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		<title>Life in Perspective</title>
		<link>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/life-in-perspective/</link>
		<comments>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/life-in-perspective/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:46:13 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Options]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[perspective]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[putting up with]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/?p=867</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
		At times we find ourselves feeling like we&#8217;re caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place in life. Things aren&#8217;t going the way we want, and there doesn&#8217;t seem to be any escape. We&#8217;re putting up with stuff we know we shouldn&#8217;t, but we do anyway. We convince ourselves that it isn&#8217;t that bad [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/life-in-perspective" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="122" src="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/aerial-view-of-city.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ;" width="183" /></a></div>
<div class="blog_body">
	<div class="blog_body">
		<p>At times we find ourselves feeling like we&rsquo;re caught between the proverbial rock and a hard place in life. Things aren&rsquo;t going the way we want, and there doesn&rsquo;t seem to be any escape. We&rsquo;re putting up with stuff we know we shouldn&rsquo;t, but we do anyway. We convince ourselves that it isn&rsquo;t that bad and that we just have to stick it out until the end of the day or month, until we meet the right guy, our next vacation, our boss sees value in us or we find a new job, etc. If you find the voice in your head is saying any of these kinds of things, that&rsquo;s a bad sign and you need to get out now.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2010%2F01%2Flife-in-perspective%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2010%2F01%2Flife-in-perspective%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div></p>
		<p><span id="more-867"></span></p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>These things are hindering your happiness, success and quality of life. I know we&rsquo;re taught by society to believe that life is tough and others always have it tougher so we can surely put up with a little and shouldn&rsquo;t complain, but we don&rsquo;t have to put up with something that is mentally and/or physically hurting us. Life will still be tough enough and full of hard work when you&rsquo;re doing things you truly enjoy, so don&rsquo;t burn yourself out on someone else&rsquo;s crap.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>So why don&rsquo;t most of us stop? It comes down to the fact that we&rsquo;re simply afraid of the consequences of stepping up and changing our situation, or worse yet, we don&rsquo;t know what we would do as an alternative so we just settle with what we&rsquo;ve got. All of the frustration, uncertainty and pain from these situations come from us having a feeling of being trapped, overwhelmed and fearful of any actions we could take to correct the situation. Like a mime in a box we&rsquo;re trapped, but the box only exists in our mind. So why is it so difficult for us to break free of the imaginary box? What has happened is we&rsquo;ve become so focused and attached to the problem that our brain either doesn&rsquo;t see any solutions or the solutions we do see seem too difficult to act upon.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>Let&rsquo;s step back to a 30,000-foot view as apposed to viewing our lives through our traditionally used microscopic lens for a minute and put these things into perspective by looking at their consequences on a 1 to 10 scale. 1 being it would make no difference to anything at all and 10 being it would result in catastrophic death and destruction. Right now I bet you believe that there are things occurring in your life that would rank at an 8, 9 or even 10. You&rsquo;re probably right, but that&rsquo;s because when you&rsquo;re looking at them under a microscope, all the little things appear big and scary. The reason they seem this way is <em>perspective</em>. It can be tough to gain some perspective on our own life while living it day to day, but there are always ways to create options so you don&rsquo;t get caught up in the microscopic view of life. Options are what give us hope and allow us to be free and act in our best interest.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>Let&rsquo;s create some options. Pull out a piece of paper and make a list of all the things you&rsquo;re currently putting up with. Next to each item list the course of action you desire to take most. Then, next to that column, list the absolute worst-case scenario that could occur if you took that action. Then go a step further and list out all the things you could do to recover if that worst-case scenario actually happened. Now assign it a new number on the consequences scale. I bet all of the 8&rsquo;s, 9&rsquo;s and 10&rsquo;s look more like 3&rsquo;s, 4&rsquo;s and 5&rsquo;s.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>Here&rsquo;s an example:</p>
		<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
			<tbody>
				<tr>
					<td valign="top" width="111">
						<p><strong>Currently Putting up With</strong></p>
					</td>
					<td valign="top" width="111">
						<p><strong>Action I Want to Take</strong></p>
					</td>
					<td valign="top" width="111">
						<p><strong>Worst-Case Scenario</strong></p>
					</td>
					<td valign="top" width="111">
						<p><strong>Options to Recover</strong></p>
					</td>
				</tr>
				<tr>
					<td valign="top" width="111">
						<p>I am currently putting up with a job I hate because, my boss doesn&rsquo;t respect me, my ideas or my effort. I constantly get blamed for all the things that go wrong and feel like a kicking post for my department.</p>
						<p>&nbsp;</p>
					</td>
					<td valign="top" width="111">
						<p>I want to quit.</p>
						<p>&nbsp;</p>
					</td>
					<td valign="top" width="111">
						<p>The worst-case scenario is I get fired, because of some random thing and end up unprepared and unemployed.</p>
						<p>&nbsp;</p>
					</td>
					<td valign="top" width="111">
						<p>If faced with this reality I could claim Employment Insurance and be able to cover my rent and some food. I would have to dip into my savings for a few months and might take a job as a bartender on weekends. My parents could help me with a few bucks and I would keep looking for new work that I enjoy much more.</p>
						<p>&nbsp;</p>
					</td>
				</tr>
			</tbody>
