You Need an Excellent Community Now.

Today's focus:

Autonomy is not Isolation. Technology pushes us to believe that they are similar.

Why You Need Community?

• Loneliness and Social Isolation are Risk Factors for Mortality. Social isolation, loneliness, and even living alone can increase your possibility of death by at least 26% for people younger than 65.  See this paper.
• Gender, length of time, and region of the world didn't matter in that same study.
• Connection is the Opposite of Addiction, according to this.

What is Community for Smart, Ambitious Women?

• Your community is your social group.
• Community of excellence comes when you make time for it. 
• Set your standards
• Make time for that
• Encourage, empower & uplift your community

"Networks are only as valuable as those they bring together and what happens as a result. The innate value of a network and what you get out of it can make or break your chances for development." Athena Vongalis-Macrow, Harvard Business Review

Ask Yourself These 4 Questions When Evaluating a Network Group

1. Who is in the network?

You want valuable members who are: part pack rat, part librarian, and part Good Samaritan. 

"The pack rat brought a range of resources that could be accessed and used to create new and fresh ideas. The librarian brought information and knowledge. And the Good Samaritan had the attitude and practice of sharing. A network built on relationships between talented, knowledgeable, and supportive members is worth joining. If that rel ationship doesn’t exist, you may need to look elsewhere." HBR

2. How well does the network connect?

Consider the frequency and quality of communication.  

Find out if it's an invitation-only group.

Ask about mentoring options within the group.

3. Is there functional communication?

"Care and concern create network value because they are resources that help build trust and support. Ask yourself, does your network offer support that enables you to overcome difficulties?"

4. Who are you talking to?

Find out if the network gives you access to more influential people. 

How to Create a Support Network

1. Join a group.   

2. Create a group. 

3. Volunteer in the community.

4. Start an online group.

The many resources for today's episode:

• Why Women's Networking Groups Fail, Forbes
• This post from Brie Gowen
• Why does being lonely make you ill? BBC
• Assess the Value of Your Networks, HBR
• How Extreme Isolation Warps Minds  BBC
• Caring and the generation of social capital: Tow models for a positive relationship. Johansson, Leonard and Noonan.
• Connection is the Opposite of Addiction, by UpLift.
• Mark Slemons, Leader to Leader podcast.

Let’s connect!

Want to join the group of smart, ambitious women working together? Want to be part of the Team?  Join here.

You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

This is the first episode in the Naked Summer Series. 

Today we talk about why it's important to say no. Why you need to say no even more than you think you need to say it and I share with you an exercise I learned from Greg McKeown on how to do that.

Why you need to say no even more than you think you need to say it and I share with you an exercise I learned from Greg McKeown on how to do that.

Now get your fruity beverage, sit by the pool or beach (if nearby), and let's have a chat!

The world makes way for those who know where they are going.

Get that in your purse:

I just finished reading "Year of Yes" by Shonda Rhimes. 

I thought I had to know of every episode of every show she's ever created to get it.

Uh, no. 

Here's just one quote to give you some perspective.  "When you negate someone's compliment, you are telling them they are wrong. You're telling them they wasted their time. You are questioning their taste and judgment."

Say Yes to yourself.  If you're not a reader, I know you're a listener, because, well, this is a podcast.  Get Year of Yes and listen while you are driving the kids in the car.

 Get the Audiobook here .

Speak the Lingo:

Today's Leadership Lingo Term: ambitious

Having ambition; eagerly desirous of achieving or obtaining success, power, wealth, a specific goal, etc.

Today's focus:

Being a Smart, Ambitious Woman is tough.   

We are too tough on ourselves. 

We expect more from ourselves than is necessary. 

Our striving for excellence can actually hold us back.  We need a reminder.

We need perspective.

We need to understand why we are fighting that internal battle of pushing to excel while allowing ourselves to be content at the moment.

That's why I've written "The Smart, Ambitious Woman's Manifesto." If you would like your own copy to print out, save with your PDF file or take a screenshot and use on your phone click here. 

"Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings." - Salvador Dali

Interested in having your own podcast?  You can now start your own and get your first two months of hosting FREE.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

Let’s connect!

On Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Get that in your purse:

Always on the hunt for the lowest prices on Amazon?  Check out https://camelcamelcamel.com/.

This site will do your comparative price hunting for you on Amazon.  This is one of those power tools saving you time and money. 

Today's focus:

Stop Suffering from Super Woman Syndrome and Shine

I play the piano for the kindergartener's graduation program.  It has been an adventure.  

Which brings me to the Super Woman Syndrome.  Do you suffer from this affliction?

Consider, a Super Hero:

• Solves problems.  Only fixes things and moves onto the next challenge.
• Thinks herself invincible.  She pretends she is completely unruffled by life.
• Never gets down.   Always happy.  Always have a fake, toothy grin.
• Is a doer.  She does it all herself. She doesn't need help from anyone.
• Is a complete workaholic.  All she has is proving to the world she's a hero.

Now consider a Smart, Ambitious Woman.

She:

• Asks for help.  Sometimes even just a little more than she needs.  (It's because she understands that she is giving someone opportunity to lead & serve.)
• Allow herself to be vulnerable.  She mentions to someone she trusts when she is struggling or feeling the fear that comes with progress.
• Gives herself room to feel the emotions of life.  She is real.  She allows herself to breathe and just be in the moment.
• Communicates.  She doesn't try to do it all herself.  She encourages and graciously accepts help from others.  That doesn't mean she's weak, she understands the value of teamwork and relationships in life.
• Appreciates hard work, but puts that aside to focus on other things to make her life enriched.

Which would you rather be?

Smart, ambitious women are so much more fun.  They're more real. They are living life, not just going through the motions.

Let’s connect!

 You can hear from me every day.  Sign up at http://thinkenriched.com/5-minutes/.

On Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Did you know??  You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

This week I'll share with you the real difference between passion and desire; what that Disneyland kid taught me; how you should prepare for the reaction of those around you when you absolutely know you have to do it. Speak the Lingo: Today's Leadership Lingo Term: Desire vs. Passion We often hear people use the term passion when really they just desire something. Desire comes and goes. Passion doesn't let go. "Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." --Oprah Winfrey "You can't fake passion." --Barbara Corcoran Today's focus: Everyone has that one thing they've been talking about doing. Some of us know people who never take the steps to make their dream come to fruition. On my email list, yes, I email them every day, we have been working through some kinks the month of April to make these people's ideas become profitable business ideas. When you absolutely know you have to do it. I share with you what I learned from the Disneyland kid. What you need to know about the phases other people go through trying to accept/understand your "crazy dream..." They'll say to you things like, (Each one of these a phase the people you love go through to accept the "new you" and your passion/project/big dream.) "This is so weird." They don't understand. It's awful. "What? Are you serious about this?" They are kind of intrigued. They half-mock/half-listen. "Really? You want to do this?" Now they are interested. They start to listen to you. "How does that work?" Now they are entertained. They want to know your story. "Why does this matter? Or, Why didn't I think of that?" They are enchanted. They love what you are doing. They are cheering you on in your journey. "Don't die with your music still in you." -- Wayne Dyer Want a daily email to light you up? Consider it your 5 minutes away, the vitamin B for your soul. Sign up here: http://thinkenriched.com/5-minutes/ You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting. Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code. Let’s connect! Follow in social media: Facebook, Instagram.

Today's episode is going in a different direction.

This new insight has been of tremendous value for me and I want you to hear about it.  These insights are notes gleaned as I read "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself," by Dr. Shad Helmstetter.

Negative thoughts... they can pop up anytime.

Here's how to beat them. 

1. Understand that your mind is a computer.
2. The programming of that computer has been done.
3. Change the program.
4. Use the 1:5 ratio to make that happen.
5. Make Self-Talk a regular part of your day.
6. Record your new program.

You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

 This episode continues to explain the RICH Life Framework.  Today 

Newsflash:

Adding a new segment to the show, occasionally we'll be sharing a newsflash or interesting tip that applies to all of us.  

Today's newsflash is, the good people at Podcast Movement mentioned me and Think Enriched, as one of 10 women you should know at PM17.

