Progress is the new perfect

It’s easy to remember your failures. You’re keenly aware of things you haven’t done. You set goals based on subjective indicators of success, as if numbers are all it takes to make you happy. The right number on the scale. The right number in your bank account. The right number in your zip code. All too often you fail to … Read More

Creating career change

The past few weeks my clients have been feeling frustrated and discouraged. While my client’s individual situations are quite different they have been experiencing similar emotions. Well, let’s face it, the past few weeks have been frustrating and discouraging politically, and what I’m hearing from clients is job opportunities, job growth, and career development have taken a back seat to … Read More

How to motivate yourself

Every day I talk to people who are stuck in a rut. They’re in a job with no future or in a job they hate. They’ve been running their own business for years and they still aren’t making any money. Many of the people I talk to are broke, bored, or burned out. They want to make a change but change … Read More

When to give up (and when not to)

I’m ready to give up. I started my business 7 months ago. It was my big bold career move- to follow my dream, to start my own business, to be an entrepreneur. Since starting my business I’ve failed. A lot. A few weeks ago I thought long and hard about giving up. Let’s be real, giving up would make my life so … Read More

The perfectionist problem

The perfectionist problem Hi, my name is Chrysta, and I’m a perfectionist. A recovering perfectionist, that is. If only there were a twelve step group for this. I’ve been a perfectionist since birth. As my mom tells it, I was the most perfect little girl she ever knew. With porcelain skin, blue eyes, and blonde curls, I even looked the part. … Read More

Get out there and do something!

When I was working full-time I was always doing something. Working, attending Toastmasters, blogging, volunteering, and participating in other various professional organizations. I regularly attended networking events and training programs. I was kicking ass and loving it! When I decided to try working part-time (or three-quarter time, really), I thought I’d get even more done. Just think of all the … Read More

No more excuses

No more excuses…. so I told myself week after week, month after month. Next week I’m going to do it. Only I didn’t. I took a break from writing to take care of my health. I intended to start writing again but this thing happened that I suspect happens to all of us- we tell ourselves we’re going to do … Read More

Just be

You’re not a human doing, you’re a human being. You may have noticed this little corner of the blogosphere has been quiet lately. I’ve been taking some time- time to be. A little over a year ago I took a leap of faith and since I began this new life adventure I’ve learned a lot. Really, a lot. After all … Read More

How Toastmasters helped me overcome fear of failure

This week I gave my 10th speech in Toastmasters, completing the Competent Communicator manual and achieving my CC certification. After being a regular member of Toastmasters for over a year-and-a-half I have become an accomplished speaker. Even still, when it came time to give my 10th speech I was woefully nervous and felt under-prepared. As sometimes happens in life other … Read More

Do your best and forget the rest!

We tend to measure success by the results of our efforts. Did I get what I want? If I got what I wanted I might say, “life is great!” What if I didn’t get what I want- does that mean life isn’t great? Is my measure of success based on life going my way and only my way? No way! … Read More