by Amy Matthews | Mar 10, 2020 | In-Power, Mindset |
We’re living in unprecedented times. We are on lockdown in the San Francisco Bay Area and are stunned how quickly this has come upon us.
When the rug gets pulled out from under us when we don’t know and feel like we have zero control, it’s natural to feel our security is at stake, it’s natural to feel vulnerable. It’s natural to feel anxious. Let’s not forget, we’re human.
Times like these call for radical discipline. Discipline of our beliefs, thoughts, feelings, and actions. A few thoughts:
Reign in your fear, don’t let it run rampant. Pause and acknowledge it. Try not to share your anxiety with everyone. Fear is contagious so do your best to not spread it.
Manage the hoarding mentality. The media isn’t helping, I know! We will not go hungry. You are the only one who can determine how much is enough.
Think positive thoughts. Focus on all you’re grateful for. Get inspired about what you want to create next. Or your plan to pivot. Focus and inspiration are contagious too.
Get into nature and into your body. Walk, hike, online yoga, meditate. Do what makes you feel connected. Soak up the sunshine. Breathe and breathe some more.
Don’t forget humor and levity. Laughter is contagious too. I watched Stephen Colbert at 7am. Made my day!
What we focus on expands. Hunker down and choose wisely.
“Worrying won’t stop the bad stuff from happening. It stops you from enjoying the good.” – Author Unknown
If our current reality is getting the best of you, I can help. Book a free call with me here.
Stay healthy and spread light. #Faith.
by Amy Matthews | Feb 25, 2020 | Business, In-Power |
I talk to people transitioning in their careers almost on a daily basis, both clients and potential clients alike. Time to rant and lend perspective on this week’s conversations.
Two potential clients, a man, and a woman, successful tech leaders in career transition. They both reached out for help, looking for clarity and direction as they initiate their new job search. It makes perfect sense to me as their needs are aligned with many of my clients. When we embark on something new, it’s fitting to want a clear path forward, especially for those of us who are high achievers. We want to do it right, the first time.
After listening to their unique backgrounds and situations, I responded in a similar fashion.
The opportunity in front of you is to:
Define who you are today – not 5 years ago when you accepted your last position
Define your superpowers so you leverage them in your next position
Create your authentic brand – from the inside out and reflect it in all your communication
Let go of old identities, personas and limiting beliefs that are based in the past
Define an intention and parameters you want in your next position
Create a strategy and action plan to get the position that’s the perfect fit
They responded in a similar fashion too.
Thanks Amy. You get me and your process resonates. I want to work with you. Before I commit, I need to talk it over with my spouse/partner. See what they think.
I truly understand that answer.
We often need to talk over decisions with a partner, especially when it involves a financial commitment. Plus, it’s always a good idea to think about a decision before we make it – whether that decision is working with a career and business coach, or another decision that requires us to be All In.
Before you initiate a conversation with someone you’re in partnership with, ask yourself these 3 questions:
How much do I want this?
Am I looking for permission or buy-in?
What is the best approach to gain buy-in and support?
Be intentional with your communication and create the outcomes you want.
Give yourself permission to be your own authority.
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 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 | Dec 17, 2019 | In-Power, Mindset |
Someone asked me the other day if I’ve written about boundaries. My first reaction was of course! I looked at all my blogs and realized I’ve referenced boundaries but not written about them directly. Here’s my attempt to do just that.
We’ve all heard about the importance of healthy boundaries but many of us struggle to create them. Here are some indicators when we don’t have them:
We say yes to people or situations that don’t interest us.
We accommodate and over function for others.
We give unsolicited advice.
The underlying reason? We want to please. We want others to like us. We want others to be happy. We get emotionally involved and care too much.
Caring deeply may sound all well and good. We were brought up to care more about others well being above our own. It’s what we do. The truth is, when we overextend ourselves, it leads to exhaustion, stress and even burnout. Eventually, not having boundaries will get the best of us.
If this resonates, ask yourself these questions:
Am I doing what I want or am I doing it out of obligation?
How do I feel when I am with this person?
Why do I feel I need to offer advice?
You can be kind. You can be helpful. You can prioritize what you want. To realize your highest potential of success, ditch the people-pleasing and stay in your own lane. Create boundaries that serve you and the people in your life.
by Amy Matthews | Dec 10, 2019 | Business, In-Power |
In conversations with clients this week, all who are solo entrepreneurs grappling with growing their businesses, I found myself saying the same thing.
“You get what you think you are worth.” “You get what you think you deserve.” “You get what you are committed to.”
The good news is, as an entrepreneur, you get to define yourself and your business. Whether you’re pricing art, product offerings or a consulting project, you get to decide your value and what you are worth. That can be daunting because we are trained to define our businesses by industry benchmarks or what competitors are doing. But to differentiate yourself and stand out from the crowd, define yourself on your terms.
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you are worth. Claim it and own it. Don’t be afraid to lose business. Exude confidence and the right clients will be attracted to you and respond accordingly. “Like attracts like.”
If you believe you are worth it, then you are. It’s that simple.
If you are ready to expand your vision for your business and your capacity for success, book a call with me here.
Life is too short to not go big.
