The holiday season is officially underway. (For me it’s ushered in with Santa arriving at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade :-)
For many of us, myself included, this time of year requests that weput a little more focus, time and energy into our personal lives -- connecting with family, friends, attending celebrations and planning gatherings -- and give our CEO brains permission to slow down a bit.
This is an important time to remember there’s an ebb and flow to life. And, I'm here to tell you that it’s OK to put more emphasis on loved ones this time of year and give yourself time off and away from your business. It’s actually vital to your peace of mind, success and happiness. Otherwise, the holiday season just feels like a long list of to-dos piled onto your already busy schedule.
But, if we instead embrace this season as an opportunity to find harmony (not necessarily balance!) between our lives and businesses, we can emerge on the other side in 2016 feeling replenished and reconnected instead of frazzled and exhausted.
The reason I say harmony and not balance is that harmony encompasses the ebb and flow. It encourages us to move in response to our lives and not harden in rigidity against it.
If you want to make this holiday season the most fulfilling one yet, I suggest that you make time to be with loved ones, make time for yourself and make time for gratitude for all the good things 2015 brought you. (Do that, and the business will take care of itself!)
In honor of the season of giving, I have three things that you should give to yourself.
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks.
This book will change your life if you let it.
In it, Hendricks explains that we all have a threshold for feeling good, and when we hit that limit in any area of our life (work, relationship, etc.), we have a way of self-sabotaging in order to bring us down into our “comfort zone”.
If you want to feel good on a daily basis and increase your capacity for abundance, success and love in all directions, this is a must-read. If you’re a personal development junkie like me, this book has to find its way to your nightstand!
Order a copy as a little pre-holiday gift for yourself. (You can thank me later :-)
Meditation.
I meditated daily for nearly 2 years up until my daughter was born last October. When she arrived, I gave myself permission to take a break (because it was feeling like another to-do for a tired new mama). But, now that she’s over a year old, I’ve recommitted to my practice, and it honestly feels better than ever.
The first time I sat on my cushion after my hiatus, it felt like coming home. In the dark morning quiet I sat, following my inhales and exhales and then completed a future self meditation (one of my favorites). Before I knew it, over 20 minutes had passed (it felt like mere minutes), and I decided then and there that meditation had to be reintegrated into my life.
If you’ve ever tried or considered meditation, but haven’t yet committed to it, I urge you to consider giving yourself this gift. We all need time to center, reconnect with ourselves and just be without the pressures and stresses of daily life infiltrating our mind space. Meditation can give you that. And, if you’re able to sit in the morning (which I highly recommend), it will change your outlook and thoughts for the entire day!
Plus, I've noticed that EVERY successful, inspiring person I admire meditates. Every single one. There's got to be something to that, right?!
When you meditate regularly, you’ll start to function from a place of possibility and hope rather than stress or lack, and you’ll feel more like yourself. You'll be clearer in your efforts, more focused in your life and business and feel more positive about all areas of your life. It's really remarkable.
Next week, I’m going to share more details of my favorite meditation with you, but until then, I recommend that you carve out at least 5 minutes each day to sit in a quiet spot and enjoy your calm, steady breath.
Your Highest Potential.
2016 is just around the corner, and every new year is a time for goal setting, self-reflection and big picture thinking. It’s a time to look forward and devise a plan for attaining your highest goals and aligning with your highest self.
If you’re ready to bring your best self to the forefront and live each day (professionally and personally) in alignment with your fullest potential, I would love to work with you in the new year.
My clients are amazing. They are passionate, driven, inspiring women who I am honored to know and coach. They have BIG dreams for their lives, and they do everything in their power to make those visions come to life -- and they do!
Everything you imagine is possible. You were given those dreams within you for a reason. They are yours to pursue; to pull you toward your fullest potential and highest self.
If there’s a fire in you that is ready play bigger and burn brighter, capitalize on it! Fires don’t last forever -- they eventually burn out. Realize that fire within you is telling you it’s time to step up, claim the success you desire and deserve, and live in the fullness of who you are every single day.
Feeling ready to do that?
