Finding My Bliss

2011-12-31T15:10:00.001-05:00

This is a time for reflection as well as celebration.

As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life, remember each experience for the good that has come of it, and for the knowledge you have gained.

Remember the efforts you have made, and the goals you have reached.

Remember the love you have shared, and the happiness you have brought.

Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears. And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come... Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings and the celebration of life.

Have a happy and safe New Year's Eve everyone! Here's to a blissful 2012! xox

In Bliss,Coach Sandywww.FindYourBlissCoaching.com© 2011, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Learning From Our Teachers...

2011-10-08T12:12:00.003-04:00

I am not usually in the habit of recycling my old blog entries, but in light of the recent passing of one of our generation's trailblazing inventors, I'd like to draw your attention to a classic 'Bliss post on Steve Jobs' 12 Rules For Success, along with the original commencement video from which the 12 lessons are drawn.

To all my Canadian readers, happy Thanksgiving.

Success Tip of the Week: The ‘Action’ in Law of Attraction

2011-03-08T10:55:00.000-05:00

Ever since the movie The Secret came out, there has been a huge buzz around the Law of Attraction and manifesting what we want through our thoughts. This was a great tool to increase awareness within our culture of this very powerful concept.

Visioning what you want and believing it to be true is one of the greatest of all tools at our disposal. We get what we think about, good or bad. But don’t forget that all important component in the law of attraction - the second part of the word – ACTION. You don’t need to figure out every detail of the “how”, you just need to take action and move toward your vision in faith. The rest will work itself out.

What actions can you start taking today to manifest what you want in your life?

Success Tip of the Week: Believe to Receive

2011-02-15T16:10:00.000-05:00

In order to receive blessings in your life you must believe two things. First, you must believe that whatever you want is possible. And second, you must believe that you deserve it.

It’s one thing to believe that it is possible to have a healthy and prosperous life, and completely another to believe that you deserve it. You were meant to be prosperous – in health, love, joy and finance.

Do you believe that? Or are sabotaging thoughts permitting you from receiving your blessings? If you want to receive these blessings, then you must eliminate the sabotaging thoughts and replace them with a simple mantra that says “I deserve to receive blessings in my life.”

Success Tip of the Week: Do You Know Where You Are Going?

2011-02-01T12:33:00.000-05:00

Do You Know Where You Are Going?

Do you know where you are going?

Having a vision for your life is a beautiful thing. It makes your dreams feel more concrete and obtainable. It gives you focus, direction and a barometer upon which to make life decisions.

With a vision, you live with intention and purpose because you know where you are going. Without the direction of a clear vision for guidance, it is unlikely you will feel fulfilled because you will not base your decisions on what you want and where you are headed, but instead you will base them on circumstances of the moment.

Project Your Tomorrow!

Try creating a vision of what you want your life to look like in all areas of life, and picture it in your mind every day. Then create your plan to get there, take action with a resolve not to quit, and watch what happens. Even the smallest steps will lead you to your goals.

Don't know how to get started? Contact a Find Your Bliss Coaching career and life coach today!

In Bliss, Coach Sandy © 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

The Brain: Changing the adult mind through the power of plasticity - Healthzone.ca

2010-07-31T12:16:00.000-04:00

Here's a great article in today's Toronto Star about the brain's ability to heal itself.

Read the article here:
The Brain: Changing the adult mind through the power of plasticity - Healthzone.ca

Buy the book this article is based on here: The Brain That Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science (James H. Silberman Books)

In Bliss,Coach Sandy© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Depression, Alzheimer's, and what you can do to beat the odds

2010-06-30T21:17:00.000-04:00

Now here’s something to chew on. Did you know that scientists have discovered a link between depression and the future onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)?

It’s true. And much literature is available showing the increased risk of developing dementia if one also has experienced unipolar or bipolar affective disorders. Researchers have found an increased incidence of dementia in patients who had been diagnosed with major depression (MD) within 5 years before the onset of AD. These findings indicate that both MD and AD share a common neurobiological defect which causes similar cognitive decline in both illnesses. Studies also show a strong correlation between the onset of AD and an initial depressive episode occurring 25 years earlier. Twenty five years earlier.

So there you have it. Depression may be a risk factor to the eventual development of AD. Why am I sharing this unfortunate tidbit with you? Well, the good news is that there are certain lifestyle factors within our control that we can commit to now in order to avoid struggling with these illnesses.

Diet: Studies show that incorporating healthy nutritional habits – such as eating a vegetarian or Mediterranean diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil – can slow the progression of mental function decline. Oral supplementation with Coenzyme Q, and other antioxidant-rich foods containing vitamins C and E, betacarotene, and Omega-3 may help restore brain molecules that have had oxidative damage. Foods rich in folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12, help decrease homocysteine levels.

Exercise: Studies show that having an active lifestyle, including regular physical exercise and cognitive stimulation (Sudoku, reading, Crosswords, taking up a new instrument) may delay the onset of AD by preventing associated illnesses like depression, diabetes, strokes and heart disease. Such activities help normalize blood pressure, blood cholesterol and weight by improving cerebral blood flow and stimulating neuronal growth, factors which have been shown to delay the onset of disability. Exercise also regulates hormone cortisol levels; this stress hormone is responsible for hippocampal damage and weakened immune functioning in patients with AD. Cognitive exercises help preserve mental agility and executive function, delaying the onset of dementia.

What if you are currently struggling with a depressive episode? The simple answer is for you to seek professional help now to ensure you are receiving the appropriate treatment for your mood disorder. Visit your family doctor, get a referral to a psychiatrist, and seek psychological counselling now with a licensed therapist. Doing so can only help you – not only in the long run, but in the short run too. After all, it’s no fun struggling with the serious medical condition that is depression. In fact, it’s downright depressing.

For further information:
Canadian Mental Health Association
Depression Hurts
Diet and Depression
On Memory
Brain Booster

Other Sources:
Carpenter, B., Strauss, M., & Kennedy, J. (1995). Personal history of depression and its appearance in Alzheimer’s disease. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 10(8), 669-678.

Green, R.C., Cupples, L.A., Kurz A., Auerbach,, S., Go, R., Sadovnick, D., et al. (2003). Depression as a risk factor for Alzheimer disease. Archives of Neurology, 60(5), 753–759.

Heun, R., Kockler, M., & Ptok, U. (2002). Depression in Alzheimer’s disease: is there a temporal relationship between the onset of depression and the onset of dementia?. European Psychiatry, 17(5), 254.

Kasahara, H., Tsumura, M., Ochiai, Y., Furukawa, H., Aoki, K., Ito, T., et al. (2006). Consideration of the relationship between depression and dementia. Psychogeriatrics, 6(3), 128-133.

Kessing, L.V., Nilsson, F.M. (2003). Increased risk of developing dementia in patients with major affective disorders compared to patients with other medical illnesses. Journal of Affective Disorders, 73(3), 261-269. Retrieved from http://www.jad-journal.com/article/S0165-0327%2802%2900004-6/pdf

Ownby, R.L., Crocco, E., Acevedo, A., John, V., & Loewenstein, D. (2006). Depression and risk for Alzheimer Disease: Systematic review, meta-analysis, and metaregression analysis. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63, 530-538. Retrieved from http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/63/5/530

Verkaik, R., Nuyen, J., Schellevis, F., & Francke, A. (2007). The relationship between severity of Alzheimer's disease and prevalence of comorbid depressive symptoms and depression: a systematic review. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22(11), 1063-1086. doi:10.1002/gps.1809

The above information is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to be a substitute for seeking individual medical or psychological advice and treatment.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy
© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Psychological Learnings

2010-06-30T20:13:00.000-04:00

Earlier this year, I decided to bite the bullet and head back to school to pursue my Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. So far, I have to say that I’m loving the program for the intellectual stimulation and the copious research I’m compiling into all things psychological.

Since I am learning so much (and since this blog is called “Finding My Bliss”!), I thought it might be a nice change of pace for me to share with you some of the great material that I’m acquiring. So there you have it, a new Bliss Blog segment is born. For future reference, I will tag all such postings under the label “Psychological Learnings”, and will try to include a corresponding reference list for those of you interested in further reading.

In Bliss,

Coach Sandy

At One With Nature

2010-06-29T12:34:00.001-04:00

Nature is one of the greatest sources of happiness. In fact, humans have lived in the lap of nature for millions of years and their stay in modern cities is comparably very very short. Even today, many people still live in close proximity to nature.

Nature is all free! It is there for everybody to stand and stare and derive happiness and solace from. It does not distinguish between rich or poor, strong or weak, man or woman. The golden sun is free, as is the silvery moon. Cool breeze, warm seashore, imposing mountains, smooth flowing rivers, dark and inviting forests... Free, free, all are free! It is free, not because it is cheap, but it is rather priceless. How much would it cost to make only an artificial island with rivers, forests, mountains, and surrounding ocean? A million dollars? A billion? And if one can afford it, will he donate it to humanity, free for everyone to enjoy? Or will he charge an entrance fee?

When we see the moon, we see it in its entirety, no matter how many millions of people are seeing it at the same time. Similarly, the sky, the sun, the ocean, rain and sunshine - all are there for us to possess fully. Each can stare at the sky and claim all of it for his or her own happiness.

Nature understands our moods. If we are sad, it is also sad with us. But it does not make us sadder. It does not lead us to further despair. It applies gentle balm to our wounds. It sits besides us like a mother, spouse, sibling, or a friend and embraces us, talks to us, listens to us patiently, empathizes with us. Slowly it lifts our spirits, makes us see our woes, worries, and wounds in the right perspective of infinite time and space. Next thing you know, we are smiling, laughing, and are happy again!

Do you appreciate the infinite beauty that is lying around in the form of nature?

Do you draw happiness out of it?

BE HAPPY!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy
© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching.
http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Hot Off The Press! April's Bliss Bulletin

2010-04-26T14:02:00.000-04:00

April's edition of the Bliss Bulletin has just been published! Have you joined the Bliss Community yet? What on earth are you waiting for? ☺

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Tony Robbins on Strombo

2010-04-25T13:38:00.000-04:00

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

3 Steps to Daily Success: Using Motivational Quotes to Achieve Your Goals

2010-04-13T11:50:00.000-04:00

Changing our day-to-day behaviors may be easier than previously imagined. By meditating on and repeating motivational and inspirational quotes, we are better prepared to change our thought patterns, behaviors and in turn, change our lives.

Here's how it's done:

If we believe something to be easy, we find little, if any struggle in accomplishing it. However, if we imagine something to be difficult to accomplish, then our struggle becomes more apparent. In fact, if we imagine that it is difficult to change a specific behavior, then we will always find experiences that will justify that belief.

Take this for example. We wake up one morning and decide that:

"This is the day I start losing weight. When things get difficult, I will not reach for junk food, but instead I will focus on something else to keep my mind occupied. It'll be tough at first, but I'm going to give it a try."

If you continue with this thought pattern and belief, don't be surprised to find yourself struggling more often than not. Why?

If we look at this example closely we find a couple of thought patterns and beliefs already in place. We have determined to do something good for ourselves, but we do ourselves a disservice by choosing certain negative thought patterns, beliefs and words that go along with it.

We have said,

"When things get difficult...."

(This is already assuming that there will be difficult moments! Strike one!)

"It'll be tough at first..."

(This is already assuming it will be difficult at first! Strike two!)

"...but I'm going to give it a try."

(Remember the movie "The Karate Kid"..."There is no "try", there is only "do". Strike three!)

Now there are hundreds of products out there that will assist people in losing weight. Some, if not all of them, may work for various people at various stages of their goal. But for many people who have convinced themselves that losing weight is difficult, some products may fall short when our thought patterns are stronger than our desire to change.

Here is something that a client I worked with did to change a behavior she no longer desired. She recently lost 20lbs in about 12 weeks. She hadn’t liked the way she looked, felt or even thought for that matter. She needed to change and take some action towards it.

First, she realized that she had to change her way of thinking about losing weight. Her old thought patterns were no longer working for her. Her thoughts were like little tiny pictures that she projected in her mind of how heavy she was. She no longer wanted these pictures or thought patterns a part of her life. She had to choose a thought pattern and belief that would be easier to think about.

She chose this thought,

"Losing weight is easier than I thought."

Perhaps not the most ideal for everyone but it worked for her.

Secondly, she chose a word she wanted to focus on for that day, week or month to help her in accomplishing her goal (Start with just a day, or just an hour for that matter. Keep it simple.) The word she chose needed to be in relation to the change she wants to make. For example, she chose the word "FOCUS", as she felt that that's what she needed to think about most of time; focusing more on losing weight than gaining it. Choose any word as long as it relates to your situation. (Attitude, Energy, Action, Believe...)

Following that, she scoured the Internet for motivational and inspirational quotes that resonated within her that related to that specific word she chose - quotes that she could remember, especially ones that really spoke to what she wanted to accomplish.

But here's the most important part.

She needed quotes that were powerful enough to change her thought patterns the moment she read them. Quotes that REALLY spoke to her when her my eyes fell upon them. Quotes that forced her to pause and think for a moment. Quotes that had that extra "edge" where her mind said, "Yes. This is one."

These are all signs of a quote that held power for her. She "focused" in on the following quotes.

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought." ~ Buddha

"The only way to discover the limits of the possible, is to go beyond them into them impossible." ~ Arthur C. Clarke

"It's not what you achieve in the end that matters, it's who you become in the process." ~ Author Unknown

In fact, she found dozens of quotes that she resorted to from time to time, but these three she always came back to. They spoke of who she was, what she wanted to accomplish and who she wanted to become as she worked towards her goal.

She wrote them down. She carried these quotes with her constantly. She read them and meditated on them whenever she had the opportunity to. At work, home or at the gym (yup, she finally got myself to exercise, primarily by focusing on Arthur C. Clarke's quote!), she focused on these three powerful quotes to help her FOCUS on what she wanted.

Because she changed her thought patterns, over time, she can honestly say she is 20 lbs lighter and a whole lot happier. Yes, she will be the first to admit that accomplishing the goal involved more than just thinking but it all began with her thoughts. The thoughts then permeated into her actions. (Now she needs to FOCUS on maintaining that weight, so for her, a whole new thought pattern begins.)

Here are the three steps again:

1. Decide to change your way of thinking about a behavior, making it easier for you to think about it. Phrase it in a simple way.

