To live a fulfilled life, we need to keep creating the “what is next” of our lives. Without dreams and goals there is no living, only merely existing. – Mark Twain
Goals are the links in the chain that connect activity to accomplishment. —Zig Ziglar
Another year filled with regret at not achieving the goals Sabrina had set. Throughout her career she had helped others achieve their goals, yet it was at the expense of achieving her own personal goals. Something has to give.
If you are like Sabrina, here are some practical steps to help you achieve your goals:
1.Break Down Large Goals
Divide big goals into smaller, manageable sub-goals
Create a step-by-step action plan
Make each milestone specific and measurable
Set realistic timelines for each sub-goal
2.Develop a Concrete Action Plan
Write down your goals in detail
Specify exactly what you want to achieve
Include specific deadlines
Identify potential obstacles in advance
Create strategies to overcome these obstacles
3.Prioritize and Track Progress
Use tools like:
Goal tracking apps
Physical planners
Digital spreadsheets
Regularly review and assess your progress
Adjust your plan if needed
Celebrate small victories along the way
4. Build Accountability
Share your goals with trusted friends/family
Find an accountability partner
Join support groups related to your goals
Consider working with a coach or mentor
5. Develop Consistent Habits
Create daily/weekly routines supporting your goals
A new year paves the way for ‘change’. As we approach 2025 many of us will make decisions that will impact our lives. Decisions in our entrepreneurship roles, decisions in our relationships, career (stay or go), and in our personal and professional lives.
The question was asked on social media about decision-making. When making decisions do you make them using your ‘head’ or ‘heart’. Respondents quickly chimed in with 29% preferred ‘head’, while 71% preferred ‘heart’. Decided to break down head decisions vs. heart decisions and analyze their roles and characteristics in decision-making.
Start with heart to understand what you truly want
Use head to evaluate feasibility and plan
Check back with heart for alignment
Execute with head’s planning
Monitor with both heart and head
Decision-Making Process:
Identify the type of decision
Consider the stakes involved
Use appropriate balance of both
Create evaluation criteria
Make and implement decision
Review and adjust as needed
Questions to Ask: Head Questions:
What are the facts?
What are the risks?
What are the long-term consequences?
What resources are required?
Heart Questions:
How does this feel?
Does this align with my values?
Will this bring fulfillment?
What does my intuition say?
Points to Note
The best decisions often come from balanced input from both head and heart
Different situations require different balances
Practice integrating both perspectives
Trust both your logic and your intuition
Monitor outcomes using both metrics
So there you have it. A thorough overview of when and how to make decisions with your head and heart. What type of decision-maker are you? Head or Heart? Do share, we would love to hear.
“Ask yourself, what would I do if I weren’t afraid? And then go do it” — Sheryl Sandberg
Inspiring. Intentional. Take charge. Grow. These were common words that described the Writers Group of South Florida’s Women Empowerment Event held at the West Regional Library in Plantation, Florida.
Guests turned out in numbers to be educated or refreshed as seasoned authors shared nuggets on leadership, balance, wellbeing, and becoming financially independent.
Thanks to fellow writer GMoss Designs for being Instrumental and singer songwriter Ettosi Brooks for the delightful music entertainment.
Panelists Award winning Reggae legend Miss Pat Chin and others did an exceptional job in highlighting the challenges women face as well as the Strategies to overcome.
The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly. ~Jim Rohn
“I report to Jen who is in her late 30s and is as old as my daughter” Cindy said aloud to the group. She respects me though. The diverse group of women nodded in agreement. There are others who are not as lucky as Cindy, not necessarily because of being older but because they complain of having more experience than the Millennial who supervise them. They often take offense at any task given because they do not believe they should report to someone younger than themselves.
This is an increasingly common situation as workplace demographics change. Here are some strategies older adults can use when reporting to or being supervised by millennials:
Focus on mutual respect:
Recognize that your millennial supervisor has earned their position.
Treat them with the same respect you’d expect, regardless of age.
Leverage your experience tactfully:
Offer your insights and experience as a resource, not a challenge to authority.
Frame suggestions as “In my experience…” rather than “You should…”
Embrace learning opportunities:
Be open to new ideas and approaches your younger supervisor might introduce.
Show enthusiasm for learning new skills or technologies.
Adapt to communication styles:
Be flexible with communication methods (e.g., instant messaging, video calls).
Understand and respect different communication preferences.
Manage your own biases:
Challenge any preconceived notions you might have about younger managers.
Focus on their skills and leadership qualities rather than age.
Highlight your strengths:
Demonstrate how your experience and skills complement the team’s needs.
Show how your long-term perspective can be valuable for strategic planning.
