Leadership Series Part 2: Vulnerability

Hello Readers,

Leadership Series Part 2

Vulnerability

The next leader I received some great tips from is Brene Brown. I had not heard much about Brene until the ATD Conference. I was simply mind blown at her bluntness to tell the world how she feels about being vulnerable. I love her creativity and drive to just “be.” Let’s see what Brene (who has the 5^th most watched TED talk) has to say about being vulnerable. Ponder on these powerful thoughts.

1. We are taught to “toughen up”, but why?

2. What is the story you are telling yourself right now? What are you telling yourself?

3. We love stories, we are wired for them. Our brains seek a story.

4. Courage is teachable and it needs to be spoken with emotion.

5. Vulnerability is not a weakness, it is the most accurate measure of courage (I love this!)

6.  Know exactly why you are being brave.

7. There are 7 elements of trust:

            a. Braving

            b. Boundaries

            c. Reliability

            d. Accountability

            e. Vault

            f. Integrity

            g. Non-Judgement

            h. Generosity

When I think of trust, I did not think about the depth of the word until I heard Brene's message. Trust involves having courage and having courage means being vulnerable. How can you be more vulnerable today? What areas in your life can you be more vulnerable?

To learn more about Brene Brown and her outstanding research check out her website here:

www.brenebrown.com

Your thoughts are welcome

MJW

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

Celebration

Hello readers,

In honor of our 100^Th blog post, I want to share with you a story about celebration. Google defines celebration as the action of marking one's pleasure at an important event or occasion by engaging in enjoyable, social activity. I would like to simplify this definition by stating “to make one’s pleasure”. I have come to realize that celebrating does not have to be a huge and meaningful event. We just took our son and two of his friends with another couple on a cruise for his 18^th birthday. As I sat on the Lido Deck gazing at people from all over the country and of many different backgrounds dancing and having a “ball”, I noticed they all had one thing in common, they were all engaging in an enjoyable or social activity. No one seemed to have a care in the world, they were dancing, swimming, eating, playing table tennis and corn hole, and simply in celebration mode of being of vacation. Witnessing so much celebration made me stop and realize life is GRAND. I encourage you to find something that brings you pleasure. How many times have you celebrated something this year just because? Are you engaging in enjoyable and social activities? Get out and celebrate. You do not need a reason; the fact that you are reading this blog post is reason enough. Live life.

Your thoughts welcome…

MJW

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

Comfort Zone

Hello Readers,

Happy February!

I have a question for you. What are you uncomfortable doing? Is it speaking in public, math, Excel, or showing a true talent you know you have? I read a quote that resonated with me which said “success begins right outside of your comfort zone”. So what does this mean for you and I? It means we need to do something we do not want to do in order to get to where we have not been. I am forcing myself to go to the gym 3 times a week and drink 5 bottles of water a day. This may sound easy for some, but for me it is a task indeed. I am also forcing myself to read more than just personal development books. I call it expanding my knowledge base. I may need this information one day so I will store it in my subconscious mind and let it sit until I need it again. What are you going to do to get out of your comfort zone? Do not lay on your death bed thinking “I wish”. I will never say that. What about you?

Your thoughts are welcome…

MJW

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

Sometimes

Hello Readers,

My husband and I just came back from an awesome vacation in the mountains of Asheville, NC. We were able to refresh and renew. As I was away this week I had some free time to think about some things and here is what came to mind. I hope it helps you as much as it helped me:

Sometimes we have to:

1. Really stop, look around, and be grateful.

2. Stop and smell the roses. Roses give off a powerful sent even after they have died. This tells me something still lingers inside that still wants to hold on.

3. Simply smile. Life does not have to be that serious.

4. Let go of plans and just ride the rainbow.

5. Let life happen, some things we have no control over, therefore there is no need to stress over it, just live.

6. Be nice. It does not cost a dime.

I could go on and on but these are just some of the insights I received.

Let me know your thoughts…

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

MJW

Forgiveness

Hello Readers,

If you have been reading my blog for a while you will know I love to conduct word definition searches. The word I want to discuss is probably not the most popular word however, this word is an action we must take at least once in our lives. I am speaking about forgiveness. I am sure you have heard that forgiving is not for the other person but it is for you. Well, sorry to upset you but that is a true statement. I recently had to forgive someone and BELIEVE me I really was not fond of doing so. I learned however, that once I forgave the person, I am now free to heal, live, love, and grow. Holding on to something in your heart leads to stress and stress leads to illness and illness leads to death. I am not sure about you but, I do not want to die from the pressure I feel because I am holding anger or resentment in my heart against someone. Do you? Ask yourself this question if you have someone you need to forgive. No matter how big or small the act/crime committed. Please for your life’s sake forgive them so you can live again.

Your thoughts welcome…

MJW

www.truthspeakscoaching.com

Another goal accomplished!

Hello Readers,
 
Yes I have accomplished another goal! I have completed my first of many 5k races. I say this not to brag or boast but to encourage. I want to motivate readers all over the world that yes you can achieve what you want to achieve. I am a firm believer in this. Yes of course I was nervous and worried about coming in last, but the in the end all I cared about was finishing. So here is the key message, stop worrying about starting, just start! Get in motion. I put one foot in front of the other and before I knew it I was done! Some of the best advice I have ever received was get in motion and stay in motion. You will eventually finish the race and the great part about finishing one race is you can start another one. What is it you need to start? Write it down and get to it! Start and before you know it you will be done. Remember it is your life to live, so live it!
 
Your thoughts are welcome...
 
Www.truthspeakscoaching.com
 
MJW