I’d been under the weather and forced to come to a complete halt. I tried planning projects I could tackle during the downtime, priorities I could finally shoot to the top of my list. For a planner like me, even my downtime needed to be accounted for. But, it simply wasn’t to be…

I had no choice other than to STOP DOING. My brain simply could not, would not shut off. I kept thinking of all of the personal projects I could ( translate ‘ should ‘) be working on, given this unusual and prime downtime. Shame on me if I did not take advantage !!! So many things I’d been putting off, so many personal development resources at my fingertips; if I did not complete some and begin on all, I’d begin 2012 feeling lazy, unproductive, behind the eight ball, weak and doomed to fail. I chastised my brain for being foggy, and would not let myself off the hook. I even tried to start back officially working and meeting personal commitments before my health would agree, because the calendar said the holidays were over; I was met with disaster, disappointing others with my poor results and sending mixed signals that I could, when – trust me – I could not.

Roughly one month later, and after the proverbial fog has passed, I notice myself with a greater strength and clarity than I’ve had in quite a while. Although my task list was left unattended, and part of “the old” me still wishes I had gained greater ground, I may just have gotten more accomplished by allowing myself to do nothing at all.

I’d ended 2011 hardened, exhausted, and generally tough on the inside and out. Fighting against a self-imposed timeline and working under constraints that no one else was measuring except me. Having had [forced] time to decompress, my mind, heart and intuition are slowly beginning to come together and listen to each other’s signals. With time comes patience and with patience comes clarity. With clarity, I choose to believe that my task list will magically prioritize itself; and I can begin 2012 with far more personal power and anticipated productivity than I would have otherwise, even if I’d spent all 3 weeks mapping out goals. Just maybe, giving myself a break instead of pushing forward aimlessly, is a very appropriate beginning to the productivity posts, after all…

Well, fancy that.

I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I’ve ended up where I needed to be. ~ Douglas Adams

Wishing You Success,
Natalya

Although I recently “unresolved” to do many a thing heading into 2012 – I wanted to share a most inspiring and intelligent blog post citing “three words” to lead into the year – from a a fellow blogger and someone whose accomplishments and work ethic I admire greatly.

Thank you, Justin Levy for this wonderful blog to start out the new year and for the cross reference to my article on work-life balance as well. Honored to be in such company.

Via Justin Levy

It’s that time of the year again where we look at the new year full of vigor and motivation, ready to take on everything that the upcoming year has to offer. However, it’s so easy to get bogged down and sidetracked from accomplishing our goals that by the time we look up again, the year has already escaped us.

This is why for the past few years I’ve joined Chris Brogan and several other friends in choosing three words that will serve as my guiding pillars for the upcoming year. These three words will help me to accomplish the goals that I have set out for myself, both professionally and personally. Read More….

Wishing You Success,
Natalya

So, if I must make any “resolution” for 2012, it would be to NOT make any. Taking that concept one step further, I’d also like to suggest a few things I plan (translate: unresolve) to do:

1. I refuse to believe any longer that writing down my expenses equates to ” budgeting.” This, perhaps, is the biggest lie I have ever told myself . Tracking what you spend and where is useful, so if you have to start somewhere – start there. But, please, set some limits ( ie, ” budget ” ) in your primary spending categories and be honest with yourself if you don’t stay within these parameters. If nothing else, awareness of your spending habits will increase and you’ll permit yourself the conscious choice of working to support your spending -or- working to meet your basic expenses. BIG difference.
2. I unresolve to get so hot and bothered about things over which other people don’t seem to be losing sleep. I can’t solve the world’s problems, nor can I make everyone’s work ethic the same as my own. I can, however, set my own standards, measure myself against these, and let go ( translate: walk away) when others’ choices, behaviors or timelines are outside of my control. I’m really hoping to conserve some emotional and mental energy with this unresolution.
3. For as disciplined and focused as people believe I am, I erred on the side of scattered and unfocused at times throughout 2011. So, I am moving toward less multi- tasking and more focused prioritization. PS: I’m learning that means minimizing distractions, too; so, don’t take it personally if I tell you ” not right this second, but how about –:– time, instead?” That way, I hope to manage my interruptions so they don’t manage me.
4. Last year this time, I took a goal-setting seminar. I could not tell you one goal I “set” in that 7 hour workshop nor if any were achieved. Since then, and thanks to some brilliant people I’ve met along the way in 2012, I will continue to set goals using new and improved techniques. But more important than even the goals themselves will be the daily or weekly check-in to gauge where I’m at on the goal continuum and what I need to adjust. Goals are like finish-line flags, set in place to give you a marker to aim for. Either you wave it down when you reach it and shout ‘Victory’ or you decide to move the flag and adjust your path as life proceeds.
5. And, lastly, on my list of “unresolutions,” I will be more positive when talking to MYSELF. Like it or not, life plays tricks on your mind; and although all bad things do come to an end, some of us relive them every day in the negative thought patterns these experiences leave behind. “It has been demonstrated that nearly 90% of our thoughts are negative…and these nasty little beasts can be even more powerful than positive thoughts because we often find them easier to accept.” * So, more so than merely repeating positive affirmations a la Stuart Smalley, I choose to use positive thoughts to challenge those automated negative ones and become MORE aware of my thoughts and words in everyday life.

