Yes, No, Maybe So: Overcoming Indecisiveness

A few years ago my husband and I, as is our custom, stepped out for dinner and a movie. It had been a particularly challenging week so we both were in the mood for something funny. We had a ball watching an incredible actor, Jim Carey do his thing in the movie ‘Yes Man’. Jim stepped into the role of depressed bank loan officer Carl Allen. 

Carl is down in the dumps due to a recent divorce and the fact he just doesn’t feel his life is moving. Feeling stuck, he watches his close friends around him experience a fulfilled life and openly longs for the same. He eventually stumbles onto the success Guru Terrence Bundley during his self help rally. Bundley challenges Carl to take a covenant of ‘Yes’.  Meaning every opportunity life brings, he is to accept it with open arms with a resounding YES!

Carl has no idea how a one simple syllable word will drastically transform his small life. Layer after layer of freedom unfolds for Carl and he quickly learns that a life spent more freely can directly impact his closest relationships. As my husband and I drove home, we began chatting about new ways our lives could open up, just by simply making more deliberate choices. Here are some points I discovered:

1.  Not making a decision in life is actually making a decision: For whatever reason, we go back and forth in life over thinking situations. We make them harder than they really should be. In life, I have learned to make a notation of the pros and cons of a situation, weigh the consequences and make a move. It’s really not that hard. Use the ‘worse case scenario’ theory and look at it objectively. But don’t wait too long, the facts will get muddled and cause you to become mentally paralyzed.

2.  Stop living your life by committee: I am always amazed how often people open their critical life decisions to a majority vote with their friends. Where should I move? Should I marry him? Do you all think I am ready for kids? And then they poll people for their opinion when they don’t have a part in the consequence. That’s just foolish. It is fine to have a close circle of friends that you consult with. Those who know you well, and can be truthful. But ultimately the decision must be yours. You have to live with the way things turn out.

3.  The power to say yes or no is yours: I read once, “A realistic no is far better than a fake yes.” What I took from that is when you take accountability for your life you have to also take accountability for your time. This means you will have to learn to say no at times. Guarding your time is the quickest way to securing a better life. People, without bad intentions, will use up your time and resources and you end up with nothing. We have to manage boundaries and use the power of no. No doesn’t mean I am cruel, just that I understand that my time is valuable as well.

‘Yes Man’ was a really funny flick. We laughed, but along the way I caught some gems that have made life a little easier. We can invest so much time in being a ‘people pleaser’ that we miss out on living our lives. I am convinced there is a balance that we all can strike in life that enables us to be a blessing to those around us while enjoying the benefits of a life of freedom ourselves.

Cherese Jackson

3 Ways To Launch Into Your Authentic Life Path

Your life isn’t about your job or business. In fact, your ‘real’ job in life is to connect with people in a way that increases their purpose along with your own. All the other stuff is just the white noise we get distracted and bogged down with. It is when we embrace a lifestyle of simplicity that we release our greatest potential. The 350 channels on our televisions, 200 radio stations on satellite radio and of course our smart phones have made it nearly impossible to turn life down and turn up our own thoughts.

It has been said that the two biggest days of our existence are the day we are born and the day we discover why we were born. When you view life as a path instead of a race, you can approach it with the confidence that no matter who does what before you, it has nothing to do with the reason you occupy this world. It instantly causes the burden of getting more ‘stuff’ off your shoulders and positions you for what matters most.

It can be a challenge to get rid of the clutter and tune in. But that is exactly what you have been craving. Examine that feeling that has been in the pit of your stomach. No amount of cocktails or parties can fill the void. You have changed your home, job and even mate yet you wake up feeling the same way. The reason is there is a path calling your name. There’s an encounter that has been scheduled for you to run smack into the purpose for your life; and you will never be happy until you locate it. You will continue on the ‘treadmill of life’ moving fast but accomplishing nothing.

Here are some ways to launch into your authentic path:

• Just start exploring: Get out of your head and into the game. We are created to feel, touch, express and explore. Our nature drives us by curiosity. In order to find out what you want to do, you will need to start doing stuff. Don’t be paralyzed by the ‘what’ so much. Try a bunch of activities, hang out with different types of people, and visit various places. You don’t know what you are looking for but I promise you will know it when you find it.

• Be open to new experiences: A closed mind is an unhappy mind. It is easy to get stuck in a rut and routine. If you find yourself frustrated it may be that you are too predictable. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs says that we are designed to need variety. The tapestry of life is filled with patterns and textures that were meant to be seen firsthand. Our digital world has made it easy for us to sit on our butts and read about life. Get out and live it for yourself!

• Become your life’s evangelist: A generic definition of an evangelist is a person who goes about sharing a doctrine and urging people to convert to it. A commercial is really a form of evangelism. It is used to convert us to the product. In your life, you need to be the one advocating for yourself. This empowers us to be the author of our lives instead of the circumstances. Stand up for yourself, you deserve the best in life!

