Kim Grabovsky

Hidden Gems Contest

Do you notice when unseemingly related things, or synchronicities, keep showing up in your life? It's as if you're supposed to learn a lesson. The definition of a synchronicity is an apparently meaningful coincidence in time of two or more similar or identical events that are casuallly unrelated. I'd like to share with you my synchronistic story with the hope of providing INSPIRATION.   

  

The other night I had dinner with the girls from an old Bible study group. Megan, one of the girls, was telling us about how she and her husband raked 2 years worth of leaves from their backyard which equated to 81 bags of leaves. Unbeknownst to them, their backyard was like a diamond in the rough. Beneath the thick stacks of layered dead leaves, they uncovered the most amazing backyard. Hidden in all the muck of packed rotted leaves lay 3 stone walkways, a cascading waterfall, and a creek all laiden with beautiful stones. That evening, Megan and Gene had dinner outside in their backyard and delighted in a wonder they didn't know they had, all along in their backyard. This begs the question, what is the gem in your life, right under your nose that, if uncovered, would give you great joy?

 

This morning I completed a Bible study on contentment. What a message for me! I admittedly am hardly ever content with things. Part of me really likes that about myself as it drives me and makes me want to work towards continuous improvement. I love to make things better. The flip side is that I find myself almost never satisfied as I am always longing for better with what I currently don't have.

 

The synchronistic message I've been getting is to rest in the contentment that God has already provided. The gems have been placed all around you and me. Contentment is not over there. It is not a destination. It's in the here and now. It's about appreciating what is already right in front of us that we may have been overlooking.

 

As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak Up the Sun, "it's not having what you want, it's wanting what you've got."

 

What do you have that you didn't know you had? Open your eyes. A famous French novelist, Marcel Proust, once said, "the real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes." The treasures are all around you and so obvious that they're easy to overlook. If you're having a hard time seeing them, ask a friend.

 

If you've ever watched little kids at an Easter Egg Hunt, it's very much like that. From the outside, we see that they're walking right past the Easter eggs and we wish we could point it out. The treasure is closer than you think.   What's the treasure in front of you? 

 

I Challenge You....

  

to give credit to 3 things, like the backyard, that seem like a nuisance right now but if unearthed, would give you great delight. And for the overachievers, for maximum joy and delight, I challenge you to find 10.

 

"Hidden Gems" CONTEST 

 

For the next 5 weeks, I'm having a "Hidden Gems" contest for the person who sends me the most inspirational example of a "great treasure" they have overlooked in their current life. This can be in the form of a story, a video, or any other medium you chose. I'll narrow it down to the top 3 and we'll take a vote and have a winner on November 18th. Results will be posted on my blog the week of Thanksgiving.

 

Rules:

 

1.  Email your story, picture, and/or video to kim@mycoachkim.com with the subject line "Hidden Gems Contest" by November 11th. 

 

2.  Submit as many "Hidden Gems" as you want. 

 

Prize:

  

The winner will receive 3 free career/life planning sessions.  

 

Purpose:

 

To encourage you to find your hidden treasures as well as inspire and encourage others to find theirs. To provide more ideas, inspiration, and encouragement to others, I will post on my website any stories that you are willing to share. No story is too great or too small.   Creativity, innovation, and a permission to fail are required.  Won't you join me in re-engaging with life?  Find the extraordinary in the ordinary. 

 

Happy Hunting :-)

 

Kim Grabovsky 

One of a Kind

I don't watch much tv but tonight as I was packing, I turned on X Factor.  I found the backdrop of the singing to be stunning and the music quite impressive and uplifting.  Anyway, I caught the tail end of Drew Ryniewicz only to catch Simon's reaction.   From what I could tell, she took his breath away.  Curious, I decided to look her up on youtube and found her audition video which I share below.

What I like about this is that she took Justin Bieber's song and made her own.  It just goes to show you how we are each uniquely made and beautiful just the way we are.  Whatever you do in life, make it your own.  No one else can do it better.  You're on the right track baby, you were born this way.

