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           WORKIN' MY WAY NEWSLETTER - December 2008

Welcome to all new subscribers this month! I hope you will find
this newsletter informative and inspiring.  I really enjoy hearing
from my readers and encourage you to e-mail your comments or
questions.  The more I know what you are thinking about, the more
helpful I can be.   

The beginning of December always starts my mind thinking about what
changes I can make to my life and work in the New Year.  As a small
business owner, I revisit my business plan, lay out the major
projects I want to accomplish, and analyze the successes and
failures of the past year.
   
It's important to keep checking on your progress toward your goals
no matter what they are.   Are you just rocking along letting life
go on in the same old way?  Are you feeling like you are stuck in a
rut?  Start now to think about the changes you want to make - make
a list of your goals for the New Year- and then begin by asking,
"how can I do this?"   
                                   
           GET A JUMP START ON YOUR GOALS FOR 2009 

To help you start off your New Year I am offering the 90 minute
Dreamer's Dialogue for $100 (a $40 savings) to anyone who reserves
a spot now for a consultation in January. There is a description of
this on the services page on my website. Go to
www.lifeandworkbydesign.com and click on the services page to read
more about it.  
                 
        Don't miss this chance!  Send me an e-mail today
      to reserve your space at jane@lifeandworkbydesign.com
 
The ability to invent a desired future is directly dependent upon
the willingness to break with the past.       Robert J. Kriegel

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Self-Study Course Survey 


Thanks for all the responses to my question last month about your
obstacles.  The answers were great and most centered around the
issues of finding time and staying focused on your plan in the
midst of everything else.  I'll be sure to include some suggestions
to help with those challenges in the coming year.  

This course will contain 5 sections on Planning and Prioritizing,
Finding Time, Finding Money, Finding Courage and lots of resources
plus a workbook.

            ????????QUESTION OF THE MONTH????????

This wonderful world of technology offers lots of ways to present
this material.   I'd like to know which method would be most
effective for you.   Copy this link and paste it in your browser to
take a very short survey - just
one question - to tell me what you like best.    Thanks! 

                   http://tinyurl.com/6ow5wk

******************************************************************
 
 Question Your Own Questions 

I had the opportunity recently to hear a presentation by Marilee
Adams, author of the best-selling book, Change Your Questions,
Change Your Life.   Long-time readers know that one of my mantras
is the premise that we are where we are because of the choices
we've made.  

Every moment of every day presents us with choices big and small. 
What Marilee teaches is how to understand those decisions based on
the questions we unconsciously ask ourselves.  

She shows how our minds create either Judger questions or Learner
questions.  Examples of Judger questions are "What's wrong with
me?" and "Why bother?".  These tend to allow us to walk away from
important decisions, blame others when things go wrong, or lead us
down a negative path.    

By contrast, Learner questions might be "What are the facts?",
"What is possible?", or "What are my options?"   These lead us
forward one step and allow us to consider all the possibilities. 
Too often we make quick assumptions or judgments that influence our
decisions.  

I can't begin to present her entire concept here, but I would like
to suggest an exercise. 

All day tomorrow, try to hesitate just 5 seconds before making a
choice whether it is about what to eat, how to answer the phone,
when to leave the office, or to buy something new.
Listen carefully and see if you are allowing negative, Judger
questions to determine your decisions.    

Donut or apple..  
  Judger - what does it matter? (I'll never be thin again)

  Learner - what is the consequence?  (I want to feel better)

Answer the phone..
  Judger - what does she want from me?  (probably another favor)

  Learner - what is she feeling today? (maybe I can help her) 

Leave the office..
  Judger - why should I bother to stay? (It will all be here
tomorrow) 
                                      
  Learner - what can I get done if I stay? (to make tomorrow easier) 

Buy something..    
  Judger - why shouldn't I buy it? (it's just money)
 
  Learner - do I really need it?  (I want to save for my dream) 

Do you get the idea?    This is a valuable tool to analyze
your attitudes and responses toward every facet of your life.   I
highly recommend her book if you find yourself often feeling
negatively about people and situations.  You can order it on the
BOOKS page of my website. 

Or visit her website for more information at
www.inquiryinstitute.com 

******************************************************************
Happy Holidays! 

Enjoy the holidays!  Regardless of your spiritual leaning, this
time of year can be a real challenge - too many expectations, too
many temptations and way too much hype. 

Be good to yourself and those around you by slowing down, sorting
out the rubbish from the important themes of giving and sharing and
most important of all -

                have fun with family and friends! 
 
See You in the New Year, 

     Jane