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GOALS ARE GOOD!

Happy New Year! The New Year offers you the opportunity to not only look back but also (and perhaps more importantly) look forward. Let’s start by answering the following questions:

1. Will 2014 be your year?
2. What are you going to do to make this year different from others?
3. What actions are you going to take to ensure that you are happier, healthier and more satisfied with your job and your life?
4. Are you ready to make transformational changes in your personal and professional life?

• S= Specific
• M= Measurable
• A= Actionable
• R= Reasonable
• T= Time-bound

From my coach training days I also learned about the additional ART in SMART meanings:
A= Articulate, R=Resonate, T=Thrilling

If you want to change in your life you need to take action. You need to be willing to address and create change. The first step in that process is to set Goals and start your year off with a plan. For the last several years, I have given seminars and led workshops on Goal Setting and Execution. This year I am again offering a complimentary webinar to my list subscribers. The webinar is scheduled for Friday, January 31st from 12:00-1:00 pm EST. To reserve your spot please send me an email and I will provide you with the webinar access information.

This is an interactive webinar; not a lecture format. If you have already started to work on your goals great. Feel free to bring what you have done to the webinar and there will be an opportunity for you to share examples. Then you can make the rest of 2014 the most productive year of your life.

If you are unable to attend the webinar, then you might consider signing up for a Personal Assessment (click here) where you can evaluate aspects of your life and your satisfaction levels, and then define where you might want to improve in these areas.

2014 can be the most productive and satisfying year of your life. But, it is up to you to make this happen. If you are serious about implementing change in your life and are ready for a coach to help you in your quest for excellence, then please reach out to me. I will make sure that you are ready to challenge yourself for the greatness that you deserve.

Again, Happy New Year!

Again, to reserve your spot at the webinar, please send me an email and I will provide you with the access information.

If you would like to receive Lisa’s monthly motivational message via email, please click the “E Letter Sign Up” button at the top of the page.

With gratitude and best wishes,
Lisa Sasso, Executive Coach

Tis the Season

There is a certain magic in the air. People seem a little happier, a little busier and maybe even a little nicer. Many of us have a child or children in our lives. Whether they are our own children, or our nieces, nephews, grandchildren or our friends’ children, etc. There is probably at least one little person that you are grateful to have in your life. Christmas really should be about being thankful for the special little people in your life.

This time of year people often greet each other with Happy Holidays. Most seem reluctant to wish people a Merry Christmas! In today’s society, the commercial side of Christmas seems a bit overplayed and the true meaning of the day seems underplayed. Many children grow up thinking that Christmas is only about Santa Claus, the Elf on the Shelf and how many presents they are going to receive. Whatever happened to the holiday show, “The Little Drummer Boy?” That was a good depiction of the Christmas Story. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen it on prime time in years.

You can create your own family memories and traditions. For 22 years we have hosted close to 50 relatives every December. This Sunday is our Christmas Family Gathering. For 20 years we hosted it on Christmas Eve, just last year we changed it to the Sunday before Christmas. It is so much better for everyone and it spreads out the activities over a few days. It is wonderful to get the family and close friends together for food, fun and festivities. Once again we are thankful that we have four happy and healthy grandparents present with us.

I actually have many good friends, clients and sorority sisters that are Jewish and who do not celebrate Christmas. If this is you, I don’t mean any disrespect. I acknowledged Hanukah to my friends on Thanksgiving and this holiday is now complete. Today’s blog is meant to acknowledge the importance of family. Whatever of your religion, culture or traditions, please take a few minutes to reflect on the exciting events that you did with your family in 2013 and write about it. You may be surprised at how much you did together and how many memories were created.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Lisa Sasso, Executive Coach

Gratitude!

Three years ago in November 2010, John Robert had his successful Open Heart Surgery. He will be going back to Children’s Hospital next week for his annual follow-up. He is doing great. God is good.

Wishing you and your Family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

This year I am thankful for LIFE and for the Red Sox winning the 2013 World Series!

I also appreciate my family, friends, and clients. Thank you for the great recommendations and support. Just this week I received four new client recommendations and two of them have already taken action and purchased a program/assessment on my website. Thank you!

