Many coaching clients, with whom I work today in my life coaching practice look for the perfect time to begin something new, including the coaching relationship. They think that something will change to get them  ready, but it doesn’t work that way. There’s always going to be a reason to stay in our comfort zones and to remain on the sidelines.  It might be a new job, a new relationship or a new activity. We are never going to totally figure out what might happen in the future, let alone tomorrow.  We are never going to fully realize what’s possible until we begin. For some of us, the results could easily exceed our expectations. Imagine what it would be like if your life consistently exceeded your expectations.

There are no guarantees in life. No matter what we do, there is an element of risk. While we are living, life happens. Yes, we might be disappointed and discouraged at times (who isn’t) but if we don’t life life fully we’ll miss out on what makes our life worth living.

Living life fully involves embracing uncertainty and transforming our relationship to it. I have learned to accept the unknown as my friend, rather than a dark place to avoid. I don’t know what will happen further downstream, but I’m curious to find out. Sure you might have anxiety before beginning something new, but you’ll get over it quickly.

On many levels, the benefits from breaking your routines and patterns by taking on something new keep unfolding, even many years later. You’ll see life from a different perspective. Every new endeavor changes your perspective and how you see the world. For example learning to dance will give you an ability to see subtleties in the way someone moves that most of us wouldn’t notice.  You see and hear rhythms. By taking a cooking class you begin to notice what ingredients go into the food you eat. And by exercising you notice people who seem fit. You begin to notice how good it feels when you are fit. Whatever you are thinking about beginning, begin it now.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive-life coach and recognized thought leader 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 and Discover the Leader Within.

Most of us would agree that life is changing faster than ever before. It’s a challenge and, at times, overwhelming trying to keep up with it all. The average person has six to eight careers. There are physiological changes and health challenges along the way and economic occurrences that affect most of us. Friendships change and the divorce rate is high.

We have to look deeper to find time-tested techniques and strategies that enable us to understand and embrace the unpredictable twists and turns that life, like rivers, inevitably brings.

In my writings I make frequent references to the river of life. Let me share with you the genesis of that metaphor. When I was 13, my Uncle Sam took me on a weeklong river rafting trip, sponsored by the Sierra Club on the Green River in Colorado. We flew in a little six-seat plane over the mountains and landed in a town near our campsite. Already an adventure for a 13 year old we drove over a rickety bridge to the river. On the second day of the trip as I was swimming along the side of the raft, I noticed the raft getting ahead of me. Then I heard the yells: “Get in the boat. Get in the boat.” But it was too late. As I swam against the current toward the boat, I heard more yells: “Stay in the center, stay in the center.” That’s what I tried to do as I was propelled through the rapids right behind the boat.

I made it through to the calm water and was able to relax for a second, until I noticed that the boat was still ahead of me and the next series of rapids was approaching. Quickly I grabbed the oar that my uncle extended and was pulled onto the boat as the boat went through the rapids again. On the return home, my uncle said something to me that I have never forgotten. “You will think about this trip later in life.” It wasn’t until many years later on a return trip to Colorado that I thought about the river experience. There, high on a mountaintop, I noticed a river flowing through a reddish-peaked canyon. I thought about my life and all of the changes and transitions that had occurred to get me to this place in my life, including the joys, triumphs, heartaches and disappointment.

Let ”the river” teach you what is necessary to navigate these waters and to make your journey fulfilling, adventurous and meaningful. There are eight principles and strategies that have been my guide and compass as I’ve navigated the swifter currents of life.

1. Find and live from your center. That was the message from the Green River and the last thing I heard before I went through the rapids. When you are centered and connected to your inner most being you are connected with the source of everything. Meditation enables me to connect with that center every day.

2. Develop the practice of gratitude. I was grateful for that oar. I was grateful that I got to experience the river in the way I did. And I am grateful for my life. We all have a lot to be grateful for. By expressing gratitude for some of the inner qualities that are most important to us such as the ability to love, to smile and to connect we cultivate a sense of how truly abundant we are.

3. Be curious. Think of your life as a river with its lessons, challenges and complexities. Being curious about how the changing nature of the river enables you to get to know and sense its many currents. As this knowing emerges, you’re more comfortable with not knowing where the river is taking you. In the process you become the person you’ve always wanted to be, fully present with life, and passionate about living.

4. Be prepared. I wore a life preserver on the river. When you are prepared you can relax and enjoy life more. Preparation involves taking care of your mind and body. It involves eating well and exercising. It involves being informed and being curious. It also involves working on yourself. Meditating in the morning before starting my day prepares me for whatever life throws my way.

5. Get out of your comfort zone. I could have stayed in the boat and played it safe but I was curious and adventurous. My comfort zone for me was my law practice and, as a result, my life for many years was on hold. Getting in the current and flow of life involves risk but that is what you need to do sometimes.