Venturing out onto a new path is scary. But if we remember how tiny the box we are living in is and how big our lives are supposed to be, we will get the strength to break free. There is a specific path for each of us. And that path appears to those who are ready to say good bye to the familiar and embrace what lies ahead.

 Cherese Jackson

First Lady Michelle Obama Releasing Hip-Hop/R&B Album | Las Vegas Guardian Express

The First Lady will release this album, entitled ‘Songs for a Healthier America,’ in connection with her ‘Let’s Move’ campaign. The 19-track collection features singers like Jordin Sparks, Ashanti and DMC. The full album is set for free download on September 30.

Click HERE to read about it and see the first video release

First Lady Michelle Obama Releasing Hip-Hop/R&B Album [Video] | Las Vegas Guardian Express

Elysium Mirrors America’s Immigration Reform as Sci-fi Thriller Sparks Controversy | Las Vegas Guardian Express

Elysium may appear to just be a sci-fi film but it’s so much more than that. This film, whether intended or not, greatly mirrors the life of the immigrant that yearns for the opportunities of citizens who have been granted life in the Promised Land.

click HERE to continue reading





Elysium Mirrors America’s Immigration Reform as Sci-fi Thriller Sparks Controversy [Video] | Las Vegas Guardian Express

Mayor Bob Filner’s Sex Scandal: Chief of Staff Vince Hall Resigns | Las Vegas Guardian Express

What choices are you willing to make to stand up for what you believe?

Mayor Bob Filner’s Sex Scandal: Chief of Staff Vince Hall Resigns [Video] | Las Vegas Guardian Express

How To Complain And Get Results

Every family has them. They are the fixer. The one you call for advice, to confide in or seek out to get results. Of late, the television network ABC launched a show featuring a woman of such aforementioned talents. They call her Olivia Pope from the hit series Scandal. But you may go by a different name. In my circle, it’s me.

I cannot pinpoint when or how I became everyone’s default for issues but it is what it is. Maybe it is my no nonsense approach to life or the fact that I am usually the more vocal one in a bunch. But whatever the reason, I have learned to embrace my roll with grace and humility. Just recently I had a customer service issue with our internet provider for which I had to utilize my specific set of skills to my advantage. It made me think that there is a right way and a wrong way to complain. In fact, the main objective in lodging a complaint is to get the quickest resolution possible. Often we complain so generically that nothing is ever done or resolved.

How To Complain And Get Results

Here are a few pointers to make sure your voice is heard:

• Before you do anything, calm down: The first thing in getting your issue addressed is taking note of your tone. I am not saying to hide the fact you are upset or frustrated, but take into consideration that the person you are talking to, whether by phone or in person IS NOT the enemy. You will get farther by enlisting them as your ally. Being calm shows you are not just another angry person jumping down their throat.

• Write out your grievances for clarity: A dull pencil is better than a sharp memory any day. In the heat of the situation we tend to either forget what’s important or amplify what isn’t. To make sure you reach the resolution you really want, take a moment to write out what happened, who was involved and what your expectations were.

• Go into the situation with your list of needs: As you write out your list, also include what you would like to see happen. If you want a free voucher, say it. If you need a charge reversed, speak up. Closed mouths never get fed. And neither do hot heads. To show you are ready to solve the problem, be vocal about what you feel should happen.

• Put it into writing: What I find more than ever is people are generally angry until the mood passes. Once it subsides they go on as usual. Or worse, they simply blast the issue to their friends via social media and everyone chimes in but nothing is done. I am a firm believer of taking it straight to the source with a nice, stern email. This lets people know you are serious about getting things done.

I am definitely not in the league with the type of problems Ms. Olivia Pope tackles. I don’t have an inside track to the White House or high powered figures. But I can say my phone rings often from family and friends who what a ‘real’ and objective perspective. I have learned to like myself and how I handle business. My style of leadership makes me who I am and thus far has been successful. Hopefully you can glean something from my style that assists you along the way. Because chances are you will have some things spring up that will require you to address them.

© 2013, Cherese L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

Egypt’s Coup d’état: Violence Personified | Las Vegas Guardian Express

Many know exactly how they think they should act when they are ‘in’ authority but have little respect for the chain of command. As Sir John Dalberg-Acton once said, “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” It’s generally not taught in high schools, not even mentioned in most colleges, but once in the real world it is evident not many know how to handle ‘authority’.   Here are a few tips to keep us all level headed:


Egypt’s Coup d’état: Violence Personified [Video] | Las Vegas Guardian Express

Zimmerman Trial: The Prosecution Rests | Las Vegas Guardian Express

Everyone has had something happen to them that affected their emotions. But as long as they hold closer to the reason and not a new reality they will stay a victim. The fact that anyone is still here is proof that their DNA is infused with the ability to conquer anything. The only limitations that exist are in a person’s own thinking. While no one can adequately predict what will happen to these families after the trial has been decided, one this is certain; they will both need a strategy that will lead them out of victim land back to the land of significance and security.

