The intervention I needed

Do you ever dance for the purpose of getting to the grocery store?  Or with the intention to get to work?  Or to finish those tasks?
 
 
Didn’t think so.
 
 
When’s the last time you danced to achieve a goal? 
 
 
(And I’m not talking about dancing on the way to work because you’re so excited to get there… or dancing on the way to a fabulous concert or dinner…)
 
 
Duh.  Never.  We don’t dance with a goal.  Or with an outcome.
 
 
We dance to dance. We dance to feel joy.  Passion.  To move.  To feel amazing.  To feel free.  To feel the rhythm in our body.  And we dance to come alive.
 
 
When’s the last time you danced?  And what was it like?
 
 
When I think about dancing, I smile. It’s truly one of my favourite things.  And while I do it in my belly-dance and burlesque classes, I haven’t done it, just-for-fun, in a long, long time.
 
 
But this isn’t just about dancing (although you better believe I’m infusing a little more cha-cha-cha in my morning these days).
 
 
This is about more than dancing.  
 
 
This is about focusing on the journey. And not just the destination.
 
 
I’m super guilty of this. 
 

I’m a huge destination seeker. (Hello, my goal was 30 countries before I turned 30!).
 

I’m an achiever.  It’s a strength.  And, like any strength, when there’s too much of it, it’s a weakness.
 

And I need an intervention.  

 
I often forget to be.
 
 
I’m often a human-doing, not a human-being. 
 
 
Do you know what I’m talking about?
 
 
I’m always rushing to write the next to-do list, or crush just one more item off itbefore bed.
 
 
I’m always wondering how I can make my lunch more productive.  Should I write that report, save world hunger or run a marathon while I chow down on some dumplings on my “break”?
 
 
I’m SO guilty as charged.
 
 
The last few weeks have been busy.  And next week has promise of the same.
 
 
The last few “vacations” I’ve taken, I’ve worked. And not just an hour here and there.  But I’ve worked, in many cases, full days, and then celebrated being in a fabulous location for dinner and sunsets. 
 
 
I’m grateful that this is my life. I’m grateful to travel. I’m grateful for an incredibly supportive husband who doesn’t mind.
 
 
But I’ve been so focused on the destination, I’m not always present to the journey.
 

For me, it's intervention time.  


My ambition is not the path to my best life because there is nothing at the end of the path. Only the memories of the steps taken, sights seen, and connections created.   


This week, I’m taking three (3!!) days off.  No to-do lists.  No working breakfast/lunch/dinners.  
 
 
I’m going to be.
 
I’m going to enjoy time with my husband.
 
I’m going to do what I feel like.

 
And I’m not sure what I’ll feel like, so truth be told, I have no idea what I’ll do.   Maybe I’ll read.  Maybe I will feel inspired to write.  Maybe I’ll yoga, swim, walk on the beach or sleep.
 
 
All that’s guaranteed is that I will be.
 
 
I will be me.
 
I will be present.  
 
 
If I take longer to reply this week to an email, social media post, text, or phone call, know that I appreciate your understanding. 
 
 
If I don’t make progress on my business plans this week, I have comfort knowing that there’s something more important at stake here – ME.
 
 
Whether you can take three days off, or thirty minutes, I want you to make time “to be” this week.
 
 
Maybe it’s deciding to stop multi-tasking when you walk your dogs this week. 
 
Maybe it’s having a bath before bed, just because you can. 
 
Maybe it’s waking up 10 minutes before everyone else in the house and savouring your tea in glorious peace.
 
Maybe it’s turning your cell phone off at your next dinner or happy hour.  And truly soaking in the presence of your date.
 
 
I invite you to be present.  To be you.  To be.

 
Create time this week to enjoy this precious journey we are all on.  Maybe, even take a moment to dance. 
 

Presently yours (and simultaneously absent from email), 
 
 - Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com
 
 
PS.  I’m working on an exciting project for the do-er in you.  If you’re ready to make 2017 your year, this surprise is for you!  Keep your eyes in your inbox for more details in the coming weeks. But until the time comes, enjoy today and savour the moments in your journey.   Recharge, refresh and get ready to rock your goals!

80% of what you're doing doesn't matter. Here's what does matter

The time has come. 
 

 
Planning for New Year’s Eve parties has begun.

 
Should we plan a trip to celebrate?   Should we do a house party?  Should we rent a hotel room and watch the fireworks with friends?  Should we get tickets to a hip event? 
 
 
Oh, the options.  
 
 
Don’t get me wrong. I love a celebration.  I enjoy New Year’s as an opportunity to connect with those I love, whether it’s an intimate gathering, or a giant blow-out bash.
 
 
But there’s a more important New Year’s conversation we’re not having. 
 
 
And that’s the conversation of your 2016 New Years resolutions.
 
 
Ya. Those. 
 
 
I know you might have forgotten about them.  But I didn’t.
 
 
 
I get it.  Time flies.  Sometimes my year feels like a roll of toilet paper – the closer I get to the end, the faster it goes.  
 
 
Every year I feel this way.  January, February and March start out slow and intentional.  I start out feeling like I can do anything – that my year ahead is full of opportunity and possibility. 
 

By April, May and June, I’ve made some progress.    Then summer hits, and I take my foot off the gas petal a bit to enjoy the sunshine and time with friends.
 

In September, life kicks up a notch and by October, I’m wondering where the time has gone and can’t believe it’s almost Christmas. 
 
 
That’s me today. 
 
 
There are officially 70 days left in 2016. 
 
 
 
Do you remember the goals you set at the beginning of the year?  
 
 
 
With 70 days left in the year, in some ways, I almost feel like giving up on my 2016 goals.  I mean, it’s only 9 days until Halloween, and then Christmas season starts.  
 
 
Maybe this is you.  You’re thinking that between holiday parties, gift-giving and decorating, there’s little time for anything else.  You might as well kiss you goals goodbye and just settle with what you’ve accomplished so far.
 
 
Wrong.
 
 
70 days is enough.
 
 
70 days is 20% of the year. 
 
 
Have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule?  It’s a beautiful law (the Pareto Principle) that surprisingly applies to a ton of things in our lives:
 
 
We wear 20% of our closet 80% of the time. 
 
We cook 20% of the recipes we know 80% of the time. 
 
20% of the activities you do account for 80% of your happiness.
 
80% of our business comes from 20% of our clients. 
 
 
 
80% of our success comes from 20% of our effort.
 
 
 
This last 20% of the year can be the difference between getting what you want.  Or not. 
 
 
So, let’s make sure you get what you want.   Refocus, reenergize and rejuvenate to rock the rest of your year. 
 
 
 
What were the intentions you set for 2016?
 
 
 
Here’s how to get what you want in the next 70 days of 2016:
 

• List five things you are proud of in 2016 so far.  Be genuinely happy and recognize that you HAVE made progress.

• Say thank you to two people who have made a difference in your life this year. Get in the spirit of gratefulness and joy.

• Write out all the things you still have left to do in 2016.  Brain dump all the things you keep telling yourself you “should” do

• Cross out all but three of them.  Yup. Only three get to stay.

• Make a plan to get those three things done
  • Set your milestones – what are the big moments along the way to your goal? 
  • Get clear on the next few steps. Where will you start?  What do you need to do to get there?
  • Create a plan with timelines.  Work backwards.  If December 31st, 2016 is the day that you have accomplished those three goals, what are you doing on December 21st?  On December 1st?  November 15th?  November 1st?  
  • Track your progress AND results.  How will you know you’re making progress?  What are the results you are seeing?  Set a time weekly to track and review.

• Find an accountability partner and share your goals.  It will keep you motivated and responsible for doing what you say you will do.  This can be a friend, spouse, teacher, boss, or – of course – a coach!

• Get guilt-free about saying “no” to other goals until you’ve crushed the ones you’ve set.  Why guilt-free?  Because you can add them to you 2017 goals list and have a jump start on those creating resolutions!  #win-win

 
 
 
So in full disclosure, here’s my three priorities for the last 70 days of the year:

• Create permission and time in my life for self-care.  Join a gym. Get a yoga punch pass (and use it).  Drink more green juice. And take 2 days off a week.   I know. I’m so #vancouver. 

