If you’re feeling stuck in a rut or wanting to achieve better results than previously it could be time to begin asking yourself some questions. We do what we do as long as we know what we know and never consciously choose to change. “Old habits die hard”, have you heard that saying? New habits require focus, commitment and consistency. It’s been said it takes a minimum of 21 days of repetition to create a new habit. I believe it depends on how deep your desire to change is, how long you’ve been doing what you’re wanting to change, and how much you believe in yourself and the ability to change.

The first step is recognizing that you’re in a pattern you want to change. Being aware and able to objectively look at what’s not working to look at ways that feel more inspiring is a great start.

It always helps to write or journal your thoughts. Writing your thoughts, not typing can be very therapeutic. It takes the thoughts from your head to the paper in a process that allows you to have a different perspective. The more you write and allow all your feelings to arise the more clarity you gain. When you’ve said what you felt you needed to say leave it. Take a walk, call a friend, do some exercise, allow yourself some space. Later, when you’re ready to continue with a new awareness try reading what you wrote and see if you can gain any insight.

Then the real work comes. Of course, as a life coach I would be remiss not to suggest that my services would be a big advantageous in helping you achieve a new inspiring goal for success. Regardless I am going to give you some valuable tips.

• As clearly as you can write out all the things you want. Don’t hold back, dream big.
• Then write all the qualities you have and why you deserve what you want.
• Then ask yourself when, why or how do you get derailed. What are the patterns of the past?
• What can you do to change?
• What are you willing to do to change?
• What do you need to stay committed to changing?
• Make a conscious decision to stop what’s been limiting you and choose what you need to make the change you want.
• Every single day spend at least 15 minutes in the morning writing down what you will do that day to focus on your goal, then another 15 minutes at the end of the day journaling what you did and the results you achieved.
• Continue to stay focused, committed and consistent.

When your progress isn’t happening as quickly as you would like go back to where you started and re-read what you originally wrote.  What do you notice?  Can you tweak your plan and up your goal?  What progress have you made?

Keep asking yourself empowering questions, record your answers and stay aligned with your feelings.  What you’re feeling from the gut must be resonating with what you are wanting.  When you feel off-balance or less than inspired get real and ask yourself why.

You can do succeed! Don’t criticize or blame yourself for past mistakes or current challenges, just keep focusing on the goal you want and know you will accomplish it as long as you are persistent enough.

I’d love to hear your comments, questions and all about the success you’re making.

I’ve had shingles (stress-related), fibromyalgia (stress-related) and suffered for years from migraine headaches which I was told were the result of stress.  I don’t think of myself as a stressful individual.  I’m not an angry person.  I am caring, considerate and sympathetic, often traits of people who suffer from stress.  Care-givers, thoughtful, caring and considerate people often take on the pain and stress of their family, friends and patients.  They want to help and believe by being supportive and empathetic they can take the problems away for others who suffer.

The truth is: Only the person with the problem can fix the problem.  Stress is the result of under-lying problems or issues of our mind causing physical symptoms.  It’s our bodies way of telling us we are out of alignment.  There ARE ways to resolve it.

Despite the fact, in my experience anyway, that physicians tend to dismiss the suffering stress can cause and don’t offer any solutions there are many ways to alleviate stress.

Too bad so many suffer from stress when there are solutions!  Our bodies comprise of body, mind and soul and should be healed as such.

Our North American medical systems need to be more holistic.  It’s unfortunate that there is such an imbalance as to who receives help and who doesn’t, which all comes down to money and knowledge.  There are many ways to lessen stress that don’t cost anything when you know how to use them.  They are not harmful.  They are not drugs.  Everyone should have access to them.