2. Choose a word to focus on to change that behavior for a period of time.

3. Find a minimum of three motivational or inspirational quotes related to that specific word that are powerful enough to change your current thought patterns the moment you read them. Meditate on them and repeat them, silently or out loud, every chance you get.

Be patient. Stick with it. Give it some time.

Why do you think companies offer a 30-day money back guarantee? They know that if you do something for 30 days it becomes a habit and you no longer need to return it! (Learned something, huh?) Give it time.

The first step to what you want to accomplish is changing your mind and the thought patterns and beliefs associated with your behavior. Thoughts are the precursor to action, meaning that thoughts occur before any action takes place. That's what needs to be changed first - your thoughts.

It worked for my client and I hope this inspires and motivates you to achieve your goal.

Think positive!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Work-Life Balance: 3 Questions That Make a Big Difference

2010-04-11T12:18:00.000-04:00

Each day we make choices that influence our pace and quality of life, and often we are completely unaware of the choices we are making and how they affect our life balance. So often we are operating from habit, instinct or need.

While it’s a good thing that we don’t have to think about every little choice we make, when it comes to creating a balance between our work-related activities and the rest-of-our-life activities, it is critical to be conscious and deliberate about our decisions. Otherwise, you may find yourself feeling the negative effect of your unconscious choices by feeling overwhelmed, out of control, stressed, or even sick.

Start to become more aware of the many decisions you have to make in a day and their consequences by asking yourself these three questions:

Is this moving me toward or away from a balanced life?
Do I have a choice?
If I don’t have a choice, what can be a positive perspective around this decision?

These three questions can make a big difference in your personal and professional fulfillment.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

2010-03-26T13:46:00.001-04:00

Interviewing is a two-way street. Obviously, the organization is using the interview process to evaluate you and your credentials to determine if you are a solid fit for the company’s needs. But the interview is equally important for the opportunity it affords you to evaluate how well the company and the position match what you are seeking. Formulating a series of well-thought out questions in advance of the interview will not only help you draw out pertinent information from the interviewer, but also demonstrate your intelligence and sincere interest in the position at hand.

The best questions are those that arise from the initial research you will conduct of the organization while preparing for the interview. Whenever possible, questions should be tailored to the position and company.

The following questions will provide you with some ideas and get you thinking about potential interview questions you may want to consider asking employers during the interview.

Fit for the Position

* What are the most important skills and attributes a candidate needs to be successful in this position?
* What are the characteristics of a successful employee in your organization?
* Describe the work environment.
* What are the challenging facets of the job?
* What would be a typical work day in this position?
* What is your management style?
* What is your preferred method of communicating with your team?
* What is the next step in the interviewing process?

Company Culture

* How would you describe your company culture?
* What is the organization structure of your department?
* Who are the primary parties that you are responsible to support: shareholders, customers, employees, etc.? * How do you go about making decisions when the needs of these groups are at odds with each other?

Measures for Success

* What are your expectations for new employee hires within their first 90 days on the job? Within the first six months?
* How and when will my job performance be evaluated?
* What metrics are used to measure whether or not you are achieving your predetermined goals?
* How will my success in this position be measured?
* How is success measured in this department (or organization)?

The Future of the Organization

* What is your vision for the organization (or department) over the next two years? Next five years?
* What current major challenges are you facing as a manager?
* What is the organization’s biggest challenge currently?
* What is the organization’s competitive advantage in the marketplace?

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Creating Goals With a Plan of Action

2010-03-24T13:25:00.001-04:00

If you have ever set goals before but failed to achieve them, it may have been because you did not create a specific plan of action to accomplish those goals.

Taking the time to set goals is only part of the process of goal setting, and many people often overlook the other part - creating a plan!

Without a plan, your goals remain incomplete. It’s like having a destination but without a map.

Your goals tell you where you want to go in life, and your plan tells you how to get there.

A goal plan is simply a list of scheduled activities that you will do sometime in the future. These may include activities done over a series of days, weeks, months or even years depending on the type of goal you set for yourself.

Your plan does not have to be completed perfectly the first time. Usually you will find that your first attempt at creating a goal plan will be vague and incomplete. Don’t worry, this is OK. Plans should be flexible and will likely be tweaked as you move towards completing your primary goal.

In your plan, you should create a series of steps to help you accomplish that goal. Think of it like baking a cake. Your ultimate goal is to make a cake (and eat it!), but the ingredients and the things you do with those ingredients are your plan. Once you complete the plan, you complete your goal.

Creating a goal plan is frequently overlooked, and many people discipline themselves to write their goals every day but create no plan! These are the same people who become slaves to their "To Do" lists (you know who you are!). So make sure you take the time to decide where you want to go (your goals) and then create a plan that will tell you how to get there!

In addition to your goal plan, it is also a good idea to use visualization to help clarify in your mind exactly what you want to achieve. This can simply involve thinking about your goals, and imagining them as completed as you go to bed. You can do this for about 10 minutes (or longer if you want) before you fall asleep, and you will be surprised at what a difference it can make in achieving your goals. One of the main reasons visualization before sleep is so effective is that it provides easy access to the subconscious mind, thereby allowing you to program your goals into your mind, increasing the likelihood you will accomplish them.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Secrets of a Positive Attitude

2010-03-24T13:07:00.000-04:00

Are you constantly bombarded by thoughts of negativity?
Plagued by feelings of insecurity?
Do you see everything in a negative manner?

The reason for this lies deep within your heart. You are what you mentally and spiritually eat. If a person drinks alcohol on a daily basis, odds are their body will be affected in some way. They may have liver issues, develop cancer or incur some other type of health problem directly related to the amount of alcohol they have consumed. In the same way, a person who constantly feeds themselves negative thoughts will simply turn into a negative person.

This is the time to go on a diet.

A diet of positive attitude food. You have to literally stop feeding your mind negative things. Ask yourself: is this thought negative or positive?

What do negative thoughts look like?

Well, they start with can't rather than can, no as opposed to yes, won't and not will . The problem in our society is that our thoughts have taken us captive. We have begun to let our thoughts control us.

A great way to know what we are negative about is to ask those people who are closest to us. You can ask your spouse or another person in your life who really knows you how they would rate your attitude on a scale of 1 to 10 -- 10 being very positive and 1 very negative. Ask this person to be totally honest with you. You will benefit from their honesty even if it causes you pain. Ask this person what it is that you specifically say that they perceive as negative. Write down what they say and look at the actual words. Now is the time to be honest with yourself. Those words are a reflection of what is inside you. They are who you are.

The great thing is that you can change.

It is as simple as making a choice to do so. You must decide to replace the thoughts of negativity with thoughts of positivity. Decide what negative words you will change your paper. Once you have done this, make an effort to insert new positive thoughts in your mind. You will begin to notice a positive change taking place in your life. Your family, friends and co-workers will all notice it too.

You can do it. You can and will have a positive attitude, if you simply take the steps outlined above. You do not have to be what you were in the past. You can be different in the future. The choice is yours. I know you will make a positive one.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Success: Moving Past Fear

2010-03-24T12:45:00.000-04:00

There are times when simply thinking positively won’t move you past your fear and anxiety. There are times when simply plodding it out is the thing you must do.

If you’re afraid to do it, just DO IT AFRAID.

No one will blame you for being fearful—what you will be blamed for is letting that fear immobilize you. So no matter what it takes, keep moving.

Fear is much like a quagmire—it slurps at our feet and if we stand still long enough, it begins to suck us down. It’s hard to get out of, but it is possible.

If you’re stuck in fear as you shoot for success, there are several ways out:

Consider the source. Where did the fear come from? Have you been dwelling on the difficulties instead of the opportunities? Have you been listening to those who are cynics and pessimists, instead of coaching yourself with positive words and people? If so, MOVE ON. GET AWAY from people and situations that drag you down.
Take your checklist and note what you HAVE accomplished. Look at your list of goals and the baby steps you’re taking to get there, and on a separate sheet of paper (or a separate document in your computer), begin to list everything you have accomplished. This will begin to empower you to move on and leave the fear behind.
Take stock of your talents and skills. Fear often tells us that we “don’t have what it takes…” Show fear as the liar it is: list your skills, all your positive attributes. Then look at the problem again, after you have a new appreciation for your God-given talents and abilities.
Don’t underestimate the power of prayer. Regardless of your spiritual beliefs, there is an amazing power that comes from releasing your fear to a universe who loves you and is looking out for you. Don’t bottle the fear up—let it go. You don’t need it anyhow!
Finally, remember this acronym when facing fear:

F= False
E= Evidence
A=Appearing
R=Real

Because that’s really what fear is—it is an unrealistic look (false look) at something and attempting to make you believe it (appearing to be real).

Once you know these things, you’ll be able to move past your fear and on to the next step you need to be successful!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Mark your calendars for the National Job Fair & Training Expo in Toronto

2010-03-03T16:03:00.000-05:00

The 16th annual National Job Fair and Training Expo will be held in Toronto on March 24-25, 2010.

Top Canadian employers and employment agencies from various sectors will be there looking to fill positions for experienced job seekers, qualified professionals, people with technical skills, new graduates and even students.

So, those of you who are interested in finding a job, or are interested in a career change, this is a great place to meet with recruiters face to face and put your best foot forward. More that that though, this job fair will also be a great place for those people who are considering self-employment and are looking for small business support and resources.

This Toronto job fair will offer presentations and seminars with regards to preparing for an interview; marketing yourself to stand out from the crowd; and early-stage entrepreneurship information, guidance and advice.

For more information, visit http://www.thenationaljobfair.com.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

A moment with Dr. Wayne Dyer

2010-02-23T17:52:00.000-05:00

Here is a great interview with Wayne W. Dyer, Ph.D., an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development.

As Dr. Wayne W. Dyer so eloquently reveals in this clip, we all have the choice to shift our lives from ambition to meaning.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

How to make yourself hire-able

2010-01-21T14:00:00.000-05:00

The New Year has come, and with it, many people reassess their careers and decide that it's time to move on to new roles, as part of their new year's resolution. Whether you’re in the midst of a job search or are ready to look for your first job, it’s always important to take the steps necessary to make yourself hireable. This is something you can do even if you don’t have a lot of experience. So, if you’re ready to kick your job search into high gear, here are three quick tips to consider:

* Start Your Own Blog

One way to make yourself hireable in the eyes of recruiters is to start your own professional blog. Making this effort works in your favor in a number of ways. First, it helps you to boost your web presence, which you need nowadays to stand out from the crowd. Second, it helps show employers that you are a subject matter expert in the field you’re attempting to make ground in. Third, it offers prospective employers a wealth of resources to look for in the event that they ask for details about your background.

A web blog is the perfect way to not only showcase your knowledge, but build knowledge as well. It’s the perfect transition for those trying to switch careers or those entering the professional world for the first time. But the best part is that you can easily start one with no worry of overhead because they are free. I suggest using Blogger for ease of use. Other options are WordPress and LiveJournal.

* Get a LinkedIn Page

Another great way to make yourself stand out among your competition is by signing up for a LinkedIn profile. You’ve probably heard of this great site for professionals, but if you haven’t, you’re really missing out. In social media circles, LinkedIn is considered to be the professional equivalent of Facebook. Not only can you create a virtual résumé that is easily searchable via all of the search engines, but you can connect with other professionals for networking purposes and have those you’ve worked with before give you recommendations.

Having a LinkedIn page ups your credibility in the eyes of hiring managers and recruiters. So it’s a good idea to build yours – just don’t forget to link to your blog.

* Obtain a Professional Email Address

If you don’t already have a professional email address, now is the time to get yours. While foreverlazyjohnny@hotmail.com may have been an hilarious email address in high school, now's the time to get one that tells the story that you’re now ready to be a professional. Afterall, just imagine what a recruiter would think if he spotted this email on your résumé or online presence? Not exactly a rousing testament to your work ethic, right?

The standard route to take when choosing your professional email address is to use some variation of your name like johndoe@yahoo.com, jdoe@gmail.com or johnd@hotmail.com. But if you really want to look impressive, you could register a domain under your name with a service like GoDaddy, and get a website up in no time. This way, you will be able to sign up for an email address through your own account (ex. john@johndoe.com), post a quick résumé on your site, point to your LinkedIn page and blog, and have the ultimate professional email address. Now that's professional!

Sometimes it’s not easy to think of ways to get your foot in the door when you don’t have a great deal of experience in the field you’re pursuing. But taking free or low-cost steps to build your presence beforehand could make you more hireable then you could ever imagine.

In Bliss,

Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

What Would You Do If You Only Had a Short Time to Live?

2010-01-20T13:57:00.000-05:00

Today's blog is a guest post from Zen Habits blogger Leo Babauta.

It’s hard, from within the storm of every day life, to see things with real perspective, to know what’s important and what’s simply pressing on our consciousness right now, demanding attention. We have people emailing us for information and requesting action, we have phone calls and visitors and a long to-do list and a million chores and errands to run and all of the slings and arrows of our daily reality … and yet, what is important?

Ask yourself this: if you suddenly found out you only had 6 months to live (for whatever reason), would the thing in front of you matter to you?

Would those 20 emails waiting for a response matter? Would the paperwork waiting to be processed matter? Would the work you’re doing matter? Would the meetings you’re supposed to have matter? Would a big car and nice house and high-paying job and cool computer and mobile device and nice shoes and clothes matter? I’m not saying they wouldn’t matter … but it’s important to ask yourself if they would.

What would matter to you?

For many of us, it’s the loved ones in our lives. If we don’t have loved ones … maybe it’s time we started figuring out why, and addressing that. Maybe we haven’t made time for others, for getting out and meeting others and helping others and being compassionate and passionate about others. Maybe we have shut ourselves in somehow. Or maybe we do have loved ones in our lives, but we don’t seem to have the time we want to spend with them. When was the last time you told your loved ones you loved them? Spent good quality time with them, being in the moment?

For many of us, doing work that matters … would matter. That might mean helping others, or making a vital contribution to society, or creating something brilliant and inspiring, or expressing ourselves somehow. It’s not the money that matters, but the impact of the work. Are you doing work that matters?
For many of us, experiencing life would matter — really being in the moment, finding passion in our lives, seeing the world and traveling, or just seeing the world that’s around us right now, being with great people, doing amazing things, eating amazing food, playing.

These are just a few ideas … but what would matter to you?

