Volume 31

February 24, 2009

Welcome to "Karen's Korner!"

• Take Another Step or Turn and Run?

Have you ever stood face to face with indecision? You consider taking another step, turning and running, only to find yourself doing neither? There you are seemingly stuck with an insatiable desire to be somewhere else and yet unable to move. What is it that is required to close the gap? Many avoid it as if it is an option – consciously or unconsciously. Some will go to extreme measures to circumvent while others are adept at nonchalantly slithering out of its way. The very mention of the word typically triggers a shudder at minimum and paralyzing fear at the other end of the spectrum. Yet without it we are incapable of growth. Without it we cannot get from where we are to where we want to be. The challenge is to first recognize it as it is intangible. Next, we must do whatever it takes to embrace and face it head on. What is it, this absolutely essential requirement? A small four letter word – one some would refer to as “nasty” – careful what you’re thinking – R–I–S–K!

What if you looked at RISK as . . .

Requires
I
Seek
Knowledge

Risk means we are exploring unknown territory. As we learn we are stretching our comfort zones. For most this is uncomfortable, even stressful. We don’t get to look good or feel good in the learning process. In fact, this is a time when comfort is more a detriment than a benefit. Remaining in comfort zones is stagnant, in life and in business.

This is the very essence of Right 20 in Embrace Your Rights. For those of you with the book, see page six. For those of you yet to get your copy, click here. Right 20 is as follows:

I have the Right to risk new territory, stretch my comfort zones
and feel scared doing so

I suggest you post this Right in several places to serve as your reminder. Read it often and take continual baby steps to implementing.

Seeking knowledge however, is only the starting point. How many V8 moments have you experienced in your life? The times you groan and say “I knew that” or “You’d think I’d know better” – you acted differently than you claim to know. These phrases represent only a cognitive level of data or information. Knowledge alone therefore is insufficient. Once we obtain the knowledge we must practice until we demonstrate application with ease and consistency.

Practice requires three parts, conscious choice, action and commitment. If we are numb and unaware we are unable to make conscious choices. How does one become aware? Increasing awareness requires that “nasty” four letter word – RISK – embarking on new territory, stretching comfort zones and permission to feel scared along the way – refer to Right 20 above. Awareness is developed as a result of meditation and education. There are a variety of forms of meditation. Experiment and find something that works for you. Opportunities for education abound. How often to read and listen to self-development material?

Practice means there has to be action which of course includes that “nasty” four letter word - RISK. Many overlook inaction as a form of action. In other words, whatever action or inaction you take creates a result. Inaction could also be labeled as RISK. How beneficial is your action? Remember, outcomes we experience in life are directly proportional to the level of responsibility and commitment to ourselves and our skills.

Commitment is the last component of practice. There is a distinct difference between interest and commitment. Interest lacks ownership, motivation and follow-through. Commitment comprises all three with that “nasty” four letter word RISK as a main ingredient. Are you interested or committed in making the changes necessary to achieve your desires?

One could argue a fourth part to practice, persistence. To me persistence is automatic when there’s commitment. Haven’t you persisted whenever you made a commitment and faltered when you merely toyed with an idea? Life and business continuously expose us to RISK. Every time we learn or improve we take a RISK. Progress of any kind requires RISK. Hence, we would be better served to befriend RISK than to fear or avoid.

One of my mentors offered four questions as a tool when facing a risk of any magnitude in your life. Consider the following:

1. What is the best thing that can happen if I take the next step?
2. What is the worst thing that can happen if I take the next step?
3. What is the best thing that can happen if I avoid the next step?
4. What is the worst thing that can happen if I avoid the next step?

Then make a decision to the best of your abilities . . . and remember . . .

I have the Right to risk new territory, stretch my comfort zones
and feel scared doing so
 

• Inspiring Quotes  

Don’t be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.

David Lloyd George

Any life truly lived is a risky business, and if one puts up too many fences against the risks, one ends up shutting out life itself.

Kenneth S. Davis

It’s this simple: if I never try anything, I never learn anything. If I never take a risk, I stay where I am.

Hugh Prather

• FREE Poster of 12 Steps of an Excuse Maker and 12 Steps of a Recovering Excuse Maker - plus SAVE 40%

• Look What’s New!

Teleseminar – Excuse Free Success: Winning By Losing!

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Reasons people make excuses

• Simple formula to achieve effectiveness

• What’s required to change a belief

• Key about making mistakes

And

• How to live an Excuse Free and Fulfilling life – personally and professionally

March 18th 4-5pm PST (7-8pmEST; 6-7pmCST; 5-6MST)

Exclusive offer for loyal subscribers:

Use coupon code EZINEGIFT at checkout to attend this teleseminar as my gift.  ($99 value)

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• Thank you . . . keep them coming!  

Thank you to everyone who sent a contribution for the “What if Everything is Perfect?” collection! Click here for details.  How do you include your story? Simple, send an email and feel free to invite others to participate as well!

• What if you could be the person you dream of being?  

The key is to get out of your own way. Your current thinking and habits are only good enough to get you where you are. If you’re satisfied with all areas of your life, great, keep doing what you’re doing. If however life seems to be passing you by faster than you’re achieving your dreams Click here and include contact info and best times to reach you.

Karen has definitely helped me to change my life!!!

She describes herself as a ‘recovering excuse maker’—that pretty much describes many of us. It’s so easy to blame where we are, on what someone else has done, rather than accepting responsibility for our own choices. Being aware of myself, my surroundings and outcomes has certainly helped me to become a more content, joyful person. I think the most dramatic change I’ve made is to focus on how I want to feel by choosing better thoughts and rephrasing thoughts to be more appreciative and affirmative.

Karen always ‘suggests’ rather than instructs so I feel comfortable reviewing her ideas/suggestions and putting them into practice; never a feeling of being judged — just awakened!!

Pat Budge
Medical Practice Administrator
Salt Lake City, UT

• A Gift for You  

Book Karen to speak for your organization or association and receive a free gift! Call 602-870-3652 or email Karen@karengridley.com for more details.

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• Contact Info & Subscription Management  

Please feel free to share this information with friends and colleagues. Karen

KMG Enterprises, LLC

P.O. Box 26927

Phoenix, AZ 85068

Phone: (602) 870-3652    

Fax: (602) 870-3653

Website: www.KarenGridley.com

Email: Karen@KarenGridley.com

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