Does FEAR hold you back?

  As long as we’re alive, there will be change involved. As long as change is involved, fear & discomfort will be felt at times. It’s normal and to be expected. Knowing this can help empower you on your path rather than throwing you off course.

Consider this, anytime you’re changing what is FAMILIAR to you, it will likely feel uncomfortable or simply unfamiliar, in other words, leaving the comfort zone. Now even if you’re sick & tired of something in your life and you’re changing it, you’ll still likely experience some degree of fear or discomfort. See, to the subconscious mind, you’re changing certainty and certainty equates to safety – which is the top priority to the subconscious mind. It’s almost as if you’re sending up smoke signals to the subconscious mind to be on the lookout of this new terrain you’re entering.

It might be a new relationship, new career path, health changes…it could also show up when you’re growing your business or doubling your income. Whether you see the change as positive or negative, the fact that you’re changing the familiar and certain, you will provoke feelings of discomfort.

So what to do when those uncomfortable feelings show up?

Here’s a few things that I utilize to help me:

1. Get Curious. What’s this about? I like to get curious about my fear and poke around to see what is creating it. I like to take the observer or similar to the reporter and ask more questions versus freeze or shutdown. Get curious about the feelings versus taking them as fact. Feelings are not facts – they’re simply indicators and/or teachers.
2. Get Moving. Many times changing up my environment and/or getting my body moving helps me release the fear energy and clear my head. It can help to shift your focus and the fear versus staying stagnate or stuck in it. There are many benefits to exercise, specifically the natural endorphins that the body produces that create a calming effect.
3. Get Support. Having a coach, friend, or accountability partner who you can talk and connect with to support you during change is a key success strategy. Having outside insight that you respect as well as the social support to be your cheering squad will help significantly with staying the course of your goals and working through your fear versus being stopped by it.

I also like to: pray, meditate, read, utilize essential oils, eat healthier foods, journal, listening to uplifting music, do things that bring me joy, go hiking, time in nature, workshops, coaching, and time with loved ones.

What’s on your list?

I invite you to create a list of things that support and inspire you as resources to nourish yourself during the uncomfortable feelings.

By recognizing that fear and feelings of discomfort are normal when working through change and new territory, we realize that it’s part of the change process. We no longer have to assume that fear means something is wrong or that it’s a “sign” yet rather more often it’s a sign that you’re human and alive experiencing a normal reaction to change.

If fear is a biggie for you, I recommend the book, “Feel the Fear and Do It Anyways” by Dr. Susan Jeffers as she covers thoroughly the aspects of fear and how to handle it.

I cheer you on as you take on new changes & new experiences for yourself!

My New Approach to Goal Setting

All too often, goals will be set with great passion and desire for achieving a major objective. This could be doubling one’s income, writing a book, losing 100 pounds, or organizing the entire home. These are great and grand goals to have, yet in supporting you to set yourself up to succeed, I invite you to apply the MTO formula by Raymond Aaron to help increase your odds and pleasure with goal setting and achievement.

When we set goals that are a huge stretch, we will likely either overwhelm ourselves and back off the goal, not believe it’s truly possible, or perhaps not even start the goal process in the first place.

When it comes to goal setting, I invite you to think of “scaling” your goals for optimum success. When it’s scalable, we can see the goal in chunks and as a series of progress versus an all or nothing, black and white scenario.

Consider each of your goals – sales, income, health, relationships, organization, etc. Now, apply the MTO formula to setting goals in those areas.

MTO stands for: Minimum, Target, Outrageous. 

With each goal, identify, what’s my minimum achievement level that I must/will do no matter what? What’s my ideal target that I’m reaching for? What would be my outrageous, over the moon level?

For example, let’s use health as a goal. You’ve been setting high goals with your exercise and it’s just not happening. Perhaps it’s too unrealistic with your time constraints or you simply aren’t in the habit of it.

Minimum: Exercise 2X a week for 15 minutes a session

Target: Exercise 3X a week for at least 20 minutes a session.