Enjoy!

 

Who Are You?

 

I attended a Christian marriage retreat a few months ago in which we identified our "hot" buttons.   In case your mind is in the gutter, let me clarify what I mean by "hot" buttons.  These are things that we are responsible for that can set us off into an emotional tailspin in my relationships if we don't properly manage them.  One of my buttons is when I feel my self-worth is being tested.  If I'm criticized for something or feel like I failed at something, I have a tendency to say to myself, "see, yet another example of you not being good enough."  What a lie!  It's as if I tied my self-worth to how well I execute or perform on things.  In reality, I am good enough because I am a child of God and Christ died on the cross for me.  My worth is based not on what I do or not do, but rather, who God is and the grace he has already given me.  Anyway, one of the ways they suggested at the retreat to combat the negative voices that pop into our heads, aka Satan's lies, is to memorize some of the following bible verses that counter them.  Give it a try! 

Psalm 139:13-14 ESV

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

Song of Solomon 4:7 ESV

You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Luke 12:7 ESV

Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.

 

Are You Having Fun Yet?

 

Do you ever get so caught up in the busyness of life that you forget to have fun?   While preparing for my first 'Toastmaster's' speech, I realized that I put one of my most fun activities on a shelf and left it there.   My first speech is an 'icebreaker,' one in which I tell the audience about myself.   As I put together my outline, my love of ballroom dancing, specifically waltz, came up.  What do I want to tell people about the waltz?  What do I LOVE about the waltz?  I could write a poem on it as I'm so in love with it. 

What do I LOVE about waltz? 

I love getting lost in the music.  When the conditions are just right, I'm in complete unison with my partner, the music, and the world.  It's as if I disappear completely and I imagine I'm flying through the clouds as the music plays.  I don't even know what I'm doing or where I'm going.  It's not a cognitive thing.  I don't have to do an ounce of thinking.  I'm just in flow.  My body just knows what to do.  It's the most wonderful feeling in the world!   I become one with everything and everyone around me that I don't even notice me.   My heart swells when I dance and it seems to envelop everything  around me.  It's pure ecstasy!   It's beyond FUN!   Anyway, I can't believe I forgot how fun it is that I'm setting a goal to make it a priority and get back into it right now! 

What do you do to have fun?  What makes your heart soar?  When will you start?

Are You Prepared?

 

Part of having a strong Personal Foundation for your life is being prepared for life events and having a legal plan.   I'm happy to report that I have one.  I recently met Robin Applelbaum, of Pre-paid Legal Services, and I highly recommend you give her a call at 770-380-0691  if you don't already have a legal plan.  For $36/ month on a no contract basis, you too can be covered. 

Below are 15 Reasons to get a Legal Plan:

15.  You don't have an up-to-date will.

14.  You get a speeding ticket.

13.  You are buying or selling your home.

12.  You adopt a child.

11.  Your car is damaged by a hit-and-run driver.

10.  You don't have a living will or medical power of attorney.

9.  You need a patent for an invention.

8. You need a copyright for your manuscript.

7.  A repairman chages more than a given estimate.

6.  You are scheduled to appear in small claims court.

5.  Your new house has bad plumbing and a leaky roof.

4.  You have a fender bender while driving a friend's car.

3.  A retail store won't accept the return of a defective merchandise.

2.  A repairman won't stand behind his work.

1.  You own a small business.

Eliminate Limiting Beliefs

 

This week I came across a powerful video that had a profound impact on my life.   You see I've been watching my internal dialog very closely and to my surprise I've been saying things to myself that have not been too supportive and loving.  I'd venture to guess you have the same negative self-talk going on in your mind too without being too conscious of it. 

The most common thought that goes through my mind when I don't get things 'just right' or when someone is disappointed by something I've done, is the thought, 'I'm just not good enough.'  I try so hard and it's never good enough.  At reading this, I laugh at my last comments because I can challenge it today.  I am good enough and all I can do it the best I can do and that's that.  No judgement.  I can do so much more now.  I can risk more and fear less. 