Finally, I am very grateful that in 2013 my son is only driving the Antique cars at Canobie Lake Park.
Please take a moment to think about what you are thankful for this holiday. Feel free to share it with me or with the people that you love as you enjoy your special meal together this Thursday.

If you would like to receive Lisa’s monthly motivational message via email, please click the “E Letter Sign Up” button at the top of the page.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Lisa Sasso, Executive Coach

July’s blog is dedicated to Anniversaries. July 4th marked the one year anniversary of my website. Thanks so much to Ana Maria Rayes for her lovely work on the site. Best of luck to Ana and her upcoming baby girl as both Ana and Kate Middleton are due any day now. If you have been receiving my updates for the past year, thank you for your support. I hope that my monthly updates have been positive and motivating. Thank you for reading and please know that you can always share your thoughts and comments.

An Anniversary is a special time and one that should be valued, cherished and always remembered.
Try to remember those special dates in your life.

There are work anniversaries, wedding anniversaries and other special occasion anniversaries that people generally cherish and love.

When thinking about anniversaries, these three pieces of advice may be helpful to you:

1. Try not to take people for granted. Instead, put yourself in the other person’s position and try to think about their perspective.
2. Try to enjoy and appreciate living in the moment. Think of a child at the circus or at an amusement park. Life is finite and it is much too short to live in the past or the future.
3. Try to say and express exactly how you feel. Be honest. This is really important! The more clear you are with everyone around you the easier things will be moving forward. Honesty, integrity, and commitment are key to maintaining a long-lasting relationship.

 
So why am I thinking about anniversaries right now? Well, currently we are celebrating some special anniversaries:

• June 20th was our 21st Wedding Anniversary. Last year was the big 20th and we had a lovely gathering with family from both sides (this same weekend last year). It was a great day that many will remember and I will treasure. Creating special memories are important and really nurture us as people. But, each year needs to be special and memorable. Try not to put off these dates. Celebrate and remember your special day each and every day and do it each and every year.
• On July 21st, we will celebrate our 29th year together since our very first date. Yes, we are heading towards the big 30. That is a long time. John is not only my best friend, but he is also my soul mate and my first and only love.
• Finally, 6 years ago this very same weekend (July 22nd) was the Christening of our son celebrating his Christian birthday. This day became the most memorable day of my life after the day he was born and followed by our wedding day. This little boy is my world and has brought so much love and joy to everyone that he encounters.

 
Remember to celebrate, honor and cherish your anniversaries. If you don’t do it, no one else will. You can only be whole if you follow your heart. My boys are at my core and I love them both dearly.

Don’t let your special and memorable days go by without the acknowledgment that they deserve. The weather these last few days has been pretty warm especially with only an a/c unit and house fan. However, our family membership at the YMCA has allowed us to swim the last several nights together and keep cool.

Here is hoping that you and your families are staying cool and enjoying your summer and the anniversaries in your life.

The term hero can mean different things to different people.  We often think of those that distinguished themselves in battle, or individuals that save others in a time of tragedy (such as our first responders), or even those that gave of themselves unselfishly during times of trouble.

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” 

– Joseph Campbell

My Dad is my hero.  I am so proud to honor him during the month of June, especially on Father’s Day.  Although my dad was in the army during the Korean War, he was not a decorated veteran or a war hero.  With his love of sports, he enjoyed participating in track & field events in the army. I fondly remember him coaching my brother’s little league team, but again he did not receive medals, trophies or awards.  However, in my eyes, he is my hero and I will explain why.

Growing up, we did not go on extravagant vacations. Our house always looked like it needed fresh paint and some work. We didn’t spend money on designer clothes or other material things.  Yet, my brothers and I never longed for anything.  We had all the things that were important.  My father always made sure that we had plenty of food, a safe home and an abundance of love.  What more does anyone need?  As the breadwinner, these were the most significant necessities he could provide for us.  This allowed my mom to be a homemaker and spend time with my brothers and me.

For all these reasons and too many others to list, my father is and has always been my hero.  He fits that definition of a hero and I will always “Hold Out For A Hero.”  Even as a young girl with a very high fever, I always knew that I could call out for my dad and that he would come immediately.