		</table>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>Now that you can see life from a more clear macro perspective with a list of solid options for the things you&rsquo;re currently putting up with, they start to seem ridiculous that you ever put up with them. So stop it!&nbsp; You now know the worst that could happen and have a plan for it. You don&rsquo;t have to fully stop today, but you do need to start taking action today that will allow you to fully stop in the immediate future.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>James</p>
	</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/life-in-perspective/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Big Thinking</title>
		<link>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/big-thinking/</link>
		<comments>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/big-thinking/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:58:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ideas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[thinking]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/?p=878</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
	
		Are you tired of seeing and hearing about people who are doing extraordinary things while you continue to sit at the same desk answering the same questions and going home to watch the same televisions shows? They&#8217;re the ones with all the amazing stories; full of life where everything seems to be awesome. Meanwhile, you [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/big-thinking" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="178" src="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/think-big.jpg" style="border: 0pt none ;" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="blog_body">
	<div class="blog_body">
		<p>Are you tired of seeing and hearing about people who are doing extraordinary things while you continue to sit at the same desk answering the same questions and going home to watch the same televisions shows? They&rsquo;re the ones with all the amazing stories; full of life where everything seems to be awesome. Meanwhile, you get more bitter, frustrated and cynical. What you need is a shot of big thinking. Big thinking is exactly what that &#8211; big thoughts or ideas, that seem outrageous and crazy. They&rsquo;re the type of ideas that you currently preclude with the words, &lsquo;if only&rsquo;. Those two words have to be the saddest words in the English language when combined together, so lets never use them again.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2010%2F01%2Fbig-thinking%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2010%2F01%2Fbig-thinking%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div></p>
		<p><span id="more-878"></span></p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>Right now your thinking is small or medium at best. The thoughts are mostly about how to get out of your current situation, how you just need one thing to make it all better and it&rsquo;s not even a big thing. Yet you don&rsquo;t seem to take the action because it&rsquo;s too much work or so minor that you&rsquo;ll get to it later, or you don&rsquo;t believe it will actually help. Then there&rsquo;s the daydreaming, those thoughts that swirl around your head as you sit at your desk counting down the minutes until you go home. This isn&rsquo;t the existence you were dreaming of as a young kid, but hope, much like your teen acne has mostly faded.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>Lets bring the hope rushing back with some big thinking. Since the small and medium things seem tough to do, let&rsquo;s jump right to the big things and do them first. You might think that&rsquo;s crazy, but as humans we are more likely to do things, which we deem to have low negative and immediate consequences. And because these big thoughts seem so outrageous we are not as attached to their outcome, and thus more likely to do them. For instance, a big thought would be to get an interview with your favorite author or celebrity, getting hired as a back up dancer for Lady Gaga or exhibiting your photographs in New York.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>Make a list of your most outrageous desires, things that you have no idea how to make occur, stuff you are so afraid to do that you actually aren&rsquo;t scared because you don&rsquo;t think it will ever happen. This list must be authentic to you and won&rsquo;t work if it&rsquo;s just silly stuff. Take the list and pick the 3<sup>rd</sup> one and do it right now. Start making some calls, search Google and send some emails. If you&rsquo;re honest and authentic in your queries you&rsquo;ll be surprised at the results. If nothing occurs no harm no foul, simply take the 1<sup>st</sup> one your list next week and do the same thing.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>What will happen is you&rsquo;ll get more progress on these big thoughts than you do on your small and medium ones and the momentum and exhilaration you experience while working on hitting grand slams will make the singles and doubles easier to achieve. Big thinking will open your world to more possibilities, in doing so improve the quality of your life.</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
		<p>&nbsp;</p>
		<p>James</p>
	</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/big-thinking/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>77</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>I&#8217;m Sorry vs. I Apologize</title>
		<link>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/im-sorry-vs-i-apologize/</link>
		<comments>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/im-sorry-vs-i-apologize/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:52:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[apologize]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[forgiveness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sorry]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/?p=859</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Saying, ‘I apologize’ is not the same as saying, ‘I’m sorry’, but yet it has become the new standard. It’s one more thing in a long list of things in our cultures shift to a diminished personal responsibility. As kids we’re taught by our parents to say, ‘sorry’ when we wrong another person, but do [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/im-sorry-vs-i-apologize"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/I-am-sorry.gif" border="0" alt="" width="150" height="178" /></a></div>
<div class="blog_body">
<div class="blog_body">
<p>Saying, ‘I apologize’ is not the same as saying, ‘I’m sorry’, but yet it has become the new standard. It’s one more thing in a long list of things in our cultures shift to a diminished personal responsibility. As kids we’re taught by our parents to say, ‘sorry’ when we wrong another person, but do we really understand and feel the apology? I say no, which is why as we grew up the word ‘apologize’ replaced the word ‘sorry’. We usually know when we wrong another person, which is why we apologize, but we don’t actually feel the sorry, so we’ve stopped saying it.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2010%2F01%2Fim-sorry-vs-i-apologize%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2010%2F01%2Fim-sorry-vs-i-apologize%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div> </p>
