Are you HAPPY?

Are you HAPPY? A simple "yes' or "no" answer to a powerful question that determines your quality of life. If your answer to the question is not a shout out loud YES, has to be explained or you need time to decide, it's time to refresh you dreams and vision.

Here are 8 steps to jump start your next big dream.

1.     Create a vision.

Where do you want to be? Create the biggest, most audacious vision you can think of and make it juicy. Make it dripping juicy so that you can sense, feel and experience all the emotions that go along with experiencing your dream.

Without a vision, we let our circumstances create our life. With a vision, we create our circumstances. In a business, a shared vision allows all the team players to know where the company is headed and what their future holds. Without this, life for the team becomes routine and a day-to-day experience.

2.     Incorporate all parts of your life.

When creating a fabulous business vision, imagine how other aspects of your life will be incorporated. As an example, if you have children, a spouse or partner, how do you see them in this jaw-dropping life you are creating?

3.     Write it down - Legitimize yourself!

Pick a time where you will not be interrupted. Turn on your favorite music (or not) and write down an unedited, ultimate, juicy, sensual and moving description of your vision. Remember, it is for this point of time in your life, and you can change it in the future.

4.     Incorporate what motivates you.

If you are inspired by a quote, a picture or article, keep that with your written vision.

  

5.     Chunk it down.

A lot of great ideas, leading edge technology and magnificent companies were never created because the dream was so big, the creator did not know how to manage it. Trying to jump from concept to realization is like trying to light a big log in the fireplace with a match. I invite you to start with the kindling. Break down your vision into smaller and more manageable pieces. What is your kindling?

6.     Create your road map.

Using your internal GPS and knowledge, plan how you are going to get to where you would like to be. Seek out advice. Get involved in groups and events in your field of interest. Some people like to use the intention and manifestation process and let things happen organically. Some like to write a plan. Remember that your plan doesn’t have to be 50-100 pages. It could be one or two pages or whatever serves you.

7.     Do something, anything!

Everyday do something that works on getting you closer to your vision. Some things may seem small but they may turn into big, brilliant fires that will ignite your passion. Start your day fueling your passion.

8.     Acknowledge your progress.

Don’t let the bumps in the road define who you are. Keep moving forward. I can bet that right now, you are already doing things towards your vision. Take the time to acknowledge yourself for things that you are doing every day towards your vision.

A former milkshake machine salesman, Ray Kroc saw the potential to sell more mixers with every new restaurant that opened. At the age of 59, Ray purchased a company that we know today as McDonalds. The rest is history.

Harland Sanders, at the age of 65, found himself penniless. He went on the road to sell his chicken to restaurants trying to get them to buy his seasoning packets. Legend has it that there were 1009 no’s before he heard his first yes.

It’s never too late. You can accomplish anything you want in life and at any age. You are the Source!

©JeffBow -All Rights Reserved 

Rapping in Business?

Creating a culture in your business or work environment that allows individuals to thrive adds to the company's distinctive value and bottom line. As a leader, are you trying to mold your up and coming leaders or develop them from their individuality?

Here is a great example of Southwest Airlines allowing individuals to thrive:

Southwest Airlines Leads the Way!

Click here to read the Intro to Stop Thinking, Start Believing: How to Break Through Fear and Ignite Your Brilliance

The New Currency

What if your compensation was based on the quantity and quality of your optimism, inspiration, and acknowledgment of the people you lead? How would your pay change?

Vary your approach to your leadership style to remain progressive, in-touch and fresh.

  Stop Thinking, Start Believing: 

How to Break Through Fear and Ignite Your Brilliance

Inspired Leadership

Inspired leadership starts with individual integrity. Take an inventory of your thoughts and actions to see if they are congruent with your highest values. Ask yourself, "Am I being the best example of what I expect in others?"

False Sense of Security

Hikers often take cell phones for safety purposes in case of emergencies. Experts say that many hikers who take cell phones think that they are safe in the event something happens because they can call for help.

Having a cell phone for emergency purposes is a good thing. However, the cell phone cannot replace proper training, common sense, survival skills, first aid knowledge, proper gear and clothing or knowing your limits and skill level.

Is there something that you rely on as a "False Sense of Security" in your business or life?

One Size Fits All

Does one size really fit all? Have you ever tried on a "one size fits all" article of clothing and found that it just doesn't work for you?

