Browsing Tag

coaching

Pit Crew - NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Coca-Cola 600
Blog, Coaching, Faith, prayer, Spiritual Gifts, Writing

Who are you accountable to? Who is on your Pit Crew?

“Accountability breeds response-ability.” – Stephen R. Covey, Speaker/Author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Jesus is coming back soon and we as Christian believers don’t have time to mess around. It’s time to use your gifts for God and fulfill your purpose and mission. One way to ensure you do that is through accountability.

Businessdictionary.com defines accountability as:

The obligation of an individual or organization to account for its activities, accept responsibility for them, and to disclose the results in a transparent manner. It also includes the responsibility for money or other entrusted property.

To be accountable is the obligation to report, explain, or justify something; the willingness to accept responsibility; to account for one’s actions. (Merriam-Webster.com/Dictionary).

Accountability is vital for personal and business growth and success.

Good men prefer to be accountable. – Michael Edwardes, former Chief Executive and Chairman of British Leyland motor giant

For 2014, I’m accountable to 5 groups of people:

  • My speaking/business coach, Rochelle aka “Shelley” Valasek. Shelley has been speaking professionally for over 15 years, and is one of the most anointed speakers I’ve ever heard. As a speaking coach, she is the perfect combination of love, wisdom, understanding, practical knowledge,and kick-your-butt-in-gear-and-no-excuses coach.
  • Tony Robinson and Shelley Valasek, in our “The Master’s Mind” mini-mastermind group, where we pray for each other, brainstorm creative ideas and share fresh insights about our own and each other’s businesses/ministries, and stay accountable to each other for our business goals and fast action steps;
  • Donna Partow as part of her 90-Day Renewal program, The Ultimate Year. I’m blown away by all Donna offers in this program: her 50 page ebook, videos, audios, a Facebook private group for support and accountability, and weekly live prayer and coaching calls – plus a live event coming up in May 2014, where we’ll all be able to meet Donna and each other face to face (can’t wait!!! I’m praying to be able to go!);
  • My prayer/accountability partner, Doreen Penner. Each Tuesday after lunch, Doreen and I talk by phone to discuss what we’re working on this week – our most important goals/priorities. Doreen is one of the most professional, polished speakers I’ve ever seen and a deeply insightful and a wise coach who helps women to discover their brilliance and experience transformation in life and business. She’s also a loving, trustworthy friend.
  • My team of 7 intercessors who pray for me, my family, and my business. At the end of December 2012, God spoke to my heart that I was going “up” another level in the coming year, and that I needed to get a team of strong intercessors to pray for me and my family (new levels, new devils). I’m so glad I did this because there was intense warfare! Do you have people praying for you?
Pit Crew - NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Coca-Cola 600

Pit Crew – NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Coca-Cola 600

As Donna Partow says, you need to get yourself a “Pit Crew” – a team of wise mentors/coaches, prayer warriors, and people who you can keep accountable to for your life and business. At car races, the pit crew refuels, fills up the oil, changes tires, and repairs the car for the driver.

At Nascar races, the crew are just as important as the driver for winning the race. The pit crew gets the car in and out at the fastest possible time.

If it weren’t for the pit crew:

  •  the tires could blow anytime because of the wear on them from the fast speeds. The tires wear down very easily.
  • the cars couldn’t get back on the track in the short amount of time that they do. The pit crew has to be ready for the car when it pulls in. They put themselves in a dangerous situation because of the cars’ high speeds. An accident could happen any time. They are there to get their driver back on the track fast.
  • the car could crash. The pit crew has to be knowledgeable about anything that may be wrong with the car and fix it. The driver’s life hangs on what the pit crew does or doesn’t do.
  • the driver might not win. If they don’t move fast enough, the driver can lose the race. With a good pit crew, the driver will stay alive. With a great one, the driver will win. (Resource: The Importance of a Good Pit Crew in Nascar, Jane Demerica, http://www.sportinglife360.com/index.php/the-importance-of-a-good-pit-crew-in-nascar-2-16441/)

Find and surround yourself with people who can help you win the race – get back on track when you’re off – a pit crew who will speak the truth to you (not tickle your ears) and hold your feet to the fire with accountability.

Who are you accountable to this year? Who is on your pit crew?

Leave your comments below.

January 21, 2014 by
Spectators at football game
Blog, Faith, Homeschooling, Marriage, Parenting, prayer, Spiritual Gifts

Are you just a spectator?

Spectators at football game

Spectators at football game. Image Resource: www.freedigitalphotos.com

Today as I scrolled through my Facebook newsfeed, to my surprise I saw that a speaker friend was on a radio show again. She had just done a show, and now here she was again in the limelight! I don’t think I’m alone when I say that sometimes I feel speaker’s (or writer’s) envy.

When I looked deeper inside of my heart past the envy, I realized that sometimes I feel like a spectator…someone who is observing others’ exciting, fun, wonderful, prosperous lives, and feeling left out. Yep, left in the dust.  Do you ever feel that way?

