Are you a woman who is ready to break free of the voices in your head that keep you stuck yearning for a way out? Discover and create the work you're most meant to do and make it happen for you through career transition, starting a business, or simply reinventing your life. Here I share tips, resources, and coaching to help you succeed on your own terms.
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Have You Tuned It Out?
By paulag | January 23, 2012
Over the holidays I happened to be hanging out after grocery shopping at the big Whole Foods near my home… the special one with the pub where you can grab a glass of wine or microbrew and have a bite to eat. (You’ve got to remember I live in Pennsylvania and this is a big freaking deal since you can’t buy wine or beer except in restaurants and state run liquor stores here.) I love to go here as a treat a few times a month because I can buy healthy food and get a treat which frankly makes errands far more fun and playful.
On this particular Thursday night, the place was packed because it was the holidays and there were lots of people shopping the store and many more enjoying a free beer tasting. Then out of nowhere an alarm starts going off in the store blaring away in a high-alert sort of way. Guess what happened next?
Absolutely nothing…
People did not even flinch yet alone investigate or take action.
I was fairly amazed. Not that I’d suggest an ensuing panic, but at least SOME acknowledgment of the fact that an alarm designed to alert people to something unwanted, unexpected, and potentially dangerous was sounding.
Another five minutes or so went by and then, blam! The alarm starts blaring away again.
And, what happened?
Once again, absolutely nothing. No reactions, no investigation, and no announcement over the store speaker.
As I sat there deeply savoring my Belgium triple ale I was stunned and speechless. Then immediately it hit me. The connection between this event and why so many people, particularly business owners, seem to be marching along doing more of the same even when it isn’t working and is making them unhappy. It became resounding clear to me yet again. No one is listening to the whispers.
What whispers? The whispers of intuition that are available to each and every one of us if you only tune into and heed their message. In fact not only are people not listening to the whispers, I see so many tuned out entirely, in their own “safe” cocoon ignoring what IS. That’s what was going on in the Whole Foods that night… people were:
- Busy
- Rushing around and stressed out with the holiday season
- Oblivious to everything around them except what they wanted to see
While there was no real cause for alarm in this case…what if there was? What if there was some small bit of information available to you to stay safe but you were too busy not paying attention (multi-tasking, texting, tweeting, or whatever) to notice? It is well documented in the book The Survivor’s Club that often the difference between life and death in unusual circumstances is awareness.
It may seem like an extreme example, but what I know for sure is that there is a world of wisdom, information, clarity, and peace available in each moment that we often simply pass by because we’re not being mindful. We’re not tuned into the whispers. And, when we’re listening to the cacophony around us (and in our heads) we can’t hear them.
The answers you seek – to your struggles, to starting/navigating a transition successfully, to the experience you want in your life and business is contained in the whispers. They are there just waiting for you to tune in, pay attention, and trust them. The only question is…
Are you willing?
Want to know how to tune into and then turn the power of intuition into practical action for more peace, prosperity, and bliss in your business? Apply for an Intuitive Intelligence Activation Session if you’re ready to make this your reality at http://www.thepaulagcompany.com/application
Credit Image: Shannon Clark via Flickr
Topics: Intuition, Mindfulness | No Comments »
Do You Really Want to Realize Your Dreams?
By paulag | January 16, 2012
This might sounds like a stupid question…but…
Do you really want to realize and experience the things you dream about? The things you say you want? What you’ve been yearning for?
You are probably thinking, “Of course I do! What do you mean?! Why wouldn’t I?”
And, being the ruthlessly compassionate coach I am I’d say again…
Are you sure?
Here’s why I say that…and let me share something I know for sure by way of a story. I was recently re-listening to a wonderful book of parable called The Alchemist by Paul Coelho. The book is about a young man Santiago and his quest for fortune, his Personal Legend, and the decoding of the Language of the World. It takes place in an unnamed time in the areas of Spain and Egypt. Along his journey, he learns from many wise teachers along the way…humans, animals, and from what they call the omens (which I’d translate to be intuitive hits or guidance from spirit).
During one part of his story he is working at a crystal shop with the owner, a man who has owned this shop his entire life and has many unfulfilled dreams. The man talk about his dream, like that of many Muslims, is to make a lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca. He goes on to say he never expects he will actually go and complete the pilgrimage because the time never seems right and how he is too old.
As the discussion continues the man makes the very wise distinction that I wish to share with you today. And that is – the reason he never wants to complete the pilgrimage is because if he did, then what would he have to live for? You see, there is a big difference between dreaming the dream and realizing the dream. He only wants to dream the dream because it is what he holds onto. If he were to realize it, then what? What would he have left without the dream? Who would he be then? What would he have to live for if the dream was suddenly gone (because it was completed)? And so he never takes action toward making his dream a reality.
