The question you must ask before you say "yes" again

As you know, this month, I’m talking about time.  Where your time is going. How to create more of it. And how to make the most of it.

While I love to remind you that anything is possible (and it is!), time has a constraint. We all have 168 hours a week, 24 hours a day. So far, no-one has been able to create more hours. 

We can’t speed time up (for boring meetings or flight delays). 

And we can’t slow it down (for weekends, children growing up or while we’re on vacation). 

Because of this simple fact, this equation exists:

Saying “Yes” to something = “Saying No” something else

When you say “yes” to something, you inevitably say “no” to something else. 

You have to. 

You cannot say “yes” without saying “no” to something. 

It’s the law of time, and it’s simple math. 

“No” is not inherently a bad word. It’s important to say. And in fact, often we end up saying “no” without even realizing it.

My challenge to you is to get conscious of what you are saying “no” to in order to say “yes”. 

So, what does the law of time look like in the real world?

Your best friend invites you to Happy Hour on Friday night. You want to say “YES” (and make it a double!). 

By saying “yes” to Happy Hour, you’re saying “no” to many other things:

• You’re saying “no” to working late. 
• You’re saying “no” to going home right after work.
• You might be saying “no” to a workout after work.
• You’re saying “no” to volunteering for your favourite organization.

Some of these “no’s” are reasonable and even responsible. Some might be interpreted as “the wrong choice”.  The reality is, “no’s” exist every time you say “yes”. 

And only you can decide if they are the right “no’s” for you.

Here’s another example:
 

Your boss/client asks you for extra support on a new project and for you to present the results.

• You’re saying “yes” to the opportunity to be exposed to a new part of the business.
• You’re saying “yes” to a new experience.
• You’re saying “yes” to winning brownie points with the boss/client.
• You’re saying “no” to coming in at a normal time every morning this week.
• You’re saying “no” to an hour of sleep each night.
• You’re saying “no” to a lame meeting you didn’t want to go to anyway.

You’re probably getting the idea by now. 

As you can see, not all “yes’s” are good. AND not all “no’s” are bad. 

If your goals are currently centered on creating new career opportunities, and you’re feeling recharged from a recent vacation, the “yes’s” might be worth the “no’s”. 

If you feel like your boss/client is taking advantage of you, or you’re burned out, those “no’s” might be unacceptable for you this week. 

It’s up to you to be sure you are saying both the right “yes’s” and the right “no’s” for you and the life you want to create.

The bottom line is that you want to shift the equation in your favour:

Saying “Yes” to something > “Saying No” something else

The next time you are about to say “yes”, ask yourself:

• What am I saying “yes” to?
• What am I saying “no” to?
• Is the “yes” advantage greater than what I’m saying “no” to?

Then, act accordingly.

The only right answer about how you spend your time is the answer you know deep inside. 

When you know who you are, and what’s important to you, you can look at time decisions through this lens.  Knowing that will make it way easier to figure out what you should say “yes” to and what you should say “no” to when you know what your “yes” advantage is. 

I’m off to say “yes” to a run (and “no” to getting ahead on my work!),

- Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com

PS. If you feel like you never have enough time, I can help. I recently led two groups through an exercise on time management and everyone gained at least four or more hours a week back in their life. (Yes, that’s enough time to take a spa day, read a whole book, nap every afternoon, or start a side-business - every week!). 

As a trained coach, this is an example of the kind of work we can do together. We refine your goals, make time in your life for the things that are important, and learn to say “no” to the right things. 

In just three months together, you’ll see your time expand and you’ll achieve goals you didn’t think were possible!  I have two last spaces at my current price point of $1500 USD + tax. If one of these spots is for you, reach me here and we'll set up a complimentary Discovery Call before prices increase!

If you’ve been thinking about working with a coach (or even better, working with me!), get in touch today. I will never offer coaching again at this price, ever! On March 31st, 2017, my prices are increasing to $3,000 USD for a coaching package.  Don’t miss out on this opportunity.

If saving $1500 and getting a life-changing coaching experience isn’t a “hell yes”, I don’t know what is!

Are you guilty of this big time waster?

Spring is in the air and this month, I want to talk about time.
 
 
Do you ever feel like you don’t have enough time?
 
 
You’re not alone.
 
 
Do you ever see those people that seem to have time to do everything and wonder how do they do it?!
 
 
It’s hard to remember sometimes that we all have the same amount of time. 
 
 
We all have the same number of hours in a day – and 168 hours in a week.
 
 
Yup.
 
 
You. Me. Beyonce. Mark Zuckerberg.
 
 
We all have the same amount of time.
 
 
So… how do the most successful people get so much done?!
 
 
And more importantly, how can you use this knowledge to create the time for everything in your life?
 
 
That’s the question I’m exploring this month.  For you.  For me.  For anyone who feels they don’t have enough time (so, basically everyone).
 
 
Today, we’re going to start with the biggest time waster. 
 
 
Are you guilty of the biggest time waster?
 
 
I know what you’re thinking:  social media.
 
 
And no, that’s not it.
 
 
Well… not exactly.
 
 
The biggest time waster is actually something you don’t do. 
 
 
Not doing this will lead to time wasted.
 
 
Not prioritizing this will suck time from what’s important.
 
 
Not making time for this will result in you squandering your life’s precious moments.
 
 
What is this big time waster?!
 
 
Working too much.   And not taking downtime.
 
 
Time to recharge.
 
Time for you.
 
Time to recover. Rest. Relax. Rejuvenate. 
 
 
Your brain needs a break.
 
Your body can’t go all the time.
 
And that’s totally normal.
 
 
 
I get it.  You want to grind. You want to get sh*t done.
 

I’m guilty of this too.  (In fact, I came up with this blog idea at 2:00 am, after a long night of work).
 
 
But this isn’t sustainable.  And it’s not effective.
 
 
What happens when you don’t take a break?
 
 
You’re less productive.
 
 
The worst part?!
 
 
 
Your brain still takes a break. 
 
 
 
(Yup, everyone’s). 
 
 
Here’s the problem with this:
 
 
The break might be during something important.  Like a critical meeting.  Or an intimate conversation with a friend. 


Your brain might zone out when you’re supposed to be enjoying the improv show you’re watching at the theatre.
 
 
 
Or the exhaustion might come out in meaningless time spent scrolling social media or watching TV.
 
 
It might come out in reading news you don’t care about online late at night – or early in the morning.  Or your brain will shut down and you’ll oversleep.
 
 
Even worse? 
 
 
The break will come.  And go. 
 
 
Without you even getting the benefits.
 
 
You’ll feel like you never got a break. 
 
 
You won’t get the joy of reading a book.  Taking a bath.  Spending quality time with friends and family.  
 
 
You won’t get the endorphins you get from going for a run. Or the relaxation from getting a massage.
 
 
Because your brain just spent it’s much-needed break time and your precious downtime zoning out.
 
 
Mindlessly scrolling. 
 

Spacing out. 
 
 
 
My challenge to you this week is to schedule your breaks.  Schedule your downtime. 
 
 
Make time for your breaks. 
 
Put them in your calendar.  
 
Set the expectations with friends, family or bosses if you need to.
 
Try working in pre-determined time sprints and breaks, also known as the Pomodoro Method.  Marinara Timer and TomatoTimer  are two excellent, free tools to try.
 
