Reducing chaos through Journaling




We all have tons of thoughts running through our minds, at lightning speed.

We're so used to this phenomena that most of us have developed - unconsciously - coping mechanisms to manage these thoughts.

Some of the most common coping mechanisms? Ignoring the thoughts; tuning into other sources of information - conversation with someone else, reading, or TV.  But the more we try to push them away, the more these thoughts persist.  And the more they persist, the more we believe them.

Most of us have gotten to the point where we tune into our mental chatter, allowing ourselves to obsess over its messages.  These messages can be annoying, harmful and completely false.  But the more we tune in and believe the chatter, the more power it has to shape our experience.

What's the solution?  Many people favor meditation as a method to clear the mental chatter and attain a quiet mind.

I have another suggestion. 

JOURNALING.

Yes, writing it down.  At first this seems counter-intuitive.  If I want my thoughts to have less power over me, why would I give them the time and attention of writing them down?

Writing down irrational thoughts or worries actually lessens their power.  Sometimes, just like humans, all our irrational thoughts need, is to be acknowledged.

A second benefit? Putting your thoughts into the objective space created through journaling - which is similar to the objective space created through the coaching process - creates distance between you and your thoughts. 

Once a thought is written down, it is no longer a part of you.  It is a separate entity that exists in a space outside of your mind.  You can consider it from a place of distance, of separation. 

Better yet, you may no longer need to consider it anymore. Just like shining a light into a child's closet can make a lurking monster disappear, shining a light on your thoughts can reduce their power.

What happens when you reduce the power of your repetitive thoughts?  You reduce their impact in your life - including anxiety, feelings of uncertainty, obsessiveness, and worry. 

The result?  A happier, freer you!
 

Choosing your focus

February 12, 2010



Have you ever heard the phrase "Perception is Reality"?

I first learned its application in the corporate world.  Working in a department that was responsible for giving out, rather than bringing in, money, we felt pressured to manage others' perception of our actions.

In a down economy, we made sure employees understood that our contributions to the community were made for critical reasons, not for frivolous ones.  For example we might choose to invest in a homeless shelter whose numbers had sp...
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The enemy within

January 21, 2010



Lately, I've been reading The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs: How to Be Insanely Great in Front of Any Audience.

It's a great read, and it fell into my lap just as I agreed to lead a training on coaching skills for nonprofit managers. An example of perfect synchronicity.

As I go through each chapter, I distill the tips into my presentation.  The process has been relatively straightforward so far.

Until. Today, I came across Chapter 6, which focuses on engaging one's audience using the classi...
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The truth about job satisfaction

January 14, 2010



A recent report by the Conference Board found that job satisfaction in the US has dropped to a record low of 45%.

More than 55% of Americans are unhappy in their jobs, with a whopping 64% of workers under age 25 reporting dissatisfaction.

We have many ideas and opinions about what's most important in a job. Top water-cooler theories include:
  • Money (the more the better)
  • A supportive boss
  • Nice coworkers
  • Flexible schedule
  • Good benefits (healthcare, anyone?)
  • Fit with the mission/values of the employer
  • Len...

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Celebrating our top achievements in 2009

December 31, 2009



At the end of the year, media outlets around the world are reflecting on the past calendar year.

We review lists of top movies, books, articles and inventions.

We remember the lives of those who have passed from this world.

And, in our personal lives, many of us are thinking about what we want to change going forward. We make New Year's resolutions.

New Year's resolutions are great because they are forward-thinking, proactive statements about how we want to live in the world.  But implicit in New...
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Up in the Air: George Clooney and getting laid off

December 24, 2009



Yesterday I saw a great movie - "Up in the Air" starring George Clooney.  In the movie, Clooney plays a man whose job is to fire employees who companies are too squeamish to handle the ugly task themselves.

As you can imagine, much of what Clooney says to the laid-off is carefully worded due to legal restrictions.  His words of consolence come across as trite and incomprehensible to his newly unemployed audience.

To paraphrase, Clooney's signature line is: because you've gone through this expe...
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How work impacts our happiness

December 16, 2009



I had the distinct privilege of attending Marcus Buckingham's workshop at last week's Massachusetts Conference for Women, titled "Find your Strongest Life."

Marcus' work has heavily influenced both my career path and my client work in recent years.

After learning his strengths-based career navigation system, I put in place his strategies to figure out what my ideal job would be.  I learned that I love working one-on-one to serve others.  I love empowering people to undergo personal and profess...
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Guerilla Networking at Holiday Parties

December 8, 2009



This time of year, our schedules are packed with business holiday parties. Many of us enjoy them, and many dread them. 

For some, holiday parties have become a necessary evil.  Not everyone enjoys interacting with coworkers on a social basis (I'm one of the lucky ones to have had outstanding coworkers), yet the pressure to make an appearance is strong.

How can we transform our experience of the corporate holiday party from dread to enjoyment?  With a little bit of planning.

First, think about y...
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New Year's Resolutions - why wait?

December 3, 2009



As the year winds down, many of us are feeling rushed. Holiday shopping and end-of-year deadlines are compounded by  endless celebrations and holiday parties.

With all of this chaos, it's hard to set aside time to reflect on the past year. 

Most of us have things we'd like to change about our lives. Maybe its a habit, like smoking, overeating, or overspending.  Maybe we'd like to create a healthier lifestyle, make time for a committed relationship, or re-imagine our career.

Committing to making...
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Ambition and family - when all your eggs are in one basket

November 25, 2009



Members of Generation X, those of us in our 30s to mid 40s, particularly those of us living in major metropolitan areas, are delaying marriage and children later than any generation before us. 

Why do we put off these milestones, known to prior generations as rites of passage into adulthood?

Many of us are focused on establishing ourselves as adults in our own right.  Gen X is known for its focus on individuality, expressing ourselves through technology and an ever-younger and more casual tast...
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Career Coach


Miriam J. Katz I aim to transform our collective perception of work. With a slight perspective shift, each of us can find and cultivate a deep sense of satisfaction in what we do. Together we can find authentic meaning in a space that has become known as the grind. Most of us spend more than 2000 hours at work each year. Let's utilize and value that time, rather than dreading it. Together we can put work on our payroll. Join me for the journey, and share your thoughts and questions!
 

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