Here's a great video by Marty Lefkoe that helped me to eliminate this liming belief in my life.

3 common limiting beliefs Marty addresses:

1.  I'm not good enough.

2.  I'm not important.

3.  Mistakes and failure are bad.

Follow this link to the belief elimination process:  www.recreateyourlife.com/free

Who would you be without that thought?

New Ideas

 

Tonight I attended a 'Toastmasters' meeting and was quite enlightened.  What encouraged me to attend in the first place was a book I read called 'How I Raised Myself From Failure to Success in Selling' by Frank Bettger.  My coaching business is my passion but I must admit that I'm not passionate about selling it.  One of the chapters suggested joining a public speaking course to raise my self-confidence so 'Toastmasters' here I am. 

Let me preface this entry by saying I HATE and eschew public speaking.  I don't like attention, especially when I have the attention of many people.  I'm a one-on-one kind of girl.  So, why do I subject myself to such torture?  Because my reasons for attending far outweigh the negative emotions I feel when I think about public speaking.  My reasons are:

1.   I have a vision.  I have a lot to say.  I want to help people and I can't do that if I'm always hiding.

2.  I'm competitive.  I'm a fan of overcoming my fears and I couldn't let fear have one over me.

3.  I value deep connections.  When I improve my public speaking, I'll be able to connect with people on deeper level much more quickly and more powerfully. 

Tonight was fascinating!  The theme was 'Extraordinary People.'  And my hats off to them, I believe all the people in that room were extraordinary.  I LOVED this meeting!  It made me really think....in a good way.  I love thinking.  I got a lot of great new ideas! 

First, there's a 'word of the day.'  The word of the day was 'eschew.'  This means to keep clear of or abstain from, to avoid.  Fellow toastmasters can use the word of the day in their speech to improve their talk.  Looking for ways to use this word had my brain dancing.  I was impressed by how many people used this word. 

Next were some great quotes from Tonie Wellington, the Toastmaster, on extraordinary people.

These are keepers!

"Extraordinary people know that confidence comes from not always being right but from not fearing being wrong."  - I love this quote because I have this thing with trying to do things perfectly so this keeps me from trying new things sometimes.  I feel empowered when I think that I'm extraordinary by not fearing being wrong but by welcoming any learning. 

"Extraordinary people survive under the most terrible circumstances and they become more extraordinary because of it."

"Extraordinary people welcome feedback because they know that when you have the opportunity to be corrected, you have the opportunity to learn something new." 

After their great quotes, table topics were presented.  These are topics in line with the theme. You have a few minutes to give an impromtu speech about a given topic.   The three table topics were:

1.  Talk about an extraordinary person in history that has had the most impact on your life.

2.  Which entertainer has had the most influence in your life.

3.  Which family member has had the most influence over you.

These people had me thinking so hard!  How would I answer these questions?  I'm still thinking.

And that was just the beginning.  The speeches were incredible!  The most memorable was the cooking to entertain speech.   I remember him saying that the 3 ingredients to a good evening was good mood, good groove, and good food.   He really brought the story to life and made me so hungry after his speech.   He actually made public speaking look fun.  It could be very informative, engaging, and valuable.  It doesn't have to be a death sentence (my thoughts).  It could be light and airy like an artist masterfully dotting her canvas with paint playfully bringing to life a scene in Yosemite of the sheer cliffs of El Capitan with whispy clouds in the backdrop.

I could say more about the meeting but there would be so much to say.  My point in writing is to encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and get some bright new ideas.  Get out of your routine and try something different.  Get a change of perspective.  I am so glad I did!  I have been intellectually stimulated and challenged :-)  I'm playing a bigger game.

What will you do this week to expand your world and play a bigger game with your life? 

Taste and see the wonders of this world :-)  Thoughts?