Call and book a massage.
 
Sign up for a yoga class.
 
 

Schedule it so it happens.
 
Schedule it so it happens on your terms.
 
 
 
I guarantee you’ll be more productive.  You’ll waste less time.  You’ll accomplish more.
 
 
 
And you’ll actually enjoy the time you spend, however you choose to spend your down time. 
 
 
In the end, the greatest way to be productive with your time is to enjoy the time you do spend.

Hello happy brain. Hello happy you! 

 - Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com

PS.  I know it’s hard to schedule breaks. I struggle too.  But we all need breaks.
 
Without pre-determined breaks, you will end up taking one anyway. Your brain just needs a rest.  And it will either have you zoning out when you shouldn’t be.  Or you’ll mindlessly scroll Facebook, the news, or watch TV for hours. 
 
 
Wouldn’t those mindless hours have been better spent catching up with friends?   Reading to your children?   Walking on the beach.
 
 
I think so too.  Schedule your breaks this week.  And cut out the biggest time-waster to get your time (and joy) back.
 

My husband wasn't my dream man

As a little girl, I grew up dreaming about a lot of things.
 
 
I dreamed about growing up.
 
 
I dreamed of the places I would travel (mostly Disneyland repeatedly).
 
 
I dreamed of being an actress.  Then a doctor.  Then a dancer at a Mexican resort.  (You might be able to guess which one was my parent’s favourite career choice).
 
 
I dreamed about my wedding.
 
 
And I dreamed about the man I would marry.
 
 
It turns out, I was wrong about almost all my dreams. 
 
 
I never actually grew up – I’m still just a hair over (or under) 5 feet, depending on the day.
 
 
I’m not an actress.  Or a doctor.  Or a dancer at a Mexican resort (at least not a paid one).
 
 
I was right that I’d travel to Disneyland repeatedly.  But I had no idea about the other 33 countries (and counting) I’d also see. 
 
 
What about the dream I was the most wrong about?  
 
 
My dream man.   
 
 
This sounds terrible right?  
 
 
Hearing this, you may think I’m unhappy with my marriage.  Or that I'm still out there looking for my dream man. 
 
 
I’m not. 
 
 
 
Even though I consider myself a very self-aware person, sometimes I get it wrong. 
 
 
We all do.
 
 
There are some serious differences between my "dream man" list and the dream man in front of me (spoiler alert: I really did marry an amazing man).
 
 
Here’s the differences between my dream man and my actual man:
 
 
Dream Man:  Man who loves to dance.  I love to get down.  Salsa.  Belly-dancing.  Ballet.  Kitchen dancing.  Wine dancing.  Fast dancing.  Slow dancing.  I love it all.  I wanted a man who would join me on the dance floor (and around the kitchen island).
 
 
Actual Husband:  Troy doesn't dance very often.  It takes a giant crowd that he can get lost in (and usually a significant dent in a bottle of rum) for him to dance.  But when he dances, I am in my happiest place!  He looks happy - he has so much energy and life in him.  It makes the moments when we are dancing together, my absolute favourite in the whole world. 
 
 
Dream Man:  Man full of compliments. 
 
 
Actual Husband:  Those who know my husband, know he's a man of not-so-many words.  Getting a compliment from Troy is kind of rare.  The good news?  A compliment from Troy is completely genuine and true.  He doesn't dole them out to fill conversation or to suck up to someone.  If he says something kind about you, he means it.  And that means a lot to me. 
 
 
Dream Man:  Man into spirituality and an uber-well-being lifestyle.  I wanted my dream man to like yoga, exercise,  and juicing.  I thought I wanted a man who spoke my hippy-dippy, all-loving, free-loving, self-improvement loving language. 
 
 
Actual Husband:  Troy is not one of those men.  He couldn't tell you what a savasana is (although he lays in one almost every night and on the couch when he watches Mad Men).  He doesn't know what namaste means, or who Deepak Chopra is or many of the mindfulness/wellbeing gurus.  And that's ok.  Because even if it's not his thing, he lets it be my thing.  He fully embraces that part of me and encourages me to do what is important to me and makes me happy. 
 
 
Dream Man:  Man who is super driven and type-A. 
 
 
Actual Husband:  Troy is brilliant. He's smart.  And he's happy and accomplished.  But super-driven and goal-oriented, he is not.   He is, however, amazing at balancing life and fun and goals.  And I need that.  I need someone who is more laid back.  He is the calming part of my life. 
 
 
Dream Man:  Man who pushes me on my goals journey.



Actual Husband:  Troy’s not one to check in on my goals.  Or even ask me about them.  Wow, am I ever glad I did not find this!  Now don't get me wrong: Troy fully supports me through and through.   He encourages me and cares about my hopes and dreams.  But he doesn't ask me about the progress of my goals weekly.  Or check-in on what I've accomplished in a day or month (yes I would have wanted this.)  And yet poor Troy suffers through me doing all these things to him.
 
 
 
The truth is, if Troy was everything I listed, I’m not sure it would work.
 
 
And if there were 2 type-As like me, we’d probably die of early heart attacks.
 
 
I work incredibly hard.  I set aggressive goals.
 
 
I write to-do lists, and am constantly checking in on how I'm doing. 
 
 
I don't need someone else doing it all the time. 
 
 
I LOVE having incredible conversations that don't revolve around progress and results all the time. 
 
 
Troy is the calm in my crazy storm of drive.  
 
 
He is the steady foundation when my stress is high and I start to waiver.  
 
 
He's the hug, the laugh, the grounding and the reminder that life isn't all serious. 
 
 
He reminds me that life isn't about just doing, it's about being. 
 
 
I wrote the “Dream Man” list for a few reasons (not the least of which is because I love lists).
 
 
The point of writing a “Dream Man” list was to find a beautiful, joyful relationship. 
 
 
It was to find someone to share my life with. 
 
 
Someone to be my partner in good times and bad.  Someone to love me and to love being loved by me.
 
 
While I may not have hit all of the items on my list, I got something even better. 
 
 
I accomplished exactly what I wanted – I found an incredible partner. 
 

If there is one thing Troy has absolutely in spades, it is that he wants me to be happy.  
 
 
In my soul, and in his, I feel that he loves to see me happy.  
 
 
He encourages me to be the best me, and the most fulfilled me.  
 
 
Ironically, it's a quality I didn’t have had the foresight to write on my list.
 

 And yet, I can’t imagine our relationship (and my life) without it. 
 
 
Because at the end of the day, what I really wanted was a deep love and someone to be truly, crazy, ridiculously happy with.  
 
 
And no unchecked boxes on a list will ever take that love and happiness from my life.
 
 
 
Life is like this – it is full of surprises.
 
 
You can go in with lists.  Expectations.  
 
 
To-do’s.  Guidelines.  Specifications. 
 
 
Clear goals.  Defined plans. 
 
 
 
And then, life shakes us up.
 
 
The key to success is an open mind. 
 
 
 
The key to happiness is an open heart. 
 
 
 
There are key things on my “dream man” list that my husband sure doesn’t fit. 
 
 
 
But if I’d stayed attached to my list or my “dream”, I would have missed the amazing man he is. 
 
 
 
See, the most important part of my dream was “have a relationship that uplifts me and fills me with love.”
 
 
Before you get attached to any plan, or list, or even dream, ask yourself “what do I really, really want here?”
 
