How to Deal with Fear for Making a Change

CMLC Blog: How to Deal with Fear for Making a Change

The way that I look at fear, having experienced daily highly anxious panic attacks for months, is it was the worst time of my life. This is how I dealt with it.

The Easy Choice When You Are Too Busy

CMLC Blog: The Easy Choice When You Are Too Busy

If you’ve ever been in that position where stuff is flying at you and you’re so busy that you can’t even see straight. Here are some tactics to help.

Digital Killed the Resume Star: Why Your Resume Isn’t Getting Noticed

Why Your Resume Isn't Getting Noticed

Searching for a job may feel as though you are banging your head against a brick wall. Here are some tips to improve your resume and make job search fruitful.

Angela Duckworth Research…

CMLC Blog: Angela Duckworth Research

All human beings have moments where they struggle with self-control. Learn about cool research written by Angela Duckworth & cohorts on how to deal with it.

COVID-19 – PLEASE READ: IMPACTS TO YOUR COACHING

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To our valued clients:

At Change My Life Coaching and Change My Business Coaching we care deeply for our clients, our community, and employees and contractors. We take the evolving and global nature of the coronavirus very seriously.  We are focused on ensuring our people, clients and community have emotional support and factual information and resources. Understandably, we are experiencing a tremendous amount of concern and social/cultural pressure to share our protocols and plan for supporting our clients. All of the measures we are taking are not out of fear but out of love and respect for one another and to minimize risk of exposure.

Overwhelming statistics outlining the number of confirmed cases and deaths from COVID-19 make it easy to disassociate the numbers from the people and communities involved. As a community, we seek a compassionate response that acknowledges the personhood attached to each statistic. We know that the people affected include not only those infected by the COVID-19 virus but also their families, friends, co-workers, and community members. We mourn with people whose loved ones have died, who have lost their livelihood through the growing economic impact, who have lost community through self-isolation and limited travel and, who have lost a sense of security through fear of contamination or racial discrimination. We also are filled with gratitude for the professionals who are providing leadership in the treatment and containment of the virus, and for those who put at risk their personal health to serve and support others, especially those who are most vulnerable.

PLEASE READ THE THREE STATEMENTS BELOW ON HOW YOUR COACHING MAY BE IMPACTED

ONE: We plan to follow the advice and protocols that have been recommended by our health authorities. And therefore are adopting the following:

  • Coaching sessions will be conducted over the phone if:
    • You have a compromised immune system and do not wish to coach face to face (your choice to make)
    • You are concerned about your health, being in public or are experiencing levels of anxiety that would make it difficult for you to get the very best experience from your coaching session in a face to face setting (your choice to make)
    • You are concerned that you or someone you have been in contact with may have been exposed to the corona / covid-19 virus, OR if you or someone in your home feel generally unwell for any reason
    • You have travelled outside of Canada in the last 14 days
    • You feel unsure, unsafe or anxious about attending your coaching session in person

Please advise us if one of the above is your circumstance and we can easily conduct a phone session in the same time slot you already have scheduled. We aren’t joking when we say we love and care about each and everyone you, and respect ABSOLUTELY your choices and decisions during this potentially confusing and difficult time.

TWO: What about our organization

  • If our coaches or staff feel unwell or feel they may have been exposed to the virus, we will request that your sessions be held over the phone.
  • None of us have travelled in the last 14 days, nor do we have any plans to travel.
  • In the spirit of this, some clients over the last week have experienced awkward social interactions with us as it relates to hand shaking and hugging; therefore we are adopting a temporary protocol of no hugging and handshaking during this time. We have seen that clients have been unsure how to approach this social contact, so this protocol is in place so that you don’t have to ask.
  • If one of our clients should disclose that they have been exposed to the virus and we have been in contact with them within 14 days, we will immediately close our office and self-quarantine for 14 days and all coaching will be held over the phone as long as we remain feeling well. 
  • We have been informed by our property management company that in the event there is an escalation of the virus in our building they will declare a building closure, and we will hold all coaching sessions over the phone.

THREE: What happens now

  • If you or someone you know is diagnosed with COVID-19 or is required to quarantine, we would appreciate you letting us know. We want to support you in any way we can. 
  • As we navigate this together, please remember to respect the choices that others make.  We all have different levels of risk tolerance, different obligations to others who depend on us, and our own health considerations for ourselves and our families. Please respect if others choose to wear masks, or gloves or other protective gear. This is a challenging time and support for each other is critically important, so do remember to check in on those you love and care about.
  • Please remember our intent in sending this is not to perpetuate fear and panic but rather to be responsive to the questions and concerns that our clients have expressed to us as well as to be responsive to the recommendations of our health authorities
  • Below our signature is some additional information you have likely been exposed to already; however, we felt it was important to provide it again to our community.

If you have any questions or concerns about the above, please feel free to give us a call at 403 910-7111, ext 401.

The Compassionate and Caring Team at Change My Life Coaching and Change My Business Coaching

———

COVID-19 (coronavirus):

How is it spread? Health authorities have not confirmed how COVID-19 is transmitted, but suspect it is spread person-to-person. There is also evidence that the virus has been spread by animal sources, including individuals with links to seafood or animal markets. They do not believe you can get it from air, water or food.

What are the signs and symptoms? Individuals infected with COVID-19 have displayed the following symptoms:

  • Mild to severe respiratory illness
  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing

Canada Protocols

Alberta Protocols

W.H.O. Protocols

Remember Your Future Self

CMLC Blog: Remember Your Future Self

By taking the time to understand yourself & your wants, it is easier to create a future vision of ourselves that helps to truly live the life you are meant to.

Acute Self-Awareness to Change Thoughts / Habits

CMLC Blog: Acute Self Awareness to Change Thoughts / Habits

You’ve got one life to live, so use self-awareness to change your habits and really connect to your work, since it’s the place that you spend the most time at.

