REPOST: Gabrielle Bernstein: How to achieve unlimited happiness by making changes in your life

How can we achieve unlimited happiness in both our career and life? Dan Schawbel of Forbes.com shares his recent conversation with Gabrielle Bernstein, author of The New York Times bestseller " May Cause Miracles: A 40-Day Guidebook of Subtle Shifts for Radical Change and Unlimited Happiness."

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I recently spoke to the wondering Gabrielle Bernstein, who is the New York Times bestselling author of May Cause Miracles: A 40-Day Guidebook of Subtle Shifts for Radical Change and Unlimited Happiness. She also wrote Add More ~ing to Your Life and Spirit Junkie. She’s been featured on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday as a next generation thought leader. Forbes named Gabrielle one of the Top 20 Best Branded Women and YouTube named her one of their Next Vloggers Gabrielle is also the founder of the social networking site HerFuture.com for women to inspire, empower and connect. Gabrielle has a weekly radio show every Wednesday on Hay House Radio and is a featured curator for Opensky. You can follow her on Facebook or Twitter @GabbyBernstein.

In this interview, she talks about how she’s developed her career, the biggest obstacles that she’s had, why she focused on spirituality, how people can get back on track in this bad economy and more.

You’ve created your own media empire over the years. How did you originally get into this career path and what were some of the biggest obstacles when you first started out?

I started my entrepreneurial journey right out of college. At the age of 21 I incorporated my first business, a PR firm based in New York City. I successfully ran that business with a partner for five years, but all the while I felt there was something missing. In 2005 I made major changes in my personal life that led me to shift gears. At that time I put down my PR business and began working as a life coach and speaker. I gave talks on what I was experiencing in my own life and shared the incredible lessons I was learning. Through my own spiritual journey I was guided to teach others how to crack open their authentic truth.

Over time, my lecture circuit grew. I witnessed a new Zeitgeist emerge: Young women were choosing real happiness over the party scene and fancy shoes. It has been a true pleasure to be at the forefront of this shift.

When selecting your field, why did you focus on spirituality and did you know that younger women would respond to it like the have?

I got started on my spiritual path when I was a kid. My mom taught me how to meditate and brought me to ashrams and spiritual circles. But I turned my back on spirituality for several years–until I hit a big bottom at 25 and had no choice but to return to my spiritual roots for help. I did just that. Since then, I have been on a steadfast journey inward as a self-proclaimed Spirit Junkie. As I grew spiritually I reclaimed a strong sense of self-respect and self-love, which is what led me to become an author and a speaker. My transition was very smooth because I was following my true purpose.

I believe that my work has been well-received because it is authentic. All people really want are authenticity and truth.

The bad economy has really ruined people emotionally and some have even given up on their job search completely. What are your recommendations to them? How can they get back on the right track?

When times are tough we have two choices: we can get sucked into fear or we can get creative. Fear is often our immediate response to uncertainty. There’s nothing wrong with experiencing fear. They key is not to get stuck in it. When we’re mired in fear, we feel like victims. We feel exhausted and helpless—or bitter and angry (or all of the above) because we focus on fear-based thoughts. Each thought we have influences our energy, and our energy makes the first impression on a job interview. My best advice for people looking to get out of the recession funk is to work through their fears and change their thoughts and energy. Everything else will flow from that.

In my new book, May Cause Miracles, I have an entire chapter dedicated to finance. Throughout the chapter I suggest several concrete ways you can change your mind about your experience. One example is to practice using the affirmation, I am not my lack mentality. I am not my lack mentality. Throughout the day, make an effort to be conscious of your recession fears. For instance, maybe your heart pounds every time you look at your bank statements. Or maybe you avoid negotiating for fear of not getting what you want, or because you’ve convinced yourself you’re not worth more. In the moment that you recognize your fear popping up, simply say (out loud or to yourself): I am not my lack mentality. This affirmation will remind you that you’ve merely chosen the wrong-minded approach to money, and that you can forgive yourself and change your thoughts. This practice will kick off the process of disconnecting from the fear.

