When You Are New, Be New!

When you are new at something, be new at it. Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? Think about the many times you have made a new start, perhaps it was a new job, a new hobby, a new activity or a new relationship. How many times have you had extremely high expectations for your performance, and then put undue pressure on yourself to be great from the get-go?

I started playing golf earlier this year. If you have ever tried the game, you understand what a humbling experience it is learning to hit a small round ball consistently. This seemingly easy game is one of the most challenging sports I’ve tried.

As you may imagine, I was anxious to jump into the game and to play like Tiger Woods. I quickly realized that was not likely to happen any time soon, and that rather than comparing myself to a champion golfer, I should accept that I was new and allow myself to be an awkward new golfer until I learned the game.
When you are new, you don’t have the knowledge or the experience to be a champion. That comes with intention, focus, dedication, and a lot of practice. When I relaxed into being new, I was able to enjoy golf more and look forward to going to the driving range to practice.

It’s the same in your career, your education, learning a new language or any other endeavor. I learned to speak Spanish when I came to Miami. In the beginning when it was new, it was slow-going. I desperately wanted to speak Spanish fluently and was often frustrated when it seemed I was getting nowhere. Once I gave myself permission to be new at speaking Spanish and relaxed into the process of learning, I began to enjoy it and have fun trying out new words and phrases, practicing everywhere I went.

Is there an area of your life where you are new and need to give yourself permission to just be new? Do you need to appreciate yourself for trying something new? Do you need to be more patient as you grow and gain the knowledge and experience for the job, task or undertaking?
Here are my top three tips for being new:

1. Relax. Everyone is new at something. The more you can take the pressure off yourself to be perfect, the more you will improve and enjoy the process. Watch how quickly things begin to change when you allow yourself to relax into being new.

2. Appreciate. Say “thank you” to yourself for having the courage to try something new. Express gratitude for your progress, no matter how small it seems. Appreciate those who help you along the way.

3. Celebrate. Trying something new requires energy and effort. Be sure to reward yourself regularly and celebrate your success often. Find the joy in being new!

Are You Ready to Make a Change?

Pat Morgan is published in Heart of a Woman in Business.

Stories, Strategies and Skills for Success. The book loaded with all original stories, poems and quotations, for encouragement, igniting the spark, feeling the passion for today’s woman in the workplace.

Are You Ready to Make a Change? by Pat Morgan.

Don't miss this inspiring new book by Sheryl Roush!

The Entrepreneur

Below is my poem, The Entreprenuer, which I wrote several years ago for one of my coaching classes on working with Entrepreneurs.

It has been published in Heart of a Woman in Business by my friend and fellow coach, Sheryl Roush.

The Entrepreneur

I used to spend a lot of time trying to impress,
Little did I realize how it added to my stress.

My zealousness for business and my desire to succeed,
Led me at times to stretch the truth, exaggerate, mislead.

Name-dropping, bragging or a little white lie,
It’s harmless I’d say, I must impress, or at least try.

My home is the biggest, I make lots of money,
My spouse the most wonderful, my world is sunny.

Look at me! Look at me! Do you think I’m great?
I’m not quite sure, how do I rate?

Later I’d lament that all was not well,
What in the world was I trying to sell?

It was then that I learned as I worked with my coach,
That perhaps what I needed was an adjusted approach.

Be humble, speak the truth, understate, promise less,
This new way of thinking would be key to success.

As I shifted my focus and turned inward to grow,
I discovered the truth that I had longed to know.

I’m truly enough, just as I am, being me
No exaggeration necessary, WOW, I feel free!

Go for the Gold!

The Games are about to begin! In just days, we will once again be mesmerized by the talent, dedication and teamwork exhibited by the top athletes of the world. Their prowess and agility will be dominating our TV screens during the spectacular events and competition of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

The Olympic Games always generate interest and excitement as the media buzzes with reports on the athletes, the events and the preparations that go into making the Olympics a reality. Like many of you, I love watching the Olympics. I especially enjoy the segments featuring the personal stories of the athletes. Listening to their amazing stories of dedication, focus, passion, investment and commitment to their dream is truly an inspiration to me. I am awed and inspired by the effort, energy and time that they dedicate to their goal.

The Olympic Games remind us of the incredible ability we possess as human beings to set a goal and pursue it. We watch athletes who have made great sacrifices to follow their dreams. Most of them were not born super athletes, but have developed themselves to play their best game. Most are ordinary people with extraordinary dreams. They have the courage to risk the unknown, even the agony of defeat, in pursuit of their dream of victory.

No matter how good your game, there is always room for improvement. Olympic records continue to be shattered regularly. Most athletes train with a coach who helps them to develop and perfect their game. Their coach helps them play to their strengths, refine their strategy, hone their skills and stay focused and motivated. The coach challenges the athlete to move beyond perceived limitations so they can step into their greatness.

As a Professional Coach, I work with my clients in much the same way, helping them develop and perfect their game in business and in life. Why not give yourself the opportunity to work with a coach to help you take your game to the next level – and maybe even go for the Gold!

Tips for Going for the Gold.....
1. IDENTIFY YOUR STRENGTHS. Knowing your strengths and how to capitalize on them can make the difference between success and failure. We often focus on our weaknesses, working hard to make improvements. Try focusing more attention on your strengths instead and look for ways to employ your strong suit to move you forward. Ask yourself: What are my strengths?

2. CLARIFY YOUR GOALS. Get clear on what game you are playing and what you want to accomplish. Understand why the goal is important to you and which of your personal values it aligns with. Know what is required to reach your goal. The more clarity you can get around the goal, the easier it will be to get started moving toward it. Ask yourself: What do I most want to achieve?

3. WORK WITH A COACH. Give yourself the benefit of having a success partner to help you achieve your goal. Free yourself up to play your best game by enlisting the help of a coach who can guide, support and challenge you to give your best performance every day. Ask yourself: What is possible for me with the help of a coach?

Keep your eye on the prize! Go for the Gold!