Let’s talk about work for a minute. Most people don’t often rank HAPPINESS as a major component of success in the workplace. How many times do people put “I’m so happy” on their list of résumé skills and traits? I've never seen it even once. Is your “happiness level” ranked on the yearly evaluation sheet that determines whether you get a raise or promotion? Are you attending training workshops on “Raising the Bar for Happiness” or “Exceeding Happiness Expectations”? Does your company have a five-year strategic plan for increasing happiness ratios? Probably not. But let me tell you: Read More
What is a Girl Like Me Doing in a Place Like This?
What is a Girl Like Me Doing in a Place Like This?
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
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