Peace,

Kim

50 Ways to Make More Money!!!

 
 

Yesterday I had the good fortune of attending a business building seminar that my friend Monica McPherrin of www.onlinemarketingintro.com invited me to. This is one of the reason's why it's important to have the right people in your network;  They can help enhance your life by inviting to cool events.

We attended Fabienne Fredrickson's Client Attraction workshop.  You can find more information about her at www.clientattraction.com . In a nutshell, the workshop was about analyzing your limiting beliefs and changing your mindset. It's about taking a look at the excuses you have in your life and uncovering the deeply rooted beliefs that hold you back from really being your best. Once you identify them, you can then change your beliefs to empowering ones.

Fabienne said that one of the reasons why most people don't invest enough money into their personal growth and development is because we tell ourselves that we can't afford it. We can't pay $15,000 a year to join that high-end mastermind group. We don't have the $5,000 for that conference or retreat that could really could take our life to the next level. We don't have money for that coach to support us in becoming more of our authentic, pure, and powerful self. The truth is that we have way too many excuses for not having the things we truly want in our lives. And at the same token, if you really wanted something, you would find a way to get it.

The gem she gave us in overcoming these excuses, is the '50 Ways' exercise. If there's something that you want and you say you can't afford it, sit down in front of your computer or with pen and paper and write at the top '50 opportunities available to me right now to pay for ( _______ ).'  Now, brainstorm and make a list. What opportunities are right under your nose that have been there all along?  What's in your life that you have not been taking advantage of? Write down at least 50 things. And better yet, surpass that number. Don't stop at 15 or 32 or 49. Go until you get to at least 50. This opens your mind up to the possibilities and gets your creative juices flowing. For the purpose of yesterday's event, we were to make a list of '50 opportunities available to me right now to grow my business.' I personally did this exercise last night and found it to be quite encouraging that there are so many opportunities.

This exercise works for anything and everything. Your '50' exercise could be:

1.  50 ideal jobs I could be doing.

2.  50 ways to show my spouse I love them.

3.  50 dream destination spots.

4.  50 things that would make my life ideal.

5.  50 ways to make more money.

After you make your list, circle the top 6-9 items that will:

1.  Produce the greatest results in the shortest period of time.

2.  Take the least amount of effort.

3.  Have the greatest, positive, long-term impact.

Try it and let me know how it works out for you. You'll be glad you did :-) Happy Creating!!!

Ps. Don't forget to take immediate action on your top 3 and do it with a buddy while you're at it. Accountability and the fun of having someone alongside you, supporting you, goes a long way.

A Wedding Wish for Maricar and Stephen

 

Dearest Maricar and Stephen,

With pure hearts and open minds you embrace a new life together, one as husband and wife.  And what an adventure and a privilege it is!  It was described to us in a marriage retreat that marriage is like sailing a boat in that it will go into 3 seasons.  Much like sailing when you have a strong steady breeze pushing you along, you’ll have times in your marriage when things are going so smoothly.  Life together is a smooth as sailing off together into the sunset.  Life seems pretty effortless and rewarding.  Your relationships, careers, and lives will be great.   Enjoy what God has given you and be grateful for these times.  Then there will be times on your sailboat when you have no wind and you boat is at a standstill.  These are the times in your marriage when things seem so quiet in your lives that you don’t feel like you’re moving or making progress.  Your life together is comfortable, predictable, may even feel a little bit boring.  Be grateful for these times as God is providing you shelter.  Use this time wisely for reflection on your life and for preparation for the next stage in your life.  Enjoy what God has given you and be grateful for these times.  And finally there are times when a sailboat enters a storm.  When your marriage enters the unexpected turbulence of life, hold on to each other tightly.  Know your priorities and focus on that.   These are the times when your relationship will experience the most growth.  And after weathering a great storm together, you will have formed a new bond, much like another growth ring on a tree, another layer strengthening your story, another adventure together in your walk of life.  Enjoy what God has given you and be grateful for these times.  Be grateful in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  Maricar and Stephen, may God continue to bless your lives with love, laughter, friendships, and a rich depth that only the two of you can experience together.  Thank you for weaving us into your unfolding love story.  We are honored to celebrate a new chapter in your lives with you.  We love with ALL of our being and will cherish this enchanting time with you forever!  Congratulations on your new beginning as husband and wife! 

