by Amy Matthews | Jan 13, 2021 | In-Power, Mindset |
I was walking my dog, Pie, the day all hell broke loose in the Capital. Though it was raining, she needed to get outside and truth be told, I needed a break from the chaos. It was an unnerving day for all.
While on our walk, I encountered a man with a St. Bernard. We stopped to chat and let our dogs say hello. Pie, who weighs a mere 18 pounds, began to stare down the St Bernard from eight feet away, who my guess, weighs 110-120 pounds.
Then the play began. Pie held her own with this HUGE dog. She wasn’t intimidated, she wasn’t fearful, she didn’t feel threatened. She didn’t acquiesce to a dog that weighed 5 times what she weighs. NO WAY! She exuded confidence, determination persistence, and joy.
Then the man said, “She owns her power. AND she’s happy.” I laughed. He nailed it or better yet, he nailed who she is. It was the perfect exchange while processing the monumental events of the day.
There will always be people who think they are “bigger” than us. We all have encountered a bully or two in our lifetime, whether it be a CEO, a boss, a family member, a friend or a president. Here’s the thing: we get to decide whether we acquiesce. Those who abuse their power and mistreat others lack self-esteem, confidence and are not happy. Nuff said.
Own your power and be happy.
by Amy Matthews | Dec 30, 2020 | Inspiration, Mindset |
As we move into 2021, there is hope on the horizon, optimism in the air, and a glimpse of a brighter future. Though we aren’t out of the weeds yet and it won’t be all sunshine and rainbows, one thing is for sure. The new year will be better than the last.
It’s a powerful time to think about what we want to create and bring into our lives in the coming year.
It’s time to get intentional.
When I first start working with a new client, I ask them to create an intention for working together. If the goal is to find a new position, I want them to think about how they want to feel in the new role. Their intention can look something like this:
I am utilizing my superpowers at a company/brand that I deeply resonate with and love. My boss is awesome and I am valued for my contribution. My role is a perfect fit for me and I landed exactly where I’m supposed to be. I am getting the time with my family that I hold so dear and I feel energized, joyful, and am creating community.
Or if the goal is to get promoted into a leadership position, their intention looks something like this:
I wake up every day energized and excited to start my day. I show up authentically and no longer doubt myself and my actions. I speak up for what I believe in, stand for my team, and am confident in my leadership style. I feel a sense of ease in my life that I haven’t felt before.
No matter your goal, whether it’s around work, finding love or creating more abundance in your life, taking the time to write out the details allows you to be honest with yourself about what you truly want. Once you have it down on paper, open up to it. Believe wholeheartedly in it and allow the universe to answer you. Create a strategy, get into action and when it arrives, have the confidence to say YES.
Life is what you dream up.
As the new year begins, wishing you joy, ease, and magic.
Joy is imperative, especially now.
Joy gives us strength, energy, and stamina for what we need to do in the world.
To reconnect with YOUR joy, join me on the Eat the Brownie Challenge. Take an 8-day journey of introspection, inspiration, and passion with daily practices that support a connection with what makes you come alive, while easy-to-use tools help keep you on track.
by Amy Matthews | Dec 23, 2020 | In-Power, Inspiration |
I was standing in line yesterday at a cafe to pick up a to-go order. A woman ahead of me, exclaimed: “I can’t wait until 2020 is over!” A familiar sentiment I have heard so often since last spring.
Our limits have been tested. It’s been a year of growth for each and every one of us.
Initially, we focused on what we didn’t have, couldn’t do, and didn’t like. We felt a myriad of emotions – sad, pissed, frustrated, and scared. Yet, as the year progressed, we started to accept our circumstances. We became more flexible, adaptable, and resilient. Less set in our ways, less married to our own point of view. We became more receptive and opened up to new possibilities and opportunities. Found joy and gratitude in the simple things. And, many went deeper within to consider what wasn’t working in their lives and found the courage to make necessary changes that support their ultimate happiness.
The truth is, there has been a lot of loss and pain while at the same time, so much has been accomplished too.
I have clients who have been promoted, one who adopted a baby, several who created new businesses, built their brands, websites launched, funding secured, and had their best year ever. Others who have moved across the country, or bought new homes. I have other clients who have let go of perfectionism and overdoing and stepped into their most authentic and confident selves.
Take five minutes to ponder these three questions and write down your answers:
What are the positive outcomes from this year?
What have you accomplished this year?
What are you most proud of?
