It's Time for You To L.E.A.P.
Ready to L.E.A.P.? Please allow me to show you four ways to start your journey.
“The jump is so frightening between where I am and where I want to be...because of all I will become I will close my eyes and leap.””
Ever had that butterfly feeling in your tummy and knew you should just do it, or been fed up and simply knew you need a change? Well...
NOW IS YOUR TIME, YOUR TIME TO LEAP and here are 4 things to commit to memory that remind you YES, YOU CAN!
L is for Latch
Latch on to your faith and strengths, which will help you soar to greater heights.
Ask 3 people you know to give you 3 of your strengths. Shoot them an message, call them up, or ask them in person, the results will be the same. You are looking for positive characteristics that make you.,YOU! Ask them to give you an example of each one so you have context. Try not to challenge what they share with you, over-analyze, or ask penetrating questions, because you have now opened your mind to receive their feedback as a gift. Simply say thank you and most importantly of all, believe them. Relish in the fact that you have many strengths, some that you know and some you have yet to realize.
The reality is that we oftentimes fail to pause and simply take in our small wins. Your strengths are wins. They are what empower, inspire, motivate, challenge, and demand the positive attention you deserve. Take your moments to pause because, guess what.... YOU ARE GREAT! simply say thank you, let the feedback sit, and then think about how this strength can help you reach your goal! This, alongside your faith, will propel you to SOAR!
E is for Expect
Expect ups and downs on the journey to bring life to your vision.
If it were easy......well,,,, all of us would have leaped by now! There will definitely be times you will question yourself and even contemplate whether or not you should quit. There will be times you get extra energy because you are on a roll. It is these energetic wins that will lift you when you begin to challenge your decision to leap. Here's something that you can try. At the end of each day, document a small win. Stick a sheet of paper, titled "Small Wins" on your wall so it is visible daily. You can even section off columns for everyone in your household. It is a fabulous family fun time, that after a few times, will become a fun habit that everyone looks forward to. Stay consistent and lean on these accomplishments when your days, weeks, and months throw small doubts your way! #YOUGOTTHIS
A is for Assess
Assess your progress and adjust to meet your goals.
Just because you have a plan doesn't mean you cannot adjust the plan as needed. Your goal is clear, you have developed how you will get there, have tested it out over a period of time, and have a few results to warrant the change. Do it! It is your plan. You created it to achieve your your goal. Adjust as needed and be sure to measure your success.
P is for Prepare
Prepare to live and thrive in your greatness. ITS RIGHT THERE!
When you have reached your goal, the magic that sits there awaiting you is confidence, commitment, power, determination, accomplishment, perseverance and reward! You did that. Yes, you are worthy! Recognize and Reward Yourself!
Lolita E Walker is the author of “The Intersection of You & Change,” Certified Life & Executive Coach and Change Champion for Women. She is at the forefront of a movement to empower women to embrace, act, and thrive in the challenges and triumphs that are before them, act in their strengths, and thrive in the greatness that they are. Click Here to Read More
Are YOU ready to L.E.A.P.? You are invited aboard Lolita’s Change Train!
I'll Take Feedback from You, and You, and You!
Feedback is a gift. Will you take it or leave it in the hands of the giver?
Hey Change Agents!
It’s 2018 and time to walk more confidently into the changes that are coming your way by deliberately seeking the awesome gift of feedback.
Allow the New Year to bring a New You. Leap into your discomfort of seeking direct feedback and know that there is occasionally discomfort from those you are seeking the feedback from. The feeling is likely mutual, so lightening the load with a smile or approachable manner is a good bet.
Ask for specific feedback with the intent of listening carefully to the strengths and the opportunities that are shared. My daddy always told me that you have two ears and one mouth and to use them accordingly.
**His voice is still in my ear despite him no longer on this earth. He even made it to part of my "Embrace, Act, & Thrive" program of #embracingchange.
Here’s 5 tips to get you going.
1. Ease the discomfort by letting them know you are seeking feedback for this specific reason and share why you know they are the perfect person to give it to you.
2. Give them time to think. Although you want the input instantaneous, allow them time to think of quality feedback based on what and why you are specially looking for it.
3. Don’t overreact. Feedback is a gift, and like some gifts, you may not like or appreciate it at the time. Take it all in and use what you can as related to your original intent.
4. Jot the feedback down. Though you may not use it all now, there is likely a bit of truth in the ones you don’t readily want to believe. Come back to it over time, but focus on what is needed to make you your best you now!!
5. Lastly, thank them for being so open and willing to share. Avoid the sensation to give them feedback. This is NOT an opportunity for you to download all of the strengths and opportunities you have for them. You are listening and thanking....remember.
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises: A Personal & Organizational Change Management Consultancy. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She will partner with you on how to free your mind of distractions, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in the self-discovery of strengths that drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her Program, Personalized “Affirmations by Lolita,” Retreats, and other offerings that help you embrace and thrive in transition and change. Visit https://www.lolitawalker.com.
Affirmation Alley
It is never to early to start the process of affirming the intention of your day! There are power in your words, so use them to declare the greatness that you are!
Affirmation Alley: The Power that Lies Within You
Have you ever felt there was so much change coming at you at once, that you must have simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time? Did you begin to question if you were going the wrong way, should you turn left, maybe it was a right, keep straight, turn around, or simply just stop where you are and huddle in a corner? Consider me that crossing guard who spots your confusion, calls you over, and guides you toward Affirmation Alley, while handing you a card to check out when you get there. You turn right at the corner, and come upon an empty hideaway, where it is only you…and your thoughts. As your heart rate slows, and the confusion settles, you finally look at the card, which has 5 simple instructions:
1. Breathe, Reflect, Release
Breathe: Realize your surroundings and know that you are in a safe space.
Reflect: Pray, meditate, or choose a preferred method, which re-centers you and brings you to a calm.
Release: Take in positive energy, and release the toxins of doubt and fear. Leave them in the alley to be washed away with the next rain.
2. Two “Gratefuls” & One “Great”
Reflect on two things you are grateful for and one thing that will make today great.
3. Two “I Am’s” & One “I Will”
Declare two “I Am’s” and one “I Will.”. An example would be I AM great, I AM strong, and I WILL get up, shake myself off, and kick ass in this meeting today!
4. Articulate your Affirmation
There are power in your words. Use them to affirm, declare, and definitely state your day's intention. State your affirmation aloud and with power and passion. Record it as a video on your phone. Say it to a friend. Review it during the day. Reflect on it that night and congratulate yourself on affirming your day!
Affirm it again tomorrow, and the next day, and the next.
5. Pay It Forward
Recommend visiting Affirmation Alley to a friend, colleague, family member.
Lolita E. Walker is the founder of Walker & Walker Enterprises: A Personal & Organizational Change Management Consultancy. She is a mother, process improvement specialist and change management expert. She will partner with you, personally stepping through how to free your mind, manage your transitions, and embrace your change through acceptance and renewal. Her change management program results in self-discovery of the strengths that will drive your success, coaching that translates into increased communications with those depending on you, and a sustainable change map that drives clarity, confidence, ownership and action. Learn more about her Program, Personalized “Affirmations by Lolita,” Retreats, and other offerings that help you embrace and thrive in transition and change. Visit https://www.lolitawalker.com