See the post here.

Speak the Lingo:

Today's Leadership Lingo Term: Network

Too many of us are concerned to start an income stream because, "I don't want to be too salesy..." Or, "I don't know anyone."

Oh please. 

Consider the people you see at:

• school drop off
• kids' activities
• the gym
• church groups
• the same checker at the grocery store that is so friendly
• neighbors

Use your skills and gently reach out to those in your daily routine.  Those tiny conversations build the seed of trust with others.  

This is how you begin to plant the seeds of your  network.

Habits of Excellence:

This week's Habit of Excellence: The Power Nap. WebMD shares why a power nap is more effective than caffeine. 

When's the last time you've had a power nap?

• 20-minute nap :(Stage 2 nap) is good for alertness & motor learning skills like typing and playing the piano.
• 30 to 60-minute naps helps decision-making skills, vocabulary memorization and direction recall.
• 60 to 90-minute naps allow you to make new brain connection and creative problem solving.

How to Nap.  Yes, really.  We need to re-learn to energize ourselves:

• Be consistent. Keep a napping schedule.  (1 to 3pm is prime time.)
• Go dark. Nap in a dark room if you can.
• Stay warm. Use a blanket, as your body temp drops while you snooze.

Today's focus:

Here's how to have happy, successful business relationships.

1. Be genuinely interested.
2. Learn about them because it's fun.
3. Unexpected surprises.

The best way to grow a new business relationship is to plant the seed.

Next time you are working to create a solid business relationship, remember the acronym PLANT.  What is PLANT?  Simply, it is this:

• P: PLAN. "When you don't know where you are headed, any path will take you there."  
• L: LISTEN. The best networkers know more about others.  Show that you are listening (active listening skills.)  Ask smart questions.  
• A: AUTHENTIC. Let people know that who you are at the dinner table is who you are in the office.  Let them see you.
• N: NEED.  Watch for needs that you can fill.  We're not talking money, here.  Small needs that pop up.
• T: TRUST. Trust is credit which builds over TIME.  You need to consistently be working on the first four skills to build that trust.  

A few ways to incorporate the PLANT strategy:

• Listen more intently.
• Fill a need that you can.  
• Surprise people along the way.
• Turn a daily acquaintance into a business colleague.

You can now start your own podcast and get your first two months of hosting.  Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

Let’s connect!

On Facebook, Instagram.

In this special interview, we have Megan Dowd with us.  Her vibrance & information will really be something special for you! 

Get that in your purse:

Speak the Lingo:

Today's Leadership Lingo Term: Self-Care

"Self-care is a very active and powerful choice to engage in the activities that are required to gain or maintain an optimal level of overall health. And in this case, overall health includes not just the physical, but the psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual components of an individual’s well-being."

1. Physical Self-Care: Sleep, Counting calories, Exercise
2. Psychological Self-Care: Avoiding negative self-talk, prescriptions, 
3. Emotional Self-Care: Dealing with emotions, grieving, depression, anxiety
4. Social Self-Care: Be with those you love.Talking through conflict, addressing emotional needs of others
5. Spiritual Self-Care: Faith and meaning in life, meditation, walks, 

We all need to make self-care a priority.  As women we can set the standard to 

Today's focus:

I'm excited to share with you our interview with Megan Dowd.  

Megan Dowd is a STOTT PILATES Certified Instructor in Matwork and Reformer, Levels 1 & 2, which means she's spent a lot of time in both the classroom AND studio to learn how to adapt this work to all bodies. Bodies are weird, wonderful, and AMAZING - yours included - and her work centers around helping you feel greater control and grace in your body RIGHT NOW. She loves to cook (and eat), bakes when she gets stressed out, and regularly goes for walks in the historic graveyard near her apartment (to be clear, there are miles of walking path so she's not just wandering the headstones…).

In this interview we discuss:

• Mind Body Connection and how it matters to us.

Megan is ready to show you how to do 3 Stretches in Bed!  Go to https://www.megandowdpilates.com/thinkenriched to get it.

