Posted in Blog, Work-Life balance

Achieving Balance in Your Life

Finding balance in your life can be challenging to do, especially during these stressful days. There are family and work obligations, plus extra-curricular activities for your kids and unexpected situations. It’s no wonder that you’re feeling out of balance and overwhelmed! 

There are things you can do to achieve balance in your life. Below are great starting points to get you on the road to a well-balanced life.

  1. Start using a central calendar for every member of your family. 

This calendar can be a shared calendar online using Google Calendar, or it can be a paper calendar stuck on the fridge. Either way, have each family member write their activities on the calendar and be sure to include the time, location, and mode of transportation. This way, nothing gets missed, and you can plan your schedule accordingly. 

If there are conflicting activities, this is a good time to teach your family about compromises and the give and take in relationships. There are ways to work things out, and a little lesson in selflessness never hurts anyone.

  1. Take a look at your daily routine. Are there activities you can cut out to make your life more balanced?

In this society of rush-rush, convenience, and got-to-have-it-all or do-it-all, you may be feeling overwhelmed by all the extracurricular activities you’re involved in. As you look at each activity, ask yourself:

  • Is this activity necessary for my well being?
  • Can I live without being involved in this activity?
  • Is this improving my life, or is this overwhelming me?
  • Is this helping others, or is it purely for self-gratification?
  • Is this going to help me achieve my career, family, and personal goals?

The answers to these questions will help you clean up your schedule and continue to enjoy the things that are really important to you and your family.

  1. Establish a daily routine. 

Routines help us stay on task and get things done without procrastination. Without a daily routine, you tend to wander aimlessly, instead of engaging in tasks that take you down the right path toward your goals.

If you work from home, it’s easy to wander away from your daily routine because you can set your own schedule, so it’s especially important to have a routine and work diligently at sticking to it. Whether you work out of the home or you’re a stay at home mom or dad, a daily schedule is vital. Following an agenda will help you achieve your daily, monthly, and yearly goals.

  1. Set goals for yourself, your family, and your career. 

Without goals, you have nothing to work for, and you’ll feel lost without purpose.  Talk about making things feel out of balance! Some worthwhile goals to reach for might be:

  • Losing weight
  • Starting your own business 
  • A new house
  • A new car
  • Establishing a budget and sticking to it
  • A pay raise
  • A promotion
  • Learning a new skill or trade
  • Writing a book

Those are just a few ideas to get you started thinking about all the possibilities available to help you achieve more balance in your life.

Balance in life is something that requires constant attention and resilience. Don’t let the busyness of life get in the way of living your life to the fullest. You can accomplish it when you work at it. Keep trying, and you’ll be amazed at the stability that comes your way.

To learn more about A Balanced Life; click on the link  21- Days Optimal Work/Life Balance Workshop.

Posted in Blog, Work-Life balance

Create a Better Work-Life Balance and Get Your Life Back

Do you feel like you’re so busy that you don’t have time for a life? Do you feel as if you’re constantly running behind?

There are ways you can learn to negotiate your work life, so you become more productive. 

Once you become more organized at work, you can more fully enjoy your time away from work as well. If you’re not stressing about your job, you can relax when you’re at home and live a more balanced life.

How can you be more productive? What can you do to improve the quality of your life?

Here are a few ideas to find work-life balance:

  1. Slow Down. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and it seems like you’re running in circles, sometimes the best thing you can do is to slow down. 

Take the time to prioritize. Going faster doesn’t mean you’re more productive or that you accomplish more things. Doing things right the first time will save time in the long run.

  1. Stop Procrastinating. There are certain things about any job that is mundane. If you take the time to do the tedious parts of your job, you can breathe a sigh of relief sooner.

    Schedule an afternoon to finish those pesky tasks so you can move on to more interesting (or even fun!) things.
  2. Share The Work. You don’t have to do everything! Recruit some help from your fellow employees or family members.

    Delegate responsibilities, and you’ll get everything done in a timely manner. This facilitates teamwork and makes everyone feel like they’ve made a contribution. It also gives you some relief while your helpers gain a sense of accomplishment. 
  1. Simplify. Don’t make things complicated. As humans, we tend to make extra work for ourselves, even if it’s unnecessary. 

Why reinvent the wheel?

If something works, don’t try to fix it.

Always remember the KISS method: Keep It Simple Silly. 