I highly recommend that you spend at least a little time now, and regularly, thinking about this question … figuring out what really matters … and living a life that shows this. How do you live a life that puts a great emphasis on what matters? Start by figuring out what matters, and what doesn’t. Then eliminate as much as you can of the stuff that doesn’t matter, or at least minimize it to the extent possible. Make room for what does matter. Make the time for what does matter … today. Put it on your schedule, and don’t miss that appointment. Make those tough decisions — because choosing to live a life that is filled with the important stuff means making choices, and they’re not always easy choices. But it matters. Spend time with your significant other, show them how important they are. Take the time to cuddle with your child, to read with her, to play with her, to have good conversations with her, to take walks with her. Take time to be in nature, to appreciate the beauty of the world around us. Take time to savor the little pleasures in life.

Because while you might not have only 6 months to live, I’m here to break the news to you: you really do only have a short time to live. Whether that’s 6 months, 6 years or 60 … it’s but the blink of an eye. The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, to the fullest. Do what matters, now.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

Working hard to be more promotable for success

2010-01-04T14:50:00.004-05:00

Being successful is a great goal to have for anyone. We all want to have a good life; afterall, who wouldn't want happiness and success, right?

1. Persistance Pays: Being persistent is one trait that you need to have in order to achieve success. You need to make sure that you are getting ahead in life and doing all that you can for both yourself and for others. Persistence is going to pay off for you when you use it right. You want to be serious in any type of work that you do whether it is for your personal life or career. Working hard is a great trait to have, but you also need to be good at what you do in order to make your dreams and goals come true as you go through life.

2. Dependability Works: Being dependable is another good resource for you to have. You need to be sure that you are very reliable and dependable for anything that you do. If you are committing yourself to a project or event, you need to make sure that you see it through and make it happen so that you put yourself on the right path for success. Being dependable is an essential element in positioning yourself as promotable. So that this seriously if you want to get ahead in your life and career.

3. Challenges Breed Rewards: Take challenges when you can. If you want to strengthen your skills and limit your weaknesses, having a challenge or two in your life or career is going to help you learn and grow. You will end up much stronger for it. Once you master new skills, difficult projects will become easier, since you will be able to handle the new challenge with ease.

4. Know Thyself: Take inventory of your strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. Is there something else that you could do to make your life easier and more promotable? If so, don't let this opportunity pass you by. Allowing yourself the right to be more successful is going to help you cruise through life better. You will be able to enjoy things so much more and be free to make choices that you had not previously thought of. Want your life to be more creative and exciting? Figure out what you want the most and take that challenge! Get ready for new things and do not concentrate too much on anything that you cannot have. And be prepared! Because in the end, this is what will help you succeed the most.

Take chances and go after the impossible. If you are looking for something to fulfill your life, look inward and examine whether you are doing everything you can to make it happen. It may be hard, but if you are determined, giving yourself the confidence that you need to make it happen will bring you the blessings you're seeking. Being a hard worker will surely pay off for you in the end and help you to achieve the promotable success that you are craving in life.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

© 2010, Find Your Bliss Coaching. http://findyourblisscoaching.icopyright.com

The Power of Now

2009-12-17T00:53:00.007-05:00

Two of my favourite people having a great conversation. Eckhart Tolle visits Strombo on The Hour. It offers a great recap of how it all began for Eckhart. Very inspiring stuff. Enjoy!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

4 Tips For Making Resolutions That Matter

2009-12-16T13:49:00.004-05:00

Turning the calendar over is an excuse to make personal resolutions for the coming year. It is also a way to bring about certain frustration for you if the goals that you set for yourself are unreachable, unattainable, or just something you have no interest in doing. Making resolutions can be done at any time of the year, but if you have been thinking about several new ones for the coming year, here are four tips to help you not only make resolutions, but to keep them.

1. I Resolve To… Okay, you have made your resolutions. Now, step back and take a look at each one. Are they resolutions you wanted to make or resolutions others have told you to make? Make certain that each resolution is something you definitely want to keep, not a half hearted attempt at reaching a goal that you really aren't interested in reaching. If your resolution needs to be modified, do it at once.

2. My Goals Are... Are your resolutions reasonable or are they reaching well beyond what can normally be expected? Let's say your goal is to lose 70 pounds in the coming year. While the weight loss resolution is admirable, do you have the time to exercise regularly? Change your eating habits? Change your lifestyle? Is the 70 pound weight loss goal too much, too soon? Would it be better for you to stretch the amount you want to lose beyond one calendar year? Consider your health, both physical and mental, when evaluating your goals. Keep in mind how your resolution may impact friends and family members...you may be a "bear" to live with over the next twelve months!

3. I Have Fallen and I Cannot Get Up! Do you quit at the first sign of failure? If you splurge on food, do you consider your diet and resolution to be over? If so, why? Simply start again and continue. The road to any goal is paved with pitfalls and you are bound to backslide from time to time. Best advice: Find an accountability partner (or what I like to call, an “accountabilly-buddy”) who knows and understands your resolution and can encourage you to keep it.

4. Reward Yourself. At the end of the year, reward yourself based on how well you kept your resolution. If you hit your weight loss goals, consider going on a cruise -- don't overeat! -- as a reward for good behavior. If you miss your goals, keep the cruise idea open for when you do meet your goals. In other words, some resolutions are ongoing and shouldn't be restricted by a 365 day calendar.

Remember, resolutions are for your benefit, not your detriment. Your attitude toward a particular resolution will help you determine whether you should make that particular resolution or not. Any resolution made which doesn't have your enthusiastic backing will certainly become a hindrance come February or March and forgotten altogether by April. Make resolutions that matter and be the better for it!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Happy Hannukah!

2009-12-13T11:56:00.002-05:00

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

79,000 New Canadian jobs in November 2009

2009-12-09T14:07:00.003-05:00

Christmas came early for 79,000 Canadians this past November, as Canada's unemployment rate dropped 0.1 percentage points to 8.5%. Despite this gain, overall employment was 321,000 (-1.9%) below the peak of October 2008. This is the third consecutive month where full-time employment increased and the first time in three months when part-time employment rose.

The 79,000 jobs were fairly split between the private (+57,000) and public (+54,000) sectors, while the number of self-employed workers declined (-32,000). Most of the gain in overall employment in November was among women aged 25 to 54 (+51,000) and men aged 55 and over (+17,000). Of the 79,000 jobs created, 73,000 were in the service sector, especially educational services.

In Ontario, employment rose by 27,000 in November, the largest gain in the province since September 2008. While employment in Ontario remains well below its October 2008 level (-179,000 or -2.7%), it has edged up slightly since May 2009.

Statistics Canada will release its next Labour Force Survey on January 8, 2010.

For more info: http://www.statcan.gc.ca/subjects-sujets/labour-travail/lfs-epa/lfs-epa-eng.htm

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Contemplating a career change?

2009-12-01T16:54:00.002-05:00

I recently read an article online that stated the average person will hold between 7 to 10 jobs in a lifetime. Clearly, most people make many career changes during their working lives. This is pretty significant. Yet my coaching clients will often lament that they feel stuck in careers that no longer satisfy them, believing that they have no choice but to remain in roles that physically and emotionally drain them because they must “lie in their own beds”. After all, they’ve got bills to pay and need a steady paycheck. My response to them invariably begins with the tried and true coaching question: “what if…?”.

What if nothing got in your way for taking a leap?
What if it was possible for you to make a change?
What if making a career change will increase your chance of success?
What if there was no chance for you to fail?

The idea here, is to get the clients to open themselves up to a world of possibilities within their reach. The potentials are endless once you put your mind to it. Don’t believe me? Did you know that many celebrities had their career start in completely different fields before hitting the big time? If they hadn’t made the leap, we never would have become familiar with the likes of:

Ellen DeGeneres: paralegal, vacuum salesperson
Gene Simmons: paper delivery person
David Lee Roth: hospital orderly
Ozzy Osbourne: slaughterhouse worker
Rod Stewart: grave digger
Whoopi Goldberg: mortician, bricklayer, bank teller
Jennifer Aniston: telemarketer
Danny DeVito: hair stylist
Sting: school teacher
Christopher Walken: lion tamer in the circus
Walt Disney: ambulance driver
Will Ferrell: sportscaster
Paula Abdul: cheerleader for the L.A. Lakers
Steve Carell: mail sorter
Jim Carey: factory janitor
Sheryl Crow: elementary school teacher

So my question to you today is “What if the possibilities for you were endless?”

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Holiday Office Party Ettiquette

2009-11-30T16:53:00.003-05:00

December has finally arrived, ushering in all things holiday related – gift giving, cookie exchanging, and what’s known for some as walking through the mine field that is the Holiday Office Party. With this in mind, here are some friendly how-to’s on holding onto your job and reputation this holiday season.

1. What to Wear: Unless you work in the Adult Film industry, refrain from wearing body-hugging, slinky dresses with plunging necklines. Ditto for too-short skirts that leave little to the imagination. For men, wear pressed dark slacks with a smart jacket and tie combination. Remember that it is better to be overdressed than underdressed at these company gatherings.

2. Work Your Network: By all means, use this as the great networking opportunity that it is. Have you secretly wanted a transfer to another department? Remember that it’s who you know that usually gets your foot in the door. So go ahead and introduce yourself to people and get to know them on a social level!

3. What To Say: Some people are great at idle chit chat. Others, not so much. The rule of thumb here is to avoid talking shop – this is a party after all. Instead, use this opportunity to get to know your colleagues better. Do they have kids? Pets? Hobbies? What are their plans for the holidays? Have they done all their Christmas shopping yet?

4. What To Drink: The human resources professional comes out loud and clear on this one. Know your limits and for goodness sake, stay within them! Many of our most embarrassing moments in life usually occurred while we were intoxicated. Alcohol has a tricky way of loosening our inhibitions, making us act strangely. What we say and do while inebriated can (and most likely WILL) come back to haunt us. I refer to this as Career Limiting Moves. Exhibit A? Mel Gibson’s 2006 DUI arrest comes to mind. His career just hasn’t been the same since.

5. How To Act: I know this might seem like the best time and place to flirt with that copy girl you’ve had your eye on for weeks. She might even be smiling at you from across the dance floor… Whatever the case, remember that you’re likely viewing the situation through beer goggled eyes and that technically, you’re still considered to be on company time, not out clubbing with your friends. Stay in control and keep your interactions on a professional level. The last thing you want is to be slapped with a sexual harassment claim and some other Career Limiting Move.

With these tips in mind, remember above all to have fun and enjoy the celebration. You’ve worked hard all year, and this is your time to celebrate your accomplishments with your colleagues. Happy holidays to all!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Pay It Forward!

2009-09-27T11:09:00.007-04:00

Tonight marks the eve of Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. The most solemn of the Jewish holidays, its central themes are atonement and repentance. Observant followers will try to amend their behavior and seek forgiveness for wrongs done against God and against other human beings. The evening and day of Yom Kippur are set aside for public and private petitions and confessions of guilt. At the end of Yom Kippur, one considers one's self absolved by God.

I prefer to take this one step further... Getting out of our busy mode and into our heart, I'm certain that many of us could find at least one moment during our day where we could pause, reflect on a situation, and see something that we can do to make a difference in someone else's life.

The pace of life and work has increased a lot and we don't give as much thought as we could to the circumstances of other people's lives. Sometimes, we're so caught up in our own struggles that we don't think we can even afford to "give" our time, suggestions, talents, to others. And yet, if we do, we are rewarded.

We are oftentimes throughout our lives able to experience richness, synchronicity and reward through small acts of generosity. This isn't even about money, although sometimes the rewards will impact our financial status as well. And yet, we fail too often when we are so self-absorbed or consumed by our own situation, thinking we'd give up too much by helping.

So, this is just a gentle reminder for all of us to pay attention to at least one "little thing" that will make a difference for someone else.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Top 10 Critical Mistakes When Job Interviewing

2009-09-27T10:44:00.007-04:00

A face-to-face interview is the most stressful part of the job search for many individuals, but it is also a critical component of the recruiting process. Up until this point, you have been able to hide behind your resume and cover letter. As the selection process starts to draw to a close though, it’s time to impress the hiring team. A large part of a successful interview is avoiding potential pitfalls that can undermine your ability to impress the hiring team.

The Top Ten Critical Mistakes that people make when interviewing for a position are:

10. Arriving late to the interview
Arriving late makes a strong negative first impression and will raise questions in the interviewer’s mind about your reliability and punctuality. Always ask for directions to the interview site and double-check a map so that you know where you are going. Don’t forget to allow extra time for traffic and other unforeseeable events.

9. Poor dress attire and grooming
Remember that professional companies are looking to hire professional individuals, not the beach bum who just shook the loose sand from his hair. Dress conservatively in a well-fitting suit and keep jewelry, makeup, and fragrances to a minimum. It’s also important to always take a shower, brush your teeth, and comb your hair before an interview as well to present to clean, polished image.

8. Failure to do research about the company prior to the interview
Show you are interested in the company for by doing some outside research before the interview. This attention to detail sends a clear message to the interviewer that you are serious about the position and are willing to go the extra mile. This research will also help you determine if the company’s industry, products/services, and culture are a god match for you.

7. Failure to give specific examples of your experience and measure your skills against the position
Interviewers want to know more than just the bare bones of your experience. They are interested in the specifics of task how you performed, challenges you have faced, and the methods you have used to overcome those challenges. This is especially true of behavioral interviewers. Take the time to give the interviewer specific examples of how you have performed and how these collaborate to the duties of the position. If you can draw a clear parallel between your work experience and the position you are interviewing for, you have a much higher chance of being successful in the interviewing process.

6. Not taking the opportunity to ask intelligent questions about the company and/or position
The interviewing process is not just an opportunity for the company to evaluate your fit for the position; it’s also your opportunity to evaluate how well the company and the position match your ideal job. Asking questions not only helps you determine how well-suited you are for the position (and it for you), but also clearly indicates that you have done some basic research about the organization. Don’t ask questions just for the sake of asking questions. Intelligent, poorly-worded questions can frequently do more damage to your reputation than remaining silent.

5. Failure to practice
Even the best public speakers need to take the time to practice delivering and answering detailed questions. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will get with your answers and the material, allowing for a much smoother delivery.

