goals

Five Business Takeaways to Make This Your Best Year

January 5, 2017 By Alissa Finerman Leave a Comment

* This post appeared as a guest blog for Virgin

We all want to live our best life. The challenge is figuring out what our best life looks like. What are we really capable of achieving? I am continually reminded that regardless of someone’s title, salary, industry or size of the company, we all face similar issues to living our best life. We just handle them differently. I’ve shared a few insights to help you explore this question…

1. Speed bumps are part of life

We all hit speed bumps. Yes, all of us. Whether you are an experienced CEO, new parent or first-time business owner, there are always speed bumps or challenges. They just look different to each of us. What may be a speed bump today may become routine tomorrow. Hitting a speed bump is really not a noteworthy event. The interesting part is how we maneuver around it.

What I’ve seen as an Executive Coach and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach is that the people who achieve and move forward understand that speed bumps are part of the process of going after what you want. One person had to be determined for four years to get a job at the company of his choice (and, yes, he had speed bumps such as a hiring freeze).

Takeaway: Often, the difference is a simple shift in your perspective to reclassify challenges and keep going.

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Image credit: Getty images

2. Mindset wins every time

“Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” Thank you, Henry Ford.

Winners have a different mindset that says, “I can” or “I will figure it out and make it happen”. For example, I was incredibly inspired by one story of a property manager who oversaw a building that everyone labeled a disaster. The property manager refused to accept this story of mediocrity and hopelessness. He believed he could turn the building around and built a team to do just that. Before the end of the year, his building was one hundred percent occupied, and he was recognized for outstanding performance at the company’s annual conference. It’s a process, not magic.

Takeaway: Your mindset makes a big difference and directly impacts what opportunities you pursue.

3. Lean away from vague goals

Here’s the bottom line: if you’re setting vague goals, you might as well not even set a goal. I know it sounds dramatic, but it’s true. Vague goals lead to vague or no results because it’s unclear what you are doing. For example, ‘we need to start a training program’, ‘I will write a book’, or ‘I want to be a better leader’ are common examples of vague goals. When you are ready to be accountable and clear on what you want, you are ready to set a goal. Go ahead and declare to the world what you are going to do. And, by the way, major companies and senior team leaders set vague goals all the time so you are not alone. It’s much easier to leave things vague because it’s harder to evaluate the results.

Lesson: There is nothing vague about living your best life. Clarify what you want and go after it (and, yes, this takes time and asking good questions).

4. Focus on the why

People who achieve their goal are really clear on the ‘why’. There’s a difference between setting a specific goal and setting a goal that is both meaningful and exciting to you. When you have a strong why, it gives you a renewed sense of purpose and the motivation to continue moving forward.

Why do you want to be in shape, start a business, become an author, or start a blog? Is it something you should do or something that is important to you? Ask yourself why two or three times to truly understand why a specific goal matters to you. If a goal does not resonate and connect with your values, it will be difficult to move beyond speed bumps.

Takeaway: When you are clear on your why, you will wake up with a renewed sense of purpose and vigor.

5. It’s a privilege to live outside your comfort zone

100% of the people I’ve talked to who have achieved special moments, experienced uncertainty and lived outside their comfort zone — this includes the single dad bringing up his daughters, the first-time property manager and the woman in her thirties buying real estate properties to generate passive income.

Yes, it’s scary when things are uncertain. It’s uncomfortable for all of us. But it’s part of the process for personal development. It’s a privilege because it means that growth and opportunity are right around the corner.

Takeaway: What if you were 100% certain that moving outside your comfort zone and experiencing uncertainty led to personal growth? I’ve got a secret for you: it does, and it’s a privilege.

About Alissa

Alissa Finerman is an Executive Coach and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, speaker and author of Living in YOUR Top 1%. She works with managers, C-suite executives and teams to leverage strengths, shift beliefs and achieve meaningful goals. Alissa has an MBA from the Wharton School and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley. She has worked with Ross Stores, Petco, BNP Paribas, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, Brookfield Property Partners, Neutrogena, Bristol-Myers Squibb and Dress for Success. To learn more about coaching with Alissa, please visit her website and follow her on Facebook

6 Strategies to Achieve Your Goals

January 3, 2017 By Alissa Finerman Leave a Comment

At the beginning of each year, I go for an early morning hike with my dog and think about what a great year looks like. When I get home, I then take about 30 minutes creating goals that add meaning to my life and excite me and save them on my computer so I can refer to them often (don’t be afraid to revise your goals as needed). First, I pick key areas I want to focus on such as career, financial, community, learning, healthy living, relationships etc. Then I write key goals in each area. And finally, I include as many bullet points as I can to help me figure out how I am going to complete my goals.