6. Learn to let go of resistance. Resistance is a constant struggle and makes you tired. At first I resisted the current of the river and tried to swim against it, back to the boat. But I became tired from the struggle. Then I let go and stayed in the center and enjoyed the adventure. When you allow yourself to flow with what is, there is a synchronicity in your life that seems magical.

7. Be willing to be connected. You can’t do it alone and why would you want to. We all want to feel that we belong and that we are loved. When you allow yourself to be vulnerable by honestly sharing who you are and what matters to you, you create a synergy that is greater than the sum of the individual parts. It is in that moment that you experience the magic of connecting with a kindred soul.

8. Embrace the great mystery. I am becoming increasingly more comfortable with not knowing the next step. And when it comes I enjoy taking it. The river is unpredictable and you can’t figure it out. Whether the waters are “still” or “raging” it is still the same river. You have to just flow with it and enjoy the adventure.

By the way when is your next river rafting trip?

Journey On

Mark

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and thought leader 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 and Discover the Leader Within.

There is a time in everyone’s life when we become aware of our sense of self. What I mean is that we have a sense of who we are and how we fit into a larger social structure. Along with that we use words, quite often inadequate, to describe our inner state. “I’m happy, I’m depressed, I’m confused, I’m nervous” we repeat to ourselves. What we say to ourselves goes a long way toward determining the quality of our lives.

Where do you fit in? What happens when you complete the following statement: “Life is…..

If you say, “Life is hard,” it will be. If you say “Life is fun,” it will be. What you say, to a large extent, will eventually become true, so pay attention to the words that you choose.

Your sense of how you see yourself in the world will influence what you do with your life. It will influence the people you surround yourself with and the choices you make. This is true whether it’s in your career or in your intimate relationships.

What we know now and have known for quite some time is that our subconscious mind can’t distinguish between a real or imaginary experience. So for example, worry is our mind imagining the worst case scenario. What happens when you imagine the best case scenario. Let your imagination work for you.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and thought leader 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 and Discover the Leader Within.

We all have experienced those moments when we feel like we are just going through the motions. While it is true that we are getting the job done, we might add ‘barely’ to the mix. The projects seem to take longer and it seems as if we accomplish less. And yet we don’t know what we can do to change it.

Let’s face it, we’re stuck. We feel boxed in and it seems as if there isn’t a way out. We don’t realize that we do have a choice and that we can do things differently.

But the change is within us and and it begins with changing our attitude. Each day presents us with a new opportunity to sculpt our day, the way we want it to be. It’s an opportunity for us to be creative and innovative.

Even though we continue to do some of the same things, we can learn how to change our attitude. Like many things, it’s learning a new habit which takes time. But it’s not as difficult as it seems. You have to begin somewhere. So first things first.

As you start your day be curious as to what the day might bring. Ask yourself, what the highlight of your day might be.

Think about what you have scheduled and wonder what might be the highlight. Allow for the possibility that it might be something unexpected. As your day progresses you are wondering about what the highlight might be.

Do you think that your day might have a new vitality, a new aliveness? Try it and see what happens.

And what you’ll find out is that some new and exciting possibilities will open up.

Be curious and open yourself up to these possibilities.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and thought leader 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 and Discover the Leader Within.

I remember when I got the wake-up call. I wasn’t perfect. Far from it. A few people walked out of my life. It’s what I needed at the time. I didn’t know what to do. I had never experienced this isolation before. I was really vulnerable for the first time. I reached out. It was the beginning of the path of awakening that I’ve been on for the last forty years. I began meditating.

I’ve come a long way. When I began this journey I was solution oriented. If I did this, I would get this result. So I began to take personal growth courses with the idea that the key to everlasting happiness would be unlocked. When I finished with the training or course, I would feel happy and excited for a while, but inevitably I would reach a plateau.

But I was open and the next thing would come along and I was ready to again try to discover the answer. I would think to myself, “If I do this consistently, I’ll be happy. Or if this case settles, I won’t have any money problems for a while.”

Then one day I made a profound shift. I realized that I was a curious person and that I liked to explore new ideas and to learn new things. From that day on I continued to try new things, not with the idea that they would fix me, but because I enjoyed them. I was a committed life long learner. I still am. It keeps me fully engaged with life.

Everyday living involves growing and expansion. Just like nature’s cycles, there is a growing season and then one in which the flowers bloom. Then the leaves fall wistfully to the ground and the trees become barren. That’s our life. This cycle never stops. We keep growing and then step back and process what we’ve learned up to this moment in our lives. And then the cycle repeats itself.

ENJOY THE JOURNEY

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and thought leader 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 and Discover the Leader Within.

When Carl first contacted me for life coaching, he had a list of what he called problems. Although Carl referred to these situations in his life as problems, what was really true was that Carl’s experience of life was different than what he wanted it to be.

