Hi There! By now, we are all fully immersed in the new year. I see so many great things happening in spite of the economy. People are really stepping up and taking responsibility for creating change in big and small ways. Business are getting creative in the way they do business, values are changing or being reinstituted as a center point for how business gets done and creativity is reaching new levels as we are challenged to come up with new ways of doing business and to broaden our cirlce of contacts. I love it!

Designs To Grow has several new offerings you may be interested in.
We will now be available to facilitate short motivational, inspirational or skill based morning meetings for your teams. Call me and we can discuss topics. This is a cost effective way to get new information across to your group and to help keep the energy high and positive.

I have also implemented a new training program called How to Create a High Performing Culture. This training can be done via teleclass format or in person. The training incorporates coaching skills, Emotional Intelligence training, Energy Management (vs time management), creating a vision, and more! Get together with some other business owners, leaders or managers and sign up for the course. If you would like the outline for this class, please call or email me. 215-504-9188 or lynn@designstogrow.com.

I am also still doing one on one coaching and training too!

I hope you enjoy today's article. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you succeed and thrive in this year! Call me for a free consult. 215-504-9188. I look forward to hearing from you!

Call Lynn at Designs To Grow Coaching and Training to set up a free initial consult now. 215-504-9188. Email lynn@designstogrow.com.

"We use 10% of our abilities. Tap into the other 90%!"

Everyone knows that many businesses and people are experiencing hard times right now. But I have to tell you, I also see some amazing things happening with many of my clients. It's not that they are not experiencing the pinch of the economy. They are. Yet, what I love about my clients is that they are remarkable people who refuse to focus on the fall of the economy and so remain focused on the rebuilding! For those focused on the possibilities and potentials, forward movement is occurring in spite of the economy.
Today I want to give a few tips for staying focused on possibility and rebuilding rather than focusing on the fall.

1. See the potential instead of the problem. Said another way, what is the potential in the problem? For example, the problem may be a lack of customers, and therefore, a decline in profits. Seeing the problem as potential will cause you to ask new questions. Have a brainstorming session with your team that consists of nothing but asking new questions. Once you have a list of questions, begin answering them and notice what information emerges.
What is the potential here?
What can we do to leverage our current information, talent and experience that may lead us in new directions?
What beliefs do we have as individuals and as an organization that are limiting us right now?
What new beliefs do we need to operate from based on our current circumstances?
Who do we need to become as individuals and as a team based on these current circumstances?
Do we need to implement new processes by which we do our business or expand on any existing processes?
Who are you, your team, your organization being challenged to become now? What is the next level of you?

2. Imagine the best happening! Too many people have lost the art of imagining. And yet, the use of your imagination is the very thing that made you successful in the first place. Often we get stuck in ruts and are like gerbils spinning on a wheel...working hard but not gaining any forward movement. Take the time to imagine. Have a session with your team and LET YOUR IMAGINATIONS RIP! See what you come up with as a best case scenario. Put zero limits on ideas. Create a new vision for your team or organization and then begin to align your actions with this new vision. Use the resources and talents of your team to open up to new ideas. Decide how you want to behave as a team in spite of the circumstances. Create a new energy in your office and watch what happens! Be consistent with verbalizing and holding people accountable to the new vision.

3. Be patient as you move into new territory. Be comfortable with discomfort. The teams and organizations that are looking at the potential and imagining the best ARE moving into new territory. They experience renewed excitement. Yet, there is often an adjustment period as new skills, beliefs and processes are implemented and integrated. Any time we step into a new level of operating, there can be discomfort. Yet soon that discomfort becomes comfortable again and forward movement is made. Remember, if you are always comfortable, there is probably little or no growth happening!

4. Do not be deceived by outward appearances! Here is what I mean when I say this. Are you making decisions based on a scarcity mentality or an abundance mentality? Are you operating from a belief that there are not enough customers, jobs, money, talent or opportunity? Ask yourself, what actions stem from beliefs like this? Or are you operating from a belief that Life is abundant. Do not be fooled by outside appearances. It is US who are going to be recreating new businesses, opportunities and jobs for each other. Jobs and businesses can disappear but NO ONE can take your talent, skills, experience, imagination or ability from you. This is a time to take inventory of what you DO have and to use these abilities to create the new. So focus on what is certain and that is the indestructible and treasure filled resources of your Spirit and the collective Spirit and talent of your team or organization. Organizations that put their focus here will see great abundance and rewards!

5. The potential in this moment of time is to become a LEADER and an innovator versus a victim! This is what I call seeing the potential instead of the problem! Some will step up and meet the challenges with a sense of opportunity and excitement. Others may see the "problems" as bigger than them. Which will you be?

6. DECIDE to succeed. Decide to proceed. Do not waver. Do not pay attention to what you see outwardly. Focus IN on the resources that will create the new, the improved, the expanded and as yet unmanifested ideas. Be the one to bring in the New. Be the one that goes the extra mile. Play. Be creative. Connect to new people. Form alliances. Go with your instincts. Trust! Imagine. Dream...and do it together as the ideas will be exponential as you use all of the inner resources of your people.

7. Surround yourself with positive people. Keep away from the doom sayers. Negative emotions are contagious as are positive ones. Also, when people are in a low energy state such as discouragement, hopelessness and fear, it is difficult to take action. Yet when we are hopeful, excited and happy, we are more likely to take action, take risks, call new clients and attract more business. Often the leader sets the tone for the entire team or organization. Get yourself right first! Then do lots of things to keep your team's energy high...play team building games, brainstorm new ideas, play upbeat music and smile. It is crucial to your success! (And turn off the news channels!)

I want to see you, your team and your organization succeed. Call me for a free consult on our coaching services, trainings and one hour morning meetings. Let me run a one hour morning meeting via teleconference for your team on an array of motivational, inspirational or skill based topics that will help boost performance and morale! It's a cost effective way to integrate new knowledge and energy into your business. Call Lynn at 215-504-9188 for more information.