Coaching Information

Creating An Effective Toolbox For Success


WHAT'S IN YOUR TOOLBOX?

Think tools are just for builders and construction workers? Think again!

Everyone needs a well stocked toolbox.

Over the years, given the wisdom of life's experiences and much learning, I have assembled my own psychological toolbox. It contains, among other things,

Ideas from diverse schools of thought
Different ways of perceiving
Trust in the wisdom contained in my body
An open mind
An open heart
A creative spirit

Acquiring effective coping tools changed my life. (There's an understatement!) In times of stress, these tools bring me back to center and realign me with my higher self. They lead me to receiving nourishment when I need comfort. They help me find safety within myself and in this world. I now have many practices which reconnect me to divine source when I wander off the path. When worry, stress, self-doubt, or victim thinking fill my mind, it's time to dig through the toolbox and pull out one (or many) strategies that help bring me back into a more natural state of peace and empowerment.

Each of us has a range of coping mechanisms that we employ when faced with stress. Sometimes, a solution as easy as taking a few deep breaths and putting the situation back into perspective can bring us back into balance. Once in a while a brisk walk outdoors brings us a sense of relaxation when we need it most. While at other times a steamy bath, candles, Mozart, and cup of warm tea is what is needed to soothe the body, mind and soul. What doesn't work is continuing to worry about the problem without taking action, remaining in victim thinking, berating ourselves, or ignoring our needs.

Most people have a toolbox of coping mechanisms that effectively get us through life's tougher situations. But if that toolbox isn't very full with empowering tools, then we are unable to cope with balance when a stressful situation arises. Oftentimes, people who use food to cope (anorexia, bulimia, compulsive overeating, binge eating, etc.) do not have many soothing, calming, nurturing tools to alleviate anxiety. The use of food or addiction becomes one of the few ways to reduce the effects of stress from the mind and body.

Whether you're aware of it or not, you have a toolbox. But maybe it's time to inventory the contents. Do your tools help you survive - or do they help you thrive? Are there enough tools to support you as you build the life you want? Take a look at the following two lists and notice how you would go about the business of consciously filling your personal toolbox for success

Some questions to ask yourself:

1) How can I utilize my tools better?

2) What new tools do I need to acquire?

3) Which tools can I replace or eliminate?

INEFFECTIVE TOOLBOX STRATEGIES:

Self-judgement (stupid, lazy, worthless, etc.)

Self-criticism

Poor me

Big fat slob

Self-pity

I can never have what I want

Seeking other's acceptance

Mental chatter

Binge eating

Anorexia and starving

Bulimia

Excessive busyness

Drinking

Drugging

Numbing out

Excessive Sleep

Checking out

Depression

Creating illness in times of stress

EFFECTIVE TOOLBOX STRATEGIES:

Communicating and expressing feelings

Supportive self-talk

Journal writing

Self soothing strategies

Talking to self in mirror with encouraging statements

Releasing anger safely and effectively

Accepting emotions and emotional pain

Voicing emotions instead of stuffing emotions down

Speaking truth instead of hiding real feelings, opinions

Setting written goals

Recognizing accomplishments and successes

Empowering affirmations

Visualization and imagery

Relaxation strategies

Abdominal breathing techniques

Healthy movement, dance, yoga, etc.

Inspirational books, poetry, religion

Emotionally supportive music

Surround yourself with beauty

Add more fun to your life!

Copyright 2005, Dr. Annette Colby, all rights reserved.

Dr. Annette Colby, RD
Nutrition Therapist & Master Energy Healer
Annette@AnnetteColby.com
972.985.8750

"Opening Creative Portals to Success"

For free inspirational newsletter, articles & info visit: http://www.LovingMiracles.com


MORE RESOURCES:

Houston Chronicle

Hawkins hasn't changed, according to his old coaches
ESPN - 5 hours ago
DALLAS -- Tomorrow amongst the ferris wheels and corn dogs, we'll celebrate the kind of coaching rivalry that used to mark college football. In the Big Ten, ...
Red River Rivalry: Another clash of top coaches Dallas Morning News
OU coach Stoops has uplifted Sooner Nation Houston Chronicle
OU football notebook: Stoops: ‘My good friend Mack Brown’ NewsOK.com
all 37 news articles


Coaching decisions on deck for Yanks
MLB.com - 14 hours ago
... the organization has opened discussions regarding potential changes for 2009, including -- but not limited to -- the coaching staff. ...
Yankees mull coach switches New York Daily News
all 3 news articles


AFP

Ponting praises Chappell's coaching role
AFP - 14 minutes ago
SYDNEY (AFP) — Ricky Ponting has praised the coaching work of former Test great Greg Chappell in helping the Australian team adjust to the demands of ...


MLB Notebook: Reds' Baker takes 'dream' coaching job
Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - Oct 9, 2008
AP This weekend, Baker will be the fill-in coach for 9-year-old son Darren's 10-and-under traveling tournament team. Baker, 59, spent his first season as ...
Dusty Baker gets fall coaching gig - his son's team Sacramento Bee
all 118 news articles


NDSCS to present coaching clinic
In-Forum, ND - 41 minutes ago
The North Dakota State College of Science men’s basketball coaching staff will be hosting a coaches’ clinic at Blikre Athletic Center on Sunday, ...


MLive.com

Albion's Turner leaving MIAA coaching fraternity
MLive.com, MI - 14 hours ago
For the first time, the two longtime friends, and two of the deans of NCAA Division III coaching, cried together. "We wept over the phone. ...
area DIGEST Lansing State Journal
all 2 news articles


Coaching staffs will make impact in Red River Rivalry
Fort Worth Star Telegram, TX - 42 minutes ago
Staff vs. staff: From a coaching standpoint, this could be the most interesting matchup in recent memory. New defensive coordinator Will Muschamp has ...


Bison to face coaching legend in Friday’s game
Lonoke News, AR - 9 hours ago
Jimmy “Red” Parker came out of retirement to coach the Bears. He is assisted by former Woodlawn, Pine Bluff and Subiaco coach Marion Glover, who coached the ...


After 40 years, Bassett has this coaching thing figured out
Grand Haven Tribune, MI - 14 hours ago
AP Breaking News Video BY NATE THOMPSON SPRING LAKE — In a profession where newcomers are a dime a dozen, Spring Lake tennis coach Charlie Bassett has stood ...


Barker quits Saints, returns to Hawthorn
The Age, Australia - 2 hours ago
"It's been a fantastic experience to be part of the coaching group at the Saints after finishing my playing career," Barker said in a statement. ...

Coaching - Google News

home | site map
© 2006