When Sally called me for her life coaching session she was frustrated. She felt she had many great ideas but had nothing to show for it. That wasn’t exactly true for she had accomplished much in her life. But what was true was that she kept postponing what it was that she dreamed about doing. She had been a photographer her entire life, yet was shy about putting it out there. Sally had shared with me that she would love to create a book of her photography. What I noticed was that she always had an excuse why didn’t begin the book. There was always something in the way.

I told Sally that this was the moment and that waiting for the perfect moment no longer served her.

Most of us are like Sally. Don’t wait any longer to begin doing what you are most passionate about. Life is richer when you do what most fulfills you. Life is richer when you are determined and passionate.

Take that first step and enjoy each step along the way. That’s what Sally did, and contacted the son of a friend of hers, and asked him to help her by sorting out the numerous photos she had taken over the years.

When you have something you are excited about, you are blessed. Say goodbye to the excuses and the reasons why you tell yourself it can’t happen. Before I began my book, I always had a reason why it wasn’t the right time and why it would be a waste of time. One day I woke up and began the journey. It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

When you wake up each day, begin it with purpose and enthusiasm about fulfilling it’s possibilities. At the end of the day ask yourself what was special about this day.

And then say, Thank you for this day, thank you for this moment. This is the moment. So begin.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and speaker who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes.

Whose life is it anyway? We sometimes forget we have a life that is independent of what we do in the world and what we think we should be doing. We sometimes forget that we have a purpose for being here. With all of our responsibilities and concerns we forget to take a deep breath and reflect upon what gives us joy and meaning.

We need to remind ourselves that as long as we are trying to fulfill someone else’s dream, we’ll never be happy or fulfilled. We have to let go of the expectations that others have for us.

They want the best for us, yet they are not us. At some point we ask ourselves, what is it that we really want. We’ve done what we set out to do; now what. Ultimately we have to take responsibility for our life and to stop making excuses or blaming other people for our not being happy.

If it doesn’t work out the way we wanted it to, it’s on us. Once we walk in freedom, free from the restraints of our past, we begin to experience a grace in our life that is a reflection of an inner joy. It’s a natural desire to want to share our joy with others.

We’re able to live the life that at one time we just thought about. We’ve become the person that at one time was just a vision in the future.

We’ve traveled many paths to get to where we are now. Now it’s time to share our unique wisdom.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and speaker who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes.

There is that moment when you start to see yourself in a new way. It is a turning point. You’ve done the hard work. You’ve been consistent and you’ve stopped comparing yourself to other people. You see yourself as successful. You realize that in your own unique way you have the potential for greatness. There is an inner knowing. It’s calling you.

Now you are determined to give it your best everyday. You’re not thinking of what could have been, but instead you have a vision of who you want to be and the life you want to live. You know it’s just a matter of time.

It happens quicker than you imagine. One day you wake up and you see yourself in a new light. You’re that person you’ve always wanted to become.

You walk in freedom with a determination and grace and twinkle in your eye. You’re wondering what the highlight of your day will be. You’re wondering at what moment you’ll smile from ear to ear. You’re at your best.

There is still work to be done each and everyday. Your presence is empowering to others. You bring great richness to life. By you being you, you make a difference.

Stay open—keep growing. Be the light in the midst of the darkness. Light the way.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and speaker who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes.

Whenever I get on my mountain bike and approach a hill I look up. In my mind I have a whole story about how steep the hill is and whether I can make it to the top. I’ve been on the trail many times, so I remind myself to focus on what’s immediately in front of me which is the next step. That’s the way all of our life is. Life’s complexities can be broken down into smaller segments. Whenever you have a big project to complete, break it down into smaller pieces.

When I was a trial lawyer and was getting ready for a trial, it would seem overwhelming at times, until I changed my thinking. I looked at the trial at a series of segments that had their own schedule. Each piece seemed manageable. Rather than being overwhelmed, I was able to focus on what had to get done.

All you can do is take the step that is in front of you. Life has an order to it much like building a house. First you have to work on the big picture, the plans, before you can start building. You have to get the right person who shares your vision. Before you can put the house up, you need to complete the foundation. Again you have to find the right workers who share your same vision and sensibilities.

