What makes a good life?

If you find yourself searching for happiness and a deeper sense of meaning in your life, you are not alone. Despite having more in our lives today than previous generations, a higher percentage of us feel less fulfilled and unhappy. Many of us are on a quest to find the right job, the right relationship, the right something to transform our lives.

The following Ted Talk by Emily Esfahani Smith provides insight into what she describes as the four pillars that are key to a more meaningful life.

If you have ever been on that quest to bring more happiness into your life, the following 12 minute video may hold the answer for you.

What makes a good life

Bonnie St Julien1 Comment

Celebrating International Women’s Day

As I reflect on the importance of this day I am reminded of all the wonderful women who have influenced, encouraged and inspired me over the years, and there have been many.  They have been family, friends, colleagues, acqaintences and yes even strangers. 

Thank you for helping me find my way when I’ve felt discouraged, for helping me up when I stumbled, for being the beacon of light that showed me the way when I was lost and struggling to find my way.  Most of all thank you and for believing in me and reflecting back to me all I am capable of being!

Who are the women making a difference in your life?

“Nobody can make you feel inferior without your permission.” — Eleanor Roosevelt  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Who’s responsibility is it anyway? 

Have you ever read an article or watched a video that prompted you to speak up? I experienced this recently when watching the attached video of Simon Sinek from Delta Protective Services. It’s a very informative video about millennials, the impact technology has had on an entire generation, the need for instant gratification, the lack of patience and how it’s now playing out in our workplaces and in society. It’s worth the investment of time to watch through to the end.  

There are many very good points being raised in the video, however, as a leadership and personal development coach, I do not agree with the commentator’s view point that it’s the “corporations” responsibility to fix the problem.  Mr. Sinek is of the opinion that as a result of poor parenting, a dependence on immediacy created by technology, and addictions to social media, millennials have been dealt a bad hand.  He goes on to say employers need to demonstrate good leadership to help this generation in the workplace. Admittedly, these circumstances may have impacted millennials in varying degrees, including developing a dependency on social media, an inability to manage stress, the lack of particular skill sets needed to build meaningful relationships, and in some cases lack of self confidence and the feeling of worth and fulfilment as they move through life.  

Click here to view the video: Millennials

As a leader and coach I’m of the view that responsibility rests with the individual. If I have a problem or see the need to change an aspect of my life which isn’t working for me, then it’s my responsibility to address it. If for example I am addicted to alcohol, have messed up relationships and a lack of self worth as a result of a dysfunctional upbringing, it’s not my employer’s responsibility to fix it. It’s my responsibility. The employer may provide me with an opportunity to go to treatment where I can address the problem, but then recovery is up to me. I think the same applies here. 

Whether you are a millennial or part of another generation, each of us needs to take personal responsibility for addressing whatever challenge we are coming up against. We can blame our parents, technology, society, or some other set of circumstances but when the rubber hits the road, it’s up to the individual to take responsibility for the changes needed to make the best of any given situation.  

Awareness is critical.  I agree employers have a responsibility to demonstrate good leadership by providing meaningful feedback and to support individuals in the workplace.  From there, it’s the individual’s responsibility to take the steps needed to address whatever problem they may be experiencing. That’s how it worked for me. My life has not always been smooth sailing and there have been many instances where I’ve had to take the initiative to overcome personal challenges along the way. That’s how it’s been for most of us.  
The lesson I’ve learned along the way is responsibility for initiating change is an inside job.  

As a leadership and personal development coach I offer services to help individuals and employers develop plans and take concrete steps to overcome obstacles and introduce meaningful change. If you are trudging through life, if your career feels unsatisfying or perhaps you are aware of a skill set needed to help you advance or to turn yourself around, then working with a personal development coach may be right for you. 

St Julien Performance Group provides a free complimentary session to ensure there is a right fit between you and your coach. During the complimentary session I will work with you to identify your individual personal development needs and recommend a course of action. Contact us today!

Bonnie St Julien5 Comments

Has the fear of rejection been defining your life?

I think we all grow up with some form of bogeymen in our closets, some form of rejection that has left its mark on our life.  I know I have and sometimes it holds me back from stepping fully into life. What I’ve come to realize is in the end it’s not what happened that matters, it’s what we do with it.  It’s how we turn it around that matters.  

Some of us have limited ourselves by dreading the moment when someone somewhere will say “no” to our idea, whether it’s a proposal to advance our new business, or maybe it was our dream to make a difference in the world.  Regardless of how big or how small the idea, if we walked away because of the fear of rejection, it limited us.  

If you are still hanging on to the fear of rejection then this TedTalk video is a must see.  Jim Jiang transformed his life by coming to understand his fear of rejection through an innovative and inspiring approach that is worth checking out. 

You can watch the video here: What I learned in 100 days of rejection

I hope after viewing this video it somehow inspires you to step into your fullest potential! I know it’s made me rethink mine.  

Bonnie St JulienLeave a comment

Are you struggling?

Recently, I watched a video that reminded me that it’s okay to fail.  I know, we’ve heard it from so many great leaders, inventors, and teachers.   Still many of us fight failure.  We struggle with the idea that it’s something bigger than it really is.  

The message in this video is simple and powerful.  It’s a wonderful reminder that failure doesn’t define who we are. Instead, failure needs to be seen for what it really is, an indicator to change course.

Click here to view the video.

If things aren’t going as planned, relax.  Remember failure is here to point us in the right direction.  Adjust your course.  Choose again.

Bonnie St Julien1 Comment

Is fear holding you back? If you hesitated, even just a little bit, then this is for you.

Recently I watched a Ted Talks presentation where the presenter, Isaac Lidsky, challenges us to let go of excuses, assumptions and fears and accept the awesome responsibility of being the creators of our own reality.  

Click here to watch this powerful and enlightening video!
If silencing the fear and quieting the doubts feels scary, or you’re not sure how to even start, working with an experienced certified coach may be the right step for you. If you think coaching is something you might be interested in trying, contact me to set up a no obligation complimentary coaching session. 

Don’t hesitate, just do it!

Bonnie St Julien1 Comment