Zimmerman Trial: The Prosecution Rests [video] | Las Vegas Guardian Express

Statue of Liberty Back in Business on Independence Day | Las Vegas Guardian Express

People must become the master of their freedom by taking responsibility in every way they can. Everyone deserves so much better, and the good news is that each person is truly in control. It’s time to grab the wheel and start driving! Pick up the torch, take your life off of autopilot and be proactive.

Continue reading here http://guardianlv.com/2013/07/statue-of-liberty-back-in-business-on-independence-day-video/

Key Witness in Zimmerman Vs Martin Trial Helping or Hurting? | The Guardian Express

All of America can see how Ms. Jeantel’s past as well as more recent online experience has affected her current ability to be a totally credible witness for her deceased friend. Now would be a great time to see how your online experience has affected your brand.

Key Witness in Zimmerman Vs Martin Trial Helping or Hurting? [Video] | The Guardian Express

How To Host A Killer Business Event

A great way to gain new customers is to host an event for your business.

Professional development has exploded over the past few years into a billion dollar global industry. I challenge you to find a position that doesn’t require you to independently increase your skill set. The days of coasting through life upon the waters of ease are gone. Organizations are holding their staff to higher standards and looking for a return on their investment.

Chances are, with this paradigm shift in place you will end up either hosting or attending some sort of event. We call them by different names; workshop, presentation or conference. No matter the label, it is a gathering that can potentially change your perspective. As a coach and speaker I have attended and hosted my share of events. Along the way I have noticed what makes a powerful, life changing affair as well as what turns out to be a serious waste of time.

How to Host A Killer Business Event

If you are in a field where events are par for the course, I would love to share my personal insight on what we have done at my company, New Direction Coaching Associates, to have some of our most successful events. As the C.O.O. the task is usually mine to ensure our attendants leave inspired. Here are some of my trade secrets:

• It all starts with your guest list: The real secret to an awesome event is to create a ‘buzz’ of exclusivity. Where most make their first mistake is by inviting everyone they know on Facebook. Wrong! You have to strategize at the onset to discover who should, and should not be invited. If you plaster everyone’s wall with your event info, it loses its essence.

• The right venue and set up is critical: The plan is to promote an intimate event that allows your company to touch lives. To do this, your venue should be heavily considered. Size, location and accessibility must be at the top of your list. Also consider the general layout of the room. Creating a flow towards products and speakers is a must.

• Music sets the atmosphere: Think about this; when people are leaving your event, what mood do you want them in? Your background and main stage music will make it happen. I cannot believe how many skip this process. You can’t bring your boom box or iPod and expect to be taken seriously. Great events start with great sound and great music. Set the mood and the folks will get the message.

• Edify people and keep your staff upbeat: Your attendants hear everything. So a complaining staffer will certainly get their attention. Just as you use music to create a mood, remind your staff to adopt the ‘Disney’ principal of customer service. This means, we are all a part of the big production so we have to keep our game face on.

• Timing is everything: Start on time and end on time. This sends two vital messages to your attendants. First, it says we are professional and credible. Next it shows you have respect for their time. As people gather and appropriate music is playing (at an appropriate volume), there should be a build of anticipation for the main event. Nothing sends the wrong message like every session of a conference running off schedule because it started late.

Nothing can leave such an impression as a brief pause to learn and collaborate with others. Far too often we are forced to glean whatever we can and scrap the rest after attending professional development. So if you are thinking of hosting an event or have in the past, take these tips to heart. From a person who has crisscrossed the country and seen the inside of too many hotel conference rooms, details matter. Begin today a better planning process and look forward to a happier audience.

© 2013, Cherese L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

The FLOTUS Shows Us How To Handle A Heckler!

By now, everyone has had the opportunity to view and give commentary on the viral video of the First Lady of the United States setting a heckler straight during a recent fund raising effort. What has been surprising is how both Republicans and Democrats alike have agreed that First Lady Michelle Obama was in fact within her rights. Beyond her iconic status as the first African American first lady, style maven and all around phenomenon, Michelle Obama seems to be a caring wife and mother. Who could have thought the only thing to cause a bipartisan agreement across party lines is a feisty mom who took control of an uncomfortable situation

From her days in Chicago as a community affairs director for a prominent local hospital, Mrs. Obama had gained a reputation for being straight forward and not taking junk. Her colleagues and even some rivals have said her mannerisms and professionalism is something they would never question. Whether you like her personally or not, most seemed to have a respect for her dedication to her community, husband and especially her children.

What FLOTUS Can Teach Us About Handling Unruly People

• Separate the person from their tirade: Often we are unsuccessful in defusing someone because we take it too personally. People do what they do for their own apparent reasons. To deal with them, you have to separate the two. It is usually safe to say the ‘Hurt people…hurt people’.

• Do not wait for someone else’s solutions, create your own: Mrs. Obama came up with an instant remedy for the situation. She said I can talk and you listen, or I can leave you with the floor to speak. She was not rude or ruffled. She made the decision to take herself out of the equation.

• Remember that a heckler can never take your place: The next time someone snaps on you, whether publicly or in private, do yourself a favor and remember your place of authority. Just because you have a critic, does not mean they can remove you from your position. Know your own self-worth and power.