Trust that by thinking or saying the words you’re creating a subtle shift that will move your focus away from fear. Remember that this path requires a moment-to-moment commitment to a positive perspective. That commitment will strengthen your faith in abundance one loving thought at a time.

In your book, you offer an action plan for people that takes 40 days. Why does it take that much time to bring out your best self? Does the amount of time required to transform your life change based on who you are?

Like any effective practice, true transformation occurs with daily repetition. Begin with a 40-day commitment and start experiencing positive results immediately. Why 40 days? Metaphysicians and yogis place much emphasis on the repetition of a 40-day practice. Mythical examples range from Moses’s 40 days and 40 nights in the desert to the story of the Buddha reaching enlightenment on the full moon in May after meditating and fasting under the Bodhi tree for 40 days. The number has scientific significance, too: research has shown that after repeating a new pattern for 40 days, you can change the neural pathways in your brain to create long-lasting change. So let’s take a cue from the mystics and scientists alike, and commit to this 40-day fear cleanse. It’s the simple, consistent shifts that count when you’re making change—so I’ve outlined May Cause Miracles to be fun and achievable. In the book I guide readers to keep it uncomplicated and stay on track. And one day at a time you’ll begin to experience the miraculous shifts.

What are your top three best pieces of career advice to those who are just starting out?

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1. Love what you do. Though this suggestion may sound cliche, it is the most important career advice I could offer anyone. When you love what you do, a power greater than you takes over. Passion creates purpose. When we live from a place of purpose, doors open effortlessly, money flows and incredible opportunities arise. The Universe supports you when you’re inspired.

2. Be authentic. There is nothing cooler than your authentic truth. Throughout my career the people who I’ve hired have been those who are honest and real. Don’t be afraid to be YOU. When you are yourself in a work environment or on an interview, all false pretenses lift and people feel connected to you. Everyone wants to feel connected, and when you are your authentic self, you offer them that opportunity.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask for more. Particularly during a recession, I see many people settling for less. Folks are plagued by the limiting belief that in tough economic times, “you have to take what you can get.” This fear-based belief system is not supporting the economy or your bank account. There is no harm in asking for more. Women in particular have a very difficult time negotiating and asking for what they want. Truth? The only way you’re going to get what you want is if you ask for it. It might make you uncomfortable to ask, but it’s important that you acknowledge that fear and discomfort … and ask anyway.

Marc Accetta has inspired many people to achieve their personal goals. He believes that to be successful, one must be able to shake off doubts and fears, improve self-esteem, and hone personal skills. If you want to become successful, follow this Twitter page for more self-improvement tips.

REPOST: 7 Things great employees do

If you think you know the difference between an average employee and a great one, think again. This CBSNews.com article talks about the seven things that great employees do.

Look, you've got to understand the reality here. People will cite ridiculously esoteric research studies and pull all sorts of popular, feel-good stuff out of their utopian behinds -- whatever it takes to get you to click. That's great for feeding your ego and your addiction to distraction, but it doesn't do squat for your career.

This is different. It's not some kumbaya fluff that will get you a big pat on the back, a "Nice job, buddy" from the boss, or a gift certificate for a cheap dinner. This is what employees really do to distinguish themselves in the eyes of management. It's how up-and-comers become up-and-comers. It's how you get recognized and moving up the corporate ladder. It's what today's top executives did when they were in your shoes.

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Take responsibility for hot projects with a fearless attitude. And get this. If it works out, you don't waste a lot of time basking in the glory, at least not at work. Maybe you go out and celebrate with the other team members. That aside, you're all about finding the next big challenge. You're hungry for more. And if it fails, you don't point fingers. You take full responsibility and learn from it. And you know what? That's when management will start to see you as one of them. That's big.

Demonstrate natural leadership. That means when you take charge of something, people naturally follow, even though you don't have the title or the authority. Never mind everything you read; that's what natural leadership is really all about. There are all sorts of different styles that work, but mostly it comes down to a fearless self-confidence and charisma that people find magnetic. That's like gold in the corporate world.

Say, "Sure, no problem, will do," and then do it. It's one thing to have a solid work ethic and get the job done. That certainly key in the real business world. But it's another thing entirely to always accept challenging assignments with open arms and a simple, "No problem, will do" acknowledgement. And the tougher it is, the more confident you sound and the harder you work to make it happen. That's the sign of an employee who needs a promotion or two.

