In 2009 accountability is a joke. Companies that have benefited from bailouts are but not limited to, Bank Of America Corp, American International Group Inc (AIG), Citigroup Inc, and General Motors just to name a few. How can we expect to teach our children about responsibility, when all the major institutions around them are receiving bailout money for not being responsible.
When there is no oversight or accountability, irresponsibility is your final result. When I make bad business decisions the federal government does not come to my rescue. Not only were these companies bailed out, they continued to pay their top executives salaries and bonuses. Help me out here how does one get a bonus when you have mismanaged your funds?
The most significant part of the coaching relationship is accountability. If my client and I don’t have a mutual agreement for being accountable to each other, the relationship does not work. I have read numerous books on coaching were entire chapters are dedicated to accountability.
Anytime you are changing a habit accountability has to be part of that change. When clients are held accountable they buy into the process therefore, increasing the likelihood of accomplishing their goals.
In the larger picture God holds us accountable. Although he forgives us of our sins we are still going to be held accountable. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil (2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV).
The next time someone does not hold their end of the deal up, hold them accountable. It does not mean that you don’t’ forgive them for not following through, forgiveness has nothing to do with accountability.
If you are seeking to make some positive changes in your life contact me so that I can become your accountability partner. I can be reached on marsha@gospel360online.com. I look forward to offering you a free introductory session.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
Vision Boarding
A wonderful tool that I use with my clients is vision boarding and mind mapping. By encouraging my clients to do a vision board it not only brings their goals to reality it also serves as a tool for accountability.
What is a vision board? A vision board is a collage of motivational quotes, pictures, magazine clippings, articles, etc anything visual you can think of to bring your goals to reality.
Not only do I encourage my clients to do them I do them as well. The first thing that I do prior to starting my board is getting in a quite space so that I am able to focus. I start out by identifying a vision statement for example. I will start an exercise program a few times per week in order to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight.
Once I have created my vision statement I then start to bring it all together. I use several steps to create this board.
1. Put First Things First – Map out exactly what is going to go on the board (pictures, quotes, timelines, etc).
2. Begin With The End In Mind – Decide how I want the goal to manifest itself in the end (themes, stories).
3. Whatever you decide to use (poster board, cork board, journal) glue your pictures, quotes, themes, timelines, etc on the board. This is where you become very creative through writing, painting, coloring, whatever feels good to you. Themes can be Spiritual, Health/Wellness, Career, Recreational etc.
4. Optional put a picture of you in the middle of the board.
5. Make sure it is where you can see it daily.
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it”. (Habakkuk 2:3 ESV).
Action Step: Think of a goal you would like to accomplish and start gathering the necessary materials needed to get a board done. Call me for a free introductory session so that you can start your journey to fulfilling your vision. I can be reached on meverett24@verizon.net.
What is a vision board? A vision board is a collage of motivational quotes, pictures, magazine clippings, articles, etc anything visual you can think of to bring your goals to reality.
Not only do I encourage my clients to do them I do them as well. The first thing that I do prior to starting my board is getting in a quite space so that I am able to focus. I start out by identifying a vision statement for example. I will start an exercise program a few times per week in order to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight.
Once I have created my vision statement I then start to bring it all together. I use several steps to create this board.
1. Put First Things First – Map out exactly what is going to go on the board (pictures, quotes, timelines, etc).
2. Begin With The End In Mind – Decide how I want the goal to manifest itself in the end (themes, stories).
3. Whatever you decide to use (poster board, cork board, journal) glue your pictures, quotes, themes, timelines, etc on the board. This is where you become very creative through writing, painting, coloring, whatever feels good to you. Themes can be Spiritual, Health/Wellness, Career, Recreational etc.
4. Optional put a picture of you in the middle of the board.
5. Make sure it is where you can see it daily.
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it”. (Habakkuk 2:3 ESV).
Action Step: Think of a goal you would like to accomplish and start gathering the necessary materials needed to get a board done. Call me for a free introductory session so that you can start your journey to fulfilling your vision. I can be reached on meverett24@verizon.net.