Fast forward a few years and national campaigns, and Mrs. Obama is one of the world’s most recognizable people. In fact, Time magazine has voted her the fourth most influential woman on the planet. As she stood to deliver her support at a fund raising effort for the DNC, an activist for gay and lesbian rights began shouting her frustrations. What is ironic is her husband President Obama has weathered much flack for his open support for gay and lesbian equality in the workplace, the military and marital status. It is evident our 44th president will go down in history as the most supportive president for gay and lesbian rights.

As the heckler became more heated (watch video below), Mrs. Obama made it clear she was not going to deal with being interrupted. She is quoted as saying, “One thing I do not do well is this.” What she was referring to was being interrupted during an obviously inappropriate time. All politicians and their spouses are fully aware of how to deal with hostility when they are on the campaign trail. What was unexpected about this whole ordeal was this was a friendly fund raiser.

The political pundits across the networks have unanimously declared Mrs. Obama was right in responding. She offered to leave the event if the heckler absolutely needed the platform. But she again made it known that she was not going to attempt to talk over a rude person. With the crowd squarely behind her, the heckler was escorted out and the first lady was free to finish her speech. Now that’s class!

© 2013, Cherese L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

Started From the Bottom Now we're Here!

Life Coach Early Jackson shares with the graduates and others from the subject:  Vision & Process (We started from the bottom now we're here)

Started From the Bottom Now We're Here - 2

Life Coach Early Jackson shares with the graduates and others from the subject:  Vision & Process (We started from the bottom now we're here)

Started From the Bottom Now We're Here - 3

Life Coach Early Jackson shares with the graduates and others from the subject:  Vision & Process (We started from the bottom now we're here)

Hope Is Not A Strategy

We can have hope. However, hope is not a plan of action.

by: Cherese Jackson

Several years ago while working hard in corporate America I began to realize two significant things. First, we live in a society who has become accustomed to microwave speed success. And last, we are more ‘feelings’ dominated than ‘purpose’ motivated. With this mixture it’s no wonder most businesses see a high employee turnover rate and even in our personal relationships, there seems to be a revolving door. To truly understand why this phenomenon has become the norm, we must recognize that simply hoping for better will never take the place of preparing for better.

If you conduct a survey of the people in your circle of influence you will no doubt hear many dreams, desires and wishes. What you will find lacking is a date or plan attached to those lofty hopes. That’s because we are a society obsessed with mission statements but very little mission accomplishments. There is a gulf between how we realize our potential and how to make it manifest.

Hope is not a strategy.

In the psychological world, human behavior and success are measured in terms of our ‘Locus of Control’. A ‘low’ Locus of Control means that person believes their success or failure heavily depends on the actions of others. But a ‘high’ Locus of Control is the exact opposite. For that person success or failure rests entirely on themselves and how they behave. With this in mind, the latter person is more likely to move beyond hoping into a state of planning. These people know that if their destiny is to be fruitful, they have to get up and work for it.

Here are a few traits of folks with a strong Locus of Control:

• They are usually coined by friends as an over achiever: Every group has one. The guy or girl who is usually missing from most events due to their ‘hustle’. They work a couple of jobs, always have big dreams and are vocal about how successful they will be. You know it’s just a matter of time before they really strike it big!

• Excuses don’t seem to be in their vocabulary: There are some friends you can complain with and others you know to avoid with negativity. High L.O.C. people don’t respond well to sad stories or pity parties. They are the ones who yell for you to get off your butt because the world doesn’t owe us anything. They strongly resemble a drill sergeant.

• They actually walk the talk: Now there’s a rarity, someone who does just what they say they will. It is amazing how easy it has become to be a ‘social media’ icon. If you get a couple thousand followers on Twitter or fifty ‘likes’ on Facebook, you are a celebrity. The problem is, you’re only a celeb in your own mind! Authentic people spend their time ‘doing’ far more than they are ‘saying’.

We all have hopes. These are the things we gaze off into space on lazy afternoons. But for real issues and real needs we must move pass a nostalgic fuzzy feeling about our future into a serious time of planning. Things will not just happen. Things must be made to happen. When you and I are ready to elevate our lives, we take our hopes and fashion them into well-crafted plans of action.

© 2013, Cherese L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

7 Dumb Things We Do To Sabotage Our Relationships

 Listen as Coach Early Jackson shares principles to help you have better, more fulfilling relationships.  Click the link below:

7 Dumb Things We Do To Sabotage Our Relationships

How To Shake Those Mid-Day Blues

We all have been there! It is around 2:45pm and the day has begun to wear on you; your eyelids are heavier than ever and you feel as if a simple nap would cure all of life’s issues. But of course that is never an option considering your manager is expecting work from you by the end of the day. I feel your pain. I am known for my 3:00pm battles with the sleepy’s. I want to share a few tips that can help us all avoid falling asleep at the wheel during those long hauls Monday through Friday:

(1) To have a better afternoon, start the night before: What most of us fail to understand is the importance of a decent night’s rest. Science has proven the brain/body combination is in desperate need of recharging daily to operate at a peak level. If you forsake that, you are running an eight cylinder on two or three cylinders. Go to bed tonight!