If you suffer from pain and have been told it’s stress-related or what you’ve been doing isn’t working consider a consultation with me. I am not a physician, counselor, therapist or medical professional. I have experienced the frustration of suffering in pain alone. I have alleviated my pain and proven the prognosis of my ‘disease’ to be wrong.  I am certified as a life coach and choose to inform people of options that could help them.  I choose to empower myself to feel happier, healthier and free of pain.  If you want to find out if the processes I use could help you send me an email at wendy@wendymackaycoachinginc.com tell me a little about what you need, how to contact you and let’s see if we can get rid of your stress.

Disclaimer: Any action you take is your responsibility. I do not guarantee results.

About 12 years ago when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and told by my rheumatologist that I would likely be in a wheelchair within 5 years I was devastated!  I had been taking the very best nutritional supplements available, had always been physically active, was happy in my marriage and I couldn’t quite grasp why this was happening to me.

I wasn’t given any hope and my body wasn’t tolerant with any anti-inflammatories prescribed. The only thing any medical professionals could tell me was it was stress-related.  I didn’t think I was stressed!  I didn’t feel stressed!  How could this happen?

I made a conscious decision at that point that I was not going to accept my diagnosis.  I was not about to fall victim to stress.  I silently sought alternative help, began appreciating life more and stayed active.  There were some very painful times and depression was never too distant, but with a positive attitude, perseverance and a healthy diet I continued to keep my muscle and optimistic belief I would get through this.

I am not dismissing any stress-related disease as not real.  I can relate to the pain and suffering. I’m not a medical practitioner and am not making any medical claims.  What each and every one of us chooses to do about our own condition is our choice.  What works for one person may not for another.  I simply know that being given a diagnosis that I had a condition as the result of stress, with a poor prognosis was unacceptable for me.

If stress is the root cause of so many diseases people are suffering from, why aren’t people being given hope?  Why isn’t the cause being treated?

I feel so grateful for discovering the answers to my pain.  A holistic approach to caring for my body has become routine.  Learning how to relax and enjoy life is a blessing.  I love teaching others how to find happiness.  I love inspiring and empowering people to feel healthier.

I appreciate having focus and clarity while pursuing my goals. Meditating daily, staying positive through learning so many processes of the law of attraction and practicing healthy strategies is what balances my life.

My work experience, years of personal development courses, life experience and coaching courses empower me to share what I know to inspire other people looking for answers to stress relief.

If you, or anyone you know suffers from a stress-related disease and would like to learn new strategies that could benefit your over-all health leave me a comment or email me at wendy@wendymackaycoachinginc.com

I recently developed a course ‘Discovering 7 Secrets to Happiness’ and also give 1-on-1 coaching. Perhaps your stress could be released or eliminated with inspiration instead of being left on your own with a diagnosis that is less than satisfactory.

I also attracted a connection on Linkedin with 2 coaches who graduated from the same coaching academy as I did.  They are in the process of launching their ‘Happiness’ course, just as Alexandria and I are.  All of this confirms that people are realizing the importance of feeling happy. After all why do we do what we do if it isn’t to feel happy, loved and appreciated?

What is it you feel overwhelmed with in your life? 

With cell phones, social media and economic information over-load I believe, we as a society, are losing touch with simple pleasures that bring us happiness.

We all want to feel loved, appreciated, respected and hopeful.  We want inspiring relationships that bring us happiness and love.  We want to be appreciated for our hard work in our careers and to be compensated our labor.  We want to enjoy good food, a home to call our own and people to share our life with.  It all sounds simple, right?  So why is there over 50% of marriages ending in divorce, unemployment and homeless people who have talent and integrity?  Why are some of the wealthiest countries experiencing economic crashes when there is an abundance of resources and qualified people to work?

Why are so many so unhappy?

If you feel like you’re spinning around on a hamster wheel and afraid to jump off, or riding a roller coaster of emotions, STOP!

It’s so easy to get caught up in the RAT RACE of life!  But, becoming aware you’re feeling overwhelmed is the first step to empowering yourself to take action.

Take control of your life. Decide what you WANT and begin to make the necessary changes to achieve your success.