• Make an impact on 3000 high-performing men and women through a growing list and established brand.  Expand my reach so I can create a world where we don’t have to choose between work and life.   We can have it all!

• Develop a community of ambitious go-getters who are committed to making 2017 the best year of their lives!  Serve this community powerfully and support them as they learn the tips, tricks and tools I’ve got to change their life.

 
 
 
Thank you for being my accountability partner.  If you need me to be that for you, I have a few last spaces in my one-on-one program that are perfect for keeping you on track.  Hit reply and we can connect for a complimentary discovery session to find out what you want to accomplish and how I’ll support to make sure you get what you want!

 
Remember – it’s not too late to make a difference.  Today matters.  Tomorrow matters.  Your goals and dreams matter.  
 

Go get them.

 - Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com

 
 
PS.  For those of you in Vancouver, I’m so excited to be hosting a live event, a partnership with Vancity Business Babes.  November 9th, join us for our GoalDen Girls Morning Mingle.
 

Let’s be honest: goals sound easy but actually achieving them isn’t so simple.
 
Join me for an interactive workshop where you’ll learn about best goal-setting tricks, meet other inspiring women, and walk away with tools to help you rock 2017!
 
You’ll learn how to:
- Overcome common mistakes you’re making when you set goals
- Create a plan you’ll actually stick to
- Build a strategy so you can consistently meet and blow away your own targets!
 
For tickets or more information, click here.   See you there Vancity Business Babes!

Why change is SO hard. And what to do about it.

Have you ever found it hard to make a change?  You really want to do something, but you just can’t get around to actually taking the first step?  You know it’s what you need but you’re frozen.

This is what I call “The Big Freeze.”

It’s a phenomenon I see happen in many people, myself included.

Have you ever thought about applying for a new job or promotion – and then talked yourself out of it – and missed the deadline?

Have you ever looked at booking a trip?  Or signing up for a half marathon? Then you talked yourself out of it.   You missed the deal. Or missed the training cut-off. 

Then, a few days later, weeks, months – you start to regret it.  We know our biggest regrets are the chances NOT taken.  You’re a heck of a lot more likely to regret what you haven’t done – than you are regret something you tried and maybe didn’t quite succeed at.

This experience is “The Big Freeze”.

For those of you who are visual learners, I created this quick little video here for you:  Check it out to find out how to get over the challenge of change.

 If you’re a reader, keep reading.

“The Big Freeze” happens before any big decision. 

It happens before we change something in our lives. There’s an evolutionary reason for it and it’s proven in neuroscience.

The big freeze happens because the change is new and our brains want us to stay safe - and “safe” is code for“staying the same.”

Our brains work hard to keep us safe, and in our comfort zone so we talk ourselves out of it making a change.

“I’ll never get that job.”

“I’ll sign up for that membership next New Years'.”

“I don’t have the time right now.”   “I don’t have the money right now.”  

“This won’t work.  l’ll never be able to actually to do a triathlon/speak Italian/cook Japanese.”

“I can probably find it cheaper somewhere else”.

Or maybe you overanalyze it.  “I should make sure it’s the absolute BEST gym/program/training/job/boyfriend/girlfriend I can get as proven with my 10 point rating system that integrates with seamlessly with the scientifically developed spreadsheet” (yup, I’m guilty of this!).

These are the thoughts that go through our heads.  (Doesn’t it feel good to know you’re not alone?!)

I’m sharing this with you because I’ve done it. And I see it all the time.  I also want to challenge you to find out where you’re frozen.

In my business, a lot of people message me and tell me they’ve been thinking about reaching out for months but for whatever reason, don’t.  Maybe this is you too. If you’ve been thinking about finding out more about coaching and having a free discovery session with me – and you’re talking yourself out of it –  you’re stuck in the “big freeze.”

(Click here to change that and book your complimentary Discovery Call)

Maybe you’re frozen before deciding to try coaching.  Or maybe you’re putting off applying for a new job.   Maybe you’re frozen trying to decide when you should start a business, sign up for a conference, or a triathlon.

Whatever it is, it’s time to thaw out, and just do it!  

Now that you know “the big freeze” exists, you can watch for it.

If you’re in it, know that it’s normal.

So, before you make a change:

1)  Listen for the ways your brain is trying to talk you out of making a change. Guaranteed, you will hear patterns with every decision – and soon it’ll be easy to ignore. Maybe you always tell yourself you can’t afford it. Maybe you always tell yourself you’re not good enough.  Once you spot the pattern, you can recognize it for what it is. 

2)  Pull out the logic card.  Ask yourself… “really?”  “Is there ZERO chance I get the job?”  Obviously not.  Or “do I really not have any time?  Is there not an hour a week I can get off Facebook/TV/US election drama that I can’t dedicate to training for something, or learning something new?”  I think we all know the answer to that.

3)  Dig deep into WHY it’s important to you.  Talk about all the reasons why it’s going to be great for you.  Research the benefits of what you’re going to change.  Call your cheerleadiest-of-cheerleaders friend to talk it out. Make a list of the top 10 reasons why it’s a great idea. Or just have a few glasses of wine and hit “sign up” (which is what I did when I first joined belly-dancing).

That’s it!

1)  Listen for the patterns of how your mind tricks you into freezing. 

2)  Pull out the logic card and prove yourself wrong.

3)  Build energy and excitement in yourself so you can unfreeze and

JUST DO IT!

As always, I love hearing from you!  I’d love to hear about a time you’ve been frozen in the past – or something you overcome after reading or watching the video!  Feel free to share with a friend too!

Also, I want to give a shout-out to my coach Fyfe, today, who helped me get over my own “freezing” over what to share next with you guys!

Your best life is one change away.

- Lisa

Success Coach 

www.lisamichaud.com

PS.  If you’ve been hesitating learning more about coaching, it’s time to thaw out and just do it.  It’s time to stop playing it safe. I don’t want you to settle because you know that the best life happens when you’re outside of your comfort zone.  Get in touch for a free Discovery Session to see if coaching is right for you. 

You’re ready for a change and it’s time to take the first step.  Let’s chat about what’s possible when you are willing to invest in yourself and your dreams. 

My prices will be going up again soon so don’t let this opportunity be the one you regret not taking!  

This reduces your confidence, power and potential. Are you still doing it?

Something you're saying is affecting your confidence, your power, and your potential.

It’s not a secret word.

It’s not a topic that hasn’t been covered before.

In fact, we make jokes about how much Canadians say it.  Amy Schumer has skits about it.  Pantene has commercials about it.

It’s the word “sorry”.

I knew as a Canadian, I said it often.  And I realize as a Canadian woman, I was likely to be a top offender of it.

But I didn’t realize how often I was saying it until the other day.

I was typing “so” on my phone and it autocorrected it to “sorry.”   Repeatedly.

That was my moment.  The moment when I realized I was apologizing SO much, my phone was automatically assuming I wanted to say sorry.  Ugh.

Too much apologizing makes you seem less powerful.

Too many “sorry’s” make you seem more submissive.

Apologizing demonstrates a lack of confidence. 

That's when I knew I needed to change.  And I want you to check-in with yourself because it’s incredibly common.

Studies show that women apologize significantly more than men.  It’s not that men don’t apologize as much when they do something wrong.  It’s that women tend to feel the need to apologize more often and therefore, say “sorry” a heck of a lot more frequently. 

So, while it’s top 40 material and trendy/provocative or even sexy/cute/adorbs when Justin Bieber says “sorry”, it’s not so much for you and me.  

In fact, you’re probably apologizing for things you shouldn’t be.

Sure, apologize if you run into someone.

Apologize if you actually hurt someone’s feelings (intentionally or not).

But this message, my epiphany, your lesson - is about apologizing for those things you shouldn’t apologize for.

Don’t apologize for taking up too much space.

Don’t apologize for knowing what you want.  No matter how ambitious it is.

Don’t apologize for not knowing what you want.  Your life is an opportunity to find out and go for it.