So let’s focus on you!

If Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group, called you and offered a free first class ticket would you know your destination? The best way to create a fulfilling and fabulous life is to set goals. These goals become your destination. You may want to change careers, get promoted, be in a loving relationship, or learn a new skill such as the piano, photography, or cooking. Whatever it is, you need to know where you want to go.

So instead of starting another year with resolutions that you don’t keep, use these six goal setting tips to start off on the right foot. Many articles give you so many tips that it’s a bit overwhelming. I’ve intentionally selected only six tips so you can use them all and make an immediate impact in your life.

1. Why is the Goal Important? Be very clear why you are setting a goal. Is it because your family wants you to do something or does the goal matter to you. Is losing weight really important to you? Are you willing to make other sacrifices to make this goal a reality?

2. Start with the Ideal Situation: This is your chance to dream. Imagine that you have a blank slate, and you can be and do whatever you choose. Start with that image and then work backwards to see what’s possible right now. Don’t worry about the obstacles when you are getting started. Think about what the ideal vision is for you.

3. Write Down Your Goals: You’re probably like so many people who like to keep everything in their mind instead of on paper. Well let me tell you a little secret about these folks, they are the same people who rarely follow through on their goals. When you write down your goals, you start to see where you want to go and it’s easier to make decisions because you have a destination. Most people spend more time planning their vacation than they do creating goals.

4. Pursue a Goal that is a Tier One Priority: You probably have many things that are important in your life. Write down all of your goals above and then check the ones that are most important to you. Your tier one goals are the ones that will make the biggest impact on your life. They are the most important goals. They are not necessarily the goals that help you make the most money or get you promoted but rather the goals that add a deeper sense of fulfillment to your life. Perhaps you want to finish your degree, get out of debt, or change jobs. Whatever is meaningful to you is what you should be pursuing.

5. Craft Clear-Cut Goals: Many of us think vague goals are our friends but actually they just derail us in our mission. If you’re planning to get better at golf, be a better leader, or stretch more in the new year, you will need to be much more specific. Say your goal out loud and honestly ask yourself if it’s clear what you are trying to do. It’s also helpful to share your goal(s) with a trusted friend. Being clear helps you set priorities.

6. Set a Target Date: This is a tough one but it needs to be done. Just saying that you are going to write a book or lose weight is not really saying anything. Does that mean you are going to write a book in the next five years or lose weight sometime in your lifetime. If you just started working at a new company, it’s probably not realistic to say that you will be promoted tomorrow but it might be reasonable to set a goal to be promoted within six months or the year. You will have to decide what’s doable given everything else going on in your life. Either way, it’s helpful to have a date that you are working toward.

Remember to take small steps and to have fun. The process is challenging but you will feel amazing when you move outside your comfort zone and do what you thought was impossible. Please keep me posted on your progress and stay in touch with me on Facebook or Twitter. If you need additional inspiration, please check out the goals section in my book, Living In Your Top 1%. Good luck and have fun!

Believe in yourself,
Alissa

About Alissa

5 Steps to Live In YOUR Top 1%

January 1, 2017 By Alissa Finerman Leave a Comment

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

* This post also appeared on Positively Positive

I recently was on the East Coast presenting to over 400 people at three companies in industries ranging from real estate to a Fortune 500 healthcare company to an investment management firm about the idea of “Living in YOUR Top 1%.” I am continually reminded that regardless of someone’s title, salary, industry, or size of the company, we all face similar issues to living our best life. We just handle them differently.

The Top Five Takeaways to Live in YOUR Top 1%:
1. Speed Bumps Are Part of Life

We all hit speed bumps. Yes, all of us. Whether you are an experienced CEO, new mom, or first-time business owner, there are speed bumps or challenges. They just look differently to each of us. And, what may be a speed bump today may become routine tomorrow. Hitting a speed bump is really not a noteworthy event. The interesting part is how we maneuver around it. What I’ve seen as an Executive Coach and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach is that the people who achieve and move forward understand that speed bumps are part of the process of going after what you want. One person had to be determined for four years to get a job at the company of his choice (and, yes, he had speed bumps such as a hiring freeze).

