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Episode 33 – Develop an Attitude of Gratitude

October 6, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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With Canadian Thanksgiving just around the corner, I thought it would be most valuable to talk about developing an “attitude of gratitude”. Being grateful does the need to only occur Thanksgiving. When you start to recognize what you are grateful for the more you will discover to be grateful for. Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” In today’s world, if you get caught up in the media hype of wars, accidents, and bombing, you may find it difficult to find things to be grateful for. However, what you focus on expands.

Developing an attitude of gratitude is not a one-time meditation, prayer, or mindfulness practice. It is about how you think and feel about life. Research studies show that people who develop a gratitude mindset have a stronger immune system, lower blood pressure, and sleep better as well as feel more rested. These individuals tend to be more compassionate, more forgiving, and are less isolated because they are more outgoing. They tend to have a more optimistic view of life and find joy and pleasure in everything that they do.

Gratitude shifts your focus. People who are problem focus tend to complain and blame others for faults in results rather than being the solution focused. When you are solution focused, you are able to come up with new ideas and solutions to challenging situations. During times of adversity, gratitude helps you realize that you would not be who you are without the situations and circumstances that have occurred both good and not so good. You are better able to bounce back and become more resilient in situations. When you develop a shift in focus and mindset, you also shift away from the victim mentality to one of the victor. You will shift from “I have to” do something versus “I get to” or “I choose to” do something. Gratitude is not a chore it’s a privilege.

Think about all the things you “get to” do that many others do not.

Small thank yous can make a big impact. You can make a big difference by acknowledging someone and thanking them for what they have done for you. The smallest thank you can be the most memorable. When people are recognized for the things that they do their confidence grows and they are more apt to believe in their abilities and stretch beyond the current capabilities. Their work takes on a greater purpose and they feel that they are making a difference. When people hear that their work is appreciated, they tend to be motivated to work harder to hear more praise and appreciation.

Keep a journal and write down what you are grateful for. By writing down what you are grateful for you can start paying attention to the thoughts that you have been having and take note of any patterns in your thoughts. Your thoughts and feelings impact the actions you will take. Epicurus stated, “Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you have you only hoped for.” Start by writing down three things every day that you are grateful for and encourage others to do the same. Gratitude is contagious.

Write a letter and reach out to others who you are grateful for. By doing this you can change someone’s world. Several years ago I sent a card to a schoolteacher that I had, she sent me a thank you card back because the card had brought her to tears is no one in her years of teaching at centre thank you for the impact that she had made the difference.

It’s important to give gratitude but also important to learn how to accept it. When someone gives you a gift of a compliment or helps you in some way, acknowledge and thank them for it. Don’t brush it off by just saying oh it’s nothing because to them it was something.

At the end of the day, like attracts like, and people who are grateful are fun to be around and tend to be happier. Why not choose to be more grateful at home, in the workplace, in your business, or organization today? You never know whose life you can change it may be your own.

We would love to have you subscribed to the Success Secrets newsletter on my website at www.debrakasowski.com where you’re going to get us free MP3 download 10 Surefire Strategies to Power Up Your Productivity and Performance. I would love to hear about this podcast has impacted your life. E-mail me at Debra@DebraKasowski.com. Thank you for listening to The Millionaire Woman Show where we talk about leadership, business, and human potential to help you live rich from the inside out. Subscribe to The Millionaire Woman Show. Share it with Your Friends. Give us a 5-star rating!

DEBRA KASOWSKI, BScN CEC is an award-winning best-selling author, transformational speaker, blogger, and Certified Executive Coach. She has a heart of a teacher and is certified in Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. Her writing has been published in a variety of print and online magazines. Debra Kasowski International helps executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. Sign up the Success Secrets Newsletter and get your free mp3 download today! www.debrakasowski.com

Time: 10:14 min

Keywords: develop an attitude of gratitude, attitude of gratitude, mindset, gratitude, grateful heart, accepting compliments, accept thank you, accept gratitude, journaling, gratitude journal, gratitude expands

EPISODE 32: Help Yourself First

October 4, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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When a person travels their view of the world expands. This past weekend I watched the movie “Sully” where Tom Hanks played the lead pilot. It was about the “Miracle on the Hudson” where a plane lands in the river versus heading back to it nearby airport runway.

44088939 - moscow - may 28, 2011: air hostess yulia of aeroflot shows how to use an oxygen mask on board. aeroflot operates the youngest fleet in the world among major airlines, numbering 150 airliners.

As I was watching the movie, I was reminded by the safety messages that many of us take for granted at the beginning of the flight. It is routine; however, these checklists are important in ensuring our safety. These routine checklists remind us that we need to put our own oxygen masks on first. We need to look after ourselves before we can serve others.

Are you looking after yourself first? It is so easy to over commit and put others’ needs above our own but at the end of the day who truly suffers? Who you want to show up as in the world? What do your actions say about who you are?

