On your mark. Get set. GO
Sure we all set our best intentions of finally fulfilling those New Year's resolutions. This 30 day habit forming, challenge, campaign, project will support you in playing a bigger game in life AND assist you in realizing those damn resolutions once and for all!
For 30 days you commit to living your best life. I did not say perfect and I did not say that you will do it effortlessly or that you will not get stuck. Of course it will be challenging and you will likely get stuck- which is why I am here to support you in actualizing this! I will be sending out emails to you with tips and tools for you to put into practice. Though some may be confronting, and down right a pain in the ass, none will be actually painful- I promise.
What do you need to do?
Sign up below. Buy a planner (from any office supply store) to carry with you at all times or use your handy dandy smartphone. Read the emails. Put the tools into practice. At the end of each week, look back at what differences was made. Period. That easy.
Why should you do it?
Because you deserve it! You get to experience yourself and our world in a whole new way. And, of course, because you have nothing to lose- it's free.
At any point, feel free to email me and let me know what your experience is. What are some new things opening up for you or things that you are really confronted with- both will likely occur!
Ok- so who's in?
Everyone knows about the state of Detroit. We all know that there is a need for Detroit to re-invent itself and that it needs to happen fast. Even prestigious news publications are doing stories on Detroit but they are not seeming to be calling folks into action. The stories have been landing as another Bad News Media coverage. It seems that the press is walking a bit of a tight rope: run the truth about the crime and other challenges and bring hope of change or increase insensitivity. Perhaps we will find the balance of media coverage but in the meantime, let's get things into....ACTION!Take a look- it has everything that a blockbuster could want- the under dog, suspense, love, thrill, and adventure yet no big Hollywood film makers are lining up to make a movie about Detroit. Enter Erik Proulx from Boston. He asked the question "If not cars, then what?". Lemonade Detroit explores the "then what". It "is about the disarming resilience of those who are moving Detroit beyond automobiles into an era of entrepreneurism". As Erik does not have the financial backing of those large Hollywood films, he has given the power to the people as this is a film for the people. And that is how I get to now be a film producer! Go check it out- read about why a guy from Boston gives a damn about The D, read about the project, think about what could be possible for the city, and then BE A PART OF IT! Stop thinking about making a difference and just go make one...even if just one frame at a time. PS- want to double the impact? Add some velocity there, Sweetie, and do it by December 31, 2010. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan will be matching the frames purchased.
Ahhh-- a tried and true approach of should I or shouldn't I: The SWOT Analysis.
For those of us who have pleasantly put this tool in the far reaches of our minds when we jettisoned ourselves from the corporate jungle, the SWOT approach looks like this:
S= Strengths
W= Weakness
O= Opportunities
T= Threats
I always take the approach of question EVERYTHING- so here goes...
As an entrepreneur, you figure out pretty darn fast that your strengths are also your weaknesses- it just depends on what side of the coin that you are on.
Same goes for your opportunities. You are naturally a risk taker so the deemed threat is typically seen as an opportunity. Oh to hell with it- be the badass that you are. "Damn the torpedoes. Full speed ahead!".
Well hang on there for just one more minute. Let's take a quick look again. This time, answer these fill in the blanks with the very first thing that pops in your head.
1. My business' strengths are______ and ________.
2. _________ is the weakness, or gap, that currently exists in my business.
3. The opportunity that I see for my business is _________.
4. I can see ________ as a potential barrier.
Sometimes, we need to disassociate ourselves from our businesses to see what is it its' best interest. And sometimes we go through the SWOT analysis and still go with our gut despite all the reasons not to. That's when our ability to sprout wings after jumping off of a cliff comes in. At least after we see what the potential threats or barriers are, we know when to take a sharp turn left or right while flying.
Just whatever you do, don't get stuck in the trees trying to analyze it so much that you never leave the ground.
Once you have made the choice that 2011 is going to be your best year yet or that you want to fulfill that one particular resolution, immediately get.a.coach. PERIOD
If you were able to go at alone, you would have probably already achieved whatever you are setting out to do. But alas, we are human. And anyhow- two heads are better than one. Think of it as your amazing business partner that you don't have to split the profits with. Your coach is your champion and wants nothing more that for you to win at whatever game that you are playing.