Often, the difference is a simple shift in your perspective to reclassify challenges and keep going.

2. Mindset Wins Every Time

“Whether you think you can or you can’t, you’re right.” Thank you Henry Ford.

Winners have a different mindset that says, “I can” or “I will figure it out and make it happen.” For example, I was incredibly inspired by one story of a property manager who oversaw a building that everyone labeled a disaster. The property manager refused to accept this story of mediocrity and hopelessness. He believed he could turn the building around and built a team to do just that. Before the end of the year, his building was one hundred percent occupied, and he was recognized for outstanding performance at the company’s annual conference. It’s a process, not magic.

Your mindset makes a big difference and directly impacts what opportunities you pursue.

3. Lean Away From Vague Goals

Here’s the bottom line: if you’re setting vague goals, you might as well not even set a goal. I know it sounds dramatic, but it’s true. Vague goals lead to vague or no results because it’s unclear what you are doing. For example, we need to start a training program, I will write a book, or I want to be a better leader are common examples of vague goals. When you are ready to be accountable and clear on what you want, you are ready to set a goal. Go ahead and declare to the world what you are going to do. And, by the way, major companies and senior team leaders set vague goals all the time so you are not alone. It’s much easier to leave things vague because it’s harder to evaluate the results.

One note, there is nothing vague about living your best life. Clarify what you want and go after it (and, yes, this takes time and asking good questions).

4. Focus On The Why

People who achieve their goal are really clear on the “WHY.” There’s a difference between setting a specific goal and setting a goal that is both meaningful and exciting to you.

When you have a strong why, it gives you a renewed sense of purpose and the motivation to continue moving forward.

5. It’s a Privilege to Live Outside Your Comfort Zone

100% of the people I’ve talked to who have achieved special moments (a.k.a. Top 1% Moments) experienced uncertainty and were outside their comfort zone—from the single dad bringing up his daughters to the first-time manager to the woman in her thirties buying real estate properties to generate passive income.

Yes, it’s scary when things are uncertain. It’s uncomfortable for all of us. But it’s part of the process for personal development.

It’s a privilege because it means that growth and opportunity are right around the corner. What if you were 100% certain that moving outside your comfort zone and experiencing uncertainty led to personal growth? I’ve got a secret for you: it does, and it’s a privilege.

Top 1% Bottom Line: Living your best life is a process. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself on a bumpy road. That simply tells you it’s the right path and keep going. A resilient mindset will help you move through difficult days, as will clear-cut goals. Opportunity awaits all of us.

About Alissa

Success Is A Way Of Life

August 26, 2013 By Alissa Finerman Leave a Comment

There has been much discussion about success. What it means? Do you have it? What does it take to get it? I’ve changed my view of success from one about titles, money and what you do (I used to work on Wall Street) to one filled with servicing others, making a difference, feeling fulfilled in my work, living where I love (California), sharing my talents, and reducing shoulds in my life (yes, I left my finance career and became an Executive Coach).

Success is dynamic so how you define success when you’re 20 vs 40 vs 60 years old and over will continuously shift. My definition of success continues to evolve with each experience. The important factor is how YOU define success and how you practice this in your life. Success is personal.

Here are a few thoughts about success from my book, Living In Your Top 1%, to stir your thinking and help you live a successful life.

There is success from any starting point

There is success in honoring your truth

There is success beyond failure and mistakes

There is success beyond challenging times

There is success when you put what you know into practice

There is success when you make yourself a priority and take responsibility

There is success when you believe in possibilities

There is success when you clear out the noise and pave the way to use your strengths

There is success when you set value based goals that speak to your heart

There is success when you start with your ideal scenario and dismiss all the reasons why you can’t

There is success in moving out of your comfort zone into your stretch zone

There is success in rising up after you’ve veered off course

There is success when you make consistent choices that align with your truth

There is success when you stay committed to goals that speak to your heart

There is success when you live by your non-negotiables

There is success when you keep things in perspective, view them as temporary and have the ability to see the bigger picture

There is not success in living a life with shoulds

There is not success in building a mindset that starts with I can’t

There is not success in believing impossible to possible only happens to others

Success is a mindset that helps you uncover your potential when you’re ready

Success is available to all

Success is a way of life

Success for me is making a positive impact in the world.

