by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Before we go any further, let me just say this: I hate to exercise. I love dessert. And I am just a teeny bit proud of my type A, always-on, overachiever, tad-compulsive personality. So how did someone like me end up at Hilton Head Health for seven days where exercise is the agenda for the day, daily meals and snacks total 1200 calories, and s l o w i n g down and focusing on the moment is the name of the game? This is definitely NOT a place where you would usually find me hanging out. But...I also can no longer avoid the pull of gravity on my body or Read More
Change. Deal with it.
Change. Deal with it.
by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta As a motivational speaker, clients often ask if I have a keynote topic about "How to Deal with Change." And my answer is always "Yes, I do. It is a four-word workshop and the title is ‘Change. Deal With It!’” It always gets a laugh --until they realize I'm serious. I can read their minds. They think, "What? No sympathy for what we are going through? No techniques on how to 'survive' change? No words of wisdom telling us we need to 'embrace' change? No lectures on how to be a better 'change agent'?" Nope, none from me. Why? Because the truth is: Read More
Funny Thing About Perceptions…
Funny Thing About Perceptions…
By Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta While traveling this week I was reminded of how I came to write my book Texting Harry. It was an eye-opening story about one person’s willingness to re-think options, re-assess the desire to learn new things and re-evaluate how to fit into a future where change happens at the click of a mouse. Harry believed that texting was “stupid” and social media was a “waste of time.” It’s funny isn’t it? How sometimes perceptions can change and lives can change in the blink of an eye? I was on a plane and delayed, texting my husband, and “Grumpy Harry” as Read More
Are You Too Busy for Your Own Good?
Are You Too Busy for Your Own Good?
by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta When was the last time you did something you've never done before and then wondered why it took so long for you to discover this new experience? I just went to a yoga class and my body is asking why I didn't do this a LONG time ago. Don't get me wrong. I exercise (although not as much as I should.) I take long walks (but not as much as I'd like.) And I've even tried meditation (did you know that means NOT talking for an extended period of time???) But yoga – this was something else altogether. It was pure, joyful peace. And I realized something. I Read More
Resolutions?
Resolutions?
Not for Me! by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta This year I made just one New Year's resolution--that I would NOT make any New Year's resolutions. Why? Because resolutions are usually about what I'm doing wrong (and want to make right) or what I need to do (and haven't been doing) or what I've been putting off (and need to start doing NOW!). In other words, resolutions--although they sound positive and strong--are really focusing on what we didn't do, failed to do, wanted to do, need to do, or should do. ENOUGH, I said to myself. To be honest, I'm tired of setting goals that keep my Read More
Overcoming the Challenges of Change
Overcoming the Challenges of Change
by Motivational Speaker Connie Podesta Being a professional motivational speaker is such an awesome job--but sometimes something happens at an event-- that even for an old seasoned pro like myself--makes me so glad I do what I do. First of all, Colorado Springs is one of my all-time favorite places, especially when it gets me away from the 100 degree heat of Dallas. The event audience was mostly guys who sell to small, family-owned businesses. One of the topics I was asked to touch on was....social media! So I started by telling my story "Texting Harry" which is also the title of one of my Read More
Learning Assertive Communication Can Be Fun With Twitter
Learning Assertive Communication Can Be Fun With Twitter
As an organizational therapist and ardent observer of human behavior, Twitter is a fascinating social phenomenon. Actually, I find all of the social media networking is a great lesson in communication styles, and enjoy speaking about it. It appears to be far easier to spit out 140 characters than to take the time and work on clear and concise communication no matter the style. No one appears to judge you on such small sound bites. However no matter what the delivery system, it sometimes seems that folks just don't understand the importance of what they say. People can forget how Read More