Traveling

Part of the Don't Die Book structure is to encourage the reader to pass the book along when they are finished reading.  There is even a page in the back to sign and date as you pass along. 

I received this photo of a copy of Don't Die with Your Song Unsung on the nightstand of a retreat center.  That would have been good enough -- but seeing the title of the book next to it really brought a smile to my face.  Thank you, Amy Ayoub, for sharing. 

Life Part 2

2012 started with enormous opportunity and the challenge for shifts to take place.  The economy had an opportunity get stronger – or not.  Unemployment had an opportunity to decline – or not.  American’s have the opportunity to elect a new president – or not. The world supposedly has an opportunity to end on 12/21 – or not.

As of today, all of these opportunities and challenges still exist.  The only thing we know for sure is that legendary entertainment visionary Dick Clark will not be physically present to ring in 2013.   I believe spiritual author Caroline Myss has the best advice when to share when it comes to pondering, “What is a person to do?”

This age of consciousness is not pushing us merely to indulge in new spiritual theories or play thought games that unite physics with Zen Buddhism.  We are meant to move toward self-discovery and spiritual maturity, to be ready and able to live a life that matters to us and to those around us.  Caroline Myss

Dr. Success Challenge:  What action will you take today to move yourself toward self-discovery and spiritual maturity? 

Thank you for reading, Andrea Goeglein  P.S. Remember to take action :)

DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/ServingSuccess?feature=mhee 

Life

Starting the week of success reading and using a book Creating Your Best Life:  The Ultimate Life List Guide for myself and withing my client work. 

I find my work being guided by a quote attributed to Charles Darwin's:  "It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change."

May your week allow you many opportunities to welcome change as you create your best life. 

Thank you, Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
http://www.facebook.com/DrSuccessPhD
DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com 

Soft Fascination and Leomonade

The following blog post was written by author, researcher, teacher and Positive Psychologist, Dr. Robert Biswar-Diener.  Robert has a new book out this week: The Courage Quotient and Robert is one of two resources I recommend for his Positive Psychology Coaching Course.  His April class is full, but he has another scheduled for June 4. I have italicized the section I found most interesting.

Soft Fascination and Lemonade

Anyone who has ever had to proofread, write a bibliography or refrain from snacking in the afternoon knows that these activities can be mentally exhausting. In fact, psychologist Roy Baumeister and his colleagues found that these types of tasks-- those that involve effortful attention-- deplete glucose in the brain. When the researchers gave fatigued study participants a glass of sugary lemonade they suddenly became better at these activities, as opposed to those who were given a glass of lemonade made with an artificial sweetener, who received no benefit.

A new article published earlier this year makes a strong case that attention is a psychological resource that can help us be at our best, but which we can "use up" like logs in a fire. Apart from having some lemonade the authors suggest several ways that we can restore our attentional powers. One is to sleep. Another is to meditate. The third possibility is even more intriguing: The authors divide our attention into two parts, involuntary attention (the natural tracking we engage in that doesn't require any conscious effort) and voluntary attention (the effortful looking at and figuring out of the world around us). An urban environment, the authors say, tends to deplete us because it draws on both our involuntary attention (noticing background information such as buildings) and our voluntary attention (keeping an eye out for traffic). They call this "hard fascination" and it tends to be exhausting. The alternative is "soft fascination" and this is exactly what happens when people experience natural vistas. If you spend time at the beach or walking through the forest your involuntary, but not voluntary attention is engaged, giving the latter time to rest and restore. So getting out into nature can provide a resource boost.

Next time you have a big day with lots of demanding work consider taking a break to go to the city park or similar pleasant greenspace and see how it affects your mental resources. If you just don't have time to get outside I suppose you can always turn to that glass of lemonade!  

Thank you, Robert, for a great post.  Andrea T. Goeglein www.ServingSuccess.com
Here are the links again to order Robert's new book and to his site for outstanding learning opportunities:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Courage-Quotient-Robert-Biswas-Diener/dp/0470917423/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334326756&sr=8-1

www.positiveacorn.com

Goals: Committed or Convenient

Are your life goals ones that you are committed to, or ones that are convenient to hold?

Recently I became acquainted with a master brand strategist, Lou Rubin, Managing Partner of OutGrowth Consulting.  He told me he rode his bike to the office each day.  He lives in New York City.  A few days after our meeting, he sent me a photo of Central Park on a beautiful spring day. 