Don’t apologize for letting your talent shine to the world.

Don’t apologize for needing sleep.  Rest. A vacation.

Don’t apologize for loving your work.

Don’t apologize for asking a “stupid” question.

Don’t apologize for hating school.  Or hating your job.  Instead, go do something about it.

Don’t apologize for being broke.  Go make money.

Apologizing doesn’t do much if you’re still unhappy with the outcome.  Taking new, consistent action does.

Apologizing for being happy, shiny, bright, smart, successful, beautiful does not help others.  In fact, it teaches everyone to dim their light and apologize for their talents and gifts.  And that makes this world a blah and depressing place. 

Be proud of what you have to offer. 

Be proud of who you are.

If you want to apologize to yourself because something isn’t going well, go ahead.  But don’t stop there.

Here’s how to create a lasting change, gain confidence, power and influence:

1  Track the number of times you apologize in a day.  Remember, it’s not only the word “sorry” (although that is a great start).  Pay attention to “I was just doing ____.”  Or “I think it might possibly be better if we…”.  Or “I shouldn’t have ___.”  Listen for all the ways you are apologizing.  If you are reading this in the morning, start today. If you’re reading this later in the day, set a calendar reminder for tomorrow.This WILL be eye-opening for you.

2  Manage how often you say “sorry”.  Consider implementing a penalty for unnecessary apologies.  A few weekends ago I was at a workshop and someone else brought up that the room was apologizing too much.  As a group, we decided to put $1 into the pot every time someone apologized.  A few hours and $15 later, we had ourselves a lot more awareness of our habits – and a delicious apple crisp to share.

3  Install the “Just Not Sorry” free Gmail plugin. It literally underlines when you use words that undermine your message.  Get it here.  Yes, I’ve installed it!

4 Try saying “thank you” instead.   Rather than apologizing for being late, express gratitude for the person being patient.  Instead of saying “sorry” for not doing the dishes, say “thanks” to your spouse/friend/roommate/kids for doing them.  Saying “thanks” will make the other person feel happy and appreciated – and more likely to be patient/do dishes/be awesome again in the future.

5  Identify any habits you are persistently apologizing for – and consider stopping that habit.  If you are always late, notoriously bad at returning emails, or bailing last minute, consider changing your pattern.  You’ll have a lot less apologizing if you are proactive and change the habit.

6  Put the apology in perspective.  Keep your “sorry” in check with the level it requires.  And if you find yourself consistently feeling guilty or anxious about something that you know isn’t a big deal, consider getting support (from a coach for self-worth and confidence boosting techniques, or a counselor if you think it stems from past trauma).

7  Do what you need to create a change.  If you’re always apologizing for complaining about your job/relationship/money situation, fix it!  It may be harder in the short term, but soon, you’ll be grateful for all the time you’re not spending complaining and then apologizing for complaining.  Identify the part of your life that’s causing you to apologize wayyyy too much.  And then take the first step towards change.

8  Rock your imperfections.  Hey, we all have them.  And chances are you’re apologizing for sh*t that doesn’t matter.  Own it.  Stop apologizing for having a bad hair day, beating someone at your signature sport, or needing three tries to properly parallel park. 

I challenge you to be fierce.  Be unapologetic. 

Yes. You can do this without being an asshole.

(Maybe not everyone can.)

But I know YOU can.

Be unapologetic about needing to take care of yourself first.

Be unapologetic about knowing what you want.

Or not knowing what you want.

Be unapologetic in your boundaries.  In respecting your boundaries.  In respecting the boundaries others have.

Be unapologetic in asking questions you want to ask.

Be unapologetic when you share your opinions.

Be unapologetic when you provide your brilliant ideas and input.

Share this blog with a friend, coworker, or partner who needs this message too and join the #sorrynotsorry movement.

Go shine on, you amazing human, you!

 - Lisa

Success Coach & Speaker

www.lisamichaud.com

PS.  This has really been a journey for me.  One of the things I’m working on not apologizing for being myself.   For talking, taking up space, and letting my light shine.

If you’ve been apologizing too much, it’s affecting your life.  It’s probably making you procrastinate, and it’s definitely impacting your self-confidence.

Check out my video here as I share my journey out of procrastination and into showing up, unapologetically, as my very best, shiny, bright self.  

Here's how to change career paths. Even if you're afraid.

Is the career path you want to take unexpected?  Unique? Unchartered? Or unconventional?

Do you feel scared to take the first step?  Worried you’ll disappoint someone?  Afraid to take a risk?  Or nervous you’ll end up broke eating ramen for dinner every night? 

I truly believe you deserve to love your work and your life.

I believe it’s possible to enjoy what you do in your career. 

And when you love your 9-5, it spills awesomeness and joy into the rest of your life.

You’ve heard it from me. Now I want to share a story about the journey Kimiko Stella has taken to get to a place of real life career love.

A few months ago, I was getting my hair styled by the lovely Kimiko.  Mid-shampoo, I casually asked her “do you like your job?”  (It’s a habit – I can’t turn the coach off.)

Her eyes lit up. She grinned, threw her head back and said “YES! I love my job”. 

From that moment, I knew I needed to know more.  So I got the chance to sit down with her for some lunch (and bottomless mimosas) to get deeper into her story.

Kimiko has inspired me and I know she will inspire you.

Kimiko is a 30-something Japanese Italian woman who is feminine, strong and beautiful inside and out.   Growing up, she was surrounded by amazing women.  She has a very strong mother, a sweet and gentle aunt, and a Nona you don’t want to mess with (let’s be honest, is there any Nona you would mess with?!).
 
 
Life wasn’t always easy for Kimiko.  She struggled with depression.   She has been married and divorced.  She’s a survivor of sexual assault.  She took the unconventional path in her career and it put a strain on her relationship with her family.   At the age of 26, she came out to her family as a lesbian.
 

But all the steps in her journey have led her to become a seriously inspiring badass, and a force to be reckoned with!
 

Today, she’s a hairstylist in one of the top salons in Vancouver, Brush Salon (check them out!).  She gets to do hair for all sorts of glamorous events like Vancouver Fashion Week, and several TV shows filmed in Vancouver.  Somewhere in there, she does regular people hair like mine.
 

Every day, she goes to work and LOVES her job.  And she’s fiercely confident. She’s uniquely herself. 
 
 

Here’s Kimiko’s journey to becoming a top stylist in the city.
 
 
Growing up, Kimiko was encouraged to take a traditional path.  Go to school, they told her.  We’ll pay for your education.  Do something that will make you money and be stable.  Needless to say, Kimiko’s family did not support her being a hair stylist. 
 
 
Their vision for her was one of an academic path.  So, she dabbled in kinesiology, counseling, nutrition, customer service and radio broadcasting – things she was interested in but not passionate about. 
 
 
Her family was supportive of her education, even going so far as to paying for her education as long as it was on their terms. 
 
 
Have you ever worried what your family might think if you quit your job?  Or if you changed your major?  Or went back to school?
 
 
Kimiko knew she wanted to be a hair stylist.  But she also knew they wouldn’t be happy with her decision. 
 
 
She needed to overcome this huge roadblock. For Kimiko, she came to the realization that she had to be ok with - and accept - that she was going to let people down.  This was not an easy journey. 
 
 
But she knew she wasn’t going to be able to follow the path others set out for her.  
 

She knew the journey she was on, easy or not, would be her own.
 
 
 
And she knew it would be worth the challenge.   


 
She took out her own student loan.
 
Made the decision to say goodbye to academics. 
 
And faced many difficult conversations. 
 
 

She shared with her family that as much as she loved them, she was going to follow her dream and passion to be a hair stylist.
 

 
Lesson #1 – Sometimes you have to walk the path alone.  Sometimes the path gets darker and more challenging, before it gets easy.  It will be worth it.  
 

 


Kimiko’s story is painful and strikingly honest.  It’s also one that I know isn’t only Kimiko’s.
 
 
Many of the men and women I know have grown up with similar messages.  Well-intentioned families, teachers and even friends tell us “you can be whatever you want to be”.   
 

