Are you ever afraid to make a mistake? Do you beat yourself up when you do?
"Lindsey" came to me very discouraged. She had put so much effort into applying to art school, building a portfolio, having it photographed, and completing the application for each school. After her first year in college she realized that she had chosen the wrong school, perhaps the wrong major. She was lonely and stressed. Her grades were poor and she no longer enjoyed drawing, something she had always loved.
Lindsey's words spilled out about all the things she had done wrong and all the time and money she had wasted. Finally, she said "It was all a big mistake. I am such a loser!"

It took some work over a few weeks for Lindsey to see some benefit to all the things she had done, even to having gone to art school at all. She chose to take some time off, work and explore her interests. She took a class at the Junior College in her other love, writing.
Later that year, as she and I were saying goodbye as she prepared to head out on a new path, we sat laughing about some of her memories. When I asked her what had helped the most she said:
"It was when you told me that I would know I was really living my life if I was making lots of mistakes. I really got how being afraid of blowing it can keep me from going for my dreams.Now, when I make a mistake, I celebrate!"

Kids don't learn about money unless we teach them and let them in on what's going on. Talk to kids about your values and goals regarding money. Be a model with your actions. Describe what you are doing when you pay a bill or put money aside for a goal.

Share your financial goals with kids. "We are committed to saving $ for unplanned expenses this year" tells kids you are wise and think ahead vs. "We can't afford it" which sends a message of not having enough.

I recently heard someone say that more of us would rather
"be in the casket than delivering the eulogy".
Yet most of us love to tell a good story or talk to someone who is really listening.

Through practicing public speaking in a safe environment, we can all learn to relax and share ourselves a little more. This comes in handy whether you need to give a toast at a wedding, speak to a group at work or represent yourself in small claims court. If you would like to look forward to speaking before an audience, I would love to help!

Next Mini Workshop in Santa Rosa
Friday, June 23, 2006
Register with a friend and save!

Make Your Next Talk One You Look Forward To!