4. Talking too much (or not at all)
The best answers are succinct, but detailed. Interviewees who ramble on and on come across as trying to compensate for some weakness, while those individuals who just sit there and stare appear as though they are in shellshock (and maybe in over their heads). Neither of these scenarios is ideal in an interview situation. Choose your words carefully and sparingly, but don’t be a mute.

3. Bad-mouthing previous managers or companies
One of the fastest ways to turn off an interviewer is to bad-mouth your current or previous employer. This raises questions about your loyalty and integrity, and labels you as unhappy and a complainer. Even if you worked in a sweatshop with no lights, running water, or meal breaks for 18 hours a day, keep all negative commentary to yourself.

2. Failing to explain why they are a good fit for the position (and the company)
If you leave it up to the interviewer to evaluate if you are a solid fit for the company, then you risk the chance that they might not make the decision you’d like to hear. Make it easy for the interviewer for hire you by connecting your experiences, talents, and strengths to the job description.

1. No stating that you want the job
Once the interview has concluded, if you want the job, let the interviewer know that you are still interested in the position. Since the interview is as much about your evaluation of the company and the position as it is them evaluating you, don’t assume the interviewer knows you still want the job. Reiterate your interest and inquire about the next step in the hiring process.

As the selection process starts to draw to a close, it's time to impress the hiring team. A large part of a successful interview is avoiding these potential pitfalls that can undermine your ability to impress the hiring team.

Wishing you good luck on your next interview!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

5 Top Tips of Successful People

2009-07-22T18:27:00.004-04:00

Ever wonder what makes successful people tick and how you can get a piece of the pie? Listed below are some skills I encourage you to incorporate into your strategy for success. Do so, and you’ll be sure to move forward quicker than you ever dreamed!

• Hustle: generally, people who make it big have one thing in common—they are dissatisfied with the status quo. They will not take what is “common” or “expected” and let that define their lives—they move past it and excel. You must work hard and hustle.

• Character: someone coined the phrase, “character is what you do in the dark.” In other words, when no one is looking, will you behave differently than if someone was looking? If not, then you have character. If you are attacked, be tough—not hard. Don’t be a pushover, but be compassionate, gentle, and flexible—especially on procedure (not principle).

• Risk Taking: this isn’t gambling, it’s a willingness to be bold, hearty, and to push forward. People who refuse to take risks are definitely going to lose. If you refuse a new promotion because you’re not confident of your skills, you will likely be passed over when a different chance arrives.

Don’t be afraid of rejection, just take it as part of life and you’ll find there’s nothing to be afraid of—especially in the word “no.” “No” is just another opportunity to find a way around an obstacle and to use creative problem-solving skills.

• Time Management: we all know that one minute has 60 seconds and that one hour has 60 minutes. One day has 24 hours, and one year has 365 days. But one year also has 525,600 minutes. We don’t think about a year in such small increments, but maybe we should. We waste minutes as if they’ll always be around, and the fact is that time wasted is time we can never get back. We might miss a deal or promotion of a lifetime by wasting just a few minutes.

Proper time management is essential as you climb to success. Continue to break goals down in to manageable chunks—do that with relation to your day and the time you’ve been given. You’ll accomplish far more this way and you won’t regret using your time wisely.

• Master Non-Verbal Communication: it is said that our body language and facial expressions do much more communicating than our words will ever do. When the words that you speak don’t match the expressions on your face or the stance of your body, you confuse the listener and muddle your message.

Be aware that when you try to “multi-task,” you often end up short-changing something, and the last thing you want is to short-change people. Don’t try to do too much at once—your willingness to do this tells people they aren’t important, even if you’re expressing your appreciation of their work and effort. Be aware of what message your body is sending off!Hustle: generally, people who make it big have one thing in common—they are dissatisfied with the status quo. They will not take what is “common” or “expected” and let that define their lives—they move past it and excel. You must work hard and hustle.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

5 Ways Your Personal Mission Statement Can Drive Your Life Forward

2009-06-08T10:13:00.014-04:00

I recently watched Jerry Maguire for the upteenth time and was struck by the personal transformation Tom Cruise's character made over the course of the film... all because of his mission statement. It got me to think that this topic would be a good one for my blog, so here it goes!

Most people measure themselves by what they've accomplished. In my experience, people tend to compile their track record of accomplishments BY MISTAKE; that is, they don’t have a plan, they simply react to opportunities as they arise. In other words, their accomplishments are externally motivated, not internally driven. What this argues for, of course, is a consciousness of mission -- what each of our lives is really about.

A Personal Mission Statement will help you to organize your entire life -- your time, your thoughts, your priorities. Actually, a personal mission statement, conscientiously developed, will change the way you view everything in your life. Your personal mission statement will force you to constantly re-evaluate who you are, what you’re about, and what you’re doing. As an example, just look at the Constitution of the United States. The essential mission statement there is “...to create a more perfect union.” Where would the USA be as a nation today if they had not outlined the goals and hopes of a new nation in those terms?

The basics of a mission statement are as follows:

1. Make it short and to the point. Nelson Mandela’s mission statement, developed over his 27 years in prison in South Africa, says just this: “End Apartheid.” Another great mission statement was developed by Abraham Lincoln upon his inauguration as President. “Preserve the Union.” Note that mission statements can change. Perhaps a mission is accomplished. Franklin Roosevelt started his presidency with a mission to “End the Depression.” By the time that was almost done another threat had arisen and the United States had become involved in World War II. Now the mission statement was “End the War.”

2. Keep your mission statement short, to the point, simple. Use direct language. Be sure that a 12-year-old could understand the statement and you’ll be more or less on track.

3. Make it memorable so it can be burned into your consciousness. The rule of thumb here is that if you can’t recite it from memory, it’s too long and too complicated. Remedy: simplify, condense, “laser” your thought process until you’ve said everything you need to say in the fewest and strongest possible words.

4. Eliminate excuses. Before you can write an effective mission statement, you must clear away the excuses that prevent most people from writing one in the first place. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that your job IS your mission. It’s only part of it...or not. Either way, remember that a mission is larger than a job. Your job may change, but your mission may not. In fact, there are times that a job MUST change in order that a mission be completed. So don’t lock yourself in a box that says that you ARE your work. You’re far more than that. Another trap excuse is “My role is my mission.” If you’re a man, you may think of your role as “breadwinner.” For a woman this might be “wife” or “mother.” The operating principle here is that your role, too, may change. In fact, as your life evolves, your role will almost certainly change. The third excuse -- the one most of us don’t want to cop to -- is that we may believe that we’re just not important enough to have a mission statement. Sure, it’s fine for a big company to have one, or for a country to have one, but I’m just one of the “little people,” so I don’t DESERVE one. Parenthetically, we almost never say this aloud. What we do say, at least to ourselves, is that we don’t NEED one. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!! Get rid of all that silly thinking. Focus. You’ll be glad you did.

5. Clear out influences that have driven you in the past. A mission statement isn’t about what you think you should be doing. It’s about what EXCITES you. So instead of listening to all those voices from the past - the ones that told you you weren’t worth anything, that you’d never succeed, and so forth - concentrate on your gifts and on your dreams.

Are you ready to create your mission statement? Franklin Covey has a great free tool on one of his websites that will help you build your very own mission statement. Check it out and get started today!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Don't Be A Slave To Your Things

2009-05-25T10:27:00.004-04:00

Do you have things like a bicycle, jetski, or swimming pool that sit unused? Is it that you don't have time to use them because you have to work so much just to pay for them? Sometimes it seems like all the things we own somehow own us.
The bad news is that it's often true. We have to arrange our lives around our things. You get a new truck that can go anywhere, but you're too busy working to go there. Someone is out fishing while you are putting in overtime to pay for your fishing boat. You use your large-screen television a lot, but does it sufficiently reduce the debt-stress that came with it?

Break The Chains!

The good news is that there's a better way. Actually, there are three better ways. First, know what you really value. Second, use cash instead of debt. Third, learn how to look at costs and benefits.

Will you really enjoy that $2,000 mountain bicycle enough? Maybe. This isn't about right or wrong desires. It's a question of truly seeing your own values. Think back to things you've bought but not used, or not used enough. What truly enjoyable things could you do with that money if you had it now? You've got to be self aware and honest.

Cash is king. The price may seem the same, but put those things on a credit card and, with interest, you'll pay a lot more. Cash means you have to save and wait a little for things, but you can buy more and have less stress. Credit cards provide the illusion of a richer life. Escaping debt gives you the reality.

Finally, learn to understand costs and benefits. A friend once came to the realization, using pen and paper, that his jetski cost him $300 for every hour he used it the first year. Loan interest, gas, insurance, depreciation, repairs, licenses - these things add up. And he thought it was too expensive to pay $100 per day to rent one! Consider the real costs of things, and look for a cheaper way, or at least make an honest decision that it's worth $300 per hour to you.

Your things should be making your life better. If they aren't, you need to start looking at them differently. Don't let your things own you. Change your approach.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Four Common Sense Tips For The Telephone Interview

2009-05-20T15:07:00.005-04:00

Here’s a phone interview tip worth considering: smile. A smile is a magic thing, and in addition to being seen in person it can be felt from a distance. When doing a phone interview, don’t think that because the person on the other end of the phone can’t see you that smiling and other positive body gestures are not important. The best interview tip that anyone was ever given was to smile and make positive gestures. In fact, many people talk with their hands. If you do, consider a telephone head set to free your hands up.

Another tip that will be worth its weight in gold is to have a good quality telephone. It may seem silly to even mention it, but the better quality phone you use, the better your voice will sound. Years ago everyone rented his or her telephones from the local utility phone company. These days people own their own phones, and while many people use good quality phones, many use the ten and fifteen-dollar phones they’ve found in the local dollar store or discount mart. Those phones are fine for talking to your spouse perhaps, but for business use make a good business impression, and use a good phone. Add this tip to the mix as well: use a landline with a cord, and not a cell phone or cordless phone. Dead batteries, crackling sounds, bad cell sites, and weather interference can make you sound bad at the other end, and you may not even know it. When doing your phone interview you want to be clear and make a good impression. Take this tip to heart and use a good quality landline.

I once received a tip from a headhunter who specialized in finding people jobs. While it seemed like common sense, I realized that it was a tip of value, and recommend it to people to this day. Do your homework on the company before your phone interview. Do a search on the Internet using Yahoo, Google, MSN, Dogpile or any of the major search engines.

The last tip to keep in mind is to be yourself, and be comfortable. One of the best ways to be yourself, and maintain comfort during your phone interview is to practice the interview. Ask a friend to play the part of the boss. Call your friend on the phone and go through a mock interview, answering all of the questions that you think the interviewer is likely to ask. Mock trials help lawyers, and rehearsals help musicians. It only makes sense that a practice interview will help an interviewer. While it may seem silly, this is a phone interview tip you should take to heart.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Success: The Right Mental Attitude

2009-05-15T11:42:00.009-04:00

You must develop the right mental attitude on your road to success. Without being overly simplistic, think of “The Little Train Who Could.” Instead of having an “I Can’t” attitude, replace it with an “I Can!” attitude.

A positive outlook is necessary to see change coming, to be able to work with the change, and to make the most of whatever change comes down the pike in your life. If you expect change (but not from a vending machine!), you’ll be in a better position to accept it and make the most of it.

A fabulous book regarding change and positive attitude is “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson, MD.

In order to gain right thinking (being positive), you must decide to look at the bright side of life. Instead of seeing the cloud, see the silver lining in the cloud. Instead of seeing downsizing as a horrible thing that will plummet you in to bankruptcy and homelessness, consider it an opportunity to look for a better job and a chance to try new skills and career paths that you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to try before. Don’t be Pollyannaish, but do consider all sides of a situation before you adopt a negative perspective.

In order to maintain a positive outlook, you must also be realistic. For example, if you’ve gained 30 pounds in the last 3 years, it would be highly unrealistic to expect to drop those 30 pounds in 3 weeks. If you take an honest and realistic assessment of your skills and goals, you’re much more likely to find success in whatever field or career best suits you.

Maintain a cautious optimism as you seek success, not be blindly optimistic about every situation. There are some situations in which positive thinking cannot overcome the situation you’re faced with.

Consider Tom Brady, quarterback for the New England Patriots; he’s a man who’s in excellent shape. But if he decided to trade in his helmet and pads for ballet toe shoes, he likely wouldn’t make it, despite his physique. Blind optimism also puts you at the mercy of con men and charlatans—your optimism must be tempered by context and relevance.

No matter what your abilities are (and they are fabulous!), using them realistically will get you much farther than not. Your right thinking, paired with your abilities, put you on a course for success—no matter what field you’re in!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

A Time To Rest, A Time To Heal

2009-05-12T15:11:00.002-04:00

Life is not always a pleasant walk down the garden path.Who has not known pain and anguish? Who has not suffered the wounds of a relationship discord? Problems are challenges life casts our way. We navigate through the detours and face dead-ends in our journey. We set sail, aware of the possibility of stormy weather that can develop overnight. But we are determined to ride out the storm and not get lost in it.

At times, we take more than we can handle. We are caught up in giving ourselves to the call of duty. We tend to justify the demands on our time and energy.We forget that the world will go on, with or without us. Life goes in cycles - sometimes the cycle is up, then it goes down, like the spokes of a wheel. Sorrow and grief comes to everyone sooner or later.

A grieving heart affects the mind, body and spirit deeply. Sometimes the pain is buried so deeply where no one can reach it, much less touch it. Frustrations, failures, relationship issues, career and family concerns, financial issues, health problems and having too much on the plate all add up to stress. Do you listen to the signs your body sends to slow down or take a much needed rest ? There is only so much pain or suffering one can bear.There is a limit to human endurance. Peace becomes elusive. Perspective is not as sharp, there is too much clutter in the mind.

It helps to get away from the source of conflict to gain a better perspective and to re-group your thoughts. Take a vacation. If this is not feasible, a day away from it all will probably do. But take a breather. This is not running away, woes are still hovering over and waiting. Taking a respite from it all paves the way to healing the accumulated emotional and mental stress. Anxiety and worry cloud anyone’s judgment. Perhaps, there is a need to cut some slack for now. What would you change if you were faced with the same situation?
Take the time to re-evaluate and re-assess your priorities. It is a time to step back and look after your needs. Relax, catch your breath, even for a short time, because you have to take the next step. The battle is not over.

