This Is For All the Overachievers!

Time to read: A reasonable, not-overachieving one minute and thirty-six seconds

(No photo this week because I'm not overachieving today!)

Hi, my name is Christina, and I'm an overachiever. It's been 2 months since my last overachievement, and it's been going ok. Well, if I'm honest I've been jonesing for another overachievement and fighting the weak parts of myself to not fall off the wagon into overwork and stress.

It's nice to meet you. Can you relate?

Over-acheiving is an addiction because your brain gets a delicious hit of dopamine every time you check one more to-do off the list. Ahhh…..so good.

So, in the absence of over-working, I've been uncomfortable. I don't mean the pillow-on-the-couch-is-squished-in-a-weird-way uncomfortable. I mean a deep down in my gut uncomfortable. I feel antsy and discombobulated. I have more than enough work right now, and I'm learning a ton about myself and my emotions in an advanced coach training course. There's a lot going on at home, too, so it's not like I'm sitting around eating bonbons and watching Oprah all day (and, hey, no judgment if you eat bonbons and watch Oprah). My plate is full, and I'm uncomfortable because it is not over-full, and I'm not ploughing ahead on a big project.

If you are a chronic overachiever and cycle through burnout and exhaustion, here are some thoughts:

1. The messages around you state that more is always better. Bigger portions. More with less. Faster results. Higher salaries. More responsibility. You find yourself on a constant hamster wheel in pursuit of "more." I'll tell you this, it will never be enough. There is no "ahhh…I made it" at the end of that game.
2. Notice if you use work to avoid discomfort. A friend of mine once observed, "Christina, you work to manage your anxiety." You may be using work to numb uncomfortable feelings (like fear, doubt, or uncertainty).
3. Notice how your sense of self-worth and value is wrapped up in what you produce. Overachieving has made me successful. It got me a PhD, corporate promotions and a successful coaching business. And each time, there has been a price to pay to my relationships, wellbeing, and happiness. The price isn't worth it anymore (and probably never was), and I'm determined to learn how to be successful without the overworking.
4. See what it happens when you give yourself permission to stop overachieving and just be with the discomfort, even if it's only for 2 seconds. Start small and work up from there. I have a feeling the secret to peace, flow, and ease is weirdly in the discomfort.
5. Ask yourself, "for the sake of what?" What's the purpose behind the achievement? Is it joy and learning or is it the outcome and recognition? Align your work to your values and align your daily choices to what you want for your entire life, including family, self-care, hobbies, and relationships.

I don't have the answer to this one yet as I'm on this journey with you. When I figure it out, I'll let you know.

For now, you are enough. You have enough. You're doing enough.

More soon!

Christina

P.S. Think of 2-3 friends who need to hear the message that they are enough and are doing enough. Send them this newsletter with your love and this link so they can sign up to hear more!

Want to Achieve the Impossible (Or At Least the Very Unlikely)?

When we were in Kenya in December, my daughter had the privilege and pleasure to interview the internationally renowned conservationist and paleontologist, Dr. Richard Leakey. (If you've never heard of him, just google his name, and you'll discover this larger-than-life man who's had a larger-than-life career doing, among many things, saving the African elephant. Angelina Jolie is making a movie about him. Nuff said.)

In a few more sentences you are going to discover how to make the very unlikely, much more likely.

I grew up as the daughter of anthropologists so Dr. Leakey was a household name. When my daughter decided she wanted to research Kenyan elephant conservation for her History Day project, I immediately thought, "I wonder if she could meet Richard Leakey?"

Immediately followed by: "That's impossible." And, all the reasons it was impossible - we don't know where he lives, or how to contact him, or if he's too busy and too famous, or if he would even respond to a request from a 14-year-old girl.

So, my girl and I did the one thing that will also help you turn the impossible into the possible.

We asked.

With the power of the googles, I found an email address, my daughter crafted a request, and we sent it. Within 12 hours she had a yes, and we were working out the details to meet at his office in Nairobi.

