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? 

Imagine yourself 5 years from now

Dialogue with that self.  Dialogue can be a powerful tool. Take two different color pens and use one for you now and one for you in the future.  Write as if you are having a conversation.  Write what you “hear” the responses to be. 

This is a great way to get insight into what you want the future of your business to look like.  And also air any doubts you may have about how to create that.  You can even allow your future self to reassure you that you can accomplish all that you wish for. 

If you are just starting your business this can be a great place to start.  If you find it difficult to project out 5 years, you can always start with just 1 year from now. 

One of my clients was always focused on the next 90 days, so looking a year ahead was enough of a stretch for her at first.

Of course, there is always the option to have this dialogue regarding any area of your life.

Let me know how the conversation goes and what comes out of it. 

“Stuff” on Your Plate – Feeling overwhelmed?  Create a mindmap of everything that’s on your mind.  Start in the middle of the page with the word “STUFF”. Then branch out like limbs on a tree and capture all the different areas where you have “stuff”…. to do, worry about, create, think about……

This exercise can help you get out of overwhelm just by getting it all out on paper.  Once you have done the exercise you may choose to just put it away and forget about it.  You may be surprised when you come across it again how many things have been taken care of, or are no longer important.

Another option is to use this list to prioritize what IS important.  Then select one thing that you can tackle right now – even if it is just one small simple action.  It gets you into motion.  Once that is completed, select another item, then another and so on.

I think you will be very surprised how quickly you feel less overwhelmed, more motivated and much more productive.

Let me know how it works for you.

Journaling Jem™ for the Day from the Original Journaling Jems™ 

This is fun, just let your imagination flow.  If you were an animal, what type of animal would you be and why.  Having trouble picking just one, write lots of them. 

If I were an animal, I’d be a soft Teddy Bear.  [didn’t say it had to be a real animal!], because then I would belong to someone and get cuddles all the time.

Training goals can be difficult to meet both with the challenge of finding suitable training, and finding the time to fit it into already busy schedules.  Add that to finding meaningful training that sticks and the challenge becomes even greater.

Peebles Pursuits, Inc / The Journaling Jenius™ has a solution for you. We offer a unique, highly effective approach with customized, affordable, on-site training with built-in follow-up coaching!

The benefits of training an administrative team include increased team effectiveness, cohesiveness, and a strengthened support network within your company.

Our customized workshops focus on building strength and techniques in the following areas:–

• Confident Communication – Everyone can be a better communicator.  Learn communication techniques, active listening and negotiation skills.
• Powerful Presentations – Find out how to engage an audience and have fun presenting.  Overcome fears; increase confidence and get tips & tricks to becoming a better presenter.
• Galvanize Your Goals – Setting a goal is the first step, achieving the goal is the finish line.  Learn how planning, support & accountability; knowing the purpose behind your goal and removing limiting beliefs & obstacles can get you there faster.
• Six Thinking Hats® Plus One – Edward de Bono’s concept with a twist take communication and teamwork to a new level.  Create a common language, build rapport; and become a master at conflict management.
• Women’s Leadership – Leading takes focus. Women stepping into leadership roles face specific issues in the corporate environment.  Learn how to maintain life balance; use support systems successfully; and take action to get results.

Call today to find out how you can bring effective and on-going training into your organization.

E-mail – info@TheJournalingJenius.com

Phone – 408-859-PINK (7465)

If someone besides yourself is the decision maker, please share his/her contact information and we will be happy to follow-up for you and get you the training you deserve.

When I was little I …….

Jem™ for the Day from the Original Journaling Jems™

Start a sentence with When I was little I……  Write about what you liked, thought,  did, saw, dreamed…. Then write about what you like, think, do, see and dream today.

Referral System – Journaling Jem™ for the Day from Journaling Jems™ for the Business Professional

Do you have a referral system in place?  Do your customers know about it?  Is it working?  How could you improve it?  What are other businesses like yours doing?