What do you see in this story? Does it ring true at all for you?
Ask yourself…do you really want to experience the dreams and goals you say you want? Do you want them to be a part of your present experience? Or is the “perpetual and forever just out of reach” promise of the dream what you live on?
There is no right or wrong answer here…just the truth, for you.
There’s nothing inherently wrong with loving the dream more than actually bringing that dream into your actual experience. Just be clear that it is the fantasy of it that you want, not the actual experience itself. Then, let yourself off the hook and release the lip service that you give toward actually doing something about it. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Success Secrets | 1 Comment »
To Hell With New Year’s Resolutions!
By paulag | January 6, 2012
Happy New Year! I welcome this new year of 2012 with open arms and am energized about the possibilities. Yet, whenever someone starts talking about new year resolutions I cringe, the hair on my neck starts to stand up, and my insides want to prepare for battle. The other day I started the year by attending a women’s networking meeting. As someone started talking about it being the time to get started with those resolutions I wanted to leap from my chair and scream bull!*$?! Stop playing that mental game with yourself!
Why do I say this? Well, first let me ask you…
- How many years now have you been making resolutions?
- How many of those resolutions have been fully realized?
- How many of your resolutions for the coming year sound exactly like the resolutions you made last year (and the year before that, and the year before that…)?
If you are truly honest with yourself this whole game of new year’s resolutions has been nothing but a silly game of psychological warfare with yourself perpetuated through the ages, right? Something you say each year to feel better about yourself (for about a week or two) in an attempt to get motivated around something that you at least say you want. There is something approximating an 88% failure rate when it comes to resolutions (and many resolutions don’t even make it out of January). Why is that and why is making resolutions just a silly game in which you set yourself up for failure and feeling bad about yourself?
Willpower is a Depletable Resource
You cannot willpower your way to any lasting change. It just isn’t possible. It is not sustainable. The minute you are fatigued, distracted, or otherwise stressed mentally or physically, willpower goes out the window. This is why it is so hard to resist all the cookies, donuts, and goodies at the holidays or at work when you’re running on low. Willpower plummets and the quality of your choices goes out the window. Resolutions by their very nature (“resolve”) are based on willpower.
The Bar Is Set Too High
Resolutions tend to sound like sweeping changes and include huge promises that are doomed to failure by their very nature. Big promises that entail radical changes are usually empty promises. (Think: political rhetoric) Behavior change and true transformation requires a systematic plan of achievable and sustainable change. I don’t care who you are, you’re unlikely to go from one extreme to the other in any area of your life whether it is losing weight, redesigning your marketing plan, or meeting your income goals.
Goals are One Dimensional
To me goals have been abused, mistreated, and overrated. We throw them out there like darts at a board. Sometimes we even get really fancy and make SMART goals (don’t even get me started). The end result? Often the same…a misunderstood end point that may or may not get you where you want to go and is likely to justify the end at the expense of the means (and your experience along the way). There is a better, more effective way to do this.
True Commitment is Lacking
Words and ideas are a dime a dozen. In general as human beings we blow a lot of hot air with what we say. It’s what we actually do that matters. Words are cheap but actions speak loudly. What you make time for and where you invest your money will give you a very clear picture of your priorities and commitments. Most resolutions are just hot air.
All said, the new year is still a great time to plan, vision, and begin to make the changes you most want to see. It’s just that if you want things to be different you actually have to do differently. Here are a few secrets that will have you putting the screws to resolutions and instead being in the 10% of people who actually will make lasting changes. Read the rest of this entry »
Topics: Success Secrets | No Comments »
The 12 Days of Intuitive Intelligence™
By paulag | November 21, 2011
Have you ever struggled to try to make the “right” decisions for your career, life and business? Tired of banging your head against a wall out of frustration and trying to “figure it all out”?
Well, I have felt this too and this is why I am hosting The 12 Transformative Days of Intuitive Intelligence™ Telesummit starting December 1st. Back by popular demand after the first-ever Intuitive Intelligence™ Telesummit held this May with over 2000 people across the globe, I want you to bring a powerful close to 2011 and make 2012 your best year ever. NOW is the time to stop the struggle of going it all alone and breakthrough to greater freedom and far more satisfying results.
Just imagine what would be possible for you personally and professionally if you had the confidence and certainty that comes from operating in the world from a place of accessing your intuitive knowing and turning that into action…
This is why I have personally hand-picked leading experts from North America to help you in activating your own Intuitive Intelligence in all areas of your life and career. For the first-time ever this particularly powerful group will be together, coming to you live via phone over the course of 2 weeks to share with you their expertise in everything from soul’s purpose to health to money to career and business expertise. On your days off from live calls you will receive specially designed exercises and other gifts from the proprietary Intuitive Intelligence process to keep your momentum rolling and deepen your awareness and breakthroughs.