Let’s set up a time to chat about how we can make that happen for you in 2016! Give yourself the gift of living your fullest potential in the new year and every year thereafter. Click HERE to schedule a complimentary consultation.
You are brilliant, amazing and talented. I know that! Now, say that to yourself and feel it in your body. Live with that knowledge every day, and know it’s the truth!
In this season of giving, be as kind and generous to yourself as you are to others. You deserve it my friend.
No matter how old I get, my calendar still follows the school year. So, September always feels like the start of something new. Something exciting.
Yes. I was one of those kids who’d religiously check the mail EVERY DAY prior to the start of school eagerly awaiting the envelope that would contain my teacher assignment and classmates for the new school year.
And, this year is no different. The inaugural show of The Clarity Confessions kicked off in August, and I have all the fall shows already lined up for you. And, they are AWESOME.
Over the next few months, you’ll learn the business secrets of branding experts, TEDx speakers, bestselling authors, and industry leaders. Really, really good stuff.
(If you haven’t already, you can sign-up for the show HERE & gain immediate access to the latest Clarity Confession with Where Is My Guru founder, Jessica Durivage.)
September, for me, is the perfect time to set up my launching pad for the new year. (Yes, believe it or not 2016 is just a few short months away.) I look at the goals I set for myself and my business this year, and evaluate what I can do in this last quarter to set myself up for the best possible entrance into the new year so that I can hit the ground running!
If you’re like me and are feeling like September’s calling you to buckle down and get back on track with your business goals after the summer, I invite you to set up a complimentary Clarity Consultation with me to see if working together is the right way to set you up for BIG wins in 2016.
With business buckling-down in mind, here are a few things that’re making my business + life easier these days. I hope they do the same for you!
Tools I’m Digging…
I love business tools that are user-friendly, convenient, beautiful and FREE, and these two babies hit the spot.
To keep my calendar organized (and pretty!), I’ve switched over to Calendly. It syncs with Google Calendar, Outlook and other platforms, and allows clients and contacts to schedule time with me -- and I can be completely hands-off! Calendly lists your availability so your client can pick the day/time that’s best for them. It then shoots you both an email, puts the event on your calendar and sends reminders prior to the booking. So helpful.
The other tool I’m crushing on is Typeform. It’s becoming a more and more popular way to build attractive, easy-to-use (and fun-to-use) forms and surveys. Create contact forms, questionnaires, surveys, order forms, evaluations, etc. etc. etc. Even better, you can then share your creation via email, pop-up, with a link or embed it directly on your website. Fabulous! (You can see how I'm using Typeform here.)
What I’m Having Fun With…
Get-to-know-you calls.
To be completely honest, phone calls used to be the bane of my existence. I hated “wasting time” on the phone.
But, I’ve turned a corner, and now I really enjoy getting on the phone (or on Skype) for get-to-know-you calls with potential business friends and my community.
Why? Because I LOVE hearing about people’s businesses, the amazing things they’re up to and what’s on the horizon for them.
I love idea hashing, brainstorming, offering (and receiving) advice, and talking to people who really and truly get what it’s like to be an entrepreneur -- the highs AND the lows.
If talking to your community and fellow entrepreneurs isn’t currently on your to-do list, I strongly encourage you to consider making time for this activity. The insight you’ll gain to improve your business is immeasurable.
Plus, you’ll be totally jazzed after a good call -- your motivation will be through the roof!
Who I’m Intrigued By…
Jessica Nazarali. The It Girl Coach.
She’s on online business expert for new coaches, and she honestly just seems like a super fun girl to hang out with.
Her deal? She travels the world while working 1x1 with clients and also hosting live events and meet-ups for budding coaches. Fun!
Plus, her business is booming -- she made over $350K in the first half of 2015 (impressive, I know!) all while visiting far-off cities and enjoying a lifestyle that she loves with her husband.
Definitely someone to check out and be inspired by.
And Finally, What I’m Eating…
Trader Joe’s Curry Sauce. Yum.
My sister introduced this sauce to me a few weeks back, and it’s delicious.