<p><span id="more-859"></span></p>
<p>The whole cultural norm for apologizing has changed. It started as a way to acknowledge, take ownership and request forgiveness while learning something, but has now turned into a way to cover our ass and keep out of trouble. For most people it’s nothing more than a lip service response to someone’s negative thought or reaction. But your phony apology is not helping anyone, so stop doing it.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We need to put the sorry back into the apology. Stop saying, ‘I apologize’, that’s the act, the feeling is, ‘I’m sorry.’ Like everything else in life, don’t say it if you don’t truly mean it. Anything overused will lose it meaning to you and to others. When you apologize you must mean it and that comes from feeling it. Other people can feel your apology when you mean it and they will truly appreciate it and most likely give you forgiveness if done authentically. The other major part of apologizing is learning. If you wrong another person through your actions the only way to truly be sorry is to learn from that event and not do it again.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Next time you wrong someone don’t just apologize, say ‘ I&#8217;m sorry’, but only if you truly mean it.  And don’t be afraid to call other people out on their apologies, it’s the only way we’re going to improve as a group.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>James</p>
</div>
</div>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/im-sorry-vs-i-apologize/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>23</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>14 Tips to Better New Year’s Resolutions</title>
		<link>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/14-tips-to-better-new-year%e2%80%99s-resolutions/</link>
		<comments>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/14-tips-to-better-new-year%e2%80%99s-resolutions/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jan 2010 21:11:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[new year's]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[resolutions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tips]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/?p=847</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

As I watched the ball drop in Time Square to usher in a New Year and new decade, I was struck with excitement and joy for the coming year. And as tradition goes, it was time to make some New Year’s Resolutions. It&#8217;s human nature to want to start the year off hopeful for creating [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2010/01/14-tips-to-better-new-year’s-resolutions"><img src="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Resolution1-main_Full.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="160" height="112" /></a></div>
<div class="blog_body">
<div class="blog_body">
<p>As I watched the ball drop in Time Square to usher in a New Year and new decade, I was struck with excitement and joy for the coming year. And as tradition goes, it was time to make some New Year’s Resolutions. It&#8217;s human nature to want to start the year off hopeful for creating a better future, but midnight on New Year’s Eve, amongst celebrators and good times, is not the most effective time to create a solid plan for your future. Let’s do ourselves a huge favour this year and not make any New Year’s Resolutions at the stroke of midnight: I bet they haven’t worked in the past so why would you do something that hasn’t worked before? That is the definition of insanity.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2010%2F01%2F14-tips-to-better-new-year%25e2%2580%2599s-resolutions%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2010%2F01%2F14-tips-to-better-new-year%25e2%2580%2599s-resolutions%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div> </p>
<p><span id="more-847"></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Instead, take some time in the early days of 2010 when you’re of clear and powerful mind to really think about what goals you wish to set and why. Then work on developing a real, honest and manageable plan to make them happen this year. There are no mysterious secrets to setting and achieving goals that you don’t already know, but there is a difference between intellectually knowing and physically doing. Make 2010 the year that you take all the things you know and put them into action. I guess if there is a big secret to successfully accomplishing your goals, that would be it – action.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In order to help you get started here are 14 tips to make your goals more effective this year:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>1. Be honest with yourself. See reality for how it is no better, no worse.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>2. Focus is power. What you focus on you get more of. Set a better focus in life.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>3. Thoughts are things. As you think, so you create.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>4. Write your goals down!!!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>5. Put yourself in a peak physical and mental state. Perhaps put on your favorite song or dance around like no one is watching, then set your goals.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>6. Start with the purpose of the goals, then the result. If the goals don’t have real meaning and purpose to <em>you</em> then you won’t follow through.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>7. Set goals that you have as much control over as possible. Don’t leave your success to others.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>8. State the goals in positive statements.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>9. Measure your goals often. The more you measure the more likely you are to succeed at achieving them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>10. Break them into chunks. Create daily, weekly and monthly results that you can see progress with.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>11. Make yourself accountable. Tell others; use social pressure as an advantage to keep your word and keep you moving forward.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>12. Link pleasure to achieving your goals and pain to not achieving them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>13. NEVER set a goal without taking some action immediately to commit to that goal.