Thank you for Subscribing to Life Coaching Activities

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed
Life Coach

Thank you for subscribing to my Blog.

With just about three weeks left in 2011 I took sometime this morning to think about all the wonderful people I had the opportunity to meet and work with this year. Thank you to each of you!

I'm in Florida now and preparing for a month's cruise. I'm flying to Lisbon and returning by ship. One port I visit for the first time is Casablanca, it has always seemed like an exotic place to me, now I'll discover for myself.

If technology permits I will upload some video of my trip.


However you celebrate this time of year make sure to:

Take time for you.

1. Once a day set aside at least 10 minutes for you.
2. If the weather permits, take a walk, it helps to clear the mind.
3. Avoid people who gossip. It produces pure negativity in the body.  
4. Smile. Smiling produces wonderful chemicals in the body. 
5. Give compliments, at least one a day.
6. Love yourself, if you don't, no one else will.
7. Start to Plan for 2012.


Life has much to offer all of us.
Make yourself ready to get the most for you.
Stay positive.
Stay kind.
Enjoy Life!

Watch for my updates from my trip!


Thanks again. Please share my Blog with friends.

Phyllis Reardon

phyllis@coachphyllis.com
www.coachphyllis.com

Lowering Christmas Stress Life Coaching Activities

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach


I was just listening to an interviewer on our local radio station interview 'holiday shoppers'  at a local shopping center and I was struck by the words they used by shoppers to describe their experience/feelings. ....frustrated, stressed,anxious and many more......Why, I asked myself....then I thought of this post I did this time last year and thought I would re-post. Please use and share and make Christmas or the Holiday Season a relaxing one.


One well know Christmas song uses the refrain,

'the most wonderful time of the year.'

Is it? How come then there is so much stress?

Stress is not built into us. It is created by how we react to events in our life and Christmas is an event. How you respond to it may increase your stress.

Being aware of this is key to not allowing it to happen, or in lessening it through these Life Coaching Christmas tips.


Please use and share with clients or friends and family and it well may be the most wonderful time of the year.


1. Create your Christmas plan

Put pen to paper and write up activities and tasks for each day for the next two weeks. Check when completed.


2. Be reasonable & realistic with yourself and others

Remember, we are human and no one is perfect. The cakes, cookies and decorations you see on TV and in magazines are staged. It took many professionals many hours of their time to achieve this look. Cookies can burn and they do!


3. Focus on the real meaning of Christmas for you
If this means family, make sure you schedule uninterrupted family time. Turn off all phones for a period of time.


4. Introduce your children to some games you played as a child
Board games create memories and are great fun. They bring people together in a family circle.


5. Get other family members involved in house work

Depending on the age, simple and safe household tasks can be completed by most.


6. Be kind to Your Self
Take time to relax you. Go for a walk, take in a gym class, read a book, do nothing!


7. Decide to make Christmas Day a stress free day. That is up to you!


Have a stress free Christmas or Holiday Season.


Coach Phyllis

www.coachphyllis.com
phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Physical Activity and Cancer

Physical Activity and Cancer

Today's article is by guest blogger Liz Davies, a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness.

Liz  Davies

Guest Blogger

Physical exercise is quickly becoming a large part of the recovery process for cancer patients undergoing one or more forms of treatment, and studies are showing that this not only reduces the pain symptoms associated with the treatment itself, it helps to keep the body's weight under control, aids in balancing metabolism and also works to bring about a positive mental attitude on the part of the patient. The old days of resting in bed are gone, as more and more evidence is being gathered that supports the idea of a rather active lifestyle for those afflicted with cancer.

Changes in Body Mass

Those undergoing treatment for cancer will usually experience either a substantial weight gain or weight loss, partly a result of the type of cancer and also tied closely to the form of treatment. In either case, the body undergoes a shock as attempts to maintain the normal weight is undertaken automatically by the body's systems. This has always been a concern for doctors who try to advise their patients on how best to keep the desired weight, appropriate amount of fat and healthy muscle tissue. Exercise has been proven to play a key role in maintaining the best possible height and weight proportion.

Normal Exercise Is Best

Today most health professionals are encouraging their cancer patients to undertake a physical exercise routine that would be the same as if they were otherwise healthy. Many suggest about 2.5 hours per week of exercise, which includes weightlifting, walking or jogging, gym equipment and general aerobic activities. Caution should be given to working out in public places, because many patients have a negatively affected immune system during chemotherapy; close contact with other individuals in the weight room may lead to a higher risk of infectious contractions.

As A Palliative Treatment

Exercising the muscles makes them work harder but also strengthens them. And muscles that are under worked are often those which produce pain for recovering cancer patients. In addition the fluids surrounding the joints are also affected by chemotherapy and therefore a moderately intense workout routine helps tremendously to relieve pain in these areas. 

Part of a Positive Attitude Lifestyle

Regardless of whether the recovering patient was already involved in a daily exercise routine, performing this kind of physical activity during treatment gives him or her the opportunity to focus on health in general. There is no question that anyone given a cancer diagnosis will realize the importance of good physical health, and beginning an exercise routine will motivate the individual to "keep at it". Besides, once the positive physical effects of an exercise routine are noticed, it reinforces the patient to continue with a daily regimen of exercise. This is really no different than seeing a reduction of fat when a good diet program is implemented.

It is time to say goodbye to the old idea that complete rest is the best medicine for those in chemotherapy for cancer no matter what type of cancer the patient has whether is it breast cancer, lung cancer or  
testicular mesothelioma. Keeping active does not harm the body, but helps it to heal, and produces a wonderful rise in the patient's mental state as well.

Liz Davies is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested in health and wellness. She wants to make a difference in people’s lives because she sees how cancer has devastated so many people in this world. Liz also likes running, playing lacrosse, reading and playing with her dog, April.  To contact Liz,  healthlylizd@gmail.com

Powerful Life Coaching Questions for Success in Life & Work

Good morning, hope your weekend was a good one.

This is a reprint of a former post. Your Success in life and work is all dependent on you, how you see yourslef and how you see the world. Please use the Life Coaching questions to help reflect on you and your future.  