Some steps you may want to consider:

• Limit your time spent reading or sending emails – determine how much value you receive and whether the information you read is moving you towards your goals, then eliminate or ‘unsubscribe’ from distractions.

• Schedule your time between personal & professional goals and stick to what you decide is most beneficial.  Use your time wisely when necessary, but remember to allow for ‘down’ time.

• Set daily intentions to focus on and stay focused.

• Create incentives for yourself that inspire and motivate you for success.

• Remember to appreciate even the smallest steps to success.  Too often we forget to realize the progress we’re making, especially if we don’t journal our progress.

• Share your goals with someone who is willing to encourage and hold you accountable to succeeding.  Often in sharing the other person gives feedback and a different perspective that can support you.

• Do activities that make you happy rather than just zoning out in front of the television set.  Read books that inspire you, as well as teach you something about your topic of interest.  Join local organizations where you meet new people and expand your circle of friends.

These are only a few suggestions.  If you are interested in learning how to attract happiness and success while doing what you love to do, or are interested in discovering techniques that are proven to help join me on facebook or email me to inquire when the next ‘Wishful Thanking – Discovering 7 Secrets to Happiness‘ group starts.

This could be called law of attraction, as I focus on what aligns with me and resist that which doesn’t, or you can call it synchronicity. Personally I don’t need to call it anything other than wonderful!  For me it simply ‘IS’ who I choose to be and who I feel I want to continue exploring.  I am so grateful for this transformation and acceptance in my life!

Today I had a friend email the attachment for the video posted below.  What ‘Lee Harris‘ has to share in this beautiful work of art is profound and I hope you will take the time to sit quietly and watch while listening to his message.  No, I don’t know Lee.  Today was the first I ever heard of him, but after visiting his website and seeing the books he has for sale I intend on returning often.

“We have been in the eye of the coming storm” says Lee.  I’m sure many of you have been hearing predictions of doom & gloom from media, International leaders, financial advisers and religious speakers.  I am the first to believe ‘awareness’ is the first step for allowing change to happen.

The problem I have with these predictions is it promotes negative feelings, which result in a lack of energy or motivation.

• The economy is where it is as a result of many years of mismanagement and over-spending.

• The environmental disasters are a result of disrespect & abuse of nature.

• Unhappiness, relationship problems, feelings of unworthiness, etc. are the result of imbalance and greed.

At some point there needs to be an awakening that brings people back to what really matters. I believe that time is now.

Over and over again we witness the ‘coming together’ of good-hearted strangers in difficult times.  Tsunami’s, fires, floods, earthquakes, economic tough times bring people with heart and soul to the rescue.  For me, this is what humanity and World relations should be like but without disaster.  What lessons do we still need to learn to appreciate what we have without going through loss of time, life or happiness?

I feel this is why 2012 is a ‘year of power’.  Difficult times aren’t over. With the loss of jobs, relationships break-ups, and tough economic times being  experienced now, we are questioning and seeking answers.  We are having to stop and consider what matters most. This desire to align with our true authentic selves and inner guidance is the ‘power’.

We are facing challenging times that we should embrace.  Embrace peace & harmony tough times bring.  Every incident that allows us to grieve also teaches us something new about ourselves.

Learning to share our emotions with our self, and others, authentically allows us to move forward, be compassionate, have empathy and understanding of how, when & why others suffer.

Throughout this past year while teaching my course ‘Empowering Women to Happiness’, what these women have taught me is much more than I feel I have taught them.  I have learned that happiness can be expressing frustration, grief and over whelm, as much as joy, relief and clarity.

All our feelings matter!  When we don’t allow ourselves to cry, share with a friend or be alone, we prolong the process of healing and understanding who we really are. Grief is an emotion to be experienced.  With love comes loss as with life comes death, and all should be appreciated~

I have listened and observed many leaders who have become billionaires quickly.  Not one of them is any different than you or I.  What I particularly notice is the confidence and belief in them selves, whether a result of their success or the journey to success. We CAN be successful too!