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>14. Celebrate!!! Reward yourself for completing the goal. But the completion is not the reward, do something special that will always remind you of your hard work and effort.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I will share with you one of my big goals for 2010. I will finish write my first book called “Get Extraordinary” by writing for at least 30 minutes 4 days a week until its complete. As a reward for completing my book I will take a minimum 10-day vacation to Hawaii. If I do not complete my book in 2010 I will give away all of my sports memorabilia to my friends via a lottery system.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I wish you all the best in setting and achieving your goals in 2010. If there is anything I can help you with as life coach please contact me. Or if you simply want to declare your goals to another person I would love to hear them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Happy New Year, I wish all of you great happiness and prosperity in 2010.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>James</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>5</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Quality of Life = Quality of Routines</title>
		<link>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/12/quality-of-life-quality-of-routines/</link>
		<comments>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/12/quality-of-life-quality-of-routines/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 24 Dec 2009 05:49:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[habits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quality of life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[routines]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/?p=839</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

The quality of your life is directly linked to the quality of your routines. We’re creatures of habit and patterns and these make up the fabric of our life. The areas of our life that we have the best routines for are the areas that we are most passionate about and as a result have [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/12/quality-of-life-quality-of-routines"><img src="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/man-doing-situps.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="140" /></a></div>
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<p>The quality of your life is directly linked to the quality of your routines. We’re creatures of habit and patterns and these make up the fabric of our life. The areas of our life that we have the best routines for are the areas that we are most passionate about and as a result have the highest quality life.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F12%2Fquality-of-life-quality-of-routines%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F12%2Fquality-of-life-quality-of-routines%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div> </p>
<p><span id="more-839"></span></p>
<p>For instance, if you value your physical health and fitness highly, it’s likely that your routines around exercise and diet are strong. You probably go to the gym almost daily, engage in lots of sports and recreational activities involving your body and feed yourself good food. As a result of these high quality routines, you would have a high quality of physical health and fitness. But remember, the same works in the opposite direction.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The challenge most of us face when trying to improve certain aspects of our life, is we are always looking for instant results and constantly comparing ourselves to people around us. We lose sight of reality in terms of hard work, time, effort and commitment that others have put into developing their results using solid routines. We always want to skip to the end and reap the rewards, but remember, ‘to the victor go the spoils,’ not to the wisher. And those “victors” had a routine, which they developed, honed and executed.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Here’s the fun part, if you wish to achieve a better quality of life in almost any area, you simply need to create a better routine, and anyone can create a better routine. Better yet, you don’t even have to create the routine yourself, you can just find someone who is achieving the kind of results you’re seeking and copy them.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now that there’s no more excuses left, go out and find people that are creating the results around things like money, fitness, time, meeting people, cooking, reading, working, etc. that you desire and discover what they’re doing to make it happen. At that point you can decide if you are truly interested in committing to doing the things necessary to creating those results or if you would rather do something else. But at least the decision is now yours and no longer a bunch of excuses.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>James</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/12/quality-of-life-quality-of-routines/feed/</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>13</slash:comments>
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		<title>Keep Your Word</title>
		<link>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/12/keep-your-word/</link>
		<comments>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/12/keep-your-word/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:58:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[do as I say]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[keep your word]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lead by example]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lip service]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/?p=832</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

When did our words become so meaningless? We have become a society of lip service; saying the right things, but not putting them into action. This didn’t happen overnight, nor did it come out of nowhere. For decades now we have witnessed our leaders, politicians, celebrities and athletes, that were at one time thought to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/12/keep-your-word"><img src="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Do-as-we-say.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="140" height="162" /></a></div>
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<p>When did our words become so meaningless? We have become a society of lip service; saying the right things, but not putting them into action. This didn’t happen overnight, nor did it come out of nowhere. For decades now we have witnessed our leaders, politicians, celebrities and athletes, that were at one time thought to be extraordinary, falter. They broke their word to themselves and society and that became the example of how to live. Over time, this example has bred the meaningless, inauthentic and non-trustworthy traits that we see so many people exhibit today.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F12%2Fkeep-your-word%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F12%2Fkeep-your-word%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div> </p>