Plan the next stage; life’s problems do not dissipate into thin air . Pull yourself together, empower yourself so that your thoughts and actions are in harmony with your highest truth of who you are. Validate your beliefs. Deep wounds need healing and this takes time. Retreat is a good start- retreat from all that is worrisome, confusing and aggravating. Quiet time and time alone to reflect is a good way to get energized and prepare to move on.

This is the time to recharge your energies. It is a time to heal mind, body and soul. It is a time to recognize the chaos and confusion that can cause illusions or delusions and make peace elusive. Forgive what needs to be forgiven. Forgiveness can be liberating.

Healing takes time, allow yourself that. Remember: time is a great healer, if you let it.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

5 Tips To Achieve All Your Goals Successfully

2009-05-12T14:31:00.004-04:00

Why do some people seem to succeed in all they do, but others flounder along at the rear? Mostly it’s because the successful people have set goals and taken steps to successfully achieve them. So how do they always seem to achieve their goals?

Here are five strategies that will help you successfully achieve your goals:

1. Start with a long-term goal, write it down, taking into account when you are going to achieve the goal and why it’s important. Try and be as visual as possible, explaining how the achievement of this goal will change your life for the better. Once this long-term goal has been documented, break the goal into tangible steps that need to be taken to achieve the goal.

2. Make sure that you really want the goal. Ask yourself "How will this goal give me a better life?" Answering this and other similar types of questions will give you more drive to achieve your goal.

3. Speak up! You should not keep your goals to yourself. Sharing your goals can help you get the support you may need from others. Some people are concerned with telling others about their goals because they are worried they will fail. However, telling others means that you are more likely to achieve your goals, either with their support or in-spite of them.

4. Write down your goals. This strategy is advisable for those who have a long list of goals. After writing them down, review them regularly. You may also want to keep them handy to keep you motivated. You have to discipline yourself to stick to what you have written. Do not just write them and tuck them away somewhere ‘safe’. Its better to keep them where you will see them, try sticking them to the refrigerator. Personally, I'm a big fan of creating vision boards and placing them in the most high-traffic of rooms in my house.

5. Stay on track and do not give up. Reviewing your goals will help open your mind to see if you are on the right track. While on track, you may have to face challenges that might change the way you see yourself. Never be discouraged. Encountering obstacles is just a test to see how dedicated you are to achieve the goals you’ve set. It will all boil down to you preparing yourself to face anything, and doing everything to get to the goal that you have set for yourself.

Only you can make it happen. Nothing can stop you if you have set your mind to it and commit to taking action.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

1st Step to Manifesting Life

2009-05-11T11:17:00.008-04:00

Do you know at least one person who seems to make the most of out every situation? Someone who has great success at the act of manifestation (the act or product of bringing about change through the direction of consciousness)?
You may even have felt a little jealous of the person because it appears they have everything, seemingly getting these things with minimal effort as though they were born ‘lucky’. Well, it is probably time you understand that the power of manifestation lies within each of us and it is up to you to learn more about it.

Attracting abundance is knowledge. Just like any other skill people have, manifesting is no different. Skills like playing a musical instrument or making gourmet meals require time and commitment to learn and practice. So does the skill of manifesting. How good you get, depends on how well you learn the skill and how well you apply it.

Even though some of us are better at certain skills, that doesn't mean the rest of us, with practice, can't improve or even surpass the talent expressed by another. Some seem to have learned it so well that they oftentimes don't even realize how they do it. Manifesting abundance now comes to them so readily it appears ‘natural’ just as a well trained pianist seems to play the piano without thought or effort. They learn to believe whole-heartedly that they simply deserve something; it is now part of their reality. Those are the ones that seem to be born ‘lucky’. But luck is not how they got there!

So, how can you start on your journey towards manifesting great things for yourself and those you love? Here is the first step – a basic understanding of the ‘Law of Attraction’:

Gaining a good understanding of how the "law of attraction" works is the first step in bringing abundance into your life. You can create our own reality. You can attract riches, opportunities and happiness, etc., in our life when you learn to focus or attract yourself on them. In order to do this, you must learn to believe and think in a positive way towards those things you seek. You probably also know at least one person (hopefully not you!), who dwells on the negative and truly will focus on having less. They are attracted to ‘less’ not ‘having more’. When you focus on "I hate my current employment" then you will never notice the aspects of your employment that might be satisfying. You must understand that just wanting something isn't going to bring that to you if you continue to focus on the ‘not having’ of that something. You may have personally experienced that "not having" attitude and learned that it blocked your true desires.

For example, I know several decently paid professionals who repeatedly tell me that they too would really love to sponsor a foster child in another country and they would if they won the lottery. They are afraid that they cannot currently afford $1 a day as that might leave them short of cash in case of an emergency like an unexpected auto repair. Their focus is on "not enough" rather than being focused on sponsoring a needy child. When they are focused on "not enough", it won't ever matter how much money they have, it will never be enough. Just talking about sponsoring a child brought their fears out into the open. It would be great if they could trust that helping a needy third world child would not put them at financial risk.

So what I would tell these professionals, who would like to sponsor a child but feel they just cannot, is that they focus on visualizing a starving child being fed by their contribution and perhaps a wonderful letter from that child, complete with a photo to be proudly placed along side other family pictures. This would be a positive image/thought to get that picture to become a reality. Perhaps talk it over with the rest of the family to see what they could do without to create that $1 a day. This is the first step in learning how to manifest their lives. This same first step will work for all aspects of life from healthy, happy relationships to personal wealth.

Is it your turn to make the most of out every situation? Is it your turn for others to see you as ‘lucky’? Does your lack of ability to manifest life leave your soul wounded or lacking? Would you like to learn all the steps to manifest life? You deserve it and it is time to take action!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

3 Ways to Advance Your Goals

2009-05-10T17:43:00.007-04:00

"The trouble with not having a goal is that you can spend your life running up and down the field and never scoring." -Bill Copeland

1. WORK WITH THE END IN MIND- OR FOCUS ON SUCCESS
Beginning with the end in mind is the endowment of imagination . If you are the programmer, write the program, says goal expert- Stephen R. Covey.

Goals help us to focus, and the quality of our attention is enhanced by a having a project so cool and interesting that we can’t help but make a leap. Let’s say, you want to organize your workspace so that everyone is inspired to do their best work. The in-between steps: like ergonomic concerns & planning comfortable lighting, in-and-of itself can seem mundane, but joined together they name a bigger accomplishment and by doing so, asks us to spice up our expectations & upgrade who we are. Focus on success & keep in mind how you want things to end up--And you’ll soon enough be successful.
-- name the accomplishment
-- give your project a title
-- what needs to be done by when
-- how would you like things to end up
-- identify upbeat reasons for pursuing the goal

2. RAISE THE BAR-OR SHOOT FOR THE MOON
Define greatness, challenge the limits, double the goal, or try something new...These are just some of the sentiments that put our plans into action and move us towards revolutionary results. Look around and witness the very essence of commonplace activities being tested and re-imagined... such as schools re-defining Physical Education by bringing in activities ranging from kickboxing to more esoteric offerings like tai chi and yoga. And with the introduction of Blogs, an international conversation is in full swing with millions of links and a central clearing house inspired by immediacy, intrigue and tension. Raising the bar on a project can simply mean taking one extra step, having an allegiance to a weird idea, or devoting to a regular practice.

Commit to a goal in a meaningful way, personalize it & make it your own, and then watch an otherwise sleepy project wake up and give way to a new found energy, creativity and distinction .Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars."
-- double the goal
-- challenge the limits
-- create a regular practice
-- raise your standards,values or beliefs
-- make it a game

3. GO THE PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE-OR SHOW ME THE SHORTCUT
Sometimes a goal deserves a break. Time Magazine reported that after 8 hours of sleep, you'd be more than twice as likely to find a shortcut for solving a problem. This suggests that taking it easy is good for the brain, and what’s good for the brain is good for the overall psyche and soul. Are you doing too much, not getting nourished and being exhausted? Well, perhaps its time to consider another path. Don’t re-invent the wheel. Pick up a book written by an expert, join a group that's geared around your project, sign up for an informational newsletter , or ask someone to buddy up & help. For instance, if I was writing a screenplay and struggling with a self imposed deadline, I could simplify my project just by signing up for a writing class. What with weekly writing tasks & in-class exercises this alone would expedite the development of my script. Another overlooked shortcut is to consider smaller steps. The smaller the increments, the easier the goal. Deng Ming-Dao, writes in EVERYDAY TAO, An inch in one direction, then an inch in another already makes a span of 2 inches. Gradually we can improve on that. Go the path of least resistance, it’s a gift of energy.
-- don’t reinvent the wheel-find someone who’s done it before
-- slow down or change the pace
-- keep to minimum daily standards
-- write everything down--loose ideas vs. lost ideas
-- the smaller the increments the easier the goal

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Secrets of a Positive Attitude

2009-04-21T20:15:00.006-04:00

Are you constantly bombarded by thoughts of negativity? Plagued by feelings of insecurity? Do you see everything in a negative manner? The reason for this lies deep within your heart. You are what you mentally and spiritually eat. If a person drinks alchohol on a daily basis, odds are their body will be affected in some way. They may have liver issues, develop cancer or incur some other type of health problem directly related to the amount of alcohol they have consumed. In the same way, a person who constantly feeds themselves negative thoughts will simply turn into a negative person. This is the time to go on a diet - a diet of positive attitude food. You have to literally stop feeding your mind negative things. Ask yourself, is this thought negative or positive?

What do negative thoughts look like? Well, they start with "can't" rather than "can", "no" as opposed to "yes", "should" instead of "could". One of the biggest challenges we face is that our thoughts have taken us captive. We have begun to let our thoughts control us. A great way to know what we are negative about is to ask those people who are closest to us. You can ask your spouse or another person in your life who really knows you how they would rate your attitude on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 being super positive and 1 being super negative). Ask this person to be totally honest with you. You will benefit from their honesty even if it causes you pain. Ask this person what it is that you specifically say that they perceive as negative. Write down what they say and look at the actual words. Now is the time to be honest with yourself. Those words are a reflection of what is inside you. They are who you are.

The great thing is that you can change. It is as simple as making a choice to do so. You must decide to replace the thoughts of negativity with thoughts of positivity. Decide what negative words you will change to positive ones on paper. Once you have done this, make an conscious effort to insert these new positive thoughts in your mind. You will begin to notice a positive change taking place in your life. Your family, friends and co-workers will all notice it as well. They may not know what is different about you, but they will know that you are not the same person that you were.

The items which are causing negativity in your life could very well be the news, movies, constantly replaying tragedy in your mind and the list could go on and on. Try to eliminate these things from your mind and you'll soon notice a more positive and successful mental health regimen. I've been avoiding nightly news television programs ever since I realized how much negativity with which broadcasters bombard us. Feeding myself thoughts of death from a war or gunshot or car accident, or financial despair from the deepening recession we're facing, will only counteract my very conscious effort to stay positive. I've made the decision to proceed with my own life, to honor it by eliminating negative elements. You can do it too. You do not have to be what you were in the past. You can be different in the future. The choice is yours. I know you will make it a positive one. Here's to much continued positive attitude success!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

First Step To Manifesting Life To The Fullest

2009-04-19T11:20:00.005-04:00

Do you know at least one person who seems to make the most of out every situation? Someone who has great success at the act of manifestation (the act or product of bringing about change through the direction of consciousness)? You may even have felt a little jealous of the person because it appears they have everything, seemingly getting these things with minimal effort as though they were born ‘lucky’. Well, it is probably time you understand that the power of manifestation lies within each of us and it is up to you to learn more about it.

Attracting abundance is knowledge. Just like any other skill people have, manifesting is no different. Skills like playing a musical instrument or making gourmet meals require time and commitment to learn and practice. So does the skill of manifesting. How good you get depends on how well you learn the skill and how well you apply it.

Even though some of us are better at certain skills, that doesn't mean the rest of us, with practice, can't improve or even surpass the talent expressed by another. Some seem to have learned it so well that they oftentimes don't even realize how they do it. Manifesting abundance now comes to them so readily that it appears ‘natural’, just as a well trained pianist seems to play the piano without thought or effort. They learn to believe whole-heartedly that they simply deserve something; it is now part of their reality. Those are the ones that seem to be born ‘lucky’. But luck is not how they got there!

So, how can you start on your journey towards manifesting great things for yourself and those you love? Here is the first step – a basic understanding of the ‘Law of Attraction’. Gaining a good understanding of how the "law of attraction" works is the first step in bringing abundance into your life. You can create our own reality. You can attract riches, opportunities and happiness in our life when you learn to focus or attract yourself on them. In order to do this, you must learn to believe and think in a positive way towards those things you seek.

You probably also know at least one person (hopefully not you!), who dwells on the negative and truly will focus on having less. They are attracted to ‘less’ not ‘having more’. When you focus on "I hate my current employment" then you will never notice the aspects of your employment that might be satisfying. You must understand that just wanting something isn't going to bring that to you if you continue to focus on the ‘not having’ of that something. You may have personally experienced that "not having" attitude and learned that it blocked your true desires.

You must learn to focus on a particular item or scenario rather than on vague goals like ‘more cash’ or ‘winning money’. Focusing on winning the lottery, for example, is a fruitless event. Although, through luck, some win lotteries, focusing on winning the lottery is kind of like focusing on "not having." Oddly enough, many who focus on winning naturally dream of what they could do to help others, even though many of those dreams could actually already be done with their current incomes on a smaller scale, but they don't. This is probably because they focus on what they perceive as their ‘not having’ or ‘having so little’. With this attitude, they end up believing that those dreams are only possible by winning the lottery. They are literally afraid to act on their dreams for fear that they do not currently ‘have enough’ to offer. For example, I know several decently paid professionals that repeatedly tell me that they too would really love to sponsor a foster child in another country and they would if they won the lottery. They are afraid that they cannot currently afford $1 a day, as that might leave them short of cash in case of an emergency like an unexpected auto repair. Their focus is on "not enough" rather than being focused on sponsoring a very needy child. When they are focused on "not enough", it won't ever matter how much money they have, it will never be enough.
Just talking about sponsoring a child brought their fears out into the open. It would be great if they could trust that helping a needy third world child would not put them at financial risk. So what I would tell these professionals, who would like to sponsor a child but feel they just cannot, is that they focus on visualizing a starving child being fed by their contribution and perhaps a wonderful letter from that child, complete with a photo to be proudly placed along side other family pictures. This would be a positive image/thought to get that picture to become a reality. Perhaps talk it over with the rest of the family to see what they could do without to create that $1 a day. This is the first step in learning how to manifest their lives.