Money is nothing more than the value we place upon it.  Money is an exchange of value for value.  I can’t help but feel astonished at what some people feel they are worth, and even more what some will pay for information.  I ask myself “what makes them so special?” and then in answer to my own question I realize it depends on how much someone else needs their information and what it will do for them.  What information and passion do you have that someone else needs or wants?

One big difference between success and failure is: limitless belief in our own capabilities.  Those who have reached success have experienced set-backs over and over again, but each set-back they learn something from and see it as a challenge to improve upon.  Those who believe they have failed don’t learn from the experience.

As a child learning to walk, if each time you landed on your butt you didn’t get up and try again, would have ever learned to walk?

• Believe you are capable of anything, and more.

• Believe that 2012 is the ‘Year of Power’.

• Take time to reflect on your accomplishments and appreciate the lessons you learn along the way.  Focus on your goals and keep getting up each time you fall until you succeed.

• Make a difference – live life fully – discover your happiness!  Happy New Year.

This video has been shared from Youtube. For more go to www.leeharrisenergy.com

Most achievements appreciated have taken persistence, consistent perseverance, and learning along the way.  If they were easy you’d already have them!

If you’re an entrepreneur or simply working towards your desires without support – stop often, assess, and appreciate what you are gaining in the process.  Even set-backs are an achievement because when you appreciate them you learn not to repeat them.  Take away what you’ve gained from the lesson and continue to focus on moving forward.

Reward yourself often.  Share your experience with someone who encourages you, not those who discourage.  Align yourself with people who have walked the same journey and ask for advice or support.  People may not know you need help, or want support unless you ask.  Most are more than willing to assist.

Make wise choices that have been well thought out as to who, what or where you require assistance.  Be willing to pay for worthwhile knowledge that will attract results faster.  Don’t be over-whelmed with information.  Take what you need, in the right moment that will help you to stay on track with your progress.  Know your limits and stay within them.  Don’t spend energy on regrets or blame.  Empower yourself with optimism!

Doing business by yourself, as an entrepreneur requires a level of support unless you are extremely self-motivated. The more you can keep focused on short-term goals, appreciate your progress, know what you need when you need it and hire help from professionals that have the experience & expertise to support you to succeed quickly the faster you’ll see results.

Strategic planning, budgeting, getting necessary legal advice, coaching, marketing plan, are all necessary components for a successful business.  You can achieve anything you set your heart on if you take the time to plan, consistently take action, ask for help, and persistently continue working on it.  Good Luck – but luck really has nothing to do with it.

--Wendy MacKay–inspirational life coach @ wendy@wendymackaycoachinginc.com

If you journal and keep records of your goals & accomplishments you likely understand the significance of learning from “what has been” and appreciating your achievements. Without gratitude, appreciating progress what is the incentive for moving forward? Whether it’s financial rewards (wages, bonuses, tips), appreciation from others, self-discipline and determination few of us would ever improve or even have the desire to change.

Take some time to review your previous year’s lessons. What mistakes you’ve made that allowed you to learn something in order to move forward, achievements you want to repeat or improve upon and lessons experienced that are worth filing away for the future.

Many entrepreneurs are tough on themselves. Comparing your progress to others can be a mistake, especially when the comparisons are unbalanced. Know what you want and determine time specific goals that are reasonable and achievable. Compare your progress with what you’ve done in the past instead of what others before you have done. Take time to appreciate your progress and create incentives that motivate you. Find an accountability partner or life-coach who has your best interests at heart. Journal, chart and monitor your success. Analyze what works and what doesn’t and take what you need from the lessons to move forward.

• Contemplate, meditate, brainstorm and think out precisely what you want to achieve in the short-term, mid-term and long term for 2012.
• Write down your goals and keep them where you’ll view them often throughout the day.
• Keep track of your progress and create a reward system.
• Stop and appreciate your achievements.
• Re-assess regularly and continue challenging yourself.
• Keep goals time-sensitive and easy to analyze so you recognize the progress.
• Reward yourself.

