Our Inner Critic

"We are our own worst critics" I think many of us find that to be a true statement. Today was a perfect example of my critic popping up to work me over. I was invited to participate in a panel discussion for a "Marketing to Women" seminar that was held today. First thing that pops into my head when I was first approached about it was "Why would you want me to be one of your experts on marketing to women? What do I know about that?" Gotta love those inner critics :-)

I actually was thinking about it so much that I finally really had to ask.... response: "Suzy, you're perfect for this panel - your market has always been women." Umm - Oh, I knew that. So, by now I'm starting to catch the fact that I've allowed my inner critic to come out and play with me.

So, today is the day, - I wake up... things start off on the right foot and then, my morning takes a nose dive. I'm printing brochures, run out of yellow ink (my printer won't print anything unless all the ink cartridges have ink in them). Ok, not a big deal. I run into town, pick up ink - remembered I ran out of business cards (big no, no), so I pick up some printable ones (got to work with what you've got), head back home and start printing. I get half-way through and the black ink runs out. UGH! I do not have time now to make a second trip - so I have brochures, no business cards.

As I am driving to the seminar, my "fun" little critic starts right back at it. "What kind of business woman are you? Everyone knows you don't attend these types of events without business cards. Do you really think people are going to take you seriously?" (nevermind that I DO have brochures)

At this point, I'm getting sick of myself. Come on, Suzy, snap out of it! I now consciously shift my focus from what I don't have (i.e - business cards) to what opportunities have now opened up to me as a result of this. Here's a few of them that I came up with:

~ Everyone will relate to me - I'm human!

~ It's great I didn't bring the cards, with the brochure they will now know more about who I am.

~ I can use this opportunity to really connect with others and get their business cards.

And then I reminded myself to just have fun! You know what - I did! I released the morning and went the flow. Not only did I have tons of fun, meet great women (martini "date" next week), I felt really good about my contribution on the panel discussion and received great feedback as well.

Moral of the story: Tell the inner critic to "shut-up" :-)

Until next time....

A Purpose Can Be Found In Everything

The above is a foundation principle that was taught and embraced in the coaching course I just finished up this spring. I really connect with this because it connects with the concept of free will vs. the saying "Everything happens for a reason" which implies that no matter what choices you make the outcome will always be the same.

This principle came up for me the other day as my husband and I discussed some big changes that are coming up in our near future. He just accepted a new position with a company that he has wanted to work with for years. The funny thing is, he was on the verge of being offered a position with the exact same company, just in a different location, about two years ago and it fell through. About six months or so after that whole debacle (or so we thought at the time) the account fell through for that company and the man who ended up with the position had to relocate or was out of a job.

As we reflected over the events the past two years, we realized that the choices we made on our end led us to where we are right now. It's interesting if you take time and reflect over past events and choices, you will start to see a pattern that leads you to exactly where you are at this moment in time. What purpose can be found in your past choices, circumstances and the events in your life? How might you use that information to shift directions from this point forward?

Until next time....

Simple Successful Habits

I've been tagged! Rebekah author of The Day of a Mom tagged me as part of an ongoing meme , the theme being "Simple Things that Make You Successful."

I believe there are a few elements that contribute to true success.

1. Connection to the creative source.
I believe in that we as humans were created. I feel that in order to experience true success you need to be connected to or have a relationship with that creative source. (For me that creative source is God)

2. Relationship with yourself.
How many people actually spend time getting to know themselves? When we are thinking about getting married and partnering with someone for life, we date. Dating allows us to build a connection with that other person. We spend time getting to know who they are on a core level. What likes and dislikes they have. What kind of personality they have. Their beliefs. What they are passionate about. What their principles they embrace. What dreams and goals they hold for themselves and the future. What changes they want to make for themselves.

How many of us actually know those things about themselves? Don't you think it might be just as important to develop that level of relationship with yourself? How are you to know if you are successful if you don't even know who you are, what you want and how you define success in the first place?

3. Surrounding yourself with people who build you up.
What type of people are you surrounded with? What relationships make up your inner circle? Are they energy drainers - people who take, take, take and suck you dry? OR are they people who are generous and full of abundance. People who fill you up and allow you to reciprocate?

I believe these are the starting points for establishing a successful life pattern. How do you feel you are doing in each area? What areas need some changes? Feel free to contact me if you are serious about making changes to get you on the path to your own success. Click here for your complimentary coaching consultation.

Tag - Your it!
Melissa Hilmerson at "The Caddy Shack"
Neil Patel at Quick Sprout
Jenn Givler at Create a Thriving Business

Effective Time Management Strategies

Typically time management is one of the most challenging areas to master, especially for women. Here are some strategies to consider for effective time management.







Creating your Absolute Yes List

Keeping the ultimate vision of what you want to create in your life and business will help you determine your YES list.

Ask yourself these questions when being asked to do something:

• Does this bring me closer to my ultimate vision?


• Do I feel good about doing this?


• Do I really want to do this?

If you do not answer ALL three questions with an absolute YES then you should absolutely not commit to the request - even if you feel obligated.

Create Your To-Do List the Night Before

Not only will creating the list help you fall asleep faster, you will wake up with purpose and intention every morning. Doing this will keep you focused and productive.

Put Yourself on Your To-Do List

Self-Care FIRST - Care of others SECOND

It's simple: You cannot provide for others and be effective at anything if you are running on empty. Not only will it cause emotional and physical stress, but greatly impede your productivity over time.

Allow for Flexibility

You want to create a daily routine which helps you stay organized, but don't schedule everything down to the minute or you will never stick to the routine. Leave enough time in your schedule to be flexible to change your mind or agenda for the day.

Try NOT to Multi-Task

Seems crazy huh? Here's the thing about multi-tasking: When you are multi-tasking you are doing many things at once, but you are not doing one thing well. If you are feeling the need to multi-task then you have too many things on your to-do list and you want to re-visit them with your absolute yes questions.



Doing things sequentially allows you not only to dedicate your full energy and focus towards that item, it actually increases productivity. You will accomplish more if you are not splitting your attention between multiple things at once.

These are just a few strategies for managing time. If you feel this is definitely your main area of concern, I'd love to work with you to create your perfect time management solution. Please feel free to contact me at Growth In Action ~Empowerment Coaching and Training to set up a complimentary consultation.


Until Next Time...