Oops - Forgot to Mention Month 6

Month 6 was one of those where the idea/challenge sounded like a good idea at the time but Jen and I both realized that we were basically 'settling' to do something together. Moving forward, if neither of us are completely on board with the monthly challenge, then we are going to do separate challenges.

That being said, we agreed on the idea of the sixth month being all about energy. Giving or receiving every day. Concept is good. I did reiki on Jen 2-3 times and the rest of the month was giving reiki to Ryan and Haley or meditating. I guess there is nothing wrong with it, it just didn't really feel like a challenge and didn't feel like something Jen and I were on board with from day 1.

If I were to do this challenge again, I would probably set a goal for myself of doing energy on 10-15 people and receiving it from other folks as well, or just doing a daily meditation and sending energy to people other than myself. Something like that. Still good to focus on giving energy to other people, it just could have been better strategized.

February Challenge- JOIN US!

We are doing our first challenge that invites your participation. February is fitness and health month. We are inviting anyone to join us. Make a goal, make a pledge, and all donations will go to the Walnut Avenue Women's shelter in Santa Cruz.
What's your goal? Lose weight? Work out more? Eat healthier? Whatever it is you decide how you want to pledge. Some ideas are:
1. certain amount per pound lost
2. $1 for every mile run for the month
3. an amount for every day you stay within a certain number of calories.

I am pledging $5 for every pound loss. What are you going to do? By joining us you are getting healthier and helping out a great organization!

Jen's Thoughts

It's Jen and I realize I have not contributed to the blog. I have gone through and added my comments in certain months and will add my thoughts from this challenge on. So far this process has been enlightening. I look forward to the 2nd half of the year. Feel free to visit old posts to read my thoughts on some of our past challenges.
Happy reading!

Month 5: How Am I Perceived?

Month 5 was an interesting adventure as much for the process as the outcome. Given that it was December and I was already going through a 360 review at work, I thought "why not do this all the way and see how friends, family and colleagues view me." So, I used a free online system called 360 Reach which creates categories for feedback including my Brand Attributes, Brand Skills, Strengths, Weaknesses, Comments, and of course - if I were a car, what would I be and if I were a brand of cereal what would I be.

I put out an email ahead of time to the 50-60 people that I was asking to fill out the anonymous survey - letting them know that my challenge for the month of December was this: in order to improve myself, I need to know how I am viewed so I know what to work on. It seemed easy, but it was FAR more challenging than I thought.

Think about this - no matter how 'open' you think you are to hearing what other people think, the fact is - it's nerve wracking. I wondered to myself if I really wanted to know. I deliberately tried to select a wide-ish range of people from family to work acquaintances. How do I come across? Does it align with how I think I come across?

After about 30 responses, I learned some interesting things. First, I think my perception is pretty well aligned with the reality. That's a big deal to learn. Here are snapshots of some of the results:

The top 4 brand attributes about me:

1. Likable (13 responses)

2. Creative (10 responses)

3. Funny (10 responses)

4. Outgoing (10 responses)

The top 4 brand skills associated with me are:

1. Developing ideas (12 responses)

2. Relating to others/ building relationships (9)

3. Communicating (listening/speaking) (9)

4. Growing professionally (9)

Strengths were all over the board but many of the strengths were aligned with my personality and the brand attributes listed above.

Weaknesses were all over the map too. Some of the funnier ones were "love of Weird Al" and "cooking". But, some of the weaknesses that resonated with me had to do with moving too quickly, being a little too ambitious with goals and follow-through, overextending, too easy going and not assertive enough. All I actually agree with.

In terms of what car I would be, my favorite responses were:

- A toyota FJ cruiser because he's like a concept car turned production suv... a bit luxury, while sporty, quirky and fun

- Convertible BMW b/c relaxed, sporty and fun

- Prius - innovative with a purpose, good for the earth and even better once you look inside

- Back to the Future - creative and determined

- SUV because a little bit masculine but not overpowering

For cereals, the best responses were:

- Captain Crunch because he is sweet and makes you feel like you have a sugar high after talking to him

- fruit loops - open minded, willing to try new things

- honey nut cheerios - good for you but a little bit sweet

- Lucky Charms - while the taste can be overwhelming at times, it offers excitement and variety

Additional comments and suggestions had to do with me continuing to step into my own and leverage my life experience to gain more confidence.

Again, the questions lent themselves more to positive responses but it was still a great learning experience and opened myself up to whatever people had to say. I feel now more confident in who I am as a 'brand' and would strongly recommend an exercise like this for anyone open to hearing what people think.

JEN'S THOUGHTS:

I know I am doing this a little late, but I am adding my thoughts and my experiences through these challenges. Josh and I have done all of these challenges together and have experienced different things. This one was very interesting as Josh said. I did mine a bit differently. Used Survey Monkey and designed two separate surveys, one for personal and one for professional. I found it funny that everyone thought I would know exactly who they were when reading the responses. The only one I knew for sure was Torrey as he answered the statement, "I wish Jen would..." with, "come out and visit us in Japan." Dead give away. This is what was clear to me.

