Personal Growth | Karen Girard

Let Your Heart & Intuition Be Your Guide

by Karen Girard

June 13th, 2012

What is familiar and known is comfortable. We know what to expect. We know how the story goes. And we know how we will respond.

Growth, though, lies just outside our comfort zone. It is hard to grow if you are not willing to risk - to try something new.

There are times throughout our lives when we must leave what we know, and venture into the unknown.

When you took your first steps as a child, you didn’t know about your “comfort zone” – you fell down, and just kept getting up, trying again and again until you succeeded. Then you learned to run, ride a bike…

Why is it that as we get older, we become afraid, we question things, we worry – what will others think, what if I can’t do it….. To heck with all that. It isn’t what others think that matters, it is what you think!

Mistakes are opportunities to learn and try again – retakes! Learn to overcome that fear, the negative thoughts, and take that leap of faith.

Although there is no map for this vast wilderness, you are not wholly unprepared. You have a guide: your intuition.

Instead of relying on a map to guide you, you learn to “follow your instincts.” And those instincts lead you on a journey that is all your own. By taking some risks and stepping out of your box, what you may discover along the way is who you really are and what you really love. Yes, sometimes you may have to give up on some old thinking or a negative thought that is holding you back (ask yourself – is that pride?)

Unrefined and unmapped, the wilderness of your intuition leads you to discoveries and experiences you never would have had if you stayed where you were comfortable.

What journey will you take that leads you to new discoveries and opportunities? Imagine what’s out there for you if you venture away from what’s familiar and comfortable and follow your intuition into the vast unknown.

If you are ready to try something new – here is a test you can’t fail…rediscover what is most important to you – take The Passion Test, contact me to learn more about the many ways you can!

To Living Life With Purpose, On Purpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator

Categories Alberta, career, Career Tips, Passion, Personal Growth, Uncategorized
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Daily Motivation – what works for you

by Karen Girard

May 25th, 2012

Here’s a silly question: When was the last time you showered? Very few people walk around thinking that they never have to take a bath or shower ever again because they had a shower that day. But this is what we tend to do when it comes to getting motivated.

I, for one, find it really easy to start a project – I get so many ideas and the motivation is strong in the beginning. I also love to see the final result. But somewhere in the middle I can start to putter out… Today I was out in my very neglected garden. After about 1/3 of the way I saw how much better it was looking, but I had to stop. But seeing the difference is very motivating and I will be back again to finish the job (or my neighbours may complain!)

How much easier if I had maintained the work last summer instead of waiting until the new spring… Like a nice hot shower, motivation invigorates you and gets you moving. But it’s not something you do once and then you’re done. You don’t “get” motivated and “stay” motivated. You have to regularly renew your supply.

And yet, most of us don’t think about renewing our motivation daily like we think about brushing our teeth or taking a bath. It’s not a daily habit. For many people it’s simply a book they keep on their shelf and reference from time to time, a mantra that lingers in the back of their mind , or a quote they occasionally refer to when their productivity and enthusiasm start to wane.

But motivation is not a fleeting effort. It is conscious, diligent and consistent. And the rewards are immeasurable.

So what if you built motivation into your daily routine? How would your life change?

Maybe you post your passions (or pictures of them) somewhere where you can read them each morning – on the bathroom mirror where you review them while you brush your teeth.

Maybe you commit to read a passage from an inspiring book each morning, or wake up to your favorite song.

Maybe it’s going for a walk through the park in the early morning hours or taking a break each work day to quiet your mind through meditation .

Whatever it is, make it a priority to do it daily and watch your life change!

As for me, I will finish cleaning the garden out so I can plant some beautiful colourful plants – seeing the colour each day will help me to say motivated to keep it clean (just a good thing green isn’t my favorite colour, or I may have reverted to letting the crabgrass and weeds grow back!)

I love colour – what do you love? Find some things that can help you stay motivated.