Swot Yourself To The New You
SWOT analysis is a tool used to audit an organization and its environment. Individuals can use this same tool to audit and organize their lives. SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. I use SWOT to capitalize my client’s strengths, enhance their weakness, embrace their opportunities and recognize the threats.
The dictionary has several definitions for strength. I like vigor of action, language, feeling, etc. as my working definition. I encourage my clients to be vigorous in their action, saying what they mean and meaning what they say, and being passionate about the choices and decisions they are embarking upon. Some of the questions we explore are: What are you passionate about? What is it that you do well? What strengths do others see in you? Everyone has unique strengths and talents that they have been blessed with. Once we discover our unique strengths I work with my clients to maximize those attributes.
We all have weak areas. A slight fault or defect. These defects are to be recognized and enhanced. I don’t encourage belaboring over the weaknesses. We recognize those weaknesses and develop a plan to enhance the defect. I believe in maximizing the strengths. It is more efficient to be performing at 90% of your strengths and bringing up 10% to equal perfection as opposed to being 10% efficient and having to raise your performance by 90%. Questions we explore when enhancing weaknesses are: What are you not good at? What area would others say is your weakness? What activities do you favor and what things do you stay away from?
Opportunity a chance for progress or advancement. A situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal and a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success. All of us have opportunities in life. Often times we miss opportunities, because of fear. No matter what issue my client brings to me, there is always an opportunity. Sometimes the opportunity is not clear cut but, there is always opportunity in every situation. Opportunities come out of strengths that have been identified. Questions we explore when looking at opportunities: How can we make this a win/win for all parties? What current resources do you already have? If you could not fail how would your life be impacted?
Like everything in life there is a positive/negative, good/bad, etc. With that said when looking at opportunities we also have to look at threats. What will impede my clients from moving from point a to point b? Threat an indication or warning of probable trouble. When we are exploring change we have to identify the threats associated with these changes. Questions we explore: What or who will impede you from accomplishing the action step? If you don’t make this change how does it affect everything else? What are the benefits if any of not changing? Our ultimate goal when identifying the threat is eventually turning it into opportunity.
SWOT yourself to the new you:
S = The Lord is the strength of my life whom shall I fear (Psalm 27:1 KJV).
W = But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV).
O = Opportunity I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day, the night cometh, when no man can work (John 9:4). We have to seize opportunity.
T = Threat “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).
Action Step – Review the questions that are explored when using SWOT. Answer those questions so that we can review them in our free introductory session. I can be reached to set up an appointment on mevertt24@verizon.net.
The dictionary has several definitions for strength. I like vigor of action, language, feeling, etc. as my working definition. I encourage my clients to be vigorous in their action, saying what they mean and meaning what they say, and being passionate about the choices and decisions they are embarking upon. Some of the questions we explore are: What are you passionate about? What is it that you do well? What strengths do others see in you? Everyone has unique strengths and talents that they have been blessed with. Once we discover our unique strengths I work with my clients to maximize those attributes.
We all have weak areas. A slight fault or defect. These defects are to be recognized and enhanced. I don’t encourage belaboring over the weaknesses. We recognize those weaknesses and develop a plan to enhance the defect. I believe in maximizing the strengths. It is more efficient to be performing at 90% of your strengths and bringing up 10% to equal perfection as opposed to being 10% efficient and having to raise your performance by 90%. Questions we explore when enhancing weaknesses are: What are you not good at? What area would others say is your weakness? What activities do you favor and what things do you stay away from?
Opportunity a chance for progress or advancement. A situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal and a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success. All of us have opportunities in life. Often times we miss opportunities, because of fear. No matter what issue my client brings to me, there is always an opportunity. Sometimes the opportunity is not clear cut but, there is always opportunity in every situation. Opportunities come out of strengths that have been identified. Questions we explore when looking at opportunities: How can we make this a win/win for all parties? What current resources do you already have? If you could not fail how would your life be impacted?