Outrageous: Exercise 4X a week or more for at least 30 minutes a session.

Do you see how you could do the same thing for your sales calls? Organizing projects? Writing that book?

Doesn’t that feel doable for at least the minimum level? And once we get moving – we get into momentum with our goals – our odds go up of achieving even more.

This strategy is especially helpful if you feel that perfectionism is undermining you in following through and taking action. You can always commit to the minimum level and in doing so you’ll often hit the target level and in some cases, your outrageous goal.

By offering yourself the opportunity to make your goals about progress and not perfection, you keep yourself motivated and in the game of goal achievement. As you achieve one goal or level, you will feel inspired to go on to achieve more. Momentum is now in your favor and your confidence is higher, inspiring you to believe in and go for your outrageous goals!

The Heavy Heart…

The Heavy Heart…(originally written & emailed to my database on December 23, 2011)

Perhaps right now, your heart is aching. You may be facing great uncertainty in your life, your finances, your marriage, health, or career. Your circumstances may find you currently out of work or behind on your bills. You may be feeling lonely and unloved. Or you feel overwhelmed and frazzled and Christmas has become one more source of stress versus joy.

If I may, I’d like to speak directly to the heavy hearted this Christmas season. Last night as I was going to bed, I had the clear impression and inspiration to write this email. I thought it interesting considering it wasn’t planned nor the traditional holiday wishes. Yet, it was clear and inspired so here it is.

I too know what it’s like to have a Christmas where your heart is breaking. Where you feel so alone, scared, unsure, or simply without the joy of Christmas in your heart. Years ago at Christmas, I found my marriage in shambles and my heart broken. As one who typically loves the holidays with great passion, that year I couldn’t wait for December 26th to get here. I was sad, scared, and really unsure of where my life was going. Yet in the midst of that darkness, there were many glimmers of hope and light from God, angels, and dear family and friends – if I chose to see them. It was a time of great seeking and searching to know what to do, where to turn, and what choices to make. And in that searching, I did experience many choice spiritual experiences that touched my heart in a profound way.

Although I may not know the details of what you’re going through, I do know the following truths apply to you, your life and potential, and what is available to you.

1. You are never alone. Ever. No matter what it “feels” like, you are not alone. You have a Maker who knows you and your needs and who loves and cares for you. You are always surrounded by LOVE and you are being watched over.
2. God/Universe/Angels wait to assist you to guide your path and your decisions. They can never force anything so it is up to us to ask for their divine help and direction. They are always available, no matter where you’re at or the struggles you’re facing.
3. From our greatest struggles can come our greatest strengths. There are lessons within your challenges. Go to meditation, prayer, or reflection and ask yourself, “What is this here to teach me? What is the gift of this?” As Napoleon Hill once taught, “With every adversity is the seed of greater opportunity.” There are gems for you where you are right now, even if you can’t see them just yet.
4. Focus on what you are grateful for right now, no matter how small it may seem. Gratitude changes our heart and our mindset. It helps us to see the bright, glimmers of hope and goodness and in doing so, it can help your heavy heart feel lighter.
5. “The best way to heal a broken heart is to serve others.” I heard this advice in the thick of my heavy hearted season. It was simple, true, and profound for me. It’s been said that when we lift others, we lift ourselves. I find this to be true. Reach out to someone else – offer a compliment, offer to help, buy their coffee in line, or some other gesture that serves someone else. When we focus on helping others, we do help ourselves.
6. Finally, increase your self care. Watch your favorite movie or cuddle up with a good book. Take a hot bath or make your favorite treat. Increase doing kind things for yourself that bring you joy or happiness. When our hearts our heavy, it’s important to be kind and loving towards ourselves.

The true spirit of Christmas or the spirit of the Season as you may say, is about a special feeling, about love, about a certain attitude more than it is about anything external. If you look for it, through the darkness and sadness you may be feeling right now, there are embers of hope, love, and peace within.

I promise you that LIFE has great things in store for you. I promise you that you will not always feel so heavy hearted. I promise you that your Maker is with you, even now, to comfort you and guide your steps. There will be seasons of joy for you.