<p><span id="more-832"></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>The biggest cry I hear from my coaching clients, friends and colleagues is when someone says one thing and never backs it up, follows through or, more importantly, isn’t consistent with their actions. We’ve all experienced this and been guilty of doing it ourselves, but since society has become so lax on people for doing this, it has become a slippery slope and unfortunately, the norm. Keeping your word holds more value than you think; it’s the foundation of your character.  Remember, in life, trust and creditability is the currency. You have surely heard the saying, ‘creditability or truth takes a lifetime to build, but can be destroyed in a second’ &#8211; it’s absolutely true.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Think of all the people that frustrate you right now; perhaps your boss, coworker, a friend, or a company you are a client of.  I bet the reason you are so frustrated is because you believe they have promised one thing and delivered something completely different. This simple idea is the core of so much of our frustration with society and each other right now. It all comes back to true leadership and the fact that a true leaders lead by example and backs their words up with real actions. These are the people that have earned the respect and admiration of society. These are the kind of people we strive to be, so don’t settle or let others around you settle.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I challenge you to each set the example you wish to see, for if we each were to take back the power of our words by simply following them up with the agreed upon actions, we would be creating the change we’re seeking. We would be leaders, even if that were only in our own circle of friends, coworkers or family. Also, don’t let others get away with breaking their word. Let them know that they didn’t meet their promise. You don’t have to do this in a mean, aggressive or rude manner, but letting it go unaddressed is a huge part of the overall frustration. We must stop being passive and hold others accountable to this standard. But remember, you cannot hold anyone accountable for something you are not first doing yourself.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Set a better example in life, be a leader and keep your word.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Get Extraordinary!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>James</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>Where is Your Freedom Spot?</title>
		<link>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/12/where-is-your-freedom-spot/</link>
		<comments>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/12/where-is-your-freedom-spot/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 23:39:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[authentic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[extraordinary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[free]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freedom]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/?p=807</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

A freedom spot is a feeling created in a moment that makes you feel free in life, unbound by anything. It’s that place where you are authentically you where you are relaxed, happy and don’t have a care in the world. For most of us in the daily grind, our freedom spot is hard to [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/12/where-is-your-freedom-spot"><img src="http://jamesboileau.com/fixed/surfing1.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="163" height="125" /></a></div>
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<p>A freedom spot is a feeling created in a moment that makes you feel free in life, unbound by anything. It’s that place where you are authentically you where you are relaxed, happy and don’t have a care in the world. For most of us in the daily grind, our freedom spot is hard to determine because it’s brief and well hidden behind the demands of life.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F12%2Fwhere-is-your-freedom-spot%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F12%2Fwhere-is-your-freedom-spot%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div> </p>
<p><span id="more-807"></span>Typically, going on a vacation is the most obvious freedom spot for us to identify, but I bet you have something in your daily or weekly routine, albeit brief, that makes you feel free and hopeful while melting away the outside world. It might be a jog in the morning, a workout after dinner, a glass of wine in a hot bath or reading the newspaper. For some, it could be as simple as a house blend coffee in the morning; for me it’s walking my dog to the beach every afternoon.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Identifying your freedom spot is a key part in breaking free of the daily grind. You need to know what makes you feel free and alive in life, and do more of it. It’s in those free moments that we are able to listen to our hearts and see the clarity of what we want in life. These are the building blocks of awaking your true self and creating your extraordinary life.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Take a minute and think about your day or week and pinpoint the moments, which make you feel truly free. The next time you’re in your freedom spot, listen to your heart and see what it tells you to do about life. It’s from this spot that you must start creating so you can be authentically you and free all the time.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>James</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>Influencing Material Success</title>
		<link>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/11/influencing-material-success/</link>
		<comments>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/11/influencing-material-success/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:47:51 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>James</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[influence]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[leadership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/?p=741</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

