Smell the Coffee or Smell the Roses

Wake up and smell the coffee! Have you received a
wake up call lately? Maybe you think it is high time to
address global warming, illiteracy, the roots of terrorism,
build your business, write that book, and the list goes on.
As a coach, I encourage you to reach for those BHAGs
(Big Hairy Audacious Goals). I also put out the message
that we need to be present, smell the rose, live in the
moment, and enjoy our lives.

Can the two goals be reconciled? I say yes, and I think
you will agree. We can pick BHAGs that give us energy,
allow us to be present, and to smell the roses. We can
find ways to be happy fulfilled people and save the world
and pay the bills. We can let go of activities and goals
that drain our resources.

How? By setting a BHAG to do just that. By focusing on
the most important issues and goals and by working
together we can create sustainable lives, professions,
and world.

Your wake up call is here!
Dr. Shaun Jamison
www.guideonyourside.com

Reflections on being Realistic

I gave another speech today. I have lost count of the number of speeches I have given, yet each one is a special experience. Today's topic was goal setting.

While a Toastmaster member usually writes their own speech, this one was based on a pre-written speech for a Toastmasters educational program. I re-wrote it to serve my own style and one thing that begged for re-writing was the requirement that goals be "realistic."

You may be familiar with SMART goals: Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic and Time-bound. The trouble with being realistic is that you can talk yourself out just about any worthwhile goal.

My advice: Find a way to make your UNrealistic goals, realistic! Break them down into steps that you have some control over. Remember to enjoy the entire process from the idea to planning to implementation to that final success!

Do NOT be afraid to be UNrealistic!

Shaun

(c) 2007 Shaun G. Jamison
www.guideonyourside.com

Dissertation Defended

I successfully defended my dissertation! This crazy scramble is finally winding down.

Here is how it went down: My plan was to complete my degree before the end of Spring quarter, so anticipating many rewrites, I had agreed with my coach to a goal of submitting a draft of chapter five (the final chapter of a dissertation with findings and recommendations) by the end of February so my mentor would have two weeks to comment on the paper before the close of the quarter. I met my goal and also revised my other chapters. My mentor read the dissertation in record time and suddenly I am doing revisions on one day turnarounds and defending the dissertation. It'll be some weeks before I get the official word, but my efforts are done for the moment.

The lesson: Have a goal! Second lesson: Surround yourself with people who will support you!

Shaun