If this speaks to you, if this was written for you, I send a prayer for you with this email that you may feel hope and love within these words and within your heart this day.

Bless you, sweet warrior. You have what it takes to prevail and you will get through whatever you’re facing.

With great love for you,

Tiffany

The Power of Eye Contact

I had one of those “heart & soul” moments last night. It was brief and simple, yet powerful.

I was running errands and it was later in the evening so it was already dark and cold.

As I came to an intersection, a man was huddled up, approximately in his 30′s, holding a sign that said, “hungry.” A human being making a simple request. Now whether he is a professional pan handler or one who has fallen on rough times, is never my place to judge. He’s still a HUMAN BEING with very real needs. So the argument of giving or not giving money is not my point today. I rarely carry cash with me or I would of given this man some dollars.

What did happen was that I made eye contact with this man. And as I did so and he made eye contact with me, I nodded to him slightly as if I was saying, “I see you.” He nodded back as if he was saying, “I see you.”

It was two maybe three seconds long in timing, yet this simple exchange pierced my heart and soul.

It made me realize how many times in the past, because I didn’t have cash, that I avoided acknowledging this human life for I felt I could not help them in the request that they had. Last night I learned a different lesson – we all want to be SEEN. To be acknowledged that we are here, that we are HUMAN, and that we matter. 

In this simple interaction, we acknowledged one another and that was powerful.

How often do I/we not see someone in front of us because they are “different” than ourselves? Or because it’s uncomfortable? Or perhaps it’s become complacent or ordinary? Whether it be the souls within our own homes or strangers on the street, are we SEEING one another? Are we acknowledging that very precious LIFE? 

There is reason why it’s been penned, “The eyes are the windows to the SOUL.”

With love & gratitude,

Tiffany

What if the shoe drops syndrome?

Have you ever experienced that feeling or thought when things are going really well, that what if the shoe drops? In other words, now that things are going smoothly, where is the potential trouble going to come from?

I know I’ve been guilty of this myself.

It’s as if we don’t trust when things are going well, good, successful for us.

I love the thought provoking teaching from Gay Hendricks where he says, “How good can you stand it?” Meaning how much joy, success, and good stuff can you handle? That’s worthwhile to consider isn’t it? How good can you stand it?

I realized in a coaching session today that when we are living with that fear or anxiety, what is really happening are two things:

1. We are allowing that thought to take us out of the present moment by living future forward. When we feel guilt or regret, we are in the past. When we feel fear or anxiety about “what if’s” we are living in the future. In other words, not the PRESENT or real moment we actually have. Let’s return to this present moment and deal with what is, not what if or may be. The present is where our power is at. 

2. According to Susan Jeffers, author of “Feel the Fear & Do It Anyway” she claims that under all fear is really the question, “What if I can’t handle it?” What if something bad happens (aka shoe drops!) and I can’t handle the loss, feelings, fear, humiliation, etc.?

Here’s the TRUTH – you will handle it. You always have. You are worthy and deserving of having great stuff in your life. And if you’re not used to the great stuff so it feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar, make a conscious decision to become comfortable. Repeat after me, “I allow myself to receive. I trust myself. I am worthy and deserving. I am capable to handle it.”

I am choosing to live in the present. I am choosing to become more and more comfortable with the good stuff – the JOY in this PRESENT moment.

Let’s do this together – will you join me?

Much love & gratitude,

Tiffany

How good can you stand it?!

The Gratitude Challenge…

During the month of November, I’m been hosting a weekly free teleseminar series called, Gratitude & Generosity: The Ultimate Keys to Success. To register, go to www.thelighthouseprinciples.com and opt in on the home page.

I love the holidays and what I love about them most is the “feeling” that is more present and more palpable than any other time of year. A time of reflection, pondering, and awareness towards our blessings, celebration, family, friends, and our Maker, whatever title you give your Higher Power.

