Dear Ones,

Happy 2012 to you! As we ring in the New Year, I hope you are letting your Inner Wisdom lead the way. I don’t know about you, but I’ve decided to use the month of January as a time where I await further instructions.

I recorded a 3 minute video on my run yesterday to inspire you. Check it on out:

As promised in the video:

The Great Work Feminine Leadership and Mentorship Program

Now accepting applications…and only a few spots left!

Visit: www.TheGreatWoman.com to apply.

If you’re a woman who is ready to give her Great Work in 2012…ready to live your Vision…and you want to be mentored and coached by three women (me, Shiloh Sophia McCloud and Christine Arylo) who have walked the path, then please visit www.TheGreatWoman.com and download the Great Work application and turn it in ASAP. We only have a few spots left and begin this month! You WILL launch your Great Work if you join us.

Top 10 Ways to Ensure New Years’ Resolution Success

Did you know that fewer than 10% of people who set New Years’ Resolutions actually achieve them? How can you ensure YOUR success? Try using the Top 10 Tips below.

1. Write Them Down. It’s a fact: writing down your goals gives you a higher chance of success.

2. Commit. Move beyond the land of “good ideas” to the land of true “commitment”. Make the decision that you will show up for your goals. Perhaps you can do a ritual or ceremony to symbolize your commitment.

3. Go Public. Let your biggest fans in on your new commitments and goals for the year.

4. Get Accountability. Even better than just letting others in on your “secret” dreams and goals-get some accountability. Meet for lunch once a month with a group that will ask you, “So, how’s it going with your goal?” Hire a Coach. Talk to your best friend or partner. Get some support!

5. Make a Plan. Ensure success with a step-by-step plan. Wake-Up Call Coaching loves to work backwards by starting with the end vision of where you want to be and working backwards to where you are today. You’ll find an easy action plan to make your goals a reality.

6. Do a Goal Check-In. Before you decide on what you’ll take on for the year, make certain you can answer, “YES!” to the following questions: “Am I the primary reason for setting this goal (vs. your mom, boyfriend, wife, boss, society)? Do I feel alive and energized by this goal? Is this goal in line with my life purpose or mission?”

7. Get Real! If you’re contemplating putting a goal down that you always put down and never achieve, take a second look. How will this goal end DIFFERENTLY this year? Is this goal something you need to let go of? What purpose is it serving you each year? Is this goal masking as a form of self-punishment? What is the good enough reason to truly commit?

8. Focus With Reminders. Once you’ve written down your goals, created a plan and made sure they are worthy to pursue, figure out ways to remind yourself. Some Wake-Up Call Coaching clients post their goals in on their bathroom mirror or in their car. Others put reminders in their blackberries, iPhones or cell phones. Figure out what works for you.

9. Believe and Visualize. Do you know the story about the group of basketball players who spent one hour visualizing making baskets, while another group actually practiced? The visualizing players had better seasons! So visualize yourself on New Year’s Eve with all your goals achieved. What would that look like? How would it feel? Visualize once a day and see the difference it can make in your life.

10. Use anchors. Tie your goal to a habit you already have in place. Perhaps you decide to do your exercise right after brushing your teeth, or practice meditation after checking email. Anchoring your new behavior and goals to an existing habit is a great tool for success.

May 2012 be the year that your goals and dreams manifest with ease and joy!

I’d love to hear from you! Please leave your feedback, intuitive hits, questions and more in the comments below.

I just recorded a special audio visualization for you to help you create an amazing holiday season. Take a little 10 minute pause and listen to this recording now. Press PLAY to begin!

Sending LOVE,

Amy Ahlers, The Wake-Up Call Coach
Author of Big Fat Lies Women Tell Themselves
CEO of Wake-Up Call Coaching
Creator of The Women Masters
Co-Creator of Inner Mean Girl Reform School
www.WakeUpCallCoaching.com
1.888.929.2531
admin@wakeupcallcoaching.com

I read every comment. Let me know what you think and please do share with your friends and family!

Here is the written article as well (Content herein previously developed by Amy Ahlers and Melissa McFarlane).