I love my Dad!  Did you ever notice that there is a very special bond between a son and his mother (as a mom I totally get this), but there is also a very special bond between a daughter and her father.  I also have a very special father-in-law that I love dearly and should also acknowledge.  However, my dad is one in a million to me.

When my father enters, he lights up a room.  His friendly voice and warm smile instantly engage others.  People are drawn to him and he is drawn to others.  My father can talk to anyone and have real meaningful conversations.  He makes lasting friendships in the way he connects with people.  As a little girl I was often intrigued by his approach and gregarious nature.  Now, I enjoy emulating him and following in his footsteps.

My monthly message for June is Don’t forget the heroes in your life!  They don’t have to be your father, but trust me, if you look there are heroes all around!  They deserve to be recognized, respected and remembered.

On a side note, (that ties in) I am honored to be named to the International Coaching Federation New England Chapter Board.  At the ICFNE’s 3^rd Annual Award Banquet next Monday, I am proud to say the entire proceeds will go to Boston’s Onefund (www.onefundboston.com).  Encouraged by the acts of heroes, we should all look for ways to do our part.  If we do, this world would be a much better place for all.

I am BOSTON Strong.  Boston is filled with incredible individuals that are truly our heroes.

If you would like to receive Lisa’s monthly motivational message via email, please click the “E Letter Sign Up” button at the top of the page.

With gratitude and best wishes,
Lisa Sasso, Executive Coach

Last month’s motivational message was “Attitude is Everything”, thanks for all the great feedback.  I am glad to hear the positive impact that this piece had on many of you.  Keep up the great work!  Today, I want to expand that theme with my “Tribute to Mom” and talk about Gratitude.  Have you ever heard of having an Attitude of Gratitude?

As parents, we all love (or should) love our children unconditionally.  They are our personal blessings on this earth, an extension of ourselves, our legacy.  However, we all also have a very special place in our hearts for our parents, especially our mothers.  Love and gratitude are two words that seem to go together when talking about these special ladies.  Mom’s are the selfless women that not only gave us life but have also had a tremendous influence on shaping our lives and helping us to become who we are today. Our mothers were our first teachers.  They were our first nurturers.  They provided us with food, clothing, shelter and most importantly LOVE.  My motivational message today is to remember your mom and to reach out to her and express your thanks and appreciation.  Mother’s Day is really every day from the moment that one becomes a mom.  But it is nice to have a unique day when all moms can be honored and celebrated.

I am personally blessed to have two mothers who I love dearly.  My natural mother, who gave me life and so much more, and my 2nd mom, my mother-n-law (MIL).  I have known and loved my MIL since 1984 when I started dating her son, 29 years ago.  I just don’t know what I would do without either of them in my life.  They are two of my very best friends.  They are the first people that I reach out to call each morning and they are the last people that I check in on each evening.  I will always be thankful and appreciative for the love that these two ladies have shared with me and my family.  I have learned so much from them and I could never quantify or express everything that they have done for me.  

The two biggest things that I have learned from both of them is how to LOVE and also how to live a meaningful life.  They have both been married for over 47 years and live simple yet fulfilled lives centered around God and family.

My heart goes out to my friends and colleagues whose moms are no longer with us.  I am sure that Mother’s Day can be a difficult day.  I know that they still remember their mom’s and honor them in their own way.  Most of us need, want and desire love.  But to receive the love you need to give love.  Most of us learned this simple lesson from our moms.

Whether or not you were able to do something special for your Mom on Mother’s Day, please pick up the phone and just say, Thank You or tell them how you feel about them!  Doesn’t it feel good to really be acknowledged and appreciated?  Doesn’t your mom deserve this?  Well, a heartfelt Thank You can certainly go a long way.

Wishing you, your family and your Moms a very special Mother’s Day.

With gratitude and best wishes,

Lisa Sasso, Executive Coach

April is my son’s birthday month, so I would like to dedicate this e-letter to him. His positive attitude is contagious. Although he has faced many challenges, he takes things in stride and continues to bring love to everyone he encounters. I have always realized that attitude is important, however, from the moment I was pregnant I realized how essential attitude is to ultimately achieving your goals.