 
Chances are, there are many ways to get what you want. 
 
 
Plans change.  Dreams change.  Life changes.
 
 
When you stay open to what comes to you, and how (and even what!) you get in life, you’ll be amazed at your life.
 

In fact, it will probably be even better than you ever imagined.
 
 
Gratefully married to my non-dream man,
 

 - Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com
 
 
 

PS.  I want you to stay open. Open-minded.  And open-hearted. 
 
Having an open heart is essential to your happiness.  And to stay present to the wonders of life. 
 
Although our month of love may be coming to a close, I believe there’s actually a beautiful opening.  
 
An opening to putting love first. 
 
To all the gifts of love. 
 
And an opening to self-love.
 

The most powerful kind of love

Have you ever said something about yourself or to yourself that you would never say to anyone else?
 
 
Me too.
 
 
Often, we are hardest on ourselves. 
 
 
Not only are we often hardest on ourselves, sometimes we save the best we’ve got for others, instead of ourselves. 
 
 
Have you ever said yes to doing something for someone else but you’d never do it for yourself?
 
 
If so, you’re not alone.
 
 
Maybe you baked a cake for someone else, even though you’d never take time to bake it for your own birthday.
 
 
Maybe you went to the spa for a girlfriend’s bachelorette party, but you’d never go to the spa yourself.
 
 
Or perhaps you’ve spent a ton of time researching, sourcing and finding the perfect gift for a loved one, even though you still haven’t made time to pick up your favorite lotion that’s run out.
 
 
Is any of this resonating for you?
 
 
Recently, I read Oprah’s beautiful little book full of wise words and wisdom from Oprah herself called “What I Know For Sure”.
 
 
One of the stories she shares is a perfect example of how we are kinder to others than we are to ourselves. 
 
 
Oprah was in Maui with her girlfriends, there to celebrate her birthday.  
 
 
The night before the celebration, she was chatting with her girlfriends and she started humming a song.
 
 
One of her friends immediately recognized the song. 
 
 
Even though the singer was relatively unknown, her friend Maria exclaimed “I love that song!” 
 
 
Oprah could hardly believe it.  “No way”, she said.  It was a very obscure song.  What are the chances?
 
 
It turns out her friend had been exposed to Snatum Kaur (the musician) a few years earlier from another friend of Oprah’s.
 
 
How had she not known two of her friends enjoyed Snatam Kaur too?! 
 
 
Stunned, Oprah said “well, if I’d known you liked them, I would have invited them to come sing for my birthday!”
 
 
It turns out, Oprah had seriously considered inviting the musician for her birthday.  But then, she decided “nah, {it’s} too much trouble”.  
 
 
The evening ended shortly after that.
 
 
Oprah went to bed, wishing she had invited Snatam Kaur to sing. 
 
 
Oprah’s friends went to work.
 
 
They got in touch with the singer.  
 
 
As the universe would have it, Snatam Kaur and her musicians were also in Hawaii, in a town 30 minutes away. 
 
They were not only available to come sing at Oprah’s birthday, they were “honoured” (who wouldn’t be?!).
 
 
Snatam Kaur ended up surprising Oprah,  serenading her on her birthday.
 
 
As she asked her friends how this had happened, her friend Maria told her “you wouldn’t do it for yourself, so we did it for you.” 
 
 
Aside from this incredibly serendipitous story, there is a beautiful lesson in it.
 
 
Oprah offered to invite the musician for a friend – but not for herself. 
 
 
It was a wake-up call that she needed to value herself more and give love and effort towards herself.
 
 
Can you relate?
 
 
Sometimes we do things for others that we wouldn’t do for ourselves. 
 
 
 
It’s time to shake this up. 
 
 
 
You deserve your best. 
 
 
 
The most powerful love in the world is self-love.  
 
 
 
When you love yourself first, you fill yourself with love to give to others. 
 
 
When you have self-love, you have the capacity to give love to the world.
 
 
You deserve love. 
 
 
Kindness.  Patience.  Surprises. 
 
 
And it starts by giving the love you deserve to yourself.
 
 
 
After all, isn’t that what best friends do? 
 
 

It’s time to start loving yourself. 
 
 
Time for you to become your own best friend (bonus: you’ll never be lonely!) 

• Book that massage

• Say “no” to the event you don’t want to go to and say “yes” to the movie you’ve been dying to watch

• Get boudoir photos taken

• Take a moment every day to acknowledge the wonderful person you are

• Buy yourself flowers

• Dress up for no-one but yourself

Make time for you.  For self-love.
 
 
And you’ll always have fabulous company.
 

 - Lisa
Success Coach & Speaker
www.lisamichaud.com
 
 
 
PS.  Don’t you just love Oprah’s story?  Her book “What I know for sure” is full of treasures like this and if you haven’t read it yet, it’s a beautiful, uplifting, and relatively quick read.  You can pick it up here.
 
 
You know self-love is important.  In fact, it’s the most powerful love in the world.
 
 
If you know you need more self-love and want to work on this, I’m here for you.
 
 
As a coach, I’m here to listen and reflect yourself back to you.  I can remind you of the wonderful things about you - the things you may not hear and see, but rightly should.  
 
 
I can reflect your words to yourself  - both the loving and unloving things – so you can truly see yourself.   And cultivate self-love.
 
 
A coach is one of the most powerful mirrors in the world.  I’m trained to hear what you say.  What you don’t say. 
 

And to call you forth to be your brightest, most brilliant self!  
 
 
I’ve only got two spots left at the current price of $1500 USD + tax. 
 

Get in touch if you’d like a complimentary discovery session before the price increases in just a few weeks.  
 
 
I love all my clients – but what’s even more powerful is seeing my clients love themselves. 
 

Why I'm happy to spend Valentine's Day without my husband

Valentine’s Day is an interesting day.  While modern Valentine’s Day is meant to be a celebration of love, it’s also evolved to a day most men dread, businesses love and singles hate. 
 
 
I truly enjoy Valentine’s Day because I think any chance to celebrate love is fantastic (and I did, even when I was single!).
 
 
To be honest, I'm actually happy I won't be spending my day with my husband (since he’s working away).
 
 
You might be thinking this is a bit weird.  Or that maybe it makes me sad.
 
 
It doesn’t. 
 
 
I believe in celebrating love without gifts, flowers, and a fancy dinner. 
 
 
And it turns out, a few weeks ago, I received the best gift I could ask for.
 
 
At the beginning of January, I found myself in the hospital emergency roomovernight.  I had been admitted late at night and as someone who faints at the mention of “needle”, I was anxious and nervous. 
 
 
My husband Troy was there with me.  The first hour. The fourth hour.  And into the early morning hours and the day that followed.
 
 
I took this picture, around 3 am, of him laying on a stretcher bed next to me, trying to get a little sleep. 
 

I initially took this because I was overcome with gratitude for him being there.
 

I was overwhelmed by the love I felt for him. 

 
And I was humbled in appreciation of his strength (especially since he’s probably even more terrified of needles than I am!). 
 
 


In this moment, I remembered what real love is. 
 
 

 
Real love is not about flowers.  Or candy.  Or even jewellery (although who doesn’t love a little sparkle?!)
 
 
All kidding aside, what is important to me is real love. 
 
 
Real love is the kind of love that isn’t particularly newsworthy.
 
