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Want to Learn to CRAVE Your Goals? Watch This Video!

 

Learn more at www.triciamolloy.com.

How to Have a Really Happy New Year!

In the book, The How of Happiness, author Sonja Lyubomirsky recommends 12 scientifically proven ways to boost our happiness. They are:

1. Express Gratitude


2. Cultivate Optimism


3. Avoid Overthinking and Social Comparison


4. Practice Acts of Kindness


5. Nurture Social Relationships


6. Develop Strategies for Coping


7. Learn to Forgive


8. Increase Flow Experiences


9. Savor Life's Joys


10. Commit to Your Goals


11. Practice Religion and Spirituality


12. Take Care of Your Body

I resonated with all of them. Do you?

Abraham Lincoln said that most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. To make your new year happier, I recommend you identify three of these strategies that you already do, appreciate the positive impact they have on your attitude and continue to do them. For me, that's express gratitude, cultivate optimism and nurture social relationships.

Then, consider three more strategies to start or recommit to for the new year. Mine are savor life's joys (stay in the moment), commit to your goals (I've got some bodacious ones for 2011!) and take care of your body (back to my yoga practice).

What do you already do and what will you begin to do in 2011? I hope you'll share your wise strategies by posting your comments here and inspire others. Have a Really Happy New Year!

What's So Good about "Good Business"?

"Good Business: Putting Spiritual Principles into Practice at Work" (Unity House, 2010) is an inspiring compilation of essays from 22 conscious business leaders. I share my "CRAVE Your Goals!" formula for success in Chapter 20.

Editors Charlotte Shelton and Martha Lynn set the tone in the book's introduction: "Ethical, accountable, responsible, collaborative, service-oriented, vision-focused and mission-based are words that describe good business. In short, good business is principled business--business that recognizes there are foundational principles in life that cannot be violated without great consequences."

As the economy begins to recover, those who lead large companies and run small businesses are recognizing that employees, customers and stakeholders expect much more. Conscious and compassionate organizations that appreciate and encourage sound business practices like meditation, gratitude, affirmations, visualization and taking care of the environment have a distinct competitive edge. The book highlights SAS Institute, Timberland Shoes, the Container Store, BioGenex, Tyson's Foods and Malden Mills--enlightened, successful companies that prove doing good is good business.

Here are some excerpts that resonated with me.

• From Daryl Conner: We each travel within a particular current that brings us into contact with the very people, situations and circumstances that enable us to learn the lessons waiting for us and use them as a catalyst for growth...We get into trouble when we decide our egos know more about what's best for us rather than allow ourselves to follow the natural flow of the Divine guidance we're offered.
• From Bil and Cher Holton: Enlightened business leaders know that all work tasks, procedures and organizational objectives have sacred components, whether they involve entering or collecting data, monitoring business processes, speaking to customers, driving company vehicles or emptying trash receptacles. Each task, every molecule of effort, is important in a soul-managed work environment. And the employees who perform these functions are valued and respected for being in alignment with the sacred dimensions of work.
• From Martha Lynn: The key is courage. Do we have the courage to set intentions that come from a place of love rather than lack or self-preservation? Do we have the courage to self-observe and take responsibility and be accountable for our thoughts, feelings and actions? Do we have the courage to shift from habits we have relied on for decades--our frame of reference for how the world works?
• From Brian Tracy: Since fear represents the greatest obstacle to creativity and high performance, when businesses drive out fear, they create an environment where creativity and high performance are free to flourish.
• From Charlotte Shelton: The skill of quantum feeling has enormous impact on issues such as motivation, stress, burnout and job satisfaction. Organizational life will change significantly when enough of us can release our dependence on external rewards and take full responsibility for bringing purpose, passion and vitality to our jobs by choosing appreciation rather than frustration, faith rather than fear, and accountability rather than victimization. I can't wait!

Neither can I. How about you?

Spring Cleaning for Success

Out of the 10 universal principles in "Divine Wisdom at Work" and the five that make up the "CRAVE Your Goals!" formula, the one that resonates most with people is: Clean Out the Clutter.

That's because clutter is a universal challenge. It distracts and confuses us and drains our energy. It gets in the way of what's most important. It often keeps us from achieving our goals.

There's the physical clutter of a messy office, a closet filled with clothes that no longer fit our bodies and/or our current lives, and shelves at home with books we'll never read and gifts we don't like but feel obliged to display. Am I hitting a nerve?

There's the technical clutter of information overload, too many emails, e-newsletters we'll never open and an over-reliance on our cell phone.

Then, there's the emotional clutter of the what ifs, the regrets and resentments, the things we haven't forgiven about someone else or ourselves, the unnecessary obligations, and toxic people who zap our energy.

