A few days ago a woman in Los Angeles gave birth to eight babies. They were born nine weeks early but everything went without a hitch. The pictures on TV and in the newspaper feature an ecstatic team of doctors, beaming of joy that the birth went so well. The team had expected seven but oops, an eight one snuck in. What a great chuckle for the reader. I guess eight is as good as seven, maybe even better. Overall this is great message of joy and a miracle. The babies are doing well, almost all breathe on their own. The mom is happy and beginning to breastfeed. On top of it this is a positive story about an HMO, something we all would like to hear for once.
Then today the message shifts. On CNN and other media outlets we suddenly read reports of why a pregnancy with that many babies is unnecessarily dangerous. How one fertility doctor believes that the couple chooses simple fertility injections (as they are cheaper) versus an in vitro (which is more expensive). It sounds as he implies that the couple made some bad decisions. Some other doctor thinks there should have been a reduction of fetuses to reduce the risk for the mother and the stronger babies. Yet another story said that problems of premature babies would not surface until later. When you are done reading a great feel good moment turns into thoughts of doubt and judgment.
My blood began to boil. What in the world is wrong with this picture?
The world is in the midst of trying times and a lot of what goes on around you is very tough stuff. It is hard to feel good when there is so much despair around you. Most of my readers are familiar with spiritual concepts and most likely you avoid as much as you can the overload of negativity around you.
Having eight seemingly healthy babies is fabulous. It is impossible to not be in awe of this family who clearly wanted to conceive and accepted all that came with it. And they made it! This should be celebrated just as we celebrated the miracle of the Hudson. It is not true that only bad news sell. Remember when "Sully" landed his plane in the Hudson just a few weeks ago. We absorbed the good news and rehashed them over and over again. Why? We need stories of hope so we can hold onto our faith and believes that we will get through this time of turmoil and that everything will turn out OK. It is imperative that we find things that go right and know a person by name that has done something good.
For the woman and the man who wants it all this is a call to action. We can and will stay positive and focused on the good stuff. How can you contribute? When you hear a story that makes you feel good or gives you hope - tell your friends. Twitter links to articles that give you that warm fussy feeling or post them on your Facebook account. Call your friends. Resist the temptation to start your conversation with how many people have lost their jobs and homes and instead be a messenger of good news. Little by little we can shift our consciousness beginning with our immediate surroundings. And that sounds already pretty good to me.
I send you my very best wishes and hope this finds you exceptionally well.
Beate
I invite you to post your good news on this blog, my Facebook or tweet me.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Help! I am struggling.
Help! I am struggling. This was a Facebook entry I received today from a fabulous, smart self employed woman in Florida. She asked about ideas, tips or techniques that could be recommended. Anything, ANYTHING that I can share that might help her to get over the current bump. A series of tough blows brought her to her knees.
When faced with adversity especially in tough economic times (and I remind you that Mercury is going retrograde until February 2nd) we ask - why me, why now, when is it going to be over? Our external circumstances are discouraging. The economy, depression vs recession, plummeting portfolios, savings and declining home values leave us feeling down and heavy. On top of it, the planets are going nuts as communication for the next few weeks will be triple as difficult. Mercury rules all personal and electronic communication.
For the Woman Who Wants It All it can be very discouraging when you do all the right things and "stuff" keeps on getting in the way. So what is the right action, thought, or method to use when you feel life is giving you too much to handle and you cannot take it anymore?
Remember you have a trusted "man" on your side. KARL (know, accept, relax, live. Apply the actions of KARL whenever you hit a snag.
Remind yourself, even when the going gets really tough - there is always a light that shines brightly that gives us hope. You will be better - soon.
Stay the course.
Beate
When faced with adversity especially in tough economic times (and I remind you that Mercury is going retrograde until February 2nd) we ask - why me, why now, when is it going to be over? Our external circumstances are discouraging. The economy, depression vs recession, plummeting portfolios, savings and declining home values leave us feeling down and heavy. On top of it, the planets are going nuts as communication for the next few weeks will be triple as difficult. Mercury rules all personal and electronic communication.
For the Woman Who Wants It All it can be very discouraging when you do all the right things and "stuff" keeps on getting in the way. So what is the right action, thought, or method to use when you feel life is giving you too much to handle and you cannot take it anymore?
Remember you have a trusted "man" on your side. KARL (know, accept, relax, live. Apply the actions of KARL whenever you hit a snag.
- Know that you are eye-to-eye with a pretty big bump on your road. You must get through this and you will - somehow. Challenges are a part of life, you've gone through stuff before.
- Accept that today is a tough day and that you are struggling with your situation. Don't fight it, allow and accept it. Set yourself a time limit and throw a great pity-party for yourself.
- Relax - you might as well. When you time limit is up, remind yourself that you will conquer this one, too. Take a breath and focus on positive thinking. "I Will Get Better."
- Live a little. Give yourself a reward for being brave and courageous. Do a favorite activity such as rent a funny movie, go for a walk, grab a coffee, paint, read, have a drink or cook for a friend.
Remind yourself, even when the going gets really tough - there is always a light that shines brightly that gives us hope. You will be better - soon.
Stay the course.
Beate
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
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:
Beate
Know that I appreciate you very much. I thank my friends from twitter, Facebook and this blog for your support.
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.
Beate
Know that I appreciate you very much. I thank my friends from twitter, Facebook and this blog for your support.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
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
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
Monday, November 24, 2008
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.
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.
Friday, November 21, 2008
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...
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...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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
And - go vote today.
Beate
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
