by Amy Matthews | Feb 11, 2020 | Business, In-Power, Inspiration |
I was at Rancho la Puerta last week, an amazing wellness and fitness retreat in Tecate, Mexico. Have you been? I was honored to be a speaker for the week. I went there 5 years ago as a guest and forgot how magical it is! Amazing early morning hikes, organic plant-based food, all sorts of fitness classes, mindfulness classes, inspiring performers and speakers. It’s a soulful and rejuvenating place because of its sacred land and its people are kind, warm and friendly.
We can learn so much from the Mexicans. They lead with their hearts, then their heads, rather than the other way around. They are insightful and wise. I was reminded of my corporate days when I ran a Latin America for a tech company. Back then, I was an intense, over performer with a big job. I traveled constantly and my entire identity was wrapped up in what I did.
I was focused on my performance and super stressed. Truth be told, I wasn’t happy.
My team in Mexico City taught me a lot. I began to understand that you can enjoy your life without sacrificing your career. That you can prioritize your loved ones over your work. That you are valued for who you are, not what you do. That you are enough, just the way you are. That happiness and ease are a birthright. That authenticity and kindness always rule. That leading with your heart is IN.
Limitless, is my leadership program for ambitious, high performers who want more joy, adventure, confidence, ease, and greater success. It’s possible to create a life that is so expansive and inspiring, just thinking about it makes you want to get down and boogie. To learn more about Limitless, book a clarity call with me here.
You can have your cake and eat it too.
by Amy Matthews | Jan 28, 2020 | Business, Mindset |
We all have Internal conflicts. You know what I mean, when your mind is in a constant tug of war. One of the best ways to hold yourself back from achieving what you want most, is to want two opposing things at the same time.
A few examples:
You want to lose weight. And you are obsessed with eating ice cream.
You want to grow your business. And you spend all your time ‘on the business’.
You want to find a new job. And don’t want to look for a new position.
You want an intimate partnership. And you want to stay home and watch Netflix.
When we want two different and opposing things, we create resistance within ourselves. This makes us conflicted, creates confusion and mind mugginess which keeps us stuck.
To #Breakfree from this mental trap, ask yourself:
What is it I really want – right now? Not a month from now or 2 years from now. Right this very minute?
I reported to an executive years ago who was notorious for saying this.”You’re not a man without a plan. You can change a plan but you can’t change a no plan.”
I’d like to think that in today’s environment, he would have included “woman” in the above statement but you get my drift.
Empower yourself and make a choice. Create an action plan and commit to it 100%. If you don’t gain traction after some time, revisit your plan. You can always change it.
But you can’t change a “no plan”.
by Amy Matthews | Jan 15, 2020 | In-Power, Mindset |
Last week we discussed developing a plan that is simple, clear and attainable.
Now for the fun part. It’s time to get into strategic action.
We’ve all heard the term, work smarter, not harder. What does it really mean?
It’s staying focused on your priorities. It’s having discipline. It’s creating boundaries. Boundaries, not only with people but with your schedule. Time is finite and is the most precious and valuable resource there is.
Distraction will inevitably, rear its ugly head. Sometimes it’s in our control, sometimes not. You can turn off your devices when you’re working on a project deadline. You can block your calendar so you aren’t available. When you need clarity, you can ask your coach or a friend for help. But when your dog jumps up while sipping your morning coffee, spilling on your computer, pronouncing it dead, you have less control. (Yep, my distraction and lesson for the week).
Stuff will happen that you don’t plan or foresee. All you can do is manage your reaction to it. As my yoga teacher says, have radical acceptance of what is. Give 100% of what you can give – your best – every day. If a family emergency crops up or you didn’t sleep last night, your 100% may be less than on another day. That’s OK. Staying the Course is what’s important.
Say NO to distraction that is in your control.
Say YES to focus and getting ‘er done.
by Amy Matthews | Jan 14, 2020 | Inspiration, Mindset |
Last week I talked about creating intentions and what you want most this year. Have you taken the time to write them down? Created a vision board? A list of what you’re saying YES to and NO to? Yep, I’m your accountability partner.
Let’s say you now have a vision. It’s time to create your plan.
A solid plan has structure, clear goals and priorities. It’s realistic and attainable. If goals are too lofty, you may be setting yourself up to fail and who wants that! Be honest with yourself – with what you want and how much you can do. You don’t have to boil the ocean because it’s 1) impossible and 2) exhausting.
Some thrive on planning and structure. Others don’t. A client of mine avoids structure because it makes her feel confined but now realizes she needs it to reach her goals. Another client, an astute planner her entire life, after giving birth, says her planning has gone out the window! She realizes that planning is about the future, not the present. She also found it super stressful. She feels happier, grounded and more at ease with herself and in her life.
Structure has always helped me accomplish things. Yet in the past, I had a tendency to get hyper-focused and not see what was right in front of me. I was too focused on the goal. I now balance structure with spaciousness which allows me to be creative, open to magic and at the same time, ‘get er done’.
I’m simplifying my plan this year and my theme is quality over quantity. Only 3 priorities for my business and 3 for my personal life. The less is more approach. I think I’ll be more focused and get more accomplished because of it.
Everyone has an approach that works for them. What works for you? Reply to this email, would love to hear!
If you don’t have clarity about your game plan this year, I’d love to help. Sign up for a free 30-minute call with me here.
by Amy Matthews | Jan 8, 2020 | Blog, Inspiration |
Last week I wrote about looking back at all you’ve accomplished in the past year and how you’ve grown. Have you done that yet? It’s super important to be complete with the past year before moving to the next. If you aren’t yet, decide what you want to do about the things that aren’t complete and are preoccupying your mind. Perhaps you need to have a conversation or write about it. The objective is to be present as you create your goals for the new year.
You know what I mean. No shouldas, wouldas, couldas as you envision your future.
Now let’s look at what you want in 2020. You can choose to make it a daunting exercise or an exciting one. I say make it the latter! Buy yourself a new notebook, cozy up with a cup of your favorite tea and answer these questions:
What is my intention for the year?
What do I want to create?
What do I want my life to look like?
What am I saying YES to?
What am I saying NO to?
Once you have your answers, by all means, create a vision board. I created two this year, one for business and one for my personal life. Why not? Have fun with it. If you’d rather do it with others, invite a few friends over for a simple dinner and make a night of it.
To let more of what you want in, start saying NO to people and situations that zap your energy. Start saying NO to obligation and YES to what brings you inspiration, joy, and ease.
Each day, you get to decide what to bring into your life. Be intentional. Choose wisely.
