Sunday, August 3, 2008

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!

Saturday, May 31, 2008

Set Yourself Up for Success

Have your ever noticed how much easier it is to accomplish a task or reach a goal when you have prepared ahead of time? It’s amazing how much more motivated we are to get started knowing that we have prepared beforehand. Why is it, then that we fail to prepare? Why do we take the hard route when we could have gone smooth sailing with just a little preparation?

Reaching your goals and living your best life doesn’t have to be a struggle. Setting up for success is the result of daily preparation. Taking time every day to strengthen your personal foundation and develop healthy habits gives you a distinct advantage on the path to success. When you invest in creating structure and exercising daily discipline, your chances for success dramatically improve.

Professional athletes understand the importance of preparation. They set themselves up for success by getting the best equipment for their sport, establishing a workout plan and hiring a coach that brings out their best performance.

The same principles apply in business and life. Are you ready for success? What do you need to do to set yourself up for success? Wouldn’t now be a good time to give yourself the edge you need to make your goals and dreams a reality?

1. Clear obstacles. Identify blocks and write them down so that you can see what needs to be handled. Then, make requests and take action to clear them so that they stop draining time and energy.

2. Say “yes” to yourself. Make your self-care a priority. Put yourself on the schedule everyday and make sure that you treat yourself to something that inspires you. Look for ways to outsource, delegate, eliminate or automate routine tasks that are taking valuable time and energy.

3. Change your environments. Make changes to create a more inspiring space. Rearrange your furniture or accessories, de-clutter and get organized to give your space a lift.

4. Create a plan. Having a plan will help keep you on course amidst all the distractions that otherwise pull you away from success. Determine what actions are necessary to take you to success.

5. Get the right people on board. Surround yourself with people who support you and help you succeed. Have an accountability partner or hire a coach to keep you in action toward your goals.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Success Made Easy!

Stay tuned for Success Made Easy!

On March 10, Kent Crook and I will launch our radio program on WKAT 1360. We have an energetic action packed program planned to help you achieve your goals and dreams. You will hear from leading experts, authors and business leaders and learn their secrets for success. Set your dial to WKAT 1360 Monday mornings at 11am beginning March 10 for tips and ideas to help you reach your most important goals and dreams. We’re here to help you succeed!

Smooth Sailing Named a Top 100 Minority Business

Smooth Sailing Executive & Life Coaching has been named a "Top 100 Minority Business in South Florida" by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Smooth Sailing, along with other "Top 100" finalists, will be honored on March 18, 2008 at the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce "Top 100 Minority Business Awards" Luncheon.

The Chamber recognized area businesses owned by women and minorities that exhibit excellence in innovation, diversity, growth and citizenship. The awards program is designed to be inclusive of Miami's growing and diverse population and collectively celebrate all federally-defined minority businesses.


About Smooth Sailing
Smooth Sailing Executive & Life Coaching is a Miami-based company dedicated to helping busy professionals achieve excellence and maximize their potential in today's fast-paced economic environment.

Through individual and group coaching programs, seminars and workshops, the Smooth Sailing team leads busy professionals to become more profitable and productive by capitalizing on their strengths, simplifying the busy-ness of their lives, and taking focused action to create powerful change.

Think Your Way to Success


Everything begins with a thought. This newsletter began with a thought. Your computer began with a thought. The home you live in began with a thought. Everything begins with a thought.

Knowing that everything begins with a thought, and that you are a person who thinks, it logically follows that we have the ability to change our lives, our careers and our circumstances if we are open to changing out thoughts.

Did you know that what you think about expands, attracting to you what you think about most? Fear thoughts produce more fear. Happy thoughts produce more happiness. Abundant thoughts create more abundance.

Mahatma Ghandi has said, “Man is a product of his thoughts. What he thinks about, he becomes.”

What would you like to become? By shifting your thinking to new levels of possibility, you will begin to see your life changing. You are the only person who can control your thoughts so why not begin right now to think your way to success? Try these tips:

Stop complaining. For the next week, notice when you are complaining. Every time you find yourself finding fault or being judgmental about anything, including yourself, stop immediately and change your thought. If you want to have some fun with this exercise, find a “no-complaint” partner to keep you accountable or start a “possibility jar” and put in $1 every time you complain. Ask yourself: Am I ready to stop complaining?

Think Possibility. Look for opportunities and ways to make things work. They exist if you are open to them. Is there something you could do to add value for customers? A new organization you could join to grow your network? A business partner you may develop as a referral source? Ask yourself: What is one opportunity available to me right now?

Think Preparation. Hope is not a strategy. Rather than sitting around hoping things will change, decide that you will commit to doing something different in order to create different results in your life, your relationships or your career. As yourself: What is one thing I can do today to prepare for success?

Sunday, February 17, 2008

Your Success Plan for a Slow Economy

I've been invited to speak for the Pinecrest Business Association at their monthly meeting. Join me to learn how to thrive during challenging economic times.

"Your Success Plan for a Slow Economy"

* Clarify your vision
* Bullet-proof your strategy
* Build a winning team
* Get into action!

When: Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Where: Evelyn Greer Park, 8200 SW 124th Street, Pinecrest FL

To reserve your seat, email Eladio at Eladio@PinecrestBusiness.Com now!

Look forward to seeing you there!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Power Up with Power Lunch!

Mark your calendar for Power Lunch on February 12 for tips and ideas to help you:

- Clear your course
- Stay focused for success
- Go for your goals!

It's easy to attend! Power Lunch meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month via teleconference. Power Lunch is complimentary, however reservations are required.

Send an e-mail to PatMorgan@SmoothSailingSuccess.com with Power Lunch in the subject line to receive call-in instructions.

Date: February 12, 2008
Time: 12:00 - 12:30pm