Upon receiving the photo I assumed Lou only rides on days when the weather cooperated. I know those are the only days I would ride my bike in New York City. I shared my assumption with Lou.  Lou’s response was to send me the photo on this blog! 

That caused me think about the different between goals we achieve and goals we do not achieve.  I suspect we achieve more of the goals we are committed to than those goals that are just goals of convenience. 

What do you think?  What has been your experience? 

Let me know.  Thank you, Andrea
www.ServingSuccess.com
DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com

  

Meaningful Work

I invested several hours yesterday developing this Saturday's Don't Die workshop.  Part of that work was reviewing comments from people who have shared they have been touched by the work we have done together in the past.  I dug out a copy of Jana Ruth's book, P.L.A.Y.  Jana told me that because I had allowed her to be the closing session of my first women's conference -- she was able to return the following year with her book completed and ready for sale!

In the middle of my preparation, I received a message from Steve Purdon, President of the EnneagramLas Vegas.com   Steve shared with me an email he had received from a participant in one of the many Enneagram Master Lecturers Series he hosts.  The participant shared how markedly life had changed since learning the Enneagram and thanked Steve for supporting his personal development.

I mention these two instances because I made no profit from 6 months of work on the women's conference, and Steve hosts the lecture series for only a good will donation.  With that in mind, I suggest you read Ariel Schwartz's article in Fast Company, How to Find Meaningful Work. 

As always, do not misunderstand -- I like money, I always expect to make lots of money, and yet I have experienced some of my greatest gratification in my work at times when I made no money at all! I can't wait to have both gratification and high compensation!

Happy Monday. And it is done, Andrea Goeglein
P.S. If you would like information about this Saturday's Don't Die workshop, write me at DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com

Books, Publishing and Writing

Notice the title of this post.  There is a reason, of course. 

As I prepare for my upcoming Don't Die with Your Book Inside You Workshop (Saturday, March 31, 9:30  a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - 702 243 4040 to register), Gary Russo sent me this Huffington Post article about what it took to get an outstanding book, The Unbreakable Child, to the public. 

Read it to experience just what it takes to succeed as a published author.  And remember, it is not about getting published, it is about writing your story no matter what happens with publishing.

Every life starts with a single breath.  Every book begins with a single written word. 

And it is done!  Andrea

http://www.youtube.com/user/ServingSuccess

https://www.facebook.com/DrSuccessPhD

http://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuccessphd

https://twitter.com/DrSuccess

DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com

The Righteous MInd

Ted video of interest: Jonathan Haidt The Righteous Mind 

My 1997 doctoral dissertation was a study of the moral development of transformational CEOs.  I have continued my interest in the the life question, "Why do good people do not so good things regardless of their wealth, education and/or job title? "

In the soon to be released book, The Righteous Mind, The Happiness Hypothesis author, Jonathan Haidt explores a version of that question as it applies to religion and politics.  What makes a liberal a liberal and a conservative?  More important, he charges his audience and readers -- regardless of your liberal or conservative preference, to stay open to the conversation.  I am in hopes his new book gives direction how to do that! 

Peace, Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
P.S. The Righteous Mind will be released on 3/13/12.  You can hear Jonathan on a free teleconference on Friday, March 9 by going to MentorCoach and registering. 
http://www.youtube.com/user/ServingSuccess
https://www.facebook.com/DrSuccessPhD
http://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuccessphd
https://twitter.com/DrSuccess
DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com

Good Multiplies Part 2

Nothing like instant gratification to inspire me to keep moving forward.  That is particularly true when it seems like I am investing more time walking into a wind storm than being lifted by a wind at my back.

Last night I received this message from the person who got her copy of Don't Die at The Shade hotel and then purchased and additional copy for a friend in transition:

Thanks for sharing Andrea. . .And btw, coincidentally just today my friend arranged to start working part time so she can focus on what's important to her.

I love the way universe works.

All I can say is to that is I do too!  Enjoy your day, Andrea Goeglein, PhD
http://www.youtube.com/user/ServingSuccess
https://www.facebook.com/DrSuccessPhD 
http://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuccessphd
https://twitter.com/DrSuccess
DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com

Good Multiplies

At the launch of Don’t Die with Your Song Unsung I made a request to friends and business associates to please purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.

One friend, Micheal Zislis, owner of The Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach, responded to that request with an order for enough copies of the book for each of his hotel rooms.  I was, of course, grateful beyond words for such a generous gesture of support. 