Be a team player:
It’s no playtime. Support your supervisor’s decisions publicly, even if you disagree privately.
Offer constructive feedback in appropriate settings.
Stay current:
Keep up with industry trends and new technologies.
Show initiative in updating your skills.
Practice active listening:
Give full attention to your supervisor’s ideas and directives.
Ask clarifying questions to ensure understanding.
Seek feedback proactively:
Ask for regular performance feedback.
Show willingness to adapt based on constructive criticism.
Find common ground:
Look for shared interests or values beyond work.
Build a relationship based on mutual understanding and respect.
Offer mentorship subtly:
If appropriate, offer to share your knowledge in areas where you have deep expertise.
Frame it as supporting their success rather than undermining their authority.
Embrace change:
Be open to new processes or workflows your millennial supervisor might implement.
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability.
Focus on results:
Align your work with the goals and metrics your supervisor values.
Demonstrate your value through your performance and outcomes.
It’s hard and often uncomfortable. But remember, successful intergenerational workplace relationships are built on mutual respect, open communication, and a willingness to learn from each other. By focusing on these elements, older adults can create positive and productive relationships with their millennial supervisors.
Procrastination makes easy things hard, hard things harder.
Mason Cooley
Author? Writer? Project Manager? On-the-job administrator? Are you one of those persons who find themselves with several lists of things to ‘finish’? Procrastinating it’s called. You start doing laundry, then realize you need to mow the lawn, or pick up groceries so off you rush to do that leaving several observable tasks undone. You mean well but it keeps happening. A task here, another there and on and on it goes. You never seem to catch up.
Well for people who struggle with completing projects and find themselves juggling multiple unfinished tasks, here are some effective strategies:
Prioritize and focus:
List all ongoing projects.
Rank them based on importance, urgency, and potential impact.
Choose 1-3 top priorities to focus on exclusively.
Break projects into smaller tasks:
Divide each project into manageable, specific steps.
Create a detailed action plan for each step.
Set clear deadlines:
Establish realistic timelines for each project and its components.
Use a calendar or project management tool to track deadlines.
Implement the “Two-Minute Rule”:
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
This helps prevent small tasks from piling up.
Use the Pomodoro Technique:
Work in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by short breaks.
This can help maintain concentration and prevent burnout.
Create accountability:
Share your goals and deadlines with a friend, colleague, or mentor.
Regular check-ins can help keep you on track.
Limit new commitments:
Learn to say “no” to new projects until current ones are completed.
Assess carefully before taking on additional work.
Eliminate distractions:
Identify and minimize common distractions (e.g., social media, unnecessary meetings).
Create a focused work environment.
Celebrate small wins:
Acknowledge and reward yourself for completing project milestones.
This builds momentum and motivation.
Re-evaluate regularly:
Periodically assess if projects are still relevant or necessary.
Be willing to abandon or postpone projects that no longer align with your goals.
Use visual progress tracking:
Employ kanban boards or progress bars to visualize project advancement.
Seeing progress can be motivating.
Address perfectionism:
Recognize if perfectionism is causing delays.
Focus on “good enough” for initial completion, then refine if necessary.
Schedule dedicated project time:
Allocate specific time blocks for working on projects.
Treat these as non-negotiable appointments.
Seek closure:
Develop a habit of finishing what you start, even in small ways.
Practice completing minor tasks to build the “finishing” muscle.
Learn from past patterns:
Analyze why projects typically remain unfinished.
Address recurring issues (e.g., lack of resources, skill gaps).
Use the “Sunk Cost Fallacy” awareness:
Be willing to let go of projects that are no longer serving you, regardless of time already invested.
Are you a procrastinator? If so, did any of the above appeal to you? Hope you find a few useful. Note that by implementing these strategies, individuals can improve their project completion rates and reduce the stress of managing multiple unfinished tasks. The key is to find a balance between focus, organization, and flexibility.
It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.
Robert Kiyosaki
Women often face unique financial challenges due to various societal, economic, and cultural factors. These challenges have been exacerbated especially since the pandemic. To become financially independent simple solutions through participating in additional income streams can help.
There are many side hustles people pursue to earn extra income. Here’s a list of common and popular options.
When considering a side hustle, it’s important to:
Assess your skills and interests
Consider the time commitment required
Evaluate the potential income versus effort
Ensure it doesn’t conflict with your primary job
Research any legal or tax implications
Did any of the above side hustles appeal to you? Here’s hoping you got a few ideas to choose from. The only caution is to make sure that your skills are up to par with the side hustle selected. And also to be mindful of your work/life balance.