Whatever it is you are thinking about doing, whether in your personal or professional life, take one step at a time. That’s all you can do. And that next step is always immediately in front of you. All you have to do is keep your eyes open and trust. Trust because sometimes you aren’t able to see much more than that next step. Trust to know that you are on the right path even when you come across a few detours. And there will always be a few in the form of the doubts and insecurities.

Enjoy the journey

Mark

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and speaker who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes.

You look into the mirror and what do you see. Do you like what you see? Then you smile and you like what you see better. Then you sit down to meditate or take time for reflection before starting your day. You’re somewhat calmer. So that’s what I’ve done so far this morning. And now I’m sitting down at my computer, listening to some peaceful music as I’m writing.The world I see today will be a reflection of this inner calmness. And I know it will be easier to have that smile as I approach the world.

Now let’s take another scenario. You wake up in a hurry, somewhat tired, and pour down that coffee to get you going as you rush out of the house. You’re in a hurry all day long.

The way you experience your day all day long is going to be affected. You won’t take time to be fully present. Sure you’ll most likely get things done, but your life will become one big “to do” list. You’ll become a bottom line person. You won’t let people in and you’ll find yourself making snap judgments about them. And it goes on.

If you don’t take time to really be with yourself and to get to know who you are, you’ll never get to really know other people. If you don’t know get to know your weaknesses and insecurities and to accept them, you won’t be able to accept them in other people. Instead you’ll be judging them all day long. It’s a great strategy to avoid looking at yourself.

When we look at ourselves we also see that inside of us is much love and joy waiting to be expressed. If we don’t take the time to get to know what puts a smile on our face, we won’t be able to see that smile in other people.

If we don’t ask ourselves what’s possible in our life, we won’t be able to see what’s possible with other people. If we aren’t able to see the beauty in our life, it will be difficult to see it in other people. The world that we see is a reflection of our inner state.

So yes if you want to improve the world which I know you are committed to doing, then start with yourself. You’re heard the expression, change the world one person at a time. Well start with yourself. You are that first person.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and speaker who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes.

If only we can have the perspective of hindsight? Some of you may already know this about me, but my goal in college was to become a dentist. Yes, I know that’s hard to believe. My father and uncle were both dentists and it was ordained that I would follow in their footsteps. All through college I took courses with one objective in mind——get into dental school. Well, I did get in and actually went for a year and a half before flunking out. Wow was I disappointed and my confidence was at an all time low. What I had worked for my entire life up to that point wasn’t going to happen. My entire college education seemed like a waste. Now I had no direction. That was my reality. In many ways I felt like a failure. But there was a part of me that felt liberated. I could begin “my life.”

It was also the beginning of the path that I am on now. I had always wanted to be a trial lawyer and then went to law school and embarked upon a long law career that was quite fulfilling for many years. And when I no longer felt a purpose for the work I was doing, I was motivated to ask myself, What’s Next.

And so it is that I have been on this journey for the last eleven years. It’s been quite a ride.
What seemed initially like a disappointment, flunking out of dental school, actually was a turning point in my life. It was a new beginning. I felt liberated to embark upon my life’s journey, not someone else’s.

The next time you feel disappointed, wonder about the opportunity you are being presented with. Look around. What do you see? When one door closes, walk through the one that’s open.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and speaker who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes.

You’re in the mood for a movie. You want to be entertained, but what emotions do you want to feel. Do you want to be inspired, to laugh, or to be on the edge of your seat watching a thriller. That’s the question we ask ourselves everyday, yet we don’t have to go anywhere to watch the movie. It’s our life. Some movies are more powerful than others.

The fear movie perhaps is the most powerful. We’ll do almost anything to avoid feeling it——yet you have to admit that it has an aliveness. But when we live in that emotion, it’s difficult to really experience love and other positive emotions.

To avoid feeling that fear, we avoid taking on activities that we perceive as potentially painful. Our mind knows how to play tricks on us and we lose sight of what we really want. So we hide out and play small which prevents us from reaching out and expanding our sense of who we are and what’s possible. Our smile and the light inside of us dims. Our choices seem limited.

We feel alone and lose sight of the big picture.

I’m not saying to live in a vacuum and to ignore these emotions. You may have good reasons for some of your negative feelings, but you don’t have to dwell on them. Just noticing them, as if they were the wind breezing through your life, is all you need to do.

Come back to that vision for your life. Focus on what puts a smile on your face and gets you beaming from ear to ear? Imagine it in your mind and choose to become it right now even in the midst of the imperfections in your life. Choose to see the good in your life. It’s up to you. You get to choose the movie for your life.