For all you busy entrepreneurs out there with limited time to pull together a delicious, healthy meal, you need to stock some of this stuff in your pantry.
For a super quick dinner, I like to prep a spaghetti squash, toss in extra veggies (like peppers, onions and snow peas) and then add in Trader Joe’s Curry Sauce. So very tasty.
That rounds out September’s HOT List.
If you enjoy any of this month’s HOT List items, let me know about in the comments below, on Twitter @CailenAscher, or in the Facebook Group.
Have some fun stuff you’re lovin’ on lately? Let me know. I’d love to check it out!
Happy September!
xo,
P.S. Missed out on last month’s HOT List? There was a must-read book, top places to connect with like-minded, purpose-driven entrepreneurs and suggestions for giving yourself a little me-time. Find it HERE.
In one way, having down time can be great. You get a chance to restock your business reserves, read books (business or otherwise), get ready for the fall pick-up and reconnect with family and friends. Good stuff.
On the other hand, the slow down can result in worry and anxiety as the influx of people, money and ideas slows, and you’re left with (too much) time to think about and question your business. “What am I doing? Did I really think this would work?” Dangerous territory.
If you’re anything like me, you likely pendulum between the two -- one moment you’re reveling in family time and in the next you’re having a minor freak out because you heard (once again), please be in touch again in the fall.
And then something hit me...if everyone else is slowing down, taking time off and letting things “coast” a bit until September, then it’s not a horrible thing if I do that too.
Not saying that I’m gonna sit on the back porch with my feet up all day (though that does sounds appealing). But, if there’s any time of year when there’s a collective slow down, it’s now, so why not enjoy it a little bit more?
For me that means enjoying mid-day walks with my little girl, coffee breaks with my husband on the days he works from home, and the occasional girls’ lunch date with friends.
It means not taking myself or my business so seriously and having more FUN with it. Being playful. Curious. Open-hearted and optimistic. And, engaging with like-minded entrepreneurs who get it -- like you!
It also means working on stuff that truly matters and letting go of the “busy” stuff that makes me feel like I’m doing something, but actually gets nothing much accomplished. Things like checking emails 40x a day or getting sucked down the Google rabbit hole.
Whether you’re feeling the summer slow down in a good or not-so-good way, I’m calling for a collective deep breath to ground you in the here and now so that you can remind yourself why you got started with your business in the first place.
(I’ll wait while you enjoy that. Ahhhhhhhhhhh :-)
I’m feeling better already. You?
Here are some of the things I’ll be enjoying that made the August 2015 HOT List.
On my nightstand.
Dream Year by Ben Arment.
I’ll admit I’m only about a quarter of the way through at this point, but so far it’s a pretty good read. Arment talks about how each of us, because of our unique background, skills, education, has something that only we can deliver to the world. So, we can either spend our lives working to help someone else achieve their dream, or set out on our own to manifest our own. The one thing I take issue with is the negative tone his copy has at times. He uses words like “frustrations” and “fears” again and again, which are a little depressing for my taste, but the underlying message is a good one.
When I’m feeling like a lonely-preneur.
I’ve been loving the supportive interaction that I’ve found in Facebook Groups lately. It’s a great place to go for community, feedback, answers to business questions and to find some business best friends.
One caution: go with a purpose. Don’t just hop from one group to the next to the next haphazardly, go with a question you need an answer to or to connect with members in a real way -- like setting up a 15min Skype date to mastermind.
Feeling like a lonely-preneur? Learn how to find, woo & form real, lasting relationships with some Business BFFs here.
When it’s time for a break.
I go for a walk with Leona (who’s 10 months old now!). Even if it’s just a 15 minute stroll around the neighborhood, I always return to my work refreshed and more focused.
Breaks are essential -- they ARE NOT a luxury. We all need them, so give yourself that gift. Whether it be a quick 10 minute walk, a 30 minute yoga DVD, a cup of tea on the porch or a 90 minute massage (yes, please!).
Tip: If you’re not great about giving yourself down-time, schedule in breaks throughout your day. Try not to stare at your computer screen for more than 60 minutes without giving yourself at least 5 minutes to get up, walk around and look at something other than your laptop.