(2) What you put in your body in the morning will visit you this afternoon: It is so tempting to grab a doughnut, cookie or other snack as we dash to work. In fact, society has made it harder to eat any healthy alternatives. But that is no excuse especially considering all the diseases that are directly linked to our eating habits. Try something ‘alive’ in the am; fruit coupled with your usual eggs and going light on the meat products. These will make digestion easier by the middle of the day.

(3) Get up and get moving: This is one of my favorites. There is nothing like a brisk walk around the block right when you feel the sleepiest. The blood circulation will get moving and your heart will start pumping fresh oxygen to the brain. The next thing you know you’re bright eyed and ready to finish the end of your day strong.

(4) Get your laugh on: I read an article a few weeks ago in a magazine detailing how important laughter is to our daily survival. You’d be surprised to hear how many people go days and even weeks without a single chuckle. Laugh involves several key muscles and releases powerful endorphins throughout your system that feed cells and make you feel better. Laughter is really great medicine for the mid day blues.

I’m sure you may have a few more tips of your own that get you through the day. Add these to your arsenal and just watch your productivity soar. We can beat those blues with a little preparation so have fun with it.

See ya at the top!

Cherese 

© 2012 – 2013, Cherese L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

5 Mistakes Companies Make With Interns

It’s that time of year again. The crisp spring air gives way to longer, warmer nights. The kids are preparing for summer break and college students are returning home looking for opportunities. If you are a business owner, no doubt your phone has already begun to ring with eager workers on the other end of the phone. Finding, working with and mentoring interns can be a great experience. It can also be time consuming and lacking in reward. Either way you look at it, at some point you will work with an intern or two.

I believe mistakes only happen when no lessons are acquired. In our business as well during my time in corporate America I have trained plenty of interns. I have seen some go on to be hired as full time employees. Other I have seen who barely lasted their tenure of the summer break. In all, I have learned a few best practices on dealing with interns. Here are five mistakes to avoid:

1.  Become too familiar and begin to expect friendships: When you acquire the services of an intern, it should never be for selfish reasons. Your job is to create a professional environment. Too often we seem to want to another family member.

2.   There is not a clear agenda or job description: Why are they there? You should be able to answer this long before you bring them on. Just because most interns are young and do not have a lot of responsibilities is no reason to waste their time.

3.  Give access to sensitive information: An intern is not a permanent employee. There should be checks and balances in place to protect any sensitive information about your business or clients. Can you imagine the embarrassment you could suffer if a client’s privacy was breached by an intern?

4.  Require a full time employee work load: Keep in mind the concept of an intern. There should be a mutual benefit in place. You benefit from the added assistance, but they should benefit from the chance to learn from your expertise. You can’t expect to work them like a dog for free and then allow them to walk away short changed.

5.  Never find out their goals or expectations: Everyone wants something. Internships are no different. As you consider interns, ask real questions. Find out where they want to go and what they want out of life. See yourself as a bridge for them. This could be an incredible opportunity for growth.

In Latin, the word intern is ‘internus’ and simply means, between another. It gives the ideal that this person works ‘between’ others as they learn and perfect a particular skill. That’s exactly what should be happening with every intern we bring aboard. It’s not free labor or a person to make all the coffee runs for the office. These are individuals we have the chance to touch in a profound way.

© 2013, Cherese L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

Early & Cherese Jackson of New Direction Coaching Associates

Myths About The Man Of Steel!

The summer of 2013 is gearing up to be an action movie junkies’ dream come true. With releases set from Hollywood heavy hitters like DeNiro, Smith, Hanks and Cruise, I have already prepared to beat the heat of summer in the movie theaters. As usual, I look forward to a couple of films that were adapted from the comics. Last year was the Dark Knight’s run, this year it’s none other than the man from Krypton, Kal-El. Most recognize him from his earth name, Clark Kent.

I can’t tell you the times I wrapped a towel from my mother’s linen closet around my neck and ran off to simulate flying. Every boy has once dreamed of being faster than a speeding bullet and more powerful than a locomotive. But somewhere between adolescence and high school our once lofty dreams approach life from a safer perspective.

There are unspoken rules of conduct that men abide by. See, the worst insult you could give a man is that he’s somehow acting less than what a ‘real’ man should. So we go through great lengths to ensure our manhood is not questioned. In this we often lose sight of transparency or being authentic. Instead we are working overtime to keep up a facade. This behavior is passed down time and time again. But as men, we can never grow pass what we refuse to confront. Here are a few ‘myths’ we carry as men of steel:

• Men don’t have feelings, therefore they cannot be hurt: This is a flat out lie. As I often say, we have the same feelings as women with a much different expression. Any guy who says a woman has never broken his heart or let him down needs to get his head examined. As men, we are occupational while women tend to be relational. So we find our identity in what we do, not who we know.