  1. De-clutter. Streamlining your workspace helps you focus on your work.

Arrange your desk so you can reach what you need the moment you need it. Sifting through multiple piles costs you valuable time, causes frustration, and can even prevent you from completing important tasks!

  1. Learn To Say No. When your workload is maxed out, be assertive about saying no. Help your boss understand that your plate is full and not insubordinate. 

Stay within your scheduled hours. Once you’ve learned to keep work from cutting into your personal time, you will become more empowered to enjoy life outside the office walls.

  1. Implement Technology. Use technology to your advantage. A small-time investment in entering information, such as addresses and other contact information, into a computer system can save volumes of time later. 

Once you’ve implemented a system, it’s much easier to make changes to the information and stay current. It also makes it easier to keep up with detailed customer information.

  1. Eliminate Distractions. If your personal life interferes with your job, set some boundaries. Be firm when you have work to finish.

Leave your cell phone in the car or switch it off during work hours.

Discourage frequent personal calls or visits.

Delay socializing with co-workers until your work is done.

Once you’ve learned to streamline your workday, you’ll find that you no longer dread going to work and bringing it all home! Imagine knowing that you’re ready to start your day instead of playing catch up from yesterday.

Be sure to start using these ideas today to enjoy a great work-life balance and a more fulfilling life!

To learn more about A Balanced Life; click on the link  21- Days Optimal Work/Life Balance Workshop.

To schedule “one on one coaching” with Patti – click on the “Schedule Now” button below:

Online scheduling
Posted in Blog, Business Inspiration, Career Inspiration, Inspirational Moments, Leadership Inspiration, Personal Inspiration

How to Incorporate Pause into Leadership

As a leader, have you stopped, pause, and reflected before reacting?  I know this can be difficult at times, especially when in the middle of a crisis.  We want to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.  When pausing, we won’t jump immediately into the wrong conclusion.

Incorporating the Art of Pause into Leadership:

The PAUSE and REFLECT Technique
When at work and someone is rude to you. Or you don’t agree with them.  Pause for three to five seconds before responding. Pausing will give you time to reframe your reply or decide not to respond at all.

Pause, Reflect and Don’t send an email response you will regret!
I think everyone has sent an email they regretted sending sometime or another.

What if you receive a nasty passive/aggressive email?  
 Before responding to the email.  Write out your reply. Don’t send it and walk away. If possible sleep on it.  Then rewrite the email response, when you have calmed down. Have someone else read it to help tone down the language before hitting the send button.

“Anger doesn’t solve anything.  It builds nothing, but it can destroy everything”. – unknown

Don’t get me wrong as a leader. There are times you have to be direct with employees for them to improve their work performance. We can’t ignore the situation and let it continue. Have a plan on how to address it.  Write it out and practice what and how to say it. There are also times when you do need to respond immediately and make a quick decision. When possible, take the opportunity to pause and reflect. What is happening around you?  It may change your approach and captivate a great solution.

Discussion Questions:

What are your thoughts about the art of pause?

How will you incorporate it into your leadership style?

Comments are always welcome.  You can always use your initials or anonymous for your name, if this makes you feel more comfortable to respond.  🙂   Did you find this helpful?  if so, please share this blog post with your colleagues, friends, and family on all your social networks!  Thank you. 🙂

For more information about Becoming a Better Leader [e-Book] Click here to download your copy.

Do you want even more work-life balance strategies? Come and join the Facebook group called Work-Life Balance with Patti

Work-Life Balance Hacks for Busy Leaders who LOVE their Career but Want MORE in Life! 

This mini course is for leaders who are crazy busy, working 24/7 and want something more in life beyond their career.  7 easy hacks to create some personal life balance in this so-called busy life!

Enroll today for $25.00

To schedule “one on one coaching” with Patti – click on the “Schedule Now” button below:

Online scheduling

Incorporate the Art of Pausing into Your Leadership!
Posted in Blog, Business Inspiration, Career Inspiration, Inspirational Moments, Leadership Inspiration, Personal Inspiration

Day 5 of 5 Day Power of Positivity Challenge

Welcome to Day 5 of the 5 Day

Power of Positivity Challenge.

Today’s challenge is to Compliment instead of Gossip.

I was listening to the Happier Podcast with Gretchen Rubin awhile back and they were talking about using the practice of reverse gossip.  This means when someone is gossiping about another person to you.  Say something nice about the person being gossiped about.  The gossiper usually stops talking about that person.  I have tried this technique a few times and it really has worked.