You will literally be activating your own personal power simply by making the choice to join us for this special time together.
All you have to do is step forward to register at http://www.intuitiveintelligencecoaching.com/summit .
All it takes is one step, one moment of your time, and a willingness to open to the possibilities. I have a comfy virtual chair reserved just for you to be a part of this very special event, so please step up to claim it. http://www.intuitiveintelligencecoaching.com/summit
Topics: Appearances, Teleclasses | No Comments »
What I Learned from Publishing My Book
By paulag | November 10, 2011
This post originally appeared on BlogHer.
In September, I released my first full-length published book titled Open to Your Intuitive Intelligence™: Reflections on Nature and Wisdom and to say I am excited is an understatement. Along the way I learned a great deal about what it takes to start and more importantly complete a project like this. Whether you are looking to publish as part of your business or for professional gratification, here are some lessons learned.
I had always wanted to combine my photography with the work that I do professionally. It had been a sparkle in my head for a long time. Yet, whenever I would start to entertain the idea I would run into nothing but resistance from people telling me it couldn’t be done. Too hard, too expensive to do full-color, no one will want to buy it, etc. I found this disheartening and for a long time I let it hold me back. That is, until I got the support of my entire mastermind group behind me. I just knew it could be done in a way that would work and serve the world. So I set about starting the project. From the get-go it was a very personal project to me. To be honest one of the reasons I really wanted to do it was to surprise my mother because she always loved my photos and my writing. However, during the process of creating this inspired project, she got ill and died. I really wanted to give up on the whole thing. Yet through the love of my mentor, friends, and colleagues I got back in the saddle and wrote.
You can read the entire story of my personal journey on my book’s website but I wanted to share with you some of the key things I learned about how to start and finish such a project.
Just Start
I waited a long time to get started. It was an idea I had in my head for years, yet I waited for someone else to tell me – get started girl! If you have an idea and a burning desire, just get started. You never know where it will lead or what form it’ll ultimately take, but you owe it to yourself to start.
Be Realistic
It is unlikely you are ever going to get rich from a book whether self-published or traditionally published. Therefore, do not throw out all your income producing activities to write it. That said…get down to business and write! Find yourself manageable chunks of time whether daily or weekly to focus on and move the project forward. For me it was a daily practice in wisdom. I didn’t do a whole lot on any one day (at least during the early stages) but I did keep at it. The journey of 100, 200, 300 pages begins with just a few words.
Do the Research
Finding the right way to publish my book so it was up to my standards of quality but actually cost-effective to produce was a journey. I tapped experts and colleagues who had been down this road before. Your project will likely look different than mine, but there is a far chance that someone has walked that road before you. Find them, Google them, and ask around. It takes time and homework to evaluate your options and yet it is a very necessary step if you plan on celebrating in the end instead of sitting at home with a lot of expenses out the door but nothing to show for it.
Pick Yourself Up When You Fall
I totally wanted to pack in the project after my mother got ill. I didn’t care about it any more. I sobbed a lot and then I sobbed some more. Luckily for me I had some dear friends and colleagues who encouraged me to come back to the project after the heaviest lifting of immediate grief was past. It took me about 9 months before I began again in earnest, but I DID. That is the most important lesson you can learn.
Get Support
I could never have done this project alone…on an emotional or practical level. Surround yourself with people – a coach, mastermind group, writer’s group – who will support you constructively and objectively, but lovingly. Then, when it comes time to kick it in gear for the final mile, invest in a good editor, designer, and any other support people you need to make a top notch product a reality.
Go the Extra Mile
I’ll be honest, the last mile or so to completion is difficult and long. Just when you think you are complete you are not. Deadlines get pushed, more edits show their face, and steps you didn’t even know you needed to complete show their face. It is absolutely worth it to keep persevering and put out a quality project. There is no such thing as perfection, but the little things do matter and quality is king.
So I’ll shout a big self-serving Yahoo! for my own completion…and now I want to hear your success stories, challenges, nightmares, or questions on my blog.
Credit Image: jacob-davies on Flickr
Topics: Success Secrets | 2 Comments »
10 Red Flags That Signal You Aren’t Cut Out for Self-Employment
By paulag | November 4, 2011
This post originally appeared on BlogHer
People often ask me – how did you know you were cut out to be your own boss? How do you deal with the anxiety? The risk? The learning curve? There are many ways to be successful… I coach my clients how to navigate the inner and outer obstacles all the time. Yet, I will be the first to say that self-employment is not for the faint of heart, it’s not for everyone. So, how do you know if it’s right for you?