What does success mean to you?

About Alissa

Alissa Finerman is an Executive Coach and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, speaker and author of Living in YOUR Top 1%. She works with managers, C-suite executives and teams to leverage strengths, shift beliefs and achieve meaningful goals. Alissa has an MBA from the Wharton School and a BA from the University of California, Berkeley. She has worked with Ross Stores, Petco, BNP Paribas, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, Brookfield Property Partners, Neutrogena and Bristol-Myers Squibb. To learn more about coaching with Alissa, please visit her website and follow her on Facebook

Having a Low Point Is Actually a Good Thing

June 6, 2013 By Alissa Finerman Leave a Comment

This post was featured on Positively Positive

We all have low and high points in our life. These lower moments often define what’s possible depending on your willingness and courage to turn them into a positive or let them simmer as a negative. As we continually work through these temporary dips, we build confidence and pave the road for moments of enjoyment and meaningful accomplishments.

Low points are defined as that moment when the wind is entirely knocked out of you, where, for a brief second, you feel like there is no hope, you are tempted to give up, call it quits, and you are even close to using the word “failure.” The low points can be disheartening, upsetting, painful, embarrassing, frustrating, and entirely deflating. You need a moment to catch your breath. You wonder is this really happening or is it just a dream? Everyone has low points. You are not alone.

Low points could include:

Getting fired

Losing a major client

Losing a loved one

Getting injured or having a health issue

Teaching your first class as a certified yoga teacher and having a student leave early

Reaching your highest or lowest weight ever

Writing a book or movie and receiving bad reviews

Working on a new product for several years only to learn it’s already out

Starting a business and not making a profit

Ending a relationship

Feeling unfulfilled when you accomplish a major goal

Playing in a major athletic competition and having your poorest performance

Going through a divorce

Being overwhelmed by your debt…

These challenges, obstacles, and setbacks vary for each person, and what some may consider to be a “low point,” such as being fired (yes, I’ve survived this one too) or ending a relationship, may not be for someone else. We all deal with adversity differently. There’s no judgment. The real key is how you choose to respond to these potential setbacks and move forward.

The question to consider is what actions will you take to move past your “low point” and get back in the game? How long will you allow yourself to be sidelined?

The one thing that is similar for all low points is they place you at a crossroads in your life. Will you feel sorrow for yourself and decide that you can’t do something or will you rise up and develop Plan B? In this moment of uncertainty and frustration, you have a choice. It takes strength and faith to face these challenges and believe that you can move forward.

Resilient people use a low point to turn things around and make a change. So while one person gets fired from a sales job and decides he or she is not cut out for sales, another person finds a new sales role and this time buys several books and audio training tools to become a more effective salesperson.

Low points can happen in any area of your life. I recently experienced one of these moments in my tennis game. I was playing in the finals of the Doubles Championships at my club in Los Angeles in front of fifty people and serving at 4-3 in the third set. I proceeded to serve the worst game of my tennis career (and I’m not exaggerating), and we went on to lose the match. I was frustrated, deflated, and fed up. Two weeks later, I took action and started working with a tennis coach again, changed my serve technique, and practiced hitting buckets of serves (the serve can represent anything in your life that needs an attitude adjustment to get to your next level). After ten months of doing the work, I experienced a “high point.” While in Turkey this past March representing the USA at the World Championships, I was serving down 4-5 in the third set of the deciding doubles match against Spain, and we held my serve to win the match 7-6!

As you survive and even thrive after a low point that momentarily throws your life upside down, you start to believe in yourself and see new possibilities. Welcome your low points because they can lead to something wonderful in every area of your life.

For every low point, there is a potential breakthrough waiting for you!

I’d love to hear about a recent moment that you turned into a “high point!”

About Alissa

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The question to consider is what actions will you take to move past your “low point” and get back in the game? How long will you allow yourself to be sidelined?

As you survive and even thrive after a low point that momentarily throws your life upside down, you start to believe in yourself and see new possibilities. Welcome your low points because they can lead to something wonderful in every area of your life.

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