too different or too out there or too whatever.

Be cool, calm and collected - show them what you're made of - by handling their strange request or comment completely at ease and by all means taking it in your stride, then you are confirming to them that you are a true professional who knows your stuff and can be trusted.

Easy to remember, really... nobody likes to feel like a fool.

Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com

Get a Shot - Not a Virus

Winter approaches. Flu viruses are headed your way. GO GET A FLU SHOT NOW! No, a flu shot cannot protect you from every flu virus nor the brand new strains - some of which are killers - but what it can do is reduce the severity or duration of your symptoms if you DO get struck by a flu virus this winter.

If getting a flu shot gives you a fighting chance this winter, get one. With our extensive international contacts, we know that the bird flu isn't the ONLY virus causing folks a great deal of suffering this year (in those parts of the world where flu viruses are still running rampant), and we in the northern hemisphere have the prospect of facing these viruses this winter!

If you're a business owner, it may even be in your best interests to subsidize the cost of flu shots for your employees... if you value their productivity that is!

'nuff said! Go do as you're told!

Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com

What Type of Fear is It?

For some people, some experiences, especially new experiences, produce fear in them. Fear of the unknown is not uncommon and explains why so many people prefer to stay where they are rather than explore opportunities.

Let's talk about two different kinds of fear: one is an exciting type of fear, and another is a more negative type of fear.

The exciting type of fear is the sort of fear you feel as you are about to parachute out of an airplane. (If you are reading this and the thought of parachuting terrifies you, substitute this with an experience that you would find fun, yet maybe a little scary, too. Maybe riding a roller-coaster will do it?)

The more negative type of fear is similar to how you feel when, for example, you are headed to your dental appointment for a procedure that worries you - like a root canal! (Funny how so many people can relate to that - so many comparisons are made to root canals!)

So next time you face a new experience, determine what type of fear it is that you are feeling. Decide whether it is justified. (Entering a lion's den at feeding time, with no protection would be a justified fear - watching the lion feed from behind the safety fence would not.)

Know that you CAN handle either type of fear, but it is your RESPONSE that will determine your success. Is yours the exhilarating fear of a parachute jump or a trip to the Dentist? Your goal is to have the exciting fears outnumber the negative fear experiences. When you face a new experience or challenge, a little fear-analysis can go a long way!

BUNGEEEEE!!!!!

Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com

TIME WASTERS!

The last blog got me thinking... it's not always that we don't have enough time in our days to achieve everything... it's more that we don't have enough time in our days to achieve the things we WANT to do! By the time we've done the things we feel obligated to do, sometimes there is no time left over for us. Ever felt that way?

Despair not, dear blog reader! All you need to do is adjust your priorities and reevaluate your expectations. A little bit of reorganization and deleting hidden time-wasting elements from our days can free up more than enough time for the things we WANT to do. Truly!

So, where do you start on this project? Here are some tips...

1. Have a jolly good clean-out! Get rid of the junk and clutter - whether it be too many ornaments that take hours to dust, or a mountain of paperwork, most of which doesn't have to be kept but you haven't gotten around to sorting through it yet. The idea is to clear your space - it will help you feel better and the energy around you will feel freer.


2. Do you have a system in place for your important information? Many people are more organized in their office than they are at home! Get a second hand filing cabinet and start filing! Knowing exactly where to find an important document quickly will save you hours of searching and stressing.


3. Prioritize and schedule your day - but be flexible. Allow for unexpected events, visitors, mishaps, illness or just can't be bothered moments. At the end of the day, any of this unused extra time is all YOURS. If you have to, shut your door and take the phone off the hook so you can work uninterrupted.


4. Stop putting things off. If a task is so unpalatable that you keep finding excuses not to start it, just DO it! Get it out of the way and you'll feel a whole lot better when you don't have it hanging over you like a dark cloud.

Of course, time management issues may not be the only thing holding you back and messing up your days, but you won't know for sure what your time waster culprits are until you examine your days.

Hey, I have a good idea! Why not hire a coach to help you! You can find one here: http://www.coachinginstruction.com/findacoach.htm

Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com

DO YOU CONTROL YOUR LIFE OR DOES IT CONTROL YOU?

Do you feel caught in a perpetual tug-o-war between the needs of your family and the demands of your work? If so, you've got a lot of company. Balance has become the Holy Grail in the new world of work.

What is balance? Let's begin by talking about what balance is not. Balance is not about squeezing as much as possible into every second of every day. Balance is not about double booking your schedule or worshipping a ten page "To Do" list. Balance is not about being a slave to email. No, balance is about savoring life. Balance is about listening to your favorite music or eating lunch in the sunshine on a beautiful day. Balance is about making choices that allow you to be YOU in the best way possible.

Achieving balance begins with tossing out time management tools. Realize that time management tools are just that -- tools. Not "laws". They are only effective when used in the right situation. Would you use a tape measure to plug a leaky pipe? Probably not. Too many of us have blindly embraced a generic "one-size-fits-all" time management lifestyle in our quest to squeeze more things into our lives. But do you really want to do MORE things...or do you want to do MORE MEANINGFUL things?

Go for balance by building your life around what is truly important to you.

Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com

Avoiding Work From Home Scams and Pitfalls

Work from Home: a veritable cornucopia of self-employment opportunities exists, and for the unwary and unprepared, an equal number of pitfalls exist. There is so much hype about going solo, and there are also get-rich-quick schemes, pyramid schemes, scams, get-paid-to-surf or take surveys etc. to be avoided.

Don't quit your day job without doing your homework. Before considering any drastic moves, realize that it is going to require hard work and commitment. There is no such thing as easy money. Plan properly in the first place. Accept that you are going to make mistakes - nobody is perfect and nobody knows everything there is to know up front. Be prepared to learn from your mistakes and move forward. Don't expect instant results, instant fame, or instant fortune. There is nothing instant about starting your own business.

This means making sure you have money to fall back on during the lean or quiet times and having enough to start up with in the first place. If in doubt, get financial advice first - see a financial planner who can help you get things right from the beginning. Set goals and make sure they are realistic. Keep your focus on your goals and maintain a positive, "can do" attitude. When you have done your research and settled on a business, make sure you know the regulations governing your home based business. Do you need any approvals? A business license? Do you need a special permit to work out of your home? Check with your local authorities. Do you need to inform the IRS of your change in circumstances? Do you need to register your business?

Do some market research - is there a market for your product/service? Will it be profitable for you? What about the competition? How do you plan to stack up against the competition? Can you compete? How are your skill levels and knowledge or work-experience? Do you know enough to start your own business and be successful? Your skills and abilities will also determine what type of business would be most suitable for you. Doing something you love is the ideal, because you are more likely to work harder but still enjoy yourself so it doesn't really seem like work.

Do you really have what it takes to be self-employed? Are you the entrepreneurial type? Do you enjoy risk taking? Does it bother you that you don't know how much money you will have month to month? Do you realize that self-employed people often have a more difficult time trying to arrange bank finance? Remember you will also have to cover your own healthcare costs. And you will be working alone. Some people go stir-crazy just thinking about working alone!

Finally, are you self-motivated? Can you make yourself stay in your home office and work even though the sun is shining and there's a great movie on TV you haven't seen? Remember, you will be your own Boss now and your own employee. Various, independent surveys have found that the skills most lacking in new self-employed businesses involve sales, marketing, financial management, and record keeping (book-keeping). How will you cover these things? Can you afford to pay somebody else to look after these? Do you know enough about these areas to handle them yourself, or are you prepared to learn?

Perhaps the most important assets are self-confidence and ambition. Without these, you may be doomed from the start, but with them, you will be able to overcome your obstacles, climb your mountains, and enjoy the view from the top!

Until next week... have a good one!

Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com

WHERE'S THE FUN IN GROWING UP?

We could be adult about this and present our thoughts and ideas in a logical and mature fashion, but where would be the fun in that? If you want a serious and sensible read to remind you how grown up you are or should be, check out the local library. But if you are here now, let's have FUN.

As "mature" adults, we tend to forget how to have fun. We put rules around it. Why should we have fun? Well, let me ask you, why shouldn't we have fun? When we reach a certain age is having fun illegal? Doing "child-like" things doesn't make us childish or children. How can it? What is the worst that can happen if this winter, you go outside with your children or grandchildren and make snow angels?

We're not suggesting you should start throwing tantrums, but we are saying fun doesn't stop just because you become an adult and take on solemn responsibilities. Why shouldn't CEO's run around in their backyard throwing Frisbees, and why shouldn't adult guests in your car wave to people out the back window, and why shouldn't we all do the things we loved to do when we were kids, if it makes us feel happy and alive inside and puts a smile on our faces? Perhaps we think it is childish? And somehow, that tag, when you're an adult, becomes an insult.

I want you to think about that this week... right now I'm off to a tea-party!

Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com

When You're Not Good Enough - Part 3 (Final)

When you are feeling "down", this is when you are most likely to remember "down" experiences, which just makes you feel even more down. When you feel down, force yourself to remember happy events and successes - this will influence your brain and help lift your mood and self-esteem.

When you are engaging in self-talk - watch what you say. Most people say things to themselves that they'd never say to somebody else. To a friend we might say, "it's not that bad, don't worry about it." To ourselves, we're likely to say "You great @#*&#! - why can't you do anything right!" If you wouldn't say it to somebody else, don't say it to yourself.

Realize that self-confident people also have bouts of self-doubt... they just don't talk about it or advertise it. By pretending they're not, it helps them overcome it.

Failure isn't permanent unless you decide to let it be. But not everything you do has to work out... nobody is that perfect!

It's good manners to be obliging but it isn't a law. You don't have to please everyone all the time. You have a right to please yourself. If you weren't as important as everyone else on the planet, then you wouldn't be here.

You don't have to change to suit other people. Don't try to be somebody you are not. The whole world doesn't have to like you, and that's okay. For every person who doesn't like you, there is another one who does like you - for who you are.

Use positive affirmations. Start each day by saying them, and end each day saying them before you go to sleep.

Some food for thought...

"While one person hesitates because he feels inferior, the other is busy making mistakes and becoming superior." - Henry C. Link

"Someone's opinion of you does not have to become your reality." - Les Brown

"If you think you're a second-class citizen, you are." - Ted Turner

"Nobody holds a good opinion of a man who has a low opinion of himself." - Anthony Trollope

And if you're reading this blog, you can't be all bad! (smile)

Terri Levine
http://www.coachinstitute.com
http://www.terrilevine.com