How to Maintain Your Power Throughout the Holidays

It’s that time of year again. The Holiday Season is upon us. Which means most of us, for better or for worse, will be with our families. Being with family-though familiar-can inspire a sense of joy and sometimes a sense of dread. As we approach Grandma’s house (or Aunt Jude’s, Dad and Mom’s, our Brother Ted’s, etc.) we roll our eyes and prepare to be treated the same way we were treated when we were the adorable 5 year old or the rebellious 16 year old. Rarely do we experience a full and welcoming embrace of our present day selves; instead, we are constantly shadowed by the memory, stories, Big Fat Lies and expectations of who we once were, sometimes in stark contrast to who we’ve become.

And then, as if stepping into a time warp, we regress. Every “button” and annoyance that we have had since we were born is suddenly activated and pressed. And pressed. And pressed. And pressed. Suddenly we feel powerless, angry, frustrated and even hopeless. Will this EVER change? Will “they” ever see us as we truly are? Can we possibly find a way to take our power back during the Holiday Season?

ABSOLUTELY! We can take our power back at any time. You see, I assert that holiday stress is a decision, a Big Fat Lie – usually made by default – NOT a FACT. You have the POWER to create what you want this holiday season.

A few moments of calm visualization and some decisive actions are all it takes. First, we must acknowledge when and how we give our power away. Second, we need to decide on and commit to a plan for taking our power back. You can try it on now by reading on or downloading my free audio to take you through this process.

Step 1 – Acknowledge when and how we give our power away

Begin by imagining your typical holiday at this time of year (Channuka, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, etc.). Imagine who is usually around you. What are the smells? What music or noise do you hear? Really be there.

Great. Now write down your answers to the following questions:

1. What really works for you about your typical holiday?

2. What does NOT work for you?

3. Where or HOW do you give your power away?

Now it may sound a bit morbid, but let’s imagine that this holiday season is your LAST holiday season. Really consider that you have the gift of knowing that this is your last Holiday Season. In the light of the new importance of this Holiday Season, consider the questions below:

1. What would you do differently? (Really look: if this was your last holiday…would you dress up like Santa and be the most festive you’ve ever been? Decide on a new location?)

2. What and who would you say,YE” to? Who would you say YES to? (self-care, patience, more time with your grandmother, etc.)

3. What would you say NO to? Who would you say NO to? (Overtime? An old grudge? Your ever-negative Aunt? TV?)

4. Where would you celebrate your holiday? (At home? At Mom’s house? In Paris? In the jungle?) What place really speaks to your heart and soul?

5. What would you make certain you’d create? (Family connection? reconciliation? Moments of solitude to honor and appreciate life?)

6. What would you risk? (Would you FINALLY have that long delayed conversation with your sister? Would you risk making your friends angry by spending the holidays abroad or alone? Would you forgive more?)

7. What is the most prominent feeling you’d choose to feel? (Joy? Peace? Excitement? Solitude? Adventure?)

Great. Now imagine this NEW version of your holiday. Really feel it. What are the sounds? Smells? Tastes?

Step 2 – Given your answers to the questions in Step 1, determine what actions you might need to take to create this new holiday.

1. Perhaps a long look at your calendar whilst sipping tea would be in order?
2. What are you planning to do already that might jeopardize the good feeling of your NEW holiday?
3. What is a BOLD action that would be guaranteed to shake up your holiday status quo and pull a more alive, joyful and true-to-you holiday towards you?

Good. Now, the only thing left for you to do is DECIDE and COMMIT to creating this new Holiday. Perhaps that means canceling plans, changing plans, creating plans. Maybe you’ll have to let go of some Big Fat Lies, opinions or beliefs?

Here’s to you holding on to your power, and to your Holiday Season being filled with authentic joy and surprising ease!

Today is Day Four of Exposing The Big Fat Lies Summit: Telling The Truth About Successful Women and I talk with:

Rev. Karen Russo, who notices that many women feel that money isn’t “spiritual” – and shows us how deeply spiritual your financial life can be.

Powerful Question: How can improving my relationship with money can actually deepen my sense of connection with The Divine?

and

The fearless and frank Alexis Martin Neely, who not only spills the beans about her own financial life, but has some surprising suggestions about how to deal with financial crisis…

QUESTION: Where am I using “lack of money” as an excuse to not take better care of myself?

You get to hear these amazing discussions for 24 hours – for free – if you register for this Summit. (Free broadcast is from Oct. 13 to Oct. 14 at 12noon Pacific Time)

Discover more by completing the no-obligation form below now!

Listen to these transformative audios for free until 12noon Pacific on 10/11/11!