Like everything in life there is a positive/negative, good/bad, etc. With that said when looking at opportunities we also have to look at threats. What will impede my clients from moving from point a to point b? Threat an indication or warning of probable trouble. When we are exploring change we have to identify the threats associated with these changes. Questions we explore: What or who will impede you from accomplishing the action step? If you don’t make this change how does it affect everything else? What are the benefits if any of not changing? Our ultimate goal when identifying the threat is eventually turning it into opportunity.
SWOT yourself to the new you:
S = The Lord is the strength of my life whom shall I fear (Psalm 27:1 KJV).
W = But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV).
O = Opportunity I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day, the night cometh, when no man can work (John 9:4). We have to seize opportunity.
T = Threat “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17 KJV).
Action Step – Review the questions that are explored when using SWOT. Answer those questions so that we can review them in our free introductory session. I can be reached to set up an appointment on mevertt24@verizon.net.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
How To Plant Your Garden
How to Plant Your Garden
First, you come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses
For the garden of your daily living,
Plant three rows of peas:
Peace of mind
Peace of heart
Peace of soul
Plant four rows of squash:
Squash gossip
Squash indifference
Squash grumbling
Squash selfishness
Plant four rows of lettuce:
Let us be faithful
Let us be kind
Let us be patient
Let us love one another
No garden is without turnips:
Turn up for meetings
Turn up for service
Turn up to help one another
To conclude our garden we must have thyme:
Time for each other
Time for family
Time for friends
Water freely with patience and cultivate with love.
There is much fruit in your garden because you reap what you sow.
-- Author Unknown
First, you come to the garden alone,
While the dew is still on the roses
For the garden of your daily living,
Plant three rows of peas:
Peace of mind
Peace of heart
Peace of soul
Plant four rows of squash:
Squash gossip
Squash indifference
Squash grumbling
Squash selfishness
Plant four rows of lettuce:
Let us be faithful
Let us be kind
Let us be patient
Let us love one another
No garden is without turnips:
Turn up for meetings
Turn up for service
Turn up to help one another
To conclude our garden we must have thyme:
Time for each other
Time for family
Time for friends
Water freely with patience and cultivate with love.
There is much fruit in your garden because you reap what you sow.
-- Author Unknown
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Are You Wealthy or Are You Wealthy?
How many times have you said to yourself, why does it appear those living any old kind of way continues to prosper? I know some CME folks (Christmas, Mother’s Day and Easter) church goers. God is the farthest thing away from their mind. They continue to get stuff and things while I other the other hand, stay on my knees, attend church service every Sunday, bible study on Wednesday you name it. It all seems so unfair!!! Fortunately, I now know that this is the trick of the devil.
When it is all said and done guess what? 1) We all die 2) You take nothing with you. No matter how much wealth you have, you can’t buy your way out of the grave. Be careful that you are not envious of your neighbors stuff because they have to die and leave it here. When was the last time you thought about your mortality? All the things you have someone will have to do something with those things when you die. If you don’t believe me read Psalm 49:16-17 “Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him”. (ESV)
When we start to understand our Purpose we become wealthy. Our life purpose should be to live like God. “Even when you are doing well, living on-purpose and making a difference, God will prune your life back and lead you into outwardly-unproductive wilderness seasons to gain a greater grip on your heart”. (Tony Stoltzfus – A leader’s life purpose).
As a Christian Life Coach I am constantly confirming with my clients that God has a purpose for their lives. You were born by design. Living on purpose is living that life that God has called you to live. One of the first things I do is administer a Spiritual Gifts Assessment Questionnaire. Once you know your spiritual gift everything else is centered on those gifts.
Living on purpose is doing what you were born to do. The assessment provides you with direction. You will be amazed once you know what you are suppose to do your life is completely transformed.
When you are living in and on purpose you have secured your seat in the kingdom. With that said are you wealthy (worldly) or are you wealthy (spiritually). I am spiritually wealthy. I don’t care what happens in this world God has promised me that if I am obedient he will give me a home somewhere in his kingdom.
