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What's Ahead For You?

Last December when I began to think about 2012 I decided to go beyond the “to do” list of accomplishments. I wanted to actually have experiences that allowed me to reconnect with myself and rediscover what was truly important to me. 

To make the change I wanted I knew focus was important. There were three areas I wanted to get better at: improve my fitness level, be more connected spiritually and grow my business. I defined the specifics to accomplish each of these though knew growth and discovery was going to be about jumping in and experiencing life differently instead of just reading another good book. 

With these three goals in mind, I said yes to doing things I have never done before. Saying yes allowed me to grow, IN A BIG WAY, both personally and professionally. 

What I did and how I did it was all very unfamiliar to me.

What I did…

I led with my heart instead of my head. 

When the right opportunities were presented I said YES. The YES was immediate, though I needed to work through the conflicts between my thoughts and my feelings. My head kept saying things like: you didn’t plan for this, you already have other travel commitments, how can you take more time away from work, is this being responsible, should you be spending the money, you have to put a new roof on the house... The whole time my head was in this space my whole body was screaming, this is what you asked for! You need to do this! 

One of the things I did: While attending a weekend workshop the facilitator spoke about the opportunity to swim with wild dolphins. Swimming with the dolphins was all about fun and play. This trip spoke to me and was an experience I didn’t want to pass up. I began rationalizing all the reasons why I shouldn’t go. Six weeks later I was on a plane going to Bimini. This was a first!

I learned by listening to my heart and quieting my mind that the right decision, allowed me to feel totally at peace with myself. There were no yucky unresolved feelings that often showed up and hung around when I made a bad, hasty decision that was not in my best interest. Have you ever done that? 

It may sound easy though learning to listen to my heart was challenging. In the past I have stopped short of what I really wanted believing it was impossible to “have it all.” This year I changed the way I thought, shattered old beliefs that weren’t even mine and went after what I wanted. It was exhilarating!

How I did it…

I connected to the meaning of the goal instead of just meeting it.

Knowing what I wanted to create for myself in 2012 was a different place to start from than just working to get things done. Knowing why it was important to be more fit, more spiritually connected and systemize my business changed my energy and mindset. Once I committed I immediately started paying attention to the invitations I was receiving from friends to attend live talks, group meditations and workshops that would surround me with like-minded people. 

In the past I may have dismissed these invitations and made excuses as to why I didn’t have time to attend. However after making the mental commitment of what I wanted to create for 2012 I was amazed how quickly opportunities were showing up for me to take action.

These initial experiences became the jumping off point of the three major trips I took this year and joining my business mastermind group; all of which tied back to my three original goals – fitness, spirituality and business. I had a focus!

It was fascinating to engage in unfamiliar activities: no planning ahead, saying yes when it was right, saying no when it wasn’t, traveling with a group, rooming with strangers and joining a business mastermind group that wasn’t local. Because I had taken the time to establish my goals AND knew what achieving them meant to me, I found every cell in my body telling me to seize the opportunities that presented despite it feeling a bit out of character. 

I traveled to places I have never been before – Peru, Bimini and Quebec City. Every trip had a physical component – walking, hiking and yoga. I attended every live event that was aligned with my goals, no excuses. 

By jumping in and doing what I haven’t done before I learned it was not about doing one thing versus the other. I learned I could have it all by having one activity compliment the other to achieve what I wanted from a fitness, spiritual and business perspective. 

What I know now…

This was a year of discovery in doing what wasn’t familiar and letting go of what no longer worked. I did achieve what I set out to do and more. It is what I now know that has been most profound…

Being spontaneous can be just as important as planning.

Exercise doesn’t have to be hard just consistent.

My spirituality is not a practice is it a way of living. 

A new acquaintance can turn out to be a key player in your life!

My mind does not know what is better for me than my heart.

Giving AND receiving are both important to master.

Asking for what you need is a sign of strength.

Having it all is possible!

The journey of self-discovery, connection and growth is continuous. 

What did you do in 2012 that you are proud of? What do you want for yourself in 2013? Why? How will you get there? Who will you surround yourself with to help you?

Start a conversation by sharing what you want and why in 2013 in the comments below. This is also a great place to get support.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Leadership Coach, facilitator and speaker. If you are interested in learning more about managing your impression, empowering your personal brand or mastering your IT factor go to: www.authenticleadersedge.com.

Do You Agree With Disney?

Do you believe in happy endings and the possibility of dreams coming true? If not, please DON’T BURST MY BUBBLE! 

There is evidence all around us to prove that dreams do come true. The proof shows up when we focus on the things that support our dreams rather than on the things that don’t. 

Dreams require belief and determination because the road may not always be smooth. While en route to achieving our dreams we may encounter detours, bumps in the road, setbacks and barriers. When these come up it might feel like reaching our dream is impossible, however just like Walt Disney, with the right support system and focus, dreams do come true.