People ask us, "How did you get to meet Richard Leakey? That's amazing!" They expect that we had some inside track or some prior relationship or personal connection.

Nope. We simply asked.

So, if you want an audience with the CEO of your company or you have your eye on a project you're dying to do or you want to be part of a meeting or to join a group, stop waiting for permission or for someone to invite you. Just ask.

The truth is, we had no expectation that we'd even hear back. (Being unattached to the outcome is also an important part of making the impossible, possible.)

At the conclusion of the interview when my girl was thanking him, Dr. Leakey said in his charming British accent, "I don't do it very often, but I thought you put in a particularly nice request. So I said yes."

So, get out there and put in your particularly nice request. It's a crucial step toward getting the yeses you want.

Then write to me and tell me how you turned the impossible into the possible for yourself!

Warmly,

Christina

I'm so over stress and overwork. Are you?

I've written and talked a lot about the ugly experience of burning out in my corporate job, recovering, and building myself up from the inside out. I've talked about how I've repeated the dynamic of burnout even as I run my own business with all the freedom to do things the way I want (ugh).

I keep being reminded, "Wherever you go, there you are."

Can you relate? Do you wish you could finally make changes so you're not repeating the same pattern again and again? I am committed to ending this pattern of overwork, stress and burnout this year. I'm so done with it.

I bet you are, too. So was a woman named, Mary (names changed to protect the innocent). Here's a real client story. I hear you love those.

Ready? See where you see yourself in this story.

Over the years as the chair of various boards, Mary was a natural leader, often turning chaos into calm. While she delivered more than what was expected, even when expectations were high, she often felt like a fraud. The dissonance between how others saw her, and how she felt internally, bothered her.

Mary had just left a position as a president of a non-profit, and was craving balance between her own needs and that of her family, which consisted of three children and a husband with a demanding job. She often felt guilty, assuming that if something went wrong, it was her fault. In both her professional and personal life, Mary gave her all to others, at the cost of herself. Because she didn't know how to "fill her well," she was exhausted. Mary felt like a victim of her circumstances. She had been in therapy--a lot. It had helped, especially in dealing with past trauma, but she still had trouble setting boundaries. Mary was afraid of her own power. She thought that if she asked for what she really wanted, she would get shut down.

Does any of this sound familiar?

Faced with being an empty-nester, in a marriage that suffered from deferred maintenance, and holding onto friendships that were based on convenience rather than shared values, Mary struggled to find her place in the world. That's when she heard the call to see beyond the roles she played with others, to something more real. She wanted more joy and play in her life. She wanted to stop apologizing for being herself and own her choices.

So, she made the decision to enroll in the Live Your Great Story program. (I'm going to pause here. This is the point when I usually delete an email. Yes. This program exists. Yes, I'm assisting it. And yes, it is available to you if you're interested. And, this story and the webinar I'm inviting you to has value whether you are interested in a program or not. So, keep reading. OK?)

Over the course of four months, Mary noticed big and small improvements. She began to recognize and feel more of her emotions. She started to feel more connected to her own values and what she wanted. She gave herself permission to trust herself. She created more authentic connections to the people she loved.

Today, Mary makes better decisions, puts her energy toward the people and activities that bring her joy, and has the confidence to show up as who she is. She has created intimacy and authenticity in her relationships, including with her children. She took on another important non-profit board role, no longer feeling like an imposter. Mary now owns who she is, feels more in charge of her life, and has created a presence that others notice.

Are you intrigued? Even a little bit? If you are, join me and Corporate Rebel favorite, Carol Ross for a webinar THIS FRIDAY February 2nd at noon Central Time. It's free and open to everyone. To join, simply click here.

As a coach, I'm starting to see how Great Story Coaching has helped me and people like you to resolve the patterns that have gotten in our way for years. Like I said above, I'm so over stress and overwork. I'm ready to embrace my business and life with ease and certainty. Are you?