April- What is your Attitude and why?

I believe that my positive attitude significantly contributed to my son making it safely into the world (against all odds). Some of you know his incredible cardiac story and others can read about it when I finish my forthcoming book, “Follow Your Heart“.

Wayne Gretzky is quoted, “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” This is a clear example of a positive attitude. As many of you know and realize, Wayne is one of the best hockey players of all times. But he didn’t achieve his success independently. He had the right attitude, outstanding teammates and excellent coaches to keep him on track and to help him reach his greatness. I honestly believe that everyone can benefit from working with a coach.

Coaching is very productive for people that are focused on where they currently are (the present) and where they want to be (in the future). These individuals have the right attitude, they know what they want and they are willing to work hard to achieve their dreams and desires. I am blessed to share my gifts with these positive people.

We have heard about this famous glass for years.

Is your glass half-full or half-empty? 

What do you see?

If you see it as half empty you are probably always looking for more and that things are never good enough, (hence the glass is not filled enough).

If you see the glass as half full you appreciate what you have, you are optimistic, you look at things in a different way and often ask yourself what is possible with excitement and positivity.

Attitude has become an important differentiator in today’s competitive job market. With so many people looking for new opportunities, companies choose individuals that possess the right attitude. Remember that your attitude is hard to hide. People can see a positive attitude by the way you carry yourself, your confidence, your handshake and even the inflections and tone in your voice. Positive people are not afraid to laugh, to joke and to smile. In a matter of seconds, my 6 years old son can determine if you are happy simply by looking at your smile. Remember that having a positive attitude is your choice.

If you are ready to have a transformation in your life, start with your attitude!

With gratitude and best wishes,

Lisa Sasso, Executive Coach

MAKE AN IMPACT – GIVE BACK!

Doesn’t it feel great to give as opposed to receive?

Doesn’t the act of sharing your gifts or helping others achieve truly nurture your soul? We have all heard the old adage that “it is better to give than to receive”.  But do you ever stop and think about what this really means?  When you give you actually get more.As a leader, a professional or as a parent you have infinite opportunities to give, to share and to empower others, but do you?   Every day you can make a difference in the lives of everyone you touch and you can have a big impact on others’ lives by giving more of yourself.  Examples of this include:

1. Sharing a warm smile, a nice gesture, a handshake or an embrace.  All of these take little effort yet yield incredible results.
2. Providing financial support to charities or causes that you believe in.
3. Giving your most precious resource, your time.  This is often far more valuable and precious than money.  People can always make more money, but there are only 24 hrs in each day.

Are you engaged in doing all three of these?  If you said yes, congratulations!  By helping others achieve fulfillment, you are probably living a very rewarding life as well.  As a coach, I have the opportunity to give each and every day with my clients.  But so don’t you.  Many people offer the first 2 things and then stop.  However, remember that giving your time and expertise yields an incredible payback that words cannot always describe.  This could be showing your friends, colleagues, employees or even your children how to do a specific task or function, or just listening to someone that is trying to solve a problem.  Each of us has the ability to impact the world in our own unique and special way. International Women’s Day– How did you celebrate it? Friday, March 8th was International Women’s Day, and this day and month offer me an opportunity to give back.  My activities in support of this celebration are as follows:

• I went to a Women’s Executive Networking Meeting last week on living your life with Clarity and Freedom and personally invited a dozen friends and colleagues to an exciting evening with more than 150 ladies.
• I will be speaking on Tuesday, March 12th at Curry College to female High School students on “How to be a Successful You!”
• I will be speaking on Tuesday, March 26th as part of the “View From The Top, 7th Annual Panel Discussion” at Bentley University sponsored by the Graduate Women’s Leadership Organization.
• I have been selected as a Mentor and will be participating in the 2013 Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA) Mentor Program.   I am very excited to meet with the industry mentees that I will be mentoring for the next 9 months.

Did you do something to celebrate this event?  It was the 102^nd Anniversary. 

What are you doing to give back?  It is never too late.  Don’t wait, give it a try.

 
With gratitude and best wishes,

Lisa Sasso, Executive Coach