Be the beacon of light. Be the light for others to see. Light the way.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and speaker who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes.

Whenever I give a talk I like to get feedback. There is alway a small number of people who come up to me afterwards and tell me they were inspired. That is revealing…not so much about my talk but about what they really want. They want to be inspired in their life. It’s something that they long for and are open to. We all want to be inspired and excited about our lives. Sometimes we resist it. Our work is to allow it to happen. And guess what? Along the way you inspire other people. In the process you become inspired even more.

Many of us have experienced that cycle at times in our life. Life seems to support us. We’re excited. But it doesn’t always last and the challenges come back. We are reminded that we still have work to do. We learn to accept the challenges because we know on the other side we’ll be stronger and more committed.

We’ve learned that it’s the discipline that keeps us going. We all have those days when we just don’t feel like doing it especially when we don’t see the immediate value in what we’re doing. But the discipline gives us the focus necessary to experience life on a deeper level. In case your wondering, I’m talking about your morning program, especially the meditation.

And the paradox is that as we expand our ability to focus and to go deeper, we see how interconnected all of life is. When we think about the relationship between the bee and the flower we see how that synergy results in honey. We can experience our life in that way. It’s only when we allow ourselves to experience the deeper levels that we see the nectar of life——we are one.

We are reminded to smile. Be willing to share your smile. A smile goes a long way especially when it’s an inner smile. We take that inner joy into the world and joy is reflected back to us. We become a mirror for more joy in our life. There’s that synergy again.

You are the way. Life is a mirror of your inner state. Let it shine.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and speaker who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes.

You get the invitation. Your friend invited you to a small gathering. You want to know if you should bring something. And he or she says to just bring yourself. You wonder if it’s enough and so you go out and get a bottle of wine. Sound familiar.

Wherever you go or wherever you are, you’re always bringing yourself. You’re the gift. With that comes a big responsibility to be yourself. Your uniqueness, like a snowflake, is what makes life interesting and fascinating.

It’s your curiosity——your openness that makes you who you are. What used to seem boring to you no longer seems that way. You notice subtleties that you didn’t see before. You learn from each and every experience and from each and every person you meet. You’re able to see the best in people.

You see the beauty in the most ordinary things. You feel blessed for having been there. You’re excited about the next thing, the next opportunity. Yes, you cup is brimming over. You smile and empower everyone in your sphere. They feel blessed and enriched that they have connected with you.

You’ve made the choice to see the richness and goodness in life. Of course, there are many circumstances that are not so pleasant. You don’t ignore them, but you don’t dwell on them. You come to the present moment. You keep smiling.

You’re grateful for each day. Each day seems like a miracle. Oh, yes you are so blessed. You get to make that choice over and over again. You choose happiness. So that’s what you bring to the table.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and speaker who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes.

Perhaps you’ve heard the expression,”they have no skin in the game.” Maybe you’ve even said it yourself. That’s been our good friend Carl’s, one of my life coaching clients, challenge for many years. He holds back and eventually walks away. He rationalizes to himself that it doesn’t matter and that he doesn’t care. It’s safe that way. He won’t be disappointed. Because this is his mindset, it’s not surprising that the easiest excuses knock him off course. Carl has never really committed himself to anything.

Think about your life. What are the reasons you keep telling yourself that are preventing you from having the life you’ve secretly desired? If those excuses and reasons are running your life it’s a good sign that you don’t have much “skin in the game.” For whatever reason, you’re not committed.

It’s also a sign that you are an observer of life rather than a participant. Another way of saying it is that you are sitting on the river’s edge watching the river of life flow by without you.

Accept the challenge to look at the source of your resistance. Accept that you have resistance and do it anyway. Jump in the river of life, you’re going to get wet anyway. That’s the nature of rivers. Declare yourself. Let people know what your secret desire is. Put it out there.

It matters. It matters because you’ll be more determined than you ever have before. You’ll be inspired You’ll inspire others to live more fully. It’s time to be fully committed to life. You make a difference by you being the authentic you.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and speaker who inspires others to believe in themselves. He is passionate about life being an exciting journey of discovery. His enthusiastic and inspiring keynotes on change, leadership and connection thoroughly convey this message to his audiences. A former trial attorney for 30 years, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. He is the author of Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes.