The Reiter Coaching Letter

For Creating the Life You Want

Issue 23

www.stevereiter.com

October 15, 2002

The Reiter Coaching Letter: a bi-weekly newsletter of inspiration, resources, humor, and challenge... and a quick read.
Written & Published by Steve Reiter, MS, PCC www.stevereiter.com
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Doing and Being

To be is to do. -- Rousseau (or Descartes)

To do is to be. -- Sartre

To be or not to be... -- Hamlet (III i)

Do be do be do. -- Sinatra

Dear Friend,

I've been sick lately... on and off tiredness, headaches, a touch of nausea, followed by relatively okay periods. A friend thinks I've contracted West Nile virus, which is possible. In any case, this is the reason for no issue last time... it's hard enough doing all the things that I "have to" do, let alone things that I want to do. It gets me to thinking about "doing" and "being."

To-Do Lists
We all know what they are. We all have many of them. We will likely have unfinished lists even on our death beds. We prioritize our lists, re-write them, put them in our schedule books and planners, enter them on our computers and personal digital assistants, and stick them on our refrigerators.

As critical as this comment may sound, I do believe that to-do lists were created out of necessity to help us capture and put order to the myriad tasks our modern life throws at us. For sure, there is much we can do to simplify our lives. So get out a piece of paper, write down "simplifying my life," and list the first 25 things that come to your mind.

No! Stop!!! Just kidding.

But you see how easy it is to take on more things to do, despite having more than enough already. So why not focus a bit of our energy on something that doesn't give us more to do. And that would be: "being."

To-Be Lists
I propose that we create and carry around to-be lists to keep our to-do lists company. What would go on one? Well, on mine (which I admit I am making up right on the spot) I'll put the following (in no particular order):

be healthy
be demonstrative
be clear
be goofy
be challenged
be fulfilled
be uniquely me
be musical
be physically active
be well-rested
be creative
be quiet
be timely
be upbeat
be fully engaged
be resourceful
be finished

And just why would this be useful?
My thinking is this: If we write down and place in front of us the many ways we wish to be, "part" of us - our mind, our psyche, our personality, our subconscious, our heart, our soul - will "log it in."

Just as we use to-do lists to remind us and prompt us to attend to the tasks of the day, we can make use of any and all reminders and prompts to hold an attitude, to approach the day and its events in a particular way, or to remember our good fortune. Why leave it to chance... or to habit?

Your turn

Compose your own to-be list. What attitudes, ways of being, or beliefs do you want to welcome more fully into your life?
If you're looking for some ideas, ask someone you trust: "If I were to fully honor myself, what would I be more aware of? And how would I show up differently in my life?"
Put the list someplace you'll see regularly and often.
Surprise yourself. Move it around, or ask someone else to change its appearance or location every few days.
Notice what has shifted for you and "capture" it in words or images.
Share your learning with others.

I look forward to hearing what you discover.

If you would like to discover how the shifts offered in a coaching relationship might support you in building a more fulfilling life, give me a call. I'd love to support you in your journey. And...

May it be a good one -

Steve

I help all sorts of dynamic folks stay on track to success.

Are you ready? Call me at 315-472-0504 or toll-free at 1-888-832-8421 for a complimentary coaching session. In one hour or less, you'll obtain greater clarity, deepen your understanding of your situation, and have initial steps in front of you. And it's fun, to boot! No obligation, no commitment, of course. Nothing to lose... everything to gain.

Or send an e-mail to: coach@stevereiter.com, or visit my web site at
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The Reiter Coaching Letter is published by Steve Reiter on the first and third Tuesday of each month. The purpose is to challenge you and support you in creating success and fulfillment throughout your life.

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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, which includes the words "Copyright 2002, Reiter Coaching. All rights reserved." and a listing of my contact information (name, e-mail, web site). Additionally, I would appreciate receiving a copy of the publication in which the article appears.