This same first step will work for all aspects of life from healthy, happy relationships to personal wealth. Is it your turn to make the most of out every situation? Is it your turn for others to see you as ‘lucky’? Does your lack of ability to manifest life leave your soul wounded or lacking? Would you like to learn all the steps to manifest life? You deserve it and it is time to take action!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

17 Important Things To Remember As You Prepare For An Interview

2009-04-18T12:48:00.004-04:00

It's important to make a great impression when you go for a job interview, and this includes remaining calm and composed. If you look flustered and nervous, you won't appear confident. Fortunately, it's simple to calm your nerves before you start a job interview. Here's an important checklist as you prepare for that next important event.

Several Days - One Week Before the Interview

1. Spend some time to research the organization and the position at hand. To find company-specific information, visit your local library, run a search on the internet, or talk to current or former employees about their experiences and impressions of the company. Study up on the company's products and services, industry, target market, annual sales, geographic location(s), structure, history, officers, and any other key information. Are there any new trends in the industry?

2. Identify the organization’s major competitors and do some basic research on how they differ (either positively or negatively) from the company at which you are interviewing.

3. Prepare specific examples of how your skills and experience make you a strong fit for the organization’s needs. Practice answering directed questions about your experience, education, and skills and how they relate to the position at hand. Being prepared to draw corollations between your experience and the needs of the organization is one of the most important interviewing skills you will need.

4. Identify your strengths and areas of development. Be prepared to talk about your weaknesses, but find a way to frame them positively. For example, “My biggest weakness is that I am a perfectionist. It may take me a little extra time to get a project done to my satisfaction, but you can be guaranteed that the work will pass even the most stringent review, be 100% accurate, and that no detail will be overlooked.”

5. Prepare several intelligent questions about the company and position that will demonstrate your knowledge of the company and your sincere interest in the position.

6. Try on your suit and make sure that it is still well-fitting and in good repair. If necessary, make arrangements to have it altered or find alternate dress.

The Day before the Interview

1. Contact the company to confirm the date and time of your interview. Also confirm the name and title of the individual(s) you will be meeting.

2. Get directions to the interview site. Be sure to double check the directions using a map. This will ensure that you know the way and also give you an approximate travel time – don’t forget to allow for extra time for rush hour!

3. Lay out your entire interview outfit. Check it for any spot, wrinkles, or snags.

4. Print off a few extra copies of your résumé and cover letter on nice paper. Even if the interviewer has a copy of their own, it’s always a good idea to have a backup copy. This is also helpful if you end up interviewing with multiple individuals, since the head interviewer may be the only person with a copy of your résumé.

Get a good night’s sleep!

1. Your brain needs fuel to run at peak performance and if there is ever a day you needed 110% from your brain, it’s today. So don’t skimp on meals. Be cautious about eating large amounts of carbohydrates right before your interview though, since carbs are know to cause sluggishness and may lead to a “post-lunch” naptime.

2. Get dressed early so you do not feel pressured to dash out the door. Pay attention to the details (brush off any lint, comb your hair, brush your teeth, use deodorant, etc.) and remember that a first impression can reveal a lot about you and your character.

3. Don’t forget to take copies of your résumé, your cover letter, and your portfolio if you have one.

4. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to your interview. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early, it’s best to wait in the car or outside the building. Arriving too early gives off the impression that you have a lot riding on the interview (and have nothing better to do with your time), and also pressures the interviewer(s) into feeling that they have to adjust their schedule to accommodate you.

5.Smile and shake everyone’s hand when you are meeting for the first time - you should also smile and shake hands when the interview concludes.

6. Relax! If you have done your homework, you are well-prepared for the interview. Take a deep breath and spend a moment collecting your thoughts if you need to when being asked a question. If confused about a particular question you are asked, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.

After the Interview
Write a quick “Thank You” note on nice quality card stock and mail it to the individual(s) who interviewed you.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

7 Surprisingly Quick And Easy Ways To Feel Happier

2009-04-18T12:33:00.004-04:00

All of us have days when we're out of sorts. You just wish you were in a better mood. You've had days like that, haven't you? Perhaps you tried to get yourself into a better state of mind but struggled to achieve it.

Sometimes we get stuck in our own emotional dumps and forget how easy it is to feel happier, so here are seven simple ways to lift your mood. Many people have found them useful. Some of them may surprise you!

1. Go for a walk.

Most people know that going for a short daily walk is one of the best forms of exercise. When you are feeling down it is even more beneficial. If you can, go into a natural environment with plants and birds. Can you think of such a setting now? What do you notice first? The different shades of greenery, the fresh smell of country air, the sounds of birds, or the sunlight shining through the trees? Make it real by taking a short stroll.

2. Listen to quality music.

Music can shift a listener's state within moments. Its effect can be nearly magical. Dig out that CD you haven't listened to in ages or tune in your radio to something you've never listened to before.

3. Open yourself to discovering something new.

Read something (printed, not online) different than what you would normally read. There are a ton of different types of magazines you can get these days. Visit your local library or browse through a magazine rack. Pick up or buy a magazine you wouldn't normally buy. You may discover something wonderful.

4. Find something to laugh at.

Laughter is one of the best ways to lift your spirits. Find a humorous book, or watch a comedy. Even better, try to learn a few new jokes and tell them to others.

5. Simple breathing meditation.

Breathing meditation is a great exercise that you can do anywhere. Simply allow yourself to sit comfortably with your back straight. Now close your eyes and become aware of the flow of air into and out of your nostrils. That's all there is to it. Do this for 10-15 minutes. Notice how pleasantly surprised you can be at how you feel afterward.

6. Doodling for the fun of it.

Most people can remember when they were young and used to doodle for hours. Kids love drawing silly little pictures. Drawing is not just for kids or artists. Whoever you are, get some pens, pencils, crayons or whatever you have and just draw for the fun of it. Notice how your state of mind shifts.

7. Think of others less fortunate.

The fact that you are reading this article suggests that you are probably much better off than most people on this planet. At times this may be hard to believe, but if you can read and have access to the internet, just those two things alone means you are better off than most people in the world. There are many human beings that barely have access to the basics of survival. There are people in lots of pain. Allow your compassion for them to grow.

These are all pretty simple. There's nothing profound or life changing, but when all you need is a quick pick me up, these may be just the thing you need. Putting simple ideas, methods, tools and techniques into action will help you achieve change more quickly and easily than you imagine.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Britain's Got Talent

2009-04-13T20:38:00.002-04:00

Who out there doesn't thoroughly enjoy an underdog story? I know I'm always a sucker for one! Enjoy this feel-good viral video, which proves my theory that you're NEVER too old to find your bliss and follow your dreams... :)

Susan Boyle - 47-letnia śpiewaczka z brytyjskiej wersji "Mam
by luloczek

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Sound of Music

2009-04-09T10:31:00.007-04:00

This is absolutely BLISSFUL! I only wish I'd been there to join in!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

April's Bliss Bulletin

2009-04-06T17:08:00.003-04:00

Hi folks,

I know it's been a while since I've posted something. My apologies, but I have been swamped with wrapping up all the paperwork and homework required for my Adler coaching practicum.

But I'm back now! And I've just published April 2009's Bliss Bulletin, my free monthly e-zine for the busy professional who wants to learn how to better balance her work and family life. You'll get insider secrets and free coaching resources designed to help you achieve a more blissful life. And who doesn't want that?

Enjoying this e-zine? Then why not sign up to be part of the Bliss Community, and you'll automatically receive this monthly goody!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

E-book Is On Its Way!

2009-01-28T10:50:00.003-05:00

Just a quick FYI to let all my loyal readers and clients know that I'm in the process of putting the finishing touches on my very first e-book, The Bliss Handbook: 50 Tips for Happiness Now. It should be ready over the next few weeks. If you would like to pre-order your own free copy of the Bliss Handbook, email me with the words "Free Bliss Handbook" in the subject heading, and I'll make sure to add you to the distribution list.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Bliss Bulletin

2009-01-28T10:45:00.003-05:00

I'm so excited to announce that the inaugural edition of the Bliss Bulletin has finally been published!

Interested in receiving this free monthly newsletter full of cool tips and articles on all things bliss? Pop me an email with the words "subscribe bliss bulletin" in the subject header!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

In This Recession, Is Life Coaching A Waste Of Money?

2008-12-13T12:01:00.004-05:00

Can we just be honest? Our economy is tanking and we are in a recession. There, I've said it. The truth is, all over the news and in the corporate world, we’re watching as thousands upon thousands of people are being laid off. Heck, you might even count yourself among those thousands who have recently been downsized, rightsized and are now facing long lineups at the unemployment line.

In today's economic unease, we tend to take a closer look at our expenses. It is easy to cut out the things we don't need, to categorize the important from the unimportant. So, is life coaching a waste of expense or is it an asset which can help you put collateral and ease into your finances?

Life coaching can help in many areas - you have seen this. When you get life coaching, the life coach can assist you in reaching your goals, usually in a quicker time than if you had taken the route yourself. This is an important consideration for many reasons. If we look at economic uncertainties, we find a few interesting points... Like, for instance, we find that some people still climb the ladder, while the majority has a hard time.

You have likely heard of the phrase “the rich get richer, while the poor get poorer”. In a recession, this becomes a phrase that is easily seen in our daily reality. This can work in our favor or not, depending on which side you find yourself. A recession can be a blessing or a curse, depending on how you choose to look at it. What I like to notice are the folks who make some of their biggest gains during a recession. The gains usually have someone behind the scenes - it could be a book that inspires an entrepreneur to great heights, or an article like this. More likely, it's a life coach who served, guided and championed the person toward achievement.

Whatever happens in this recession, one thing that is constant is that the economy WILL improve; it’s part of the world economic life cycle. But another, more relevant, certainty to you is that life coaching can often help keep you in top form so that you will perform at your best -irrespective of what is happening around you. And this is gold! Why? Because you will have struck out of the game of blaming external factors, such as a recession. Instead, you will have taken your life and future success into your own hands, and will have made a decision to succeed.

The choice is yours; the power is within YOU! Now how cool is that?

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

What Advice Would You Give Your Future Self?

2008-11-30T15:54:00.010-05:00

Have you ever wondered what you would tell your “past self” – perhaps five or ten years ago - if you had the opportunity? Common examples are things like:

Take better care of your teeth.
Don’t start a relationship with…
Change your major to…
Eat less junk/exercise more.
Don’t flunk your exams.
Don't take that job with...

Instead of getting you to think about the past and dredge up all those regrets and might-have-beens, I’m going to give you a more positive spin on this idea. I want you to imagine yourself, five years in the future – then write a letter to yourself as you are today. You can just think this through, but it’s much more powerful to write it down.

Here are some areas where your future-self may need to have a firm word with your present-self:

Career
Can you see yourself in the same career in five years’ time? If that thought makes you think of five long years of stress and boredom, it’s time to start researching a career change. If you’d like to be in the same career but at a higher level, are you actively working towards a promotion, or just assuming that it will happen? Will your current actions put you in the position you want to be in, or will they mean that you never progress from where you currently are?

Education
If you’re in school or college, are you truly investing in your future – or are you just enjoying yourself and blowing off classes whenever you can? Alternatively, are you taking on so many extra credit courses that you’re risking burnout? Whatever your attitude towards your education, stop and think about where you’re likely to be in five years time if you carry on as you currently are doing. Will you be in the position you want?

Finances
Are you currently in debt? Do you have the level of savings that you’d like – maybe an emergency fund, or a bigger pot of cash for traveling? Consider how the way you’re treating money today will impact you in five years. If you keep buying on credit, leaving bills unopened and refusing to get on top of your finances, you’re going to make things very hard for your future-self. But if you start saving just $10 a week today, that’s $2,600 (plus interest!) in five years time.

Habits
What good habits would you like to have in your life? What bad habits would you like to get rid of? Unless you’re taking active steps to build the former and conquer the latter, you’re unlikely to make any progress. If you want to cut down your coffee habit or quit smoking, don’t keep putting it off until next week, next month, or next year. Because five years down the line, your future-self is looking back and wishing that you’d started working on those habits today.

Health
Do you eat a healthy diet? Do you exercise on a regular basis? Is your body in good shape and likely to survive the next five years without any significant health problems? Be honest with yourself: if you’re overweight, why not start taking action now? Even if it takes you five years to reach a healthy weight, those five years are going to go by anyway. Just ask your future-self (who wishes you’d start your healthier lifestyle right now).

Opportunities
Something many people regret in life is not taking advantage of the chances that they have. Are you missing out on any opportunities at the moment? Is your future-self looking back and telling you to sign up for that course, take that class, reach out to that potential new friend, or volunteer for that big project at work? A good place to look for the opportunities you’re missing is to think about anything you’re afraid to try, or afraid to start. Those are the things that future-self wishes you’d do!

Relationships
Do you have friends or relatives who sap your energy, motivation and zest for life, every time you see them? Your future-self is going to struggle on with those vampiric relationships for the next five years unless you take action to change or end them right now. Or do you have old friends who you keep meaning to get back in touch with? Guess what – you’ll probably still be meaning to in five years’ time, if you don’t get moving, so start looking up those phone numbers or email addresses today.

Take fifteen minutes today, and write a letter from the perspective of your future-self, speaking to your present-self. What do you need to be told? Where in your life do you need to make changes?

Written on 11/17/2008 by Ali Hale. Ali runs Alpha Student, a blog packed with academic, financial and practical tips to help students get the most out of their time at university.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

How Long Could You Survive Without A Job?

2008-11-30T15:17:00.007-05:00

If you lost your job tomorrow, how long would you survive solely on your savings account?

However secure you think your job is, don’t assume that you’re immune to the current economic situation; good employees lose good jobs in bad times. Over the past several months, we’ve seen huge companies, once considered unbreakable, disappear overnight.

I am not going to tell you that I have a solution to our global economic dilemma. However, I am going to say that being laid-off while prepared is a lot better than being caught off guard. So, while I'm not advocating getting paranoid and worrying that the sky is falling, you should work to prepare yourself a little. What is the contingency plan?Here are four steps to get you started.