A compliment is a precious gift, so why aren’t we giving them out more?

Offering a sincere compliment makes people feel valued and accepted.  Awareness of the good in others helps us to think more positive.  Not getting sucked into gossip and the courage to walk away from it can reflect a lot about someone’s character.  If more people said nice things about each other instead of the dreadful, this world would be a much happier place.  Walk away from hurtful mean words.  Most gossip isn’t true anyway and it causes anguish to the person who is being gossiped about.  No good comes from gossip.  A compliment can change someone’s day from feeling very low to experiencing worthiness.  When receiving a compliment, listen, smile and then say thank you.

When someone gives you a compliment, believe them. ~ Molly Simms

The Day 5 Challenge:

  • Give at least one compliment each day to someone.  Be genuine and honest with your compliment.  Some examples: Write a note, letter or send a text to someone and tell them what they mean to you or thank them in person for something nice they did.
  • Use the technique of reverse gossip and/or walk away from the conversation.

A compliment is verbal sunshine! ☀️~ Robert Orben

We all have negative emotions and it’s okay.  We can’t be positive every moment of the day, that is literally impossible.  Bad stuff happens.  Even upbeat happy fun loving people aren’t feeling it all the time.  You can strive to be a good person and give a kind compliment.  You may never know what that nice gesture meant to someone and how it could brighten their day for the better. ☀️ ~ Patti

How about making someone’s day today by giving them a compliment! 🙂

The best way to cheer yourself up is to cheer everybody else up! ~ Mark Twain

Thank you for spending time with me during this 5 Day challenge.  My wish for you is that these daily challenges inspired more positivity within your life and shined out to those around you! ☀️

Share your compliment experiences in the “leave a reply” below. I would love to see your comments and what types of reactions you got! ❤️

How about creating A Balanced Life Especially for You; click on the link  21- Days Optimal Work/Life Balance Workshop to begin your special journey of creating more balance and positivity in life.

Want “one to one coaching” with Patti – email me at patti@coachingforinspirationwithpatti.com

Posted in Blog, Business Inspiration, Career Inspiration, Inspirational Moments, Leadership Inspiration, Personal Inspiration

Day 3 of 5 Day Power of Positivity Challenge

Welcome to Day 3 of the 5 Day

Power of Positivity Challenge.

Today’s challenge is about unplugging from the negative and replugging into the positive.

Everywhere we go; we can watch, read or interact with whatever we want, using wifi, internet, cell phones, laptops and apps.  The negative is constantly hammering our environment.

What does unplugging from negative and replugging into positive mean?

When making a few changes with what you watch, listen to, read and how you interact with others by removing the negative influences. This can transform the mind from cynical notions to favorable intentions.

Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results. ~ Willie Nelson

A positive mind gives you encouraging thoughts, which then creates an amazing life.

How do you unplug from the negative and replug into the positive?

  • Each day turn off all the electronics for at least a half hour and spend some quality time with yourself (me-time) or with others (spouse, family or friends)
  • Trade watching the news and change it up with listening to some soft uplifting music or an inspiring podcast
  • Recite daily positive affirmations

Sometimes you have to disconnect to stay connected. Remember the old days when you had eye contact during a conversation? When everyone wasn’t looking down at a device in their hands? We’ve become so focused on that tiny screen that we forget the big picture, the people right in front of us. ~ Regina Brett

Day 3 challenge is to turn off all the electronics for at least a half each day.  Remove negative influences and replace them with inspiring ones.  Recite daily affirmations to encourage a positive outlook.

Share your experiences in the “leave a reply” below. I would love to see your comments and maybe it will inspire others as well! ❤️

Today’s Positive Affirmations:

I am free from negativity and I surround myself with positivity!

I choose to schedule time to unplug each day!

How about creating A Balanced Life Especially for You; click on the link  21- Days Optimal Work/Life Balance Workshop to begin your special journey of creating more balance and positive life.

Want “one to one coaching” with Patti – email me at patti@coachingforinspirationwithpatti.com

 

Posted in Blog, Business Inspiration, Career Inspiration, Inspirational Moments, Leadership Inspiration, Personal Inspiration

Day 1 of the 5 Day Power of Positivity Challenge

Welcome to Day 1 of the 5 Day

Power of Positivity Challenge.

 

I am so excited you’re here!

This 5 Day challenge is designed to ignite positivity within. Especially if struggling with negative surroundings, or difficult circumstances, and want to add some extra positivity in your daily work and personal life.