 
It wouldn’t get a ton of likes on Instagram or Facebook.   
 
 
Real love can’t be bought in a store.
 
 
 
 
Real love is for friends.  Lovers.  Family. 
 
 
 
Real love is for everyone.
 
 
 
Real love shows up any day. 
 
 
 
Real love is universal. 
 
 
 
And real love is the best gift in the world. 
 
 
 
As much as it would be wonderful to see my love today, I am grateful to spend other special moments with him throughout the year. 
 
 
Today, I want to celebrate real love. Love in all its beautiful forms, shapes, colors, genders and ages. 
 
 
 
Real love is a picture your child draws just for you (even when you’re not sure what it is). 

 
Real love is making a separate dinner for someone because you know they have strong preferences or allergies.
 
 
Real love is talking and laughing on the phone, into the wee hours of the morning.
 

Real love is late night airport pickups.   It’s mid-day snuggles and chicken soup when you’re sick.  It’s handing you the remote (or at least accepting that you had it first).
 
 
You and I both get to spend the day celebrating real love with friends and family today, and any day. 
 
 
Today, while no doubt, we’ll be sharing pictures of the people we love, and perhaps the gifts we get on social media, I encourage you to share your stories of real love. 
 
 
 
Use #thisisreallove and share the kind of love that makes each of us better, happier and richer, in every sense.  Because the world needs more real love – today and every day. 
 
 
 
I wish you a day filled with giving, receiving and sharing real love. 

 - Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com

 
 
PS.  This Valentine’s Day, I want to talk and hear about real love.  Share your story of real love (yes, the one that isn’t particularly Facebook or Instagram perfect) using the hashtag #thisisreallove.  
 

Let’s spread the (real) love and celebrate together!

You should prioritize this above everything else

Happy February!  How's your month going?  I'm back from my vacation in Cyprus now and on my way to speak at a conference (nothing like getting right back to work!).  I hope the first week of February has been exciting for you too!


This month, I decided to do something a bit different.  I've decided to focus on the topic of love, and I'll be sharing tidbits of "love"-ly wisdom with you all month. 


Before you groan, bear with me. Love has gotten a bad reputation in the "career" and "analytical" world - but I believe it has a very important place indeed.  


In fact, I believe you need to prioritize LOVE over everything else. 


Here's my lesson from prioritizing love. 
 

7 years ago, I moved away from my family, friends, job and community. 
 
 
I didn’t do it for another job. 
 
I didn’t do it because I wanted to or because it was to follow a dream.
 
I didn’t even do it for myself.
 
 
I did it for love.
 
 
{Insert cringes from every independent woman reading this here}
 
 
This month, I’m talking about love.  Today, my story centers around romantic love but it could just as easily revolve around love for adventure, a career, a dream, a hobby or a passion.
 
 
When I moved to Fort McMurray, Alberta for romantic love - this new boyfriend named Troy - everyone was shocked.  Myself included.
 

I was ambitious and had big dreams for myself. 


I had big dreams of working in Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney.  
 
 
I thrived on adventure.  Career growth.  Personal success.
 
 
I loved my (Vancouver) Island life. And I had a strong network and community to prove it.
 
 

What the heck was a fierce, independent woman like me following a man?!?!  
 

 
(Note - I wasn't that "independent" as my parents are quick to point out but I sure could rock to the Destiny's Child song like I was one).
 
 
So what was a woman like me doing following a man?
 

Why was I giving up on everything I had?
 
 

Most importantly, why was I giving up on my dreams? 
 

 
I was following my heart.
 
 
I was leading with love.
 
 
This is something not a lot of people understand.  In fact, our society often frowns upon making decisions leading with love. 
 
 
 
My well-intentioned friends staged interventions for me.  (Literally. I'm shocked there wasn't a camera crew there to capture the tearful denial I must have appeared to be in).
 
 
Even my logical brain couldn't comprehend it.
 
 
But somewhere deep inside, in my intuition (that I didn't even know I had), it felt right.
 
 
 
7 years later, it was one of the best decisions I ever made. 
 
 
It was the right decision for my love (the romantic one).  Troy and I are now very happily married.  By moving to Fort McMurray, it allowed him to continue the career he loved and share the home he had made as we built a home and a life together.
 
 
It was an amazing decision for my career.  I was promoted quicker than I ever imagined. And the experience and mentorship I got was unparalleled. The only thing that grew faster than my career was my own development and sense of self.
 
 
Financially, it was a fantastic move.  We became self-made millionaires, own amazing real estate, and I’ve grown my business from a place of abundance.
 
 
Living in Fort McMurray taught me about community.   I gained an incredible sense of neighbourhood, commraderie and support.  
 
 
Being away from my family, I learned the true meaning of the saying "friends are the family you choose for yourself." And boy, have I chosen a fantastic family of friends. 
 
 
It was a (surprisingly) great decision for my sense of adventure.  I learned to drive a big truck, drive in the snow, and survive -40 celcius winters.  I ice-fished, quadded, snowmobiled, went chicken hunting, and learned to snowboard.
 
 
And travel?!  Travel, I did.  Together, Troy and I have been to almost 30 countries.  We’ve had countless backpacking adventures, and, at the same time, stayed in some of the best hotels in the world and eaten in Michelin-starred restaurants (I'm a complete foodie!). 
 
 
Our adventures haven’t just been about us.  Our adventures keep us connectedwith those we love.  We were blessed to be able to reply “yes” to wedding invites and watch our friends say “I Do” in the Yukon, Hawaii, Mexico, New Zealand, and even China.  
 
 
7 years later, I sit in our amazing home in Vancouver, living the life I would have imagined only in my wildest dreams 7 years earlier.
 
 
I tell you this NOT to brag.  My intention is not to boast or to impress you.


My intention is to show you what's possible.  


And to show you what can happen when you lead with love. 

 
Today, I live in downtown Vancouver.
 

I have a career and a business I love.
 
 
I don't worry about money.
 
 
I've travelled the world and continue to.
 
 
I am surrounded by amazing friends.  (Literally surrounded - friends from home to the West and Fort McMurray friends to the East and beyond!
 
 
These are all the things I said I wanted. 
 

These are also all the things, 7 years ago, that I worried I was saying goodbye to.  Or sacrificing.  Or giving up on.
 
 
 
But it turns out, when you put love first, everything else falls into place.
 
 
 
When I say you need to prioritize LOVE, I'm talking about the kind of love that uplifts you.  Inspires you.  Makes you joyful to think about.
 
 
The kind of love where sacrifices don't seem like they are.
 
 
There are many different types of love in the world.  
 
 
If your energy, your love, is positive, it will never steer you wrong.
 
 
To be clear, I'm not talking about the love that makes us feel guilty.  Or the love that exhausts us.  Or love that makes us feel we are never good enough for.  
 

Don't prioritize any love that takes advantage of you or takes you for granted.
 

In fact, I’ll argue love shouldn’t guilt/exhaust/belittle/drain us. And, in any of these situations, you are not leading with love.
 
 
Even though my story revolves around romantic love, when I’m talking about love, not just talking about the person you love.
 
 
I'm talking about what it is you give your love to.  Which could be a person.. or a cause... or a dream.
 
 
I’m talking about the energy you bring to the relationship, regardless of what thatrelationship is with.
 
 
If your energy, your love, is positive, it will never steer you wrong.
 