Helping yourself shows up in many ways.

1) Take 100% responsibility for your contribution in making a difference in the world around you.

All too often in businesses and in organizations people tend to think that someone owes them. They believe that others are responsible for the delivery of what they would want to happen. Businesses and organizations are only one piece of the puzzle. When you cast blame or complain than another person or group of people owes you, you give away your power. This power is yours. You have the ability to make a difference by contributing in your own way. Your contribution may be as simple as having a one-on-one conversation or more complex like creating a movement through social media.

How are you promoting your business, your organization, or even your profession? Why do others want to join you?

As my colleague, multi- Emmy Award Winner and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Dr. Shawne Duperon, would say, “What are you broadcasting?”

2) Examine your habits.

35166340_s What habits are helping you move forward? What habits are holding you back?

Get at least eight hours of sleep a night.

Exercise 30 to 60 min. a day.

Eat healthy foods.

Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.

Prepare in advance for your meetings.

Commit to reading 20 min. a day.

Plan out your week in advance with the flexibility to adjust where is needed.

Reward yourself for meeting your goals.

Follow-up with new prospects within 24 hours of meeting them.

Review your profit and losses weekly.

Balance your check book and review bank statements.

Avoid eating out too frequently.

All of these activities are ways in which you are helping yourself.

3) Learn To Say “No” To Others So You Can Take Care Of Yourself

It is way too easy to dismiss the commitment that we had with ourselves to go to the gym or spend time cleaning up the clutter in order to help another person. Over time you may see results from when you didn’t take care of yourself. These can show up in forms of being overweight, exhausted, illness, or even anxiety because you couldn’t find what you needed to.

Setting boundaries and understanding what you will tolerate and not tolerate is important. You must clearly communicate your wants and needs to others. If you spend more time pleasing others, you will neglect your own wants and needs. You may get frustrated or irritated.

By saying “no” to others, you are actually saying “yes” to yourself! By taking care of yourself first, you will then be replenished so that you can serve others in the way that you want and are able to do. Ensure that you’re taking time to reward yourself for your accomplishments and acknowledge how far you’ve come.

4) Invest in Your Personal Growth

Taking time and money to invest in yourself leads to an unlimited return on investment. You may advance academically or work with a personal trainer. Maybe you decided to learn from a Yogi in India or take a watercolours class. No matter what you choose to do in the process you learn more about yourself and how you interact in the world. You may get a job promotion, develop meaningful relationships, or become a famous artist. A world of possibilities opens up when you invest in yourself. Personal investment equals to personal fulfillment.

5) Allow for Another Person’s Growth

As someone who enjoys helping others, I sometimes forget that if I jump in and do for someone they are unable to learn and grow. You can’t help people by doing everything for people. Let them take responsibility for their actions and also learn from consequences – unless they are in danger of course. Instead, ask questions and be there for support when and as needed. Many learn from taking action and adjusting their course as they move forward.

By helping yourself first, you will be better able to help others when your needs are met first. Remember to put your oxygen mask on first. Live on purpose!

Time: 08:10 min

Keywords: help yourself first, setting boundaries, return on investment, invest in yourself, oxygen complex, put yourself first, help yourself before you help others, love yourself, start putting yourself first, put your oxygen on first, putting yourself first is not selfish, learn to say no

EPISODE 31: The Knowing and Doing Gap

September 29, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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EPISODE 31: The Knowing and Doing Gap

Many of us know what to do but fall short on doing what we know we need to do. The difference between knowing and doing is that in knowing-what you believe to be true and is based on the knowledge and experience you have. Whereas, doing is about the actions you take based on the knowledge and experiences you have.

The gap between knowing and doing can be small as dime or as large as the universe. We filter the world through what we believe-what we know. Our perception is our reality. It does not mean it is always correct. Have you ever made an assumption and realized that you are totally wrong?

id-10087374 Doing means taking action – it means taking a risk. Why is it that so many of us know what to do but do not do it? You are operating from a place of fear. You’re scared to take risks because you scared to step out of that comfort zone. The comfort that you believe will protect and keep you from harm. It is a human need to feel safe and secure. You can take calculated risks. Calculated risks are where you have done your homework and decreased the risk, and lessened the uncertainty. And most of all minimized your fears.

Conduct Research– Get more information by surfing the web or reading articles or magazines or books in the area that you need more information.
Ask Questions. Interview someone who has been where you want to be or has the knowledge that you are seeking.
Challenge Assumptions. Challenge others assumptions because the best way is not always the way things have been done. Encourage people to look for better ways of doing things and exploring more perspectives and options.
Learn Best by Doing. Take small actions. Learn and adjust as you go. Learn from mistakes and experiences.

33059352 - if you never do you will never know !

