And a Happy New Year

Dear Reader,

First of all, let me wish you a wonderful and successful 2009. We continue to see change all around - hence do expect that your life will probably see elements of change, too. Change is great once we have completed it but a tough nut to swallow while you are in the middle of it. Regardless of how worried you might be and how negative things appear around you, stay firm in your believe that at the end of this you will be OK.

Even for the most positive person, it is hard to ignore the drama around us. A shooting over Christmas, a Ponzi scheme from an investment firm that serviced many charities and now someone who stages his own death to avoid facing the mess he is in. But then I came across Larry Flynt asking congress to bail out the porn industry. In internet terms I was ROTFL (rolling on the floor laughing). Today the news say that the banks want more money and who knows who else is going to ask for a bailout next? We must make an effort, like Larry to see the humor in the drama and believe it will all get better soon.

As a result I thought I'd come up with a few bailout ideas for Women Who Want It All. The below listed thoughts will bail you out from your own negative thinking. Your bailout comes from one person alone - YOU. Here are your thoughts for 2009:

• Change begins with you alone. Do what you can today.
• Focus on what you can check off your list today not everything you still haven't done.
  
• Any progress regardless how small it may be - is still progress.
• Celebrate your victories, irrespective of how big or small. Depending on your budget give yourself a free reward such as going for a long walk, cut out an hour early or stop for your favorite ice cream or if your budget permits, a new outfit.
• Make a conscious attempt right now to think about what you are grateful for and say 'thank you' for what you have.
• Remember to enjoy this moment which is what John Travolta says we must do as we never know - it could be the last one like this.
• Believe that things will get better every day until you have what you want.

Enjoy your week, your families, yourself and your work. Life is good in essence.

Beate

Know that I appreciate you very much. I thank my friends from twitter, Facebook and this blog for your support.

Finishing 2008

It is hard to believe that we almost finished the year 2008 already. When I began in February to take time off I was worried how I could fill my days. That ended up being no problem at all! My days still run away from me now as they did when I worked full time in an office. Writing my book "Women Who Want It All and Get It, Too," has taken over much of my day every day and I have become a full time writer and speaker already. I accept it is in my nature to build new things and to create. No idle time for me.

A while ago I had promised to give some feedback on what the test reader group has to say about the book. The first draft was sent to a group of 50 people. The intention was put forward to test the concept of ego-RHYTHM and the method of KARL.

45 women, 5 men ranging from ages 25 to 64 were in the test group. The response from the group of 21-30 and 31-40 is essentially identical. The group of 41-50 and the group of 51 and above also have comparable feedback. Men understand the concept of ego-RHYTHM and the method of KARL but have a tough time with the emotional component (surprise!).

Now in the second revision of the book I am adding more examples from other women and additional exercises. Feedback has shown that while my personal viewpoint of the book is well received ultimately it was too focused on me. By adding examples and tips of women who already use some of the concepts that I write about such as want-it-all lists and vision boards or "I" language I am able to broaden the appeal to more readers. The group of women whom I interviewed includes PH D's and life coaches who have very smart things to say.

The reader who will gain the most benefit from the book is between 25-40 (up to 45) depending on personal development. These years I refer to as the defining years. This group's feedback is phenomenal on the concept and the method. Already I have received word from one woman in Chicago who had put on her want-it-all list that she wanted to be a Marketing Manager. I am proud to report that within four weeks after making the list she now holds this position! Talk about concepts that really work! Other feedback include:

“I think the concept is amazing in its simplicity and am going to be using it while I’m setting goals and making plans for the New Year.”

“This book helped me to define where I’m at in my life and where I want to be. The exercises really helped me to pinpoint the areas I need to work on and gave me concrete strategies to work with. It’s the most hands-on self-help book I’ve read in ages!”

“There is not doubt a rhythm to life and being able to look back and take inventory and realize that this too shall pass is very liberating and extremely informative.”

“Beate really gets one to soul search and dig deep in one’s wants and goals with “Women Who Want It All and Get It, Too.” Totally real, understandable content makes a person think and analyze their life - past, present and future. I am not normally a book reader because most bore me or just ramble on and on, but this book was enjoyable, enlightening. I will be waiting for it to be in print available for purchase! Excellent, must have resource.”

“After doing the ego-RHYTHM exercises, I gained a tremendous sense of satisfaction and appreciation for where I am in my life: and I feel confident that I will have it all!”

“First, let me say that the concept of ego-RHYTHM is unique and enlightening. Understanding the length of one's natural ego-RHYTHM and knowing which ego-RHYTHM one is in is truly liberating. It allows one to accept and to embrace where one is in one's life in order to move on and not get stuck or discouraged.

Needless to say that I am thrilled to get such great feedback. In addition I am adding a chapter "Mid Life and After." Especially the age group of 45 and above felt that the ego-RHYTHM's are not as prominent in later life, which I agree with. There comes a time where the stress levels out and we do achieve balance. As we move through our defining years and accomplish much of what we want we are able to enjoy more aspects of our lives at once.

Overall the respondents suggested to structure the book in a clearer format and to organize my thoughts better. I had a feeling that this would come up. My brain always goes sixty miles an hour and I have to spend some time in working out some of my thoughts in greater detail to make it easier to understand. I always had told my staff that "I don't know what you don't know, so you have to tell me." Now I have been told and can make changes accordingly. I am so very grateful for the fabulous and opinionated women who have agreed to read and review the book. They were asked to be honest and they were. Everyone pointed out what I missed and what I got right.

More than ever I am convinced that the book will be a huge success. The concept and the use of the method KARL will help women to take the stress out of today's struggles. It already does for the ones who read it.

Got to go and write some more.

I hope you have had a great week with your families and friends. Enjoy the times together and remember to get your free audio at www.beatechelette.com

Happy New Year
Beate

Genuine or Not?

A few posts ago I was responding to an anonymous blogger (Greed and Having-It-All). I assumed it was a "he" but learned it is a "she". One of my readers Elaine posted a response to the blog and anonymous in Las Vegas responded to it.

Reading the response I am told that my writing does not come across as genuine. In addition that the use of the terms "we" as in "we, the women I write and speak for", is to self centered and should probably be more a "I."

Alright then, fair enough. When you write a book is there a different way to write other than the one I see it? It's not a documentary or a scientific paper - I write about my pragmatic way to see what is, what has been and how the heck I (and you) get from there to getting what you want. Am I the worlds greatest writer? Probably not and I am not expecting a Pulitzer Price for it. But, there is a thought...

If I would have listened to everyone who has an objection to what I think or do and that includes my own mother - I would not have become the American Dream. In fact, I would have never left Germany. I am here because I rolled up my sleeves and despite everyone else being more educated, smarter, richer, better, faster and further ahead, I did it anyway. What I learned is that I am now smarter, richer, better and faster and further ahead and I continue to educate myself. That is my story and that is the story that resonates. It is a story of hope and determination. Best of all it has a happy ending and it inspires others. The more women/people who know someone like me - the better. How many people do you know who actually made it big? Call it corny, stubborn, opinionated, crazy or plain egocentric - you could have a point here, I am not disagreeing. But it is genuine if for no other reason than it is in fact a true story (and its a really good one, too.) I only write about what I know and what works for me. If it worked for me maybe it can work for others as well?

It doesn't stop here though. I truly believe that by sharing what I have learned from the school of hard knocks with other women that I can help them to do their own trailblazing. Selfish or selfless? Does it matter? Results are what matters.

Talking about results. I am an Entrepreneur before I am anything else. If I know about one thing it is to design a product/idea, make it work, brand it and sell it. My book is a product and it will only be a great one if it feels a need. There is no scientific study on KARL or ego-RHYTHM (yet). But the test group of fifty that has read the draft now and responded to both, the method and the concept seem to.... Too bad I can't tell you yet, I have to wait until all fifty are back to share the data about what is said. Again, I need to stay neutral until the responses are back to give everyone a chance to voice their opinion.

Anonymous in Las Vegas, be assured that while I thought it up, designed it, wrote it, believe in it and know it works, that there is much input that goes into the book to make it great. The bestselling book "Women Who Want It All and Get It, Too," will be a bestseller for only one reason - it hits a nerve and it is timely.

It is not for everyone though. I am not trying to be everything to everyone. When I speak I open by saying that the listeners will only remember from the keynote that I am about to give what applies to them - forget the rest. This is no different. I am not preaching, it's not gospel, it is what I know works. Take from it what works for you or nothing at all.

Feedback is coming in

Today I am feeling like a million bucks. Thus far I have heard from 25% of the test group that are returning their feedback to me and I can't stop smiling.

While I can't share too much yet as I want to remain neutral and not influence anyone's opinion (yet) of my book "Women Who Want It All and Get It, Too" I can say I am pleased.

The concept of ego-RHYTHM is in the easiest format described as everything comes in due time. Being happy or a mom, having bad luck or putting emphasis on family and health are just some of the rhythms that are outlined in the book. Knowing that what you are going through at this very moment (today) might just be a string of bad luck - gives you permission to stop beating yourself up for not being in a better position. You also learn as you go through the exercises and write up your want-it-all list how to focus on the good stuff ahead of you. Which is what we must remind ourselves of especially in times like these. The world will not panic forever, this too, shall pass.