In my professional life: My intention matches my perception. I am seen the way I want to be as an educator and as a staff member. Many answers about what I can improve on included me stepping up to the plate and "using my powers for good." I need to put my cell phone away at meetings. oops!

In my personal life: My sense of humor is valued. People know that family and friends are the most important things to me. I was surprised to learn that some of my words come out sharper than I intend. This is so good to know as I do believe in being honest but THINK that I am always sensitive. This was good for me to think about.

People were fascinated with this month's challenge. Many said that it must have been tough to really put yourself out there. It was risky, but very insightful.

Month 4: The Power of Gratitude

For month #4, which happened to be in November, Jen and I thought it would be a good idea to use Leah Toeniskoetter's idea and create a gratitude journal. We did it a little bit differently. Every day, Jen would acknowledge one thing she is thankful for and if it was a person, she would let them know. For me, I actually identified 30 people that I was thankful for and let each one know individually.

The exercise started with me taking out a notebook and literally writing down each name that came to mind. I think I started with about 15-20. Then as things happened and people did nice things, etc. I added more to the list. At the end, I told 30 people what I was grateful for from them. The people ranged from family, to childhood friends, to acquaintances, to Haley's teacher and my children's long-time day care provider.

The most fascinating thing about it was that the people I knew the best (sisters, long-time friends, etc) were the ones that seemed most surprised or appreciative of my feelings. I guess I assume that those who know me best know how I feel about them, but obviously that is not true. This was definitely a feel good challenge for the month, especially since my strength is not sharing my feelings. It was very good to get out of my comfort zone in that regard. And challenge or not, this is something I would recommend (even in a smaller scale) that everybody does...

JEN'S THOUGHTS:

Josh is right. I was the first person he thanked and it hit me by surprise...even though I knew the challenge was starting that day. There is something about hearing the words said aloud (not just in an email or a card, but face to face) that makes it get right to you. I felt appreciated and loved and I loved that I would be showing gratitude this month.

The biggest thing that I learned is that I am naturally grateful and generally don't take things for granted. I have learned to love the moment you are in and not just yearn for the next. This has come to me through life lessons, some of which were not fun to learn. I was on a run one day and was thankful for my legs. I never want to be someone who would lose something and wish i loved it while I had it. I can run, dance, chase, walk and move because of my legs.

I, too, found it surprising that my family were the most moved by my gratitude. Well, except for Haley who said, "Mom, I know you love me. You tell me all the time!" Now that I am a parent myself, the way i feel about my own parents has changed. I think about their life and all they did to raise us the way they did. AMAZING! I could only hope to be so good at the job of parenting.

I have a lot to be thankful for and I hope to always to know how good I have it.

Month 3: 40-Day Mantra Completion

Well, it took me a total of 69 days, but I finally completed my 40-day sanskrit mantra for wealth and abundance. As I mentioned in a previous post, I had started the 40 day mantra of chanting the following sanskrit: "Om Gum Shrim Maha Lakshmieyei Swaha" 108 times a day for 40 days. The rule is that you have to do it 40 days straight, which is why I had to start over because I forgot on day 29 the first time. There is obviously significance to the 108 number in that it is considered a magical or spiritual number in Hinduism and you really have to chant out loud because of the vibrations from your voice that go into the universe.

The purpose of doing this was for wealth and abundance, to help remove blocks or barriers to abundance. Of course, you can look at things as a coincidence, but I choose to look at it the other way. So, in no particular order, here are the things that happened when I started doing the full 40-day mantra:

1. After being told that my three sports blogs were shutting down two days after I forgot to say the mantra on day 29, I have started new contracts with two different blog companies and have picked back up all three sports blogs;

2. We learned that we were to receive two inheritances - both of which added up to nearly $25,000 and helped eliminate nearly all of our debt (not including our house)

3. I received a check I had been waiting for for quite some time;

4. I was approached by a company looking to pay freelance journalists to go to concerts and sporting events and write about them;

5. I won a $100 eBay gift card as part of a contest

Pretty incredible. And, I had the mantra on a CD so I just listened to it and chanted on my way to work. In fact, four days after the mantra was complete and I'm still continuing on. It's just too cool to stop.

Checking Back in on Month #1

As you may recall, Jen and my challenge in the first month was to help my mom get her art business off the ground. As part of this effort we created a website for her, opened up a PayPal account and created an invitation and plans for her to do an art show at her house.

In November, my mom hosted that art show and I can tell you that she sold 5 paintings as a direct result. Incredible! And, she has boosted her reiki business as well.

In addition, our friend Courtney, who co-owns a design company did some trade of reiki for the design and printing of a business card so my mom now has a business card specifically for her art and reiki work.

It has been so rewarding to see her grow professionally and feel that sense of pride that what she has created actually has value to people.