For most of us our material success in life will come from our ability to deal effectively with other people. Sure we must believe in ourselves first and demonstrate our commitment to the goal and process, but once that is established and followed we need other people to help us carry out our plans. This [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://jamesboileau.com/fixed/notsurfing.jpg"><img src="http://jamesboileau.com/fixed/notsurfing.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="168" height="126" /></a></div>
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<p>For most of us our material success in life will come from our ability to deal effectively with other people. Sure we must believe in ourselves first and demonstrate our commitment to the goal and process, but once that is established and followed we need other people to help us carry out our plans. This is why our success will be determined by the number of people we know, and who knows us in a favorable way.</p>
<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F11%2Finfluencing-material-success%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F11%2Finfluencing-material-success%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div></p>
<p><span id="more-741"></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>All of the material success you achieve will be through other people. You’re likely wondering, ‘how so?’ These are the people who will be there to assist you at the critical junctures in your life. Your ability to influence these people is one of the most important skills you can ever develop to achieve the happiness and success you seek in life.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>One common quality that all leaders possess is their ability to get others to go along with them. Great managers, teachers, coaches and communicators first have a high degree of self-awareness and know what influences them. Only when we know who we are and act in an authentic and congruent manner, can we lead and influence others. Winston Churchill said it best, <em>&#8220;Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe.&#8221; </em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Influencing people is not about being phony, lying or acting like someone you’re not; it&#8217;s about creating a favorable link between your true internal nature, needs, beliefs and values, with the external world. Learning to connect fast with your customers, colleagues, bosses, employees, and even total strangers by taking full advantage of your physiology, mind, voice, and above all, your imagination, will give you a significant competitive edge. It will help you maximize the potential in every relationship, be it personal or business-related.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>James</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
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		<title>7 Steps to Creating a Positive Attitude</title>
		<link>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/11/7-steps-to-creating-a-positive-attitude/</link>
		<comments>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/11/7-steps-to-creating-a-positive-attitude/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:17:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mental attitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[postive attitiude]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://albertasurveyor.com/james2/?p=513</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

Many of us think we have a positive attitude most of the time, but you’d be surprised to discover that what you think is a positive attitude, really isn’t. A positive attitude is not a feeling, it’s a state of being brought on by your every thought, action and word. You attitude is your choice; [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://jamesboileau.com/fixed/smile.jpg"><img style="border: 0pt none;" src="http://jamesboileau.com/fixed/smile.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a></div>
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<p>Many of us think we have a positive attitude most of the time, but you’d be surprised to discover that what you think is a positive attitude, really isn’t. A positive attitude is not a feeling, it’s a state of being brought on by your every thought, action and word. You attitude is your choice; it’s not about what happens to you, or how much money or things you have, it’s about how you dedicate yourself to your thoughts, actions and words.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F11%2F7-steps-to-creating-a-positive-attitude%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F11%2F7-steps-to-creating-a-positive-attitude%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div></p>
<p><span id="more-513"></span></p>
<p>The biggest misconception about a positive attitude is that you can turn it on and off like a switch. This is how so many of us have actually developed a false sense of positive attitude. We think we can do it any time, so why bother now? We’ll save it for later when it really counts.  Well the later is shaped by the now. This is why the only way to actually have a positive attitude is to shape and guide your thoughts, actions and words right now, this moment. The past does not equal the future unless you live in the past. Don’t worry about what has happened, this is your chance to start fresh this second and take better actions to achieve better results.</p>
<p>If you have any of the following thoughts or actions throughout your day that last longer than a few minutes, you are not exhibiting a positive attitude:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
	<li>Negative self-talk</li>
	<li>Anger towards others or yourself</li>
	<li>Yelling</li>
	<li>Frustration</li>
	<li>Guilt</li>
	<li>Teasing or mocking</li>
	<li>Vengeance</li>
	<li>Fear</li>
	<li>Envy</li>
	<li>Greed</li>
	<li>Pouting</li>
	<li>Avoidance</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Changing your attitude is actually a simple process, but requires commitment and dedication on your part. Creating a positive attitude is about taking daily action to be the things you desire. The process may seem cheesy or awkward at times, but everything that has ever been written, spoken or executed in regards to a positive attitude follows this idea. I ask that if you are not fully satisfied with the results you are currently getting in your life, simply do the following 7 steps for a period of 30 days and judge the results for yourself. It if doesn’t work for you then you can always go back to your current ways.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 1. Peer Group</strong> – Surround yourself with as many positive people as possible. Every day.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 2. Influence</strong> – Mentally consume as many positive books, videos, CD’s and ideas as you can on a daily basis.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 3. Words</strong> – Always speak in a positive manner.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 4. Belief</strong> – You must believe you can achieve it before it will ever happen.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 5. Deflect</strong> – Don’t listen to people who think you’re crazy, odd or wrong for doing this. They are speaking from a place of fear.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 6. Now </strong>– Start now. There is no time like the present.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 7. Commit</strong> – Commit to making this change in your life for a minimum of 30 days to test the results for yourself. Do not deviate from this plan for 30 days or it will not work.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>James</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>