But as soon as we step away from the classic “acceptable”and “stable” jobs, fearful comments and ominous warnings instantly begin. 
 
 

This is incredibly difficult.  As children, we want our parent's approval. As we grow up, we want our family and friends to support us.  To go against their cautions and wishes is counter to most of what we’ve been brought up doing. 
 
 
She persisted despite their growing fears for her.  One family member even told her “you’re going to be living in the gutter if you have that job.”  
 
 
For Kimiko, she knew her family’s worries and anxieties existed because they didn’t understand the business.  But she DID understand the business.  Kimiko knew her passion and creativity meant she would be successful!  She wasn’t worried about not making it.  Instead, she focused on following her dreams and has become a mega-successful hair stylist.  
 
 

Lesson #2 – People will project their fears onto you.  While they might mean well, know yourself enough to know if your fears are your own… or someone else’s. 
 

 
Kimiko wanted to be a hairstylist enough that she was willing to go through the challenges, the financial struggle, and family turmoil because it would be worth it.
 
 
For Kimiko, hair styling is about art. It’s about growing a business. It’s about connecting with people and genuinely making them happy.   It’s about relationships. 
 

And that is what she wanted deeply for herself – to have fun and make others happy.  
 
 

Lesson #3 – Your desire for your dreams has to be greater than your fear of taking a risk.
 

 
As you’re probably realizing, Kimiko is a deeply insightful, strong and intelligent woman (on top of being an amazing stylist).  Her wisdom is inspiring and beautiful. 
 
 
What Kimiko knows for sure:

• Our choices are ultimately what define our personality. What we choose to do and our actions, are our soul being bare to the world.   Your words and what you say is one thing, but your actions are ultimately a reflection of your true colors.  So take action to create the live you want and need!

• Societal pressures and expectations will shape us, without us even realizing it.   But your life belongs to you.  Get clear on what you want and be true to that.

• Careers are an important part of our lives.  It’s what we do for 30 - 50 hours a week.  And the right career is nourishing. It feeds you (pay check, stomach, and soul).

• Historically, femininity has too often been about being docile, submissive, gentle, quiet and small.  But now, there’s a chance (a need!) for women to be present, have a voice, and stand up.  It’s time for women to show the world who we are. 

• “Strength is having no regrets and no shame in what you believe in.”  Kimiko strongly believes that there are times that the situations we are in are uncomfortable. The setting hits a prickly nerve.  With friends or family, this is even harder - it’s icky, gross, nitty and gritty. And necessary.  Stick with what you believe in – it is the definition of strength.

 
 
Are you wondering how you could possibly create a career you love?
 
 
Here’s Kimiko’s advice for getting success on your terms:

• Have a constant pursuit of happiness.  Happiness doesn’t come to you automatically.  Make it a mindful effort to chase and explore what brings you joy and delight.  It’s why we’re here on this planet.

• Always be reflecting and growing.    There are so many people who live life on autopilot and end up drifting wherever life takes them.  Don’t do that. Be consciously living and critically making choices to take advantage of this short, beautiful life you have been given.

• Learn. All the time.  Every part of your journey is building you to get you where you need to go.  It all happens for a reason and it will pay off. 

• Take risks and make mistakes. Sometimes you get hurt. Sometimes you fall down pretty bad.  No risk, no glory. 

• It’s not too late.  Even if you have no idea what it is you want.  If you know you’re not loving what you’re doing, take the first step. Be ok without knowing and get curious about yourself and what’s next for you.

 
 




I’m so honoured to share Kimiko’s story.  I am deeply grateful to her for opening up her soul and sharing her story with all of us.
 

 
I am humbled by her authenticity.  But most of all, I KNOW her story is going to resonate for so many of you.  

 

Her courage is palpable. 

 
She's courageous for standing her ground.
 
She's courageous for taking a risk.
 
She's courageous for following her passion.
 
She's courageous for sharing her story with us.
 
She's courageous for opening up to help you.
 
 
 

My hope is that you will also be inspired by Kimiko’s courage. 
 
 
My biggest wish for you is that if you are in a place in your career that you aren't happy, you start taking the steps to find joy in what you do. Today.  
 
My longing is that you explore your deepest desires and give yourself permission to want more. 
 

My dream for you is that you find the courage within yourself to create the life that you want. 
 
 
Because your life DOES belong to you.  To you and you alone. 
 
 
And you deserve to design your beautiful life into the one that you really, truly, madly, courageously and deeply want.

Thank you Kimiko, for your huge gift - reminding all of us that courage and strength pay off with huge bonuses of joy, purpose, and passion.
 
 
 - Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com
 


 

PS.  My hair is also eternally grateful that you, Kimiko, a) followed your heart and b) I found you.  
 
 
PPS.   If you're not on my mailing list, you're seriously missing out.  If you are reading this on the internet (my blog, Linkedin, etc), you're not getting exclusive tips, products, contests, and gifts.  It's time to change that. Don't miss out anymore -  Sign up for my newsletter today!

Are you feeling stuck? Here's how to break free

Last year, when I moved to Vancouver, I bought a street bike for the first time ever.  I hadn’t regularly ridden a bike in over 15 years.
 
 
But… riding a bike is like, well, riding a bike right?  You don’t forget… do you?
 
 
It turns out you do. Or at least I do.  I went for a bike ride with my husband Troy and our friend and I was terrible.
 
I couldn’t figure out the gears. I was slow (and very sweaty). 
 
I couldn’t keep up.  Was scared to brake. Petrified to drive in traffic.  Couldn’t keep my balance well enough to throw up hand signals. 
 
 
In hindsight, I was even a little dangerous. 
 
 
My friends were teasing me about it.  “Wow – Lisa, you’re a terrible biker.” 
 
 
“We’ll meet you there in a few hours”.
 

We had a few laughs about it both that day and whenever the topic of me biking comes up.
 
 
I can totally laugh about it and I am genuinely not offended.
 
 
But here’s what I did do.
 
 
I took on the identity that I was “slow, terrible, biking Lisa”.
 
 
I believed that I was bad at biking.  Full stop.
 
 
I started telling myself “I’m just a bad bike rider.  I better not ride with others. And I definitely can’t ride in traffic.”


Well - isn't that a depressing thing to be stuck as a terrible biker when I love bike-riding AND I live in one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world?!  


So, I didn't accept it.  I realized I was going against one of the most scientifically proven factors for success. 


Insert:  Carol Dweck, Stanford Psychologist and author of one of my favourite books, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success . 
 

Carol has proven that there are two mindsets:

 
Growth mindset: You believe you can change, learn, grow and improve.  You believe your abilities can be developed through practice, dedication and work.  Brains and talent are great but just a starting point. You love learning and are resilient - and you know both are essential for success. Spoiler alert:  pretty much all accomplished people have had these qualities and a growth mindset.


Fixed mindset:  You believe that basic qualities like talents, strengths and intelligence are fixed traits. And you can’t change them. You’re either smart or stupid. People here spend time documenting and proving their intelligence instead of developing them.  A fixed mindset tells you that innate talent creates success,without effort.


Simply put, those with a fixed mindset are wrong.
 

Through Carol’s research, she’s proven that people with a growth mindset are leaps and bounds more successful than those with a fixed mindset.   


Those with a growth mindset come out on top.  


I can’t recommend the book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success enough.
 

If you have a growth mindset, you’re far more likely to be happy, successful, have great relationships and earn more money.
 
 
For me, that’s sounds pretty damn good.  So I make a conscious effort to focus on my growth mindset. 
 
 
I do genuinely believe if there’s something I’m not good at, it’s ok.  The only way to get better is to try, practice, and learn. 
 
 
I know that practice is important. But even I forget sometimes.  Knowing is different than implementing.  Information doesn’t always translate to action.
 

About a month ago, I realized I was letting that mindset overtake my joy for biking.  I was stuck.  I wasn’t riding with others because I figured I was too slow.  I was super inefficient, having to use the seawall everywhere I went to avoid traffic. 
 
 
I realized I was never, ever going to get better or gain confidence with a fixed mindset.
 