Until then

Live Your Life With Purpose, OnPurpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator
www.karengirard.com
www.careerplanningforstudents.com

USING PASSION TO INSPIRE ACTION

Categories career, Passion, Personal Growth, Uncategorized
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Tips to stop being a people pleaser – before it affects your health

by Karen Girard

May 19th, 2012

For those of you who have missed me, here is why…

I don’t know about you, but I am a people pleaser – I do battle with it all the time, because I know it is impossible to please everyone. Yet I still try!

I always want to help everyone, to have people like me, and I do sometimes find it really hard to say no. This has caught up with me more than once, and my body tells me I have to slow down. Which is where I have been lately…

My worst time is usually in February/March/April when things pile up – this year I ended up in the hospital – I have been forced to slow down…

Pleasing other people—who could find fault with that? Isn’t it a good thing to consider the needs of others, to be gracious, to be nice?

By all means! But for many, the desire to please becomes an addictive need to please others, even at the expense of their own health and happiness. It takes a toll on health, relationships and quality of life, and it drowns out the inner voice that may be trying to protect us from overdoing it.

“As a people-pleaser, you feel controlled by your need to please others and addicted to their approval,” writes Harriet B. Braiker, Ph.D., in The Disease to Please. “At the same time, you feel out of control over the pressures and demands on your life that these needs have created.”

Take this quiz to see whether you can benefit from learning to say no to others more often—and yes to yourself.

1. I put others’ needs before my own, even when the cost to me and my own happiness is great.

2. If someone needs my help, I can’t say no. In fact, I often find it difficult to say no. And when I do, I feel guilty.

3. To avoid reactions I’m afraid of, I often try to be who others want me to be, to agree with them, to fit in.

4. I keep my own needs and problems to myself; I don’t want to burden others with them.

5. It’s my job to make sure everyone else is happy.

6. I always have a smile on my face and an upbeat attitude, even if I feel sad or angry or hurt.

7. I go out of my way to avoid conflict and confrontation; it’s better just to keep the peace.

8. I am often on the go, rushing to get things done. When I take a moment for myself, I feel selfish, indulgent and guilty.

9. I should always be nice and never hurt others’ feelings.

10. I’ll do whatever it takes to get someone to stop being mad at me.

11. I hold back from saying what I really think or from asking for what I want if I think someone will be upset with me for it.

12. I want everyone to like me…all the time.

13. I feel like a failure if I’ve displeased anyone.

14. If I don’t make others happy, I worry that I’ll be alone and unloved forever.

15. I will change my behavior, at my own expense, to make others happy.

16. I spend a lot of time doing things for others, but almost never ask anyone to do things for me.

17. If I ask people for help and they agree, I’m sure they must be giving out of obligation; if they really wanted to help, they would have offered without my asking.

18. It’s difficult for me to express my feelings when they are different from someone I’m close to.

The motivations for being a people pleaser are varied and usually quite unconscious. Transforming these patterns requires that we understand our pleasing behaviors and motivations, and heal the childhood wounds that usually underlie people pleasing. If you answered True more often than False, you may need support in saying Yes to yourself!

Taking the Passion Test can be your first step in deciding when to say yes to. When I start slipping (that is, when I take the time to listen to my body before I crash), I re-take my own Passion Test – it helps me to determine what is most important to me, and what may have changed, so I can make my choices based on my passions. Remember, your passions do change at different stages of your life – if you have taken The Passion Test, you should retake it at least every 6 months.

Listen to your body, ask yourself what is most important to you, and remember it is OK to say no to some things so that you have the time to say yes to those things that are most important!

Are you ready to take the Passion Test? Contact me and learn more about how this can help!

To Living Life With Purpose, On Purpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator
www.karengirard.com
www.careerplanningforstudents.com

USING PASSION TO INSPIRE ACTION

Feature image compliments of: secret-basketman-FreeDigitalPhotos.net_.jpg

Author’s content used under license, © 2008 Claire Communications

Categories career, Career Tips, Passion, Personal Growth
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6 SIMPLE steps for your job search

by Karen Girard

February 29th, 2012

I have been asked how my SIMPLE method can be used as a job search strategy, especially in this economy. People who have been looking for work for a while tend to be very hard on themselves. They don’t remember how much talent they have, and they have a much harder time talking about themselves – a skill needed to sell the “product” to the employer.

