The Reiter Coaching Letter

For Creating the Life You Want

Issue 11

www.stevereiter.com

February 19, 2002

February 26^th is 

International Make-It-Happen Day

...if we wait for the moment when everything, absolutely
everything is ready, we shall never begin.

                                         --  Ivan Turgenev
 

Success is simple.  Do what's right, the right way, at the right time. 
                                         -- Arnold Glasow
 

What is the major problem?  It is fundamentally the confusion between effectiveness and efficiency that stands between doing the right things and doing things right. There is surely nothing quite so useless as doing with great efficiency what should not be done at all. 

                                         -- Peter F. Drucker 
 

Dear Friend,

Join me in celebrating International Make-It-Happen Day by making your life go better with the help of laser coaching and accountability.  Read on down to get the picture.

1. Why the need

It has come to my attention that most of you guys are like me.
Do you ever find yourself wondering how the time has slipped by and you've accomplished nothing of substance?  Or rather, as Drucker suggests, you've accomplished a great deal, only it's not what's most important.  Thought so.

What's that about?
Lots of reasons.  But whatever it is for you, it's just good to know that it doesn't take much to knock us off the path.  And it's crucially important to know what will lead us back onto the path... where the traveling is much easier.

2. What's the answer?

What I've noticed is that having someone around to help me think through a problem, awaken me to the need for help when I could really use it, keep me focused and in action, challenge me, and hold me accountable is immensely useful. 

When I don't have this support, I feel like I get by just fine.  But when I do receive this kind of support, it's immediately clear how much more powerfully I live my life.

So what?
I get more done with less effort.  I can tell more easily when I'm on target or wandering.  And I don't spin my wheels.

I move forward, rather than around in circles.  And I get to know that at the end of the day I have no regrets, and my off time is all mine. 

Perhaps most important, I feel more "on purpose," confident, positive, and... well, more cheerful.  I actually feel really good about what I've done.

3. And that brings us to (drum roll, please)...

International Make-It-Happen Day

Please pass this on to anyone you know who might like to join in.

The Basics

You pick a pivotal personal or business task or project (i.e., one that would really move you along).  You call me early in the day to clarify what you're going to do, then call back several times throughout the day to report your progress as you move toward your goal for the day.  It's that simple.

Why Do This?

• You will clarify your priorities.
• You will become more effective, not just more busy.
• You will notice the progress you're making.
• Your excitement and energy will build throughout the day.
• You will complete the most important task in front of you.
• You will experience success in the face of a daunting task.
• You will experience greater self-confidence, and, dare I say,
• You will finish the day with a bounce to your step and a twinkle in your eye!

The Specifics

• On Tuesday, February 26th, I'll be available on the phone from
  • 9:30 am to 11:00 am    All Eastern Time
  • 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm
  • 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
  • 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm
     
• I am limiting participation to 8 people.  You need to e-mail me by Monday 2/25 at noon, if you are planning to call in.
   
• On Tuesday, 2/26, the day you call in, ask yourself, "What's the one thing (or set of things) that, when I get it done today, will have the greatest positive result?"

• Then call me during the times specified above (first come, first served):

• at 1-315-472-0504 during the earliest of the above times you can make.  Remember, these are Eastern Times.  If you reach my voice-mail, try calling back.  But do leave a message; I'll get back to you.
• If you're outside the Syracuse area, but in the continental U.S., you may call me on my toll-free line: 1-888-832-8421.
   
• We'll talk for one to 10 minutes, during which you will:
  • get clear on exactly what you are committing to do during the day;
  • know what steps you will follow;
  • recognize opportunities and required supports;
  • effectively address potential distractions;
  • actually make the commitment; and 
  • decide how you'll communicate your progress
     
• Later that day, check in about your progress:
  • by phone (if necessary, leave a voice mail message)
  • by e-mail (coach@stevereiter.com)
     
• And even later: Report in that you've finished (or are well on your way to completion).
   
• Celebrate!

Remember: You must register by noon on Monday 2/25 to participate.  Participation is limited to the first eight individuals who respond.

If you wish to participate, but can't make it on February 26:

• Let me know.  I'll put you on the early registration list for the next Make-It-Happen Day. 
• Call me to schedule a 45-minute complimentary coaching session by phone.  It is a focused, empowering, yet fun, conversation from which you will achieve greater clarity and direction.
   

I can't wait!

 Steve

Reader Contributions and Input

The 2/5/02 Letter ("What It's All About"), extolled the virtues of the wonderful and gently provocative book Tuesdays With Morrie (If you haven't read it yet, what are you waiting for? nudge, nudge).  I received the following reader contributions in response.

Thanks for the great coaching letter. My plans have solidified somewhat, and I'm trying to live more like Morrie. I often realize that most of what I'm looking for is already here, and all I must do is choose it.

Peace
C. Berger, Bethesda, MD

Thanks Steve for the quotes from Tuesdays with Morrie.  I read the book a long time ago and I had forgotten all the gems it contained. 

I recently read a book called "Everyday Sacred" by Sue Bender.  I wrote out four of the quotes and have them sitting by my computer.  Here they are:

Why be unhappy about something you can change?
Why be unhappy about something you can't change?

That which we withhold is withheld from us; 
that which we give is given back to us a thousandfold.

Small kindnesses make a difference -- 
they have echoes out of proportion to the effort they take.

Everything affects everything else.
Everything counts.  Everyone counts.

Submitted by: 
Marilyn Westerfield
RightLife Coaching
mwesterf@maine.rr.com

Find Previous Articles and Reader Contributions on my web site at archives. 

I welcome your comments, stories, quotes, reflections, and suggestions for future topics and enhancements.  Let me know whether I may post your contribution, and how you wish to be identified as the contributor.

Want more satisfaction and fulfillment in your life?  Looking to simplify your day-to-day living?  I can help.  To explore the value of Life Coaching for you, call 315-472-0504 for a complimentary coaching session.  Nothing to lose... everything to gain.  Or send an e-mail to: coach@stevereiter.com, or visit my web site at <a href=http://www.stevereiter.com>Click</a>

I offer all clients a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.  Click on the logo to learn more.

The names of newsletter subscribers will never be shared or sold.

Unless otherwise indicated, all content is written and edited by Steve Reiter, MS, PCC.  You are welcome to republish any or all parts of this newsletter; I ask only that you honor the copyright by including full acknowledgment and a listing of my contact information (name, e-mail, web site).

The Reiter Coaching Letter
Copyright (c) 2001, all rights reserved.
U.S. Library of Congress ISSN: Coming Real Soon