Getting the Most from Being Coached

The coaching relationship is a partnership rather than a service that is done "for" you or "to" you. Because of this, you can get the most from your coaching dollars by being the best client you can be.

Below is a list of qualities you can apply or develop in yourself that can help you get the most value from being coached.

~flexible

~open-minded

~has the ability to withhold judgement while brainstorming freely

~allows herself to be pulled forward by the synergy she has created with her coach rather than waiting for the coach to push

~follows through on commitments or is willing to take an honest look at why he didn't follow through

~enthusiastic

~has picked a compelling challenge for herself

~curious, adventurous thinker

~speaks up when he has a concern or wants the coaching to go in another direction

~clear about her values and is willing to take the time to build her personal infrastructure to support them.

I'm eager to hear from those of you who fit this profile! Your trial session is complimentary; email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com or call 610-385-3766.

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. to Locals: It was great to see so many familiar people and to meet new ones at the Boyertown Wellness Fair on Saturday! I'll also be exhibiting and demonstrating Reiki at the Healthy Lifestyles Expo in Pottstown on Friday, April 17. Contact me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for more information.

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.**

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What Motivates a Patron to Buy Art? Here's What Stirs My Heart

Inspired by a recent visit to my favorite craft show (OJR Friends of the Arts), I'm sharing with you what motivates me to choose the particular pieces I buy there.

~The piece calls to my intuition.
~It expresses the artist's unique style and essence.
~The item may have an original twist on a well-loved theme or design element.
~It has an interesting combination of materials, textures, and colors.
~The piece has a certain earthiness to it.
~The item has a loose, flowing design that suggests a movement of energy.

At a show of this kind, I typically buy jewelry, clothing, and pottery. However, I look for these qualities in any art form, including books and performing arts, where some of these qualities tend to be more metaphorical.

I believe you should create according to what stirs your heart as a top priority, but I thought this list from an artist/patron's viewpoint might be helpful. I'd love to see your responses to the list in your comments!

Thanks,
Susan
scleaver@dejazzd.com

P.S. for Locals: Don't miss the free Wellness Fair this Saturday, March 21, 2009, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Boyertown Area Sr. High School! It's presented by the Boyertown Area Community Wellness Council. Bring the whole family; there's something for everyone.

I'm on the planning committee, so I can tell you it's going to be bigger and better than ever this year! Stop by and see me; I'll be exhibiting, giving brief Reiki treatments, and teaching a short workshop on "Embracing Imperfection."

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

Top Ten Tips on Gratitude

Here's the countdown....

10. Look for opportunities to express gratitude. The opportunities can be large or small. I like to write "thank you" in the memo line when I'm writing checks, especially for personal services such as massage.

9. Re-frame negative situations by looking for the "jewel in the mud," and being grateful for it.

8. Over-deliver with added value for your patrons to show your gratitude for their support of your work.

7. Show gratitude to and for yourself! Your creative expression is unique. It not only deserves your thanks, but it flourishes as a result.

6. Write thank-you notes when they are least expected. These are the most meaningful kind, and the most fun to write!

5. Start a "Warm and Fuzzy" file, and fill it with the expressions of gratitude that come to you from others. Look through it whenever you're having an "off" day.

4. Use sincere gratitude to prevent creative blocks and to raise your energy.

3. Avoid "when, then" thinking, such as "When I'm accepted by a gallery, then I'll be happy." Be happy and grateful now, and you'll greatly improve your odds of having more to be grateful for in the future.

2. List the things you are grateful for...with a twist. Here's what works best for me: I date my list for one month from the day I'm writing it. I mix in things that have already manifested with things that are on the way, but I write them all as if they are already here. These two strategies make it much easier to get used to the idea and feeling of the items being true. After all, in a month, they could be, right?

1. Please comment on this post if you are grateful for it! :-)

Thanks,
Susan

P.S. for locals: Please see my 2/27 post for details about the Boyertown Wellness Council Health Fair, coming up on Saturday, March 21, or email me at scleaver@dejazzd.com for more info. I hope to see you there!

***All of Susan's creative4life posts are copyright of Susan Cleaver.***

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