Let’s live life on purpose. Purpose Driven Life Coaching is here to guide you along the journey. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 ESV).
Action Step – Create a list divide that list into 3 parts (things you have to have, things that make no difference either way and things you can absolutely do without). Once complete contact me meverett24@verizon.net I am happy to provide you with a free introductory session to discuss and evaluate your list.
When it is all said and done guess what? 1) We all die 2) You take nothing with you. No matter how much wealth you have, you can’t buy your way out of the grave. Be careful that you are not envious of your neighbors stuff because they have to die and leave it here. When was the last time you thought about your mortality? All the things you have someone will have to do something with those things when you die. If you don’t believe me read Psalm 49:16-17 “Be not afraid when a man becomes rich, when the glory of his house increases. For when he dies he will carry nothing away; his glory will not go down after him”. (ESV)
When we start to understand our Purpose we become wealthy. Our life purpose should be to live like God. “Even when you are doing well, living on-purpose and making a difference, God will prune your life back and lead you into outwardly-unproductive wilderness seasons to gain a greater grip on your heart”. (Tony Stoltzfus – A leader’s life purpose).
As a Christian Life Coach I am constantly confirming with my clients that God has a purpose for their lives. You were born by design. Living on purpose is living that life that God has called you to live. One of the first things I do is administer a Spiritual Gifts Assessment Questionnaire. Once you know your spiritual gift everything else is centered on those gifts.
Living on purpose is doing what you were born to do. The assessment provides you with direction. You will be amazed once you know what you are suppose to do your life is completely transformed.
When you are living in and on purpose you have secured your seat in the kingdom. With that said are you wealthy (worldly) or are you wealthy (spiritually). I am spiritually wealthy. I don’t care what happens in this world God has promised me that if I am obedient he will give me a home somewhere in his kingdom.
Let’s live life on purpose. Purpose Driven Life Coaching is here to guide you along the journey. “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 ESV).
Action Step – Create a list divide that list into 3 parts (things you have to have, things that make no difference either way and things you can absolutely do without). Once complete contact me meverett24@verizon.net I am happy to provide you with a free introductory session to discuss and evaluate your list.
The Hand You Were Dealt
We have all at some point in our lives thought how did I end up in this family, with these people? No matter what hand you were dealt you are right where God has purposed you to be. Even Jesus came from an interesting and eclectic group. Jesus family line included prostitutes, adulterers, spies, wise men and fools. If Jesus family line had such a mixture why not ours? Esther, a Jewish queen, the scripture says was born “for such a time as this.”
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb”. (Psalm 139:13 ESV). Often times individuals seek Life Coaching because they are not clear about what their life’s purpose is, why they are here, and where do they go from here. The first thing that one must recognize is that there are situations that you have control over, and there are situations that you have absolutely no control over. Those things that you can control you do so the things you can’t you Let Go And Let God. Always keep your eye on God and not the situation.
No matter what hand you were dealt you can’t change people you have to change you. Questions you have to ask yourself 1) what role did I play in the situation? 2) where did I give up my power? 3) If this situation or circumstance is beyond my control how can I chose to experience it differently?
Think about a deck of cards and the suits. Some cards are better than others, depending on what game you are playing. It does not matter though the game, the hand or card you were dealt is what you have to deal with. You can certainly ask yourself how things would have been if this one card were different. How might it have impacted the other significant areas of your life?
As a Christian think about the cards you were dealt. Think about how all of your life experiences have prepared you for where you are today. Take comfort in “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
Action Step – Think about what has your whole life prepared you to do? Write this information down then contact me meverett24@verizon.net and I will provide you with a free introductory session to move you forward so that you are able to start living life on purpose.
Some parts of this article were taken from http://www.autumansaints.com
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb”. (Psalm 139:13 ESV). Often times individuals seek Life Coaching because they are not clear about what their life’s purpose is, why they are here, and where do they go from here. The first thing that one must recognize is that there are situations that you have control over, and there are situations that you have absolutely no control over. Those things that you can control you do so the things you can’t you Let Go And Let God. Always keep your eye on God and not the situation.