When you think of positivity what do you imagine?

Today’s challenge is about experiencing hope in our daily lives.

Each one of us carries hope inside. Hope gives us the strength to keep going when we are not sure we can. Having hope gives us purpose and a reason to continue.  It doesn’t always reflect what the outcome will be, only what we want it to be.  Attaining hope is important when dealing with life’s gloomy situations and it pushes us through those challenging moments.

They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world: someone to love, something to do, and something to hope for. ~ Tom Bodett

What is something that you have been hoping for in your life?

Sit down, answer the question and write it somewhere you can see it throughout this 5 day challenge.

Here are some ideas of where to place your written answer:

  • Put the words on your screen saver via cell phone and computer
  • Hang the words on your refrigerator
  • Carry it in your pocket and look at it throughout the challenge
  • Tape the words to your steering wheel
  • Write it in your calendar/diary/journal
  • Draw or paint it
  • Write on your dry erase board
  • Write it on your bathroom mirror with erasable markers
  • Paint the words on a flat rock and display it in your work area
  • Get creative

Looking at it each day will inspire and encourage you.

Hope is the thing with feathers. That perches in the soul. And sings the tune without the words. And never stops at all. ~ Emily Dickinson

Being positive doesn’t mean that things always turn out the way you want them.  It’s knowing that you will be okay no matter what happens.  Hope is not giving up and continuing to live your life to the fullest!  You are unique and amazing.

The wise don’t expect to find a life worth of living; they make it that way! ~ Anonymous

Day 1 challenge is to share your HOPE in the “leave a reply” below. I would love to see your expressions of hope and maybe it will inspire others as well! ❤️

Today’s Positive Affirmation:
Hope keeps me positive!

What is my hope?  My hope is that this 5 day challenge has a positive impact in your life!

How about creating A Balanced Life Especially for You; click on the link  21- Days Optimal Work/Life Balance Workshop to begin your special journey of creating more balance and positive life.

Want “one to one coaching” with Patti – email me at patti@coachingforinspirationwithpatti.com

Posted in Blog, Business Inspiration, Career Inspiration, Inspirational Moments, Leadership Inspiration

The Cheerful Greeter – He Does Make A Difference!

Recently I went to a doctor appointment, I checked in and went to the waiting room.  My name was called to come and see the doctor, the young man who called my name was smiling.  He greeted me with enthusiasm, said welcome and I hope you are having a great day.  He was beaming.  It was a pleasure to see someone so positive and excited about their job.  He was kind and radiated that kindness.  He walked me to the room and asked me if I wanted some water.  This was a heart hospital and some of the people there were very ill.  Fortunately, I am healthy and my tests results came back very good. 🙂

Having a kind and positive person greet you when you are not sure about your health situation is amazing.  I watched how this gentleman greeted others and made them feel valued.  Even when they were in excruciating pain, they smiled back at him.

Quote ~ “Be the reason someone smiles today.” ~ Unknown

Wouldn’t it be amazing, if all places had a greeter like this young man?  The world would definitely be a happier place. One person at a time can make a difference. ~ Patti

Would love to see your thoughts, comments and your experiences on this subject.  Comments are always welcome and please share this post with your colleagues, friends, and family on your social networks! Sharing is caring.

For more information about Becoming a Better Leader [e-Book] Click here to download your copy.

How about creating Harmony in Your Life; click on the link  21- Days Optimal Work/Life Balance Workshop.

Want “one to one coaching” with Patti – email me patti@coachingforinspirationwithpatti.com

Posted in Blog, Inspirational Moments, Personal Inspiration

The Benefits of Adult Coloring – Why Do It?

The Benefits of Adult Coloring – Why Do It?

I purchased my first Adult Coloring Book a few years ago. At this present time, I have a variety of coloring books, markers, and pencils. I have received coloring books as gifts, and I have given coloring books as gifts as well. I take coloring books on camping trips and weekend getaways. Coloring, for me, is a way to relax and let go.

On one camping trip, my friends and I spent hours coloring inside my camper while the rain came pouring down. We shared our life challenges and our life aspirations. It was a great way to reconnect with each other. We each had different coloring styles, which made each page unique and different.