While I can’t possibly cover all the possibilities, here are a few ideas to try:

STRATEGIES:
1. Surround yourself with people who expect more from you than you do yourself.
2. Write down your goals, and share them with these people, so you will feel more accountable.
3. Join a moderated mastermind job search group – share ideas, and learn from others, at the same time.
4. Network, join associations, attend upgrading classes, volunteer – do whatever you can to build your skill base and meet more people who will be able to see how wonderful you are and help you!
5. Get help from an expert – re-write your resume as an accomplishment based one using a Challenge/Action/Result method so that you can get down to the details of your skills and abilities

INTENTION:
Set your intentions and write them down. For many, the intention is to find a survival job so that they are able to pursue their passion. For others, they may still be at a stage that they will only pursue jobs within their passion area. Whatever it is, write it down. Put it where you can see it and read it every day.

MINDSET:
Start each day with an affirmation.

Today is a new day, with new possibilities.
I will offer value to every person I deal with today.
I am willing to put myself out there and show the world how wonderful I am, and to learn from all the experiences offered to me today.

PASSION:
Depending on where you are in your job search, this may be different.

Write out your passions with respect to your career. For some, it will be that they are passionate about finding a job that will pay the bills. Others may be passionate about finding a job where they can help make people’s lives better. Whatever you decide is right for you, put it out there, and then make yourife-choices according to that.

LIFE CHOICES:
What was your passion with respect to work?

Why was it important and what would the payoff be to achieve it?

What actions can you take today to take you closer to them?

Make a list, put them in priority order, and commit to doing them.

Today, I will research and apply for 5 jobs.
I will sign up for a night class in Simply Accounting.
I will do one hour of homework/personal development every night.
I will find a volunteer organization that can use my administrative talents

EXPERIENCE:
What has worked for you in the past? What didn’t work?
Discuss it with your mastermind group. Ask a coach for help.
Spend more time on those areas that provide more opportunities. Only 20% of jobs are advertised (online or elsewhere) – learn how you can access the hidden job market.

Whenever you have an issue, why not try the SIMPLE way, write it out, journal and see what your heart tells you based on thequestions related to each of the letters in the acronym!

Do you have a specific situation you would like to see addressed by the SIMPLE method? Let me know – I will come up with some coaching questions to help guide your thought process and journaling.

Categories career, job search, Passion, Personal Growth, summer, University
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SIMPLE tips to live with passion and purpose

by Karen Girard

February 22nd, 2012

Sometimes it can be hard to live with passion and purpose with problems or issues overwhelm us. When that feeling hits, it can be hard to see beyond the negative. How can you get past it and keep your head above water? My answer for all things negative is to turn it around by keeping it SIMPLE!

“SIMPLE DESIGN ” is a program I use in the Design my Best Life Coaching, to help people uncover their gifts and talents,and live their life with purpose, ON PURPOSE. Did you know that your inner voices can help you control your feelings and reactions to even the most frustrating events?

Stick with me, and we will go into more detail. For now, let us uncover the secrets to SIMPLE in everyday living! Follow these easy tips:

S = Strategy – discover strategies that resonate with, and work for you, so you can use them to help you find your way through the turmoil.

I =Intention. – Set the intention that you can and will get through whatever the issue is with positivity, taking all that comes with it as gifts of learning and experience.

M = Mindset – this will affect your results, your behaviour, and your decisions. Talk to yourself, and make sure that you are using positive self-talk. A positive mindset will remove much of the stress from the issue, and guide your actions, instead of just reacting.

P = Passion – What is important to you about the situation? Why does it affect you the way it does? Is it in conflict with something you are passionate about? Whatever it is, remember what your passions are and be true to
them.

L = Life Choices – When you have set your intention, have a positive mindset, and recognize where this affects you with respect to your
passions, it is much easier to make the right decisions. Always make life-choices that will take you closer to your passion.

