Part Two: Lessons from a Champion

I promised a note about what I learned frm a former client who recently completed an extreme hike. This is a woman who is incredibly fit and competes in Iron Man competitions, but had a lot of personal struggle and anger issues she needed to work through. After completing her extreme hike, she emailed me with some insights on what she learned in the process of pushing her body to the limits over a 12 hour period.

Here's what she sent me...

• everyone has highs and lows, emotional and physical. That goes for whether it is an extreme thing or just ordinary life.
• a group of people are stronger than the one singular and they can accomplish so much more together-working together towards a common goal provides a lifelong bond that can never be broken and is never forgotten
• a foundation of respect for teammates comes from witnessing conviction and effort contributed
• self respect, confidence and pride comes from completion of a goal-internal strength to tackle other obstactles in life comes from overcoming an momumental task seemingly unattainable
• trust and faith in others and hope in the world comes from knowing other good people exist

How's that for making giant leaps?

Are you ready to make your own giant leap? Visit my website at http://www.angersolution.com and click on the link for Coaching.

Cheers!

Julie Christiansen

Anger Solutions(TM) Creates Lasting Change!

If there's one thing we can count on... things are going to change!
I met with an old client of mine for coffee and a 2 year follow up the other day. It was, I have to say, one of the best things that has happened this year. We began the Anger Solutions(TM) Coaching program 2 years ago, and I recall him making strides in both his awareness, and his choices.

When we started, he was unemployed, estranged from his wife, on probation, and just getting out of detox for his alcohol and drug use. By the end of our 15 week coaching program, he had secured full time work, was re-establishing connections with his wife, working towards marital reconciliation, and staying clean and out of trouble.

Two years later, his long-term outcomes are astounding! Having fully reconciled with his wife and enjoying another addition to his young family, he is settled and gainfully employed. Of all the things he told me, I find this the most amazing. He said, "Since I was 12 years old, this is the first and longest time in my life that I have not been either in jail, on bail, or on parole." He went on to say that he is convinced that had he not completed the Anger Solutions(TM) program, he would not be experiencing the success and the peace he currently enjoys in his life today.

There is no greater testament to the power of the Anger Solutions(TM) than that! I count it an infinite blessing to be able to share this program with people who need it. Stories like the one above just go to show, that if you have the will and the way - you can produce drastic, lasting change in your life!

Want to find out how you can make the same kind of drastic, lasting, positive change in less than sixteen weeks? Contact me through this blog or visit my website, http://www.angersolution.com and click on the link for Coaching.

Thought for today: "Two men look out the same prison bars; one sees mud and the other stars." Frederick Langbridge

Learning from a Champion

For the last few months I have been volunteering as the Communications Chair for one of St. Catharines' mayoral candidates, Marilyn Bodogh (www.marilynbodogh.com). You might recognize the name - she is a two time Olympic curling champion and respected broadcaster for curling competitions. Marilyn has an indomitable spirit, and mounds of energy, which she called upon in spades for this mayoral race. With 8 candidates running, Marilyn started out in front, announcing her intent to run, opening her campaign office, assembling a terrific team, and knocking on over 15,000 doors.

A woman that is that motivated and driven is hard to keep up with, especially when she gets off to a running start. Although she did not ultimately win this race, she certainly woke up our city, and made it think twice about what it really wanted in terms of leadership. On election night, as we celebrated a race well-run, Marilyn remained the image of grace and strength as she hugged and thanked supporters, danced with gusto, and graciously expressed her gratitude to her campaign team.

What I've learned from Marilyn:

1. When I first met Marilyn she shared a quote with me that she learned from Lara Sabian - "Well-behaved women never made history." Was she saying that you've gotta be BAD if you want to make an impact on history? No - she was saying, push the limits - never accept defeat - set your sights on your goal, then never look back.
2. Once Marilyn decided to run for mayor, that is exactly what she did. I learned that although the tortoise may win the race (with a bit of luck) - sticking to the plan and going full steam ahead with the support of a knowledgeable team will get you to your goals much sooner.
3. Speaking of team - Marilyn amassed a spectacular team of highly skilled individuals with their own particular gift. This left her free to do what she does best - to market her message and to get out there where the people are. So - again, I have learned that rather than trying to do everything yourself, pull together a team of experts that you can trust, and rely on them to do what they do best, so you can do what you do best.
4. Last of all (for this blog anyway), I've learned that defeat is a matter of perspective, and it is never the end.

I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity to work with such a terrific group of people, and for all that I have learned through the experience. In my next blog, I have more learning experiences to share - this time from one of my clients who recently completed a 24 hour extreme hiking expedition. Talk about inspiration! Stay tuned!

Julie Christiansen