Knowing is one thing. Talking the talk. Walking the talk means that you are acting based on what you know. Talking is not the same as taking action. Talking may make you make you look smart; however, acting and doing will give you the results that demonstrate you are truly smart.

The biggest gap between knowing and doing is procrastination. As you may know what to do, this means not hesitate on taking actions. The reason for this is sometimes you don’t realize the impact on your results by not taking those actions. You could be self-sabotaging yourself from getting the success you say that you want. If you’re not willing to do and take the actions necessary, it really means that you’re not really concerned about it all. Some people just believe that they’re entitled to the results they want. Taking action means that you must put in effort and the work required getting the results you desire. Some people procrastinate because they don’t believe in themselves or they don’t have a clear vision of what they’re trying to achieve. Whereas, others are in search for perfection and they hold themselves back from taking action. By wasting time you’re wasting money, resources, and the only time you’ve got. Time is not replaceable.

It is time to do the things we know we should be doing. If you haven’t listened to the Episode 28: Committed to Lifelong Learning take a listen as soon as possible after this podcast. Start scheduling what is important to you and stay focused on your course of action. It is one thing to know what to do and how to do it and another to actually take the steps required to make it become reality. Remember nothing happens without action.

What is the between what you know and what you know you must do?

What action steps are you ready to take?

We would love to have you subscribed to the Success Secrets newsletter on my website at www.debrakasowski.com where you’re going to get us free MP3 download 10 Surefire Strategies to Power Up Your Productivity and Performance. I would love to hear about this podcast has impacted your life. E-mail me at Debra@DebraKasowski.com. Thank you for listening to The Millionaire Woman Show where we talk about leadership, business, and human potential to help you live rich from the inside out. Subscribe to The Millionaire Woman Show. Share it with Your Friends. Give us a 5-star rating!

Time: 7:17 min

Keywords: Taking action, belief, challenge assumptions, knowing and doing gap, conduct research, step out of your comfort zone, questioning, leadership, engagement, fear of success, fear of failure, fear of rejection

EPISODE 30: A Change of Plans

September 27, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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EPISODE 30: A Change of Plans

Life doesn’t always go as perfectly as we planned. There are times when our best intentions are met with disaster or misunderstandings. When life changes your plan, what do you do? As many of you know I have been writing my third book called Let’s Be Curious: How to Ask the Right Questions, Get Better Answers, and Make the Best Decisions™ which was due to come out November 2016. There has been a change of plans – the book will now be released September 2017. What happened? A change of plans…

What Happened?

Six months ago, I committed to writing this book. During this time frame, I have worked on the book that I put aside all workshops and limited networking activities. The book was in pre-launch and I was so proud that I had 13 people pre-buy the book. In discussions with my business coach – Colin Sprake, it was suggested that I postpone the launch of my new book to September 2017.

10486806 - an unsuspecting woman shrugs. shrug of helplessness and

My first reaction was “You want me to do what?” My business coach suggested that I spend the next 12 months building my following through networking, host my workshops, speaking and developing my podcast. Questions flooded my mind, “What about the 13 people who already purchased the book? What will they say or think? What does this say about who I am?” He recommended that I call each one and tell them that I have had a discussion with my business coach and that I would either offer them a refund or they could be one of the first to receive the book next year along with an added bonus for their patience. I have to tell you – I felt resistance.

I questioned where this resistance was coming from and I knew I need to gain a deep awareness. It has been my experience that asking questions is the best way to do this. What and why was I resisting? I’m one of those people that I feel that I can adapt and be quite flexible when faced with change. It wasn’t so much the change in plans of making the book come out a year later. It was calling those individuals and letting them know that there was a change. Normally, I would not think to share a change of plans as to be such a big deal. What I do know is I like to stick to promises that I make and I deliver on my word. I knew this resistance was because I was concerned about aligning with my values – one of integrity.

Words of Wisdom

My business coach reminded me that I wasn’t acting out of integrity. I was doing the right thing at the right time not only for me but also for the people receiving the book. You see during the six months I had been saying “no” to more things instead of “yes” to things that were important to me. I was still involved in my kids’ activities that there were times when I wanted to do things and said “no” as I needed to focus on writing. So for one thing – this change plan actually allows me to build a richer book with more thought-provoking content where I can share some of those growing edges. I reminded myself that my publisher had once said to me, “Debra a book is ready on its own time. You can’t force it.” I’ve carried that saying with me to remind me that the time will be right. Even though I was nervous about calling each of the 13 people, especially since one person had just bought the book the night before, I knew it was the right thing. Whether I contacted them by e-mail or by phone, every single person wanted to stay on the list and they wanted to be one of the first to receive the book September 2017. They were so gracious and very excited to be a part of this journey. They were understanding and kind. What I realized is that I was being very hard on myself and I shared my concern regarding it integrity with one of my followers and she said, “We know your reputation for delivering on your word. There are no concerns. We just want the great content.” This was most comforting to me. I am grateful.