 
It will not be without challenges.  It may not be perfect. In fact, it will probably be messy.
 
 
But it will always be worth it.
 
 
So this week, as you get going on your to-dos and tasks and activities, I want you to reflect and ask yourself:
 
 

• Where is your love?

• What’s your intuition telling you?  What if you made that decision leading with love?

• What in your life is bringing you that energizing, joyful, passionate love?

• And how can you create more of that love?  Every.  Single.  Day. 

Follow your love. 
 
 - Lisa

Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com

 
PS.  Love is awesome. It’s what we all need more of. It’s what the world needs more of.  For the month of February, each of my blogs will share insights about love to bring more of it to your life and our world. 
 

Let's celebrate love!

You need THIS to achieve your goals and resolutions in 2017

Well well well, we’re at the end of January, the first month of 2017. 
 
No doubt, you started the year with great intentions.
 
Eat healthy. Save money. Find a new career. Find love. Travel the world. 
 
 
No matter what your dreams and goals are, the first 30 days are the hardest. 
 
 
In fact, at this point over 40% of people have given up on their New Year’s Resolutions. 
 
 
How about you?
 
 
Whether you’re right on track to reach your goals, haven’t started them (on purpose or not), or are struggling to create new resolutions, I’ve created a reflection exercise just for you.
 
 
A critical piece of achieving goals is reflection and self-awareness.
 
 
Reflection and accountability is about empowering you to make the changes you want to make. 
 
 
Along the way, it’s powerful to celebrate your achievements and dig into any obstacles you come across. 
 
 
No matter how well or not-so-well your year is going, it’s not over yet.  (In fact, it’s barely just begun!). 
 
 
This reflection is not about feeling guilty, ashamed or embarrassed, no matter where you’re at. Shut down any negative thoughts and congratulate yourself for wanting to learn, grow and be the best you possible.
 
 
This exercise is an opportunity to reflect, refresh, re-energize, refocus – and renew - for the remainder of 2017:
 
 
Grab your favourite journal, or open a new word document.  Or,  if you prefer to do this with a someone else, call your best friend, or schedule a wine night with your partner and talk it out.  


Do this exercise.  Your goals and dreams are worth it!

 
Let’s start with reflecting on your progress so far:

• What goals and resolutions have you progressed towards so far this year?  What progress have you made?

• Where did you think you’d be by January 31st?  How does that compare to where you are?

• What has worked well so far in 2017?  How can you celebrate them?

• What (if anything) is holding you back from achieving your New Year’s Resolutions?

• What do you need to change?  What can you do better?

 
 
Next, Refresh & Re-Energize:

• What do you want to do and achieve more than anything else in 2017?  How can you re-prioritize it?

• Why is this important to you?

• What will your life be like when you achieve your New Year’s Resolutions?

 
 
Time to Refocus:

• What tools do you need to be successful?

• What support system do you need in place to achieve your goals in 2017?  (Ie.  Boss, mentor, coach, accountability partner, friends, partner/spouse, all of the above!)

• What habits & structures do you need to implement to make your goals easier?  (Ie. Put out clothes the night before a workout, meal-prepping on Sundays, sticky notes in key areas of your house).

 
 
How to Renew (or Restart):

• Renew your commit to your goals/resolutions. Start tomorrow.  Our brains work well with any “firsts” so February 1st will work nicely. So will any given Monday.  Don’t use the “it’s not January 1st” excuse.  You can do it!

• Every week, sit down and plan the week. State exactly what you’re doing towards your goals and block the time in your calendar to do it. Keep that time sacred.

• Implement the habits & structures you need to set you up for success.  Maybe you need to automate your savings to come out of your account.  Or start your day with meditating before you get out of bed so you don’t forget about it later.

• Find an accountability partner, mentor or coach to check in with at least weekly.

• Share your goals with those around you and ask that they support you.  Having family, friends and colleagues on your side is invaluable and you never know what you can accomplish together.

• Find a way to track your goals that works for you:
  • Use a wipe-board or chalkboard in your office to track priorities
  • Try Asana, a (free) project management tool. 
  • Buy a planner that will help you each week. I love Danielle Laporte’s Desire Map planners (check them out here: Weekly Planner Signature and Limited Edition)

 
 
 
So, what are you committing to?  
 
 
 
 
What will you do to renew and restart your goals?
 
 
 
 
Your year has just begun.  This is an exciting time full of possibilities, opportunities and prospects to create the life you want. 
 

 
I love supporting you and helping you have a meaningful career, AND a life full of fun!  Feel free to share your goals and New Year’s resolutions with me (contact me on my website or message me on social media!).  I personally read all my messages from you. 
 
 

Letting me know what you’re up to does two things:  1)  It gets you accountable because you’ve shared with someone and 2) It allows me to support you by creating the best content, tips, and tools for you to reach your 2017 goals!

 
 
Now, go enjoy the renewed energy and clarity – and make 2017 your best year!
 

Yours,

- Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com

 
 
PS.  Do this reflection.  Answer the questions in this email and re-energize for February!  And if you believe having extra support and accountability from a coach would be helpful, get in touch now.
 
Together, we’ll create a personalized plan for you for this year.  We’ll explore what’s next for you and assign specific actions to keep you moving forward.  You’ll have clarity on where you’re heading and see the steps that will get you there.  Along the way, I’ll be your cheerleader, always in your corner as you work towards your goals and dreams.
 
I will be opening two spots in February for one-on-one clients and one of them could be yours.  Get in touch to set up a discovery call as soon as spots open up! 

 

You don't have to do it alone (and why you shouldn't!)

Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Or like you’re not really sure what you’re doing in your life?   Do you have questions about how to manage your career, work-life balance, build a business, and create the life you want?
 

You’re not alone. 
 

And you don’t have to go at it alone.
 

The truth is, no-one does it alone.  One of the things I’ve learned is that each of us needs a team to be successful.  We need a support system – a board of directors for our lives, so to speak.  The best support system for each of us might be different (and will likely change through our life) but often they include friends (all different kinds!), colleagues, coaches, mentors, bosses, and assistants.
 

Mentors can be an essential piece of your success support system. In honor of January being Mentorship Month, I’ve put together this 3-part series called Get-A-Mentor to answer all your biggest questions about mentorship.
 

This is Part 3 of 3.  Let’s review what I’ve shared so far.
 

1.  Why you would want a mentor (check out Part 1 here). 
 

2.  How to connect with a mentor: what to do before you get one, where to look and how to ask someone to be your mentor (you can find that here!)
 

3.  What’s essential for mentorship success: How to structure your relationship, make the most of having a mentorand other tips and FAQ to rock it with your mentor.  (Keep reading!)
 
 
If you’ve been following along (and read Part 1 and Part 2), you’ve learned why you might want a mentor and when a mentor can be helpful in your life.  You also now know what to do before you get a mentor, where to look for one and how to ask someone to be your mentor.
 
 
So…  let’s continue.  You’ve found “the one”.  You’ve popped the question. 
 
 
And…..
 
 
 
“They said yes!!!”
 
 
Amazing. 
 
 
You want the relationship to be successful.  Your mentor will also want you to be successful and to support you as best as possible. 
 

Now, that you’ve agreed to work together, there’s a few keys to mentorship success.
 

• Have a discussion about expectations.  What do you specifically want from your mentor?   How can they best support you?  Do you like encouragement or do you really need to hear the hard-truths and be pushed?  