 
Yes. It was true that I wasn’t a great biker. But I also hadn’t biked in 15 years.  The problem was lack of practice, and not something inherently wrong with me.
 
 
So I made a change.
 
 
To my mindset.  And to my habits.
 
 
I decided to practice.  I started biking on my own.
 
 
And guess what?  It worked!

 

I remembered that it’s a skill like anything else. I improved my speed. My shifting. I got comfortable and confident biking again. And I’m even totally cool to ride my bike in downtown Vancouver traffic.
 
 
In the last year since I got my bike, I barely improved.
 
 
BUT, in the last month, since changing my mindset and practicing, I’ve gottenWAY better!
 
 
In fact, last week on the seawall, I kept up with a (male) friend on a road bike while I was on a mountain bike.  A year ago, he would have been going twice my speed.
 
 
It’s amazing what a difference shifting my mindset made.
 
 
My challenge for you is to look within yourself and reflect:

• Where in your life are you stuck?
• What in your life are you telling yourself you aren’t any good at?
• Where is your “fixed mindset” holding you back?  
• If you believed you could be the best at something in your life, what would you choose to be the best at?  
• What’s possible for you if you believe you can be the best?
• What will you do to become better?

 
 
You can get unstuck.  You can be better. All it takes is holding the mindset that practice and improvement is possible.  And doing it.
 
 
Maybe this is something that is impacting your career.  Your parenting.  Your ability to speak in public.  Maybe it’s your cooking that you assume you’re bad at so never do (although for me, this is one I’m happy to not practice – hehe). 
 
 
Start telling yourself “I can be good at this.”  I’m learning. I’m getting better.
 
 
Don’t let frustration get you down.  Refuse to stay stuck.  Don’t tell yourself you suck (yes, I’m talking to you).  And I’m talking to myself.
 
 
Instead, say “look how far I’ve come”.  “Look what I’m learning”. 
 
 
Watch yourself grow. And see what you can do that you weren’t able to do before.
 
 
Let’s be honest, none of us are born being amazing at anything without practice. Except child prodigies.  But even child prodigies have to learn and improve the skills beyond their natural talents. 
 
 
Give yourself permission to get better. 
 
 
Permission to suck at first. 
 
 
Permission to take two steps forward and one step back, knowing that it’s the only way to ever improve!
 
 
Because you WILL improve.  
 
 
Now, here’s the thing.  Mindset: The New Psychology of Success is one of my favourite books.  I know in my whole body and mind that a growth mindset is not only true, but it’s a huge key to success. 
 
 
And yet I still got caught in the fixed mindset mentality.
 
 

See, no matter how much you know, implementing knowledge is always a challenge.
 


You know smoking is bad for you. You understand that you should eat more greens.

You figure you should say no to the third glass of wine. 

But the fact is that there are still millions of smokers in North America.  Very few of us eat enough greens.  And I have a very hard time saying “no” to the wine.
 
 
There’s a hole between knowledge and implementation. 
 
 
A gap between understanding and doing. 
 
 
A space between insight and action.
 

And this is where we get stuck. And stay stuck.


Unless we make a decision to create change.  

 
That’s where we need support.  It’s where great bosses come in.  This is where wonderful friends can help. This is where mentors and even spouses can support.  
 
 

And this is the space where coaching thrives and shines.
 
 
 
Sometimes, the desire to move forward is too important to leave to chance. 
 

The result you want - work-life balance, getting back in shape, traveling more,starting your business – is something you want SO badly that you aren’t messing around.  
 
 
Or the place you're stuck in is so uninspiring, so de-motivating, so dull, you can't possibly sit in it another day.


Here’s where I come in.
 
 
I’m here to take you from idea to implementation.

 
I’m here to make you take what you know and create the life you want with it.
 

I’m here to mirror back to you what I see in you that you may not yet see in yourself.  Like limiting beliefs.  Sub-conscious mindsets.
 
 
And of course, show you the brilliance and awesomeness in yourself that you don’t fully appreciate – yet.
 

I'm here to unstick you and break you free.

 
To create real change, you need more accountability, more encouragement, and more awareness of where you’re going.   And you need to squash what’s holding you back, stat.   If I’m talking to you, get in touch.
 
 
I’d love to connect to find out how we can get you from the place you are today –mediocre, frustrated, discouraged, or underwhelmed – to a place where you’re achieving what you know is possible for you (and more!).
 
 
This time, my invitation to connect is different. In October, I’m entering an intensive 6-month coaching certification program, a program reserved for the top coaches in the world.  This program is going to stretch me and make me the best coach for my clients (something that is super important to me, and you – duh).
 
 
To give the program, and my clients the best of me, I’m limiting the number of spaces for one-on-one clients between October 2016 and April 2017.
 
 
And when I do open more spaces, I will be increasing my prices to reflect the incredible results my clients are achieving.
 
So if you’ve been debating, wondering, talking yourself out of chatting with me, now is the time.
 
 
Get over your excuses of not having time, money, or whatever other excuse that fixed mindset is having you believe. It’s time to say goodbye to the excuses, and hello to your new mindset and self.
 
 
As a special incentive for the clients that do come with me on my coaching journey, I’m creating only three (3!) spaces for a six-month program. 
 
 
It’s something I won’t be advertising on my website – it’s only for those reading this post.
 
 
My prices will never be this low again… and I will probably never offer a program like this ever again. 
 
 
 
If you are ready for change, ready for more, and ready to have it all in your life, I can’t wait to hear from you. 
 
 
Connect with me for a free Discovery Call to find out more about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!  There’s no obligation and no pressure.  Because I only work with the most dedicated and passionate clients – and I have a feeling that might beyou!
 
 
Whether you will be one of the three (3!!) joining me in this six-month program or not, I’ll be here, challenging you along the way, supporting you on your quest for a life and a career you LOVE!  

 
I’m unbelievably excited and humbled about the next phase of my personal growth and my business.  And I can’t wait to find out who will be a part of the growth journey with me.
 
 

 - Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com
 
 
 
PS.  The 3 spots in my six-month program are first-come, first served.  I already have a few calls set up for next week and I don’t want you to miss out. Contact me today for your free Discovery Call – and let’s make the next six months rock your world!
 

I never thought I'd admit this

Just over a month ago, I challenged you to fail.   (For those of you who are new to me, you can find the post  here.)

I’m going to be honest with you.  The thought of failure makes me uncomfortable.

I want to be successful.  I want you to be successful too. I'm guessing you do too.

For me, failing isn’t easy.

This sounds entitled, but I’ve been successful a lot in my life.

I’m grateful.  I’ve been fortunate.  And I’ve worked damn hard.

But success has made me scared of failing.  

(And duh, I’m a Success Coach.  So what’s that got to do with failure?)

I realized a month ago that my fear of failure was killing my creativity.  It was so strong that it was holding me back from the work that I love, and the mission I’m on.

I decided enough was enough.

My belief that we can have it all – success on our terms – is WAYYY more important than my fear.

So, I decided to shift my perspective about fear.  In August, I committed – and I asked you to join me – to redefine failure.

Together (and with some inspiration from our friend Sara Blakely in her video here), we agreed to celebrate our failures for the next month.

We redefined failure together. 

Here’s what I know to be true – and set out to prove:

Failure is not trying.

Failure is not putting yourself out there.

Failure is being too afraid to do something.

Failure is not starting the business you want to.

Failure is not trying out for the play you want to be in.

Failure is not applying for the job you want, even if you think it’s out of your reach.

Failure is not asking for the promotion or raise you believe you deserve.

Failure is not writing and sharing what you believe will help others.

So last month, I played to fail.

Because if I was failing, at least I was trying. 

Truth be told, this is a bit awkward for me.  But, in true celebration spirit, I can’t wait to tell you how I failed.  Here’s just a few examples:

• I applied to sit on two separate committees for the development of a new Vancouver neighborhood.  I was rejected from both. 

• I tried to set up blogs to automate before I left for vacation and I didn’t.  #vacationfail

• I sent out videos to you and one had a privacy setting so you couldn’t even watch it!  Whoops.

• My very first Facebook ad was disapproved. Bah.