As a bonus Megan is offering you a 25% discount on your first session!

Find Megan online:  https://www.megandowdpilates.com/ 

Start Your Own Podcast

Did you know you can start your own podcast and get 2 free months of hosting??

Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

Let’s connect!

On Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Invest in Yourself. Easy to say. So very hard to do if you haven't before. Get that in your purse: Check out "5 Minutes for You." Speak the Lingo: Today's Leadership Lingo Term: Invest As you continue to invest in yourself, you'll be able to serve others even better. Today's focus: Continuing on the with RICH Framework, we are talking about the letter I, which is all about investing in yourself. A couple of caveats, your most valuable resources are: Your time. Your energy. Your money. Find ways to maximize those resources. Don't A few ideas to consider investing in yourself are: Read more, plus read a variety of books Make time to learn a new language, a coding program, a new stitch Create something in a new form for you Work with a new tutor, mentor, or coach in your field. Find one that really stretches you to excel. Think about today and tomorrow. Let’s connect! Sign up for "5 Minutes for You." My gift to you, my friend, while you ambitiously give to the world, take 5 Minutes and let's connect. Ever wanted to start your own podcast? Now you can start your own podcast, get your first two months of hosting FREE. Go to libsyn.com/amy for your discount code.

Are you Mindfully Alive in Your Creative Process?

Today's episode is giving you more insight on how to allow more time to create, and, in particular, we're focusing on the Mindfully Alive Retreat.

This free retreat is for you, my friend, the woman who is working, serving, giving to so many.  The experts speaking are sharing their insights on topics like:

• Stress & Creativity
• Managing Creative Blocks
• How to Find Creativity While You're Stuck
• Money, Art & Stress

So many exciting topics to discuss.  I'm delighted to be one of the speakers sharing insight.  Click here to sign up for  the Mindfully Alive Retreat.

Get that in your purse:

You can join me daily at "5 Minutes for You."

You, my dear friend, do so very much.  Consider this your 5 Minute Break at the end of the day for a little laughter, inspiration and cheering you on in the many roles of being a woman.

Speak the Lingo:

Today's Leadership Lingo Term: Create

A few questions to ask yourself:

• How are you Creating?  Or, if that's not the case, consider
• What is keeping you from being creative?
• Do you find immersed in the creative process?
• What kinds of activities allow you to be more creative?

Do more of that!  Creativity allows you to come alive and tap into Flow.  

Read: Finding Flow, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

Today's focus: 

Today we're talking about the Mindfully Alive Retreat.  

Part of living is being free to create.  

And, it's completely free when you sign up.  Later, you are welcome to purchase the recordings if you'd like.  

We discuss:

• Julie is an occupational therapist & artist.
• She coaches artists to become excellent business people.
• Money & creativity can be messy.  She helps you keep it organized.
• Letting go is the part of the process for sale.
• How to go through life and stay "Mindfully Alive."
• Do you consider yourself creative?  You belong at the Mindfully Alive Retreat.
• How you can get back into flow.
• For a quick 2 weeks, you'll enjoy daily speakers delivered right to your inbox.
• Take some time out for yourself.
• How money & stress holds you back 
• How you can make money as an artist
• Your clothing can affect your mindfulness throughout the day
• Finding Creativity When Your Stuck
• Why you need to allow yourself time simply for creativity.
• The difference between, "Sharing your art, but not your soul."

I will be speaking at the Mindfully Alive Retreat.  I hope you can join us there!

Julie is an artist, coach and bestselling author whose passion is to see talented creatives become talented business people.  She has sold her art internationally over the last 15 years but has done it in a way that feels good rather than filled with fear, uncertainty and doubt which has been the recommended way to sell online.

Julie has always been creative, one of her earliest memories is playing with the sequins in her grandmothers’ bead pot.  Anything that is shiny attracts her, including new ideas… lots of them.  She has used art to heal during her 20-year career as a mental health Occupational Therapist and personally within her own life.  She now daily completes a meditation using art to focus her day and it’s an amazing bonus that these pieces sell.

You can find Julie on her website, JulieMerrett.com.

Let’s connect!

On Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.