• Find out what your mentor is looking for in you.  What do you bring to the table that they appreciate?  Why do they want a mentee?  What do they expect to make the relationship successful?

• Tell them about you.  Let them know a little about your experience, hopes and dreams.  Share your strengths and weaknesses (and let them know how you want them to help you with these). 

• Share your goals specific to your time together or goals you’re currently working on.

• Decide on a meeting structure and frequency that works for you.  I’ve had mentors I meet with monthly, and others less regularly.   Have an idea of how long you will work together for (6 months? 1 year?). Discuss location and the use of technology too.  Skype, Zoom, and Facetime have made everyone in the world accessible – take advantage! And find out if it’s ok to email and have the occasional emergency “help me” call in-between sessions.

 
 

Once you’ve established how you will work together and be successful, go in with the intention of learning everything you can from him/her as a person and the rest will take care of itself.  
 
 

Sometimes you end up with terrible mentors you will be grateful you don’t work forand learn heaps about what not to do. Ever.  Other times, you build a connection that’s deep and that will last far beyond any one job they might have been able to help you get.  
 
 

One of my best mentors came about very organically and we met continuously for over a year.  Two years later, when there was an opening in his team, I applied for it. I didn’t even tell him I’d applied because I submitted my resume to a manager who reported to him.  
 
 

I sent him a message after I got my job in his group, so excited to share my news that I’d be working on his team. It turns out, he already knew (of course he did - how naive was I?).  He cared about me, knew I would do great work and helped without me even asking.  
 
 

I’ve since left the company and started my business but we still stay in touch.  To this day, he continues to give me great advice at important junctions in my life.  Even if I hadn’t gotten the job in his group, the advice and guidance he’s given has absolutely changed the course of my life. I can confidently say, I would not be where I am today without his guidance.  He helped me tap into my personal career journeyand understand what it needed to be.  And this knowledge and encouragement has been infinitely more valuable than any job could have been. 
 
 
 
Now, for the most important part:  how do you squeeze every ounce of value out of your mentoring relationship? 
 

• Show up prepared. Have an agenda and questions prepared. If they prefer, send the agenda ahead of time.

• Do the work. Do what you committed to doing.

• Take the lead.  Do everything you can to make their role easy.

• Schedule the meetings. Make reservations if you’re meeting at a restaurant.  Put it in their calendar.  Be organized.

• Let your mentor help you.  They're doing this because they want to make a difference. Ask for the help and advice you want.

• Know your value. Mentoring is not a one-sided relationship.  All my mentors have said they get as much as they give.  Think about what you have to bring – energy, interest, enthusiasm and ambition – and allow that to shine.

• Show appreciation. A simple thanks, a card, a note, or a small gift is a lovely way to let them know they’ve made a difference. 

 
 
 
For the extra ambitious, you might be wondering if you can have more than one mentor.  Or if you can be a mentor AND a mentee.  
 
 

If you can be an awesome mentee/mentor for both, hell yes.  It’s worthwhile to note that often, mentors will have 2 or more mentees (sometimes one within their department/company, and someone external). 
 

 
To have two mentors, make sure you have enough time to take their advice, make changes and stay engaged.  You want to be an awesome mentee.  
 

If you become a mentor, come to your relationship with your mentee with the same commitment you do your mentor.
 

 
A question I get asked is how a mentor is different from a coach. Short answer:  a mentor is a not a substitute for a coach. Complimentary, yes.  But not a substitute.  Here’s what I mean:

• Coaching is a very specific skill (I’ve been trained by CTI, the world’s largest coaching school to be a professional coach).

• When you’re paying for coaching, your coach has a responsibility to you.  Not so with your mentor. If life or work gets busy for your mentor, they don’t owe you anything.  Weeks and months could go by without hearing from your mentor.

• Coaching is more structured.  Often, mentoring happens when the mentee has a need and the mentor has capacity.  Coaching is a commitment to connect several times a month, with specific actions, homework and accountability built in.  

• Coaching is whole-life focused.  Mentorship, depending on the relationship, might be focused solely on your career or business. It could be even more specific such as your career within a certain profession or company. Coaching recognizes you’re a person outside of work – and ensures your actions and decisions reflect this. 

• The mentor is the expert in mentorship. The client is the expert in coaching.  Coaching gets you to explore what you know about yourself and calls you forth to create the life you want. It assumes you have the skills, knowledge and resources to take action.  (One of those resources you have could be a mentor for additional information and advice). 

• You choose a mentor based on how well that person’s life experience relates to what you want to achieve.  You choose a coach based on their ability to bring out the best in you and drive you to achieve more.  Your coach helps you see the bigger picture, make better decisions and keeps you focused on achieving your goals.

 
 
 
Friends, colleagues, bosses, assistants, mentors and coaches each play a unique role in supporting you through your career, and life.  And what you need will change and evolve as you do. 
 

Only you can decide what you need to create a career and life you love in 2017. 
 
 
Whether you decide you want a mentor, a coach, or both in 2017, I truly hope this 3-part Get-A-Mentor mini-series answers your questions and sets up you for your best year yet.  
 
 
A mentoring relationship is special and unique.
 
 A coaching relationship is special and unique. 
 
 
They are both gifts and when you’re ready to receive, go find and get the best support for you.
 
 
Happy dream-building!
 

 - Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com
 

 
PS.  Mentors are amazing and have changed my life.  The coaches I’ve had have also changed my life.  Remember, coaching is a very specific skill that most mentors won’t be able to offer.  And when you’re paying for coaching, your coach has a responsibility to you. 
 

Coaching is a structured commitment to meet several times a month, with specific actions, homework and accountability.  (Of course, I love sprinkling my coaching in with support, enthusiasm, inspiration and some serious cheerleading!). 
 

I have two spots open for the month of February for one-on-one coaching.  A spot is yours if you are looking for individual, customized, whole-life focused support to make your goals and dreams come true in 2017.
 

Get in touch for a complimentary discovery session and let’s discovery what’s possible if we work together.
 

Commit to yourself.
Commit to your whole life.
Commit to staying focused and achieving your dreams.
 
 

Looking for a mentor? Tips to find "the one" and popping the question included

As you’re reading this, I’ve recently arrived in Cyprus (an island country in the Mediterranean), for a few weeks of exploring, culture, adventure, food and relaxation.  While I will definitely be enjoying downtime and a “real vacation”, I know your life doesn’t stop. And I want to support you as you make plans to make 2017 the best year ever!

 
 
Last week, I shared with you one of the biggest reasons for my success – having mentors! (If you missed it, you can find it here).  
 
 
In honour of January being Mentorship Month, I’ve created a 3-part Get-A-Mentor Mini-Series ALL about mentoring.
 
 
I believe in your right to have a meaningful career while having a life you love – and mentors have played a big part of creating both in my life.   I know they can have an incredible impact for you.
 
 
As you’re navigating the mentorship waters, I’ll share with you:
 
1.  Why you would want a mentor (check out last week’s newsletter here!)
 
2.  How to connect with a mentor: what to do before you get one, where to look and how to ask someone to be your mentor (keep reading!)
 
3.  What’s essential for mentorship success: How to structure your relationship, make the most of having a mentorand other tips and FAQ to rock it with your mentor.
 