You can do anything you set your mind to!  Be consistent, persistent and focused doing what you need to. Appreciate your progress and reward yourself.

Need help?  Hire me as your inspirational life coach that holds you accountable to success!

–Wendy MacKay– wendy@wendymackaycoachinginc.

For many years I pressured myself to bake enough for an army and then would have leftovers in the freezer for months. I’d write individual letters to all my friends and send out cards, make most of my gifts, ornaments and be meticulous about stocking stuffers. I’d go crazy house cleaning, clearing out closets and washing used clothing for donations. The meal preparation was well thought out for days so we could eat & be merry.

Now I am much more relaxed and less focused on being “perfect” while enjoying what I want to do and spending more time with friends I can laugh with. The cards haven’t been sent, but the phone is easy to dial for those I want to connect with. The baking is minimal as I watch my waistline and my kids don’t enjoy sweets. As a family we’ve created traditions that we enjoy and our preparations are done together, laughing and joking with one another. My perception of what matters has changed!

I look forward to listening to what everyone has to say and get such joy seeing their enthusiasm sharing what’s important for them. I appreciate our time together, which at the end of the day is the reason we gather.

This holiday season when you feel tired, frustrated, upset or even angry with that “one” family member who pushes your buttons, focus on the ones you enjoy being with. Let go of stress and appreciate all the blessings you have and can share with those you love while creating lasting memories.

If we could hold onto the spirit of Christmas throughout the year, without the expectations of what we “think” we need to do, how much happier could we be?

My intention today and for the future is to focus on what matters most for myself and those I love. That also means letting those I love figure out what matters for them, without my opinion or expectations. It’s so much more fun not to have to think I have to be in control of situations, people or events.

Happy Holidays to ALL!

Perhaps earning an income comparable to your current job by doing what you love isn’t currently wise, but what can you be doing so you’re making progress to eventually do what you love full time. If you don’t start now, when will you?

Opportunities are plentiful! If you’re reading this article you have access to a computer. There is such an abundance of information online, and much of it at no cost, that you can learn about any subject. If you have a particular talent, interest, hobby or skill chances are there are many other people interested in the same topic.

Linkedin is a great social media platform to interact with like-minded professionals in all fields of work. Creating your own blog, facebook, twitter and many more. Don’t just spend time flitting around and investigating. Use your time wisely and learn what you need to learn so you can do what you love to do.

Your happiness should be your main focus. Without happiness you need to ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing, why you hang with people who don’t make you laugh and enjoy life, and what can you do about it?

If everyone were doing what they loved and still able to earn a living having what they want, wouldn’t it be a better World? Competition is healthy so we continue to learn. Contrast is necessary so we know what we want and don’t want. Decide today what you want and go after it.

Namaste

Too often we work long hours, lose sleep, eat on the run, ignore the need for exercise, miss time with our families, all in the pursuit of success.  The journey takes its toll on our health, relationships and bank account, all for the belief that entrepreneurs make millions.

Don’t lose sight of what your focus is, why, and how you plan to succeed. Manage your time and maintain your health, relationships and what is important to you.  Be happy in the process of succeeding or you will never be happy.

You matter.  Your health matters, for once it is gone you have nothing.  Your relationships matter, for the people who care about you are the ones you want to succeed for.

Life is all about balance.  We only have this moment, right now.  The past has been and the future may or may not come.  You will never feel happy if you can’t appreciate and enjoy the moments of joy right in front of you.

What will success mean if you no longer have your health, anyone to enjoy your success with or the appreciation of what it is?

Take time to eat healthy, exercise, enjoy time away from work, and get the right amount of sleep and you will discover many successes along the way to what you hope to succeed at.

Enjoy!