Wishing you a relaxing, heart-filled, and joyful holiday season!
by Amy Matthews | Nov 19, 2020 | Inspiration, Mindset |
Most high performers and I include myself in this category, expect a lot from themselves. Unrealistically so. We consistently overdo and over busy while at the same time, never feel ‘enough’. I see this across the board with my clients. As a recovered ‘hard on myself” master, I get it.
There isn’t a better time to release the mental chatter in our minds that doesn’t make us feel good or empowered. There isn’t a better time to start making permanent changes.
On that note, I am delighted to be published in an UpJourney article! It’s called “How to Not Beat Yourself Up.” My contribution is below.
How to Not Beat Yourself Up.
Across the board, women and men are hard on themselves. Especially high achievers. We live in a culture that worships perfection, overvalues how we look and perform and where playing the comparison game is the daily norm. Social media only makes matters worse. No wonder, many of us base our entire identity and on how others perceive us!
The truth is, we have lost our own sense of who we are and the ability to validate ourselves. No question, we all want to be loved and accepted. Yet, basing our entire self-worth on how others perceive us, is a disaster waiting to happen. There is no such thing as ‘perfect’. As we strive for the unattainable, feelings of unworthiness, anxiety, and self-doubt seep in – all contributors to low self-esteem.
So what to do about it? We learn to stop berating ourselves, comparing ourselves to others, and nix our expectations that cause disappointment and heartache. We learn to feel comfortable in our own skin and ultimately, become the authority of our own lives.
Ask yourself, “Why do I believe I need to be perfect?”
Perhaps like many of us, it was how we learned to get love as a small child. Ask yourself, then ask the question again. I bet you’ll get a different answer. You’ll recognize that you are loved for who you are – not only for what you accomplish or how you look.
Please stop the self-doubt talk
Doubting yourself and your actions are usually about what happened in the past. “Did I say the wrong thing?” Should I have said Yes?” “Was I Too Much?” Trust your intuition. Trust yourself and the decisions you make. If you focus on what’s happening right now, you can make a positive impact on the present and a difference in your future.
Release the judgment
Judgment only leads to negativity and an overly critical view of everything – the world, yourself, and all the people who truly matter to you. Judgment is heavy. It dilutes your precious energy. Instead, direct your energy into things that you love and inspire you.
Stop being your worst critic
Who are you to think less of yourself than others do? Belittling yourself is passe – it only keeps you small. Be kind and gentle with yourself. Make besties with your deliciously, imperfect self.
Let go of expectations of yourself
Expectations only create disappointment, especially if they aren’t met. Be open to how situations unfold. The outcome may be better than you imagined.
Try not to compare yourself or your life to others
The comparison game is usually played with someone you think has more or is doing more than you. Most likely, that isn’t true!
Let go of how you think you’re supposed to be
Instead of being and doing what you think you are supposed to be and do, claim who you really are. Your authentic self is your most powerful weapon.
Don’t let mistakes stop you in your tracks
We all make them. You are more than worthy and enough. Learn from your mistakes and try not to make them again.
We all deserve a break from being hard on ourselves. Pass this on to a friend or two – they will thank you for it.
You can read the entire UpJourney article “How to Stop Beating Yourself Up” here.
Tired of beating yourself up and ready to love yourself more? Schedule a FREE clarity call with me here and to get your first step towards becoming your best self.
by Amy Matthews | Nov 10, 2020 | In-Power |
It’s been a monumental few days. Many of us are feeling exhausted, elated, or a combination of both. I have to say, I had a BIG sigh of relief after hearing Biden won the election. I am feeling hopeful again.
Yet, others are feeling despair.
It’s hard to ignore when 50% of our country has an opposing view of our own. It’s a wake-up call. To put it in perspective, what if 50% of your company, team, family, non-profit or other organization you’re involved with, had a drastically different view than your own? What if half of all the people you came into contact with on a daily basis – at the grocery store or on a zoom call – held different beliefs and opinions?
Even though we may want to, we can’t make the other side or person wrong.
Whether you have an opposing political opinion or see things differently than your boss, partner or friend, in every conversation and interaction, do your best to:
1. Accept, not reject, opposing views and feelings
2. Be open, curious, and receptive
3. Respect, be humble and kind
Getting on the same page may be A LOT to ask of us right now – but we can try.
Let’s lead the way forward.
To realize our full potential, it’s imperative to step fully into our confidence, define our authentic leadership style, be clear about our purpose and take aligned action so we can have the greatest impact within our companies we serve.
Learn more about how to achieve this through my LIMITLESS Leadership Training Program here.