To nip it in the bud, I immediately texted her and told her how I felt. And I repented to God. Because envy is a sin. Envy trips us up. It gets our eyes off Jesus and onto others and self.

Envy is not good, but it can motivate you to be and to do more. Yet the deeper, root issue here at stake lay in this thought: I feel like a spectator. Like my life is passing me by. Like I’m not really doing anything important.

Like I don’t really matter. Like I’m not good enough – ever.

Ah. That goes way back when.

Back to my childhood traumatic abuse. Feelings of worthlessness. Feelings of shame.

Hadn’t God already healed all that junk?

I’m such a different person now than I used to be! Family and friends can attest to the amazing change and miraculous emotional healing God has done in my life.

I’d spent 5 years in Christian counseling in my late 20’s and early 30’s combing through painful memories, feelings of rejection and hurt, crying a lot, eating very little, not sleeping all night, taking long walks at the park, feeding the ducks with my daughter Heather when I was mad or anxious or upset, using therapeutic art and intense journaling, talking, talking, and talking more with my counselor each week about how awful my childhood and life really were and would I ever feel happy and fulfilled and get over it?

My therapist was so patient. How did he ever put up with me?

Eventually I didn’t need therapy any more. Over time, the black, suicidal depression lifted. I no longer had panic attacks and agoraphobia. The nightmares were becoming much less frequent. I started enjoying eating (maybe too much!). I broke out of intense shyness and began caring more for others instead of just myself. I smiled and laughed, and made friends. I began going to social functions, enjoying myself and reaching out to others.

I married a Godly man who loved me and Heather. I began sharing my testimony. I earned a B.A. seminary degree in Christian Psychology. Went to professional writers’ and speakers’ training. I started an online business for my speaking and books, networked on social media, and made friends online.

Then I stepped into my purpose, speaking, writing, and coaching, using my gifts to glorify Jesus. I began teaching other women, imparting to them what God had done in my life. I’m now beginning to fulfill my lifelong dreams.

Yet…yet…despite the healing and me being an overcomer through Christ, here was that hideous, green-eyed thing again. Envy. And feeling less than. Not good enough.

Would it always raise its ugly head my whole life?

Today I found this great article that helped me put things in perspective: It’s not about me! And I need to live for an audience of One – God! (The article is 5 Ways To Stop Envy Before It Starts)

And I realized I could never fully become who God created me to be by looking at anyone other than Jesus.

I was made in HIS IMAGE. Not my friend’s. Not my own. Not anyone’s but GOD’s!

Then I set to work today. I revised my Speaker One Sheet. Printed out copies to take to women’s ministry leaders this week for potential speaking engagements. You can find it by scrolling down on my Speaking page to where it says, Beth Jones’ One Sheet. Just click on that link.

I wrote this blog, Are You Just a Spectator?

I took a breath. Went outside to feel the sun on my face and the refreshing wind. I’m alive.

I  do feel genuinely happy for my speaker friend. Yay for her! I celebrate all God’s doing in her life. She truly inspires me.

Then today I remembered I have a speaking engagement in October with other speakers. And I have an amazing opportunity to speak at 2 women’s conferences in Kenya in December 2013. You can find out more about that by clicking here – please prayerfully consisder supporting me.

God is at work in my life! I am doing important work! I celebrate all God has done in my life, too.No, I’m not my friend. I’m not other women. I’m me. That’s all I have to be – who God made me to be.

I don’t need to compare myself to others or feel envious, or less than.

Suddenly  I realized that I have so much to be grateful for. Thank you, God, for my blessings and all You’ve bestowed upon me. Forgive my ingratitude and self-centered thinking. Thank you for the wonderful opportunities you have given me!

I’m right where God wants me to be. His timing for all things is perfect. So are you! He makes everything beautiful in its time.

I don’t want to be just a spectator looking at others run to win the prize. I want to be and do all God wants me to do and to be. What about you?

God, help us to live our lives pleasing YOU! Not spectators. But involved and engaged in your Kingdom work here on earth. Fulfilling YOUR purpose for our lives.

I am worthy. I am important – to God. God proved this to me by Jesus dying on the cross. God did the same for you!

He has a great plan for my life – and yours. (Jeremiah 29:11)

We are not spectators.

*******

Have you ever struggled with envy? What did you do to overcome it? Leave your comments below.

August 17, 2013 by
time
Blog, Business, Coaching, Faith, prayer

5 Tips To Save Time in Your Work Day

time

time

Since we moved, I’ve discovered time-saving techniques to make the most productive use of my work day.

Here are 5 tips to help you save time and energy:

 

1. Paper plates. I can’t tell you what this simple, new tip has done for me and our family! Dirty dishes were a big problem every day in our home. How could 3 people dirty so many dishes (and so much laundry)?

When I was packing to move to our new home, I bought paper plates, cups, and plastic utensils since our plates were in boxes. Lo and behold, the counters and the sink stayed clear most of the time!