In my studies of successful men and women, I find that those who have a lasting impact and influence in their lives, relationships, sales, and fulfillment are those who live what I’ve deemed the SUPER G’s – gratitude and generosity. They have an attitude of gratitude, keep a gratitude journal, and are quick to express appreciation to others. They also have a giving spirit – whether of their time, resources, or talents. They give generously – sometimes from their pocketbook, sometimes from their time, their pantry, their advice and so on. It’s simply WHO THEY ARE.

Jim Rohn has said, “If you want more than what you’ve got, BECOME more than who you are.” 

We can all state what we want more of – whether it be time, a new home, more clients, less weight, a new romantic partner, and so on. I’ve found the best way to manifest anything I want is…

**To be grateful for what I already have…and to be generous with what I already have.** 

No matter our circumstance, we can always find something to be thankful for and we can always be generous. We can always BE these attributes…this month and always.

I challenge you to do two things this week: 1) Create a written gratitude list every day. This can take 1 minute and you’ll see how it can shift you immediately. 2) Find some way to make someone else’s day brighter – give a compliment, buy their coffee, or offer to help rake their leaves. Whatever way feels right for you, focus on finding ways to be giving to others.

I love that these two universal success principles are timeless in nature and they work to bring happiness and results to all those who apply them. I believe they are ultimate keys to success – success in happiness, health, business, and in short, LIVING!

Much love & gratitude,

Tiffany

If you want to receive these free training calls – 5 total – go to www.thelighthouseprinciples.com and opt in on the home page with your name and email. We respect your privacy and will never sell your name or information.

Time Management for the Entrepreneur

If you’re in business for yourself, you either have struggled with or are currently struggling with the following two items:

1. Time Management – Managing multiple priorities when running your business.

2. Consistency – Valuable priorities executed on a regular basis versus the RANDOM approach.

When the entire business is on your shoulders, it is easy to be distracted by all there is to get done and stay on top of on a regular basis to create a sufficient cash flow and levels of sustainable success. One of the reasons I see that a business struggles or even has to go out of business is the lack of consistency with the core priorities of what I call the 3 Core Business Building Blocks.

I created a video to help you master your time management and create consistency in your business success. To view this valuable training video, click here:

3 Core Business Building Blocks

When you are setting yourself up for success by mastering the Core 3, you will create momentum, money, and the consistency of business success.

To your success,

Tiffany

Tiffany Peterson is a Sales & Success Expert helping individuals and audiences make money living their passion. For more information and free resources on creating your ideal life and results, visit www.TheLighthousePrinciples.com.

Are You All In?

A favorite Zen proverb of mine says, “There are many ways to cross the river. You just have to have both feet in one boat.”

I find this enlightening on many levels and multiple areas of application.

In essence, I read this to say COMMITMENT…commitment to my spiritual path, commitment to my marriage, commitment to my business and it’s success. Commitment to playing life full out.

How often am I/you one foot in and one foot out? Maybe not necessarily physically yet mentally or emotionally?

Do you find yourself entertaining the back door? The real Mr. or Mrs. Right around the corner versus one you’re with? The next multi level marketing company or job opportunity versus the one you’re in?

Look, I’m all about making positive change in my life and encouraging others to do the same. That isn’t the intention today. The intention today is that as long as we are one foot in the boat and one foot out, we will never know the fruit or beauty of that experience or that path. Does that make sense?

We rob ourselves of the very thing we want to create by being on the fence. Sort of in, but not completely. It’s very easy to be afflicted by bright-shiny-itis! I know because it’s been a lesson for me too.

When coaching others with their goals, very often the question of should I stay or should I go as it relates mainly to either a personal relationship or a job/career/business comes up. One foot in and one foot out. Stick it out or make a run for it.

My advice. Get ALL THE WAY IN for 90 Days. Define for yourself what ALL THE WAY IN means to you. In your thoughts. Your language. Your Actions.

If 90 days feels like too much, commit to 30 or 60 days, but the important thing here is to DECIDE and to COMMIT both feet in the boat.