 

The Key to Success 7 Powerful Questions

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach


To be successful in any area of our life and work we must know our self.Self awareness more than any other factor is essential to creating success in any part of our life. Still many people struggle with truely knowing themselves.

No one else spends as much time with us as we do. We are with ourselves 24/7, however we many times don't focus on who we really are.


How Well Do You Know Yourself?


Socrates said, “ An unexamined life is not worth living.”



How Well Do You Know Yourself?

Life Coaching Activities & Powerful Questions


The following Life Coaching Powerful Questions are from my book, Life Coaching Activities & Powerful Questions…Amazon and focus on Creating Self Awareness.


A healthy Self Awareness is like having 20/20 vision. We can see and understand the events around us and how we should respond for a successful life.


Discover self..you’ll be amazed how this can change your life for the better.


Please use these questions. Write out your answers. Reflect on your answers. Revisit. Learn and Change.


1. How do you see yourself?

2. How do others see you?

3. What are your strengths?

4. What makes you different from others?

5. What makes you the same?

6. What are you settling for at work and in life?

7. What do you demand of you?

Write out your answers.

What does your picture look like?

Are you seeing any clearer?



For more information email ne Phyllis@coachphyllis.com
www.coachphyllis.com
Have a Self Aware

Weekend Retreat...Evolve

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed
Life Coach


Good morning, I have been very busy this month with work and family but I took time this weekend to attend a 2 day Yoga Retreat offered in my area by our Yoga Instructor, it was amazing.

The theme:

The word ‘Yoga’ means to “bring together”, to unite.

It’s that time of year again and we invite you to once again join us.

Together we will align our minds, body and soul. We will share together, grow together.Together we will evolve…

And we did share together, and I know we grew through our discussions, reflection and meditation.

It was a reminder to me that in our busy lives we need to take time to hit the pause button, turn off our bbs & iphones and just BE.

I once heard someone say that we are classified as Human Be-ings but in real life we have become Human Do-ers.

Let's everybody take just even a few minutes this week just to BE. Sit & reflect or take a walk in nature.

Be still and try to hear what your body is saying to you.

Looking forward to our Spring Retreat!!!!

Have a wonderful week!  

Phyllis

phyllis@coachphyllis.com
www.coachphyllis.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach


To all my Canadian subscribers I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving and I want to thank you for being my subscriber!

Life Coaching Activity for Thanksgiving.

1.Make a list of everything & everyone in your life and work that you are thankful for.

2. Think of one person who has helped you in your life or along your career path. Send them a simple thank you by email/phone/text.

3. Take soemtime this weekend to focus on all the positives in your life.

4. If you have children help them reflect on what they might be thankful for.



Enjoy your weekend!


Phyllis Reardon

 

Grandparents' Club Blog

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach

I am delighted to announce the birth of my first grandchild. In keeping with this and my Blogging I have created a GrandParents' Club Blog. If you or any one you know is a grandparent and would be interested in reading, or sharing stories and info please have them email me.
phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Check my new Blog  www.grandparentsclub.blogspot.com


Grandparenting in the 21st century brings challenges that didn't exist when we were grandchildren. Love to have your stories about your grandparents, you as grandparent and your grand kids.

Thanks and have a great weekend.

Phyllis Reardon

Your Child Needs Your Attention & Understanding

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed
Life Coach

Your Attention & Understanding   Life Coaching Activities

 I posted a quote of mine today on Twitter and I thought that I should elaborate on my quote. The quote.

The most important thing your child can have for school is your attention & understanding.

For many young children heading back to school this week, there are feelings of excitement mixed with uncertainty. Concerns can range (and not in order) from not knowing the teacher, meeting new classmates,  the seating arrangement in the classroom, the curriculum content, to how they should dress.  These are real concerns and if not addressed can cause fear and possibly interfere with learning.

Your attention and understanding is crucial at this time.

I am offering some suggestions/Life Coaching  activities for you to use as you parent your child this new school year.

 Establish Routines

Children love certainty. They want and need routines. Early in the school year set up a schedule and  stick with it. It offers a level of comfort to your child.

Listen to what your Child has to say. Really listen!

Want to know what their school day was like? I always found this worked with my four children. Instead of asking, “how was school today?” because that always elicited a neutral answer….I would ask,  “ How was Ms. Jones/Mr. Smith today?”…this question always got me an answer that gave me insight into their school day, be it good, bad or indifferent.

Be organized  

Help your child organize a work space. Insure that needed supplies are at hand. This will lessen stress and prevents that late night dash to the store in search of school products. When purchasing supplies, buy extra, if budget permits.

The Fridge Front Phenome

Compliment, compliment, compliment . Highlight their achievements no matter how small they may seem to you. That’s what the front of the fridge is for!  Compliments are essential to building your child’s confidence and a strong self confidence is key to their school success.

Help your child make it the best school year it can be for them!

Find other Life Coaching activities at my Blog.

If you have any questions about parenting, please email me. phyllis@coachphyllis.com

www.coacphyllis.com

Ten Ways to Help Your Child Be the Best He/She Can Be

Want To Help Your Child Be the Best He/She Can Be?

Phyllis Reardon  M.Ed. Life Coach   This is a reprint of an earlier article I published. As you approach this new shool year do so as positively as you can.   Being a parent isn’t easy. We all want the best for our children but life can get busy and sometimes just pass us by. In my coaching practice I work with parents to help them enjoy their children and life to the fullest. I would like to offer you a sample of the life coaching activities I use with my clients. Life Coaching Activities for Helping Your Child   Take time to talk to your child and really, really listen to what they have to say. Ask about their activities, their friends and school. Actively listen by looking directly at them. Remember their answers. Highlight all of their activities no matter how small you might think them to be. Success builds more success but we need to be validated in that success. If you have more than one child create a special time for each of them. This makes them feel as important as you believe they are. It is amazing what you hear and learn with one on one! Get them involved in a variety of activities, sports, music, community groups. There are programs for most budgets. This will help them discover their strengths and passions helping with career decisions later in life. Respect their opinion. Ask them what they think about family plans and projects. They are wiser than you think! Create an environment of good health and fitness. Teach by example. A healthy body produces a healthy mind, necessary for success in our world. Get moving together! Read, read, read. Surround your child with books. Introduce them to the local library at an early age. Knowledge is power! At an early age have them make choices. What clothes to wear, what game to play, which book to read. Simple decision making practiced early in life makes it easier when more difficult life decisions present themselves. Talk to them about your work. If you work outside the house and you have an opportunity maybe they could visit your place of work. They are always interested to learn what you do. Show them love. Show them respect. Treat them gently. Your behavior becomes their behavior. Most of all enjoy them! If you would like more information on Parent Life Coaching or you would like a free consultation please contact me, Phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Parents Help Your Child to Focus & Learn....More Back to School Tips

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed

Life Coach

Life Coaching Activities

Focusing & Learning  

The Oxford dictionary defines Focus as :

'to Concentrate or be concentrated on'

As your child or children head back to school this year to take on a whole new area of learning, it is indeed necessary that they know how to Focus or increase their Focusing ability.