• Men just don’t like to talk: The truth is, we don’t like to talk at the exact moment women do, but we do talk. We speak about things that affect us or inspire us. If you ever want to see a guy really get chatty, tap into what he’s passionate about. That’s what matters most to men.

• Men avoid commitment at all costs: What connects us to our manhood is how well our families are taken care of. I don’t believe I have been more ashamed or disappointed in myself than when my finances fell too short to take care of my family. I felt less than a man. Often if we have a doubt about our ability to provide, we tend to shy away from that commitment.

• Men never get depressed: Absolutely we do! The difference is, early in boyhood we were told, big boys don’t cry. We took that mantra to heart. In fact, we added on that big boys don’t share their emotions. We took it as a sign of weakness. But anything without a pressure valve to give release will likely explode.

I have always been fascinated with the story of Superman. Not just because of his incredible acts of heroics, but because the people closest to him never made the connection. Somehow he could come up missing, he could save their lives and spend time with them, and no one ever thought Clark was really Superman. I guess that’s appropriate. As men, we have lived the truth that it’s the other way around. Superman, was really Clark Kent all along.

© 2013, Early L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

http://www.blacklifecoaches.net/2013/05/21/4-myths-women-still-believe-about-men/

The big deal with destiny - Norfolk Business | Examiner.com

Since destiny is a real process of corresponding actions, let’s learn as Coach Early Jackson shares principles from the highly successful what it really takes to embrace our future:

The big deal with destiny - Norfolk Business | Examiner.com

Benefit from the power of your clique | Inside Business

Solid relationships are made from the inside out. It is our own mirrored reflections that determine how we choose a friend and how others learn to treat us. If this image is perceived as flawed, we radiate that throughout our lives. It's a vibe or air that others can pick up on when they come into our presence.   Open link below to read full article.....

Benefit from the power of your clique | Inside Business

The Power of Your Clique

The relationships in your life matter! Who you're with plays a vital part in where you are going. Often we pay more attention to which restaurant to eat than we do with who we share our lives with. Your 'Clique' will make you or break you!  Click the link below to listen as Coach Early shares relative principles....

The Power of Your Clique

Creating Authentic Relationships

Our ability to build and maintain healthy relationships is the single most important factor in how we get along in every area of life. All of life’s successes come from initiating relationships with the right people and then strengthening those relationships by being authentic.

It’s no surprise that people who tend to have few or no friends, are often also diagnosed with depression. Loneliness is detrimental to your mental, and eventually physical, well being. We do not exist in life without relationships. No one is an island to themselves. You are always relating to someone or something. We all need relationships! Tom Hanks in the movie “Cast Away” was so desperate for relationship that he formed one with a ball and even named it Wilson

Your relationships drive your life. You are the sum of your five closest friends. There’s a saying, “birds of a feather flock together”. In other words, if I want to know what you’re like or who you really are I can look at the people you call friends; your friends are a reflection of you.

You can know a lot of people, but if the dynamic of the relationships aren’t adequate, they don’t bring any distinct value in your life. A good relationship is reflected by a strong and rewarding connection. It is my belief that the people with the most meaningful relationships tend to also be the happiest.

This connection can be casual, romantic, sexual, emotional, intellectual, and so on, depending on the nature of the relationship. But it must be there. When you feel that connection interacting with a person, you know it’s a relationship worth having.

The freedom to be authentic is one common quality that all people with fulfilling relationships have; the ability to engage others in a comfortable and genuine matter, without making excuses for who they are. With authenticity, you can easily interact with others, express yourself and simply unveil the relationships that are meant to be..

• Authentic people are not afraid to be who they are and show who they are. There is no pretence. There is no building themselves up to look better and no tearing themselves down to look worse. They are secure with who they are. They know their strengths and are in touch with their weakness. Simply stated, authentic people are just real.

• Authentic people are approachable. It doesn’t matter what position they hold or what activity they are engaged in, if you are with them you will be treated with respect and attention.

• Authentic people are interested in others. They have learned that having an authentic relationship holds the key to joy and happiness. It is not work or effort for them, it’s natural. Whether it is a life-long relationship or a quick encounter, they know it holds within it the core truth of our being, namely that we are all relative and because of human nature we are uniquely connected to each other.

• Authentic people put others at ease. We know when we are in the presence of an authentic person because we feel relaxed, at home. We feel heard, respected, important, interesting. Authentic people make us feel that way because that is how they see us. We see the promise of our own lives and our own possibilities through their authenticity.

• Authentic people know their place in the world and fulfill it with joy and attention.Sometimes it will be a position of power and influence. Other times it will be the most humble of occupations. It is not the occupation or position that distinguishes them, but rather their ability to know and be themselves, and to have deep meaningful relationships with others.

• Authentic people live day-by-day, moment-by-moment. They know well that life must be lived and experienced one situation at a time, so that’s what they do. They know that nothing is more important than this very moment. When we are in their presence we know it too, for we vibrate with their frequency.

Authenticity does not happen overnight. People are too filled with their own arrogance and selfishness, too attached to their own agendas, too busy with their own lives and too fixated on their own goals. Our concern, as individuals, is primarily with ourselves, but this can change. If authentic relationships are important to us we can practice being authentic. Then, as we become more authentic ourselves, we will discover the joy of deeper relationships and will want to become authentic in every area of our lives.

© 2011 – 2013, Cherese L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

Video: TED Talks Education | Watch TED Talks Education Online | PBS Video

Every educator, parent and anyone that influences our children should take the time to view this powerful TED Talks!

Video: TED Talks Education | Watch TED Talks Education Online | PBS Video

The Making of a Champion

If you're ready to start trading the treasures of today for the trophies of tomorrow, this Podcast (below) is for you! It's time to develop yourself with Coach Early Jackson's "Traits of Champions"


The Making of a Champion

The power of your clique - Norfolk Business | Examiner.com

The power of your clique - Norfolk Business | Examiner.com

Get Out Of Your Own Way

Life can feel at times like an obstacle course. We are ducking and dodging issues surrounding our personal life, business relationships and even our families. If we are not careful, we can trip and sustain some serious injuries. But much like anything else, a few passes and some experiences make all the difference in the world.

As a coach I spend a lot of time connecting with people about the various challenges in their lives. I have adapted a line of questioning early on in our sessions that help us cut through the red tape and get to the matters at hand. For instance, instead of asking the question “What is wrong?” I prefer to ask, “What is in your way?” It always amazes me the amount of stuff we feel is really stopping our momentum. But the reality is, nothing can stop us, but ourselves. I would go as far as to say it boils down to the things we ‘perceive’ to be real, but aren’t.

The majority of most problems can be divided like this; 90% of what’s wrong is how we see it. So from the job that you hate so much to the family member you just can’t seem to reconcile with, it’s all about perception. To truly rise up and get out of our own way, we will need to adjust the way we see (3) major things:

1. We have to change the way we see our fears:  Think about the things you’re afraid of. Where did you get the information about them? I believe that fear is half misinformation and the other half no information at all. I used to be fearful of heights but had never been high enough to experience it myself? Instead I just psyched myself into it. It was a matter of no information. Once I got up there myself, I was able to form my own opinion. 
2. We have to change the way we see our faults: Fault finding is at an all time high! Everything is someone else’s fault so we are not held accountable. We have traditionally assessed fault from the outside in. Meaning we associate our fate to be directly connected to someone’s actions. A more healthy way to view faults is to remove them from people and see them as events. Events that happened to us but will not define us. Once we remove the emotionalism from the action, we can better understand it. Don’t spend time finding faults, use that energy to create solutions.
3. We have to change the way we see our failures:  Failure is the toll you pay on the bridge of greatness. I challenge you to find a story of incredible accomplishment that isn’t tied to a string of failures. Dr John Maxwell says, “People view failure as a final destination instead of a bump in the road to success.” The legendary household cleaner Formula 409 is said to have that name because its creators failed on the first 408 formulas. Imagine how hollow life would be if we only tried great acts once. There would be no innovations to speak of.

We’ve all been in the position of life where we felt it was another’s reason we weren’t further along. We have put the party hats on and hung streamers for our own personal pity party. What’s crazy is no matter how many of those parties you have, they never seem to satisfy. You know why? Because deep down inside we know it’s the ‘enemy in me’ that is to blame. The good news is we can now get up, dust off our clothes and proceed to victory. We are finally getting out of our own way!

© 2013, Cherese L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself

Great day empowered people!

As with life, brands evolve and go through transitions. New Direction Coaching Associates is excited to release our latest promotional video produced by Fresh Level Productions. We had a blast making the video and think it is just the fresh look our brand needs.
 

As we are in full Spring swing, I wanted to pose a question to you wherever you are. Whether in business, family or personal life, is it time to spruce up your 'brand'? Remember your brand is simply the expectations others have based on what you show them. Your family has a brand, you are a brand! And it matters how people see us.
 

Take a look at our promo video, we'd love your feedback.

 

See you at the TOP!

New Direction Coaching Associates 2013 - YouTube

New Direction Coaching Associates 2013 - YouTube

Let's Go Natural!

We are living in a time where it has become more and more fashionable and acceptable to go natural.  Many people, including myself, have abandoned the world of relaxers or have released their addiction to the “straight dope” as the naturalist call it.  Everyone is going natural and becoming more organic conscience.

If we can come together to start such a great “movement” when it comes to our something as basic as our hair imagine what would happen if we all decided to go natural with our connections and relationships.

Social networks have broken the barriers of space and time, enabling us to communicate on a 24/7 basis with more people than ever before.  It appears that the focus has now turned to quantity versus quality, Superficiality versus authenticity!  In an ironic twist, social media has managed to make us less social; a substitute for the real thing.

How do we communicate effectively and build deeper, more authentic relationships when we utilize only words (some as little as 140 characters) instead of voice, face and body expression to get all the important and powerful distinctions that often contradict the words?

With all the powerful social technologies at our fingertips, we are more connected – and potentially more disconnected – than ever before.

