Making Words Count

 “The role of the writer is not to say what we can all say, but what we are unable to say.”
~ Anaïs Nin

A lot of people think journaling is just for broken hearted teenage girls.  But it is a much more powerful tool and it is literally right at your fingertips.

Grab a journal, some paper and write.  I know what you are saying – “Easier said than done!”  Faced with that blank page – where do you begin?  Even before that how do you choose a journal?  How do you find time to write? 

More questions than answers.  Choosing a journal is a very personal thing.  Sometimes you like the way it looks, or feels, the texture of the paper, or it’s the perfect size to fit in your bag or backpack.

When to write?  Whenever you can find a few minutes.  You don’t have to journal every day or for hours at a time to have a very effective journaling practice.  Carry your journal with you and if you find yourself arriving somewhere early or waiting for someone, take a few minutes to write down your thoughts.

If you want to learn more, join us for this complimentary webinar

Jump Into Journaling with Ann Hawkins and Judy Peebles

Friday, January 27, 2012 – 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm PT

If you can’t make the live call, register to receive the recording.

http://www.eventbrite.com/event/2773580855

“If you’re serious about becoming a wealthy,

powerful, sophisticated, healthy, influential, cultured and unique

individual, keep a journal.

Don’t trust your memory. When you listen to

something valuable, write it down. When you come across something

important, write it down.”

~ Jim Rohn

Do you journal?  What would you like to learn about journaling?

Leave your comments below.

Judy Peebles, Creator of The Journaling Jenius™, Journaling Jems™ and The Knowledge Series – 5 Keys to Accelerate Your Success

Further Reading

http://judypeebles.com/stuff-on-your-plate/

http://judypeebles.com/list-of-questions/

From Misery to Motivation

You know those moments when you feel so overwhelmed you just don’t even know where to begin, don’t feel like doing anything or don’t even know what your are feeling.

What to do:-

• Grab your journal – You can begin by just free writing what is going on for you, just letting the words flow onto the page.  Or create a mindmap or list of what’s on your mind.  (See links below for detailed prompts for these)
• Take a shower or a bubblebath – There is something about being in water that clears the mind and frees up the creative juices to generate solutions.
• Go for a walk – Getting your body moving is always a good thing, but taking a break is sometimes the best thing.  You can come back to the tasks at hand refreshed and you also get the added bonus of burning some calories.
• Phone a friend – I know we often don’t feel like bothering our friends with our troubles (that’s were a journal can come in very handy), but sometimes just a chat with a close friend can create a huge shift.

What do you do to move from misery to motivation?

Leave your comments and suggestions below.

Judy Peebles, Creator of The Journaling Jenius™, Journaling Jems™ and The Knowledge Series – 5 Keys to Accelerate Your Success

Further Reading

http://judypeebles.com/breathe-and-listen/

http://judypeebles.com/when-a-to-do-list-isnt-enough-mindmap-you-way-out-of-overwhelm/

http://judypeebles.com/ask-for-help

Do you work well under pressure?  I know I do.  Sometimes I need that sense of urgency or the pressure of a deadline to focus and get things done.

I am often surprised at how much I can get done in a short amount of time especially when facing an imminent deadline.

“Pressure makes diamonds.”

~ General George S. Patton – World War I and II

So here are a couple of ways you can trick yourself.

1. Imagine you are going on vacation tomorrow for a month.  What do you absolutely have to get done today?  Things that cannot be put off for a month and that no one else can do but you.  This is a great way to prioritize your tasks.
2. Need to clean your house?  Imagine someone just called to say they were dropping by for a visit in 15 minutes.  You can then do all the absolutely critical tasks to tidy up for 15 minutes.  Need more time?  Pretend they called and said they got lost and will be at least another 15 minutes.  Then go at it again!!

What techniques do you use to prioritize and focus?

Judy Peebles, Creator of The Journaling Jenius™,  Journaling Jems™ and The Knowledge Series.