 
 
So… how should you go about getting and connecting with a mentor?  My advice starts with a metaphor.
 
 
The most common mistake I see, is that once someone has been told they need a mentor, they start aimlessly wandering, searching for a mentor.
 
 
Have you ever read the children’s book “Are you my mother?”  
 
 
It’s a book about a little bird who hatches while his mother has gone to get food.  The book chronicles the little bird’s adventures trying to find his mother.  He explores the world, asking every animal he encounters “are you my mother?” 
 

This little bird asks a dog “are you my mother” and a cat “are you my mother”?  Eventually, the baby bird is reunited with his mother.   It’s a cute story about a naive and heart-warming baby bird.  (No, the cuteness of this metaphor does not extend to grown professionals).
 
 
I’ve have been to countless events where professionals run around to other seasoned, experienced professionals like the little bird from “Are you my mother?”  Running around like a chicken with their head cut off, they ask “are you mentor?”
 
 
Desperate to find the perfect mentor at the event, these people run around asking anyone and everyone to be their mentor.  
 
 
Before you ask anyone else if they’re your mentor, and if they will be your mentor, you need to read this. 
 
 
 
Before you get a mentor:

1.  Know what’s next for you in your career and why a mentor would help you get there.  Is there a particular change you want to make? A transition you’re about to enter?  A challenge you want to take on but looking for extra support with? 

2.  Decide first what you want in a mentor.  What skills or experience are important to you in this stage of your business or career?

3.  Never choose someone solely because they have a fancy title, or because they do a job that you want to do.  Instead, I think the best mentors and relationships (because that’s what it is - a relationship) comes from having a deep appreciation for the person and wanting to learn from them as a human.

4.  Choose a mentor you would be happy to be like.  The old adage “never take advice from someone you wouldn’t trade places with” comes to mind.  Look at their life – both the “how” they’ve created it AND the “what”.  If you don’t like the way they treat people but you love that they’ve made it to be the first female VP of a company, they probably aren’t a great fit for you.  If you know you wouldn’t want to lead like he/she does, you don’t want to learn from them either. 

5.  Know what you want to learn from your mentor and why you think they’re the best person you would learn from.  Your mentor should be someone who inspires you.

6.  Don’t go into a mentoring relationship expecting to get a job or any other favour like that.  Go into the relationship for the relationship.  If what you want is a job or a favour, find a different way to get it.  
 
 
Once you know what you’re looking for, you can start looking for your mentor.
 
 
So, where can you find a mentor?  How do you find “the one”?
 
 
Depending on what you want to learn, this might vary.  For example, if you want to progress within your current company or industry, that’s probably a great place to start.  If you have a different career path or area in the company you want to work in, that might be a good starting place. 
 
 
Technology has made virtually anyone in the world accessible so while it’s great to start local, you can also think global.  Mentorship meetings can – and do- take place in person, on Skype or over the phone every day.
 
 

Some ideas to find mentors include:

• Within your own department (experts, leaders)
• In other parts of your company
• At industry events with professionals and leaders from other organizations
• At general networking events for your city, your profession, or even your alma mater
• Asking friends or colleagues if they know someone that would be a great fit
• Searching LinkedIn, Meetup, and other online spaces relevant to what you’re looking for 

 
While I believe having a personal connection to your mentor is critical, formal mentorship programs can also be incredible. I found my most recent mentor when I moved to Vancouver and was too new to the city to know people.  Here are some places you can find formal networking programs:

• Within your company. Lots of organizations are starting to create programs to develop their employees.
• Look for mentor-matching in community organizations and networking groups. I've done some research to get you started:  
  • In Vancouver, Young Women in Business has a fantastic program (it's the one I found my last mentor through!).
  • For entrepreneurs in Vancouver, the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs has a mentorship program.
  • British Columbia-based Women's Enterprise Centre also has a matching program.
  • Women in Leadership has a program that runs April to November in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Edmonton. You can find
• Check with any professional or accreditation organizations. A lot of these groups like to connect their members and mentoring is a great way for knowledge to be transferred within a profession.  
• Do some research - a quick google search of mentoring in your community might surprise you!

From your search, create a short list of 3-5 people you would love to have as a mentor.  Prioritize… and get ready to start asking.
 
Now – the big moment:  how to ask someone to be your mentor.  There’s still no app for that and you can’t just swipe right (although wouldn’t THAT be an interesting idea?! You heard it here first…).   The right “moment” to ask might come in person, over the phone or through email. 
 
 
Here’s my advice on “popping the question” and asking someone to be your mentor:

• If you don’t know them (cold-calling mentors), introduce yourself first.  Tell them who you are, what you do, and where you’re at with your career or business.  Feel free to sprinkle in things you have in common and personal interests – after all, you’re a real human!

• Infuse some praise in your request.  Make him or her feel good. Not in a fakey-fake way, but because he or she IS amazing!  (Duh, otherwise you wouldn’t want them as a mentor!).  Tell him or her what you think of them because you believe it and because you also want them to know they’re valued and doing great things.  Chances are, he or she probably doesn’t hear it enough. 

• Remember my tip to pick someone you would be happy to be like?  Tap into THAT! What is it about that person that’s amazing?  Get a solid understanding of what you think you could learn from him or her and share this with them. You don’t have to know it all or have a full grasp of the “capacity” or what it would look like.  In fact, it’s probably impossible to know everything you’ll learn in a great mentorship relationship, even while you’re in it.  BUT you can go in to your conversation with him or her by having a few things you believe you could learn from them.

• Share what you’re looking for at this stage of your career and life.  Be clear on how he or she can help you and what you are looking for from them. Sharesome of the questions you have or decisions you would appreciate advice onbefore making.

• If you don’t know the person, show you’ve done some research and know a little about them.  Tell them you enjoyed attending a presentation they recently gave, read an interview about them, or enjoyed a blog post they wrote.

• Add value. Share an article or event they might be interested in based on what you know about them.  If you find out they’re a vegetarian, send a list of your favourite veggie restaurants in their area.  Make it personal – and be ready to give back! 

 

Here’s an example of what you might say:

 
“Allyson, I think you are an amazing leader.  I love the way you engage with your team, and how you are able to inspire them.

You do such a great job of giving everyone creative freedom and allowing them to be themselves, while still directing the team to successfully accomplish the goals you set out. You also seem like an awesome person - you obviously have other interesting things going on outside of work.

I would love to learn how you do this. I’m at a point in my career where it’s an important skill for me to be able to empower my team while still holding the focus on the organization’s important goals.  I’d also appreciate learning from you how you maintain a life full of exciting and diverse experiences outside of your work.  

Would you be open to a mentoring relationship?  I know your time is valuable and I would soak up every moment I got with you.”
 


Obviously I made this up and you should make it your own but, you get the point.  Narrow down on one or two things you know you could learn from them, how they can help you and make sure you throw in some sweet, sweet sugar.   And, you’ll definitely want to introduce yourself and tweak it for “cold-calling” a mentor.
 


There.  That was the hard part.  
 
 
And hopefully, they come back with a resounding “YES! I’ll be your mentor”.  
 
 
But what if they don’t?
 
 
You need to be ok with a “no”.  It’s hard for women and men at the top. They have a lot of people asking them to be mentors. Often, people come to them simply because of their position and/or title, without even knowing what they want from them or who they really are.
 