No matter what hand you were dealt you can’t change people you have to change you. Questions you have to ask yourself 1) what role did I play in the situation? 2) where did I give up my power? 3) If this situation or circumstance is beyond my control how can I chose to experience it differently?
Think about a deck of cards and the suits. Some cards are better than others, depending on what game you are playing. It does not matter though the game, the hand or card you were dealt is what you have to deal with. You can certainly ask yourself how things would have been if this one card were different. How might it have impacted the other significant areas of your life?
As a Christian think about the cards you were dealt. Think about how all of your life experiences have prepared you for where you are today. Take comfort in “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
Action Step – Think about what has your whole life prepared you to do? Write this information down then contact me meverett24@verizon.net and I will provide you with a free introductory session to move you forward so that you are able to start living life on purpose.
Some parts of this article were taken from http://www.autumansaints.com
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
What Christian Life Coaching Is Not
What is Christian Life Coaching? If you google Christian Life Coaching you will find pages and pages of links leading to Christian Life Coaching. Wikipedia defines Life Coaching as "a practice with the aim of helping clients determine and achieve personal goals. How then does Christian Life Coaching differ from mentoring, therapy, or consulting?
Christian Life Coaching is a one-on-one relationship that focus on support and accountability, to guide an individual to living life on purpose. Coaches are change experts, that lead the way for individuals to maximize their potential. Coaches guide individuals to solutions, rather than tell them what the solution is. Malcolm Knowles, Designs for Adult Learning sums it up this way, "Your own insight is much more powerful than my advice".
Mentoring is sharing one's life experience with a mentee, who then draws from the mentors experiences and bases their solutions on what has worked for the mentor. Mentors functions more like teachers, and advisors. Mentors will direct individuals to take action.
Therapy focuses on past issues and treatment that helps painful memories. Therapy is based on curing human dysfunction, whereas Coaching deals with individuals that are functional yet are not maximizing their potential, based on environmental and interpersonal situations.
Consultants are hired by individuals or companies to look at the current situation for the purpose of offering solutions. The consultant will diagnose the problem and offer a solution to correct that problem.
Individuals are most often aware that changes need to be made but have no idea how to make those changes. Christian Life Coaching guides the individual along the journey of change. Assessment of an individuals strengths, area of growth, and finding balance between all of these things is an important part of the coaching process. Where I am now and where I want to be is what defines coaching.
Purpose Driven Life Coaching will assist the individual with Living on Purpose. In order for you to live on purpose you have to know your purpose!
For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
Christian Life Coaching is a one-on-one relationship that focus on support and accountability, to guide an individual to living life on purpose. Coaches are change experts, that lead the way for individuals to maximize their potential. Coaches guide individuals to solutions, rather than tell them what the solution is. Malcolm Knowles, Designs for Adult Learning sums it up this way, "Your own insight is much more powerful than my advice".
Mentoring is sharing one's life experience with a mentee, who then draws from the mentors experiences and bases their solutions on what has worked for the mentor. Mentors functions more like teachers, and advisors. Mentors will direct individuals to take action.
Therapy focuses on past issues and treatment that helps painful memories. Therapy is based on curing human dysfunction, whereas Coaching deals with individuals that are functional yet are not maximizing their potential, based on environmental and interpersonal situations.
Consultants are hired by individuals or companies to look at the current situation for the purpose of offering solutions. The consultant will diagnose the problem and offer a solution to correct that problem.
Individuals are most often aware that changes need to be made but have no idea how to make those changes. Christian Life Coaching guides the individual along the journey of change. Assessment of an individuals strengths, area of growth, and finding balance between all of these things is an important part of the coaching process. Where I am now and where I want to be is what defines coaching.
Purpose Driven Life Coaching will assist the individual with Living on Purpose. In order for you to live on purpose you have to know your purpose!
For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
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