Here are some tale tale signs we are less connected now more than ever:

1.  Anyone can hide behind a text, e-mail, or Facebook post. The ever evolving twitter platform, projecting any image they want and creating the illusion of their choosing. We can be whoever we want to be. And without the ability to receive, otherwise organic, nonverbal cues, our audiences haven’t got a clue.

2.  You can know a lot of people and even be popular online, but never develop real connections. If the dynamics of the relationships we pursue are not adequate, they won’t bring any perceptible value in your life. The truth is, online we spend great lengths hiding who we really are only to settle for superficial pseudo relationships.

3.  Our ability to build and maintain healthy relationships is the single most important factor in how we get along in every area of life. We cannot ‘do life’ alone. Most of us have learned how miserable life really can be when you are cut off from meaning connections. All of life’s successes come from initiating relationships with the right people and then strengthening those relationships by being authentic.

‘Social media’ is making us less social. We’re disconnecting from the real world. I’ve been guilty many, many times of being at an event where every single person, including me, spent the first 5-10 minutes checking in on Facebook or Foursquare, taking a picture of the location on Instagram, reading their Twitter feed, checking Facebook notifications, and even emails.

I believe it’s time to go natural. To eat meals with friends and loved ones and not care about what else is going on in our “social” network. Take time to disconnect, relax and take in the beauty around them. This is the “organic” world that produces authentic and healthy relationships.

I remember being on vacation and everywhere I walked, I noticed more people than not staring at their phones and not looking around. They were at the dinner table eating, while headstrong into their phone. They were at the pool soaking up sun, but still hooked on their mobile device. They were on the beach, not looking at the amazing scenery, not communicating with the people around them, not experiencing that moment, but instead mesmerized by their Smartphone and tablets. At night they were in restaurants, clubs and bars hypnotized by the glow of their own phone.

Without saying anything at all, we’ve said to each other that we’re more interested in what’s going on everywhere else other than those that we’re with, even though that might not consciously be the case. As we keep playing into this behavior we’re becoming less present with those that are near us in social settings.

My hope simply put is for us all to slow down just a bit each day until we are finally taking in the beauties around and cultivating truly wholesome relationships along the way.

© 2013, Cherese L. Jackson. All rights reserved.

4 Rules to Keep Your Personal Brand Respectable

How many times have our intentions been hindered by someone’s premature judgment? Specialist in the field of social behavior state that an opinion of you is made within 4 seconds of a person meeting you. That means if you had the slightest off day you could lose countless potential connections. We have to take time to understand that we are a walking, talking brand that is speaking louder than we know. If we adjust our perception and take care of our brand presence like the Fortune 500 companies we will see a tremendous jump in our effectiveness across the board.

By definition, a Brand is an unspoken promise of service or quality that people expect you to deliver. Whether you know they are expecting it or not, you have an obligation to come through or your reputation will suffer. Think of it this way, every single relationship you are in has an expectation attached. Your barber, church, business and even family all operate based on a brand. If mishandled, you can end up with all kinds of bad press about you. We live in a digitally connected world, something that happens in China this morning is appearing on local evening news. Information travels at light speed. One bad personal review can result in Twitter or Facebook posts within moments.

Google is not only the world’s most powerful search engine; it is a place for reputation management. Have you ever Googled yourself? Everything by you or about you has made its way online. It would be a smart thing to monitor how you are perceived so you can present the best possible view of who you really are.

Here are 4 rules to keep your personal brand respectable:

1. Own your online presence:  This means you have to adjust security settings on all your social media sites. Sites like Facebook allow others to post via your timeline and this can be a problem if they are posting inappropriate material. You cannot use the excuse that you didn’t do it when you have complete control of your page. Many have loss jobs and other opportunities because a simple search turned up party pictures and other risqué images.
2. Keep yourself presentable at all times:  When you are building your reputation as a professional you have to make sure you are seen as such. Nothing is more discomforting than meeting someone who claims to be a hair stylist but their appearance is horrible. You must look like you’re going somewhere. People form lasting opinions from first impressions.
3. No matter what you do, have a card:  It’s the small details that separate you from the crowd. No matter what your job title, it is always a good investment to have profession cards with your contact information on it. For less than 50 bucks, you can present someone with your phone and email without ripping a scrap piece of paper and searching for a pen. It lets others know you mean business.
4. Remember someone is always watching:  We all long to go some place and let our hair down. Everyone enjoys a good time. But there must be awareness that even in the midst of having fun, you carry yourself like a professional. I have attended countless corporate sponsored retreats and witnessed executives running about with their “shirts” off in the spirit of having fun. Only to be embarrassed walking into morning meetings. The moral of the story is, home is where your hair should be let down, and the public is for good professional fun.

Nike, Apple and Coke have all been in the news recently for issues surrounding those associated with them. The one principle that runs true with them all is the importance of the ‘brand’ over any one individual. The only thing that cannot suffer is the brand! Hopefully we all take a closer look at how we represent ourselves. Every day someone is making a judgment call about you, make sure they are getting the right one.

See you at the TOP!

© 2012 – 2013, Cherese L. Jackson. All rights reserved.