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.

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.

When I first began coaching, I attempted to put into words the benefits of what I do. I continue to find that this is a challenge. For a while I would say that our work together enables one to experience more success and fulfillment in their life. I still like that description especially when we start to look at what success and fulfillment means. I think of this words as mirrors of each other.

We can think of fulfillment as experiencing life’s richness. It’s an inner state that doesn’t depend on acquiring anything outside of ourself. When we are in that state we are truly successful.

It’s an inner joy that we are blessed to share with all of those we come in contact with. When we are in that state we have been able to transcend the conditions or circumstances that have been weighing on our minds preventing us from tuning into our higher presence.

We bring that state of inner joy with us wherever we are and wherever we go. It’s our gift to humanity. We have done the inner work to get there. When we are in that state, we truly make a difference in the world.

Think about your life for a moment. Reflect upon those moments in which you gave most generously of your self. You felt fulfilled. You felt privileged to have experienced one of life’s most sacred moments.

All of the joys, challenges,and even the pains, have contributed to you being you in that moment. That’s your gift. That’s real success and fulfillment.

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.

For many years I have been a spiritual seeker. It’s a passion, a vocation and way of life. It helps me feel inspired. I’m one of those people who is looking for the meaning of life. And after many years things are coming together. My book Dancing on the River:Navigating Life’s Changes was recently published. As part of my journey I have talked to many, read hundreds of books on the subject of personal development and have also been blessed to coach thousands as their life coach. You probably want to know what I’ve discovered. More on that later.

In the middle of all of this is my love of sports; particularly football and basketball especially when my teams are winning. So it’s a fun time of year for me. I love going to the games at my alma mater, Berkeley which has brought back fond memories of being on the campus. And I love to see the leaves change color. It reminds me of my youth when I played these sports myself.

Sports reminds me of what’s possible in life, especially when you have focus and commitment. It’s also an escape from the problems of the world and the concerns of my life. In some ways it simplifies life. If it doesn’t work out this year there is always the hope of next year. We can’t always win but in the process we learn something.

So what is it that I’ve learned? I’ve learned to let go of trying to figure it out. I’ve learned to become more comfortable with “not knowing.” I’ve learned that life is a great mystery. And that’s ok. It’s actually more than ok. It’s great. I’ve learned to dance on the river, rather than struggle in it. And you can too.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive and life coach, who inspires others to believe in themselves. 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.

I was talking with my friend Jeannie about what we get to do as life coaches. We get to share what we think about and what we feel is most important in our lives with others. And that’s what I try to do in my blogs and in my newsletters. My thoughts keep evolving.

In the last blog I shared with you six insights that have the potential to change your life. Since I sent it out, I have been thinking about the power of curiosity which I briefly commented upon as one of the six insights. I thought I’d take the time to explore this concept in greater depth and give you a few examples of how I use it in my life.

If you remember I suggested that as you start your day that you wonder about what the highlight of your day might be. What this does is get you thinking about the potential for good in your life. You’re curious about might happen during the day.

You can make this a practice in almost everything that you do. I remember when I was a trial lawyer. There were plenty of moments when I faced a difficult situation with a lot at stake or when I was in the presence of someone who was just unpleasant.

And then one day a light bulb went one when I was in the middle of a deposition. I realized that I chose to be there in that this was the work that I chose for my career. And this situation would be coming up again and again as long as I was in this line of work. The circumstances weren’t going to change. So the only alternative was for me to change my attitude.

On this morning, the other attorney who I’ll just call Dennis was particularly rude and insulting. Rather than getting plugged into Dennis’s energy, I was curious about why he was the way that he was. I was sure that this was his MO–getting into arguments with most of the people in his life. I even felt sorry for him, and grateful that I wasn’t like him. I also realized that in each moment that I had a chose to be firm but not reactive.

Finally I suggested to Dennis that we take a break and talk off the record. I asked him what was going on with him–after all my client was just an innocent victim.