Wishing You Success in 2012,
Natalya

* Excerpted from www.vitalaffirmations.com

Being a Buffett groupie at heart, I have made every attempt to know a little about the companies he owns, why he owns them and how they are performing. And since I have someone extremely capable helping me to decide whether to buy, sell or hold – I get the luxury of spending most of my time admiring Buffett’s persona rather than his pocketbook.

But therein lies the point – his persona has led to what’s in his pocketbook (and therefore the pocketbooks of his shareholders).

Just recently, Berkshire Hathaway (Buffet’s holding company) – announced amidst much speculation that the 81-year old’s eventual successor will be his son, Howie. Should not be shocking. You would expect the same from, let’s say the Trumps or any other prominent, wealthy, family business. But it just so happens that Howie is a corn and soybean farmer, who likely does not own a three-piece suit nor has had any reason to step foot into Berkshire’s Omaha headquarters recently. However, Buffett made his choice clear, stating that:

…His son will serve as a “guardian” of the company’s “values” rather than a CEO. ‘You worry that somebody will be in charge of Berkshire that uses it as their own sandbox in some way,’ ‘That changes the way that decisions are made in reference to the shareholders. The odds of that happening are very, very, very low, but having Howie there adds just one extra layer of protection.’ ~ Excerpted from an article by Clare O’Conner (Forbes Magazine)

Howie is very happy tilling to his corn and soybeans, I assure you, so this is not about nepotism nor climbing the Corporate Ladder. What it is, however, is a strategic and genius decision Buffett has made to assure shareholders that his legacy of values and principles will not die with him.

Anyone can run a business, not everyone can run a business as intelligently, authentically and with the respect of its stakeholders in mind as much as Buffett has.

If only the values of authenticity, sound judgement, fairness, and the readiness to admit and be led by what one knows and does not know were more prevalent. We would all enjoy a measure of success closer to what Buffett has.

Wishing You Success,
Natalya

If You Enjoyed This, You Might also Enjoy:

• Transparency Versus Authenticity
• Killing Them with Kindness…Corporate Kindness

2011 came in like a lion with a loud, thunderous roar, and I’ve spent the better part of 12 months trying to tame it back to the sweet silence of a sleeping Yorkie.

Although I would not have voluntarily signed on to learn any of them, I feel confident that the lessons learned from pain ARE the silver lining when life seems like one big black cloud. The lessons which came, albeit unvited but most welcomed, are noted below.

Everything is perfect. By training ourselves to see the perfection in our most difficult moments – a perspective often seen only in hindsight – we learn to trust life. ~ Cheryl Richardson

1. When someone, something, or some situation is simply not good enough to be part of your life’s purpose, God will swoop down with a pick-up truck and remove it. And just like you have no fight against a 3 ton truck, nor can you stand in the way of what is intended for your best life. While there may be a trail of dirt left behind, rest assured that beautiful flowers will bloom in that dirt again one day soon.




The next moment is as much beyond our grasp, and as much in God’s care, as that a hundred years away. Care for the next minute is as foolish as care for a day in the next thousand years. In neither can we do anything, in both, God is doing everything. ~ C. S. Lewis via White Feather Farm.

2. Living your truth and growing your strengths regardless of anyone else’s opinions gets easier the more you do it. Knowing what you stand for, what makes you the best you and not compromising either is the source of motivation and energy which will propel you forward each and every day.




If you have your back when taking a risk, you can pretty much try anything. Don’t terrorize yourself with criticism after doing something daring. Behave in a way that reinforces your commitment to be a cheerleader for your soul. Honor your gift. ~ Cheryl Richardson

3. There is no price tag that can be placed on integrity, honesty and compassion. You really only get one go-round in this life, so treat others with respect. Be strong enough to stand up for yourself without demolishing another. Ultimately you only belittle yourself and will be the loser for it.




It is not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity. ~ Sir Francis Bacon

4. Stress, turmoil and overextension take a toll. It may seem like you have the necessary strength (translate – adrenaline) to fight through, but there will come a time at the end of the tunnel when the lights go out and that adrenaline turns to fog. At that moment, when it’s dark and you have no energy left – accept the gift that is stepping back and replenishing your mind, body and soul. Don’t keep going. People will understand and can wait a while for that cup of coffee, phone call or trip. The gift of permission and self-care is the gift that keeps on giving.




You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love & affection. ~Buddha

5. Start that bucket list and don’t ever stop adding to it. However you define fun, excitement, adventure and peace will ultimately reveal themselves on that list and will become part of your life without your even trying very hard.




The question isn’t who is going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me. ~Ayn Rand

6. Listen to the voice which has been prompting you to… It keeps whispering for a reason, though that reason may take a while to reveal itself.




There is a voice inside of you that whispers all day long, ‘I feel this is right for me, I know that this is wrong.’ No teacher, preacher, parent, friend or wise man can decide what’s right for you–just listen to the voice that speaks inside. ~ Shel Silverstein

7. Give Back. It’s so cliché, but everything you’ve heard is true! Find something you believe in ,whether or not anyone else agrees, and offer your time or strengths. You will certainly receive more than you can ever expect.




By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before. ~ Edwin Elliot

8. Look more closely at the people around you – there will be those who can contribute to your life and soul and others who deplete it. You may be lucky enough to shuffle your buckets of friends, colleagues or contacts and gain more of the former and lose the latter.




Don’t you dare, for one more second, surround yourself with people who are not aware of and can appreciate the greatness that you are. ~Jo Blackwell-Preston

So, if I am thankful for anything this year – it is for everything and everyone that cleared my path to self-discovery or stepped aside so I had the luxury of moving forward, taught me gratitude for the smallest things (as they add up to the big things), and learning to live more in the present .

And to one in particular – your leaving our lives closed a tiny hole of negativity which rippled down the stream eroding all it touched, and left in its wake a body of peace, happiness and strength the size of an ocean. So, thank YOU.

Wishing You Success,
Natalya

But anyone who’s been up, down or on some middle rung of the corporate ladder (and life) can certainly relate to the wisdom and musings of the 26-yr. old CEO whose article 26 Lessons from a 26 Year Old CEO was simply too good not to re-post, and whose success in business and in life have surely just begun.

And…I’ll go ahead say it up front, #s 9, 18, and 24 are among my ultimate fan favorites.

26 Lessons from a 26 Year Old CEO
Reprinted from Forbes Woman
By: Shama Kabani - CEO of The Marketing Zen Group

On April 25th I turned 26, and a few weeks later my web marketing agency turned two. What started as a single person mini-business, has turned into a 27 person global web marketing firm in just two short years. I’ve been immensely grateful for the opportunities life has presented me with. And, as I look forward to the future, it would only be fair to look back as well. Here are 26 lessons I have learned as a young entrepreneur and CEO:

1. A written vision of what you want your company to look like in 3 years is important. The pen (or keyboard!) has power. It isn’t enough to envision your goals in your mind. You must have a blueprint on paper. Every decision you make, ask yourself: does this help me get closer to my vision?
2. Learn to listen to your clients. When we started, we were only offering social media consulting services. But, clients quickly demanded more. We eventually ended up serving as their web marketing department. The marketplace will tell you what it needs. You have to listen, and then deliver.
3. Half the job is keeping up. The pace of technology will only continue to quicken. It doesn’t matter what your industry is, you have to keep up in order to constantly leverage it for your business.
4. Always think in terms of value — not price. Always judge based on the value something or someone brings to the table. Price is arbitrary.
5. Only hire people who have fire. This is especially true if you are running a small to medium sized business. In a large corporation, there is room for many types of personalities and people. In a smaller business, passion is a must in every position. Hire people who are driven to do well and see your business succeed.
6. If you must fire, be graceful and professional about it. This is hands down the worst part of being a CEO. It is tough to let people go, but for the greater good of the business, sometimes it must be done. It doesn’t matter if you are firing or being fired, don’t burn bridges.
7. Learn to forgive. Things happen. People change. You can’t move forward in business — or in life — if you can’t forgive and move on.
8. Cash flow is crucial. This is especially true in a recessionary economy, and if you are growing quickly. Work with clients to get payments upfront.
9. Balance is overrated. Aim for joy. When work is fun, you don’t feel the need to take as many breaks. Balance in today’s world looks very different than it did just 20 years ago. Embrace it.
10. Don’t underestimate the power of PR. The power of the press may now be in more than just the hands of journalists (umm…social media, anyone?). Learn to be a friend to the press.
11.Treat your team well. People will follow a leader who treats them with respect. Learn to value your team’s input, and always reward them for a job well done.
12. Focus is the most underrated skill that you must master. 90 percent of the time, what is on your computer screen is not resulting in a positive ROI. Learn to focus on what truly matters in your business. Then, do it consistently.
13. Multitasking doesn’t mean greater productivity. Don’t put “good multitasker” on your resume. Numerous studies have shown that multitasking decreases brain power.
14. Age isn’t just a number. Age does matter. Managing a Gen Y employee is different than managing a baby boomer.
15. Appearances matter. I just interviewed an intern who showed up in an outfit more appropriate for an 8 a.m. class. I had to wonder how he would represent us in front of clients. Whether we like it or not, appearances matter. Dress appropriately.
16. Learn to view situations objectively. Just because you would or wouldn’t do something, doesn’t mean others are the same way.
17. Life is short, and very easy to take for granted. Sounds like something you’d read in a self-help book, but true nonetheless. Life is temporary, and the only thing that matters at the end of the day is how you treated those around you.
18. Pets make the workplace better. I propose that every office should have a mascot. Ours is a little Maltese-Poodle mix named Snoopy. No day is a sad day.
19. A support network is crucial. As much as you try, you can’t do it alone. Building a personal and professional support network is imperative.
20. Give luck its due. Luck has played a huge part in my life. I don’t deny it. I am just grateful for it.
21. Hard work is a given. Struggle doesn’t have to be. I’ve learned that there is always work that will need to be done. The task list is never complete. So, just enjoy it!
22. It IS lonely at the top. And, yes, the view & the food are both amazing.
23. Ignore the trolls. They like the power the anonymity of the internet gives them. Don’t pay them any attention.
24. Be picky when choosing your friends. My friend list (and I don’t mean Facebook) is short. Surround yourself with people who inspire you.
25. Karma exists in business and in life. The old adage says “what goes around, comes around.” The older I get, the more I see this being true. Think twice before you act.
26. Being a CEO means being a CVO. CVO stands for Chief Value Officer. Always ask yourself: How can I create value for our clients? Our prospects? Our internal team? The answers will guide you to building a better company.

Wishing You Success,
Natalya

Over the course of my career, each project has brought with it new faces, new personalities, new skills, sometimes new cultures, and always new perspectives on how to improve for the next time. But, there is one variable which remains fixed: the human factor.

I recall working on a project back in 2002, on an implementation for a world-wide communications conglomerate (hint: first carrier of the IPhone) with staff spread across every US timezone. Upon completion, I felt like I was a car that had been sent through one of those enclosed car washes – the only difference being that I did not come out shiny and looking like new. In that situation, I was forced to deal with every personality type on the planet AND come to terms with my own. Having had that [scathing] experience, and learning from my mistakes in dealing with those “personalities”, I learned that it’s really not about the deliverable but rather about the humans behind those tasks that matter most toward the end result.

Just recently, in fact….

