IMAGINATION-What are you imagining? I had little idea of what I was going to talk about until I was on a hike today. I often do my best thinking while hiking and I often imagine ideas or thoughts along the way. The value of imagination came to mind as I believe it creates the vision we see in our lives, future, job, or family. Children have an enormous imagination and as we age we lose the unpredictability and freedom of simply imagining things without already knowing what they are. I talk about the light bulb, the airplane, the internet and the cell phone…someone had to break out of the barriers and imagine you talking on the phone from your car, while you are walking, or in an airport. The point being is, imagination doesn’t end. The sky is the limit so imagine away with anything you wish. Imagine what it would be like to have peace around the world. There may not be a vision but there is plenty of imagination to go around. AND, when you imagine, it is simply enjoyable to imagine that thought!

On a hike to Bergen Peak, near Evergreen Colorado, Jennifer interviewed me about how I became a Business Coach. As a former University Professor, I did a lot of informal coaching with college students. Once I received my Coaching certification through the John Maxwell Team, I started my own business. Although I provide suggestions and advice, my style of coaching is asking questions to unearth the answers you already have. I listen for themes and point out what I hear in order to direct you in the direction you wish to move toward. Reach out if you are ready to step out and move to the next level.  

Do you like a really good suspense movie? I love them and often times they include people who are acting as imposters: those con men or women who try to trick people into behaving or believing in a certain way. I consider fear, doubt and anxiety as imposter thoughts. These are the thoughts that trick us into believing we really are afraid or we can’t do something or that we are not smart enough.

We all have imposter thoughts but the question is how do we keep them from prowling around in our brain? I offer up a few ways in this video that may be helpful to you.

1. Help someone else which takes your mind of yourself and on to others

2. Get out in the sunshine and nature.  There is such healing in nature. 

3. Write down positive thought next to your imposter thought ( i.e., instead of I can’t say I can or I will).

4. Give your imposter thought a hard name to say.  For me it is shoulder surgery.  It makes me giggle since I can’t say it more than twice without making a mess. Tell it there is no room in your brain. Example: Ms. shoulder surgery you are not welcome today or ever in my brain.

What would you name your imposter?

The New Year is just around the corner. It’s going to be a great year – I just know it! Many New Year’s resolutions often include something we sacrifice or give up when we want to go on a diet or get up earlier in the morning.  Giving up food and sleep are basic necessities, right?  Why not alter the way we approach the new year and consider adding TO versus taking away.  Go on an ADD-VENTURE. Consider doing new, novel, full of anticipation kinds of things that bring a twinkle to your eye and a spirit of excitement! 

I love an adventure and I know you do too. Happy ADD-VENTURE year.  Do something new and stretch your comfort zone.  I know you will be glad you did.