• When my Facebook ads were finally approved, they bombed.  Guess there’s more than I thought to this whole marketing thing…

• My coach challenged me to get three new clients in a week.  I only got one.  #lovetheoneIgot

• My landing page was ineffective.  For those of you that have no idea what I’m talking about, my success rate was about half of the average. 

• I was supposed to record three videos and I fully chicken-sh*tted out. 

• I bought a lottery dream home ticket and really, truly, thought I could use “the Secret” to win.  Spoiler Alert:  We do not have a new dream home.

• I missed 3 “planned” workouts.  Uhh… let’s just say my workout clothes got lost… uhh… in my bed… where I was searching for them, not sleeping… I swear… zzzz…zzzz.

Yup.  That’s a whole lot of failure in just one month.

I’ve been reflecting on these failures.  Working on extracting the lessons.  Luckily, I have a coach (two actually!) so I got coaching on my failure. 

I shared with my coach that focusing on failing was a bit drab to me and I was feeling more like a failure, than I felt like celebrating. 

It was a bit depressing.  I prefer to be positive, rah-rah-rah-ey and the like.  I wanted a champagne-and-cake-kind-of-celebration, which is much more my style.

And my coach explained something extremely profound to me.

He said “Failing has made you.”

Suddenly it clicked.

I f-ing love that.

Failing has made me.

In just one month, I have changed. With every failure, I’ve evolved.

Failing has made me the tenacious woman I am today.

Failing has made me realize that being rejected hurts for about 20 minutes.  Then I get over it.

Failing has made me excited to try because I never know what I just might get (like a dream home, or featured on the Huffington Post – which actually did happen!)

Failing has moved me forward in my business.

Failing has brought me new, inspiring clients to work with.

Failing has gotten me invited to speak at dream-team events.

And failing has taught me.

Failing has taught me about best practices with Facebook ads. With Youtube settings.  With visualizations.

Failing has taught me about myself. 

This Lisa is more resilient for trying.

This Lisa does make a difference in people’s lives, regardless of failure.

In fact, this Lisa makes a difference because of her failure.

My writing is being shared with people who need it.

People who believe in my mission are hiring me to speak to their groups to inspire them.

I am changing lives.

Even better than this just being about me and my journey?  Having failure on my mind has opened me up to some beautiful conversations with others about failure.  

Let’s be honest:  no-one talks about failure voluntarily. 

Most of us don’t share our missed targets, or rejected statuses on social media.  Often, we only see the best, most beautifully curated version of someone.

But I’ve discovered, that all of us go through hard times (yes, duh).  And even more shocking – sharing our own challenges opens the door for the person next to us to embrace challenges too. 

It has been humbling and reassuring to be able to share my challenges with friends, clients and collaborators.  In return, they have opened up to me and shared that the amazing business I see them running today had its share of struggles. 

That the first few executive jobs they applied for, they didn’t get.  

That sometimes they kissed a few frogs before they found their prince (who hasn’t?!).

There are always ups and downs.

Even the most successful people you see have had to overcome challenges.

You are not successful despite failure – you become successful through failure.  

I agreed to try on this new definition and perspective of failure for a month.  And I’m so glad I did. 

I’m so ecstatic about the fact that I failed forward, that it’s not over for me!  It’s a reminder I’m setting for myself each month to celebrate what I failed.  (Literally, I’m setting a reminder in my calendar. You should too!).

Heck - maybe I'll start calling myself a "Failure Coach" instead of a "Success Coach"!  

Then again.  Maybe not. 

If you also failed this month, I’d love to hear from you!  Tell me what you failed at. Tell me what you learned.

Share with me (and the world) who failing has made you.

Because failing is not the same as failed or failure.  It’s not permanent.  It’s not tattooed to your forehead for all the world to see.

What is permanent is your growth.

And what the world sees is your courage.

Your vulnerability.

Your authenticity.

Your brave, daring, audacious self that’s jumping back from challenges, and continuing to show the world who you really are.

Keep failing. Keep learning. Keep getting up.  

Keep allowing failure to create the wonderful, driven, empowered human you are becoming each day.

The new and improved, failing,

 - Lisa

Success/Failure Coach

www.lisamichaud.com

 PS. Ironically, as I made breakfast and finished writing this, I started listening to Brene Brown’s book Rising Strong  (and I love it already!).  I immediately realized it is ALL about failing!  What?! Where was this book in August?! 

I did a quick search and here’s what Google says about the book: “The physics of vulnerability is simple: If we are brave enough often enough, we will fall.

This is a book about what it takes to get back up and how owning our stories of disappointment, failure, and heartbreak gives us the power to write a daring new ending.

Struggle can be our greatest call to courage and Rising Strong, our clearest path to deeper meaning, wisdom and hope.”

I’m on it. I’m reading Rising Strong this next month as I find ways to own my story and create a new beginning for myself.  If you want to join me, check out her book Rising Strong  or click on the book below.

The Truth About Coaching

You don’t need a coach.

You are naturally creative. Brilliant. Whole. Intelligent.  Resourceful.  Wonderful.

You don’t need me or anyone else to rescue you.

You don't need a hero.

Because you are not a victim.

You don't need a coach.

In fact, nobody needs a coach.

As a business owner, it’s a scary thing telling you that you don’t need me.

Perhaps it’s business suicide.

Maybe you’re wondering why I don’t just close up my business and go back to my 9-5 since nobody needs a coach.

I’ll always be honest with you. I truly believe nobody needs a coach.  And I’m not in the business of pressuring someone to work with me. Ever.

Ok. So if nobody needs a coach, why is coaching one of the fastest growing industries in the world?

(And why, Lisa, are you so confident your business has a purpose and will survive?)

The answer lies here below.

It’s the same reason why top athletes have coaches.

It’s why 6 out of 10 companies offer coaching to their management and executives.

It’s why another 20% of companies plan to offer coaching in the next year.

It’s why kick-ass people doing incredible things in our world seem to have one thing in common – they all have coaches.  You can count Oprah Winfrey, Serena Williams and Bill Clinton in this category.

It’s because coaching is a shortcut to success. 

Don’t believe me?  Even the Harvard Business Review says “coaching is about developing the capabilities of high-potential performers”. 

Coaching isn’t for the mediocre.  The normal.  The average.

Coaching is for high performers who want more in their lives.

High-potential people like you who aren’t satisfied with the status quo.

They, like you, are after more.

More growth. More positivity.  More change.  More results.  More momentum. More confidence.  More time. Deeper happiness.

And coaching brings you more.

My clients are no exception.

My clients don't need me. 

They want to grow and become better humans.  They want to work with me.   They know a working with a coach shortens their timeline to success. 

Working with me, they increase confidence.  They gain clarity over their next steps.  They achieve goals and dreams they have had for years but never made time for.

Until we worked together.

Clients have lost weight during our time together.  Started blogs and businesses.  Expanded their businesses.  Made thousands of more dollars in their careers.   Taken a vacation for the first time in four years. 

None of this is because they needed it.

It’s because they wanted it.

And they were willing to take action to get what they wanted.

They want nothing but the best for their lives and they are getting it.

My clients aren't willing to sit back and wait for another year to go by before they realize they want to be happier. 

They don't have time to not make time for the important things in life. Like themselves.  Their family.   Their dreams of a business. Their dreams of travel.   Their goals of loving their career.

I only work with inspiring and committed clients. I work with those who are willing to invest in themselves to create the very best lives.  And invest to become their very best selves. 

If this is you and you think coaching might be what you need in your development and your life, request a complimentary discovery call. I only have a few spaces left this week for those who are committed to living a better life.

If you are ready for success on your terms, coaching might be right for you.

If you know there's more out there for you, let's connect and see if coaching is that next step in your wild, amazing life.

If you aren't interested in change, don't get in touch.

If you aren't willing to commit yourself to the process, close this window. 

If you aren’t ready to invest in yourself, keep the status quo.

If you aren't looking to grow, coaching isn't for you.

If you don't want to be your best self, stop reading.

If in three months, one year, five years you might still struggling with the same challenges, and you are ok with that, I know coaching isn't for you.