E = Experience. Look back on what has (or has not) worked in the past. Experience provides us with lessons. If something did not work in the past, don’t make the same mistake. Review why, and try something different!

How about a SIMPLE Example!
Fighting with your children or spouse, but one of your top passions is to nurture loving, positive family relationships? You have heard “Pick your battles…” This is one of those times to consider what is more important here – being right, or your passion of nurturing, loving, positive relationships?

Consider your mindset – Change it to the positive, take a deep breath, and make a life-choice on how you will respond.

Past experience will probably tell you that if you engage in the battle when everyone is upset, you all usually end up in frustration and anger. Unless there is immediate or imminent danger, choosing a strategy of talking and using a teachable moment when people have cooled down may be far preferable to fighting it out right now, and may take you on that step towards your passion. Set the intention that you will discuss the issue in a calm setting (and then plan to follow through!)

If you still decide it is worth pursuing, choose your words carefully, use a strategy of convincing rather than yelling, and set the intention to keep this as a discussion, considering all sides, rather than a battle that has to be won.

What we say in the moment can feel so harsh to receiver. Taking a small moment to become aware of the possibilities, restating the intention and mindset, and following simple strategies, will help you become more purposeful in all your negotiations.

I’m looking forward to sharing much more about the SIMPLE DESIGN system with the readers here. Meanwhile, remember to keep it SIMPLE!!

Categories Passion, Personal Growth
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Do you like your work?

by Karen Girard

February 7th, 2012

I love this little video - Ellen hates her work, doesn’t want to get dressed in the morning and is having ice cream for breakfast.. Cute little promo for The Passion Test but more than that, they speak the truth.

Now, as you know, I am a Certified Passion Test Facilitator – I love the process. But I am also a Career Coach – and many of us can relate to Ellen and Windsor.

What do you do when you aren’t happy at work? What fulfills you? Did you think that you were going to be doing something great by now? Do you wonder about your purpose?

Get a little giggle from this video, then think about how you can take just a little effort each day to help you get clear on what is most important to you…

Categories Career Tips, Passion, Personal Growth
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Believe and you can do it! Doubt it? Read this… MIRACLES DO HAPPEN!

by Karen Girard

February 4th, 2012

I tell people that if you put your mind to it you can achieve miracles. It really is a lot about your mindset.

I know all too well how hard it is to believe, but what if you know someone who actually did it? Well, I do!

My niece’s close friend, Natalia, was in a near fatal car accident. We watched the video and news in shock as they tried to extract her, and prayed that she would at least live, let alone ever walk again. Her initial injuries left her paralyzed from the chest down and her family was told she would never walk again… Friends and family kept spirits up, made visits and stayed by her side. Look at her now… She didn’t believe the doctors, she believed in herself!

It’s too hard… I can’t do it… we hear it all the time. If Natalia felt like that, where would she be now? Who knows, but instead she persevered, worked, built her strength, pushed through the pain, and discovered a new purpose in life.

Here is her story! Natalia, everyone is very proud of you – what an example you are!

Categories Career Tips, High School, Passion, Personal Growth, Students, Uncategorized
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When My Life is Ideal…. keeping up with resolutions

by Karen Girard

January 23rd, 2012

As the first month of 2012 quickly passes, I realize that I have
not kept up with my own resolutions – to review and plan for my new
year… How many of us have the best intentions and then let life
get in the way?

My first step in the new year is to retake the Passion Test – and
yes, I do have a different Passion Test Facilitator to take me
through this process, as it is more difficult to be honest and
subjective when I am questioning myself.

I have spent the last couple of days writing out my thoughts -
journaling on what I want to have things look like for 2012. I am
preparing my own top 10 list to go through with my coach.

As I do this, I invite you to do the same. If you are interested
in having me take you through the Passion Test, please contact me.

But even if you aren’t ready, try to take some time over the next
week – just a few minutes a day – to jot down what you would like
this year to bring to you. What does it look like for your work?
Health? Family? Relationships? Home?