Then yesterday I was able to experience the wonderful feeling of good deeds multiplying.  Here is what happened.  I received an order for a book through Amazon.  I noticed that the purchaser was actually ordering the book as a gift.  I wrote an email to thank the purchaser.  This was the message I received back:

Not sure if this will actually reach you Andrea, but I'd like to say your book was on the nightstand at hotel Shade in Manhattan Beach while recently visiting a friend. I am at a point of transition in life and my friend is unhappy in her work. I was in town visiting and felt it serendipitous that the book was there. So, thank you. I hope we are able to find our dreams and make them come true. Gratefully, XXX

Did a dream come true?  Yes.  My dream for the Don’t Die series has always been for books to be read, inspiring the reader to take action, and then pass the book along.  An additional dream I have had was for companies to use the books to promote their businesses – each time a customer sees the book they remember the great experience they had with the company that gave them the book.  Until now that latter part was just a dream.  I believed it was doable, but had no proof.  Now the dream of using Don’tDie books to promote good companies has become a reality. 

A big thank you to all involved in making that dream come true, Andrea

http://www.youtube.com/user/ServingSuccess

https://www.facebook.com/DrSuccessPhD

http://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuccessphd

https://twitter.com/DrSuccess

DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com

Being Ready

Dr. Success Challenge:  Would you be ready to step into an opportunity to advance your life dream at any moment?  Regardless of your answer, how do you know if you are ready?

It has been almost two months since I met Vaopele Tiatia, a graphic designer living in Utah, but from Hawaii.  Vao was seated next to me on a flight to Hawaii. 

This was the second trip Vao and his wife would be making in less than as many months.  Vao’s business had not been as robust as he needed and on his first trip he was returning home to help a family member and recharge his spirit.  On that first flight, he saw an advertisement for a shirt design contest.  Although Vao’s graphic work was generally web based, his real dream was to design clothing.  By the end of the flight he had a design in mind and committed to himself to enter the contest.

Well, enter he did, and win he did!  Part of the prize was a trip for two to Hawaii!  It was on that winning return trip that I met Vao.  I was struck by his natural sense of joy, his story of persistence, and how he spontaneously stepped into opportunity when it was presented.
Here is the follow up story.  On that return trip to pick up his prize money and award Vao and his wife decided that they would relocate. They chose to move to Las Vegas!  This move is a major change, a major risk and the potential for a major shift in Vao’s life and life work.  Part of the risk is Vao will be creating a clothing company using his winning design.  This is a plan that was not obvious to him just 5 months ago. 

I have told parts of Vao’s story since I meet him, yet it was in re-reading the chapter  ChangeYour Mind in Richard Rohr’s book The Naked Now that prompted me to revisit Vao.  Rohr writes, “Once you accept ongoing change as a central program for yourself, you tend to continue growing throughout all of your life…The ego and the false self hate change more than anything else in the world, and the mind is their primary control tower…Once you know that the one thing the ego-hates more than anything else is change, it makes perfect sense why most people hunker down into mere survival.” (pages 89-90)
Vao is clearly not most people.  Good luck my friend. 
Andrea. T. Goeglein, PhD

http://www.youtube.com/user/ServingSuccess

https://www.facebook.com/DrSuccessPhD

http://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuccessphd

https://twitter.com/DrSuccess
DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com
http://www.movingpeopletoaction.com/services/mpta-radio/216-serving-success

Imagine

Today begins the year of the Dragon in the Chinese tradition. This photo to the left was taken by Stew Gibbons today. Dr. Success Challenge: Look at the photo for about a minute. Then answer the following question: If I was brave, I would take action toward ____________ in 2012.

Happy Year of the Dragon. Thank you Stew Gibbons. May the Year of the Dragon usher in a year of great prosperity.

Andrea T. Goeglein, Phd

www.ServingSuccess.com

Hope to Recession-Weary Workers

Gary Russo, a construction-worker-turned-singing-sensation, releases Don’t Die with Your Song Unsung, a small book that translates his remarkable story into inspiration for every worker who feels stuck in a job and unable to pursue personal dreams.

NEW YORK, New York – November 7, 2011: Blue-collar worker Gary Russo literally rose above the noise and heat of his subway-construction job in New York to pursue his dream of singing in public. In Don’t Die with Your Song Unsung (ServingSuccess Publishing, November 2011, $15.95), a new book co-authored with Dr. Andrea T. Goeglein, he inspires others to pursue their dreams.