Today is Day One of Exposing The Big Fat Lies Summit: Telling The Truth About Successful Women and I talk with:

Lisa Nichols, who reminds us that we do not have to wait to be “perfect” before we can teach & heal others, saying,“God, thank you so much for using your imperfect child to help your imperfect children.”

Question: Where are you still in hiding because you believe you’re not “perfect” enough yet?

and 

The glorious SARK, who give us the gift of an amazing 5-minute process to manage feelings – even the icky ones!

QUESTION: Are your feelings running you? Or are you able to move through your feelings quickly and with integrity?

You get to hear these amazing discussions for the next 24 hours – for free – if you register for this Summit. 

Discover more by completing the no-obligation form below now!

Dear One,

First, I want to say a huge THANK YOU for all the amazing comments, reach outs and love I received from my last video post: Three Tips for What to Do When It Feels Like Everything Just Sucks! (If you missed it, you can watch that video here.

I was so touched by your responses and just LOVE knowing that I’m not alone. AND I’m happy to report that I’m feeling so much better…

I just got back from a much needed vacation and watching Annabella splash around in a lake in all her 3 year old glory was amazing medicine.

I wanted to share with you a chapter from my forthcoming book, Big Fat Lies Women Tell Themselves; Ditch Your Inner Critic and Wake Up Your Inner Superstar. Let’s take on the Big Fat Lie “I don’t measure up”, shall we?

Big Fat Lie #5 : I don’t measure up.
Can also show up as: I am so much better than everyone else.

The Truth: It’s kind of like gambling in Vegas. If you play the comparison game, you will eventually lose — every time. When you are on the “winning team” (i.e., you feel you’re doing better, looking better, or achieving more), you lose by alienating yourself, coming off as arrogant, and creating distance instead of connection. When you’re on the “losing team” (i.e., everyone else is looking better, doing better, and achieving far more than you are), you end up feeling horrible about yourself. And who wants that?

My dear friend Samantha Bennett, creator of the Organized Artist Company, once said to me, “It’s like I’m in this gorgeous ballroom of my life and I’m focusing on the dust on the baseboards. And then I turn around and make the decision to compare my baseboard’s dust with someone else’s ballroom. I’ll never measure up that way.” Yes! That’s exactly right. We will never know what’s really going on in the lives of others. We only know the truth of our own lives. So, step out of the comparison game and step into the gorgeous ballroom of your life!

Challenge: Give up the comparison game for good, and celebrate the ballroom of your life!

• Notice when you are most likely to play the comparison game. In other words, when do you look at the dust on your baseboards? Is it when you’re thinking about money? Your weight or body image? Your love life? Your career?

• Decide to quit your comparison addiction cold turkey. My partner at Inner Mean Girl Reform School, Christine Arylo, loves calling this a “comparison diet.” Just like a new eating plan has you turning away from unhealthy food, this comparison diet asks you to be strict with yourself about your unhealthy comparison thoughts.

• Gather a support team that will hold you accountable for staying “on the wagon.” This team’s job is to blow the whistle whenever you play the comparison game and to encourage you to focus on what you have — your gorgeous ballroom. Call your team members whenever you feel yourself heading down the comparison path.

• Express gratitude for all that the ballroom of your life has to offer. Remember: many people have successfully given up addictions by going cold turkey. Let this inspire you to stop playing the comparison game.

Affirmation: I lift my eyes above the baseboards to see the whole picture of my life, full and glorious and incomparable!

“The rose does best as a rose. Lilies make the best lilies. And look! You — the best you around!”
— Rumi, thirteenth-century Persian poet and Sufi mystic

P.S. I just got word from the amazing Lisa Nichols, Women Master and participant in my upcoming Exposing the Big Fat Lies Tele-Summit (more soon!), about an incredible event called the Manifesting Money & Love Workshop. 

Committed to helping everyone who wants to break through to the next level in either their finances, relationships, or both, Lisa is giving my friends an INCREDIBLE opportunity…

Manifesting Money & Love Workshop

A 3-day, 4-night course designed to catapult you to the next level is being offered to my community for HALF-PRICE AND GET THIS!!!!!

You get to bring someone with you for FREE!!!!!

That’s right! Until midnight on August 30th, you can register to join Lisa and four World-Class Trainers in her Manifesting Money & Love course on September 22nd- 25th for HALF of the regular investment, AND you can bless a friend or family member with this life-changing experience.

Register at half price and bring a guest for free! CLICK HERE for all the details!

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