When you are clear on what you want, you are then able to make
choices that take you closer to those passions.

I would love to help guide you on your path.

To Living Life With Purpose, On Purpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator
www.karengirard.com

Design My Best Life
Using Passion to Inspire Action

Categories Career Tips, Passion, Personal Growth, Uncategorized
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For Canadian Students – RCMP Youth Camp

by Karen Girard

January 17th, 2012

RCMP YOUTH CAMP – Via a letter to me from the RCMP Youth Camp Organizers

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a police officer?

Northwest Region Recruitment Unit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in partnership with the RCMP Depot Training Academy in Regina is hosting their second annual youth camp for students in Grades 11 and 12.

Thirty-two student’s from all over the prairie provinces and the territories will be selected to attend the youth camp held at Regina’s Training Academy(Depot) for one week, August 12 to 18, 2012.

The selection will be based on student’s academic achievement, Canadian citizenship and interest in a career in policing.

You will learn what it’s like to be a police officer in training through activities and observation of activities including , drill, driver simulator training, firearms, police officer scenarios, a tour of the training facility(Depot) and RCMP museum, and much more!

This is also a wonderful opportunity to interact with Police Officer’s from many different units within the RCMP, which will allow you to obtain a better understanding of what life would be like as a Police Officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police!

ARE YOU INTERESTED?

To apply and for further details, please
contact your School Career Center or Guidance Counsellor

To Living Life With Purpose, On Purpose

Karen

Karen Girard, CCDP, CEIP, CPRW, CCC
Certified Passion Test Facilitator

Categories High School, Personal Growth, Students, Uncategorized
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I Have A Dream…

by Karen Girard

January 16th, 2012

I Have a Dream!

All big things in this world are done by people who are naive and have an idea that is obviously impossible. – Charles Hamilton

Everyone has a dream!

Sometimes we hold it so close to our heart, we don’t dare share it for fear someone else will say something to take it away from us… but it is there, living, simmering, and waiting to be brought out to the world.

When I wrote this, it was Martin Luther King’s birthday. A man with a dream – a big dream, and one that, to many, seemed impossible. But he was committed. He spoke it aloud, shared it with other like-minded, supportive people, and did not worry about what others said or felt about him – it was his PASSION.

If you speak your dreams out loud, share them with people who will understand and support you, you are far more likely to follow through. Sounds a bit scary, doesn’t it.

Do you make decisions based on emotions or worry about what others will think? How will I look? Will they still like me? Will they think I am crazy?

The difference between interest and commitment is how we choose to take action. If we are interested, we think about things, ask other’s opinions or permission. Some people back up decisions with logic, reasons for or against taking action. “It will be too hard.” “I don’t have enough time or support” “I can’t afford it.” When you start questioning your dreams and actions, it is very easy to talk yourself out of them by rationalizing. As Bob Burg says, we tell ourselves “rational lies” – giving ourselves logical reasons why something won’t work, or why we shouldn’t take the risk.

Your brain loves to answer questions, and your very thoughts are key to what you can and cannot do. When you tell yourself that you can’t do something, you are putting up a mind-block. Chances are you will prove yourself right – a “self-fulfilling prophecy”.

When you are committed to something that is important to you, you set the intention to do something, make a plan and begin to take action.

You don’t worry about what everyone else thinks – if it is meant to be, and you will do everything within your power to make it happen. Look at Martin Luther King – the impossible dream is reality.

Turn your voices around to the positive, think of the possibilities, and make a choice to commit, and the world opens up. Instead of saying ‘I can’t do it’, say ‘I have the ability, the drive and the desire to do it, and I will make it happen’. ‘I can afford to work part-time while starting my business” becomes ” I am willing to give up some of the luxuries to realize my dream.’ or ‘I will commit 15 hours a week to building my business.’

What is your dream? Come online and share it with us – speak it out loud! And if you need someone to help you focus on and pursue that dream, as me about Passionate Life Coaching.

To Living Life With Purpose, On Purpose

Karen

Categories Career Tips, Passion, Personal Growth, Uncategorized
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