Author : Dr. Judy

7 Virtues of a Good Man

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

My dear friend, self-made man, Dan Peters, has been through the trenches.
Severe child abuse, electrocution, drug and alcohol abuse, a suicide attempt,
and business challenges have sent him to his knees. Regardless, Dan’s passion
to help others trumps.

Recently, we were rehashing positivity and strengths strategies. Without missing
a beat, he whipped out his recent journal page. I asked him if I could share it
with you. “Absolutely, if it might another, you bet!”

Loves GOD (with all of his mind, all of his heart, all of his soul and all
of his strength): Realizes his life is no accident and allows time each day to give
thanks and praise to his Father GOD. He subjects his will to that of his Creator.

Purposeful: Understands there is but one method for success; time and energy.
He acknowledges life will interject wondrous events and circumstances. He willingly
and inevitably adjusts his initial goals.

Provider: Is mindful of the needs of his spouse, children, friends and self . He
meets these with love, time spent and inspiration (in-spirit). He knows material
things alone can never hope to achieve authentic love.

Trustworthiness: Must first be honest with himself, to discern the real motives
behind his actions; this will facilitate his ability to be honest with others. He has an
uncompromising ethical code based on his values, spirituality and his own experiences.

Unselfishness: Is generous with his time, talent and treasures for the betterment
of others. He has developed a discerning mind to minimize becoming a doormat for
those who would abuse his generous spirit. He is mindful it is better to be used than
to be the user.

Facility for Compassion: Is cognizant of the real, undeserved suffering of others.
He is innately willing to do something about it now. He never forgets charity starts
at home, strengthening him to give more to others.

Seeker of Wisdom: Has chosen upstanding role models. Treats himself as he
would a friend, with knowledge he will experience lapses in judgment and will
make mistakes along the way. He makes use of these events to learn. He remembers
to be grateful always.

Thanks from the bottom of my heart, Dan, for sharing your personal creed. You are
a role model for resilience. Why not share this with all the men you love, your kids,
grand kids and friends? What would you add to your creed? How about sprinkling
some loving kindness your own way, too?

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I love your comments, so I hope to hear from you! Feedback is fun.

Need more coaching positivity strengths? Get more fun well-being and flourishing
tips and my free Ebook at: http://www.coachingpositivity.com

Hope you enjoy a peek at my glossy new strengths book,
“Photo Adventures in Cuba ~ Unlock Your Power of Positivity”, too.
Or download a copy for your kindle or ireader at:
http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Adventures-in-Cuba-ebook/dp
/B005CRDHWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316487933&sr=1-1

Avoid First Time Writer Mistakes – 9 Strength Tips for Coaches

Posted by Dr. Judy at 11:30 am

Do you want to write a book, but your brain gets stuck in freeze-frame fear mode? Or maybe you have a message to deliver, but you can’t get your mojo movin’? Positive psychology coaching helps you overcome overwhelm. It magnifies opportunities for writing success.

I never planned to write a book, at least not until I retired. I’m a positivity coach, who LOVES strengths spotting, but when it came to writing my book, hindsight slapped me with a new awareness. I had left my character strengths in moth balls! Here’s the back-story.

Family and friends enjoyed photos taken during my long-awaited Cuban trip. Humbly, they delighted in hearing my “Values in Action” (VIA) strengths vignettes, especially the ones where I interacted with unexpectedly warm and open Cubans. They twisted my arm (OK, I let them!) to write a book about my tropical adventures.

Next, I was asked to appear as a guest with radio talk show host, Stacey Chadwell, serving Viki Winterton’s The Coach Exchange (tce). This spurred my writing an article, “Birthing My First Book”, in the premier edition of PUBLISHED! Magazine. I’m the one with egg all over her face as a newbie who knew nothing, and I mean nothing, about book writing. The other authors are stellar and famous. I felt like a guppy swimming with wonderful whales, but it was fun and a joyful learning experience.

As a coach, you have wisdom and you know you are way more than enough, right? You are creative, resourceful and whole. But translating that into writing is an incredible challenge. So don’t do it the way I did it, backwards! Grab your strengths and let your story unfold. Add a positivity outline and lightening your load.