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Roll with the punches without taking things personally. Sure, it's hard to keep your balance when the rug's just been pulled out from under you. But let's face it. The nature of contemporary business is one of constant change, reorganizations and layoffs. Programs come and go. Companies too. One day you're rolling in resources, the next day you need three signatures for a chair. That's the way business is. And if you're flexible, you're adaptable, you've got fortitude and you don't take things personally, that's big.

Think of the company's goals as your goals. I know, the jaded among you will say that blind loyalty to a company will enslave you and get you nowhere. Well, there's truth to that. After all, any employee can be fired or quit, and that's as it should be. This is about understanding how companies operate and making the company's or the department's priorities your own. When you start to identify with the goals of management -- live, eat and breathe them -- then you start to become management. Yes, that's a good thing.

Do whatever it takes to get the job done, even when you're not getting paid for it. Look, success in the real world doesn't work like tit for tat. First, you put yourself out there, take risks, do the work, and accomplish things. Then, and only then, do you get to put your hand out and say, "Give me some." Then, if your company doesn't take care of you, you learn a lesson, put your accomplishments on your resume, and move on to a better place that values overachievers like you.

Grow the business or improve the bottom line. Yeah, I know it's not popular, but that doesn't make it any less critical or true. These days, it's all about doing more with less. Being more efficient, effective, scrappy, innovative, motivational, engaging, and not only that, happy about it. Think of it as a problem-solving challenge where the problem is how to grow the business or cut spending while improving productivity. Like it or not, that is what it's all about.

One of the most recognizable figures in the life coaching arena, Marc Accetta has inspired many people to face challenges, hurdle obstacles, and achieve personal success. Visit his website for more information.

Five simple daily habits for a happy life in the office

In today’s busy world, work, deadlines, and a demanding boss can overwhelm employees. While committing errors is inevitable and can even serve as a lesson, fewer errors mean more chances of success in one’s professional life. Embracing best practice and adopting the following expert advice from certified life and career coach Ann Mehl can result to more ‘happy days’ in the workplace.

• Improving physical health. A sluggish body leads to a laid-back attitude towards work. Mehl suggests taking the stairs instead of riding the elevator, or taking a 20-minute walk during breaks.

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• Spending emotional energy on important things. Discernment works when individuals spend their emotions on important things, rather than on trivial matters. Workers must surround themselves with positive energy by developing close ties with people who can inspire and uplift them.

• Exercising the mind. People can learn new things every day by recalling facts, sorting information, and engaging in mental games. By engaging in mental activities, an individual is able to maintain a sharp mind.

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• Getting in touch with a ‘higher force.’ Connecting with something bigger and higher puts things in perspective. It doesn’t have to be about meditating for hours or even believing in a god. It can be done by being one with nature or just being grateful.

• Reaching out to others. An old adage says that no man is an island. People need people. Whether they are close relatives or long lost friends, people are a reminder of the realities in life.

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With these pieces of advice in mind, no challenge is too big for the employee who wants to have a happy life in the office.

A lot of other pointers on how to live happily are available on this Marc Accetta blog.

REPOST: The secret art of negotiating: Take your ego off the table

Successful businesses have a strategy  in everything they do. Nevertheless, these questions remain: How many people have a negotiation strategy? How does putting off one's ego help in achieving a successful negotiation? This Forbes.com article shares the details.
 

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Think negotiating is all bluff and bluster? Think again. According to Rony Ross, founder and executive chairman of Panorama Software, a provider of business intelligence software to 1,600 customers in 30 countries, the secret to successful negotiating is to take the ego out of the equation.

Ross developed this negotiating strategy early in her career. With an MBA and background in computer science, she was one of few women working in the high-tech space. “It was very competitive, predominantly male and full of young, egoistic people,” she recalls. “As a woman, I faced several disadvantages. Even though I was as ambitious as the rest, overt ambition or assertiveness was interpreted as aggressiveness.”