Join me and Carol on Friday. Can't wait to see you there. Join here.

Christina

Do You Get In Your Own Way?

Over my 7 years of coaching, I've heard time and again from people who see that the #1 thing that holds them back from getting what they want is themselves. Their thinking, fears, and unconscious reactions are the things that stop them from taking that next step or breaking out of an old and tired pattern.

Do any of these stories sound familiar to you?

• You are unhappy in your current job or perhaps your current profession, and are willing to "tough it out" for fear that you'll never find the same security someplace else.
• You're a talented professional who keeps seeking a new job in the hopes that things will finally be different only to get there and find it's the same. (Or my favorite version of this: Keep overworking in the hope that you will finally "get there" only to find that the line to success keeps moving, and there's always more to do.)
• You want to take that next step in your career and stories of past failures or fear stop you from taking action.

In all my years of working with clients, I've seen that making an emotional shift is what creates lasting change. Change comes from releasing the anger, frustration or sadness and learning to use those emotions to unlock the mysteries to long-standing habits that do not serve you. We all have these habits, and we let them hold us back.

You have them. I have them.

I've been exploring my ingrained habits and beliefs since the fall. I have been enrolled in an advanced coaching training to develop my toolbox to include strategies to help you break free of unhelpful patterns of thought, feeling and behavior. Wouldn't you love to put work and life on your terms and to feel like the driver of your life?

You can!

You can get started with a live webinar at noon CT on Friday, February 2nd.

Carol Ross, a dear friend of mine, and a popular guest in many Corporate Rebel events, is presenting Live Your Great Story in 2018!

In this free 60-minute webinar, you will learn:

1. The three stories (Victim, Overcoming, and Great) that you live--and how these stories can either lift you up or take you down.
2. A tool for understanding which story you--and others--are living, at any moment. This tool will help you put work and life on your terms by letting you choose the experience you want to have.
3. The breadcrumbs to find your way back to what you want, no matter what your current circumstances.

This webinar is free and open to everyone. All you have to do is register right here.

The Live Your Great Story in 2018 webinar will start you on the path to create what you want.

I'll see you there!

Christina

Happy New Year! Insights from Kenya.

Hello Rebels!

Happy New Year!

I hope your holiday was restful with time for reflection, good food, and the things that are important to you. I thought of you a lot during the time I was gone. Did you enjoy the Unplugged interviews? They'll keep coming once a month from now on. Some great folks are on deck. Stay tuned.

I've been trying to think of what to say after the profound reset that international travel inspires in me. To keep things simple for today, I'll boil it down to three insights:

1. Time away is crucial. Your daily life and work takes so much of your mental space and energy which can leave you feeling like your stress and manic productivity are "normal." When you give yourself time off, you reconnect to your creativity, your bigger purpose, and your sense of belonging in this world beyond just what you do for work.


2. Your life is on a path. I have a deep connection to a little island off the coast of Kenya to friends I've known since I was 9-years-old. Looking back with the hindsight of 40 years, I can see how our connections have profoundly affected all of us and how our connection continues to make an impact in the next generation. I don't understand why all of this has happened and after 40 years, I trust the journey. That leads me to believe that you can trust the journey you are on, no matter what it is or how you feel about it today. You are exactly where you belong. You can trust that.


3. Nothing matters. Wow. That sounds harsh. Let me explain. Most of what you and I worry about doesn't matter. It's wasted energy. Instead, put that energy where it does matter. Into showing up. Into your relationships at work and at home. Into the impact you want to have in this life. You get one go around. Have fun and make it a good one.

Tom Petty said, "Most of what I worried about never happened anyway." Another reason not to bother with the worry.

I'm not a believer in new year's resolutions (they are a set up for failure), and I'm working on the intentions and themes for what I want to create in 2018 much of which will be inspired by my family's profound journey to Kenya.

What is your intention and theme for what you want to create in 2018? Hit reply to this email and tell me all about it.