The law is very simple: "The universe abhors a vacuum." So, when we clear out the clutter, we create the space for the universe to fill with what serves our highest good. For example, if you want more ideal clients, release the ones that drive you crazy. Better ones are waiting--I promise.

Capitalize on this envigorating time of year to "spring clean" for success. Share on this blog what clutter you've released and the gifts that have come from it.

What Treasure are You Searching for?

Affirmations are one of the most powerful tools to keep you focused and motivated as you pursue your goals and dreams. In this video clip from my "CRAVE Your Goals!" presentation at the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce's Success Seminar, I share how a modern-day treasure hunter capitalized on the power of affirmations. You can, too!

The Answers Are All Inside

It's wise to remember that the same awe-inspiring infinite intelligence of the universe that creates each unique, intricate snowflake is also ready to guide us to our highest good.

All we have to do is go inside and:


• Ask. Pose a question before meditation, during a quiet walk or just before you fall asleep. It could be as simple as, "What do I need to know right now?"


• Listen. Your guidance could come as a still, small voice in your head, disguised as a friend's comment, a synchronicity or coincidence, or perhaps an image. When I was writing "Divine Wisdom at Work," I fell into the trap of many new authors. I began to doubt myself. I remember thinking, "Who am I to write this book? Would anyone--besides my immediate family and friends--actually buy it? Could it really be the catalyst for a whole new speaking and mentoring career?" The universe heard my questions and I began to see this image in my head of a waiting room full of people. Each one was looking up at me and tapping their toes, shrugging their shoulders and pointing to their watches. "What is this?" I wondered. The message was clear: "Get your fear and ego out of the way, Tricia. People are waiting for your book." Once I got over the hump, completed my book and sent it to the printer, the image changed. I saw those same people in the same waiting room but this time they were flipping through my book and smiling and nodding and a few were even giving me the "thumbs up." I smiled, too. That's how the universe might speak to you.


• Trust. We live in a world of instant gratification. Don't give up just because the guidance doesn't come immediately. It often takes time. Be patient and be flexible. The message you receive may not be what you expected but it may be just what you needed. When we let go of the details and the illusion of control, when we release our own expectations, that's when miracles happen. This or something better. And so it is.

CRAVE Your Goals! Five Steps to Reduce Stress and Stay Positive, Focused and Productive

(This article appeared on www.women-drivers.com, a site that connects women and families to certified Women-Drivers Friendly™ car dealers. You can go there for information on how to enrich and empower your dealership visit and to write your own dealer review.)

What do you want to achieve? Are you hoping for a promotion? Do you wish you could start your own business? Ready to lose those final 20 pounds or become debt free? When we commit to our goals and crave them with our heart and soul, we engage the energy of the universe and receive what we need to make our dreams come true. Follow these five CRAVE steps to attract what you desire and deserve.

1) Clean Out the Clutter.
Clutter distracts and confuses us and drains our energy. It often keeps us from doing what's most important and gets in the way of our goals. There's a universal law that states: The universe abhors a vacuum. So, when we clear away the physical clutter, as well as the emotional (like regrets, toxic relationships and unnecessary obligations) and technical clutter (like too much time spent on Facebook and other social media sites), we make room for the universe to fill it with what serves our highest good. Commit to begin cleaning out the clutter today.

2) Raise Your Vibrations.
The universal law states: Energy attracts like energy. We are all energy beings and we all vibrate at different levels at different times. Vibration is just another word for feelings and emotions. It's our attitude. When we vibrate at a high level, it is governed by love, trust and peace and is positive and constructive. We will attract people and circumstances that vibrate at that same level. Conversely, when we are consumed by fear and worry and we're not taking care of ourselves, we will vibrate at a low, negative level and we will attract people and circumstances that vibrate at that low level.

To increase and maintain a high vibration, commit to love and nurture yourself. Eat healthy, exercise, enjoy a hobby, play, sing, laugh, forgive, limit your time watching TV news, seek out positive people, practice random and not-so-random acts of kindness, give thanks, spend time in nature and smile more often. Commit to make your own list and schedule these activities into your day until they become habits. Form a "High Vibration" club with your coworkers, family and friends so you can have fun supporting each other.

3) Affirm Success.
Affirmations are powerful statements to remind us what we know to be true, despite what others may say or when our own ego plants that seed of doubt. The most effective affirmations are short, positive and in the present.

Here are a few examples. If you want to be chosen for a supervisory position, your affirmation should include the qualities you possess that would serve you in that role. You might affirm: "I am a dynamic, empowering leader." If you tend to wake up each morning wondering how you'll ever get through your burgeoning to-do list, you might affirm: "I have more than enough time and energy to accomplish all my goals." If you are struggling with direction and finding the right resources to get the job done, you might affirm: "I am open to receive guidance and support." Commit to write down your affirmations and post them prominently-on your bathroom mirror, on the dashboard of your car and at your desk. Say them out loud throughout the day and share them with others.