Recession-weary workers nationwide could use this inspiration. A recent Gallup poll showed that roughly one-third of U.S. workers are dissatisfied by the amount of on-the-job stress and 26% cite dissatisfaction stemming from a lack of promotion opportunities.[i] Worn down by a perceived lack of opportunity in a stressful workplace, workers have most likely shelved their dreams.

Russo’s story and Goeglein’s personal development commentary in Don’t Die with Your Song Unsung tell readers that they don’t have to settle for where they are. “I worked for a great company, but I was just going through the motions,” reflects Russo. “My life changed completely in 31 days. Now my goal is to help others understand that they, too, can pursue their dreams while also holding down a job and paying the bills. My message is: If I could do it, you can, too.”

Russo transformed what could have been a flash of fame into a lifetime commitment to help others smile, dream, and know the power of love. He stepped onto the main stage of his life through the magic of an August 2, 2011 YouTube video. Known as the “2nd Avenue Subway Sinatra,” Gary has shared his song and live-your-dreams message through media outlets such as Good Morning America, World News Tonight with Brian Williams, and Inside Edition, and at premier venues including New York’s famous Blue Note Jazz Club, Rockefeller Center, and the ING New York City Marathon start line, where a television commentator hailed him as “a New York legend.”

Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD, aka Dr. Success^®, is founder, curator, and author of the Don’t Die, Small Book, Big Impact personal development series. As an expert in Positive Psychology, she translates true stories into actionable inspiration. Andrea frequently appears on KAZ-TV’s AM Arizona; she has also appeared on the Rachael Ray show and on major radio networks across the nation.

Don’t Die books make affordable, high-impact gifts that convey support and encouragement during these tough times. They are available for purchase at Amazon and at http://www.ServingSuccess.com/

---

[i] Survey conducted August 10 – 14, 2011. Full results can be found at: http://www.gallup.com/poll/149324/workers-unhappy-health-benefits-promotions.aspx

Making Lists

Tis' the Season...I will not comment on my feeling about the commericalization of the season we are entering.  Instead, I will focus on a great habit that has come from this season and how to use it move forward with your life goals.  The habit I am referring to is the making of lists. 

During the next few weeks we will be making lists for all the extra groceries we need to prepare the larger than usual meals, all the gifts we will purchase to spread joy (and increase stress) and all the things we want to do differently come the first of the New Year. 

Dr. Success Challenge:  Before you make the lists mentioned above, made a list of all the things that went well in 2011.  If a negative remembrance comes into your mind, honor it, write it down, then cross it out and keep thinking about the things that went well.  Example:

Got a promotion.
Closed a major sale I had been working on for two years.
Took a well needed vacation that was paid for before I ever left home with the sales commission.
Car was stolen from airport parking lot.  (Do I need to tell you to cross that one out?)
Had to spend the first few days I was back from my vacation filling out insurance claims. (Cross out!)
Realized I had insurance and will be getting a newer car because prices are lower this time of year.

There you go...start making your list...then you will be ready for the holidays.  Oh, and of course, if you want a great gift idea for under $20 for anyone who feels stuck in a rut - Don't Die with Your Song Unsung is available on Amazon. 

Remember, everytime you take an action to help your self live a life of success, you are already living a successful life.  A successful life is a life lived moment-by-moment. 

Thank you, Andrea

Setting Goals and Failure

This week I set an ambitious goal.  I wanted my newest book, Don’t Die with YourSong Unsung, with Gary Russo, to make the top of the Amazon chart in self-help book sales. 

I set a goal.

I asked for help.
The help and love showed up from all over the place.
The goal was not met.

Dr. Success Challenge:  How do you remain optimistic when a goal is not met?

One solution:  Do a gap analysis of the situation. 

• The first gap you analyze is the goal gap.  The goal gap is a simple question “Is the goal one that I really want to achieve?” 
• If the answer is yes, then you do step two of a gap analysis: you measure the original goal against the result and determine the ‘gap’. 
• Next, you reset the goal to fill the gap and take the necessary action or actions to reach the goal. 

And always remember the words of Henry Ford: Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.

Thank you to all who supported our initial goal.  Andrea

 

 

 

Target hits the Target with Zoe Glassman

In June 2009 I wrote of a customer service experience I had at my local Target store.  It was an example of incredible customer service.  Now I would like to share with you an example of an incredible customer! 