Think about the service you provide or your business strategy. A "one size fits all" approach is the lazy attempt to capture everything or everyone at once. People like choices! They want to be in control and when you provide options for them to make the decisions, it empowers them. The more empowerment a customer, potential customer or team member has, the greater the chances of them buying into your distinctive value that you have to offer.

The Dynamics of Yin-Yang

It's interesting how the effects of Yin-Yang work on your ego and the world. Think about the following:

When you want it to stop raining, someone in the world is praying for water.
When you complain about a meal at a restaurant, there is someone in the world that would be happy to take your place just to have food.
When you complain about your spouse, significant other or partner, there is someone waiting to experience the love they have to offer.
When you have a customer that you would like to drop, others would just like to have more business.

Imagine how the Yin-Yang effect would work for you if you lived a life of love and gratitude? How would your personal and professional life change?

The Flip Side

I recently received a cassette tape in the mail and decided to listen to it. After playing the tape, I thought it was it was a little short. The next day I realized that I forgot to flip the tape to listen to the other side. It had been so long since the last time I listened to a cassette tape. The technological advances of electronics with CD'S and DVD'S makes it convenient with little or no intervention needed from the listener.

How often have you let the modern conveniences of email, cell phone and texting, prevent you from understanding what the person is really trying to convey?

Take the time to find out what is on the flip side!

Fresh Eggs

I recently had an opportunity to buy farm fresh eggs. Not just eggs from a carton that claim to have fresh eggs but actually from the farm itself. The eggs were laid hours before we picked them up.

The eggs had a sunset orange to the yolks and I realized after eating one that this was my new definition of fresh. My previous knowledge of a fresh egg was determined by the expiration date on the carton. The eggs had pale yellow yolks. Because this was the only experience I had with eggs, this was my reality and not knowing any better, I didn't realize what I was missing all along.

Think about this for your business and life. What is waiting for you beyond your current perception? If you looked a little further, tried a little harder, searched for more meaning or were open to a new definition, what would you discover?

Heads Up

It's easy to get caught up in the day to day activities of your business and life. Your head is buried in your work and your time is consumed by those who need your support.

Take the time to lift your head up and look towards the horizon at where you want to be. Encourage those you manage to do the same. It's a lot easier to adjust your path and correct things as you move along.

Determine what is really important and meaningful and let that be your guide!

May I Help You?

I recently visited a store where I had made a significant purchase in 2004. I was shocked to see the difference in customer service. Thinking it might have been an off day, I went back again and had the same experience, obviously, not a good one. As I looked at the merchandise and even initiated a "hi" to the salesman, I was never asked the question, "May I help you?" This happened on both occasions.

I am not sure what their new branding strategy or sales approach might be but it really didn't matter. My experience became my reality. I wondered if this company's success has negated their efforts of connecting with the customers.

Check in with your business, core leadership team and customer service group to see if your emphasis on customer service remains the utmost importance to your organization.You never know who may be your biggest supporter.

Defining Success

Have you defined 'Success'  lately? As you grow and change, so does your definition of success. What does success means to you at this moment? If you do not redefine what success means to you, others will. Unconsciously you may begin to follow what others believe success is and you mold your life around their definition of success rather then your own.

Take the time to define success in all areas of your life: Primary Relationship, Financial, Physical well being, Spirituality, Physical Surroundings, Extreme Self Care, Relationships, Self Development, Profession etc.

Defining success on your terms brings out the best in your role as the leader in your life and business.

A Call to Save Christmas – A Leadership Initiative

I love this time of year. People are happy, a little more giving and the world seems to have more peace and love. But over the years, I’ve noticed a change. The change was brought to my attention many years back as I went to visit my friend Bob in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. I went to wish him a Merry Christmas but instead caught myself using the “politically correct” term, Happy Holidays. After our greetings and brief exchange, Bob mentioned that no one says Merry Christmas any more. I looked at him and shook my head in agreement, as we simultaneously said, “Merry Christmas” to each other in unison. I have never forgotten that day.

As many countries and the world become more culturally integrated, an envelope has been created to not offend anyone. That envelope is the “politically correct” safe mode. I think that our efforts at integration have created thin eggshells for us to walk on that have deterred us from the true meaning of Christmas. I am not speaking about the commercialization that Christmas has morphed into, I am referring to the love, hope and dreams that Christmas brings in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ.

On a global picture, it’s not just about Christmas. It could be one of hundreds or so celebrations in honor of cultural deities and traditions. It is about respecting other cultures celebrating their Source of Divine Presence and allowing them to share the love and joy in their tradition whether or not you celebrate that occasion. Without peace between religions there can never be peace in the world. 