                      

One Dream

A girlfriend of mine has talked about living downtown, like she did before having children, for the 20 years I have known her. She conceded to move to the suburbs based on her husbands’ desires but always knew that downtown would be her home again one day. She recently became the proud homeowner of a downtown home!

She never obsessed over it but the dream was always there. There were times the dream felt like it would never happen. There were times the dream seemed financially out of reach. There were unexpected events that occurred and she even hit a few potholes through the years. But, the dream persisted even when her circumstances made it seem impossible. 

Walt Disney said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” 

Your Dream

In the spirit of possibility think about what you have always dreamt of wanting to do or have? 

Write this dream down and commit to it. Whether your dream is purchasing a home, being mortgage free, buying that dream car, landing that dream job, starting your own business, performing on stage, volunteering your time or taking that dream trip, it can happen.

Once you have the clarity of having written down explicitly what you want to achieve, think about who you can talk to about your dream. Make sure it is a person that will support you and your dream. 

As you are gearing up for 2013 outline a few steps you can take this coming year that will get you closer to living your dream. 

Realizing Your Dream

My oldest son had to overcome, what he saw as obstacles, to move closer to his dream; this meant making some tough decisions. One was selling a brand new truck that he loved to go back to school. Getting to this point was not easy but now that the decision has been made his excitement is undeniable. This is what living into your dream feels like.

What are you willing to do or give up to live your dream?

NOTE: Your personal brand is ALL about you and creating the life that reflects who you are….that includes your dreams! 

Share your dreams in the comments below, the big ones and the small ones. The more people you tell, the more you talk about your dreams the better! Here’s to making your dreams come true.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Leadership Coach, facilitator and speaker. If you are interested in learning more about managing your impression, empowering your personal brand or mastering your IT factor go to: www.authenticleadersedge.com.

What Are Your Friends Saying About You?

Your friends are an extension of who you are. When other people in your life meet your friends they will connect them to your character, your attitude and what you hold important.

With that in mind, consider: how do you describe your friend’s? How do they treat other people in their lives? How do they see the world? Are they positive, happy, open-minded, adventurous and goal-oriented?  Are you?

Are you the type of person who believes anything is possible? Are your friends cheering you on and expressing support or holding you back and telling you it will never happen?

Do you ever hang out with people who are judgmental, closed-minded, lack ambition and gossip? Does it feel good for you and align with who you are? Or does it make you want to scream?

It has been said that you become known by the five people you are closest too in your life. Let’s face it if you spend enough time with someone you absolutely take on each other’s attitudes, mannerisms and habits.

Soooo….

How would you describe the five people closest to you? 

Does this description sound like you? 

Does this description align with how you want to be known?

Do you feel inspired and energized after spending time with friends?

Consider who you are and what you want in your life. Decide who you want to be surrounded with that will fulfill your desires and make the necessary adjustments that will help you get there.

Let’s have some fun and share a description of your five closest friends. Let us know how closely it aligns with who you are. 

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, Executive Leadership Coach, facilitator and speaker. If you are interested in learning more about managing your impression, empowering your personal brand or mastering your IT factor go to: www.authenticleadersedge.com.

The Power of One Simple Unexpected Act

Your personal brand is defined by what others say about you. Knowing that, it makes sense to create a leadership brand experience that is reflective of your personal brand standards and how you want to stand out.

Doing what is expected positions you to blend in. To stand out and create an experience that screams ‘high standards’ you need to be willing to do the unexpected. 

Here are a few ideas of simple unexpected acts that can help you stand out for how you want to be known and make a difference in how others experience you as a leader: 

• Express appreciation for a job well done 

• Make an introduction that can be a benefit to someone you know

• Extend yourself to help in an unexpected way

• Greet everyone when you walk into a room, not just the people you know

• Look at people in the eyes when you greet them

• Ask colleagues or team members for a coffee and don't talk about work 

• Learn something new and share it

• Pick up the phone to talk to someone instead of sending an email

• Help someone without being asked

• Arrange a face-to-face meeting instead of a phone conversation

• Be fully present when you are speaking with another person 

• Take time to make a phone call you have been putting off

• Show up for your meetings early

Perform one simple unexpected act a day, everyday. Make it a habit and imagine the impact and shift you can create. It will change you and those around you. It is also an amazing way to be talked about in a good way and be remembered.

Love to hear what acts you are performing on a daily basis to make a difference in your life and the lives of others.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, Personal Empowerment trainer, speaker and coach. If you are interested in learning more go to: www.authenticleadersedge.com.

What To Wear When....

As a new leader it is so exciting to be heading off to your first major conference.  You will be interacting with other leaders in your industry from all over the world! You are bound to be a bit nervous though also looking forward to making connections. And of course you definitely want to make a good first impression. 