Dennis apologized and invited me to lunch. He told me how much he hated his job. To this day, we have maintained a relationship even after I transitioned into becoming a life coach.

It’s the same thing with worry. When you think about it…isn’t worry an irrational belief that the worst will happen? Rather than worrying, be curious as to how it’s all going to unfold. Not only that, be curious as to how your life could be if everything worked out better than you expected.

These are just a few ideas that we’ll explore further in the next blog.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive and life coach, who inspires others to believe in themselves. 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. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes will be released May 1, 2010. mark@inspirepossibility.com

A familiar theme that keeps coming up with my life coaching clients is that no matter how successful they are in the world, they are not excited about their life. Not only that, but things are not the way they were. Things have changed, but they have not kept up with the new paradigm. There’s a whole set of new rules and they are unfamiliar with them. They are stuck in their comfort zones and have been complacent. What I mean by complacent is that even though things are not the way they would like them to be, they aren’t willing to take the steps to make the necessary changes.

Navigating life’s changes both personally and globally has become an art form. You have to develop life skills, not just career skills. You have to cultivate an inner life separate from what you do in the world. Living from the center is a practice that you develop over time. If you have been following me, you know about the morning program that I suggest to begin your day. After meditating, express gratitude for your life exactly the way it is and then wonder about the highlight of the day.

Try this for 30 days and see what happens. I know i am just touching upon this briefly here and will go into more detail in a future blog. You’ll find out that being happy is a reflection of a life decision that you make; to be happy in this moment of time.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive and life coach, who inspires others to believe in themselves. 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. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes will be released May 1, 2010. mark@inspirepossibility.com 415.453.5016

We live in an increasingly changing world. Navigating life’s changes has become an art form. We don’t know where to turn. What seemed to work at one time, no longer works. So when I received the invitation I was excited. It was a long time coming. My good friend and fellow blogger,Warren Strudwick, http://the peacemeal project.wordpress.com, launched this new movement that people can participate in all over the world. As he wrote on his blog: “The first official Peacemeal was held at my house on December 13, about one month ago. I had invited about 25 friends who I have known from various times of my life. Twenty -two people joined me to celebrate peace on what turned out to be a pleasant Thursday evening. It was a wonderful experience.

For a few moments, we all were able to leave behind our day-to-day lives and routines, convening in a very congenial and intimate atmosphere to address our mutual need for a peace existence.

We started at about 6:30, gathering first to talk and mingle and generally to get to know each other. It was interesting to see people from varied backgrounds interacting on first encounter in such an intimate way. We then convened in my living room to discuss (as a group and individually) what peace meant to each of us. Each person was given space, as we went around the room to speak. Most us spoke directly from the heart, and this eclectic group of people proved, altogether, very special.

Each person communicated a thirst to express their inner thoughts about the role of peace and love in their lives. It would almost be a cliché to say that the energy in the room was so almost overwhelmingly positive through this open and very honest communication. The desire for peace, especially inner peace hovered in the magnetic stillness of the room.

By the time we sat to eat our meal, it was clear the most of us wanted the same happiness and inner peace in our lives. It made me think that even as we go about our daily lives oblivious, it is clear that nearly everyone is seeking some sort or peaceful existence. And if given an opportunity, people want to express and share that desire. It is a human condition. And as we share our desire, it becomes more evident that we all want to live peacefully.

This is our world. We will make it in our image. Peace. Morsel by morsel.”

Join in the movement. Have your own dinner. To find out more about peacemeal go to their blog, http://thepeacemealproject.wordpress.com

Mark Susnow, is an executive and life coach, who inspires others to believe in themselves. 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. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes will be released May 1, 2010. mark@inspirepossibility.com 415.453.5016

in a life coaching session yesterday, i discussed with let’s call him Carl, the importance of having a dream that is independent from what you do in the world. For Carl and many others, the stress and demands from meeting our financial and personal obligations takes most of our energy. We don’t have much left over.