Love always,

Kim and Kostya

Tip on How to Reconnect with your Real Passion

Are you one of those people who doesn't state their preference very often with a group?  I'm a go with the flow kind of girl so generally I'm happy to accommodate others when making plans.  Even when going out to dinner I always like to ask others where they want to go.  I still want to continue to do that but the shift I'm consciously going to make this week will be to decide where I want to go and state my preference.  You see, anytime you say "I don't know, I don't care, or it doesn't matter to me," you're refusing to chose and you're settling for less than what you want.  When you refuse to chose, you're actually numbing out your awareness and your awareness is one of the most powerful things you have going for you.  Every time you chose, you've tapped into a deeper part of yourself and have become more clear about what it is that you want.   The more clear you are about your wants and desires in small things, the more clear you'll be about about your wants and desires in bigger matters.  This is the gateway for reconnecting with your real passion. 

Your take action challenge:

Decide on your preferences this week.  Know what your wants and desires are in all your situations this week.  Notice what you're drawn to.  Sharpen your awareness of yourself and have fun!

Quote of the Day: "I think the reward for conformity is that everyone likes you but yourself."- Rita Mae Brown

 

Gosh, it's taken me a long time to figure this out.   If you're a subconscious people pleaser like I was, this quote is sobering :-)  Today, I've learned to question my motives.   Why do I do what I do?  Doing something for someone else because you desire to, is very different from doing something for someone else because you want their approval.   It comes from a different source.  One comes from fear while the other one comes from love.  Notice your motivates.  Are doing things that are in integrity with you are?    If not, what needs to change?  Your thoughts, behaviors, or something else?

Are You Feeling Stuck?

 
 

Are you feeling stuck in your life right now?  It's as if you've hit a certain level in life and you can't move past that.  Have you tried calling a friend to get advice?  Chances are that you know someone who has been where you are now and can help you out.  Whether you've started a new business or are a new mom or started a new job, you probably know someone who has been where you are.  Are you leveraging the people around you? 

There's a story of a father who wants to teach his son a lesson.  He asks his son to dig out a stump in the back yard and he tells him that as soon as he's done, he can come in a join the rest of the family for pizza.  The son goes digging for about an hour before his father checks on him.  The father says, son why aren't you giving it your all?  The son says, I am.  I am trying really hard.  The father goes back in and after another 20 minutes he calls out to his son, Son why aren't you giving it all your strength, you're holding up the whole family?  The son says, I'm trying my hardest.  Finally the father lets him in on a little secret.  Son, he said, you haven't used all your strength.  You haven't asked anyone in the house for help. 

Who do you know around you who can help you out with your current challenge?  Are you using all your resources?  Part of your personal strength is ALL your people around you.  You'll get faster results when you ask for help.  Collaboration is key in the this world.

What are you going to ask for support with?  Who are are you going to ask?

One Step at a Time

 

One Step at Time by Jordan Sparks

Hurry up and wait
So close, but so far away
Everything that you've always dreamed of
Close enough for you to taste
But you just can't touch

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

We live and we learn to take
One step at a time
There's no need to rush
It's like learning to fly
Or falling in love
It's gonna happen when it's
Supposed to happen and we
Find the reasons why
One step at a time

You believe and you doubt
You're confused, you got it all figured out
Everything that you always wished for
Could be yours, should be yours, would be yours
If they only knew

You wanna show the world, but no one knows your name yet
Wonder when and where and how you're gonna make it
You know you can if you get the chance
In your face as the door keeps slamming
Now you're feeling more and more frustrated
And you're getting all kind of impatient waiting

When you can't wait any longer
But there's no end in sight
when you need to find the strength
It's your faith that makes you stronger
The only way you get there
Is one step at a time

Do You Have Your Financial Goals Written Down?