First, declare what you want to someone. Make sure that your words land somewhere in the world. Share it with whoever- anyone that comes around three feet of you. When the conversation lives outside of your head new opportunities will open up for you.
Don't trust your thoughts on failure-we have all been wrong about something that should fail and much to our surprise it is a stunning success. So instead of asking "What if I fail?" start asking "What if I don't?". ANYTHING is possible.
A coach knows this and will be focused on what you say that you want to achieve. They will not be hearing about the fear of failure or that one time when you tried ______ an crashed and burned. They will acknowledge it and have you move past that fear. You get to be unstoppable!
So whats' the game? Let's play!
Just before Thanksgiving we read a story in our local newspaper and online news that the local food bank's food levels were critically low- and then the snow happened. The snow would typically keep folks off of the road around here but not for the families in need. Knowing this by being one of those families growing up and for a bit while a young single mom, I went down there to see how my daughter and I could contribute.
We met the director, Peggy Kennedy, at the Edmonds United Methodist Food Bank and asked what can we do. Her concern wasn't about volunteering that day but for the following month's holiday- Christmas was right around the corner and neighbors are having a difficult time putting food in the table. An estimated 500 families will benefit from the food bank on December 21, 2010. Not only are they need for food items, but they will need extra hands on Monday as well to prepare the 'store'. And so Turkeys, Hams, or Bucks- No Clucks started to spring into being.
We are calling on Edmonds businesses and residents to contribute turkeys, hams, or monetary donations to our food bank totally a combined number of 400+. So now that you know that the bucks that we are talking about are not a request for venison, you may be asking about the clucks part. Well, part of what Peggy shared with me was that families sizing in four members or smaller typically would get a whole chicken if they are not able to offer a turkey or ham to them. While that is still a blessing, I am a stand that we are able to not only meet the regular needs, but that we have enough varying sizes of turkeys and hams that even our smallest families experience the abundance of a traditional Christmas meal- and you get to have the experience of being a contribution and making a difference in our community!
How can you do it? Simple- rally the troops at your office, neighborhood, cul-de-sac, where ever and collect turkeys, hams, turkey breasts, big, small, or in between. Have fun with it- create a friendly competition. Then just call me and I will come and get them. No need for you to do anything more. If you would like to make it even easier, then you can make a monetary donation. Call me and I will pick up the check. If you are giving a cash donation, then I will be going directly to Petosa's or other local grocer to purchase the turley or ham and take it directly to the food bank. As we are a smaller city, pick ups are not an issue and allows us to track the number of turkeys and hams still needed as we get closer to the date.
Call me at 425-408-3367 or email me at abryant@ternionresults.com
Dewer, Meeks, and Ekram offered a great holiday challenge to our local businesses. They challenged them to meet or beat their contribution to the Edmonds Food Bank of $1,500. If you have already contributed to the food bank, THANK YOU. And if you took DME up on their challenge, even better! You still have the opportunity to be a part of the Turkeys, Hams, or Bucks- No Clucks project.
Now, when do we need these in by? All turkeys and hams to be picked up and taken to the food bank by December 20th. All monetary donations to be collected by December 19th so that they turkeys and hams can be purchased and delivered by December 20th.
When you are of service, you get more than what you give. What better way to fill your heart this holiday season that to contribute to our community! Contact Peggy Kennedy at EUMC 425-778-5833 for volunteering on Monday or Tuesday.
If you are not a part of our Edmonds community, please contact your local food bank, soup kitchen, senior center, children's hospital, or where ever your heart is touched. 80% of success is just showing up. ~ Woody Allen
"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things"
(1959) Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
And along with those, I have a few local ones as well!
No matter how many really great places, things, and people that I come across while traveling, it is those that are close to home that are near and dear to my heart. So here is a list (in no specific order) of my fav things here in Edmonds, WA.
A couple of years ago I started running and quickly learned the need for a proper fitted running shoe. Frank at Running In Motion is amazing! He takes the time to check out your stride, get to know you a bit, and make sure that you are completely happy with your shoes. Not to mention he is active in the community- he sponsors local runs that happen throughout the year as well as a Sunday morning group run. All levels are present so don't feel like you have to be running a seven minute mile to keep up. Plodders like me are always welcomed! TIP: take your current shoes in with you so that he can look at how they are wearing.