Be gentle with yourself; you can’t fail at self-care. ~ Dr. Samantha, Naturopathic Physician

Benefits of Adult Coloring

  1. Coloring is considered therapeutic to reduce anxiety, relieve stress, and alters bad moods.
  2. Coloring is similar to meditating. It increases focus and shifts our thoughts to the present moment.
  3. Coloring applies both hemispheres of the brain, the right and left, simulating the brain responsible for creativity and logic. From what I have read, some physicians recommend coloring for their Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients.
  4. Coloring replaces negative thinking as a distraction.
  5. Coloring five minutes before bedtime has been reported to help some people sleep better because of its calming effects.
  6. Social group coloring evaluates relaxation and the joy of spending time with others.
  7. When coloring, we are unplugged from technology, which engages in self-care “me time.”
  8. Coloring creates boundaries by staying in the lines and evokes metaphorical boundaries in our personal lives.

There is even a National Coloring Day which is August 2nd. Adult coloring is good for the soul. How about taking a few minutes each day before going to bed to color and see if it changes your perspective on life. 🙂 ~ Patti

Comments are always welcome, and please share this post with your colleagues, friends, and family on your social networks! Sharing is caring.

For more information about Becoming a Better Leader [e-Book] Click here to download your copy.

How about creating Harmony in Your Life; click on the link  21- Days Optimal Work/Life Balance Workshop.

Want “one to one coaching” with Patti – email me patti@coachingforinspirationwithpatti.com

Posted in Blog, Business Inspiration, Career Inspiration, Inspirational Moments, Leadership Inspiration, Personal Inspiration

Lifescaping ~ What is holding you back in life?

What is Lifescaping?

My definition of Lifescaping is figuring out what you want to escape from and removing it from your life, as a result, creating balance and harmony in your life.

Collins English Dictionary definition of Lifescape –
A narrative that details the intersection of events in an individual’s agency, emotions, health, socio-economic circumstance, cultural norms, and behaviors over their lifespan.

Glosbe English Dictionary definition of Lifescape –
Urban agriculture improves city residents’ lifescape.  The elements of that model include the interdependence of the landscape and lifescape, full participation of intended beneficiaries, values-based planning, and “passing on the gift.”

What is holding you back?
Figuring out what is holding you back from enjoying your life is key.  Being brave and confronting it will end the constant worry, anxiety and unhappiness in your daily life.


What’s in your life you need to remove or change to create harmony in your life?

Make a list of the things that you want to remove from your life.

Here are some examples:

  • A toxic friend
  • A hostile workplace
  • A verbally abusive partner
  • A controlling family member
  • A destructive behavior

The big question is “What do you want in Life?”  

Make a list of things you want, to create harmony and balance in your life.

Here are some examples:

  • Positive Encouraging Friends
  • A Motivating Career
  • A Peaceful Home
  • A Happy Loving Family
  • Good Health
  • Some Fun and Adventure
  • A Healthy Lifestyle

 

What action steps will you take to change your life for the better?

Once you start putting the action steps into motion.  You will feel the shift from being trapped to a sense of peace and freedom.

What are you waiting for?

Comments are always welcome and please share this post with your colleagues, friends, and family on your social networks!  Sharing is caring.

How about creating A Balanced Life; click on the link  21- Days Optimal Work/Life Balance Workshop. to begin your journey of a better life.

Want “one to one coaching” with Patti – email me at patti@coachingforinspirationwithpatti.com

 

Posted in Blog, Business Inspiration, Career Inspiration, Inspirational Moments, Leadership Inspiration, Personal Inspiration, Podcasts, Video

Creating a Balanced Life. Is it Possible? [Video]

Creating a Balanced Life. Is it Possible?

Today, I am going to talk about achieving a balanced life. I too struggle with this concept.  I strive for balance however I backslide then pick myself up and continue to keep moving forward to achieve this so called balanced life. I want myself and others to live life to the fullest and enjoy their family and friends.

When you are happy and not stressed out all the time, you create an environment of kindness and joy all around you.

When you are stressed out and exhausted you experience a feeling of urgency and discomfort.

What do you think?

Is it time to encourage peace and joy in your life?

Comments are always welcome, please feel free to share your thoughts about achieving a balanced life and yes, I do feel it is achievable.

Spread the joy and share this post with your colleagues, friends, family and on your social networks for others to get inspired!

To learn more about A Balanced Life; click on the link  21- Days Optimal Work/Life Balance Workshop.

Do you want even more work-life balance strategies? Come and join the Facebook group called Work-Life Balance with Patti

To learn more about one to one coaching with Patti – email me at: patti@coachingforinspirationwithpatti.com