 

Do you have your financial goal written down?  I must admit it's been a while since I've actually set financial goals.  My focus for the last few years of my life has been around improving life, emotional well being, and coaching skills and now I'm ready again to set financial goals.

I actually just typed up my 1-month, 1-year, and 5-year financial goals for my business.  Do you have yours written down somewhere.  There's something very powerful about taking it from your head space and transferring somewhere concrete where you can see it. 

Below are a few tips I have on setting financial goals:

1.  Record your goal 

Write it down or record it somewhere.  Make sure that the numbers you record get you excited and give you energy.  Make it so that every time you look at it you want to take action on it.  Watch out if it's too low that it doesn't get you excited to take action or if it's too high that you don't even feel like going for it.  Play with some numbers and see how your body reacts to it.  Adjust the numbers until you feel really good about them.  Write out the desirable numbers that draw you forward in your life. 

2.  Chunk it down 

If you set an annual income goal you'd like to make, chunk it down to as small a step as possible.  For example, if you want to make 100k/year, figure out how much that is a month.  That is $8,333.33/month.  Now break that down into a weekly income.  That's $1,923.08/week.   Let's say you want to work 20 hours a week.  That is about $96.15/hour.  So to make it easy, if you want to work 20 hours a week and make 100k/year, your hourly rate will be about $100/hour.  The more granular, the better. 

3.  Design support structures and systems

What beliefs or resources will you need to have in order to reach your financial goals?  Do you believe it's possible or doubt yourself?  What skills will you need to upgrade to reach these goals?  What else do you need in your envirnoment to reach these goals?  What obstacles do you anticipate and what structures can you put in place to overcome them?  Who can support you?  Design your financial environment so that you have a wealth team.  Do you need a bookkeeper, CPA, insurance advisor, real estate advisor, or coach?  Take a look at the systems and people you have in place and ask if they are inspiring you or expiring you.  Put together the plan, people, and resources that will support you in living your ideal life. 

Obstacles to Taking Action

 

Does anyone else out there have in common with me the challenge of taking action sometimes?  I just got out of a class covering this topic and I wanted to take "action" right away by writing about it to integrate my learning.  I hope it provides you with value as well.

Here's the crux of it:

People are more likely to act their way into thinking than think their way into acting.  For this reason, let your action change your thinking.

What a wake-up call!  I am such a thinker.  I think about thinking.  I spend a lot of time thinking about changing my thinking so that I can motivated to take action.   Paralysis by analysis is what I think it's called.   I often find myself trying to talk myself into doing things I think I should want to do but don't.   Once I was so frustrated with my procrastination that I researched articles on why people procrastinate and then I went out and bought a few books on it to help me understand this procrastination monster even better just so I could stop procrastinating and get into action.   It's silly now that I read what I just typed. 

Well, I am turning over a new leaf.   I will set my intentions on taking action first and let the thinking and feeling follow later.  It seems so much more productive than my current modus operandi.  It's just like what Stephen Covey says in The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.  He says that "love" is a verb.  You can't sit around and wait until you feel love for someone to act on love.  He says to take action to show love even though you don't feel loving because the feelings and thoughts follow the actions.  Genuis! 

So, here is a list of obstacles that keep people from taking action:

1.  Procrastination

2.  Perfectionism

3.   Lack of confidence

4.  Analysis paralysis

5.  Not motivated

6.  Not committed

7.  Poor priorities

8.  Unorganized

9.  Overwhelmed

10.  Fear

There's so many more but this is a good start. 

Here's a 3 step process that will get you into action:

1.  Take your current situation and identify the obstacle to the action.  

2.  Ask what action do I have to take to change that thinking?

3.  Act on it. 

For me I procrastinate getting organized sometimes.  What action do I have to take to change my thinking?  Just do it!  Organize without the drama of my thoughts trying to talk me out of it.  I'll have to put my brain on pause and let my body take the action.   That's it!  Sounds so easy!  I'm doing it!  Let me know how it works for you.