Proper focusing will help them better understand what the teacher is teaching. It will create connections in their thoughts to previous leaning, allowing them to better understand and be more successful in school.

How Focused is your son or daughter?

How can you help them increase their Focus?

Simply telling them to focus may work or not.

Environment and Focus…The Little Things in Life

When my children were young we would take time to focus on small things in their environment. We would lie down on the grass in the garden or park and focus on one blade of grass. We would touch the grass to get its feel; we would smell the grass; we would look at the different size & shapes of grass; the different shades of green. We were taking time out in nature but more importantly we were practicing Focusing. In winter time this focusing activity turned to snowflakes and ice crystals.

 The Night Sky

Another focus activity I used was The Night Sky.
If you live in a place where you can see the stars try a 'Count the Stars' game and 'Find the Constellations.Try to have them focus on what eles they may see in the night sky. Have them compare it to the day sky.

 Check out a Spider’s Web

Who doesn’t love a spider’s web? Have your children focus on the amazing detail of the spider’s web. Discuss just how the spiders make their web. Follow up with a Google search. Stay Focused on the topic.

Board Games

I was chatting with a friend earlier today and she agreed that this is one of the best ways to get your children/grandchildren to Focus. Thanks Mary!

You may have a favorite board game that you used as a child, pick a classic and it will work. Make it a family activity. We can all use some Focus time.

 Focusing allows for the brain to spend time concentrating on a particular piece of information and all aspects of that new information. It takes practice and time but it is worth it.  

 There are many more activities that you can try to help your child focus. Be creative and enjoy this time with your child!

 If you would be interested in learning more about my Parent Life Coaching  or other Life Coaching Activities email me Phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Have a great Focused day.

Phyllis

www.coachphyllis.com

Is it Back to School Time Already? Life Coaching Acivities to Help Survive the First Week

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach

This is a reprint of a previous Blog. Please use and share!

Is it really that time of year again! Where did the summer go?

These are the questions I heard two Moms ask at a local mall this week. In fact the question seems to be everywhere.

You know for most parents and students this is not a new event, but it seems that whether this is a first child attending school or a returning student, it creeps up on us and can bring with it worry and angst.


I would like to offer you some helpful Life Coaching Activities that I as a parent of four have used and which I share with my clients. Hope they help.


1. Work Space
Getting a good start in the new school year can increase your child's school success. Work with them to set up or create a space in their room or somewhere else in the house that is designated solely as their study/homework space.

2. Organization
Organize this special study space so that your child has all the necessary supplies to accomplish projects and homework.

3. Planner
Planning is essential to school success, so make sure your son/daughter has a calendar/day planner. There are many to choose from. Make sure it fits the school year.

4. School Supplies
Most schools provide a list of school supplies needed so check out your school's website and get out to your local stores. Comparative shop, you might find some good deals. Make sure to pick up extras to avoid having to leave the house in search of computer paper on a cold wet fall night.

5. Lunches/Snacks
Your child's physical and mental energy is another key to their academic success. Together with your child make a plan for healthy lunches and snacks. This gives you the opportunity to discuss good eating practices and also create lunch menus.

6. Positive Attitude
You are the most influential person in your child's life so it is most important that your child hears you speak in a positive way about school and education.

7. Great Self Concept
As your daughter/son begins another school year, help them feel the best they can feel about themselves. Little compliments and daily praise go a long way.


Enjoy your child! Enjoy the school year!

If you would like more information on Life Coaching Activities re back to school please contact me: phyllis@coachphyllis.com

www.lifecoachphyllis.com

Parents, Want Your Child to be Successful in School? Life Coaching Activities

Phylis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach

 

This is an article I wrote and posted last year and I thought it worthwhile to repost. Please share with friends.

Parents, Want Your Child to be Successful in School? Life Coaching Activities to Increase Physical and Mental Energy


The first day of school is just days away. How ready are you?


School supplies are purchased; new clothes are hanging in the closet; information has been downloaded from the school website.

What else do you need to know or recall?

The importance of your child’s physical and mental energy to school success.



Success in school depends to a large degree on just how ready your child is each and every day to be able to concentrate and comprehend the new information that is presented in at least five different areas of knowledge. Think of that. One class finishes and another begins. They need to change gears in thinking and processing.

This takes both physical and mental energy.


Here are a few life coaching activities that I used as a parent of four and with my clients as a life coach. Please use and share them.


I call it my SEA Plan…….Sleep….Eat…….Action

Sleep

1. Sleep is essential to maintaining both physical and mental energies. As the summer comes to an end it is sometimes difficult to get back into the school routine of early to bed. You might want to start now to adjust bedtime. Each night between now and the first school night move your child’s bed time 15 minutes ahead until you achieve the desired time.



Eat

2. You are what you eat so make sure your child’s meals give him/her the needed energy. Choose foods that are healthy and natural. Take time before school begins to sit with your son/daughter and create a weekly menu; this will reduce your work load and help avoid reaching for less healthy foods and snacks. Grocery shop together. Discuss the ingredients and benefits of certain snacks and then decide on the healthy ones.


Action

3. Activity is key to physical and mental energy. Remember at the end of the day that your child for the most part has been physically inactive for about 5 hours. Make sure your daughter/son has physical activity after school and before starting homework. Activity appropriate for their age group. If you have the time go for a walk or hike with them. This also gives you a chance for one on one talk.


