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Tag: progress

Honor the quirk

With all the filters and editing software, it seems we are trying to do away with imperfections. Yet quirks are magnetic. Quirky elements are relatable and endearing — what stops a scroll and captures attention.

This post is an ode to the quirk. A reminder that something is worth doing even if it isn’t exceptional. That art can be created without the goal of perfection. That the greatest entrepreneurial attempts are often imperfect and messy when they begin.

Quirks can be fun and inspiring and a platform for something great.

Just for today, follow the quirks. Embrace them, and look for ways to use quirks in your favor.

Prompt: What quirks have unexpectedly served you? Tweet me @redheadlefthand.

3 reasons to hire a professional coach

A good coach can help you level up, get inspired, and set goals you’ve been putting off for way too long. Yet “coaching” has become a saturated industry with a range of providers, from academically-trained professionals to Instagram influencers charging fees anywhere between $40 to $3,500 per session. How can you determine if a coach can help you and what should you be prepared for when you begin?

I’ve listed three ways in which the right coach can add value to your work and life:

  1. Confidence. A focused coach-client relationship can build confidence over time through task achievement, heightened goal setting behaviors, and improved self awareness. Confidence comes through accomplishment; the simple act of showing up to a coach session can boost esteem and feelings of productivity.
  2. Performance. Targeted questions can encourage even the most experienced professionals to measure and analyze their own performance. This, in turn, can maximize professional development and catalyze personal growth. Just as sports coaches help players succeed, business coaches can help clients “see the field” within specific industries and relevant verticals.
  3. Progress. From business to personal settings, stagnation can occur for a variety of reasons — boredom, lack of inspiration, the absence of motivation, ineffective routine. A coach can motivate clients to set and change patterns so progress can take place. Whether you’re trying to write a book or grow your business, use a coach to help you identify areas of opportunity and make plans to stay on track.

I take on a limited number of coaching clients. Send a message if you’d like to learn more.

7 essential benchmarks for progress

Inspiration

Who and what inspires you? Where do you go to find inspiration?

Motivation

What keeps you pushing and moving forward? What sustains you through hard times?

Support

What do you need to feel supported? How can you get even more?

Commitment

What does commitment mean to you? What can you to commit to? For how long?

Feedback

What do you need to feel appreciated and valued? How do you know what you’re doing is working?

Guidance

Who do you look up to and from where do you receive advice?

Nourishment

What keeps you strong, both mind and body? Where will you learn and how will you grow?

Power up your inbox (and your life) with these free newsletters

Your inbox doesn’t need to be a source of dread. In fact, with a little attention, weekly emails can deliver inspiration and insight to your daily routine.

Here’s a few to get you started:

For body and spirit

This quirky Texan churns out free weekly yoga videos so you can stay mindful and active all year long. Adriene’s approach to health and wellness is both refreshing and fun. yogawithadriene.com

For self-improvement

Tonya pours champagne flutes of encouragement to help women and men live artfully and well. Her free podcasts and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her community mix lightness and direction for those interested in personal development. frenchkisslife.com/about

For your mind

James Clear’s 3-2-1 Thursday newsletter offers an inspiring mid-week pick-me-up of facts, quotes, and questions that also act as excellent writing prompts. jamesclear.com/3-2-1

To boost creative zest

This Sunday meal of art, literature, and and science is a must. Paired with a hot cup of coffee, Brain Pickings is a necessary ritual for a positive start to your week. brainpickings.org/newsletter

To build community

David’s “One Email Away” connects strangers with opportunity. Whether you’re looking for a mentor or a hire, this email is a fine place to expand your network and contribute more generously to the world around you. portfoliocareerpodcast.com/oneemailaway

For your business

Seth Godin is dedicated to daily missives of advice for marketers, entrepreneurs, and social do-gooders. He delivers. sethgodin.com