Further Reading

http://judypeebles.com/thirty-fifteen/

http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Working-Under-Pressure-Can-Be-a-Strength-Robert-Biswas-Diener

Imagine a poor little seedling.  Finding itself in less than hospitable surroundings.  No lush flowerbed with great mulch and regular watering.  But somehow it managed to find a crack in the concrete to squeeze through, find the sunlight and bloom.

Sometimes it may feel like we are that poor little seedling searching for the opening to lead us into the sunlight.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

~ Winston Churchill

II was watching 20/20 last night and Barbara Walters was interviewing billionaire entrepreneurs and one of them said that successful people do all the things that unsuccessful people don’t want to do.

Sometimes we have to do tough things.  Sometimes we have to believe in ourselves when we don’t think we can.  We have to act “as if” even before we are there.

Perseverance is what keeps us going.  It’s also important to have supportive people around you.  People who encourage you and believe in you even when you are struggling to believe in yourself.

What techniques do you use to keep yourself going?  Who is in your support system?

Judy Peebles, Creator of The Journaling Jenius™,  Journaling Jems™ and The Knowledge Series.

Do you delay beginning a project?  Or finishing a project?  Just because it might not be perfect?  Writing a blog, for instance.

I know I have.  Not always consciously, but unconsciously which is even worse because we may not even know that is why we are procrastinating.

If you’re like me, there is always that voice in your head criticizing what you do.  Some call it your Inner Critic.

There is huge value in doing something now, rather than waiting to get do it perfectly and missing an opportunity to do it at all.

“The artist who aims at perfection in everything achieves it in nothing.”

~ Eugene Delacroix  - French Romantic painter 1798-1863

At what point do you get to the place where you just do it?  Sometimes we need to set ourselves a deadline….. and then stick to it.  But often even that doesn’t work.

That’s where a coach or an accountability buddy comes in.  You tell someone – “I’m going to get this done, by this date!”  And ask them to hold you accountable for it.

I have had more than one of my coaching clients tell me that just speaking with me on a regular basis helps them stay focused on getting their action items completed.  They know I will be asking them about their progress.

This is why weight loss programs where you have a weekly weigh-in work.  Or hiring a personal trainer.  Or just arranging to work out with a friend.

Maybe you have a phone call to make or project to complete.  Call a friend and tell them you are going to do it now and then call them when you are finished or have them call you at intervals to check-in and encourage you.

Set yourself up for success.  Be accountable and get the support you need.

What have you been putting off? Go ahead and post your commitment below and use this page as a way to be held accountable.

Judy Peebles, Creator of The Journaling Jenius™,  Journaling Jems™ and The Knowledge Series.

Take some time to write down your own personal definition of being in Top Form.  Yes, you can include a weight or size, but also describe how you will feel, what you will be doing, etc.

Imagine a date out in the future and write as if it is in the present moment.

For instance –

Today is January 1, 2012.  Last night’s party was awesome and I looked and felt incredible in my new little black dress – size n.  I have tons of energy.  Now that I have lost nn pounds and, my clothes fit me well and I feel fabulous.  My next event is on January 14^th and I know I will look great and feel great on stage.  Now I can also……

Getting clarity on any goal by writing it down can compel you towards it.  You may even want to print it out and keep it where you see it frequently throughout the day.  When you feel like skipping your workout or over eating, remember your goal and ask yourself – “Will this move me closer to my goal?  Or further away?”  Then in that moment you may find yourself making a different decision.

Feel free to share your vision for yourself below and let me know how you are doing.

Take a few moments to close your eyes, sit quietly and take a few deep breaths. 

Then open your eyes, set a timer for at least 10 minutes and begin writing.  Keep your pen moving, writing whatever comes to mind.   

If you feel stuck, just keep writing, even if you end up writing… “I don’t know what to write!”

Letting ink flow on paper or if you prefer, words onto the screen, without stopping to think, critique or judge, can free up your creativity, give free rein to emotional issues and often surprise you.

