Week Ten: Half Way Mark or Almost Done!

Can you believe it? For those of us who are part of the YEAR LONG "Little Changes" Group and have spent the last six months together, we are at the 1/2 way mark. For those who have joined for only one quarter, we are almost finished with our 12 week focus to "Balance Better" using the 8 Daily To-Do's and the premise of change found in my book, Keep The Change:

"Change begins with awareness, it is empowered with admission, achieved with a daily written action plan, and sustained with accountability."

With this in mind, I felt that we need to take a "check up" with any/all who will be on the live call on Wednesday and hear a good report! So bring your "peak" -- the one change that is noticeable, achieved, and sustained over the past weeks or months. I love great reports and because I know you are watching, listening, and counting on me, I have seen some great changes in my own life!

I will bring a short devotional to end our call with the challenge, as always, that it is not too late to change nor is it every time to give up!

Be encouraged,

Becky

Week Nine: Establish Accountability

I almost feel as if I sound like a broken record BUT I am committed to the concept that change--true and lasting change--is best achieved, more easily attained, and ultimately sustained when we are accountable to others.

Accountability includes: support groups, sponsors, mentors, coaches, counselors, spouses who are willing, prayer partners, or even automated ringer/reminders! (A recent Stanford University study revealed surprising results on the power of even subtle accountability -- see my Little Changes Big Results blog this week for more information.)

Who is your accountability partner for (1) weight management--everything from healthy eating to exercise, (2) spiritual growth--including the mastery of daily time alone with God, (3) the taming of your temperament--anger, anxiety, etc., and/or (4) the fulfillment of the dreams God has put in your heart? It might be one person for/in each area or the same person for all, but the power of accountability is to ASSURE you that you are being honest with yourself, achieving your stated goals (rather than sabotaging them), and encouraging you as you reach small victories and pursue the end goal.

Please, please, please brainstorm this week WHO the people are in your life who walk with you to the finish line!?

I consider myself one of those people, but the more direct contact you have with your accountability partner (phone calls to responding to blog assignments) increases your ability to achieve your goals in a timely manner.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Week Eight: Month at a Glance

Playback Dial-in Number: 1-218-486-8703
Playback Access Code: 801097

Be sure to use this telephone number and access code, and not the previous Dial-in Number and access codes associated with the conference call itself.

Be encouraged,

Becky

Week Eight: One Month At A Glance

We have spent a great deal of time assessing our interior lives, but we can't forget that maintaining balance in all areas of our lives is our end goal this quarter.

After coaching numerous women this week, I realize that most of us are entering a transition time as we float into the summer.

Let's consider that Memorial Day Weekend is the 'turn of the CALENDAR page" that signals that we are entering into summer with an opportunity, if not a mandate, to live by a new rhythm. Whether we have kids or family reunions, change of job status (from part-time to full-time or full-time to part-time), I want to ask you (and me) to lay out a JUNE calendar that reflects our time and travel commitments. (Note: this will also allow you to plan ahead for eating right and exercising regularly.)

Make notes on this month-at-a-glance calendar that will prompt you to grocery shop, pack for travel, protect your quiet time, go the gym or exercise, visit the sick, volunteer, attend church for special events, or attend weddings, etc. Find a calendar (free, online, or one you normally use) and lay out the month--30 days of a plan that brings peace to your mind and heart, energy to your body, food for your soul, and fun with your family and friends.

Let's do it by the week's end--okay?

Be encouraged,

Becky

Week Seven: Don't Buy The Lies

During this quarter, I'm seeing so many of us expose the lies we've believed for what they are: excuses, reasons for relapse, self-pity, or nagging entitlements.

Similar to last week's Automatic Negative Thoughts, this week, I'm going to ask you to answer the following questions (found in Keep The Change). We each face different challenges, but we're all vulnerable to believing lies rather than the truth about our lives--so don't think you're alone!

1. Do I believe that I can change without accountability?
2. Is there something in my life I'm hiding from those close to me?
3. Have I lied about something recently?
4. What does my behavior say about what I believe?
5. What does my body say about what I believe?

Take your time answering these questions and make them specific to your own life.

Be encouraged (and I mean that sincerely),

Becky

Week Six: Capture Your Daily Reality

Okay everyone, this is the wrap up week for WHY WE JOURNAL!

From the chapter in Keep The Change, "Capture Reality Daily," we will review what happens when you journal:

1. You tell yourself the truth.
2. You harness your pain.
3. You tame your temperament.
4. You protect your mind.
5. You unwrap the strategy that will change your behavior!

Let's talk about it!

Be encouraged,

Becky

Week Five: Detail Your Day, Define Your Dreams

Wow--I'm fired up! I'm reading a new business book called SWITCH and it is all about change. It's premise includes this--if you have a path to follow, you are more likely to change sooner and more efficiently than if you do not have a path or plan!

In the CYL Daily Journal, you are asked to journal on 4 pages a day. Why? Because if you follow a pattern every 24 hours hours, you build consistency and honesty into everyday!

Let's get fired up together on this week's Wednesday call. (And if you need to "weigh in on Wednesday", do it!)

Be encouraged,

Becky