Enjoy your child's school year! If you have any questions or would like more tips please contact me. phyllis@coachphyllis.com

New Life Coaching Book.......Know Your Strengths Inventory

Phyllis Reardon M.ED
Life Coach


















Good morning, well eleven months from publishing my first book, Life Coaching Activities & Powerful Questions my 2nd book Know Your Strengths Inventory is now on Amazon!!!!

I have written this book as a tool for Life Coaches but extremely useful for parents, teachers, counselors, human resource personnel, as they are also life coaches by another name.


Discover your hidden potential! You are smarter than you think!

Know Your Strengths Inventory is based on Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences.You are smarter than you think....find out just how smart you are.

If you have any questions or would like a complimentary life coaching session, please email me phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Have a great day.
Phyllis
www.coachphyllis.com

Want to Make a Life Change? Life Coaching Activities

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed

Life Coach

The Importance of  Knowing Yourself 

If there was one part of your life that you could change today, what would it be?  Please remember when I refer to Life that your work is a part of your Life. 

In order for you to grow you need to learn and learning leads to Change, therefore to make the Change you want, you will need to learn something. That may be learning something about you, becoming more Self aware. You might be thinking you know yourself really well and indeed you may.

Time for a little disclosure…...when I switched from my counseling profession  to my Life Coaching practice I thought I knew everything about myself. Why wouldn’t I?  I had worked for many years, I had four adult children, two marriages …what else was there to learn about me?

Was I surprised as I took on this new area of knowledge and put it to work in my life.  The discoveries have been endless. I approach life now from a “questioning perspective” which broadens my perspective of people and events in my life. I am constantly learning about Phyllis and as a result continuing to grow.  

You may know my favorite quote that hangs on my wall by Proust:

The real act of discovery lies not in finding new lands, but in seeing with a new set of eyes.

I guess you can say I now see myself with a new set of eyes. In my Life Coaching process I work with my clients to help them see with a new set of eyes.  Let’s face it, if we want change, it will come from within us. We can change others!

And so I’ll ask the question again for your Reflection and Action:

If there was one part of your life that you could change today, what would it be?  Please remember when I refer to Life that your work is a part of your Life.

If you would like more info on my Life Coaching Porcess, please email me phyllis@coachphyllis.com

What questions will you ask yourself today?

Note your answers and have a wonderful learning day.

Phyllis Reardon

www.coachphyllis.com

EFT Emotional Freedom Technique

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed
Life Coach
 

Good morning to my subscribers. Who is familiar with EFT?


In February of this year I was trained in a Emotional Freedom Technique. For those of you not familiar with this, it is a combination of acupuncture and NLP.  I was amazed by the results it offered me personally.
 

EFT is a 5000 year old technique Wish I had been taught this in school!


Limited Time Offer

 I am offering an opportunity for a free EFT session to 20 of my subscribers on a first come basis.
 

In brief, EFT is said to be "like acupuncture without the needles". It is based on the Meridian system which has been used in the Chinese culture for thousands of years. It is  fast and effective in dealing with physical and emotional issues. Great for you or your clients.

Even when your clients are deicated to achieving their goals, there will be times they will get stuck. EFT addesses what is causing them to be stuck by connecting to the individual's subconscious to clear up limiting beliefs and fears.  Many times lack of action is Fear based.

I have added EFT as another tool in my Coaching practice. EFT is commonly referred to as ‘tapping’ as the process has you tap on energy or meridian points throughout your body.

When we set up your complimentary session I will send you a chart of the Meridian points to tap.

If you would like more info check out wwwEFTU.com

Looking forward to tapping with you.

Phyllis
phyllis@coachphyllis.cxom

What Is Life Coaching? Coachable Areas of Life

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach

I am very often asked, ‘what is life coaching,’ and while it is one of the fastest growing professions in the world it is sometimes not fully understood.  Many people think that life coaching is limited to career coaching.

If you think about your own life and all the needs you have to meet in your life, these are the areas with which I and other Life Coaches work.

Let’s take a look. I will list these in no particular order. Please keep in mind that a Life Coach need not be a content expert, the Life Coach is the Process expert.

Areas of Life

1. Family/relations

Think about it, we all have other people in our life, albeit to varying degrees but they are there. Families bring contact with people; work brings contact with people; groups such as recreation/volunteering/ church/community all bring us in contact with other people. Most of the time these relationships are easy to manage, in fact most time no thought or energy has to be given to maintaining these connections BUT there can be times in our life when we need some help with our interactions with family members or coworkers.  

2. Career Decision/Change

Making a Career decision, be it course of study, a first career, midlife career change or a change within an existing career can be one of the biggest decisions in life. Informed decisions are the most successful and need to be put in the context of your present and future life.

3. Health/Fitness

Let’s face it, without health there will be no life to Coach!  Many of my clients take on this area of life change to enhance their other areas.

  4. Personal Development

Life- long learning is key to life and work success. I make sure I teach myself at least one new thing each day.  Life Coaching is all about Change and Change comes with Learning. Learning broadens our perspective and opens us up to new opportunities.

5. Money/Finances

Money is necessary for us to live the lives we want.  Some of my clients have received mixed messages throughout their life about the importance and value of money. Money is not evil…money can achieve many good things and yes we deserve to have money.  Money and perception are often life coaching issues.

6. Joy/Fun

Are we having fun yet? When is the very last time that you can say you had fun? Check your calendar. Working life has become so demanding that many of us forget what it was like to have fun. Fun or joy which ever you label it is essential in life. I will have clients who will come to me asking how they can get Joy back in their life. They have forgotten how.

 7. Physically Environment

Look around you, anything in need of a change?  Many times we sit at the same desk staring out the same window or at the same wall. Little adjustments make a difference in our mood and creativity. This is an area that I will address with clients if they are feeling stuck in making a decision. Amazing how it works.

If you would like a complimentary coaching session, please email me  phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Enjoy all areas of your life today!

Phyllis

www.coachphyllis.com

Life and Life Coaching

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach

Good morning to my dedicated readers. Hope you are having a wonderful summer.

My summer has been and continues to be a busy one as I am sure your's is also. I wanted to share with you that my second book,  Know Your Strengths Inventory will be upon Amazon within weeks if not days.This is a tool that I created and use with my clients and have decided to publish and share. Watch for it!