Empower yourself with 9 Strengths Tips I wish I had known BEFORE I initiated my book:

1. Critical Thinking and Creativity.

Plan ahead! Know your mission before your fingers hit the keyboard. Do our homework first. Mindmap your purpose and who you want your book to serve. Fall in love with colorful, funky post-it notes, message boards or favorite techie note-taking devices. Let your ideas flow and watch your enthusiasm grow.

2. Self Regulation and Fairness.

Get organized, set time aside to write, and make a “fair to yourself” time line for completion. No excuses! Look your “yes-but’s” and “if only’s” in the eye and challenge them to a “get it done” dual. You win and yell “Mission accomplished!” Of course you have competing agendas. That’s life. It’s hard. But be true to talented you. Don’t expect perfection.

I wrote my book for my 92 year old Mom. She is my joy. I love to communicate with her and her caregivers several times a day. I also swing like Tarzan seeing a full caseload of coaching clients, mentoring, blogging, appearing on radio, and studying positive psychology. But even God rested on the 7th day! Remember you need a life, too. Reward yourself with a treat! Don’t expect perfection.

3. Social Intelligence and Curiosity.

Know who you are marketing to and the purpose of our message. Curiously ascertain how your book will serve their needs. Take a fun poll of your colleagues. See how your book will benefit them. As author of “Curious”, Todd Kashdan, would say, “Embrace uncertainty”. Be a flexible, “curious explorer”.

4. Diligence and Authenticity.

Expect hard work but feel fun in your achievement. Let the real you rip. Tell on yourself like I did in my book. Nothing like getting busted in a Cuban cemetery. No jail time, but great stories captured.

5. Zest and Gratitude.

Join a writers/book marketing community. Get mentors. Remember positive psychology pioneer Chris Peterson’s mantra, “Other people matter.” Let them know how much you appreciate their enthusiasm in helping you reach for your writing star.

6. Teamwork and Leadership.

Expect to pull your hair out, but not all of it! Be the lead sled dog, but get a book/writing/marketing coach. Here’s one of my favorite quotes, “No man is an island.”, John Donne. You will have questions and you deserve answers. You have invested your heart and soul, but you also need to invest cash if you what a return on your hard-earned investment.

7. Humor and Tenacity.

Cuss if you must, but never give up! Feeling blue with no words flowing out if you? Get moving! Get the adrenalin hopping. Call a friend. Pet your dog or get one if you don’t have one. Rescue one for a super win win. That pup will perk you up while you write! Not a pet lover? Get a stuffed animal or lucky charm. Anything that makes you smile.

8. Bravery and Hope/Optimism.

Phooey to FEAR. It is only “Fantasized Experience Appearing Real!” Warning! You need to eat your Wheaties when you write a book. And add a little bran, too, if you know what I mean. Words can really block you up!

Life is what you tell yourself it is. Perception is everything. You can ACT the way you choose or REACT negatively when you put someone else in YOUR driver’s seat. Lighten your emotional load. LET GO of baggage that does not serve you.

9. Capacity to Love and Be Loved and Kindness.

Lasso love for yourself. Lavish encouragement onto your psyche. Here’s a technique I read about the other day, and wish I had saved the source. To feel happier, hug yourself. Yup, sounds weird, but try it. Charm yourself as you chuckle. Let me know if it worked!

Bless Judy Cullins and Viki Winterton, the greatest mentors ever. You can see all my foibles and more ways to prevent the screw ups I made when you read my “Birthing My First Book” article in The Coach Exchange’s Published! Magazine.

You want a great writing your book outcome, right? I hope you join me as I write more blogs about each character strength. How to spot them and add joy to your own strengths spotting journey. Learn how to suck up and savor life. It’s time you blast off to create your best self life.

Here’s to your fun and flourishing.

What’s your favorite strengths story? What did you learn about life the hard way? How did you conquer your fears?

Put a smile on my face and make a comment. I look forward to hearing your feedback. You matter!

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For more of Judy’s wisdom, you are welcomed to grab a free copy of her Ebook re: tips to rev up your relationships and also get fun photo blogs delivered right to eDoorstep when you Like my page on Facebook by clicking here

And want more adventure? Grab a copy of my exciting, fun, and exotic traveling with your strengths print book or Kindle. Just click here now

Need a coach? To see if you fit with Judy, check out her coaching pages

Confidence Quotes Fly In On Serendipity Wings

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

Did you ever have one of those days when you felt like one foot was nailed down
and you were going around in circles?