I'm excited to be back with you all! Here's to a great rebel-y year!

Christina

Do you love the Unplugged Newsletter and Video Podcast? You can share it! Forward this link (http://unplugged.thecorporaterebelseries.com/) to your friends and colleagues so they can subscribe.

What Do Rebels Wear at Work?

Happy New Year, Corporate Rebels!

You’re going to notice something different today. I’ve invited my dear friend, Nancy Dilts, to write today’s newsletter.

Nancy is a style consultant. She and I have had many lively conversations about clothes, body image, and feeling your best in YOUR body and YOUR style. It occurred to me that she has a thing or two to say about style for rebels. So, I invited her to share her wisdom with you. What you are about to read will liberate your sense of fashion and connect you to what makes you feel good so you feel more confident at the office. You are no longer limited to tan pants, straight hair, and button shirts (unless you love them).

Please give a big Corporate Rebel welcome to Nancy!

Talk to you next week.

Christina

Happy 2018!

It's a new year – time for fresh starts, embracing goals, and being who you want to be.

So, what are you wearing? Not the red carpet question, "Who are you wearing?" (eye roll), but what are you wearing? Because, get this – fresh starts, goals, and you being you are affected by your clothes.

For all genders alike, the clothing you wear is a significant factor in how you feel about your physical self. And it both reflects and impacts your emotional wellbeing. Psychologists call this "enclothed cognition." Another more informal term is "ensemble empowerment." Corporate rebels could call it "rockin' my rebel."

The bottom line is this: what you wear affects how you feel. It can change your mood, determine your level of confidence, and impact how successful you feel. It can alter, positively and negatively, your body image and your feelings of self-worth.

Wearing clothes that suit you – meaning they fit your body well (no matter your body type) and reflect who you are in your life right now – feels good. They help you to feel authentic and confident about your appearance, and that confidence shows. It sends a message to you (and, bonus, to others as well) that you care about yourself – that you are being intentional in showing up in the world as your best, true self.

I know firsthand that when I don't dress intentionally for the day, I feel worse. I feel less confident, I'm less productive, I have less energy. Dressing intentionally, even when it's very casual, changes my whole outlook on the day and on myself.

(Source: Deviant Art)

Rockin' Your Rebel

As a wardrobe consultant who specializes in practicing sustainable consumerism, I know a thing or two about being a rebel in my field. Not many wardrobe and image consultants are thinking about environmental and human rights impacts in their practices. A large part of my work with clients is to help them embrace their personal style sustainably, using three strategies:

1. Making your existing wardrobe as functional as possible

2. Shopping new-to-you (second-hand)

3. Shopping ethically when purchasing new clothing

Practicing sustainable consumerism is also a great way to explore "rockin' your rebel" at work – you can find high quality new-to-you items at consignment stores that express your personal style, and experiment with new styles, without breaking the bank.

Depending on your work environment, there are certain codes, levels, and rules – spoken and unspoken – for dressing. When those parameters don't mesh with your authentic self, or you are unsure of how to meet them, that can impact your interpersonal relationships, confidence levels and productivity, ultimately influencing your performance and satisfaction at work. Who knew an item of clothing could do all that?

Think about it – clothing is a large part of the first impressions, and ongoing impressions, we have of the people around us. This is exaggerated in the workplace. It's important to find the balance in dressing appropriately for your work context and not feeling like a faceless cog in the machine.

I talk a lot with my clients about dressing intentionally. Thinking about what you are wearing instead of grabbing the first available item that you've worn 10 times already this month can transform how you feel. Dressing intentionally also allows you to express your personal style.

If you are thinking about what you are wearing, you can select that gorgeous sparkly necklace you love and feature it with the neckline of your top – or – pair the amazing new mechanical watch you received at the holidays with a purple pocket square in your sport coat pocket.