I now use paper plates most of the time other than supper when we make a determined effort to eat together as a family when Ray is off work. This has saved me hours of loading the dishwasher or washing dishes. I have more time now to devote to prayer, family and friends, and business.

waffle

Using paper plates and plastic utensils for snacks and most meals has greatly decreased stress for me (and my family wanting a clean fork or plate!). If you are green-conscious, you can use eco friendly, biodegradable, compostable plates.

 

2. Organize everything in your house. Our move kicked my administrative, organizational gift into high gear. Lately has been a major purging time, and it’s been wonderful!

I’ve gotten rid of so many things ~ taking 6 carloads of my stuff to a church in town who accepts donations, shredding papers, organizing homeschool records and putting over 1000 family pics in new photo albums, a goal I’ve had for literally years but never had time to do because I was homeschooling.

I still have to get a bookshelf (or bookshelves) for my office and go through a few boxes downstairs, but I’ve organized everything I own and it feels incredible. I can breathe a little now. I’ll have to discipline myself to stay on top of this.

You don’t have to wait to move to get organized. You can start now, today. Begin with a baby step, like Dave Ramsey’s financial Baby Step One. Choose one room, one closet, one drawer.

Relentlessly PURGE. Have no mercy on your stuff.  This is the key.

Create 3 piles:

a) Keep and organize;

b) Give away to Good Will or other donation place (or consign, sell on Ebay, Craigslist, or have a garage sale. I made $150 at the garage sale I had just before we moved here).

c) Throw away.

The give away and throw away piles should be the biggest. Getting rid of stuff will set you free! It is truly liberating and time-saving!clutter-woman surrounded with papers Clutter makes you feel stagnant and stuck. You’ll be unproductive because you are always looking for things or are feeling stressed out from the mess.

When you clean and organize your home, you’ll feel lighter, more energetic, and happier.

As I’ve shared with my husband Ray, an empty space doesn’t always need to be filled. You need wide, open spaces in your life to have breathing room.

It’s also said that when you get rid of things, it opens up your life to new and better things. I believe this!

Invest in plastic tubs, storage bins, folders, and other organizational items.

When you get rid of things and organize your home and work space, it will save you time looking for something (and save money, so you don’t go out and buy unnecessary, duplicate items and  you’ll be working making money, instead of shopping).

It will also save you stress trying to find whatever you need in a  hurry.

 

 3. Online banking/Financial Organization. When we moved into our new home, we had extra costs such as the deposit, the rent, the U-Haul rental, etc. I needed to know how much we had in the bank every day prior to our move.

“Be fully aware of the condition of your flock, and pay close attention to your herds.” ~ Proverbs 27: 23, God’s Word Translation

To stay on top of finances and to save time running to the bank to make a deposit or transferring funds from another account, check your bank balance online daily. Know how much you have in there at all times.

There are many online programs you can use to help you with finances and/or budgeting. One is YNAB.

I also use Tax Bot for tax time purposes.

My favorite finance guru is Dave Ramsey. He’s filled with God’s wisdom, practical, and very funny. (I just need to apply what he says! :O)

In my business, I use Paypal as a finance tool and receive an email notification every time I make a sale with my coaching services or a customer buys one of my books or info products. I also use Paypal for paying whoever I’ve hired to outsource work such as websiste tweaks or VA work.

To begin using Paypal in your business, just click on the graphic below. (This is an affiliate* link.)

PayPal Logo

4. Small, frequent meals. I’ve been dipping my little toe in the water with Take Shape For Life health program. I will let you know how it goes. One powerful tip I’ve learned from this program is eating, small frequent meals. As a busy entrepreneur, sometimes I’m working hard, long hours and I forget to eat! Then by the time I remember, I’m ravenous and eat too much! Which leads to weight gain – or not losing any. Eating small, frequent meals keeps blood sugar levels from plunging and speeds up your metabolism, which helps you to burn calories more efficiently and lose weight.

Small meals means less time cooking over a hot stove in the kitchen, which for me translates into doing more of what I love -spending time with God, family and friends and on my business.

5. Prayer. At our new home, we have a sunroom ~ something I’ve been praying for since I saw them in sunny Florida when I was a flight attendant.

Sunroom

Sunroom

I LOVE my sunroom! It is my coffee with God room/prayer sanctuary. I often go in there after I wake up to pray, watch the birds and 2 white rabbits which hop around the neighborhood, and journal.

This week I’ve been including a Proverbs a day in my quiet time. The Proverbs are filled with practical wisdom.

By praying and hearing God’s wisdom and direction for the day, you save time from wasted activities. Your steps are ordered. Your path is sure. Your purpose is being fulfilled.

These 5 tips are helping me in practical ways in my daily life to save time, money, energy, and stress, and I hope they are helpful to you. Which one can you implement today to make your life easier, happier and more intentional? Leave your comments below.

*This is an affiliate link. I only recommend products I’ve used or believe in.

June 12, 2013 by