Big Fish Principle #3

"People of character do the right thing, not because they think it will change the world but because they refuse to be changed by the world." Actor and Author of Michael Josephson

So what are 3 tips to not get changed by the world?
1. Know who you are.
2. Be kind no matter what... you can be direct, but be kind.
3. Remember that everyone has there own 'stuff''

Living consciously

I love this quote by Sidney Poitier, "Living consciously involves being genuine; it involves listening and responding to others honestly and openly; it involves being in the moment." As a Big Fish, we feel this quality or trait is at the crux of being a Big Fish: Living Consciously. And by living this way, we enjoy each other more, we can take bolder actions, we can speak to people authentically. I met a women last night who, as she was leaving, gave me such a genuine complement... and acknowledged that she believes if she thinks it, she should speak it to the other person making for 'real acknowledgement' or 'real communication.' What a breathe of fresh air when we are able to 'be real' in all aspects of our lives. Where is it time to be more real in your life?

Success

Yesterday I watched an interview that Meredith Vieira did with Donald Trump. He has a new book out, "Think Big and Kick Ass" - I imagine if you're in any way like me, the interview turned you off. I felt that the way he was suggesting to be successful is that you have to be arrogant, mean, not trust anyone and put yourself in a box that makes you better than anyone you come in contact with. I know that there is a way to be tolerant, compassionate, supportive, and successful! We have Big Fish doing every day! Who else do you know that is successful and compassionate, trusting, supportive and empowering?

Age of the Woman?!

Kathryn Zox (my radio friend) and I were talking about this new opportunity we have awaiting us.... a Woman President!? What if? For the first time in history it may be possible that we have a female president. What would it say to the girls and women of todays world?

It is fall... time for a vision (or to update the one you have!)

Happy Fall! It is the time of year that we, Big Fish update our visions.... This tool is very powerful in our success. So how do you do it? Easy. Schedule a lunch away from your office, alone and in an inspiring place. Ask yourself the question: It is 2018, where am I? And write from that place. For example, you may be sitting on the beach in Hawaii where you live watching the sun come up sipping a latte.... write about the details of your life/business then. After you do this exercise, notice the impact it has on you..... when you go back to your office notice the impact this exercise has on you there too. What did you notice? At Big Fish we feel that this exercise and tool is one of the most critical tools to have in your tool belt.

Happy Friday

This quote ended up in my 'in box' this morning. I thought it so eloquently said an important message: "It is vain to expect our prayers to be heard, if we do not strive as well as pray.' -Aesop There again is that powerful paradox between setting intention/letting go and bold action! What is your bold action this weekend?

Set intentions and dive in.

Good Afternoon. Life is reminding me how powerful it is to set intentions, let them go and continue to live fully and notice when your intentions are presented. Just recently, I decided that I wanted to casually begin to meet more professional older women that were moms that I could establish a friendship with. I have met lots of wonderful people since moving to Austin but just a few that I feel that I can call 'friends.' I realize that word 'friend' has such varied meaning whether I live in Albany, NY where I have lived for the past 20 years or Austin, TX where I have lived the past 2 years. Anyway, after setting such intention a few days ago, I went to the dentist today and met a whole office of professional, down to earth fun 'older' moms.

What do you want to set intention for this week?? Write it here and let us know what happens.

As Sean Penn said, 'comfort addicted'

I was watching an Oprah the other day, Sean Penn was inspired by the book Into the Wild (which is a story in and of itself). But as he was talking about why this book inspired him, he used the words, ‘Comfort Addicted.’ And I realized in that moment that, that is why so many entrepreneurs are not wildly successful. We are addicted to being comfortable in every single aspect of our lives. Sean Penn directed & produced this movie to inspire people live more on the edge. The ‘star’ of the movie, Emile Hirsch, talked about how in one scene he needed to white water kayak and the rapids were much more than the had ever done. Sean Penn saw the look on Emile's face and said to him, ‘If I go first, will you do it?’ Talk about leadership. Talk about living on the edge. Talk about alive. To me, that is what being a Big Fish is all about. Not ever being comfort addicted. I think about all the areas of my life that I am comfort addicted too. The home I live in, the car I drive, the food we eat, the places I go on vacation, etc. We live in a comfort society which is so abundant and rich. I guess, the bottom-line, is to be conscious about getting out of our comfort zone every day in all aspects of our lives. As we say in Big Fish Nation, ‘Swim Boldly!’