</div>
<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<slash:comments>180</slash:comments>
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		<title>Be the Change</title>
		<link>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/10/be-the-change/</link>
		<comments>http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/10/be-the-change/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:41:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Action]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Extraordinary Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Freedom]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[change]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://albertasurveyor.com/james2/?p=423</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[

I was flipping through the T.V. channels recently and caught myself paying attention to the messages and themes of a few commercials. What I observed was truly frightening; companies hocking their products and services based around envy, fear and greed. I know the oldest trick in sales books is creating pain and presenting your product [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-right: 1em;" href="http://jamesboileau.com/coaching/2009/10/be-the-change"><img src="http://jamesboileau.com/fixed/change.jpg" border="0" alt="" width="150" height="120" /></a></div>
<div class="blog_body">
<div class="blog_body">I was flipping through the T.V. channels recently and caught myself paying attention to the messages and themes of a few commercials. What I observed was truly frightening; companies hocking their products and services based around envy, fear and greed. I know the oldest trick in sales books is creating pain and presenting your product or idea as the solution. In many cases we do have legitimate pains or opportunities in our lives that various products or ideas can solve well.</div>
<div class="blog_body"><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F10%2Fbe-the-change%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F10%2Fbe-the-change%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div> </div>
<div class="blog_body"><span id="more-423"></span></div>
<div class="blog_body">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>However, the vast majority of what I saw were ads telling me things like, when I buy my new home I need an accredited mortgage professional or I will forever envy my neighbors and friends who are able to buy huge flat screen televisions and new BMW’s because they used one. As a further result of not using one, I will be a loser with a Corolla and an inferior life, which I learn to loathe and others mock for pleasure.</p>
</div>
<div class="blog_body">
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>I am sure that accredited mortgage professionals provide a valuable service, but the way they, as well as so many other companies, news sources and government agencies are communicating their messages, is negatively affecting our personal, as well as global beliefs and values system without us even knowing it. Most of the messages we see and hear on a daily basis perpetuate stereotypes, put people or groups down for being different, prey on our pain and fear and create uncertainty in our thoughts and actions.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Currently our global beliefs and values centre on consumption, output, money and status; but how did we get here? I can tell you one thing, it didn’t happen overnight. Over time, these companies, government bodies and media outlets have been exploiting our learned weaknesses. They have used their power of communication to exasperate and manipulate the truth from stories and instill fear and distrust in us. These false values and beliefs have been around so long that they have become bread into many of us from childhood.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Early on in our lives we were led to believe that everyone is equal; we are all special and unique and can be anything we want. However, as we grow up our peer groups and society as a whole quickly showed us that following that advice would lead to emotional and physical pain. This taught us that standing out and being different is bad. Most of us adapted promptly to this new reality, but some of us suffered more serious mental and physical results. The fact remains that we all carry this disempowering belief with us through much of our life, it’s just well hidden.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Now as we have become adults most of us are unconscious of this built up conditioning, habits and rules in our lives. We don’t bock at crazy things like the messaging in the accredited mortgage professional advertisement anymore. Most of us have become accustomed to these negative disempowering ideas, but we are beginning to wake up as individuals and as a society. Right now inside most of us we feel this conflict where we know that the beliefs and values we are exhibiting are not our best, but we are unsure how to change. Every time we try to change, we get sucked back in by the easiness, shiny new toys, money, status and power of the current system and before long, we get lost in the story of our life wondering where our time and true happiness have gone.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>It’s time to stop this downward slide and consciously choose new, healthier and more empowering personal and global beliefs and values. We must stop measuring ourselves against the people around us and especially against the people we see on television and in the media. They are not better than us, they are just different and if they are doing or have something we truly desire, then the solution is not feeling envious or bad about ourselves, it’s using them as an example to achieve the same results. In order to figure out whom we authentically are and what we authentically desire, we must give ourselves permission to be different, unique, special, and whatever we want in life. We must follow the Golden Rule – ‘do to others, as you would have them do to you.’ It’s our responsibility as individuals to break these patterns and step up and be leaders and the examples we always wanted.