Also, I have added EFT to my coaching tools and I am finding it to be a great resource for my clients. Anyone else on here EFT trained? Are you using with your clients? Love to hear your comments on the use of EFT.

On the personal note, my first grandchild is due to arrive on Oct 6th. I have started a Grandparent Blog... more on that later.

A Quote for you.

A quote that came to my mind yesterday as I had lunch with some friends:

          " I can live for two months on one good compliment."
                                                                              Mark Twain


Enjoy your weekend.

Please email with comments on EFT or if there is something about Life Coaching that you would like me to write on.


Phyllis
phyllis@coachphyllis.com
http://www.coachphyllis.com/

Life Coaching Questions The Life Coaching Tool

Life Coaching Questions The Life Coaching Tool

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed
Life Coach


I think I mentioned in another Blog the importance of the Question to the Life Coach…it is your main tool. We work from the basis that all the knowledge that a client needs for success and more success in life, lies within. The Question is like an excavation tool.

As a Life Coach, Success Coach, Personal Development Coach or whatever name you give to the general term Life Coach, your purpose is to help your client bring about a change in their life. It is key that you understand that:

Coaching is about Change. Coaching is about Learning. Coaching is about Growth.

Most people have about 8 areas of Life….Career, Family, Health etc. and they come to you because they want to increase their value in one of these areas. It is for growth. It is to Change for the better. Life Coaching is all Positive!

Now let’s get back to the Question…your Discovery tool.

I would like to offer you several Life Coaching Questions that I use with my clients. Some are difficult to ask because they challenge but without challenge there will not be growth. The challenging Questions take the client out of their comfort zone and make them really think…make them see themselves from a different perspective.

Are you challenging your client?

Please feel free to use these. If you have Questions about my Questions please email me Phyllis@coachphyllis.com.

Life Coaching Questions..that challenge:

1. If you knew you couldn’t fail what would you do in work and life?

2. Are you being honest with yourself?

3. What happens if you are a success?

4. What is the one thing that is stopping you from moving forward?

5. What does success look like to you? Describe it.

6. What are you avoiding in life and work?

7. How do other people see you?

8. On a scale of 1 – 10 how much do you really want this goal to be achieved?

9. What’s your story? Are the story events going to lead to your planned ending?

10. What will the next generation say about you?


Please use and share. I would love to hear which unique Life Coaching Questions that you have devised. Please email and I’ll post with your name.


Have a great day. I have yet to post my salmon fishing pics! 

Phyllis
Coach Phyllis
http://www.coachphyllis.com/

What is Life Coaching?

What is Life Coaching?

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.


“The real act of discovery consists not in finding new lands but in seeing with a new set of eyes.”

                                                                                                                  Marcel Proust

These words hang framed on my wall above my desk as a constant reminder of how I need to begin each and every day as a Life Coach; how I must see each and every client with a new set of eyes.

Life Coaching has given me the opportunity to see the world differently; life coaching has helped me not only understand but to live by Proust’s words.

If you are new to Life Coaching you are trying to gather as much info as possible…this drive for knowledge should continue as new info is constantly coming our way.

I am so very often asked; what is life coaching?

I had a pat answer for that when I began, you know as all the literature says, have your ‘elevator pitch’. I still have it. But now after 5 years of coaching practice it is now incorporated in to my very being.

I now approach life from a Coaching culture…a coaching way of thinking.

You may have read how important “the Question” is to Life Coaching, well it is Key. It is and will be your main tool for success.

Socrates said..”It is not the answer that enlightens but the Question.”

If you are new to Life Coaching I suggest that you begin right now to develop your Question list. Purchase a small or big note book and start noting questions. Keep the Question book close by.

Life Coaching works from the perspective and understanding that the client has all the power, all the knowledge to achieve what they want to achieve…in other words all the answers are within the client; it is the life Coach’s job to help the client uncover the answers.


You help them make their own Discovers. You assist them in seeing themselves with a New set of Eyes.

In real estate it is location, location, location….In life coaching it is..Question, question, question.

If you have any questions about Life Coaching feel free to email me  phyllis@coachphyllis.com


How do you choose to be today?

Phyllis

Life is Like a Fishing Trip....Life Coaching Activities

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach


Gone Fishing...Life Coaching Activities


This coming week I will be going on my very first salmon fishing trip. This family trip will take us to the Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland Labrador.

If you are a regular reader of my Blogs you will know just how much I emphasis ‘The List’ in all of our daily and weekly actions, so I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised when I received an email last week from my youngest son with an attachment titled ‘The Fishing List’. I smiled, printed my list and went to the nearest sport store.

My son indicated in his email that if I was to have any chance of catching a salmon I better be prepared, not only clothes wise but to give myself the best opportunity, or to increase my chances of catching a salmon I had to have everything that he indicated on 'The Fishing List', the tools of the trade, so to speak.

No Mom, there are no substitutes for doing this the right way, I was told.

As I drove to the sport store to purchase my list items, I reflected on the detail of the list and everything I needed and the purpose of each item.

Some items were for my physical comfort, while the others were the tools of the sport.

They were all necessary!

I thought just how much this very first Salmon Adventure paralleled life.

1. Life is a First for all of us, unless of course, you believe in reincarnation, and even if you do, you weren’t here as the same person.

2. We need a ‘Life List,’ items and tasks to make life comfortable and successful.

3. We need Life Tools, to up our chances of catching the best of Life.

4. We need a Life Guide, someone who will coach us along the winding river, over the rapids, and to the most opportune fishing spots.

5. The Life’s excitement that comes from the unknown, the anticipation and the achievement of stated goals.

6. There is no substitute for doing it (life) the right way!


My main goal for this trip is to catch a salmon, however several other goals will also be realized.

1. Taking on a new adventure.

2. Time with family.

3. Time to reflect and relax.

4. Time in nature.

Yes, I thought, The Fishing List; I better make sure I have all that is needed because I may not get another chance like this one.

I will post some pics from my trip in a week or so, let's hope the big one doesn't get away!.


Have a great weekend. Subscribe and Tweet my Post.

Happy Life Fishing!!!!


Phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Making a Career Choice? Career Decision? What to do?