Keep Your Resume Up To Date

This is something simple you could sort out today – making sure you have an accurate, fully up-to-date resume. If the last time you wrote a resume was when you applied for your current job, it might need a lot of updating. Check out dates and job titles, and think about the “soft skills” you want to include. Get someone to proof-read your resume for you. Make sure that it’s as well formatted and displayed as possible. And double-check your contact details; even if you haven’t moved, chances are you’ve changed your cell number or email address in the past few years.The last thing you want on your plate when bad news arrives is having to sort out your resume, so get into the habit of updating it on a regular basis – I've always recommended that it be updated at least every year, on your birthday.

Build Up An Emergency Fund

If you have a meager savings account, start building up an emergency fund. This is something you only dip into in the case of dire need: being laid-off, medical crisis, family disaster. Even if you can only save $20 a week, that’ll be $520 after six months (and that’s without interest) - enough to make a significant difference if times get really tight. Ideally, you want to get your emergency fund big enough to cover two or three months of expenses. Then, if you’re laid off, you have time to hunt for a new job without your family being in financial crisis.

Minimize Your Expenses Now

Cutting down on your outgoings now has two benefits:

You’ll start saving money which you can put into your emergency fund.

You won’t be paying unnecessary fees if you do lose your job.

If you have gym membership that you rarely or never use, cancel it. Most health clubs require a minimum of one month’s notice when you want to cancel – you don’t want to be hit with that steep monthly bill if you’re unemployed. Even if you are a regular gym-goer, look around for cheaper alternatives.

Hunt for a better deal on any forms of insurance you have.

Look at household bills, and see what’s costing a lot. Can you cut down on phone calls during peak hours or use Skype as an alternative? Are you paying for an expensive monthly plan on your cell phone when you only use half the minutes?

Don’t forget small, daily, expenses which can add up to more than the monthly ones. Brown-bag your lunch to take into work, rather than buying a sandwich every day. Think about the costs of those bits and pieces you buy on impulse (goodbye daily venti soy lattés!).

Build a Second Income Stream

Once you’ve sorted out your resume, started your emergency fund, and cut down on your expenses, you should be in a pretty good position to weather financial storms. However, this fourth tip allows you to actively get extra money – it could even grow to enough to replace your current job.

Starting a second income stream means finding a way to make some money, however little, outside your primary job. That could mean almost anything: running a stall at a Saturday market, making craft items with your kids and selling them on ebay (selling the craft items, that is, not the kids…), creating a website that attracts lots of readers and earns money through advertising, starting a neighborhood dog-walking service, etc.

Good places to start building a second income stream are your hobbies and interests. What do you do in your spare time? How might you make money from it? Think creatively!The internet has opened up a huge number of ways for everyday folks to make good money.

So what about you? How long could you survive if you lost your job tomorrow? What steps are you actively taking – or are you going to take – in order to make your financial situation secure, even with a temporary loss of income?

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Reduce Stress Through Listening

2008-11-30T14:59:00.004-05:00

Today's blog was written by Jillian Gregory, for LearnOutLoud.com, an online portal for educational and self-development audio and video material, which can be found at http://www.learnoutloud.com.

Is your "To-Do" list longer then the latest Harry Potter novel? Do you have to pick up the kids from school, work on several cases at work, or plan your next company meeting? Maybe you have to do some or all of the above. Dealing with stressful life situations like these has become common place in our modern speed of light society.

Through advances in technology and innovation in business practices we have become accustomed to dealing with more things at a quicker pace. Our patience has diminished as we pop minute meals into the microwave instead of taking time to create a home cooked meal. There are too many things you need to accomplish in the day to worry about whether your family meal was made by your hands or Betty Crocker’s.

Unfortunately the push to achieve more in a shorter period of time is detrimental to your overall health. Lack of sleep and poor eating habits of a stressed out worker can cause problems on the job, not to mention decreased fitness. It is crucial to your health and enjoyment of life to take a breather. Take time to enjoy life. Don’t let the everyday stresses distract you from the important aspects of life, whatever they may be in your situation.

How can I make time when I don’t have enough time to begin with? It’s all about priorities. Decreasing the amount of stress in your life should be a top priority. There are techniques you can integrate into your day which will quell stressful aspects of your life.

What are these valuable techniques? There are numerous stress reduction techniques and they are varied in nature. A great audio book to listen to is Life is Not a Stress Rehearsal by Loretta LaRoche. This audio book provides insights into slowing down your hectic life in a funny, manageable way. It is a great resource for anyone dealing with stress that would like to explore practical ways to reduce stress in their life.

Also check out How to Manage Stress Easily by Effective Learning Systems. This audio learning resource will help you to free yourself from negative feelings and stressors that pervade your life. Another great audio book is Calm Your Mind by Matthew McKay. Matthew McKay presents four basic techniques you can engage in to reduce stress, calm your mind, and center your soul.

Follow the scientifically proven effectiveness of the techniques presented in Stress Reduction and Creative Meditations for Work and Career by Marc Allen. Listen to what thousands have learned about focusing on relaxation exercises each day. Another great audio resource is Living a Life of Inner Peace by Eckhart Tolle. This is a transformative talk by Eckhart Tolle that focuses on the effects of your state of presence.

Another great way to reduce stress is to make sure all of your uncompleted business tasks (or "open loops") are properly tracked. David Allen's Getting Things Done series is one of the best methodologies for this. His goal? To help you achieve a "Mind Like Water." Allen's audio titles include Getting Things Done, Ready for Anything and Nightingale-Conant title Getting Thigns Done Fast.

Other alternative stress reduction audio resources include A Guide to Alternative Self-Healing Techniques for Stress Reduction by Dr. William Collinge and Stress Relief by Michael Reed Gach. These audio books cover alternative methods such as acupuncture, yoga, and deep breathing. They offer a comprehensive alternative approach. And if you're interested in listening to a relaxing podcast to relieve stress take a listen to the Zencast Podcast by Zencast.org.

Relieve stress by listening to these priceless audio resources. Listen to them while you are cleaning the house, doing the laundry, or planning your next company meeting. Hearing the great advice and inspiration of stress experts will begin to reduce your stress level immediately.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Cuz This Is Thriller, Thriller Night!

2008-10-31T18:05:00.003-04:00

In honour of Halloween (didn't I tell you it was my favourite holiday?)... here's a link to a classic video: Thriller.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-28T18:06:00.003-04:00

In honour of my favourite holiday EVER, I thought I would share some interesting tidbits about Halloween.

Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the Fall harvest and black is associated with darkness and death.

Halloween was brought to North America by immigrants from Europe who would celebrate the harvest around a bonfire, share ghost stories, sing, dance and tell fortunes.

The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night. They began wearing masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as human.

Halloween candy sales average about 2 billion dollars annually in the United States.

Chocolate candy bars top the list as the most popular candy for trick-or-treaters with Snickers #1.

Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday, with Christmas being the first.

Black cats were once believed to be witch's familiars who protected their powers.

If you see a spider on Halloween, it is the spirit of a loved on watching over you.

The Ouija Board ended up outselling the game of Monopoly in its first full year at Salem. Over two million copies of the Ouija Board were shipped.

The mask used by Michael Meyers in the movie "Halloween" was actually William Shatner's mask painted white.

Halloween is on October 31st, the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead. Holloween was referred to as All Hallows Eve and dates back to over 2000 years ago.

There are no words in the dictionary that rhyme with orange, the color of pumpkin.

Samhainophobia is an intense fear of Halloween.

In (Wicked) Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Pay Attention To What's Important

2008-10-25T14:24:00.006-04:00

It's easy to lose sight of what's important when you're working hard and juggling a million things.

To stay focused on the things that matter, you need to make time for reflection - time for thinking about your life, values, priorities, and where you are going.

Are you taking care of your physical health?

Are you happy?

Do you laugh enough?

How are your relationships with the people you care about?

As you ask yourself questions and reflect on what's important, you'll discover what changes you need to make so that your life feels more balanced and so you have time for the important things.

In The Artist's Way (1992), author Julia Cameron shares her self-styled spiritual path to creativity, which includes writing three "Morning Pages" a day on anything to help overcome our own internal censors. This incredible book is a must-read for anyone looking to unblock themselves and be more successful in Life.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Make Time For YOU

2008-10-25T14:13:00.004-04:00

We all need time alone and time with people.

Alone time is good for your body and soul - it's a time to relax, reflect, and think about life and your day. It's a time to clear your head and be quiet with yourself. Your self.

Try to spend some time alone every day. Quiet time alone allows you to tune in to the present moment.

Spend your time alone doing something you enjoy, such as reading, taking a bath, or watching a sunrise. This isn't the time to fold the laundry or clean the house!

Don't feel guilty about relaxing. It's OK to just sit in a comfortable chair and unwind. And you know what else? The world won't end!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Plan Something To Look Forward To!

2008-10-25T13:53:00.004-04:00

Want to know one of the secrets to feeling good?

Plan things to look forward to and you'll always be looking ahead with optimism!

Plan to meet a friend next week or month for lunch, dinner or a movie.

Plan a fun family trip for next summer.

Plan a way to celebrate an upcoming holiday or special occasion with the people you love.

Plan a play date with your child.

Plan to hike a mountain you've always dreamt of climbing, or to visit an old friend or grandparent you don't see often enough.

Feeling good takes planning and forethought. But when you plan things to look forward to, even the anticipation feels good. And don't we all want to feel good in the end?

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Musical Musings

2008-10-25T12:11:00.005-04:00

It's no accident that music is a feature of all human cultures. Music can entertain us, distract us from our worries, stimulate our brains, and help us relax.

Find the music that relaxes you and use it to reduce anxiety!

Listen to music on your commute home after a long day.

Remember the old mix tapes of yore? Why not assemble your own "feel good" music collection and play it when you need a lift or distraction?

Expand your music horizons by borrowing music from your local library or by searching and sampling the latest iTunes has to offer? I always like having a peek at friends' iPods to see what they're listening to.

Do you sing or play an instrument? Why not make your own music? Break out the guitar that's up in the attic gathering dust. Gather your friends and neighbors and form a garage band of your very own!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

What do I want to be when I grow up?

2008-10-25T09:27:00.006-04:00

Here's an interesting article from the Toronto Star I thought I would share. Many of my (adult) clients sheepishly come to me for help with finding out what they want to be when they grow up. This is pretty common in today's fast-paced world where we find ourselves on the ever-speeding treadmill of our high-powered careers, only to soon discover that we're no longer finding any satisfaction with our chosen paths.

Does this sound familiar? Are you confused about how to seek out a career that would make you happier than the one you currently have? If so, consider engaging the services of a Professional Coach - we're here to help you with such important transitions!

Enjoy the article.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Purpose

2008-09-02T12:06:00.003-04:00

I love going to the theatre. A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to catch a showing of the hilarious Broadway musical, Avenue Q, with a good friend of mine. We had been looking forward to seeing this “Sesame Street for grownups” show for months. I’ve had the soundtrack on permanent rotation in my car for about three years now, gleefully humming along to such catchy tunes as “It Sucks To Be Me” and “The Internet Is For Porn”. Ok, let me backtrack… For those of you who are not familiar with Avenue Q, it tells the story of Princeton, a bright-eyed college grad who comes to New York City with big dreams and a tiny bank account. He soon discovers that the only neighborhood in his price range is Avenue Q. His neighbors include Brian the out-of-work comedian and his Asian therapist fiancée Christmas Eve; Nicky the good-hearted slacker (reminiscent of Ernie) and his roommate Rod (Burt) -- a Republican investment banker who is grappling with his closeted homosexuality; an Internet porn addict called Trekkie Monster; and a very cute kindergarten teaching assistant named Kate. To top it all off, Gary Coleman is the building's superintendent. Yes, that Gary Coleman. Together, Princeton and his newfound friends struggle to find jobs, dates, and their ever-elusive purpose in life.

Purpose. As Princeton sings in one of his defining moments:

PURPOSE, IT'S THAT LITTLE FLAME THAT LIGHTS A FIRE UNDER YOUR ASS.

PURPOSE, IT KEEPS YOU GOING STRONG LIKE A CAR WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS.

EVERYONE ELSE HAS A PURPOSE. SO WHAT'S MINE?

I DON'T KNOW HOW I KNOW, BUT I'M GONNA FIND MY PURPOSE.

I DON'T KNOW WHERE I'M GONNA LOOK, BUT I'M GONNA FIND MY PURPOSE.

GOTTA FIND OUT, DON'T WANNA WAIT! GOT TO MAKE SURE THAT MY LIFE WILL BE GREAT!GOTTA FIND MY
PURPOSE BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE.

Many of us go through our lives wondering what our purpose is - our raison-d’être. Not our jobs or daily responsibilities, but the reason we were put here, how we want to live our lives.
Is it for Wealth?
Power?
Service?
Longevity?
Faith?
Family?
Virtue?
Happiness?
Fulfillment?
Comfort?
Contentment?
Integrity?

So why is it so important to define your purpose? Well, let’s put it this way, given the choice, would you rather float through a mundane life or would you prefer to get closer to the best possible life for you? Now I don’t know about you, but for me, the answer’s pretty obvious.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

What Is Your Life Expectancy?

2008-08-20T11:21:00.003-04:00

How healthy and active a life are you leading?

Take the following Life Expectancy Calculator to see what you're doing well, and what you could do differently to live a longer, healthier life.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

26 Ways To Make Someone Happy

2008-08-17T21:18:00.007-04:00

Just thought I’d give all of you a nice list of things to think about. This isn’t an in-depth post, but more of a thought for the day — is there someone you’d like to make happy today?

Making others happy is one of the best ways to have a great day yourself. It can brighten the world around you.

This list is just to spark some ideas, and please note that not every item on this list is appropriate for every person in your life. I trust you to figure out which actions go with which people.

Make someone happy today!

Smile.

Help them carry something.

Send a thank-you email.

Call just to see how they’re doing.

Give them flowers.

Cook them a nice meal.

Tell a joke and laugh your butts off.

Give them a cherished book.

Bake them cookies.

Praise them publicly.

Thank them for a job well done.

Listen.

Be there when they’re in need.

Give a free hug.

Spend time with them, having fun.

Do errands or chores for them.

Say I love you.

Help them get ahead.

Be proud of them.

Babysit if they need it.

House sit if they need it.

Buy them movie tickets.

Coffee. Mmmm.