I fulfilled an item on my bucket list and began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity . The obvious rewards of such an experience aside, I walked away from the job site realizing that I was now involved in yet another project, unexpectedly.

Several weeks into this experience, it’s become evident that the human factor supersedes all else, with complete strangers working together toward a common good which reaps no benefit to them other than the opportunity to make someone else’s dream of owning a home become a reality, watching out for each other’s well-being on tall ladders, on top of a roof, lifting bales of sod covered with invisible ants, and in the heat of the Florida sun. And, then collectively standing back grateful to have been involved, having learned a few new tricks and tips, and preparing themselves to set out once again in seven days on the next project at hand.

Though I was not charged with managing this “project”, I took my PM tool belt with me and found myself surrounded by at least 50 other willing participants, each of whom I would be proud to work with on any project. Interestingly enough, though, the diversity of personalities on each task have mirrored those of the most eclectic projects I have worked on!

• Roofers seem to have something to prove, mainly to themselves , and go straight for the challenge. No room for failure there and it’s all about the focus (and the ego…).
• The landscapers are more like a social club – enjoying the task, injecting creativity and inspiration with a lot of laughter, and taking a moment to stand back, enjoy the view, and smell the roses (literally!).

That said, every volunteer is there for the same reason: a successful build – which meets inspection, and on which no one gets hurt. So, the common good is paramount regardless of what task is assigned to you. In Corporate Utopia, the same would apply; for a successful project brings success to the organization, which – in theory – should mean job security and recognition for a job well-done. Note: I used the term “Utopia.” This simple truth has eluded most projects I’ve worked on (aside from some of the more recent); the lack of camaraderie and extent of CYA among resources and departments still confounds me to this day.

There is no “I” in teamwork, after all….

Author’s Note: Having been a “roofer” my first several weeks, my comments regarding the roofers’ mentality v. landscapers’ apply as much to me as any other. But, I did not realize this until I had the opportunity to landscape this past week…and I think I’d rather see myself as one of latter – in home-building and in life.

Wishing You Success,
Natalya

Photo Credit:: Habitat for Humanity of Broward County and Integration Destination.

So time for me to write a blog this week, and I thought -”what impact has Steve Jobs had on me, my productivity, the way I look at technology…?”

Well, let’s start with the fact that now I actually look at technology without trying to fight it with an invisible sword. After battling the smart phone war within for 5 years, I was woo’d over by the IPhone’s promise of a built-in, dynamic GPS that could get me anywhere I needed to go. Three years later, I am proud to say that, while I’ve yet to use its GPS functionality, I have become an avid IPhone aficionado with an APP for everything including but not limited to: my grocery list, hurricane tracking, the Today Show, my favorite blogs and radio stations, The Harvard Business Review, Kindle, Skype and – of course (being a wordie at heart) – Scrabble. And, though I have not crossed over fully yet, I do have friends and family who love their IPads and MacBooks and simply would not look back.

Reasons to be an IPhone groupie aside, as I read more and more of the articles about Steve Jobs, I realized that his success was born of and founded upon truths which should be fundamental to us all….

(Author’s Note: Listed in no particular order – these are by no means his only lessons, but rather the ones which impacted me most. ) *

Steve Job’s insights into life :

• “If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, would you still want to do what you’re about to do today?” [N] Of any of his statements, this one held the most weight for me. Perhaps because I knew it came from someone who has/is facing death head-on or perhaps because such a simple question should have an equally simple answer. And if the answer is not simple, then perhaps it’s not the right answer…so keep asking yourself this question…I know I will.
• Don’t pander — better. “We didn’t build the Mac for anybody else. We built it for ourselves.” [N ] For some it is the hardest way, for others it is the ONLY way – whether you fail or succeed, live as YOU believe. For without beliefs on which to stand, your work ethic and moral compass will falter like a weakly rooted tree in hurricane force winds and eventually topple over. And, although it IS important to win friends and influence people (Thank you, Dale Carnegie), it’s equally (if not more important) to be true to your own standards and let those standards lead the way regardless of consequence. Often the consequence of leading by others’ opinions results in your certain demise.
• Build a temple. “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work.…” [N] Jobs’ statement holds its weight by framing work as a temple. If you are a person of great faith, or even one who understands history and faith, then you know that you would never think of entering a sacred temple without the greatest respect for what is housed within it. And so holds true for your own work – whether personal or professional, it is up to you to value what you do and its inherent worth; build a moat of respect and success around your own output and the integrity of your reputation.
• Have taste. “The only problem with Microsoft is they just have no taste. They have absolutely no taste.” [N] Jobs defines “taste” as the opposite of “tackiness” and goes on to say that “…We might just be approaching the tackiest point in history known to man.” First impressions, lasting quality, and sincere effort just are not where they should be today and have not been for a very long time. So, Jobs’ took the high road to ensure that his products blew all others out the water in aesthetics, function and thoughtfulness. And for anyone who has ever sat at an Apple store’s “Genius Bar”, you have experienced that service and the kind of camaraderie among customers and employees alike which arises only when shared beliefs in a product and level of service are at the forefront.