What this young lady, Zoe Glassman, exemplifies is how well Target is branded and how well they deliver on their brand.  Target hit the branding jackpot having this television reporter unknowingly select a customer who was the target age for their product line (the new Missoni for Target), has the potential of being a customer for decades to come, and who could articulate the price-value proposition of the brand. 

Target should write a self-help book or success book on branding. And then there is luck! This time Target hit the Target without even trying.  Think Zoe Glassman may have a future as their national spokes person!

Happy shopping.  Remember smart shopping is a wise investment in America's future.  Target delivers on that investment.

Thank you, Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
DrSuccess@ServingSuccess.com
www.YouTube.com/user/ServingSuccess

Looking Back to Move Ahead

In 2007 when I was working with a web design team to create my ServingSuccess site, I provided photos to be included on the home page.  I felt the photos represented different emotions that people go through as they transform and develop.  I had taken all the photos submitted.  One was of the rays of sun coming through some gray clouds.  I really like that photo.  When I took it, the scene was in front of me as I drove through the entrance of the development I live in.  The web designer recommended that I not use that photo.  She felt it did not show hope and might make people feel sad.  I did not use it on the site although I did have note cards made using it as the cover. 

On my walk yesterday, I was prompted to turn around and look back.  I don't know why I did that. This blog is what I saw.  I took out my phone and took a photo.  I then continued my walk imagining a life where the clouds were behind me, there was still lots of road, and the sun was still there to send its rays of hope.  I had an incredible walk and a very productive day. 

Dr. Success Challenge:  Look at the photo.  Think about what it is telling you about your life right now.  Write down your thoughts and allow them to be.  No further action necessary. 

Thank you, Andrea T. Goeglein, PhD
Dr. Success
www.DontDieBooks.com

IPPA, Love and Gary Russo

A year ago I was attempting to yet again clarify the message I bring to my work and my clients.  This is what I wrote in my journal on August 12, 2010:

Science has proven what we instinctively knew – love is the answer no matter what the question, forgiveness is the key difference to creating a successful life lived forward or a distressful life stuck in the past.  atg 081210

At the IPPA Second World Conference, Positive Psychology luminary, Barbara Fredrickson, clarified what the emotion 'love' is when referred to as an emotion that builds and broadens well-being or happiness in an individual's life.  Love is the experience of positive emotions which are noticed in the momentary increase in the well-being of another, causing a sychronistic response that builds over time.*

Defining love in this manner explains why an entertainer -- like Gary Russo -- can feel love when he performs on his lunch hour to a group of people he does not know. 

Now here is something incredibly cool.  The photo in this blog was taken a few weeks ago at Barbara Fredrickson's presentation at IPPA.  The shadow of the mic is part of the original photo.  It just so happened that where I was sitting all of my photos of the slides had the mic in the way.  I was originally disappointed. Now that I am writing Don't Die with Your Song Unsung with Gary Russo, and the theme of that book is love, it feels more like it was meant to be there all along. 

*This is my interpretation of the slide presented.  The actual research is yet to be released. 

Happy singing, Andrea
www.DontDieBooks.com
DrSuccess@ServingSuccess

Gary Russo Don't Die Author

In the last few days my cousin Gary Russo's voice became known to millions.  This evening he agreed to be my next Don't Die author.  I told him to sleep on a title that feels right.  I gave him the first few lines of the introduction I had written.  He paused and said, "Wow, that's deep".  Now the work begins of writing the book which we hope to have out by October 1.  What follows is an email he wrote to me on June 9, 2011 -- several weeks after we had spent the afternoon together at a family gathering.

Dear Andrea,

It was so goood to see you the other day. Especially to see Cara and the family having a good time. It really made my heart swell to see you give your time to help my little one and the contest. Time goes too quick. I am very impressed with your site and the work you do. Dr Success I love it. I've been on a path of discovery for the past few years.  It must have been the water in Richmond Hill that put us on the path. LOL Just down loaded Shifting Sands on my nook. Looking forward to following your success. Stay well and help the world get better. Keep in touch. Love to you and the family. Thanks for Jeanie\'s number, I\'m working 500 ft from her front door.

Cousin, I don't think you will be following my success.  I think we will be enjoying some success together. 
Thank you, Andrea Goeglein, PhD
1 866 975 3777
www.DontDieBooks.com

Expectation vs. Action

If you knew the ending, would you ever attempt greatness?  Just sit with that question for today.    The photo was taken on July 8, 2011 at the final Atlantis launch by Stew Gibbons, Principle, CTC ~ Creating Tomorrow's Communities