If you have worked with me you know the next question is, “What are you going to wear?” Most of my clients, the men AND the women, say they haven’t even thought about it or shrug and suggest ‘something comfortable’. At this point the conversation turns to their personal brand and getting a clear understanding of how they want to present themselves as a leader to everyone they are going to meet.

Many organizations have a relaxed dress code. People in your office may know you are the boss, however people outside your office walls do not. It’s a good idea to dress in a way that demonstrates that you are the boss. Despite what you think, people will formulate an opinion just based on the way you dress. 

It may seem superficial but think about it; your outfit is the first thing people notice. If you have been thoughtful enough to dress professionally, people make the assumption that you care, you pay attention to details and you make an effort. This leads to other things they believe you will take the time to do well. It is never just about the clothes. It’s what your clothes represent!!

WARNING - Leave the jeans at home!    

BTW - clients have actually emailed me from the conference to thank me for the conversation. They had no idea that the people from the offices in Europe dressed in a suit and tie everyday. They admit that they would have been embarrassed if they attended without giving it some thought.

Remember…

Stand Out in a good way! To do so, be thoughtful of the brand impression you want to create in all situations. You can always take off the tie or jacket but you can’t add a pin stripe to your jeans! 

Don’t assume that because your office is casual that everyone around the world has the same standards. Basketball players wear shorts and jerseys on the court but when they travel it’s mandatory to wear a suit and tie to represent their level of professionalism!

Details matter! How you do one thing reflects upon how you do everything.  

Your brand is your brand in every situation. Every time you are in front of another person you have an opportunity to leave an imprint of who you are. Represent yourself wisely!

I’d love to hear your stories on how you got it right and maybe where you slipped up as it does start the conversation in learning.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, trainer, speaker and coach. If you are interested in learning more go to: www.authenticleadersedge.com.

Three Common Mistakes That Side-Track New Leaders

You have just stepped into a new role or been asked to lead a major project. You’re excited and you want to make an exceptional first impression. Your first 30 days whiz by and you feel like you’re lacking the impact you had hoped for.

I have found from my own corporate experience and from working with leaders over the past ten years that there are three common mistakes that get new leaders side-tracked.

MISTAKE #1

Taking direction from everyone around you.

You are new in your role, anxious to make a good impression and willing to take advice from others. Getting and taking advice can be  beneficial but only if it’s from someone who has created the success that you desire to create.

It is important for you to know who you are and what you stand for so you can be selective about what and who you are willing to listen to. If the person giving advice is where you want to be and they also align with your values, great! If not, thank them and go find someone that is. 

Seek to surround yourself with people that will champion you. It is critical when you are in a new position and establishing yourself as a new leader.

SOLUTION: Listen to the people that are likeminded and who are where you want to be.

MISTAKE #2

Thinking you need to be like the leader before you.

Clients regularly express concern in how to “be the new leader” when the previous boss was so well liked. The previous leader was successful because he/she did what worked for them. It is critical for you to establish your leadership brand and be clear what works for you.

Getting clarity comes from knowing who you really are and how you want to be known. Acting from your place of truth will win people over because it is what got you where you are.

You will be making changes and not everyone is comfortable with change. When you introduce change to your team define the expectations and ask for their feedback. Let them know you are willing to make adjustments based on what they did, not on the fact that things have always been done a certain way. Being clear goes a long way for you and for the team you are leading.

SOLUTION: Be clear about who you are and engage with what works best for you to create success. Being authentic will earn you respect and may even make you likeable!!

MISTAKE #3

Get into the habit of doing instead of leading.

Doing is comfortable though it is not a place you can lead from. You have been acknowledged for your great work with your new role so now it is important to step outside your comfort zone to stretch yourself. 

A good place to start is having a conversation with your boss to understand expectations and objectives. Ask for the bigger vision so you are able to share that with your team. Don’t forget to ask for any advise he/she can give you to succeed in your new role.

SOLUTION: Stop doing and lead. Decide how you want to be as a leader.  Define your brand to build your confidence in stepping outside your comfort zone. Look at your list of things to do and decide which ones are absolutely yours, then delegate the rest. 

Create a brand that is authentic and establishes you as a leader. Take the time to speak with your boss to set the path. Get to know your team so you can inspire and motivate. Make sure to block time to plan so you are delegating and not doing.

Let us know how applying these strategies have been helpful. If you have experienced other situations that got you side-tracked please share.

Align yourself with what matters most to you. Live your brand fully expressed with intention and purpose to play bigger!

Dorothy Lazovik is President of Authentic Leader’s Edge. She is a Personal Brand Strategist, IT Factor Activator, trainer, speaker and coach. If you are interested in learning more go to: www.authenticleadersedge.com.