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We all come to places of transition. I know plans change all the time and I also know that I have a tendency to love to be in control of all of that and sometimes it’s not the best thing. It made sense to adjust the course and in the big picture of things, this is one small adjustment that could be the biggest difference in my business but also for the people were waiting to read this book. I am very excited about this book because the more I share the concept with people and my enthusiasm; the more they are excited about receiving a copy.

There are two quotes that caught my attention that I needed to share with you:

“Don’t let your plans or goals become more important than yourself, or the ones you care about!” Jose N Harris.

“When it is obvious that the goals cannot be reached, don’t adjust the goals, adjust the action steps.” ~ Confucius

The one thing I noticed the most, the day after calling every single person reaching out to them in some way that I had contact information for, it felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I was calmer and more connected with those around me as I wasn’t continuously thinking, “When I might can a squeeze in the time to write today?” When plans change all we’re doing is adjusting the course, I am the one who is adjusting the course and doing what works best for me instead of allowing outside circumstances to do it for me.

I want to share this with you in this podcast because everyone faces a change of plans or is in the place of transition that they didn’t think that they be in. Each one of us faces uncertainty and inner resistance. It is important to ask ourselves questions to understand where this fear is coming from and why are you we resisting? What we resist persists! If you continue to align with your values when you make a decision, you will always be at peace. Sometimes we’re so close to a situation, it takes a business coach friend or mentor to shift our perspective to see clearly again. I am so excited for the upcoming months in finishing off this book to deliver some my best work and reward those were patiently waiting. In the meantime, be curious about the world. Ask tons of questions! It is okay to have a change of plans especially it gets you closer to where you want to be.

Time 9:46 min

Keywords: Colin Sprake, business coach, mentorship, change management, change of plans, self-awareness, dealing with inner resistance, fear of uncertainty, facing uncertainty, curiosity, asking questions, build your tribe, build your following, book launch, adjust the plan, sense and adjust, quotes about plans, quotes, leadership. Personal mastery

EPISODE 29: Quit Playing the Waiting Game

September 22, 2016 by Debra Kasowski Leave a Comment

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EPISODE 29: Quit Playing the Waiting Game

Are you waiting for the day that success come to you? Are you hoping for that perfect moment when everything in the world seems to align? Do you dream about having enough money for the right time to purchase a house or go after your dreams? Life is too short to play the waiting game. Many people are waiting on something: there waiting to hear for got the job, they’re waiting to see the proposal was accepted, or they may be waiting for a diagnosis. Some people are waiting for someone else to deliver their happiness. I have taken care of many patients in my nursing career to realize that if you want something you need to go after it. There is no perfect moment only in the moments of experiences you create. The right time is now for taking action. You can prepare and plan and adjust as you go because what you envision as that perfect moment may never come. The waiting game ends up being a trap. What are you waiting for?

We all face uncertainties and life has no guarantees. The only guarantee that I will guarantee you do that if you do nothing you get nothing. In today’s podcast of that address three areas in which I find that people are waiting:

Come rescue me. People are waiting for someone to come and rescue them or to give them an opportunity and because you are waiting you take no action. You may be waiting a long time. It is been my experience those people who are taking action and putting in the effort it is these people who get recognized and promoted were offered opportunities because they have showcased their skills talents and abilities and knowledge. They don’t wait-they take the initiative. This is what makes them stand out from the crowd.

Waiting for perfection. These people wait for everything to be just perfect. If you wait for everything to be perfect you may never take action. Perfection is another form of procrastination. It can delay projects and even missed deadlines. Excuses start to come up for reasons why you can’t meet expectations. It’s important to focus on your progress versus perfection. While you’re waiting for everything to be perfect, others can be taking action and surpassing you. Start focusing on your progress and each step that you take and you will build a momentum.

Waiting for the right time. Some say timing is everything. There often is no perfect time but we can create our own opportunities. Sometimes this can be a way of avoiding responsibility or accountability. The right time to take action is always now. Do your due diligence and minimize your risks. Move forward with intention.

Quit waiting for happiness to come to you. Quit waiting for the dream job to come to you. If you wait, you may be waiting a long time. Set some goals and work toward it. Nothing happens unless you take action.

Thanks for joining us on The Millionaire Woman Show today. I would love to hear how you have taken actions to make your goals become reality. E-mail me at Debra@DebraKasowski.com we would love to hear from you. Subscribe to The Millionaire Woman Show. Give us a 5-star rating! Sign up for our Newsletter www.debrakasowski.com

Time: 6.49 min

Keywords: stop waiting for happiness, stop waiting for him, stop waiting for things to happen, waiting for success, waiting, quit waiting, playing the waiting game, perfection, procrastination, progress versus perfection, facing uncertainty, still waiting