If you don't need a coach, you’re right.  No one does. 

If you want a coach, you know where to find me.

For the high-potential go-getter, I’m here for you.

For the high-performing doer, I’d love to hear from you.

Your best life is the one you’re willing to go get.

-Lisa

Success Coach

www.lisamichaud.com

PS.  If you agree that you don’t need a coach, but you want a coach, I’d love to connect.  Get in touch here and let’s have a free Discovery Session to find out what you want in your life and how we can get you there!  Let’s chat to break down the barriers.  To inspire you to get more out of your life.  To show you what’s possible when you are willing to invest in yourself and your dreams.  I only have a few spaces left for this week and a space is yours if you want it (because I know you don’t need it). 

The "c" word you can't say at work

Have you ever said the c-word at work?
 
 
No... not that c-word.  
 
 
I’m talking about:
 
 

Creative.
 
 
 
In my last three jobs, I worked in a company where the need and desire for creativity was significantly downplayed.  I worked in an industry where the dominant personalitywithin it was someone who was logical, analytical and methodical.  (For any Meyers Briggs-nerds like myself, my company was full of ISTJ’s -  Introverted. Sensing. Thinking. Judging.). 
 
 
What was valued was:

• Dedication
• Loyalty
• Stability
• Rationalization
• Thinking 
• Calculations
• Reasonableness
• Logic
• Spreadsheets (ooo, don’t I love them too!?)

 

In meetings, thinking outside the box wasn't highly regarded.  Launching never-before-done projects wasn’t something that got people jazzed up.
 
 
No no-one will ever tell you that creativity isn’t valued.
 
No-one sat me down on the first day, or even the last and said that trying new things wasn’t allowed.  Or that inventiveness wasn’t appreciated.
 
 
But the culture was one in which thinking too differently, or voicing too many ideas and suggestions made people uncomfortable.
 
 
We all conform to the traits that are valued and rewarded in a company.  Consciously, or not, we pay attention to the type of people who get promoted.  This is what creates a culture, in an organization, and in countries around the world.  We notice the character traits that are recognized and acknowledged.  We pick up on qualities that are appreciated.  And those that aren’t.
 
 
 
I paid attention.
 
 
 
Creativity was never a word that came up when a promotion was on the table.  Uniqueness, originality, boldness wasn’t recognized.  
 
 
It wasn’t really worth trying something new because it probably wasn’t going to be approved.
 
 
So we didn’t try to be daring. Or unique. Myself included.
  
 
I distinctly recall the words “I’m not creative” coming out of my mouth at work.  More than once.
 
 
And that’s devastating to me. 
 
 
Have you ever asked a group of five-year-olds to raise their hand if they’re creative?  They almost all leap out of their chairs to stick their arms in the air.  They’re all creative!  And gosh darn it, they want you to know it!!
 
 
Now, imagine asking a group of 16-year-olds if they’re creative.  Guess how many are jumping out of their seats?  (Conservative estimates say that number drops to zero).   And a whole lot less put their hands up at all.
 
 
How about your workplace?   Would you put up your hand?  Would you cautiously wait to see if anyone else did first?  I’m going to guess that number is pretty low. 
 
 

Let me be clear:  This is not a blast about the company or industry I worked in. This was not unique to the team I worked on, or to the job I had. 
 
 

Lack of creativity is a problem in our world today.
 
 

As children, we are full of creative energy.  We’re bursting with it. We all believe we are imaginative.  And because we believe we are imaginative, we bring imagination into everything we do.  We are proud of it. That is, in part, because we have not yet experienced embarrassment from failure, or faced criticism from our peers.  
 
 
In adults, the fear of failing has set in.  We have been humiliated in the past.  And often, we protect ourselves from the fear and embarrassment.  Sadly, this comes at an incrediblyly high cost  - the cost of hundreds, thousands, even millions of fantastic great ideas that could change your life – your company – and the world.
 
 

And I’m ready to change that for myself.  And for you too.
 
 

Creativity deserves to make a comeback at work, and at home, because it's what's needed to progress.  To move forward in life. To achieve goals. To overcome obstacles. To solve problems.  To get promotions (even if it doesn't always seem like it).  To build relationships. 

And because creativity is fun, when we stop taking ourselves so seriously. 



Being creative in my last job was a liability so I let the artistic, imaginative part of me hide.  And I've been proud of my logical thinking, rational calculations and steady nature.   
 
Don't get me wrong. These are all wonderful traits.
 
 
 
I’m grateful for the chance to expand my analytical, consistent side of my brain. 
 
 
 
But I have been missing out on the gifts of creativity.   
 
 
 
I had almost forgotten that I even HAVE creativity within me.
 
 
 
Until, I was forced to get creative. 
 
 
Moving to a new city encouraged me to try new, creative activities.  Belly-dancing and painting have gotten me out of my logical brain and awakened the inspiring side of myself.
 
 
Starting my business required me to get creative. I designed my own website and branding.  I write to you lovely people!  I have created tools and resources to help others find the life they love.  I have dreamed of what my business can become.
 
 
I’ve been reminded that I am creative.  
 
 
And then inspired to make my designs, my writing, my tools, my dreams, all happen. 
 
 
Being logical doesn't mean you can't have new ideas. 
 
 
Being smart doesn't mean you can't make mistakes and have bad ideas sometimes. 
 
 
Being planful doesn't mean you can't challenge convention.  (And yes, planful is a word over 100 years old that has been resurrected in modern business jargon).
 
 
Being rational doesn’t mean you can’t use your imagination.
 
 
Being analytical doesn’t mean you always have to be right. 
 
 
In fact, my logical, executing, planning side is what's made my creativity come to life!!!
 
 
But without the ideas and the inspiration, there’s nothing to GAANT chart.  Nothing to spreadsheet.   Nothing to analyze.
 
 
And nothing to design.  
 
 
 
Ingenuity.  Innovation.  Invention.  Originality.  Resourcefulness.  
 
 
 
To be your best self, you need to bring all of yourself to the table. 
 
 
 
Think back to your five-year-old self.  Would you have raised your hand? 
 
 
How about at sixteen years old?  
 
 
How about today?
 
 
 
 
I believe the level of creativity we possess is directly correlated to the level of credit we give ourselves for being creative.  Our ideas match the willingness with which we are comfortable to say "I am creative."  
 
 
Creativity is a skill. It’s not a natural gift you’ve either been graced with or not.  It’s a muscle that you need to work in order to grow, improve and develop.
 
 
Saying you are creative doesn't mean you have to be the most creative person.
 
 
Saying you’re creative means you are allowing yourself to have new ideas.  To try the unconventional.  It means you’re bringing ALL your value.  And all your value means you’re going to make a difference.
 
 
This week, get in touch with your imagination.  

• Take a moment and think about what makes you feel creative.  Write it down. Reply back to my email and tell me if you like.
• Track the moments and activities that make you feel creative through the week
• Tell one person that you are creative (or even “practicing to be more creative” if that feels more true for you!)

 
Now, do at least five things that make you feel creative. This week.
 

• Challenge an assumption.  Whether it’s at home, in the workplace, or within yourself.  Ask yourself what’s possible if something you assume to be true, isn’t.   And watch the world open up.
• Find opportunities to do more of the things that light you up, inspire you, and challenge you to step outside your comfort zone.
• Foster curiosity and ask a question you normally wouldn’t.  Maybe it’s asking a stranger waiting in line with you what they’re looking forward to about the long weekend.  Perhaps you now have an excuse to ask a not-so-obvious question at work.   Try genuinely learning something new, because you dared to ask someone to teach you.

 
 
Originality doesn't have to come out only in a job.  There are many ways to spark your connection to creativity.   
 
If you can't think of anything, reflect on what made you feel happy and creative as a child.  
 
