Are you having enough fun?

 

Refill your energy!

 

 

 

Many of the client’s with whom I work are high achieving professional women; women who are internally driven and already successful in many areas of their life.  

Often these clients come to coaching looking to raise their game or accomplish an even bigger goal.  They desire regular accountability to get done what they’ve committed to doing; a better sense of balance and life harmony; a neutral sounding board; someone with whom they can brainstorm; and a coach to help them align their actions with what’s most important to them.  We do all that AND I often surprise them with a lesser known key for success.  How to make things more fun!  Yep, FUN!

It is a little known fact that fun is one of the secrets to sustainable success! The ability to have fun in every situation enables you to be more successful and more relaxed whether it is at home or at work. Oh sure, I can hear what you’re thinking.  It’s the same words that come out of the mouths of my clients.  Things like, “I couldn’t have fun at work, it would be unprofessional”, or “If I’m having fun I’m not being the best _____ (fill in the blank: spouse / executive / business owner / mother) I should be and I feel guilty about that”, and my favorite “I’m so busy, I don’t have TIME for fun”.

Well, here are three reasons why I believe you must make time for fun and why it’s NOT a luxury item:

1 – Fun keeps you going when things get tough.  Sure, you can have great goals that are aligned with your values.  And accountability will ensure you get there, but it’s FUN that will help you keep your momentum going. Who wants to continue doing something that’s drudgery?

2 – Fun can bond you together.  At my final “Corporate Gig” before working full-time as a coach, I was privileged to work with an incredibly professional, HARD working group (you know who you are!).  While we worked long and hard, we also had fun (and some of the BEST birthday celebrations).  This created some deep friendships and respect for one another that was invaluable to our team when our company began downsizing. More responsibility and stress fell to our team and we were able to respond AND help one another.  Not one of us wanted to see the others fail.  We had a strong TEAM bond that was strengthened by the work camaraderie and fun we shared!

3 – Fun is how we refill. Think of a glass of water as your life’s energy. That glass can only hold so much energy or liquid.  As you go through your day, you are pouring out a little bit of that water (energy) into everything and everyone for whom you care.  Energy you gladly give to your family, your profession, volunteering in your community, caring for an elderly family member, or helping out at church.  The problem is if you don’t stop to put more water INTO that glass, you will soon run out.  That’s when resentments and guilt creep in. 

Refilling your glass is essential and it is done by having FUN and taking care of yourself so you can be YOUR best for others.

So, how will you refill and have fun?

Take Care of the Girls!

Unless you live under a rock, you know that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  While it’s important to have a mamogram done whatever the month, reminders to do so, and the benefits of early detection, are really driven home during October.  So I find it quite fitting that I personally went for my very first mamogram on October 2, 2008.

Oh sure, I’m like A LOT of women who have put off having this potentially life saving screening performed.  The “horror stories” of pain, torture and pancake squishing kept me away too.  After a stern proding from my physician, and encouragement from my YOUNGER sister who had it done, I finally sucumbed. 

I’m happy to report that it’s not painful at all.  Sure, you feel a bit vulnerable, uncomfortable and maybe slightly embarrassed, but it’s not horrible!  I had a sweet woman who explained each step as we went and did her best to ensure I was as comfortable as possible. 

Here are three things I learned:

1. For me, part of being a guilt-free Mom is taking care of myself so I’m at my best for those I love and serve.  If I’m not being proactive about my health, I’m not walking my own talk!  It would also be dishonest to my own core value of family.  To value my family means I must value myself so I’m able to do all I desire with and for them.
2. Things aren’t always as bad as you think they’ll be.  I help the majority of the clients with whom I work overcome their own self doubt and fear.  Fears that are generally unfounded or misplaced.  I realized I had let fear get the best of me and I wasn’t going to stand for it any longer!
3. My screening was NORMAL!  Yaaaayyyy!

How ’bout you?

Hello Moms!

Welcome to the Guilt-Free Mom’s Weblog.  I’m Victoria Cook, The Guilt-Free Coach, and a mostly guilt-free mother of 2.  My goal in creating this blog is to create some dialogue with other Moms and a sense of community.  A place where we can share ideas, tips and strategies for not just surviving as busy working Moms but to really THRIVE!  I welcome your thoughts and comments!