My concern is for the next generation of the stewards of this world, our children. Not just our biological children but all children of the world. I do not see the hope and inspiration I saw growing up as a child in our children today. Yes there are many organizations, people and communities that are doing a fantastic job providing hope and inspiration. I am calling for a more unified, cohesive, global effort to move forward in using Christmas as a spring-board to start reviving love, respect, hope and peace among all cultures.  


I love the meaning of Namaste. The word Namaste, originating out of India, is a greeting or salutation used when meeting someone. Although the meanings vary, I interpret it to be the welcoming and honoring of Spirit within you.  

Imagine having this energy when others are celebrating their cultural holiday events. Allowing others to share their beliefs and for us to understand a little more about our neighbors, friends, co-workers and even strangers allows them to do the same. As we learn more, we invite love, peace, hope and understanding.  


As a leader in your business, work or family, I am inviting you to bring the words “Merry Christmas” back as a catalyst to allow others to so the same in their own celebrations. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, by returning those words to someone that does, means you honor and respect their love for their Source of Divine Presence and accept their gift of love, peace and joy. 


Life wouldn’t be the same with Santa Claus saying, “HO, HO, HO Happy Holidays..” 

With this, I wish you a Merry Christmas.

With Love and Respect,

Jeff

Million Dollar Attitude

Please click on the link below to watch my latest television interview on Million Dollar Attitude with Joni in Guarantee Your Success.

Jeff Bow Executive and Leadership Coach provides expert advice on Business, Leadership and Life Balance.

 

The Driver

As the end of 2010 nears, it is not only a great time to reflect on the year's events but also to challenge your thinking, to expand the boundaries of possibilities and to open the door to an Infinite Source.

Think about how your business or life would be different if the main driving force was Spirituality. Ask yourself the following questions:

1. How would your life change?
2. Would your level of stress go down and your happiness go up?
3. How would you view your current business relationships, friendships and future partnerships?
4.  How would you view money, bills and receivables?
5. Would Spirituality help you to be better in all areas of your life?
6. How would you incorporate Your Source of Divine Presence in everything that you do?

Being a leader is more than a title. It takes courage and integrity to be an innovator and ground breaker. If you are going to make a positive difference in this world, being  a part of the "status quo" is not acceptable.

Are you ready to rise to the leadership role of the highest consciousness?

The Leader in You - Inspiration

The ability to summon positive emotions during periods of intense
   stress lies at the heart of effective leadership.
                                                                                            - Jim Loehr

Connecting the Dots

Embracing the Core

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's there are few." - Shunryu Suzuki-Roshi

As an experienced leader, the tendency is to be set in your ways. Flexibility in your body, mind and Spirit helps to expand your vision and embrace challenges from a different light. It allows you to lead in the moment and remove barriers that hinder progress towards your vision.
  
Flexibility in our bodies allows us to be limber, releases stress and prevents injury. Flexibility in our body sets the stage for a clear mind.

Flexibility in our minds allows us to be open to finding value in other's opinions, to discovering new and creative ways to share our gifts to the world and to be open to infinite possibilities we may otherwise discount.

Flexibility in our Spirit embraces the fact that we recognize every individual as unique and special. We are open to accepting everyone as they are regardless of their race, religion, spiritual belief, age or occupation.

Imagine tapping into your greater potential as a leader in your life and work when you embrace flexibility. The possibilities are phenomenal!

The Truth Always Prevails

Integrity is when your actions are congruent with your words, thoughts and values. It's easy to spot the obvious when people are not demonstrating what they say they are going to do or are not a reflection of the values they say they embody.

What about the not so obvious? What about living a life for others and not living your ideal life, vision or values?

At what point do you live in integrity first and foremost, trust in yourself and your source of divine presence that you will always be supported? In order to be the best parent, leader, spouse or provider, bringing who you are to what you do is of the utmost importance. That is living in integrity.

Deer Dreams,

Deer are amazing animals. When they see something they want to eat, they find ways to get to it. They can jump over obstacles from a standing position to over 6 feet high, pick berries from bushes filled with thorns and eat leaves off a plant leaving only the stems in place. They are intuitive and persistent.

You have the same tenacity to realize your vision! It is within you right now to live your dreams. Find ways to make it happen. Look for solutions. Find every reason 'why' you can make it happen.

You ARE brilliant; You ARE powerful; You ARE what you think you are!