How to Make Networking a Little Less Uncomfortable

CMLC Blog: How to Make Networking a Little Less Uncomfortable

Networking is not a new concept; it has been around for as long as most of us remember. I strongly believe that networking is critical to long-term career success. While the stereotypical reactions is that networking is a phony and often, exploitive exercise that people only engage in to benefit themselves or their businesses. While, in some cases, this is true, networking is also so much more than that.

What is Networking Exactly?

Networking is more than a simple exchange of information between two people. It is about establishing a relationship with people who will become your colleagues, partners, and often, your friends. A networking contact may be able to help you advance in your career, create important business or personal connections, and provide inside information in your industry or field of industry that can help with a job search.

Why should I be networking?

Research is piling up that show the benefits of networking and the importance of professional networks in career growth, job transitions, and increased business activities. While you often hear that many people don’t like networking (including some executives and leaders), it is a necessity in today’s hyper-connected world.

Change Your Mind Set About Networking – It’s not the Schmooze-fest of the business films of the ‘90s

How to make networking less uncomfortable
How to make networking less uncomfortable

It helps to think of networking as learning. Thinking of making new connections as an opportunity to understand more about your field, the other person’s role, or in fairness, just getting to know a new person can help. Focusing on learning something new, it can pique our curiosity, create excitement, and increase our positivity toward this activity. Focusing on the positive benefits you can gain from meeting new people tends to help you feel more authentic and have an easier time making genuine connections. Attitude, as always, is essential in making the most of anything. By approaching networking with a perspective of positive learning, any connection, however little, will add value to your life.

But, what if I’m shy, an introvert, or feel plain awkward?

But what if I'm shy or an introvert?
But what if I’m shy or an introvert?

Unfortunately, being shy or an introvert isn’t the golden note to get you out of that awkward swim class, but there are some things you can do to make networking a little more comfortable. But the first thing is just to get out there. Usually, the worst-case scenarios we like to tell ourselves don’t come true, and you end up feeling okay and that maybe it wasn’t so bad. Well, the more you do that, the easier it will become. Some of the most successful leaders are well-known introverts. Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, JK Rowling, Hilary Clinton, and even Meryl Streep, a renowned and incredibly talented actor, all consider themselves introverts. All have had to network to become the legends they each are in their fields.

So, start with what you know – chances are you will have more in common than you think. Don’t apologize for being quiet or shy, it is okay to be you. Say the person’s name, it is a great way to break the ice and show that you are listening, making the initial conversation easier. And lastly, smile. A smile goes a long way in creating connections.  This small but powerful tool in a human’s arsenal can disarm even the ‘toughest’ character. Next time you are walking down the street, smile at a stranger, the majority of times, people smile back. If you are shy, a smile can be your best friend.

Tips and Tricks

To get you started on networking, here are a few tricks and tools.

  1. Figure out what style works best for you, everyone is different. While you may need to leave your comfort zone for a bit, you need to figure out what method works best for you. For introverts, it might be a one-on-one coffee or events with fewer attendees. For extroverts, you may enjoy a large conference or mix n’ mingle type events.
  2. Network outside your usual contact list. The idea is to meet new contacts and to do this, you will have to step outside the box. Some ideas for networking contacts are professional chapters, business groups, entrepreneurial groups, or your old alma mater.
  3. Next, make a game plan and get out there, take that first step, start slow if you need to.
  4. When you first meet a new contact, learn about the person you are talking with – their company, their role, a little bit about them – ask questions (don’t be too nosy) and take the time to show your interest in them
  5. Givers gain. What does this mean? Simply put, those who give also receive. Think not only about what you are looking for but also how you can be of help. Relationships are two-way streets, and building trust is essential to a constructive and genuine partnership, friendship, or any sort of relationship.
  6. Their network. By chatting a bit and asking questions, you will get a better understanding of how that person can help and how their network can help. And yes, this will eventually expand your own network, which is a great compound effect!
  7. Networking profile. A great tool is the networking profile. Similar, but much more simple than a CV, it is a sheet or card that you can leave with a potential contact that contains the following:
    1. Pic
    2. Name and Email
    3. Your objective
    4. Provide three to five highlights about yourself – think of these of selling points or ways that you can also help someone else or something you want to highlight about yourself to a new network
    5. A list of three to five people or areas you are looking to network with that clearly shows someone what you are looking for in an easy-to-read (think bullet points) format
  8. Leave the door open. Provide an easy way to contact you or a reason for you to contact them. Provide a business card (if you have one) or exchange numbers. If you offered help and it was accepted, make plans to discuss the next steps.

Bottom Line

While networking can be nerve-wracking, it doesn’t have to be. Making a game plan, understanding what works best for you, and reaching out with the intent to establish a two-way relationship will go a long way in helping to create meaningful connections and help you become more comfortable stepping out.

Christopher is the Chief Value Officer and Founder of Change My Life Coaching and Co-Founder of Change My Business Coaching and the Healthy Transformations Weight Loss & Inflammation Reduction Program.  Change my Life Coaching is a fast-growing whole-life, leadership and business coaching company, and the only one of it’s kind.  He is also the author of “Go Beyond Passion: Discover Your Dream Job”. Christopher spent 15+ years working in the corporate world with a plethora of industries and companies. His focus was primarily in planning, strategy, and leadership of change management and communication. Christopher is a Certified Master Coach Practitioner (CMCP), trainer and facilitator, and a passionate public speaker who truly cares about the success of each and every single person he comes into contact with. You can reach him at [email protected].

Passion Without Purpose Yields The Worst Results

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Passion without purpose. Purpose without passion. It doesn’t work. You need both for a truly fulfilling life and career.

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