 
One of my best friends is a manager at a large, male-dominated company and spoke at a recent event targeting female leaders in the organization.
 
 
The day of the event, she had dozens (yes, dozens!) of women ask her to mentor them. 
 
 
By the end the week following the event, she had 7 formal requests to be a mentor. 
 
 
It’s clear that women in particular are desperate for support, guidance and mentorship.  
 
 
Be aware of the pull this creates on leaders.  Do everything you can to make your request heartfelt, personal, tangible and confident.  And if you still don’t get them as a mentor, that’s ok - think of all the other people asking and know it has nothing to do with you.  You will find someone else who is awesome and fits what you’re looking for.
 
 
If your request doesn’t work out:

• Accept it graciously. Thank them for their time and honest, and wish them all the best. If it feels right, ask them if you can keep in touch. You never know when their schedule may free up or the right door opens and you can build a relationship.

• Keep reaching out and looking for a mentor. It’s a big, big world out there with many amazing people.  Reach out to the next person on your list.

• Depending on the organization and the person, it could be appropriate for you to offer to volunteer to work with them on a specific initiative, project, cause, or event.  It can be a chance to build a relationship with the person and add value first.  It demonstrates your commitment to getting engaged with the work they’re doing and prove you’re a superstar with rejection.  It also allows them to get to know you and plants the seed that you are serious!  Use your gut on this.  For example:
  • If you know the person is on a non-profit board and you care about the cause, get involved.  
  • If the person is leading an initiative in your company and could use your expertise, talk to your boss about lending a hand.

• Don’t lower your expectations. For all the stories I hear about executives and leaders being inundated with requests for mentoring, there are also stories of isolation.  In some cases, people are too intimiated to reach out to people so “high up” that no-one asks them.  Be the person who asks, and you may just be the person who gets!

 
 
If you’re serious about getting a mentor, I have a challenge for you.  
 

This week:

• Decide what’s next for you and why a mentor would help you get there

• Determine what you want in a mentor

• Shortlist 3-5 mentors you’d be happy to emulate and learn from

• Reach out to at least one potential mentor

 
Next week, I’ll share what’s essential for mentorship success.  You’ll find out how to structure your relationship, make the most of having a mentorand other tips and FAQ to rock it with your mentor.
 
 

Don’t be the little bird.  Be strategic.  Look for "the one".   And when you're ready, pop the question and ask “are you my mentor”?
 

 - Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com

 
PS. If you're not already signed up for my newsletter, follow this link to make sure you don't miss out on Part 3 of my Get-A-Mentor Mini-Series. Know someone looking for a mentor?  Share this with them.  Got stories of great mentors and advice to get the most out of the experience?  Join the conversation on my blog and social media about mentorship.

PPS.   If you're in Vancouver, check out Lean In Vancouver's event Monday, January 30th.  Look forward to an inspiring and influential line up of panelists ready to discuss how mentorship can advance your career. 

The 360 degree networking session will also give you the opportunity to find a potential mentor and/or someone to mentor.

Lean In, get involved and grab your tickets before they're gone!  https://leaninvancouver.eventbrite.com

One of the biggest reasons for my success...

No doubt, you've put some thought to the success you want to create in 2017.  Because of that, I wanted to share with you one the biggest reasons for my success:


Mentors.
 
 
Have you ever been told you should get a mentor?
 
 
I’m going to guess, like many other young professionals (or anyone, really!), you’ve heard you need a mentor. 
 
 
Getting a mentor sounds simple. Like going to the grocery store and picking up milk. 
 
 
Except it’s not that easy.  Nor should it be.  A great mentor will change your life. And nothing life-changing is ever easy. 
 
 
If you’ve ever thought about getting a mentor (or even wonder if you should get one), you need to read this.  
 
 
 
First, let me say this:
 
 
It’s true.  
 
 
You should have a mentor.  But only if you feel you would benefit one. 
 
You should have a mentor, but only if it’s the right mentor.
 
You should have a mentor, if you have time for another commitment and relationship. 
 
You should have a mentor, if what you’re looking for is wisdom, advice and experience.
 
 
In honour of January being National Mentoring Month, I’ve created a I’ve created a 3-part mini-series ALL about mentoring.

I believe in your right to have a meaningful career while having a life you love – and mentors have played a big part of creating both in my life.   I know they can have an incredible impact for you.
 
 
To best support you in navigating the mentorship waters, between now and January 31st, I’ll be sharing with you:

1.  Why you would want a mentor (keep reading!)

2.  How to connect with a mentor: what to do before you get one, where to look and how to ask someone to be your mentor

3.  What’s essential for mentorship success: How to structure your relationship, make the most of having a mentor & other tips and FAQ to rock it with your mentor.

 
Let’s start with why you might want a mentor.
 
 
I’ve had several mentors in my life – some formal, some informal. Each one of them brought something different to my life and career. Every mentor/mentee relationship is unique and comes with its own perks.  My first formal mentor was key to help me as I transitioned from my career in HR to one that was quickly evolving and expanding within my company.  My last formal mentor has helped me integrate into the Vancouver community AND grow my business with a fresh perspective.
 
 
Here are some reasons why you might want a mentor:
 

• You’re looking for career advice from someone who’s in a role, company or industry you want to be in.  Why not learn from someone who’s been there and done that?

• You’re going through a new experience, specific transition or challenging period and you want guidance through that time.  For example, you might want a mentor as you start a business, transition into/out of parental leave, or take on a new and challenging job or project.

• You’re interested in expanding your network.  Maybe you’re new to a company, city or industry.  Or perhaps you want access to other companies and industries and are looking for some support and connections to help you do that.

• You’d love extra encouragement, advice, support and guidance as you figure out your next career, business or life experience.  Should you go back to school?  If yes, for what?  What about expanding your business internationally?  Does it make sense to do it now and what do you need to know?  And starting a family while working – how?!

 
 
 
January is the perfect time of year to be talking about mentorship. 


You’ve reflected and closed off 2016. 


You’ve at least started thinking about what you want to achieve in 2017 and maybe you’ve already started working on your New Year’s Resolutions and goals!  (Full disclosure:  I haven’t – I’m strategically taking January to figure out what I want to achieve this year and am diving in February 1st!).
 
 
 
Stay tuned for next week and I’ll share how to connect with a mentor.  You’ll learn what you need to do before you get one, where to look for a mentor and how to ask someone to be your mentor.  It’s essential reading for anyone who thinks a mentor fits into their 2017 goals! 
 
 
Let’s create a conversation about mentoring this month.  If you already have a mentor, I’d love if you share why you got a mentor.  And of course, feel free to share your tips and tricks.
 


If you’ve had a mentor in the past that didn’t work out, share any lessons learned and what you would do differently. Feel free to shoot me an email, comment on this post on my blog or social media, and share it with others you think would find it helpful! 
 

If you haven’t yet set out goals or New Year’s resolutions for the year, that’s ok.  Don’t stress!  I find January, after the holidays, to be an underutilized time to prioritize and re-energize.  Take the next few weeks to explore what you want out of 2017, set some goals and make a plan. 
 
 
Now, off to create my 2017 plan. 
 

 - Lisa
Success Coach
www.lisamichaud.com

PS. Our support system is one of the MOST important parts of our life.  If you know someone in your circle who would love to read this too, please share it with him or her.  They will thank you for it (and so do I)!