Secretly leave them thank you notes.

Deliver a nice lunch to them when they’re having a rough day.

Be happy yourself.

Any other ideas on how to make people happy?

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Transformational Change

2008-08-11T10:29:00.007-04:00

I love my dog. I love him so much, I call him my son. Happy is a 6 month old fluff ball of energy – all 5.20 lbs of him! He’s playful, funny, sweet and gentle. He loves to cuddle and get belly rubs. Whenever I hold him in my arms, he goes right for my face (and my earlobes in particular), and licks me with all his might. He also loves it when I plant sweet little kisses on his neck. He’s a ham. Have I mentioned that I love him?

I wasn’t always a dog lover though. In fact, I used to be deathly afraid of all animals. Like if I saw a dog walking on the same sidewalk, I would cross the street to the other side in order to avoid any contact. Getting over this clearly irrational fear of mine was always something I wanted to overcome. In 2001, I decided to vacation in beautiful Australia, the world’s sixth largest country and its largest island. Beautiful Australia, with its Great Barrier Reef, Outback, and the world’s largest monolith, Uluru (formerly known as Ayers Rock). But, as Bill Bryson wrote in “In a Sunburned Country”:

“(Australia) has more things that will kill you than anywhere else. Of the world’s 10 most poisonous snakes, all are Australian. Five of its creatures – the funnel web spider, box jellyfish, blue-ringed octopus, paralysis tick, and stonefish – are the most lethal of their type in the world. This is a country where even the fluffiest of caterpillars can lay you out with a toxic nip, where seashells will not just sting you but actually go for you. Pick up an innocuous cone shell from a Queensland beach, as innocent tourists are all too wont to do, and you will discover that the little fellow inside is not just astoundingly swift and testy but exceedingly venomous. If you are not stung or pronged to death in some unexpected manner, you may be fatally chomped by sharks or crocodiles, or carried helplessly out to sea by irresistible currents, or left to stagger to an unhappy death in the baking outback. It’s a tough place.”

I decided pretty early on in my Australian Adventure that I would use this trip to finally get over my fears. So, in typical Sandy fashion (read: “go big or go home”), I set out for some serious exposure therapy. I swam in the (shark infested) Great Barrier Reef. I fed kangaroos. I cuddled a koala. I stayed at questionable hostels whose showers and toilets were crawling with lizards and frogs, and whose outdoor eateries were feet away from wild dingoes. I even held a baby crocodile in my hand (and have the picture to prove it!). Like I said, go big or go home.

I look back on that trip with deep fondness and appreciation. If it hadn’t been for all the little risks I took back then, I would never have been ready to share my life with my sweet little guy, Happy. I would have missed out on his companionship, love and enthusiasm for life. Even though Happy has only been in my life for 5 months now, I cannot imagine my life without him.

Now I wouldn’t recommend this drastic change tactic of mine to everyone – in fact, it’s really important to know your own internal gage for change. Working with me as your Professional Coach, we can identify your own internal Change Speedometer, and together, we can set specific goals for positive transformation in your life.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

What's Your Spiritual Type?

2008-08-07T20:32:00.004-04:00

I don't consider myself to be a religious person. Yes, I was brought up with certain traditions of my religion. We observed the major holidays and prayed before certain meals like many other families out there. Despite the great effort on the part of my family, I nevertheless have spent countless hours over the years studying religious practices of many other faiths. In search. Always on the lookout for something to resonate deep within me.

So far, I can say with certainty that I am "skeptically spiritual". I still follow some of the traditions of my original faith. Some. But I've also incorporated other practices that just make more sense to me. Meditation is one, for instance. There's something about it that's soothing to me - that brings me some semblance of inner peace. I suspect my spiritual journey is far from over - it will probably evolve over time as I move into life's different phases.

I guess that's part of the journey that is Life.

For those of you who are on a similar journey as I, why not try out an interesting quiz, simply called "What's Your Spiritual Type?"

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Values: Peak Moment in Time

2008-08-07T14:56:00.002-04:00

Integrity. Responsibility. Empowerment. Excellence. Community.

Those of you who have worked in a corporate environment have probably come across these and other similar core values that companies espouse.

But when was the last time you thought about your personal values – your own unique and individual essence?

Did you know that when you’re in touch with your personal values, you’re living your truth? That when you’re consistently honoring your values, your life becomes more fulfilling? The bottom line is that the clearer you are about what you value and believe in, the happier and more effective you will be.

If you’ve ever worked one on one with a professional coach, you will have noticed that we tend to be pretty passionate about helping our clients identify and more importantly establish ways to LIVE their core values. How do coaches help their clients gain a solid perspective on their values? Well, there are a host of values clarification techniques we use in order to allow clients to examine and articulate their values in a safe yet courageous environment.

To give you an idea of the type of work I do with my clients, I’d like to introduce you to one of the coaching techniques I use to help get to the core of my client’s values. This exercise, called “A Peak Moment In Time”, requires the client to think back to an especially poignant or rewarding moment in their life. A specific moment in time, within a specific timeframe. What was happening? Who was present? What was going on? More importantly, what were the values that you were honoring in that particular moment?

So I ask you… What core values are you guided by?

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

7 Secrets of Success...

2008-08-07T12:13:00.003-04:00

I just found this gem on the internet and thought I would share it with you. Its author is unknown. Enjoy!

The 7 Secrets of Success...
I found the answers in my room.
Roof said: Aim high
Fan said: Be cool
Clock Said: Every minute is precious
Mirror said: Reflect before you act
Window said: See the world
Calendar said: Be up-to-date
Door said: Push hard to achieve your goals.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Winning Career and Business Advice from Jack Welch

2008-08-07T12:10:00.002-04:00

When Jack Welch stepped down as CEO of GE in 2000, he had succeeded in turning a $12 billion company into one of the largest and most admired corporations in the world - with a market value of about $500 billion. Pretty heady stuff.

But just how did he lead the way to such incredible change?

Mr. Welch had a very clear vision of a leader's role in the new economy. As he once wrote in a letter to shareholders:

"In the old culture, managers got their power from secret knowledge: profit margins, market share, and all that... In the new culture, the role of the leader is to express a vision, get buy-in, and implement it. That calls for open, caring relations with every employee, and face-to-face communication.
People who can't convincingly articulate a vision won't be successful."

Being a Professional Coach with a strong background in Human Resources, I can't help but say "I like the way this guy thinks!" Yes, he looks at the bottom line and the profit margins - he has to in order to lead a $500 billion global corporation. But how inspiring to see that he lead by example and believed in treating his human resources with openess, honesty and compassion.

Here's a great video interview Mr. Welch gave that speaks to his passionate beliefs on what it means to be a successful leader. Enjoy!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

12 Famous Rules of Success

2008-08-07T12:06:00.003-04:00

Steve Jobs is one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our generation. His success story is legendary:

He was put up for adoption at an early age. Dropping out of college after 6 months, he slept on friends’ floors and returned Coke bottles for 5 cent deposits to buy food. Eventually, he went on to start a little company by the name of Apple Computers, while that other incredible success story we all know as Bill Gates started Microsoft.

Mr. Jobs offered his 12 Famous Rules of Success to the 2005 graduating class of Stanford University. Inspiring words of wisdom from somebody in know. Here they are:

1. Do what you love to do.
Find your true passion. Do what you love to do a make a difference! The only way to do great work is to love what you do.

2. Be different.
Think different. "Better be a pirate than to join the navy."

3. Do your best.
Do your best at every job. No sleep! Success generates more success. So be hungry for it. Hire good people with a passion for success.

4. Make a SWOT analysis.
As soon as you join/start a company, make a list of strengths and weaknesses of yourself and your company on a piece of paper. Don't hesitate in throwing bad apples out of the company.

5. Be entrepreneurial.
Look for the next big thing. Find a set of ideas that need to be quickly and decisively acted upon and jump through that window. Sometimes the first step is the hardest one. Just take it! Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition.

6. Start small, think big.
Don't worry about too many things at once. Take a handful of simple things to begin with, and then progress to more complex ones. Think about not just tomorrow, but the future.

7. Strive to become a market leader.
Own and control the primary technology in everything you do. If there's a better technology available, use it no matter if anyone else is not using it. Be the first, and make it an industry standard.

8. Focus on the outcome.
People judge you by your performance, so focus on the outcome. Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't used to an environment where excellence is expected. Advertise. If they don't know it, they won't buy your product. Pay attention to design. "We made the buttons on the screen lookso good you'll want to lick them”. Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.

9. Ask for feedback.
Ask for feedback from people with diverse backgrounds. Each one will tell you one useful thing. If you're at the top of the chain, sometimes people won't give you honest feedback because they're afraid. In this case, disguise yourself, or get feedback from other sources. Focus on those who will use your product – listen to your customers first.

10. Innovate.
Innovation distinguishes a leader from a follower. Delegate, let other top executives do 50% of your routine work to be able to spend 50% your time on the new stuff. Say no to 1,000 things to make sure you don't get on the wrong track or try to do too much. Concentrate on really important creations and radicalinnovation. Hire people who want to make the best things in the world. You need a very product-oriented culture, even in a technology company. Lots of companies have tons of great engineers and smart people. But ultimately, there needs to be some gravitational force that pulls it all together.

11. Learn from failures.
Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly, and get on with improving your other innovations.

12. Learn continually.
There's always "one more thing" to learn! Cross-pollinate ideas with others both within and outside your company. Learn from customers, competitors and partners. If you partner with someone whom you don't like, learn to like them – praise them and benefit from them. Learn to criticize your enemies openly, but honestly.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy
Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Making Sure Your Next Job Is the Best Fit

2008-08-07T12:03:00.002-04:00

OK, so you’ve realized that it’s time for a career transition. Off you go into the job market – networking, interviewing, selling yourself and negotiating like mad. That’s great!

But whoa there, tiger! Let’s take a step back for a moment. How much time are you spending interviewing prospective employers? Are you following your due diligence to ensure you’re making the right move – finding the best job fit? I can’t count the number of times I’ve come across people who’ve gotten hooked into accepting a new job for all the wrong reasons and without having done all their homework.

So, with this in mind, here are the Top 4 Questions You Should Ask Yourself To Ensure Your Next Job Is The Best Fit:

1. Who's the Boss?
If you're knee deep in the interviewing process, you will likely be meeting your future supervisor at some point. Pay close attention to how well you get along with this person – she will hold the key to your success and happiness in that position. Ask her what her leadership style is like and what kind of employee she prefers to manage. If you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to interview with other members of her reporting team (as part of a panel interview, for instance), ask them too! I once knew an individual who had asked this question during an interview, and got a disturbingly honest answer from the supervisor: “I don’t like to manage my employees; I don’t like them coming to me with any questions”. If this person had been searching for a mentoring type of relationship with her prospective supervisor, she would have been sorely disappointed and jaded as her employee. Thank goodness she had the good sense to ask this key questions beforehand to avoid such a pitfall!

2. Who Are Your Future Coworkers?
Some people hate their jobs but love their colleagues so much that it overrides any unhappiness they have about their daily duties. On the flip side, just as these folks can make your work life great, they can also make it miserable. Ask to meet your potential teammates before accepting any job offer. One of my own best job interviews involved going out for coffee with my potential colleagues. It was a wonderful way for me to get a first-hand sense of the group dynamics and whether I would fit in. There we were, sitting at a Starbucks, chatting it up easily. It also was a wonderful opportunity for me to investigate the leadership style! While these folks were great at trying to sell the job to me, I nevertheless tuned into the semi-discreet looks they shot each other prior to answering my all important “so… tell me what Bob is like as a manager…”. I still accepted the job, but at least I went in there with my eyes wide open. Listen to your gut and make your decision accordingly.

3. Yes, Yes – They Want You… But Do You Want Them?
Sure, it’s a great ego boost to be offered a job – after all, it’s like entering a competition in which you win first prize! But any reader of Eckhart Tolle would tell you not to let yourself be guided by your ego. Put it aside. Instead, remind yourself what it is that YOU are looking for in a new job… If you’ve worked with me as your Career Coach, you would have already completed lots of self-assessments that would have clarified your vision of your ideal career opportunity. Take those sheets out, and compare them with the job you’ve just been offered. How closely do they match? The closer the match, the better the job fit. Look before you leap!

4. Is This Job Just Right - or Right For Now?
OK, reality check time. Money talks. That’s a fact. Your personal financial situation may dictate that you have to accept something less than your ideal right now. If you must agree to work at a less-than-ideal position and hope to stay just for the short-term, then start planning your exit strategy now. Own it. Otherwise, you might just find yourself in the same, less than suitable job years from now. And that would be pretty tragic for you, given all the hard work you’re doing today to get on the right path.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Achieving Your Childhood Dreams

2008-08-07T12:01:00.004-04:00

Carnegie Mellon Professor Randy Pausch gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams," Professor Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.

Sadly, Professor Pausch passed away recently, after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite his grim diagnosis, or perhaps inspite of it, he managed to inspire millions of us around the world with his poignant, funny and inspiring "last lecture".

I challenge all of you to watch this video without being motivated to positive action in your lives. It's impossible. Prof. Pausch delivered a lasting legacy with this lecture. My thoughts go out to his family and to those who knew and loved him. Rest in peace.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Baby Giggles

2008-08-07T12:00:00.002-04:00

I just couldn't resist sharing this video from youtube.com of the funniest laughing baby I have ever seen. Most of you have probably enjoyed this little gem before, along with the other 5.5 million viewers out there in the 'net world. Regardless though, I still think it's worth another viewing - if anything because it makes me giggle out loud everytime I watch it. And in my books, there's no such thing as laughing too little!

Happy giggling!

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching

Blog Launch!

2008-08-07T11:56:00.002-04:00

Hey folks!

I’m thrilled to finally be joining the rest of the blogging community on the ‘net!

My hope for this blog is to share with you all the little blissful nuggets that come my way. So, without further ado, here’s a delightful link that was forwarded to me by one of my coaching colleagues today. It instantly brought a smile to my face. But more importantly, it brought home the fact that no matter which part of the world we may find ourselves, we are inarguably connected to others by more commonalities than differences.

It also made me want to put on my dancin’ shoes and travel the world.

Happy dancing!

http://www.vimeo.com/1211060?pg=embed&sec=1211060

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy

Sandy Kiaizadeh
Find Your Bliss Coaching