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed,
Life Coach
     
Making a Career Choice    Career Decision, taken from Know Your Strengths & Succeed ©


What should I do for the rest of my Life?

This is a scary question and so scary it should never be asked.

Most people will change careers 4-5 times in their life, so no matter where you are along the career continuum or where you are with your career choice, asking and thinking “rest of my Life” is not the Question to ask yourself. It is just too much to think about.


The question(s) should be,

What would I really like to do as work or a business?


What do I love to do?


What would be a career that I could see myself excited about each and everyday?



Too many times people get stuck in… I got to make money…and yes, this is very practical but, you need to have these thoughts in the context of ‘what do I you love to do.”

So how do you decide what you love to do? Ask yourself? Only you know the answer to that!!

Also you need to know your strengths. Knowing your strengths is essential. Usually you love what you are good at.


Know Your Strengths

Successful people are very aware of themselves, they know their strengths. Successful people believe they can achieve what they set out to do.

Knowing yourself, also referred to as Self Awareness, is essential to success in our lives. We need to know ourselves from the inside out.

You must develop a clear picture and understanding of your Strengths.

When you come to know and understand your strengths you can use them to help you succeed in life and work. You will have areas where you are not strong but the good news is that you can strengthen your least strong areas.

My newest career tool, Life Coaching Tool, Know Your Strengths & Succeed © is a self administered Personal Strengths Inventory based on Dr. Howard Gardener’s work on Multiple Intelligences.


Dr. Gardner named eight Intelligences that he believes all humans possess. His theory proposes that each and every one of us has these eight Intelligences at varying degrees of capacities.

These intelligences are our personal strengths that will, if recognized and used to the fullest, help us define success in work and life. Gardner’s theory also states that the intelligences in which we may not be strong can indeed be strengthened through practice.

Know your Strengths…..Make Your Career Decision

Let me help you with your Career Choice. Contact me:  phyllis@coachphyllis.com


Have a great day.

Looking for Life Coaching Tools?

Phyllis Reradon M.Ed.
Life Coach


I am often asked what assessment tool I use in the initial session with a client, and the answer I give is two fold.

When I begin a session with a client one of the very first things I do is to ask them the following Question.

What do you really, really want in life & work? 

Even though we know as Coaches that you can not separate life and work and that it is all one and the same, many of our clients make a disticntion between their Life and their Work, so therefore I use 'work' in that question.

Many clients have never thought of Life in this way, I therefore use this as a starting point. From that First Question, many more Questions are asked as the client starts to discover themselves.


Life Coaching TOOLS


The most important tool for a Life Coach is his/her bank of Powerful Questions.

Socrates once said, 'It is not the answer that enlightens but the Question.'

As a Life Coach you need to have your Powerful Question Tool Box ready. No doubt, many times the question will have to be adjusted from one client to another but this then becomes part of the art of Life Coaching.

The following are Powerful Life Coaching Questions for you to use and are a sample of the powerful questions in my book Life Coaching Activities & Powerful Questions, available at Amazon.


1. What do you really, really, really want?
2. Why do you want it?
3. What is success to you?
4. What does it look like?
5. How will you know when you have become successful?
6. How will you know when you have found it?
7. What is holding you back from getting it?8. Do you believe you can get it?
9. What motivates you?
10. What are your intelligences and talents?
11. How can you make the greatest difference in your own life?
12. Who do you have to Become in order to achieve what you Want to achieve?

 
Please use and incorporate into your practice.
 
If ou have any questions please email me.  phyllis@coachphyllis.com
 
Have a great day.
 
Phyllis

Want More Success in Your Life? Check out my Life Coaching Self Confidence Building Questions and Activities

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Life Coach


Self Confidence and Success


Did you know that the more confident you are the greater degree you will have in all aspects of your life?

I like the way Jim Cathcart states this “Know Yourself..Grow Yourself.’ Self Knowledge and Self Understanding leads to Self Confidence which in turn generates Success.

What are your Needs?

Do you want to feel more comfortable in your workplace?

Do you want to feel more certain of yourself in social settings?

Do you want to increase you sales and bottom line?

Want to make better decisions as a parent?

Want to feel happier in life?



Then increase your Confidence.


I am offering you Life Coaching Questions for your reflection and Action.

Most of us at times suffer from an insecure Self Confidence. This could be due to an incident that happened in childhood. It could be due to an unfounded fear. However we all have the ability to strengthen our Confidence level and get the most we can out of life.

Know Yourself

1. How do you present yourself to others? How do they see you?

2. Are you positive in your responses to questions at work & in social gatherings?

3. Do you stand tall?

4. How do you walk? Check your stance in a mirror.

5. How do you communicate? Are you sure of what you say?

6. Right now on a scale of 1- 10 how good are you feeling about you?

7. What are you settling for in your life?

8. What are you denying about yourself or your life?

9. What is keeping you stuck?

10. When do you take your foot of the gas?

11. What do you expect of you?

12. What can keep you moving forward?



Each day check in on how you feel about you.

Use the 1-10 scale.

Each day do something to help grow you.

Action leads to a stronger Self confidence.

Where are you on the Confidence Scale?

Are you a 10 in every aspect of your life?

My next Blog will look at Life’s aspects and how we can grow Confidence in each area.


If you would like to learn more about building and growing your Confidence please email for a complimentary session.


Have a confident day.

Coach Phyllis

Follow me on Twitter  @coachphyl

What is Your Modus Operandi ? Does It Need Adjustment? Life Coaching Activities & Powerful Questions

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Your Personal Development Coach


What is your Operating System?

Are your responses predicatable?
Can people 'read you like a book'?


We all remember the boss, co-worker or friend who responded the same way to similar situations and you walked away sayig to yourself...'I knew that would be the response.'

They had a fixed mindset. Their MO was predicatable.

Are you predicatable? Are you in set response mode?
All of our computers function within an operating system, be it Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac etc. Within humans our Mind Set becomes the operating system. Our mind set consists of our beliefs, attitudes and assumptions about the world that have developed from all of our life experiences. Mind set can be seen as a pair of eye glasses that create our view of the world. Mind set influences how we react and respond to others and events in our life.



Our Mind Set consists of our beliefs (positive or negative), our Self esteem (our view of self) our level of persistence, our attitude. All of these form our operating system.


As life coaches we need to understand our own operating systems or mind set before we can coach. You need to know just how you operate or respond in differing situations. You need to know how you feel in different situations. You need to know just how you see the world.

Mind set is your habitual way of thinking, feeling and responding.


Mindset  Life Coaching Activities & Powerful Questions


1. Is your glass half full or half empty?
2. Is it a great day or an ok day?
3. Are you full of hope or fear?
4. Do you believe in yourself or are you filled with self-doubt?
5. What is your operating system?
6. Does it need to be modified or upgraded?
7. Is your operating system user friendly?
8. Are all of your actions fear based?
9. How do you see others?
10. Are you withholding yourself from life?


I firmly believe we all have tremendous potential but unfortunately some of us don’t get to reach our full potential. To succeed we may need to change up our operating system, we may need to change the way we think. This is not easy, as our thoughts about self have been developing from the day we were born.

Please use these questions to check your MO.

If you would like to focus on your own personal development, please email for a free consultation.

phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Have a great day!

Phyllis

Does Your Personal Development Need a Boost?

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed.
Personal Development Coach



It is Spring! For some of us on the east coast of Canada, it is a little difficult to see that right now. However, the garden centers are in full bloom and people are busy preparing their gardens, big or small, for the coming growing session.

I just returned from a visit to central Canada were I saw farmers turning the fields for the promise of new growth, new crops and a successful farming season.  The time and physical energy that goes into bringing crops to completion, must, I think consume large amounts of personal energy but it is a choosen profession and so each year the farmers will toil to bring their customers the the very best product.


Life Coaching Activities & Powerful Questions to boost your Personal Development

1. This dedication of the farmer to growth made me think of our personal growth...our life product.

2. Is your life the best product it can be?

3. Is their some soil you can turn over, enrich or enhance to better your Life Product?  

4. Are their nutrients that can be added to bring more quality to your Life? 

5. Are there some weeds that you can remove?

6. Crops need a balance of sun/water...Do you have the balance needed in your Life? 

7. What will the next 3 months produce for you?

8. What is your expected crop?


Please read these questions.  Write down your answer. Use them with friends and family.


You have one precious Life...Develop it to be the Best it can be!


Please contact me if you want to learn more about your personal development.
Phyllis Reardon
phyllis@coachphyllis.com

Looking for a new Life Coaching Book?

Did you know that more people buy books in the Spring? I would have thought the winter, but there you go...spring is a big book buying time.





 If you are new to my Blog I would like to tell you about my Life Coaching Book.

Life Coaching Activities & Powerful Questions draws on the activities and questions that I have successfully used with my coaching clients. 

If you are a life coach,  human resource manager, parent, teacher or are working with other individuals, this book will be of assistance to you. 

It is avalable on Amazon in both print and Kindle format.  






I would be really interested to know just how many of my Subscribers use E Readers. Love to hear from you on that.


Have a great long weekend. Stay safe and enjoy your life.




Phyllis Reardon
Life Coach & Personal Development Expert
phyllis@coachhyllis.com

Life Work Balance Life Coaching Activities

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed
Life Coach



   "He who is everywhere, is nowhere."
                                                              Seneca


Hi,  I have been on holidays and spending time with family so haven't had a Blog in a few weeks. That got me thinking about work and life and just how we decide when and how to create that life/work balance. I know sometimes it feels more like a juggling act than a balancing act!

I thought I would offer you some Life Coaching Activities and Questions to help you think about you, your work and the balance that you need. One that works for you. Love to have your comments!

Life Work Balance Life Coaching Activities

1. What do you want in life this week, this month?

2. What do you have to do to make this happen?

3. What are your responsibilities in life and work?

4. Are you true to these responsibilities?

5. What else can you do to create the balance?

6. Are there adjustments you can make in your actions, attitude?

7. Are you being honest with yourself?

8. What can you do today to feel better about your work?

9. What will the balanced life/ work look like?

10. Are you kind to yourself? Do you reward yourself when you accomplish tasks?

11. Where can you delegate?

12. What can you delete?

13. What is a normal work week?

14. Why do you want life/work balance?

Life Coaching Activities

I would suggest that you take time to think about each question and write out your answers in a note book. After a week, check back to see if you are in balance.
Have a great balanced week.

Phyllis

phyllis@coachphyllis.com

What's In Your Personal Care Products?

By Angela Collins
Independent Consultant and Guest Blogger



(Angela Collins helps me and many others understand that what we put on our bodies is as important as what we digest; topical products need to be understood. Angel recently spoke to the cancer society in her area and the following is a summary of her speech. Thanks Angela! )


Our health is something we often take for granted until, of course, we lose it.

What's In Your Personal Care Products?

Living your best life is not just about your mind & spirit but also about taking care of body. Our health is something we often take for granted until, of course, we lose it. We know we need to watch what we eat and exercise regularly to stay healthy. What a lot of people do not spend much time thinking about is the products they are using on this body of theirs that can also have a significant impact on their health. Your skin is your largest organ and what you put on it reaches your internal organs and systems in less than 30 seconds! The average person uses 12 personal care products in the run of a day which on average contain 80 chemicals! What we don’t know can hurt us. Being aware of what ingredients to avoid as well as those with the greatest benefits is important to our overall health and well being in leading our best life. Here are some very common ingredients that you may want to consider avoiding in the products you use:


• Mineral oil (also known as petroleum, petrolatum, paraffin) ~ Mineral Oil’s molecular structure is too large to instantly be absorbed by the skin, so instead it forms a film on the skin’s surface. This film blocks your pores and interferes with your body’s natural respiration as well as the secretion of toxins. Mineral oil also blocks the absorption of any beneficial nutrients in your product and actually leaches vitamins, nutrients, and water from your skin causing you to show signs of aging.

• Paraben ~ These are widely used as preservatives in personal care products and have been linked to cancer. Though studies are inconclusive at this point, parabens are best avoided to be on the safe side. The greatest potential risk comes from “leave-on” products such as moisturizers that remain on the skin vs. those that are being rinsed away such as shampoo.