4) Visualize.
Every top athlete has harnessed the power of visualization. The runner sees herself breaking through the tape at the end of the race and the golfer sees the hole in one. What can you visualize about your goals? Perhaps it's making a persuasive presentation that motivates your audience to take action. Or, you might visualize living in a clean, organized home.

It takes more than just seeing to get the results. Visualization is a three-step, repetitive process. To give it the power you need to succeed, engage all your senses. What do you hear, smell, touch and taste? And, infuse it with the positive emotions you would feel if this were a reality-like happiness, pride and maybe even relief. Commit to seeing your goals as "real" and they soon will be.

5) Express Thanks.
What you focus on expands. It's a universal law. That's why it's so important to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Commit to write in a gratitude journal a few nights a week, listing all the things you're thankful for that day and include at least one unique entry each time. That programs you to become more aware of what's going right. Take the time to express your sincere appreciation to others. As it relates to your work and personal goals, give thanks for what is and what will be in anticipation of your accomplishments.

By committing to CRAVE your goals, you will enhance your journey and accelerate your success.

Tricia Molloy is a professional speaker, mentor and author of "Divine Wisdom at Work: 10 Universal Principles for Enlightened Entrepreneurs" and the "CRAVE Your Goals!" ebook. Visit www.triciamolloy.com. Sign up to receive a monthly e-newsletter for more information and inspiration.

What's on YOUR Success List?

In my December Working with Wisdom newsletter, I encouraged readers to delay writing their New Year's resolutions until they had written their 2009 success list. Why? Because you're much more likely to be focused and confident that you can achieve new goals when you first acknowledge and celebrate your past accomplishments. Few of us take the time to do that.

Start by making room by writing numbers one through 20 down the left margin of your paper so you'll list at least 20 successes. Consider what you're most proud of this year, including family and friends, health, work, finances and fun. Then, go deeper to the lessons learned and gifts that come from disappointments and setbacks. Once your list is complete, share it with those you trust and encourage them to do the same. Celebrate all you've accomplished. Now you're ready to write your resolutions!

The successes on my list include improving my Working with Wisdom website, launching my short-term, one-on-one Wisdom Mentoring for Entrepreneurs program, creating an 11-part webinar series called "Working with Wisdom for Project Managers" for PDUs2Go, losing my excess weight and spending nearly two months at the beach. What are some of your successes this year?

Time to Give Thanks

As Thanksgiving approaches, thoughts turn to gratitude. For some, it's the once-a-year holiday ritual around the dinner table as each person proclaims what they're most thankful for. Family. Health. My job. This meal.

Cultivating an attitude of gratitude throughout the year, however, is nothing short of transformative. That's because of the universal law that states: What you focus on expands. In other words, what you appreciate appreciates. And, where attention goes, energy flows.

Here are three ways to demonstrate the power of gratitude.

1) Feeling fearful? Who isn't these days? The good news is that fear and gratitude cannot coexist. The next time you're worrying about money, your business or your children, stop and take a moment to count your blessings. One of the best ways to get a good night's sleep is to write in a gratitude journal before bedtime.

2) Dealing with challenging relationships? It might be your boss, client, spouse or teenager. Refrain from criticism (what you think, as well as what you say) for one week. Instead, focus on the qualities you most appreciate about that person--even if it's just that they teach you to be more patient. You'll begin to notice that the energy will shift and the relationship will be more positive and productive.

3) Turbocharge your goals. As you begin to plan for the New Year and list your resolutions, be thankful for what is and what will be in anticipation of your success.

For more inspiration, check out my friend Vanessa Lowry's "Days of Gratitude" blog.

Go with the Flow

I was flipping through my book, "Divine Wisdom at Work," as I often do for some inspiration and guidance. I came upon this excerpt from the "Stay Present: That's Where the Gifts Are" chapter that brought me peace. Hope it does for you.

Learn From Nature to Go with the Flow
Just as important as learning to stay present, is learning to go with the flow. There are natural shifts in energy within all aspects of life, including relationships, health and business matters. When you are aware of and accept these ebbs and flows, you can use them to your advantage.

For example, when business slows down, instead of going into panic mode or choosing to work with clients who are less than ideal, take that opportunity to work within the business to prepare for the inevitable upswing. This is a good time to clean out files, update databases, and reconnect with old clients and valued referral sources.

Nature is one of our greatest teachers. Look to it for examples of the mission-critical qualities and skills you need to develop. Consider the patience of a seed, the persistence of a river, the freedom of a bird in flight, the creative expression of brilliant tropical fish, the adaptation of an orchid and the pure joy of your dog.