The book gets good feedback from some of the male readers in the test group as well. When my boyfriend and I flew to Canada he was reviewing the draft. In his company he is part of the executive senior management and used to red-line documents and proof proposals. This was truly the first time since I 'retired' from my day-to-day job that he would see or read or review something that I have done. We are in the plane, I pretend to read something else but couldn't help to notice some eye-rolling, loud turning of pages, a sigh here and there and I am thinking to myself that he thinks it's terrible. I try to be invisible and sink into my seat more and more. Another half hour later he looks at me, takes my script, gives me a serious look and proceeds to tell me that I didn't explain something well enough. As I listen to his argumentation I started to laugh and said: "Wait a minute, you just learned the concept of ego-RHYTHM over the last hour and you are already explaining to ME why I did not explain my own concept in my own draft well enough." I took a breath and felt very reassured that I am onto something big.

As a reminder my concept of ego-RHYTHM and the method of KARL are universal and apply to men and women alike. It is only the book that I am writing that is geared specifically to women. The reason is obvious - I am a specialist on wanting it all, because I refused to believe that there was something I could not do or achieve.

Who knows, maybe there is a series: Men Who Want It All, Teens Who Want It All...

Posted new FREE Audio

Just posted a new MP3 on my website. If you want to listen to a free 30 minute audio between InspireMeToday.com founder Gail Lynn Goodwin and myself - sign up at www.beatechelette.com.

And - go vote today.
Beate

Greed and Having-It-All

I just read the fabulously biting response to my post ‘...and hello’.

Yes, it is true I did not study finance nor do I understand the intricacies of the financial world. But then again who does these days? Spoken to someone from the financial world lately? I bet you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone who has witnessed such a spectacle throughout his or her financial career. Am I not a financial specialist but I am an investor and I do participate in this economy and my Blog represents my opinion.

The responder 'anonymous' is right. We got into this mess inch by inch over a prolonged period of time. We know that. I doubt that by now there is anyone who doesn’t understand what the steps were that got us there. What I referred to was the panic and hysteria that we have seen in the last two months. For crying out loud, people are buying a safe and putting their cash under their mattresses. The banks stopped lending to each other and are hording cash. Credit limits on credit cards are slashed and it has become a difficult thing to get a loan period. It looks like a panic and acts like a panic – it probably is a panic. Remember oil – that went through the roof up to $147 per barrel in June and today it is $62.73. Before that the housing market went nuts and before that the .com boom, we keep doing the same thing.

The question that mattered to me most in 'anonymous' posts is this: How much does my topic of wanting and getting it all contributes to the overall 'greed?' Fabulous question and I am delighted to answer that.

You have to read the upcoming bestselling book to see how it plays out in detail. But greed and having it all are two different things.

In my book that is titled "Women Who Want It All and Get It, Too" I speak to women. I am guessing 'anonymous' is a man. Men don't think about having it all, it comes embedded in their genetic make-up. My book addresses the dilemma that women face, as we want to have (all) love, family, careers and money, too.

Our role models, our mothers did not live the have-it-all model. We were left to fend for ourselves. What we are looking at today is the best-case scenario of what we have figured out so far. Perhaps the model is slightly flawed, as we are still struggling to say the least. I state that the evolution for women is therefore greater then the evolution of men as by the example of the last 50 years. Women have conquered more ground and changed more during this time period then men. Wanting and having it all are very personal, individualized criteria's and each of us has to define what that means for ourself. Most everyone I know, including myself earn his or her own money. Most are happy to make ends meet and have a little left over. We participate in what 'anonymous' calls greed through our 401K's and the mutual funds of our children but that is probably not so clear to us. We are in a free economy and it will regulate itself, it always has. Do we and will we learn from it is the more important question. Sh@* happens, what comes after it is what counts.

Having it all and getting it too is a non-judgmental idea. You have the right to define it for yourself. My having it all includes other then the cash to live the life I want to live also happiness and family and health.

Here is an exert from the chapter of Creating Your Want-It-All list:

Be careful what you ask for ... because you might get it. Make sure you remain positive and ask for things that truly are for your best and the greater good for everyone. Do not ask for things like revenge or, even worse, wish an accident or death upon anyone. If you put this kind of effort in creating your future, then you might as well ask for the right things so you end up happy. Only good things come from good things. When you ask for money, make sure you include fulfillment and happiness as well to round it up. Only wish for things that will help you to become the person you want to be.

If money is all you love, then that’s what you’ll receive! Princess Leia Organa to Han Solo, “Star Wars: A New Hope”

Some of my ideas, no matter how absurd they may sound (as in can we not just rent out the oversupply of the current housing market?) may not be based on anything other then a pragmatic look at a 'why not'? Could there be a company that could manage something like that and could that make sense to some extend – you answer that.

In my book I write that if no new ideas would be born then we would have never seen progress. All progress and all change always starts with one thing - the idea of one person.

And ‘anonymous’ I invite you to join my test reader group to evaluate the concept of ego-RHYTHM and the method of KARL. I need critical voices that will take it apart and really test it. And thank you for your post.

Inspire Me Today - published today

http://www.inspiremetoday.com

The interview is out, take a look.
Beate