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>With the use of technology it’s easier now than ever to share ideas and create change in the world. It’s my hope that by sharing my ideas and experiences with others it will cause people to ask better questions and take better actions. I believe that we are all feeling this shortcoming in our global beliefs and values systems right now, and the time has come for us to wake up, take ownership and be the ones that make change happen today.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>James</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Many of us think we have a positive attitude most of the time, but you’d be surprised to discover that what you think is a positive attitude, really isn’t. A positive attitude is not a feeling, it’s a state of being brought on by your every thought, action and word. You attitude is your choice; it’s not about what happens to you, or how much money or things you have, it’s about how you dedicate yourself to your thoughts, actions and words.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F10%2Fbe-the-change%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F10%2Fbe-the-change%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div></p>
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<p>The biggest misconception about a positive attitude is that you can turn it on and off like a switch. This is how so many of us have actually developed a false sense of positive attitude. We think we can do it any time, so why bother now? We’ll save it for later when it really counts.  Well the later is shaped by the now. This is why the only way to actually have a positive attitude is to shape and guide your thoughts, actions and words right now, this moment. The past does not equal the future unless you live in the past. Don’t worry about what has happened, this is your chance to start fresh this second and take better actions to achieve better results.</p>
<p>If you have any of the following thoughts or actions throughout your day that last longer than a few minutes, you are not exhibiting a positive attitude:</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<ul>
	<li>Negative self-talk</li>
	<li>Anger towards others or yourself</li>
	<li>Yelling</li>
	<li>Frustration</li>
	<li>Guilt</li>
	<li>Teasing or mocking</li>
	<li>Vengeance</li>
	<li>Fear</li>
	<li>Envy</li>
	<li>Greed</li>
	<li>Pouting</li>
	<li>Avoidance</li>
</ul>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Changing your attitude is actually a simple process, but requires commitment and dedication on your part. Creating a positive attitude is about taking daily action to be the things you desire. The process may seem cheesy or awkward at times, but everything that has ever been written, spoken or executed in regards to a positive attitude follows this idea. I ask that if you are not fully satisfied with the results you are currently getting in your life, simply do the following 7 steps for a period of 30 days and judge the results for yourself. It if doesn’t work for you then you can always go back to your current ways.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 1. Peer Group</strong> – Surround yourself with as many positive people as possible. Every day.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 2. Influence</strong> – Mentally consume as many positive books, videos, CD’s and ideas as you can on a daily basis.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 3. Words</strong> – Always speak in a positive manner.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 4. Belief</strong> – You must believe you can achieve it before it will ever happen.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 5. Deflect</strong> – Don’t listen to people who think you’re crazy, odd or wrong for doing this. They are speaking from a place of fear.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 6. Now </strong>– Start now. There is no time like the present.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Step 7. Commit</strong> – Commit to making this change in your life for a minimum of 30 days to test the results for yourself. Do not deviate from this plan for 30 days or it will not work.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>James</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>For most of us our material success in life will come from our ability to deal effectively with other people. Sure we must believe in ourselves first and demonstrate our commitment to the goal and process, but once that is established and followed we need other people to help us carry out our plans. This is why our success will be determined by the number of people we know, and who knows us in a favorable way.</p>
<p><div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: left; margin-right: 5px; margin-right: 1px"><a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F10%2Fbe-the-change%2F"><img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjamesboileau.com%2Fcoaching%2F2009%2F10%2Fbe-the-change%2F" height="61" width="51" /></a></div></p>
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<p>All of the material success you achieve will be through other people. You’re likely wondering, ‘how so?’ These are the people who will be there to assist you at the critical junctures in your life. Your ability to influence these people is one of the most important skills you can ever develop to achieve the happiness and success you seek in life.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>One common quality that all leaders possess is their ability to get others to go along with them. Great managers, teachers, coaches and communicators first have a high degree of self-awareness and know what influences them. Only when we know who we are and act in an authentic and congruent manner, can we lead and influence others. Winston Churchill said it best, <em>&#8220;Before you can inspire with emotion, you must be swamped with it yourself. Before you can move their tears, your own must flow. To convince them, you must yourself believe.&#8221; </em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Influencing people is not about being phony, lying or acting like someone you’re not; it&#8217;s about creating a favorable link between your true internal nature, needs, beliefs and values, with the external world. Learning to connect fast with your customers, colleagues, bosses, employees, and even total strangers by taking full advantage of your physiology, mind, voice, and above all, your imagination, will give you a significant competitive edge. It will help you maximize the potential in every relationship, be it personal or business-related.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Live Extraordinary!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>James</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
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