8 things to know before planning for 2018

Here is a list of books, ideas, and concepts that I have found deeply interesting and important this year. I am so grateful to have discovered them or been introduced by others. I want you to have the benefit of knowing they exist, whether now or in the future.

My experience has been that certain teachers and teachings come just when they are most needed. So, check them out and keep them in your memory bank for a time when it might be exactly what you need.

1. Ho’Oponopono – This ancient Hawaiian practice has interested me for years. I have used it in the past and recently had the honor of introducing Dame Mabel Katz (peace prize winner and author of “The Easiest Way to Live”) at a public speaking event.

She is an expert on the subject, speaking globally about this powerful method of “cleaning up mistakes” and taking 100% responsibility for addressing disharmony in your life. The idea is that “cleaning” our own thoughts, which have been passed down from generation to generation, will affect our happiness and collective thinking in the world.

This very simple process requires that you only repeat certain affirmations that are universally understood and respected (such as: “thank you, I love you, I’m sorry and I forgive you”). The result of practicing ho’oponopono is to enhance our own sense of peace and that of others, without any action on your part.

2. What a focus on giving can do – They gave me the book. The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David Mann for my mentor in August. I finally read it on a plane last week. I read it in two hours and I’m one of the slowest readers in the world so it doesn’t take me long to read it. This is a fun and truly unique business read.

“The Go-Giver tells the story of an ambitious young man named Joe who yearns for success. Joe is a true entrepreneur, though at times he feels that the harder and faster he works, the further his goals seem to be. And so one day, desperate to land a key sale at the end of a bad quarter, he seeks advice from the enigmatic Pindar, a legendary consultant many of his devotees refer to simply as the president.”

“Pindar’s friends share with Joe the five laws of stratospheric success and teach him how to open up to the power of giving.”

The ideas in this book are being taught in companies around the world and will change the way you think and operate.

3. Your hidden money archetypes – Are you aware that you have unconscious beliefs about money that are driving your decision making? This is one of the most important discoveries I have made in recent years. I wish I had known earlier. These beliefs and related behavior patterns can be explained through archetypes (patterns of thought and behavior).

Once you understand and become aware of your “money personality” as explained through your archetypes, you will be empowered with information that will allow you to make better and more conscious decisions in all your interactions with money. This is how you start to create a better relationship with money. This is my specialty, and I would love to speak with you further if you have concerns in this area.

4. How to really think big – Do you feel that you already think big? My guess is that you are still limiting your sense of possibility in some areas. The book The Big Leap – Conquer your hidden fear and take life to the next level by Gay Hendricks PhD, clarifies the discussion of how we achieve in our own way to live a happier and more abundant life.

It beautifully explains the psychology behind our general malaise with the idea that we can be happy and prosperous for extended periods, or even indefinitely. He masterfully shows us how we sabotage ourselves so we can stay in the comfort zone of drama and hardship, and why we would do such a thing. From there, he helps us understand what is possible. This is truly a must read if you want to learn how to think big for yourself and your loved ones.

5. The power of intentions – I’m constantly talking about this, I know. However, it is the catalyst of all catalysts. It is worth repeating. Setting the intention is like turning on the switch in your brain, allowing you to focus on something specific (not easy when the brain is bombarded with messages at all times) and alerting the universe that the light is on. This is the sign, the message, the prayer that will be heard by whatever “source” is for you. Once the intention is set, all the wheels start turning, moving you towards the desired result.

Use this for big goals and before a simple meeting. Use it in every area of ​​life. Setting an intention reinforces a decision. Decisions are critical. From the point of decision, you can create the mindset and actions to advance the intent. You will be surprised what happens.

6. PLAN to maintain your connections – Do you go out in the world and meet people? Are those connections valuable to you? What do you do to keep the connection? As much as we connect and interact with clients and customers, what follows those interactions is key and is sometimes left to chance.

We tend to feel that the initial meeting or working together is the significant point. While important, it is the long term that matters most. Relationships require effort to cultivate and grow. If you have a process and plan for continually following up and connecting with people, you will develop a powerful network that you enjoy and have a long-term relationship with.

7. A technique to decide between two options – When difficult decisions are presented, you can make a list of pros and cons, but frankly, I have never found answers by doing that.

The “Cartesian Coordinates” process (from Career Coaching: An Insider’s Guide by Marcia Bench) proposes asking 4 questions to ensure that all angles are addressed in an important decision between two options. This prevents unforeseen consequences from occurring once a decision is made. For example, maybe you’re trying to decide whether to leave your corporate position and move on to entrepreneurship. It is a difficult decision. To fully analyze it, ask yourself these questions:

1. What would happen if you did? (i.e. what would happen if you quit your job)?

2. What wouldn’t happen if you did? (i.e. what would you miss if you left now)?

3. What would happen if you didn’t? (i.e. what would be the benefits of staying)?

4. What wouldn’t happen if you didn’t? (i.e. what opportunities would you miss if you stayed)?

8. Plan for your days to have direction – You may have a great vision and mission statement for the coming year. You may be able to visualize the results and results at the end of the year. You can visualize a bank account balance next December with a big smile.

However, without specifying how you will achieve the vision or the revenue, it is a hope and not a strategy. Make sure there are particular goals to hit each month and that those goals can result in the necessary income generation. An ideal plan gives you a roadmap and the information you need to lead each day. If you wake up and don’t know what to work on in your business or career search, your plan could be more detailed.

He plans to produce, not just for fun.

Well, those are some ideas to save and use now, or at some point when you realize you need them. Resources give me a sense of comfort and these are my favorites.