Empowering Women’s Ascent. A great event for sisters, friends or colleagues to boost your self esteem, increase your knowledge, set goals, become assertive, practice self-care and more. The Writers Group of South Florida’s upcoming Women’s Empowerment event promises to be inspiring and an event not to be missed. It will be held at the West Regional Library Broward Boulevard, Plantation, Florida on Saturday, September 28.
Attendees will be inspired by thought provoking topics including:
Women in Leadership: Empowering Women to rise into leadership roles to reach their full potential
Learn the Challenges women face and the strategies to overcome
Breakthrough: Transitioning from Burnout to Balance helping driven women and busy moms transform their thinking and redefine balance in their lives
Achieving Financial Independence: Enabling women to gain control of their financial futures and becoming financially secure.
The event will be cemented by an exciting Panel Discussion with Founder, VP Records and Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Patricia Chin (Miss Pat).
Other guest speakers include Dr. Susan Davis, Attorney Asiah Wolfolk Manning, The Sisters and yours truly, Dr. Shelly.
This empowerment event promises to be great. In South Florida? Plan to attend and if you’re not, we will revert with all the Deets post event.
Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership (International Coaching Federation – ICF)
People often misunderstand what coaching is. It is often misinterpreted as only being needed by people who need to improve their on-the-job performance or when facing challenges. To provide clarity, here are some common myths about coaching:
Wisdom deepens with age, and at 50, it’s a treasure.
Here are 50 things I have learnt as I traversed a life dedicated to learning, community and personal growth of myself and others. The excess have been included as a gift for those who are more curious and may choose to adopt a nugget or two as you transition at ages 30, 40, 60 or above.
May you be inspired to achieve.
Let no one define what success means to you. Define it for yourself.
Some people are beautiful. Others are just searching. They Maybe sad or even lonely. Don’t hold it against them.
When you’re at the top, stay true to who you are. You’ll see the same people on your way down.
Be cordial. It contributes to your success.
Smile often. It attracts.
Read. It’s an action.
Pray about everything.
Give thanks in all things.
Say thank you.
Stay curious. Ask Questions.
Find a mantra – a quote that drives you to achieve.
Believe that all things are possible because they are.
Get a dog.
Don’t understand something? Ask. You may help someone in the same situation as yourself.
Show up.
Get involved in your community.
Roll up your sleeves and work.
Go to the beach. Be mesmerized by the waves, the sea and its natural beauty.
Look up. Get inspired.
Dream it. Then work it. You’ll achieve it.
Embrace love. It’s beautiful.
Fight for what you want.
Don’t give up too easily.
Be smart. Know when it’s time to let go.
Move on when the time is right.
Try something new.
Get away often. Stress dissipates.
Travel the world.
Try a staycation.
Bask in beautiful memories.
Celebrate other’s success.
Mourn with those who mourn.
Appreciate depth.
Be yourself… always.
You’re never too old to try something new.
Take care of yourself.
Listen to your body. It speaks.
Save for a rainy day.
Age teaches wisdom but it also brings sighs when you watch others making the mistakes you did because they won’t listen. But remember everyone has to grow on their own path. Don’t be sad, they will learn and make their own U-turn.
Pray with others.
Listen to that still small voice.
Don’t let life pass you by. Stop and smell the roses.
Stay engaged. Learn.
Relax. Watch a movie.
Smell the rain. Embrace the sunshine.
Plan a trip with extended family.
Be there for someone who needs you.
Dress up for no reason.
Have dinner by yourself. Experience you.
Surprise a friend.
It’s time. Don’t put it off anymore.
Go for a walk. Ease stress.
Call a parent, grandparent or someone elderly.
Volunteer to help a neighbor.
Go on a solo retreat at least once in your lifetime. You’ll find out a lot about yourself.
Keep your eye on that goal.
Get an accountability partner or a coach if you need help.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Journal your thoughts. It’s great to look back and reflect on how far you have come. Besides, it helps build mental strength.
Keep your mouth shut. Share only what needs to be said.
You can count on me. Can others count on you?
Take accountability for your actions.
Stay focused on your future but don’t become so obsessed that you miss the journey.
Life is what you make it. Make it great.
You win some. You lose some. That’s life. Move on.
If you walk in the footprints of others you will never make your own.
Leader overwhelm. Personal transitions. Change. Stuck. These are but a few of the signs associated with coaching. As these signs become more common, so has the evolution of the demand for coaching. No longer is it limited to basketball players, Olympians, or sports, we all need a coach. Hence the rise compounded with the needs and desires for accountability.
The executive coaching industry has been growing rapidly, driven by increased recognition of its value in personal and professional development. Here are some interesting facts and trends about the industry:
Interesting Facts
Market Growth: The executive coaching industry is part of the larger coaching market, which was estimated to be worth over $2.8 billion globally in 2021 and continues to grow at a robust pace.
High ROI: Studies have shown that executive coaching can offer a return on investment (ROI) of up to 700%, with significant improvements in productivity, employee engagement, and leadership effectiveness.
Wide Adoption: Approximately 86% of companies utilize coaching, and about 70% of these organizations offer coaching to their executives and high-potential employees.
Diverse Applications: Executive coaching is used across various sectors including corporate, non-profit, and government organizations. It addresses a wide range of leadership challenges, from strategic thinking to emotional intelligence.
Credentials and Standards: The industry has seen an increase in professional standards, with many coaches obtaining certifications from organizations like the International Coach Federation (ICF) and the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE).
Emerging Trends
Integration of Technology: The use of digital tools, AI, and virtual platforms has become prevalent, making coaching more accessible and personalized. Online coaching platforms and apps are increasingly popular.
Focus on Well-being: There is a growing emphasis on holistic coaching that includes mental health and well-being alongside traditional leadership and performance coaching.
Data-Driven Coaching: The incorporation of data analytics and psychometric assessments is helping to provide more tailored and effective coaching interventions.
Diversity and Inclusion: Coaching programs are increasingly addressing issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion, helping leaders to foster inclusive workplace cultures.
Short-Term, High-Impact Sessions: There is a trend towards shorter, more intensive coaching engagements designed to address specific challenges or goals in a condensed timeframe.
Group and Team Coaching: Beyond one-on-one coaching, there is a rise in group and team coaching, which aims to improve overall team dynamics and performance.
Leadership Development Programs: More organizations are integrating executive coaching into broader leadership development programs, recognizing the synergistic benefits.
Coaching for All Levels: While traditionally reserved for senior executives, coaching is increasingly being made available to employees at all levels, including mid-level managers and emerging leaders.
Emphasis on Soft Skills: There is a heightened focus on developing soft skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, and resilience, which are critical for effective leadership.
Sustainable Leadership: Coaching is increasingly focusing on sustainable leadership practices, encouraging leaders to consider the long-term impact of their decisions on people and the planet.
Personally, as a certified leadership coach, These trends reflect the dynamic nature of the executive coaching industry and its critical role in developing effective leaders in our rapidly changing business environment.
What has been your experience in coaching? Anything missing from the above? Do share. We would love to hear!
Etiquette is what you are doing and saying when people are looking and listening. What you are thinking is your business. ~Virginia Cary Hudson
Navigating business events can be challenging, especially for aspiring young adult leaders. Learn the essential Etiquette Tips to help you make a great impression. Pay keen attention to the do’s and don’ts of professional conduct, from networking to dress code, and ensure you stand out for all the right reasons! Brief chat with Executive Coach, Maxine Barnett provides an engaging snippet. Focusing on the ensuing key points will propel your personal growth.
Dressing For Success
Understand the Dress Code: Research and adhere to the dress code of the organization or event. If unsure, err on the side of being slightly more formal.
Professional Attire: Opt for business suits, blazers, and dress shirts for a formal setting. Business casual might include smart trousers or skirts paired with a blouse or collared shirt.
Grooming: Ensure personal grooming is impeccable. Hair should be neat, nails clean, and makeup (if worn) should be subtle and professional.
Minimal Accessories: Keep accessories minimal and tasteful. Avoid flashy jewelry or anything that might be distracting.
Conducting Yourself
Punctuality: Always arrive on time. Plan to be there at least 10 minutes early to settle in and prepare.
Body Language: Maintain good posture, make eye contact, and offer a firm handshake. These non-verbal cues convey confidence and attentiveness.
Active Listening: Show that you are engaged by nodding, smiling, and taking notes. Avoid interrupting the speaker.
Clear Communication: Speak clearly and concisely. Be mindful of your tone and ensure it is respectful and professional.
Preparedness: Come to the meeting prepared with any necessary documents, reports, or notes. Familiarize yourself with the agenda and topics of discussion.
Participation: Contribute to discussions thoughtfully. Offer insights and ask relevant questions, but avoid dominating the conversation.
Respect: Show respect for all attendees, regardless of their position. Listen to differing viewpoints and avoid any negative or dismissive behavior.
Technology Etiquette: Silence your phone and other devices. If you must use a laptop or tablet, do so discreetly and only for meeting-related tasks.
Follow-Up: After the meeting, send follow-up emails if necessary, summarizing key points or next steps. This demonstrates attention to detail and commitment to ongoing communication.
Professional Relationships: Use the opportunity to build and nurture professional relationships. Network courteously and express appreciation for the time and input of others.
By following these guidelines, you, as an aspiring leaders can present yourself as professional, competent, and respectful participants in any business meeting.
Are there any points you would like to add? Do share, we would love to hear.