I know it’s a bit cliche, but we’ve only got this one life. We can spend it stressed out, rushing around, feeling like we need to do/be more. Or, we can choose to move through life differently. We can slow down, be present, kiss our spouses/kids/pets, take (mini) breaks, do things we like once in a while and live the good life now.
There is only one summer month left til September arrives. Do your very best to enjoy it.
If you enjoy any of this month’s HOT List items, let me know about in the comments below, on Twitter @CailenAscher, or in the Facebook Group.
Have some fun stuff you’re lovin’ on lately? Let me know. I’d love to check it out!
xo,
P.S. Missed last month’s HOT List? There was some booty-shaking goodness & a recipe for a delicious must-try cocktail. (Everyone that I make it for LOVES it!!) Check it HERE.
My husband, baby girl and I traveled up to Maine for 2 weeks.
We watched the sunrise on Cadillac Mountain, had homemade popovers and fresh strawberry jam, went out on a lobster boat and had the most delicious dinner (and cocktails!) at a farm-to-table vegetarian restaurant.
More than anything, my time was spent reading, walking and of course with little Leona and my husband.
We all need that sometimes. A “pause” from our lives where we can relax, unwind and reconnect with ourselves and our loved ones.
I’ll admit. I did bring my laptop, but it rarely made an appearance. When it did, work felt more like creative play than real work.
I gave myself permission to pump the breaks on content generation in order to dream-up some new ways to bring YOU even more valuable, exciting and fun resources.
And that brings me to this post. The first of it’s kind, but definitely not the last. A glimpse into my life and what is inspiring, motivating, entertaining me at the moment so that you, too, can infuse more purpose-full fun into your life and business.
Below I give you the inaugural HOT List for July 2015.
If you want to hone your voice, mission and message, Tara is your girl. Her writing is honest, compassionate and elucidating. I’ve had a number of “ah-ha” moments while reading her book, and her advice about how to “play bigger” has me thinking up tons of new ideas for myself and my business. Basically, in the absolute best way possible, she leaves us with no excuses and invites us to inhabit our WHOLE selves and live purposefully. Good stuff.
If you haven’t yet checked out this gal, you need to. Even if you’re not into yoga, she’s a case study in building a thriving brand around what you love -- she has over 700,000 YouTube subscribers! She’s super sweet and funny, and she totally takes the intimidation factor out of it.
Another YouTube phenomenon. I’ve been missing my Zumba classes ever since my baby girl was born, and FINALLY I’ve found an amazing replacement. This guy is like no-other, and his dances are badass. He’ll get you moving, sweating in booty-shaking in no-time.
What I’m drinking at happy hour…
I fell in LOVE with this cocktail up in Maine at The Gothic in Belfast. It’s so innovative and includes one of my most favorite things ever -- St. Germain liqueur. (If you don’t know St. Germain, you need to...it’s smooth, slightly floral, has a hint of pear and makes any drink better.)
At The Gothic they created this amazing cocktail called The Specs with vodka, St. Germain, rosewater and pink & black peppercorns (yes, pepper!), and it was ahhh-mazing. And so pretty! I’ve made it for my husband and myself since being home, and as best I can tell, this is the recipe:
2 parts vodka
1 part St. Germain
2 parts rosewater*
3 grinds of pepper
Put everything in a shaker over ice, shake it up, and strain it into a martini glass. Garnish with a pinch of whole peppercorns. *If you don’t have rosewater, you can substitute 1 part water, 1 part organic berry juice or even lemonade for a citrusy version.
(If you make this cocktail, you have to tweet me a pic @CailenAscher.)
So there you have it. The first-ever HOT List.
If you check out any of the HOT List items, let me know if you dig ‘em in the blog comments below, on Twitter, Facebook, or send me an email.
Have some fun stuff you’re lovin’ on this summer? Let me know. I’d love to check it out!
Her deal? She travels the world while working 1x1 with clients and also hosting live events and meet-ups for budding coaches. Fun!