Rather than jump ship again, commit where you are and allow yourself to truly be there for a period of time. The commitment will create movement, clarity, and insights as to your direction. Through this Commitment you will find one of two things:

1 – The Boat You’re Already In Is Right For You ~ and now that you’re committed you’ll results.

2 – You’ll Realize This Isn’t Right For You ~ and now you know that you know that you’ve given you’re very best (which you can only control you anyways) and with that knowledge you will have PEACE to change boats rather than deal with the second guessing plague that comes to those who know they haven’t given something their all.

We all want the RESULTS of a thriving business, successful MLM downline, or a connected, loving relationship. Results follow Decision, Commitment, and Follow Through…

So get in that boat ~ ALL THE WAY IN ~ and I’ll see you on the other side of the bank.

To Your Success,

Tiffany

Do You Trust Your Intuition?

Two weeks ago I had the reoccuring inner nudge that sounded like this: “I want to get in my pajamas and watch a movie. Snuggle up. Rest. Enjoy this season.” Of which my logical, RESPONSIBLE mind, said, “I can’t do that. It’s 3:00 in the afternoon and I have STUFF to do. Lots of work and catch up. Maybe later in the month.”

The INNER NUDGE for this request came three times within three days.

Although that inner kid or my highest self – whichever you call it – said YES, my logical mind or  the JUDGE as I call that voice said no. Too irresponsible. Stuff to do. I can rest later in the month. And so on.

So what happened? About a week later (last week) I started developing a sore throat and a nasty cold. And then guess what happened? I had to rest. And I ended up in my pajamas and watching movies.

Wouldn’t it have been easier for me to trust my INNER NUDGES (intuition) and simply honored what my body was saying I needed in the first place?

Yes, of course. I am reminded once again to trust and have faith in my inner nudges, knowing that resting and playing and JOY are the keys to success and achievement. To trust, versus deny, my inner nudges, promptings, and impressions even if they don’t make “sense”.

What is your INNER NUDGE telling you to do?

Kindly,

Tiffany

Tiffany Walke Peterson is a Success Expert, Speaker, and Coach, focused on inspiring individuals and organizations in creating lasting change and stellar results by applying proven success principles, strategies and systems. To learn more about Tiffany and her programs, visit www.TheLighthousePrinciples.com

Thoughts Become Things

We get what we focus on.

Seek and ye shall find.

What we think about, we bring about.

However you want to say it, the same TRUTH is at play here. Our minds are powerful creation machines. Whatever you plug into it on a consistent basis, it will continue to manufacture more thoughts, feelings, and results that mirror those thoughts. In other words, what we give our attention to gets bigger or expands in our lives and produces results right in alignment with the directions the mind has given out.

The great news is this: we can choose the thoughts we think. I’m not saying every random thought that ever crosses our mind, yet rather become clear about what you do want to think about, focus on, and expand in your life, your relationships, your bank account, and your body.

Think of a current challenge you’re facing ~ it may be brand new or an oldie of several years. Got one? Just pick one for this exercise sake.

Now, consider the last few days, weeks, or months. When you tend to “think” about this challenge are you more often thinking and feeling positively or negatively? Likely negative odds say.

Now that we are once again AWARE we can choose our thoughts, choose a thought that comes from your problem solver, your high self, your best you. Put that chosen thought down in writing of how you choose to “think” about (and make bigger in your life) this very challenge or perhaps now, opportunity you’re facing. For example, “I am capable. I am creating peace and harmony in my body. I am learning to trust myself with money. I am following through on my organization. I am choosing to respond to all challenges in a calm manner.”

We all get what we focus on. So choose in your favor and focus on the good things you already have and want to experience more of in your life. “Thoughts Become Things” ~ Mike Dooley. If you want different “things”, think different thoughts.

Bless you!

Tiffany

Tiffany Walke Peterson is a Success Expert, Speaker, and Coach, focused on inspiring individuals and organizations in creating lasting change and stellar results by applying proven success principles, strategies and systems. To learn more about Tiffany and her programs, visit www.TheLighthousePrinciples.com