To have a dream that demands more of us and doesn’t help us meet our bottom line, at times seems unrealistic. But that’s exactly what we need to do. Otherwise we are subject to the ups and downs of the external world; our relationships, health, and finances. Carl and many others that I work with as their life coach would like to see peace in the world. Carl is in the process of starting a community of people who focus on inner peace in themselves and in the world.

But he has found much resistance in trying to bring people together. I remember at one time in my life I was faced with the same dilemma. I wrote back then, “Should the visionairies of peace stop loving, then the prophets of doom, will have their day of gloom.” Whatever our dream, we need to keep it alive. Noone else will do it for us. Sometimes just having the dream is enough. As Martin Luther King said, “I might not get to the mountaintop with you,” but he had the dream for others to believe in. Keep the dream alive. There might not be much agreement, right now.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach, inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes will be released in early 2010. mark@inspirepossibility.com 415.453.5016

I have noticed that with some people that I work with as their life coach, their changes are dramatic. They’re not the same person they were when we began our work together.

They have more self-confidence and are excited about the future, but in the back of their mind, they remember that in the past when things started to go well, they sabotaged themselves. Things fell apart and they are now waiting for that to happen again.

It doesn’t have to happen. Once you go through the gate to a new way of thinking, you’ll never go back. That’s what happens when you are on a spiritual path…you are awake and aware of things that previously you were not conscious of.

You can’t go backwards. It’s too late, which is a good thing. I remember when I first began walking on the path of awakening there were times when I wish things were not so clear. I couldn’t deceive myself. I had to take responsibility for my life and could no longer blame others or circumstances, like my parents or what happened as a child.

I remember some people would say, “Ignorance is Bliss.” Once you know the truth you realize that “Ignorance is just Ignorance.” There’s no reason to try to glorify it.

The good news is that as you go forward from here, you’ll have more choices and possibilities to live a more fulfilling and successful life. You won’t go backwards even if you wanted to. On some level you are forever changed.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach, inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes will be released in early 2010. mark@inspirepossibility.com 415.453.5016

If only they would be more reasonable. You probably have said this over a hundred times. Maybe you have said this version. “If only they were easier to deal with.” That’s what we discussed on a call today.

After exploring numerous approaches to make the situation better nothing seemed to change. The other person stayed in their unreasonable mode…or at least that’s the way you saw it.

Perhaps it’s a situation with a past spouse regarding the welfare of your children or it could be with a coworker. The other person in your mind seems to be unreasonable; perhaps even pathologically so. You’ve tried everything. You are frustrated. You want them to change.

I’ve been there countless times. They won’t change unless you change first. Be the example. Don’t go to their level. This is such a common situation. Your challenge….don’t get plugged into their stuff. Since they won’t change, your only choice is to change how you react to them. And over time the dynamic will be different.

Most important is not to take what’s happening personally. When I was a trial lawyer, there were many times when I had to step back from the fray and be the observer. Actually noticing myself interacting with the other attorney. Over time I realized that I had a choice not to get plugged in.

Ask yourself how you want to feel after the interaction. You can be assertive without losing your cool. But there is a fine line that once you cross, your blood pressure starts to rise and you are in the middle of a confrontation. Visualize yourself in control as the interaction in progresses. What I mean control is to be in control of your emotions. That is a choice.

JOURNEY ON

Mark Susnow, an executive and life coach, inspires others to experience more fulfillment and success in their life. A former trial attorney for 30 years and musician, he integrates what it takes to be successful in the world with the inner wisdom unfolded to him through years of yoga and meditation. Whether coaching one-on-one, speaking to groups, or leading a retreat, he shares his message that regardless of our life’s circumstances, we can find more joy and meaning in our life. He is a sought after speaker and coauthor along with Zig Ziglar and Brian Tracy and other experts in the book 101 Great Ways to Improve your Life. Mark’s new book, Dancing on the River…Navigating Life’s Changes will be released in early 2010. mark@inspirepossibility.com 415.453.5016