I was ready to scream. My Internet went down, and I lost a graphic that wasn’t
saved. Yeah, I knew better, but the long email that was lost in cyber space is
what threw me over the edge.

That’s when “Life is a balance” kicked in.

Out of nowhere, just when I was at my wit’s end, I received the loveliest email from
my wonderfully supportive friend, Heather, in Nova Scotia, Canada. She was
reviewing old emails when she came across confidence quotes I had shared with
our “Friends of Positive Psychology” LinkedIn group. She told me they were
precisely what she needed.

So did I! Ironically, a tip of the hat to “serendipity” again (thank you, God!),
I had unsuccessfully looked for this list last week.

May these confidence quotes elevate your spirit and add joy in your journey!
Deep bows of gratitude to you, Heather.

The photo? Confidence Cutie, Mom, is ready to take the plunge. Deaf, 100% vertigo,
and unable to swim, she strapped on 93 years of pluck. Her wonderful caregiver,
Cathy, lowered her wheelchair into the pool for exercise, and after a few steps
holding on for dear life, confidence bubbled up. “Never give up!”, Mom’s mantra.

What have you done lately to stretch your confidence muscle?

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“Confidence comes not from always being right but from not fearing to be wrong.”
~Peter T. Mcintyre

“Having once decided to achieve a certain task, achieve it at all costs of tedium
and distaste. The gain in self-confidence of having accomplished a tiresome labor
is immense.”
~Thomas A. Bennett

“Nothing builds self-esteem and self-confidence like accomplishment.”
~Thomas Carlyle

“Whatever we expect with confidence becomes our own self-fulfilling prophecy.”
~Brian Tracy

“I quit being afraid when my first venture failed and the sky didn’t fall down.”
~Allen H. Neuharth

“Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you
want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy.”
~Dale Carnegie

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Want more confidence? I’d love to hear from you. Flash me an email.

I’ll tell you about coaching and help you launch your strengths.
Time to soar with eagles.

Do you know how to fly? No? You will, when you get coaching!

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I love your comments, so I hope to hear from you! Feedback is fun.

Need more coaching positivity strengths? Get more fun well-being and flourishing
tips and my free Ebook at http://www.coachingpositivity.com.

Hope you enjoy a peek at my glossy new strengths book,
“Photo Adventures in Cuba ~ Unlock Your Power of Positivity”, too.
Or download a copy for your kindle or ireader at:
http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Adventures-in-Cuba-ebook/dp
/B005CRDHWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316487933&sr=1-1

3 Tips How to Exercise Your Personal Affirmation Muscle

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

How do you start your day? Do you have a spiritual ritual, prayer, or reading that
reminds you how you want to show up each day?

Some people call this self-message an “intention”. Others call it personal
“affirmation”. These are messages you give yourself to live your BEST LIFE
now. To thrive every day you are alive. Here’s how:

1. Make a list of your most positive personality strengths and values. Don’t
be humble. Be grateful for who you are. Review your Values in Action Survey
(VIA) results (viacharacter.org) They are a breath of fresh air reminding you
how wonderful you are. Loving yourself makes it easier then to blast your
“pay it forward” energy out into the universe.

2. Stay in the NOW. Use the present tense. Use action verbs. Remind yourself
today is your day. Remember your unconscious believes what you tell it,
so empower your positivity to star on your stage each day. Lift up your curtain
with a smile.

3. Cope, not mope! Know how you REACT to life dictates whether you live your
values. If you tell yourself negative self talk, that is your reality. If you tell
yourself, “This sucks, but I will use my strengths to cope”, that black smear of
ink on your life won’t be permanent.

Here’s what Zig Ziglar suggests as an affirmation:

I look in the mirror and say, “I (your name) am honest and intelligent. I am
kind and loving and I am loved. I am a great listener. I am consistent and
persistent. I am creative and spontaneous. I am courageous. I recognize
and take advantage of opportunities that come my way.  I am positive.
Today is going to be an absolutely fantastic day. Great things will happen
today. I love you.”