Wishing You Success,
Natalya

Image Courtesy of : victusspiritus.com

Quotes courtesy of – MSNBC, random interviews, Huff Post, Umair Haque

…many people will have goals they wish to accomplish at the expense of others…

Some may be well-intentioned; others not so much.

• Consider the caring mentor who takes a young friend under his/her wing- guiding gently over a cup of coffee or introducing activities and people who will assist the young person’s growth and future. Not wishing to be overt nor overbearing, the young person is a beneficiary of the mentor’s [hidden] and well-positioned agenda. Realize, however, that the mentor – perhaps unknowingly – is invested in fulfilling an internal need of helping others even more so than seeing beneficiaries blossom; for in the act of mentoring, the internal goal of self-fulfillment is realized.
• Then, consider the insecure, social climber who seeks out her unsuspecting future husband based on his pedigree, and proceeds to pursue her hidden agenda of wealth, happiness and social success via her new surname. Her bubble soon bursts when she realizes that a name cannot buy social acceptance nor the approval of those from whom she seeks it most; when her [hidden] agenda is foiled, she must find ways to rebel against the same unsuspecting spouse and whom she must now blame for her own disappointment. And, such is the behavior of most hidden agendas- they ultimately turn on their very own originators and result in a lose-lose situation.
• Now, most familiar to me, are hidden agendas of the professional kind. Often times, in a professional environment, people believe that the only way to advance is at the expense of another. Make him look badly so I can shine. Or, similarly, let her be the voice of dissent and project negativity and dissidence while I instigate her so she can achieve my goal. Ultimately, however, you can be diligent and not the pawn for another’s dissatisfaction. Pay attention to what others do and say and how they require your direct or indirect participation in relation to an outcome or desired goal. Although I am not a proponent of the perpetual cynicism and doubt, unfortunately the reality is that you do need to develop awareness in order to avert malevolent intent and the furthering of others’ hidden agendas at work.




Sometimes a person’s agendas are hidden even from themselves, because they are in denial about it.

Wishing You Success Identifying and Avoiding Hidden Agendas,
Natalya

Quotations courtesy of The Fifth Dimension

While no one wants to live in an emotional desert in which positive expectations are treated as mere illusions, psychologists report that unrealistic or mismatched expectations are actually counterproductive and destructive.

So, how do you know when to lower your expectations to avoid the negative backlash without destroying the very sense of hope which propels us forward?

There are numerous publications which will provide you with the “4, 5 or 12 steps to managing expectations”- and while helpful, these don’t drill down to the core issue. Your expectations are about YOU : what you want to happen, how you want others to behave, etc. And therefore, the solution also lies with you. What are you willing to accept? What is “good enough” and when is “good enough” not good enough?!

Simply put, it’s important to check your expectations before you leave the door – share your own truth with yourself, so to speak. Stop and really hear and feel what you are expecting in your gut. This proactive exercise will help you calm down and process the possibilities of both potential positive and negative outcomes against the bar of your own truth.

And although this piece of “advice” may seem random, it has a lot to do with being productive, balanced and effective in both work and life. The more you’re aware of your expectations, where they fall in the spectrum of hopeful versus catastrophic – the better you will be able to manage them and effect positive experiences and outcomes no matter what.

Wishing You Success Managing Your Expectations,
Natalya

If you enjoyed this, you might also like:

• The Downside of Overconfidence
• Manage Expectations, or Expect to be Managed