• Animal by-products (also known as Tallow) ~ Did you know that the most prestigious cosmetic companies in this country purchase ingredients from Rendering Plants? These are collection centers for animal carcasses, such as road kill, diseased farm animals, euthanized cats and dogs, and old restaurant grease. They boil the dead animals; mix the residue with the restaurant grease and get a rendered greasy by-product that cosmetic companies use for lipstick and eye make-up, as well as facial creams and soaps.

• Artificial fragrance ~ Currently there is no legal requirement to fully disclose all ingredients that make up fragrance and companies are permitted to use the blanket term “parfum” which disguises a cocktail of harmful chemicals. There are great products available that smell great from the botanicals, herbs & plants they use rather than using something synthetic.

The marketplace is full of healthier alternatives that provide great results without the health risks. Sometimes there is a difference in cost, but it really is one of those situations where you get what you pay for…a higher quality product with benefits that will help you look and feel your best!


For more information please contact Angela.


Angela Collins
Independent Consultant
Arbonne International
www.fortheloveof.myarbonne.ca

What is Life Coaching? Life Coaching Activities & Powerful Questions

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed
Life Coach

“To be able to look back on one’s life in satisfaction is to live twice.”

Kahil Gibran

Many times when I am asked what I do and I answer that I am a Life Coach…I will get the question…what is a Life Coach?


For much of my life I was a school teacher, an occupation that needed no further explanation. A teacher taught. Everybody knows that. But as a teacher the work I did was that of personal development……helping individuals come to understand the degree of their human potential and assisting them achieve their goals.

My business card now reads Life Coach but the work I did as a teacher is very similar to what I do now.

I am passionate about helping people discover the depth of their potential…(sadly in today’s world much goes undiscovered) and I work with my clients to assist them in reaching the goals they define.


Life Coaching is all about getting people to achieve to their very best. It is personal and professional development all at the same time.

I can't help but ask, can one separate personal and professional development? Doesn’t it make sense that the greater the degree of personal development one has the more successful they will be in their chosen profession?

For me,

Life is Learning. Life is Change. Life is Challenge. Life is Amazing.

 
In the  following excerpt from my book Life Coaching Activities and Powerful Questions: A Life Coaching Activities Workbook   I answer the question, What is Life Coaching?



What is Life Coaching?

Life Coaching is a possibilities building relationship, between a life coach and a client, for the purpose of improving the client’s life and work.

Life Coaching helps individuals create the changes they want in all aspects of their life. It is a process that helps clients get unstuck and move plans forward to successful completion.


So we can say that:

Life Coaching is moving people toward success.

Life Coaching is a focus on the future.

Life Coaching is all about change.

Life Coaching moves people from idea to action.

Life Coaching is an ongoing relationship, between coach and client, which focuses the client on taking action toward the realization of their goals or desired self.

Life Coaching is a platform or vehicle for learning.

How Life Coaching Works

People hunger for positive change, but in their busy lives they find it difficult to take the necessary steps to make that change. Research has shown that the more clearly defined an individual’s future the more likely they are to achieve their goals. Clearly defined goals in work and life lead to more successful individuals and business. However, clearly defined goals of their own do not guarantee success, we have just to reflect on New Year resolutions. For the most part they fail not because goals were not clearly defined or individuals not successful people, they fail because the process or strategies they employed were unsound or unsuitable.

With a focus on the future, individuals are supported through the Life Coaching process in the development of successful strategies to implement and maintain desired life and work changes. The coaching process allows clients to stop everything they are doing and take a close look at their life; evaluate what they want and check to see the direction in which they headed.

Through a series of individual sessions, the life coaching process challenges, inspires and supports the client in achieving their goals, while at the same time holding them accountable.

Just by the very nature of human beings, we are more likely to complete tasks that are being monitored by another person. This is accountability, and it is built into the coaching process.

Clients are assisted in expanding the view they have of themselves by recognizing their own potential and clearly defining action or actions that will transform their potential into success.

Life Coaching is not counseling nor is it therapy.



“Most people know what they want but they don’t know how to achieve it.”

Coach Phyllis  

Life Coaching Activities

If you have an questions about Life Coaching or would like a complimentary session, please email me
phyllis@coachphyllis.com

12 Life Coaching Questions to Motivate

Phyllis Reardon M.Ed
Life Coach

We are a little over 3 weeks into Spring....Have you started that spring project yet? Have you taken the first step to the change you want?

I believe that Questions direct our lives. Think about it. Just how does your day go? How many questions do you ask? We ask questions at home...what's for breakfast...what do I have to pick up at the market? what time is my meeting? what info do I need to present? what? when? where? how?.........life directors.

We need answers, and the only way to get answers is to ask questions. I am offering you Life Coaching Questions that I use with my clients. Note them. Write them down and use them with the people in your life.

I begin with, "What do you really, really, really want?" because if you don't know what you want, how will you know when you have reached your goal or achieved.

In Lewis Carroll’s book, Alice In Wonderland, Alice asks The Cat which way she should go.

Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
The Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.
Alice: I don't much care where.
The Cat: Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.



This question is crucial...the answer to the question is key to success. Give it thought. Write it down. Writing it down gets it out off your head and makes it more real.
 Make sure the answer you give is one you want. It should be appropriate and realistic. Dream, infact dream big but make sure your goal is yours.

Write down each question or enter ino a computer program. Next take time to think about your response to each. Note your answer.

Keep a Success Book.



Life Coaching Questions to Motivate and move to Success

1. What do you really, really, really want?
2. Why do you want it?
3. What is success to you?
4. What does it look like?
5. How will you know when you have become successful?
6. How will you know when you have found it?
7. What is holding you back from getting it?
8. Do you believe you can get it?
9. What motivates you?
10. What are your intelligences and talents?
11. How can you make the greatest difference in your own life?
12. Who do you have to Become in order to achieve what you Want to achieve?


No body can move you, you must take action to move ourself.

It is Spring; there is action all around in nature. Why not take this time of year to refocus. Ask yourself these Life Coaching Questions and then Take Action!!!

These Life Coaching Questions are taken from my book Life Coaching Activities & Powerful Questions
 
I invite  to email my link to a friend. Love to have your comments.
 
Phyllis
 
 
If you would like further info please email me.
phyllis@coachphyllis.com
http://www.coachphyllis.com/