August Ahas!
I don't know about you, but I feel like I have been having more "aha" moments than ever this month.
Perhaps it is the fact that the times are driving more opportunities for engagement with people I may never have met before because we are all virtual. Or perhaps it is the time of the year, as I look to drive our goals as an organization.
My mind is hungrier than ever to learn new ways to provide coaching and community to the women that I serve. And that has led to an even greater focus on myself to invest in my mind, body, and spirit.
The most rewarding part is that I am having these "aha" moments exactly when I need to have them. I am a huge believer in divine timing and pushing myself of to let go of things when it doesn't feel right.
My "aha" moments are freeing me up to focus on the things that I truly enjoy, making me a better coach and human being.
With that, let's catch up on what I've been up to this week...
Quote "Often when you think you're at the end of something, you're at the beginning of something else." Mr. Rogers
Reading
Have you heard about ESG? It’s an investment philosophy aimed at supporting and promoting companies that care about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. I found this interesting article by the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance (Click here) that gives great background. This philosophy has been around for a few years and is gaining traction as we enter the post COVID world. As a woman business owner, you SHOULD position your company – and set yourself apart -- so that it will be recognized as embracing the ESG principles:
- “The “E” captures energy efficiencies, carbon footprints, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, biodiversity, climate change and pollution mitigation, waste management, and water usage.
- The “S” covers labor standards, wages and benefits, workplace and board diversity, racial justice, pay equity, human rights, talent management, community relations, privacy and data protection, health and safety, supply-chain management, and other human capital and social justice issues.
- The “G” covers the governing of the “E” and the “S” categories—corporate board composition and structure, strategic sustainability oversight and compliance, executive compensation, political contributions and lobbying, and bribery and corruption.”
In the article, Larry Fink of Blackrock offers the following information for consideration: “Companies must ask themselves: What role do we play in the community? How are we managing our impact on the environment? Are we working to create a diverse workforce? Are we adapting to technological change? Are we providing the retraining and opportunities that our employees and our business will need to adjust to an increasingly automated world? Are we using behavioral finance and other tools to prepare workers for retirement, so that they invest in a way that will help them achieve their goals?”
Guess what? Women owned companies are in a unique position to help corporations with all of these goals! Need help showing how you are doing this? Contact me for some easy and practical ideas you can use/showcase on your website and in your marketing materials that will show how you incorporate ESG and how you help others achieve their ESG goals.
Following
Per the section above, I’ve started following https://esg.org/ . It’s a really great resource that will help you stay on top of this philosophy/trend. And you know that we always suggest that one of the best things you can do as a woman business owner is to be a solutions provider!
Connecting
This week, for the second time in my life I got called GOAT. I’ll admit, the first time was in a virtual group setting where it was put in the chat after I shared something. Something that I thought was relevant and insightful(!). Someone in the group saw my face (read horrified expression at being called a goat) and quickly told me that it’s an acronym for Greatest Of All Time. Yup. Being called GOAT is a great thing. And I’m embracing it like a badge of honor. I was also given spider web emojis during another chat, and yes, that’s a good thing too. It means that what you said has many connections… GOAT, spiderwebs, hearts—I love all these new ways of communicating and I love being connected to so many people and ideas and new thoughts in the virtual world. 🦉 (Owl representing wisdom).
Celebrating
I had an aha moment a week ago when it comes to my exercise routine. I work out at Orange Theory. It’s convenient, there’s a trainer and all I have to do is follow instructions and I know I’ll have a good cardio workout. The aha came when I decided to start on the treadmill instead of the rowing machine. I used to start on the rowing machine because that is where I am weakest. The rower requires some coordination that I just don’t naturally possess. My thinking was to start with what I’m not good at and then save what I’m good at for the end. Well, I would only get 5 t0 10 orange “splats” per session. So frustrating because I’m really competitive and seeing everyone else in the class with all that orange made me envious. When I flipped my process and started on the treadmill first, I started seeing more and more orange splats – and even some coveted red ones-- and that motivated me to keep working to get more splats. And that motivation carried through to the rowing machine. All of a sudden, I was more coordinated. Has that ever happened to you? Do you do the things you don’t like first and then save the best for last? Or do you start with your strengths and have those inform what you‘re not so good at?? That was me. Then I flipped my script and now I’m loving the results!
So, what "ahas" have you had this month?
How have you changed your process or focus because of them?
Not having the "ahas" you need. Do these three things to quiet the noise and help you get clarity:
- Be still - in order to connect with ourselves, we often need to pause.
- Be silent - not just your voice but go somewhere quiet and just listen.
- Breathe - focusing on your breath clears your mind and helps you focus.
And if you would like to chat, remember I am here along with my team and all of our resources. Click here to grab your complimentary 30-minute discovery chat.
Wishing you peace and joy.
