I've got a big question for you...where in your life are you settling for mediocrity? You know, keeping the same habits or beliefs or experiences because it's too hard to change?

The fact that you know you're playing small is draining precious energy from your life!  You know there is something better, but you're too afraid, too busy, too distracted to change it.

And what is it really costing you?

Remember, how you're playing in this one area of your life is how you play all of life.

It's time to play a bigger game and create the experiences YOU WANT!

Let's start with your energy. Take this short quiz to pinpoint your energy boosters and drains. Answer yes or no to the following:

1. I'm passionate about my life/my job and am enthusiastic to tackle the day (Y/N)

2. I put forth the extra effort to honor my word and my actions. (Y/N)

3. I fuel myself with healthy meals, exercise, and rest throughout the week to keep my energy high. (Y/N)

4. I know what time of day my energy is highest and can structure my day accordingly. (Y/N)

5. I know the people, conversations, tasks that drain my energy and can detach from them easily. (Y/N)

Pay close attention to any statements you answered with a NO. What's robbing you of your energy? Not taking care of yourself? Lack of engagement on the job and with your work? Putting up with people, conversations or tasks that drain you?

The first step to personal transformation is awareness. Get clear on your energizers and energy drains. 
 
Then set an intention to transform and take action. Tackle one issue and commit to one small step today to mix up your routine to allow you to thrive. Here are 4 steps to plug any energy drain, right now:

What's currently draining my precious energy?  _________________________

The payoff I get for keeping this energy drain is _________________________. (You're getting some reward for not changing...what is it? Maybe it's easier to keep the status quo, you're avoiding a difficult conversation or making a change in your routine.)

This energy drain is costing me __________________________ (What is it costing you when you don't address the issue?)

What's one small step you can take in the next 3 hours to reverse the drain and bring back precious energy to your day?

Transform your mindset and habits by creating awareness for what's not working, setting the intention for what you want and taking consistent action to boost your energy!

Read more about how to increase your energy in my new book: Thrive 9 to 5: Your Guide to Peak Performance at Work.

I've been speaking to corporate teams over the last few months about peak performance at work, and wanted to share a few insights.  The first thing that sets high achievers apart from the rest is they have unusual clarity about their vision and their goals.  That means they are clear about what they want to be, do, have or experience in their life. 

Are you clear on your vision and goals for your life? Don't wait for the New Year to decide, create the life you want NOW!

My friend @KristiStaab just launched a "Body by Christmas" fitness challenge (or the alternatives: hottie by Hanukah or rockin' New Year's bod) for her Facebook community...set a fitness and healthy eating goal now and work on it consistently until the holidays. I love this concept: enter Thanksgiving a few ponds lighter and tighter, so you can enjoy and even INDULGE!

Here are 5 steps to get a jump-start on your vision and goals today!

1. Get clear on your vision. Your vision is the big picture scene, it's the situation you create when you close your eyes and imagine your ideal life. What do you see? What are you doing, who are you with and what are you experiencing?  You'll also reap the benefits of visualization.  When you create pictures in your mind, your brain doesn't distinguish between reality and fantasy, and your subconscious starts to go to work to help you find these experiences in your conscious world. 

2. Identify your goals. Your goals are  the mile markers to reaching your ideal vision. What milestones do you need to reach to be living your ideal life?  You can define your vision and goals for all areas of your life: career/work, finances, home environment, relationships, personal development, spiritual and health/wellness. If that becomes too overwhelming for you, focus on 3 core areas: your happiness, your health and your wealth. It's a trick I learned from Jim Bunch of "The Ultimate Game of Life," and sometimes simpler is better.

3. Remove the blocks and shift your mindset. What's standing in your way of achieving your goals?  Most likely, it's your negative self-talk.  When you review your goals they should excite you!  Even a little knot in your stomach is good, it means you're on the right path.  What thoughts and beliefs do you need to repeat to yourself daily to keep you motivated and on track?  For me, it's two simple statements - one for my health goal and one for my wealth goal: "I am an athlete," and "I am a successful business owner."  I repeat these statements often to keep me motivated and taking consistent action.  Take note of what you say to yourself after reading your goals. If it's not 100% positive and re-affirming of what you really want, then re-script the message!  Remember, your thoughts and beliefs must align with the results you want.  If you want to lose 10 pounds, but keep beating yourself up every time you step on the scale, it's not going to work.  Post your positive affirmations on the bathroom mirror near your computer, anywhere to remind you of your greatness.

4. Review monthly, weekly...even daily!  If you tend to set goals and then forget them..here's a handy tracker to keep you focused and motivated.

90 day goal tracker.pdf

  List your top goals and then each week identify the top three actions you need to take to get you closer to achieving them. Try this daily if you're feeling inspired!

5. Celebrate success...even the tiny wins! Share your weekly wins with your family, friends and accountability partners.

Keep thriving!
Kristi

For more tips on vision and goal setting, check out my book, Thrive 9 to 5: Your Guide to Peak Performance at Work!

This month's issue of Lehigh Valley Style focuses on women's health.  Read my column for tips on cutting out white sugar and caffeine from your diet, and finding more energy in your day. 

Download a copy of my "Ask the Expert" column in the October 2010 issue of Lehigh Valley Style:

LVS Ask Expert - KDaniels.pdf

Download your free energy journal here:

Energy Journal.pdf

 

1. Reduce or eliminate caffeine.
•    The ups and downs of caffeine include dehydration and blood sugar ups and downs, making mood swings more frequent.

2.  Drink water.
•    Most of us are chronically dehydrated. Before you go to sugar or caffeine, have a glass of
water and wait a few minutes to see what happens.
•    Caution: Soft drinks are now America's number one source of added sugar.

3.  Eat dark leafy green vegetables.
•    Green is associated with spring, the time of renewal and refreshing, vital energy.
•    Greens are full of vitamins and nutrients and great for improving circulation, lifting the spirit,
purifying the blood and strengthening the immune system.
•    Broccoli, collards, bok choy, kale, mustard greens, broccoli rabe, arugula and dandelion greens are some of the many to choose from.

4. Use gentle sweets.
•    Avoid sugar and chemicalized artificial sweeteners.
•    Use gentle sweeteners like maple syrup, brown rice syrup, agave nectar and stevia.
•    Also eat sweet vegetables such as yams, carrots and beets.

5. Get physical activity.
•    Start with simple activities, like walking or yoga--start with 10 minutes a day and increase.

6.  Get more sleep and rest and relaxation.
•    When you are tired or stressed, your body will crave energy.
•    These cravings are often a result of being sleep-deprived, going to bed late, waking up early, for months and years on end.

7.  Evaluate the amount of animal food you eat.
•    Eating too much meat, dairy, chicken and eggs can lead to low energy. So can eating too little! Experiment. Respect your body's individuality.

8.  Take time for yourself.
•    Find activities that restore your energy, such as a walk, a bath, a museum, a movie or whatever you enjoy, and schedule a weekly date with yourself to do these things!

9.  Spend time in nature.
•    Walk barefoot in the grass or on the beach. Enjoy nature's natural energy rhythms.

10.  Get rid of relationships that drain you.
•    Eliminate completely, or set boundaries to limit interactions with energy drainers and drama queens/kings.