Want a FABulous pear martini or a seasonal coconut mojito? The head on down, no run, to The Loft. SO much to say about this simply yummy spot. The quaintness of the bar area, the black chandelier, the inviting patio, the proprietor Niko Raptis ensuring that you are having a wonderful experience, and we haven't even gotten to the food yet! The menu rotates a bit as they enjoy seasonal offerings, like the butter squash risotto, or the winter salad being offered currently. I love to take clients, friends, family, whoever I get to go along with me to this spot. Whether you just have time for one of the most perfect coffees in the world (they offer Illly coffee), a drink among friends, a small plate to curb the hunger, or a full on three course meal that is seriously divine then this is the place. TIP: Plan your dinner on a week night when you can enjoy a very quiet meal with your Honey. If you want to see some of the most gorgeous folks in Edmonds, head down there on a Saturday night ;-)
Go to guy for curly hair...Anthony Molinero at Soma Salon. Now I am sure that he is just as amazing at straight hair but since I have natural curly hair I seek out the pros for that! Another guy who takes the time to see just what's what with you. He doesn't try to do a cookie cutter hairstyle with you. He looks at what is natural for YOUR hair. When he started cutting my curly hair dry, I was seriously like WTH? Then he explained that he was cutting it dry to be able to accentuate what was already there. The result: GORGEOUS hair! TIP: Don't make your appointment at the last minute- he's pretty popular.
I was getting ready for another trip across the pond and when I pulled my suitcase out, I saw that the toll that the baggage handlers were taking on my less than quality luggage. I was leaving out the first thing in the morning and I swung by The Savvy Traveler ten minutes before closing time. They rock! I was hooked up with an incredible suitcase that packed a ton of value. Because of the efficient use of space, and a few packing tips that they gave me, the piece has already paid for itself in saved luggage fees. TIP: You will find something here that you never thought of and it will make a difference in your travel experience- so give yourself a few extra minutes to just browse.
The key to a successful retail is offerings that your customers want and blow me away customer service. Edmonds Bookshop delivers on both. They seem to not only have every book that I have gone in there for but for my teenage daughter as well. And if you are looking for a gift, they even save you time by offer free gift wrapping all year long. Time is running neck and neck with money as being precious resources and I can save both.
Creative date night? Glazed and Amazed has got you covered! You and your Sweetie can go down to the finish it yourself pottery and glass shop and create a special memory, as well as a great piece of glass or pottery! They also have a host of fun events throughout the month. Just a taste of the events are Ladies Night, $2 off ornaments, Pizza Night, and Family Fun Night.
Not only are they Sweeties because of their candy selection but now Nama's Candy Store has sweetened the deal- they have cupcakes! Currently there is a 40-pound chocolate Santa that is being raffled off for $1 a ticket at Nama's Candy Store, with all sales benefit the Edmonds Food Bank. The drawing is at noon Dec. 24. TIP: Don't go in hungry.
You say that you rather have something savory? Resident Cheesemonger offers one of the most extensive cheese varieties in the Seattle area, and they are committed to featuring Northwest and American cheesemakers. They will blow you away with how many types of cheese that there are. TIP: Even if you are not a cheese fan, go in and check out the Vertical Herd. And if you do love cheese, tastings are Saturdays Noon-4p.
Just about the only thing that I dislike about wine is that I often forget the name on the bottle for that bottle that was delicious. Arista's Wine Cellars has pretty much solved that issue for me. They keep track of what wines that I purchase! I can go in and tell them what types of wine that I enjoy, what I am eating, and what price range that I want to stick to and they never fail to deliver on a beautiful bottle. TIP: Check them out on just about any Saturday from 1-4:30p to sample before you buy.
Check out the adjoining store to Arista's, C'est La Vie for gifts for just about anyone! The only other thing that I will say about them is this TIP: Dear Husband O' Mine, I will be happy with anything that you come with from this store.
So there you have it- just a few of my favorite things here in Edmonds. Really, I could go on and on. There are plenty more! You should just come down and check them out for yourself. Don't feel like shopping? Catch a movie at The Edmonds Theater and sit in the balcony.
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