First off, there is no hard and fast rule. There is no one size fits all. Some people look like they would thrive as their own boss and then find they hate it. Others seem at home in corporate and yet break free and thrive as a business owner. You can’t tell just by looking at or talking to someone. After all, there are so many different types of businesses you could own…from being a solopreneur in a traditional field (lawyer, accountant, etc.) to being a high risk-taker in a cutting edge startup to becoming a franchise owner… and each has its own culture if you will.
Yet, there are some definite red flags you can be on the lookout for that would scream – stick to a steady paycheck.
1) Control Freak Syndrome – if you are a control freak and need everything “just so” and highly predictable, you likely won’t be able to stomach the ride of being self-employed.
2) Lacking Discipline – if you absolutely cannot follow through to things you commit to without having someone wielding a stick, you better stick to a job where you have a boss calling the shots.
3) Low Self-Worth - if you are looking to someone or something else to give you a solid sense of self-worth, you are setting yourself up for disaster. You are enough just as you are…much like when looking for a relationship, don’t look for your business to make you whole.
4) Unwilling to Take and Accept Risks – being your own boss is all about taking risks, calculated risks. If the idea of sound, calculated risks freaks you out to the point of paralysis, you need to do some deep personal growth work first before you take the leap.
5) Passion for What You Do — do not start a business because it seems like the next big thing or someone else tells you to. You need to be truly passionate about the product or service you offer if you want to succeed.
6) Give Up Easily — perseverance is one of the most important traits you can have as a business owner. One of the reasons so many small businesses fail is because the owners weren’t willing to stay at it or go the distance (or ran out of money before they could).
7) Dislike People — you do not have to be an extrovert or a raving people person to succeed, but you do have to be effective at dealing with others. Business is about relationships – period.
8 ) Unwilling to Delegate – while you may need to do all tasks when you get started, if you are not willing to delegate, you will burn out guaranteed.
9) Inflexible – if it is always your way or the highway, stick to the cubicle. While you don’t want to be a wallflower without boundaries and you never want to let others take advantage of you, you need to be able to bob and weave to adjust to business relationships and an ever-changing business climate.
10) Seeking Guarantees – there are none. I might point out that there are no guarantees when you work for someone else either, but there certainly is more predictability. If you want absolutes, focus on death and taxes, they are the only two you can count on.
Do you own your own business? If so – what other red flags would you add to this list? Would love to hear them…
Credit Image: rvw on Flickr
Topics: Career and Business, Small Business Success | No Comments »
Book Release! Open to Your Intuitive Intelligence™: Reflections on Nature and Wisdom
By paulag | October 22, 2011
Do you wish you had beauty at your fingertips?
A constant companion you could turn to for wisdom, guidance, and peace of mind at the snap of a finger?
If so, this just released full color book of photographs and inspired verse will do the trick. I am SO thrilled to announce the release of this very special book just in time for the holidays. This book is the result of the inspiration of my lifelong love of photography and the work I created called Intuitive Intelligence.
This book is the perfect tool for reflection at any time during your day.
Learn more about the touching story behind the creation of the book, take a peek inside the book, and purchase your own copy at this special release price here.
Topics: Inspiring Images, Living Fully | No Comments »
Intuitive Intelligence™ Podcast with Dana Theus
By paulag | October 13, 2011
I’m excited to have as my guest on today’s podcast – Dana Theus. As a leadership consultant, facilitator and coach, Dana Theus helps her clients access their power to step boldly into the future, to master the dynamics of change and transformation and to direct their energies towards changing the world for the better. I first met Dana in 2010 at the BlogHer conference in New York City. We hit it off immediately. Since that time I’ve been blessed to stay connected with and partner with Dana as we both bring important work to the world to help women truly live their lives fully and at the peak of their success.
We have the crazy notion in common that women…professional, successful women like you already have the power within you to change the world, speak your truth, and live your best life. Yet, you’re not meant to go it alone… the lone ranger … even the lone ranger had an assistant! You have the power IN you…which is where Dana’s InPower Coaching comes from.
In our time together you’ll get to know more about Dana’s leadership experience with some of the most prestigious companies and government agencies in the country and how she is using that experience now to guide individuals and organizations toward a bigger game and better results.
You can learn more about Dana and read her frankly awesome blog posts at Reclaiming Leadership. Dana also has a powerful new offering launching later this month (October 24, 2011) called, Speak Your Truth to Power. It is delivered as an eCourse and you’ll definitely want to check it out.
The running time of our interview is 40 minutes (that’s enough for one great cardio workout or commute!)
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Topics: Podcast | No Comments »