Ask yourself the following questions the next time you dress for work:

Did I think about what I'm wearing today, or just throw it on? Taking a moment to consider how your clothing makes you feel, and responding accordingly, can transform your day.

Will I be taken seriously? Dressing intentionally with both professionalism and authenticity in mind makes all the difference in how you are perceived. Authenticity not only helps you feel like yourself, but also makes you feel real to others.

Am I appropriate for the context of my day? Think about the "who, what, and where" of your day and dress accordingly. A day with the boss or a client is much different than a day at your desk.

And most importantly: What does my clothing say about ME? This is where personal style comes in. It's important that you feel like your clothes reflect your authentic awesome self, whatever that might be. Accessories, color, patterns, textures, and statement pieces can all do that for you.

How will you dress for work tomorrow? Have fun expressing your personal style!

Cheers,
Nancy

P.S. Want to know more about how to rock your rebel at work? Sign up for my free bimonthly e-newsletter NDWC updates and receive the FREE download created just for Corporate Rebel followers – Rockin' Your Rebel: Personal Style in the Workplace for tips on how to feel both authentic and professional in your workwear. Sign me up here!

Nancy Dilts, founder of Nancy Dilts Wardrobe Consulting, brings her passions – personal style, positive body image, and the environment – together to help her clients feel great about how they look, using an economically and environmentally sustainable approach. Nancy has an MA in Environmental and Resource Policy and, before launching NDWC, spent close to 20 years working in the field of environmental education and outreach raising awareness about environmental issues and teaching about how our behaviors impact the environment. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, with her husband, daughter, and dog, and is certain she will one day find a way to incorporate her other passion – chocolate – into her business model.

Contact Nancy to book a Wardrobe Consult, Personal Shopping session, or service package.

Hungry to play a more strategic role at work?

Read time: 1:56.87 minutes

I coach MBAs in career planning and leadership development at the University of Minnesota. If you are an MBA or one of your friends is one, you know they are determined to advance their careers as fast as possible. When I worked in Human Resources for a major medical device manufacturer, MBAs would come into my office on a somewhat regular basis and say something to this effect:

“I’ve been here for 6 months. How come I haven't been promoted to vice-president?”

Now, you don’t have to be an MBA to crave a role where you get to set strategic vision, manage a large team, and be included in the exciting and confidential things that happen in those rooms with big conference tables. You don't even have to want to be a people manager to want to play a strategic part in your company.

The question is how do you prepare yourself for a higher-level strategic role?How do you make sure you are the one who is considered for the next promotion? How do you plan your career so you end up where you want to be, no matter the level?

The truth: patience is key.

Also key: visibility, your relationships, seeking new challenges, demonstrating your growth mindset, and finding a mentor.

Here's what I mean:

1. Visibility: Toot your own horn. I know, it feels vain to do so. And you must. No one is paying attention to your accomplishments like you are. Make sure those with the ability to influence your career know what you can do.
2. Relationships: Most opportunities come through relationships, from people who know, trust, and respect you. Make sure lots of people know, trust and respect you by growing and maintaining your network.
3. Seek new challenges: Keep your eyes open for ways to get involved in the hot strategic initiatives for your company. (This is also good for your relationships.)
4. Growth mindset: Be someone who supports change and progress. Never let the words, "that's the way we've always done it," fall from your lips. (I mean this so seriously that I've said it for 2 weeks in a row!)
5. Find a mentor: Work with someone who has a broad perspective, who values what you value, and who is a few steps ahead of you on the career path.

These 5 steps will have you on the path toward strategic influence in your job whether you are a business analyst or a vice-president.

Good luck!

Warmly,

Christina

P.S. Will you do me a favor and share The Corporate Rebel Unplugged Video Podcast and newsletter with your friends and colleagues? Just forward this link (http://unplugged.thecorporaterebelseries.com) to them. I can't wait for you to see the first interview on November 30th! (You don't need to sign up. It will come as part of your regular subscription to my newsletter. Bonus!)