 If you are not accustomed to writing, you can start with 5 minutes and build up to 10 minutes.  If that comes easily, you can increase it.  I have done a timed writing for as long as one hour – Do not try attempt this at home – I AM a professional!! Tee Hee!!

Trust me, even for me – 60 minutes was a very long time, but I was surprised and pleased with what came out. 

After doing a timed writing, look back over what you have written and see if anything surprises you.

To download a free sample ebook go to:- 

http://thejournalingjenius.com/books/download-free-samples/

Judy Peebles

The Journaling Jenius™ and creator of The Knowledge Series – Your Key to Success

Ask for Help 

Often we don’t even ask for help when we need it. What could you use some help with at the moment?  

Make a list, then add who might be willing to lend a hand, or offer advice.

Although this is from the Create Your Corporate Series, this is also important for business owners, parents, students and just about everyone.

We often get caught up in being “super” women or men.  And it’s easy to get burnt out.  Ultimately, you end up being less productive and less successful by attempting to do it all.

It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help, it is a sign of strength.  It doesn’t mean you can’t do something, it just means you are using your resources, including your time, wisely.

This can be anything from hiring help; taking classes or workshops to learn how to do things more effectively and efficiently; engaging a coach or mentor to assist you; or trading another parent to look after your kids and give you some free time.

What do you need help with?  Who do you think could help you?

To download a free sample ebook go to:-

http://thejournalingjenius.com/books/download-free-samples/

Judy Peebles

The Journaling Jenius™ and creator of The Knowledge Series – Your Key to Success

Earlier this year I decided to get back into shape and lose some weight.  But as a busy business owner my dilemma was – How?

I needed a new strategy that would not negatively impact my business but would get the results I wanted for my health goals.

One strategy I came up with was to walk with friends and even new contacts.  Most business owners network and then are encouraged to meet one on one to learn about each others’ businesses.  I decided that instead of meeting for coffee – which I don’t drink anyway (you do NOT want to see me on caffeine!), or lunch or a glass of wine, I would meet people for a walk.  I found that a lot of other business owners also want to lose weight and were thrilled to do this.

Meeting someone gives you the accountability and at least for me, I am much more likely to stick to the commitment.

Another strategy was to walk friends’ dogs.  I love dogs, but don’t currently have one and walking a dog gives me a purpose, helps the friend and the dog.  And again, it’s a commitment.

The third strategy was to walk to do errands, like going to the bank or the post office.  This morning I needed a couple of things from Target and walked there.  I even came up with the idea for this blog during my walk.

Of course, I am also watching what I eat, too.  I’ve lost 20 pounds so far this year!!

Think about how you can make small changes for big results.  This week I talked with a client who is working full time and also starting her business.  She needed a strategy to create time to work on her business.

Here’s what she came up with.  She goes to Starbucks at lunchtime to get a break and would usually just read to relax.  She started taking her laptop and working on things like her website or doing research for her business and has made great progress by just carving out these small amounts of time.

If you dedicate 15 minutes a day to something, that’s over 90 hours in one year – over 2 full work weeks – imagine what you could accomplish.

What small changes can you make today to get big results in the future?

Fearless

If you had no fear…. What would you do now?  Pick one thing or many that you would take on if you knew you could not fail.

Make a list of as many as you can think of. 

Then pick one and take one action step towards it. 

It’s ok if you are not sure what the first step might be, just make one small step today.

Don’t let fear get in the way of you achieving your dreams.  If you don’t begin, you will fail. 

Often people will not even begin something new until everything is in place.  And that realistically rarely happens.

Sometimes you have to jump off the cliff and build your wings on the way down.  It certainly adds a sense of urgency and focus to a project.!

But seriously, taking one small step to begin moving towards your dream can be all you need to begin to see the next step and the next and so on until you reach your goal. 

Don’t let fear of failure or even fear of success get in your way.  

As the famous Goethe quote says, “Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”

What will you begin today?