We discussed his concerns about his relationship, his finances and his career which just about covers it. Depending on the last email or phone conversation, Carl’s emotions shifted much like a ping pong match ball.

I suggested that he make a small change in the morning. Rather than rolling out of bed and having a cup of coffee, I told him to just sit for five minutes. Not too much to ask——not too much to integrate into the morning.

In essence it was just a small shift in how he started his morning. Think about it. There are 1440 minutes in a day. Just change what you do in the first five minutes. That was just the beginning. It was suggested that he increase this time one minute per week in silence before he did anything else until he reached 20 minutes.

Carl noticed that he was calmer and that when he faced a so-called problem he was able to see possibilities that previously he was unable to see.

Over time, Carl noticed that not only was he less frustrated, he began to look at what was possible. And then I asked him to think about what his life would be like if what concerned him turned out better than he expected.

Perhaps you are familiar with the expression, “A journey of a 1000 miles begins with the first step.” Those steps might seem small, but they make a big difference in what’s possible in your life. And those small steps are much easier to implement.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and thought leader 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. Give yourself the gift of coaching and make an investment in your future.

There is a favorite expression of mine,”Take the step that’s in front of you.” That gets us there. Quite often are focus is on the end of the road. From this limited vantage point, the terrain looks difficult which contributes to our apprehension about getting there. It’s not unusual that the difficulty that we think we will be facing contributes to our giving up.

When you focus on what is directly in front of you that next step is manageable. You know that there is nothing that will prevent you from taking it…ONE STEP AND THEN THE NEXT.

Imagine being at the bottom of a steep incline; when you look up you notice the steepness of the trail. But when you break it down into separate steps, the slope of the incline is neutralized.

So you take that step and then another. Of course there will be difficulties that get in the way, but you don’t let them stop you. You pick yourself up and continue on your journey. You are determined. Soon you are near the top and you sense what’s there. You are reminded why you began the journey. You know how satisfied you’ll feel from completing the task. You are ready for the next challenge. You are a seeker-the journey brings you alive.

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive & life coach and thought leader 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. Give yourself the gift of coaching and make an investment in your future.

By now you know how important it is to have a purpose. It’s much easier to focus on where you are going and why you are doing something when you do, and to overcome the inevitable obstacles that you encounter along the way. They will always be there. The universe has a remarkable way of making you dig deeper.

There is another component to getting there. Quite often whatever you are doing becomes much more difficult than you originally thought. If you keep where you are going in mind, the inevitable detour in the way, in the form of a “No,” won’t derail you.

You’re closer to where you are going even if your progress seems insignificant. Small steps are powerful——much greater than what is obvious. We discover that these small actions collectively have a positive impact on our life. Appreciate these steps for they are the building blocks of the future.

Of course to keep going, we must have a clear intention and the persistence to rise above the momentary disappointments that get in our way. Before we know it we are where we want to be.

Sometimes it might take years to get there, but when you do it’s fulfilling and quite often momentous.
With each temporary setback, we ask ourselves how can we be better. We ask ourselves what we learned. We ask ourselves, how did what happen make me a better 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. Give yourself the gift of coaching and make an investment in your future.

In so many things that we do preparation is the key to success and fulfillment. Quite often we don’t see any results for some time. Think of a garden. You pull the weeds, turnover the soil and mix in compost. When you begin to harvest what you planted it’s a great feeling.

Because we understand the cyclical pattern of nature, we trust the process. We also know that we can only take one step at a time and each step prepares us for the next so that we can reap the harvest.

When we harvest the fruits of our labor we have a sense of fulfillment because of the effort that went into it. It wasn’t just given to us. Much hard work was involved.

All of life is like that. There are always going to be obstacles and challenges. They are there to challenge us to look deeper and to try harder. These difficulties serve us. Honor them rather than complain about them.

BE THE BEST YOU, YOU CAN BE

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.

Sure you can come up with a lot of reasons not to do it. They’re no guarantees except this: If you don’t try it won’t happen.

Your concerns can serve you by making you better prepared but they won’t serve you if they stop you. Even after you make the decision to go for it you might have lingering doubts for quite some time. That goes with the territory as you explore the unknown. It’s also possible that the unknown can be your friend. What would your life be like if you welcomed the unknown future.

But what happens is that we stop and give up on what we really want and believe. But what happens is that you are cheating two people. Yourself for not living up to your highest ideals. And the other person because they don’t get the gifts of your uniqueness. Go ahead and let the world know who you are. Speak your truth———remember it’s your vision not someone else’s.

The challenges along the way make the end result more fulfilling. So whatever it is that you are on the verge of beginning, be bold and take that next step. Now is the only time to begin. With exploring the unknown comes the exhilaration that lets you know that you are totally alive.
Imagine this!!!

What if your life turns out better than you expected. What then?

JOURNEY ON

MARK

Mark Susnow, is an executive-life coach and speaker 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.