 
If you’re still stuck, here’s some more ideas to get to five things this week:
 

• Learn something new.  Take a pottery class. Dance class.  Cooking lessons. Sign up to learn a new language or play a musical instrument
• Doodle (there’s new evidence to show it actually keeps you engaged in the moment)
• Journal
• Move your body instead of brainstorming sitting down.  Go for a walk.  Stretch for 10 minutes.  Play a round of golf.  Pump up the music and dance around the office. 
• Join a paint night (there’s usually wine involved to expand that comfort zone a bit)
• Start a blog or write a new post
• Build something creative using toys like lego or play-doh.  Try leaving them at your desk for moments you need a splash of distraction
• Write a poem
• Plan a fun date with a friend or your significant other
• Sign up for Toastmasters and speak in public
• Build a custom spreadsheet (yup, there are no rules as long as it actually inspires you and makes you feel innovative)
• Try the 30 circles exercise (from researcher Bob McKim and Tim Brown’s TED talk Creativity and Play). 
  • Draw 30 circles on a piece of paper
  • In one minute, change as many circles are you can into objects.
    • Ex. One can be a sun. One can be a globe.
  • How many can you do in a minute? (Take quantity over quality)
  • More people struggle getting to 30. Adults tend to self-edit, while children simply explore possibilities. Allow yourself to go with your first thoughts and play!

 
 
Practice that creativity.  Stretch that imagination.  Grow your resourcefulness.
 
 
See, regardless of the job you have, the company you work for, or the culture you are in, creativity is not a dirty word. 
 
 
It's needed for us to live a full and unique life.  
  
 
 
Imagination is required in our world.
 
 
 
It helps us adapt. 
 
Creativity helps us survive change.
 
Innovation allows us to solve the challenges in today’s world. 
 
Vision enables us to imagine and create a better world for tomorrow.
 
 
If you fast-forwarded twelve months and your job/department/company was still struggling to solve the same problem you’re working on today, how would you feel?
 
If you looked ahead five years and our world hadn’t changed a bit, would you be disappointed?
 
If you woke up in ten years and your life was exactly the same as it is today, what would you differently today?
 
 
If neither of those scenarios excite you, it’s time to open up to inspiration and creativity. 
 
 
Let it guide you as you create the life, adventures, and experiences that have you looking at life knowing you lived it wonderfully.  Let inspiration allow you be courageous and know that you will overcome the challenges and obstacles that come your way.
 

 And allow yourself to know that the best is yet to come.  Because you’re going to create it. 
 
 
Now it’s my turn to go doodle and dance.
 
 

- Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com

PS - Our support system is one of the MOST important parts of our life.  If you know someone who could also use more creativity in life, pass it on to him or her.  Challenge each other - and get creative together.  They will thank you for it (and so do I)!
 

This gift is for you. Take it.

I have a gift for you! 

It starts with a gift I was given.

Two years ago, there was a chance I had terminal cancer.

You may not all know this, but at the age of 27, I faced the realization that I might only have a year or two left to live. Since then, my life has entirely changed.

I remember coming home and laying in bed with my husband Troy that night and talking about what we would do if I only had one year left to live.

The first thing that came to my mind was "move to Vancouver."

I was lucky. I didn’t have cancer. 

BUT I'm so glad I had this wake-up call.  This experience was a gift to me.

Because I realized this:

I was waiting for someone to tell me that I was going to die before I started doing the things I really wanted to do. 

 

And that needed to stop.  Stat.

I made a commitment to start living today.  Before my time is up and it’s too late for my dreams. 

I finally took that trip to Thailand I'd wanted to do for years. (I literally had a guidebook from 2007 collecting dust).

I quit my six-figure job.

I sold my house, cars and moved to my dream city, Vancouver.

And I decided I would start the business I always wanted - helping people like you live success on your terms NOW!

One of the things I’ve learned is that we put off our biggest dreams in life, often until it’s too late. 

I know why you aren’t achieving your goals. 

You’re too busy. 

You don’t have the money. 

You’re still too young. 

You’re too old. 

You don’t have time.

You might fail.  

You have responsibilities.  Student Loans.  Kids. Mortgages. “Real life.”

You don’t know how.

Now isn’t the right time.

It will be easier to do later.  

It’s not possible. 

It’s too much effort.

It’s not even worth it.

I understand.

I’ve set some goals and haven’t achieved them.

I’ve achieved some goals and it turned out, they didn’t actually make me that happy.

I’m human.  And I’ve made the same mistakes and excuses too. 

Before my health scare, I was happy enough.  I had a pretty good job that allowed me to learn, work with interesting people, and paid me really well!  

I had an awesome husband who wanted nothing more than for me to be happy. We had a gorgeous home, several cars, toys, and a hot tub. 

We travelled – a lot.  We had been to 24 countries together and we were always jetting off to incredible places like Iceland, Fiji, Vancouver, New York and Las Vegas. 

I was surrounded by an awesome circle of friends, the kind that became family.

Life was pretty damn good.

But it wasn’t what I truly, deeply wanted.  

I thought my excuses were real.

Why give up everything I have?  

Life’s pretty good, I would tell myself.

Is the grass actually greener?  Probably not.

It’s not even possible for me to live in Vancouver.

I would tell myself I could never make as much money as I am now or create my own business to match my income. And I definitely couldn’t live on less, even if I wanted to.

I am luckier than 95% of the world. Why am I still not happy?!  There must be something wrong with me.

And yet, after my health scare, I knew I needed to make a change.

I let go of my excuses.  I took a good, deep, hard look at myself and my life.  I spent time to understand what it was that I truly wanted in my life.

See… I DO know how to set goals.  And achieve them.

I have accomplished goals with a lot of grit.   And strategy.

I’ve studied and learned how to set incredible goals.  I’ve refined my process over the years. 

And now I want to share those secrets with you.

When I started my business, I committed to creating surprises and tools to help women and men create success on their terms.  And I will deliver on that, always.

If you’re frustrated with where you are in life...

frustrated because you can’t seem to get traction on your goals,

or you’re satisfied but not TRULY elated about your life

- This special gift is just for you!

I’ve created a brand-new, exclusive 3-part video training series, as a completely free resource for you.  In it, I reveal the top 3 powerful steps you must take before you set another goal.

These steps have helped me:

• Earn six figures (and then give that up for the best reason - to create my own high income!)
• Travel to more than 30 countries before I turned 30 (32 countries and counting…)
• Run five half marathons.
• Marry the love of my life.
• Quit my 9-5
• Start my dream business (yes, this is seriously a dream!!)
• Hit the “usual” steps – degree, job, house, husband, car, and joy!
• Become a self-made millionaire before I turned 30
• Move to and create an incredible penthouse home in my favourite city in the world, Vancouver
• Understand what my purpose is in my business
• Build an unbelievable group of friends and huge network to work with, play with and laugh with!
• Become a keynote speaker, motivating audiences of all ages and backgrounds
• Work with incredible, inspiring entrepreneurs and clients every day!

I’ve put together what I’ve learned and the tools to get you started today!

Don’t make the same mistake I made. Don’t wait for someone to tell you you’re going to die to start doing what you really want in life.

In this free video and workbook series, you will:

• Learn why you get the nagging feeling there’s something missing
• Finally prioritize so you can get the RIGHT sh*t done
• Set goals that you’re actually motivated to accomplish!

You'll uncover:

• Why you haven't gotten your goals yet
• What's most important in your life
• What goals you should be setting
• What you need to say "no" to
• What you need to say "yes" to get your dream life!

So far, I have only shared this information with my handpicked group of Goal-Den Girls right here in Vancouver, and my highly invested 1x1 private clients.

And I’m BEYOND excited to share this with you today!

As always, let me know how it goes. You know I love hearing from you, so get in touch!

Open this gift if you’re ready to start achieving the dreams you’ve been putting off and living your life.  

Set goals to achieve the life you want.  

Start living life your life today!

This is just the beginning. 

Love,

Lisa 

Success Coach

www.lisamichaud.com

PS.   Before you leave, don’t forget to grab the top 3 BEST secrets and steps to stop procrastinating and finally get your dream life in this Free Video & Workbook Series gift.  You’re going to want to click on the link today because it is only available for a limited time. 

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If you have a soul sister or brother-from-another-mother that you know could use this free gift, feel free to send him or her the link to this influential training series

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