You are unique! These are Zig’s words. Why not use our own to create a
paragraph that fits your like a comfy bedroom slipper? I know mine would
need the word humor injected somewhere.

 I would love to hear from you. Remember…Sharing is caring. Now’s the time
to be daring! How about making me smile and flash me your intention? Just
add your post below. We’ll compare notes when I return from Nepal and Tibet!

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I love your comments, so I hope to hear from you! Feedback is fun.

Need more coaching positivity strengths? Get more fun well-being and flourishing
tips and my free Ebook at http://www.coachingpositivity.com.

Hope you enjoy a peek at my glossy new strengths book,
“Photo Adventures in Cuba ~ Unlock Your Power of Positivity”, too.
Or download a copy for your kindle or ireader at:
http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Adventures-in-Cuba-ebook/dp
/B005CRDHWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316487933&sr=1-1

Do you suffer from Excuse Abuse? 7 Tips To Get It Done and No Whine with Your Cheese!

Posted by Dr. Judy at 3:00 am

© 2011 Dr. Judy Krings

Is “Yes, But” or “If Only” your middle name?

Got too much on your procrastination plate, Bubba?

Is the phrase “personal responsibility” an oxymoron? An impossible dream?

Time to optimize optimism and happily ingest intestinal fortitude. Only you
can get to your designated finish line.

Save your sanity! Ignite these 7 tips and learn how to tolerate, calm, and accept
yourself as you accomplish with bliss! Don’t even think about making excuses as
you read these. I will hunt you down, and we WILL have one hot-to-trot coaching
session! Have fun and get it done! Here’s how:

1. Stop, take a deep breath in your nose, then breathe out your mouth with a
big sigh! Cut yourself some slack. Make a specific, realistic, time sensitive, able
to do, prioritized “to do” goal list. Feel your relief as you take a few more deep
breaths. One small step, then another. You will get there.

2. LOL. You heard me right. When you find yourself off track, laugh out loud.
Read a joke, watch a funny video, or go on line and Google laughing clubs.
Taking a break makes you work/play more effectively.

3. Honestly ask yourself, “What am I really avoiding? Greet your angst. Hug it.
Love it. Help it get back on track. Reward yourself when you accomplish even
a small goal win. Sing! Dance! Pat yourself on the back and grin!

4. Give thanks! Become a gratitude junkie. Thank yourself for getting things
done. Look for what you DO accomplish, not at what you don’t. Team with a
partner who can celebrate with you.

5. Ditch Stuck-it is? Think of folks who have it worse off than you. You will not
need to look far. Tell yourself, “I CAN!” and believe it.

6. Don’t bite off more than you can chew and criticize yourself. Make a list at
the end of the day of what you accomplished. Be realistic. Tomorrow is another
day. Remind yourself every day. Put the NIKE Swoosh somewhere you can
see it. Tell yourself,”Just do it!”

7. Personal responsibility is about loving yourself. Being enough. Not there?
Get some help! Call a friend or get a coach. You are everything you need, but
perhaps you lost where you put it? Write your top 5 signature strengths on funky
paper and plaster it everywhere.

Is that you rummaging around your closet looking for your Values in Action 24
Character Strengths? Way to go! Forgot them? Go http://www.coachingpositivity.com.
You will see them waiting for you in all their glory.

NO excuses! You want to be a winner in getting plans made and goals done, right?

The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it,
but that it is too low and we reach it. ~ Michelangelo

“Judy Krings is an honest hold-your-feet-to-the-fire coach who
can help you get to your goals, and she does it with joy and
humor!” Dr. Kevyn Malloy, MentorCoach, Director of Learning

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I love your comments, so I hope to hear from you! Feedback is fun.

Need more coaching positivity strengths? Get more fun well-being and flourishing
tips and my free Ebook at http://www.coachingpositivity.com.

Hope you enjoy a peek at my glossy new strengths book,
“Photo Adventures in Cuba ~ Unlock Your Power of Positivity”, too.
Or download a copy for your kindle or ireader at
http://www.amazon.com/Photo-Adventures-in-Cuba-ebook/dp
/B005CRDHWY/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1316487933&sr=1-1