Work From Within - Newsletter

May, 2006 Newsletter

Add More Creativity to Your Work

As a career coach, one of the most frequent complaints I hear from prospective clients is, "My job doesn't really let me be very creative." That's sad. It's like having a gigantic gift that you're excited to share with everyone, but other people either don't know you have it or they don't want it. And as you probably know from hearing about psychologist Abraham Maslow, we all want to realize our potential. Expressing your creativity in your livelihood is a big part of being all that you can be.

So, what do you do if you don't have enough creativity in your work? I recommend you take three steps.

Step 1: Know what you mean when you talk about creativity. If you want to have creativity, can you articulate to your work colleagues what that looks like? Take a moment and recall the most creative moments in your life.

Step 2: Look at how you can change your current job to incorporate more creativity. Describe your vision of creativity and ask your manager and colleagues for help with infusing your work with more energizing activities that feed your creative spirit. But, sometimes, that's not practical. Can you really paint at work when you are an accountant?

Step 3: Consider ways

So, what do you do if you feel stuck about adding creativity to your work? I welcome you to contact Work from Within for a free 30-minute consultation to see how career coaching can help you to achieve what you really desire. I can help you envision your future more clearly, and in a non-judgmental way, help you explore whatever might be holding you back. Then, you can discover how to move forward, and feel energized with a career that really fulfills your personal vision of success.

Career Coaching Success Story: Clear Vision Helps!

This month, Ravi Sekhon, of Quantum Physical Therapy, shares a great story of our coaching work together.

Ravi says: "I saw Susan Bernstein of Work from Within for her coaching services last year. I planned to jump from being an employee to being small business owner. This was both terrifying and exciting. I needed a clear VISION for my new business. I wanted someone to create a safe space to help me dream, brainstorm, and get in touch with what is in line with my values. To find the COURAGE to do things differently from my competitors and to live MY OWN DREAM. For all of this I needed Susan's help."

"Something unique about Susan's approach is her belief in "checking in" with the body's reactions as a way of seeing what's "true" for her client. As a physical therapist and bodyworker, I instantly responded to her way of coaching. When I shared an idea, Susan asked "How does that feel in your body?" I knew that if I felt tension in my neck or jaw, that idea was probably not connected with my deeper self. If my body responded with a full and natural breath from my diaphragm then I knew the idea "felt right." Susan also suggested activities to do between our meetings. Although at times difficult, these activities again made me focus on who I am and what is important to me. If my business was going to be fulfilling to me (otherwise why take the risk?) it needed to be a reflection of who I am. Armed with all of this new information about myself, my beliefs, and how my new business was going to reflect these beliefs, I felt energized to finally make the leap and start my own business."

"Quantum Physical Therapy in Mill Valley, California, has now been open for four months. When you walk in, the colors and decor reflect my warm personality and create a professional, nurturing environment. In the waiting area you'll find health magazines, products for sale, and business cards and brochures of other complementary health care providers in the community. We also have inviting treatment rooms and a gym, including a Pilates Reformer, exercise balls, foam rollers, and weights."

"At Quantum Physical Therapy you receive quality care with personalized attention to not only address the pain you may be experiencing, but the reasons why the pain began in the first place. You will receive a comprehensive evaluation on your first appointment. Then you'll be treated with various modalities will receive a home exercise program. I'll show you how to use your body correctly. Educating you about why your symptoms began allows you to change how you do things and prevent future problems."

"This process has been an exciting one. And I thank Susan Bernstein for helping me to find the courage and vision to make it all possible."

Self-Confidence, from the Inside Out

Need a boost of self-confidence? These simple activities can help you experience your inner power.

Stand taller. Your mother was right. If you notice your posture starts to slump, get more upright. You'll notice your mood gets better, too.

Look up. Literally! When you're feeling down, keep your head still and let your eyes look way, way up. Hold that for a few seconds, and you may start to notice you feel happier, more positive.

Talk from your belly. What? That sounds weird. But when we're feeling self-conscious, our voices trail off. If you need to speak with more confidence, imagine that your voice and your ideas are pouring forth from your belly. See if you notice that your words have more impact.

Breathe deep. Nervousness is usually accompanied by shallow breathing. Gradually transform nervous energy into more positive feelings by consciously breathing slowly, deeply, and rhythmically.