Procrastinator (cont.)

    Using a technique called PEPtalk™ Brad, the employee, was able to connect with the memory of his father yelling at him for not finishing his task of weeding the garden. Brad, at age 7 cowered in a corner unable to defend himself. Repetition after repetition of being told he was not good enough led Brad to second guessing himself and putting off completing projects for fear of reprisal.

    And so Brad took his fear to work and every boss was seen as a "bossy"one. No matter how fair and cooperative, Brad's employer always sounded like his father. Brad would use his 7 year old method of coping, and would, in effect constantly shoot himself in the foot.

    The PEPtalk™ technique helped Brad begin the process of untying the "nots" in his nervous system, moving past cannot, will not, am not and replacing the pattern of procrastination to one of creativity and risk taking. Transforming life long patterns is hard work yet well worth the time and effort. To find a coach who can help you learn the PEPtalk™ technique, contact maryjane@ceoptions.com

Ask Sylvia (cont.)

    Often lateness, incompleteness or ineffectiveness is labeled passive aggressive behavior. So what does that really mean?

    Simply that you can develop a fear around speaking up for yourself and the only way you can feel you are in charge is by making people wait for you or for your work to be done.

    I wish all you needed was your day timer and your lists. They are great aids only after you find the root of your procrastination.

    You'll need a coach who is willing to be a clear mirror for you, one who will help you track back to the places where your early decisions were made and you believed what you did was not o.k. And then, once the root of the pattern is clear you will need to devise a plan to talk with the important people in your life and acknowledge, directly to them, in a loud clear voice that your procrastination is nothing more than the inaction of fear.

    You'll be surprised at the power you have over the pattern once you can face it, name it and wrestle it to the ground. Please remember, these patterns that seem 20 feet tall become the size of a thumb nail once you take charge of them.

Tips from "Get the But Out of Your "Yes" (cont.)

    Learn how to push the "stop" button and fast forward to a new language of emotion. Here are a few simple short-term tactics that can help you make long term changes.

• Observe your own behavior and the language you use. Remember that your words can have a powerful impact on others.
• Think in the positive. If you talk negatively to yourself chances are you will find yourself in negative situations.
• Substitute “power” thoughts for “poor me” thoughts. Power thoughts keep you focused. Power thoughts are “I can”, “I will”, “I’m strong”.
• Ask open-ended questions to gain clarity. Avoid asking “yes” or “no” questions. Begin your questions with words like “How,” “What” or “Tell me more” Keep your questions free of blame or judgment. Limit asking “why?”
• Explore ways to untie your “nots.” Learn how to avoid “can not,” “should not,” and “have not.” Reframe your sentences with positive words like “I will,” “I can, “I’ll do.”
• To have one of our facilitators present this program to your comapny or for more general information, call Mary Jane at (570) 636-3858.

High Fives (cont.)

    High Fives™ is an innovative approach to work/life balance which emphasizes self-care as the central element to living a rich, integrated life while having a rewarding career. Through this unique approach we focus on helping organizations and individuals achieve fulfillment and success across the key dimensions of life, an approach that yields benefits to the individual through increased satisfaction, vitality and contentment. This brings to the corporation increased productivity, enthusiasm and commitment, factors that directly effect the bottom line. Every High Fives seminar or program can be customized to meet your organization's needs.

For more information, contact maryjane@retreatpa.com or call (570) 636-3858.

Day Away (info)

    How do you say "thank you" to employees who go above and beyond their job description? How do you appreciate loyalty, commitment and caring? How do you help your employees maintain balance in today's fast paced world? Our new DAY AWAY^TM program is the perfect solution.

    What we offer is a relaxing environment at The Country Place Retreat and Conference Center, an easy drive from Philadelphia or Manhattan. We provide a nutritious meal, either lunch or dinner, a variety of massage options, hiking on one of many nature trails, contemplation while walking the beautiful new labyrinth, an opportunity to experience stress reduction in the meditation health room and a gift of the chef's special homemade organic dessert of the day.

    Your valued employees will long remember the special day you set aside for them to take care of themselves so they can return to work renewed and invigorated. This gift can be an appreciation for a birthday, retirement, employee of the month award or for a special job well done. DAY AWAY^TM retreats are scheduled for September 16th, 2005; October 21st, 2005; November 18th, 2005 and December 9th, 2005.

For more information, contact maryjane@retreatpa.com or call (570) 636-3858.

PEPtalk is a free monthly eNews from Creative Energy Options, Inc. (CEO)—a global consulting, coaching and leadership development company on the cutting-edge of business transformation. We hope it provides the solutions you need to apply the Pattern Aware Leadership (PAL) System to your daily work and home life. It is published every month and filled with leadership news and views, success stories, special events and valuable tips to energize your leadership.