She developed a successful data-analysis software through her start-up Panorama, and in mid 1996, Microsoft came knocking. After a three-hour product demo, the Microsoft team took Ross out to lunch and offered to buy her company. “Panorama had only 20 employees then, and Microsoft was a giant company,” says Ross. “This was an extremely challenging opportunity for me to test my strategy.”

Not only did her negotiating approach work, Ross ended up with a decades-long partnership with the software giant. She says the technique serves any negotiation, from a raise request to a company buyout, and breaks down exactly how it works.

Keep The Discussion Results-Oriented

“You have to be very comfortable with yourself to deal with something without any ego, but it really works wonders for me,” says Ross. She recommends keeping the focus of the negotiation solely on results and what would make the best long-term deal for both parties. By taking the emphasis off the people involved and keeping it on the facts, the negotiation is less likely to become hostile. While it’s easy to take things personally—considering that most business negotiations hinge on assigning a value to you or your product—it’s important that you don’t confuse yourself with the issue.

Be Wise, Not Smart

“Always show respect and understanding for the other party,” Ross advises. Framing the negotiation around mutual interests rather than your interest alone helps both sides feel good about it. And if you’re respectful, it’s more likely the other side will reciprocate. Ross also recommends that negotiators “be wise, not smart.” Rather than looking for short-term gratification that bolsters the ego—like assuming a power posture or making a joke at another’s expense—keep your eye trained on the end result.

Put Your Concerns On The Table

Being the smaller party, Ross felt threatened by Microsoft. She worried it might not follow through with the deal and instead develop its own product, which would likely put her out of business. She decided to admit it. She voiced her fears and said, “I’m concerned, and I don’t know what to do about the situation.” The next day, the Microsoft team came back to her with statistics. Out of all the deals they’d started in the last year, they’d closed all but two. They also provided her with contact information of others who’d gone through the process with them, so that she could speak with them and feel more at ease. Says Ross, “Every time I ran into an issue, I turned it over to them and said, ‘I have a problem; help me deal with it.’”

Avoid “I” Statements

“I’ve been in so many negotiations with men who start with ‘I want this, and I want that,’” says Ross. “If you talk instead about how ‘we need to reach a solution,’ it’s a very different approach. It doesn’t gratify your ego requirements, but it reaches a much better deal.” Ultimately, she turned the deal into a technology acquisition and held on to her company. Ross also leveraged a long-term product development partnership with Microsoft, which wouldn’t have been possible had they left the table feeling bullied, offended or put off by how she handled it.

Engage With Your Body Language

Over the years, Ross has noticed that oftentimes people in negotiations lean back in their chairs rather than forward, which puts a physical distance between themselves and the other side. However, she tries to communicate openness and interest by sitting on the edge of her chair, placing her elbows on the table and leaning into the conversation. “With my words, eyes and body language, it’s all about engagement,” she says.

Follow this Marc Accetta Twitter page for more tips on unlocking your business potential.

Business coaching: What it can do for a company and its employees

Business coaches, like Steve Fagan of Fagan and Associates and Marc Accetta of Marc Accetta Seminars, would agree that coaching has become one of the most powerful solutions in putting businesses on the right track to success. Business coaching can yield a lot of benefits. A company is not the only one that benefits from business coaching. Its employees will reap the benefits, too.

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The following are just some of the benefits of business coaching:

• A company becomes more focused than before

• The employees become more motivated

• There is improved working relationship among members of the organization

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• Human capital is enhanced

• There is sound understanding of business principles

• Individual potential, talents, and abilities are strengthened

• There is direct proportionality between customer service and the rate of productivity and level of quality.

Businesses looking for business coaches must remember, though, that coaching companies vary in their focus and strategy use. For Fagan and Associates, Inc., for example, life coaching is an established standard for professionalism, pushing organizations to the forefront of global commerce. Meanwhile, Marc Accetta Seminars advocates a combination of education and entertainment in inspiring individuals and helping them learn how to face challenges, making them succeed in their personal and professional lives.

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Having a business coach does not mean the business is taking desperate measures. Rather, it’s a strategic tool towards maximizing business solutions.

Know your business coaching options by visiting this Facebook page.