Catching Up With Action Learning Associates

Available online at http://www.action-learning.com/newsletters/jan05.html

Coaching and Training
for People and Organizations

January 2005 Online Newsletter

Action Learning Associates, Inc.

www.action-learning.com

We invite you to forward this newsletter to your friends and colleagues

NEWS FLASHES

For aspiring writers:

On Friday, January 21, 11:00-12:30 a.m. EST "How to Write and Publish Your Book" tele-class offered through the International Coaching Federation, co-presented with Michael Chiodi (www.getyourbookoutnow.com) call 1-904-357-8707, limited to 100 people
On Thursday, January 27, 11:00-12:30 a.m. EST "How to Publish and Sell Your Book" tele-class offered through the International Coaching Federation, co-presented with Michael Chiodi (www.getyourbookoutnow.com) call 1-904-357-8707, limited to 100 people

For you and your adventure goal:

On CBS television this Sunday, January 23 4:00-6:00 p.m. EST "The Subaru Primal Quest Adventure Race" This eight-day race occurred last September near Seattle WA on the lakes, rivers, and Cascade Mountains. Our team, Race Metrics.com #47, finished in 20th place. Tragically, one of the racers on the lead team died during the race. I have seen the trailer for this show. The coverage will be a dramatic metaphor for you and your team as you prepare for 2005.

NEW BOOK PRESS RELEASE

ADVENTURE COACHING; A GUIDEBOOK FOR ANYONE IN LIFE AND WORK (isbn 0975884107)

Are you frustrated managing the priorities in life or work?

Just in time for those holiday resolutions, this new book is both a map and a compass.

I just received this email: "I received your book two days ago, just in time to keep me from resigning my position. Instead, I've lit a fire under my own feet and challenged myself into leadership. Thank you!"

The adventure cycle has five steps that can help you or your clients:

Get the message and get moving
Leave familiar habits or behaviors
Confront challenges with confidence
Return with a gift such as wisdom
Serve others in your work or life

The appendix contains the adventure assessment inventory, a complete list of activities, and an extended reading list. That adventure inventory will help you determine the four types of adventures. And it will help you define four ways to develop competencies. A free sample chapter is at www.action-learning.com/adventurecoaching.

Now available at www.action-learning.com ($15 ea and bulk discounts) or at www.amazon.com, www.bn.com, or any major online bookstore ($16.95 ea & tax/shipping).

ADVENTURE TRENDS: Lessons from North Georgia Adventure Race

Last weekend, January 15-16, 2005 I raced in a three person 100 mile adventure race that contained mountain biking, flatwater canoeing, trekking/ trail running, bush-wacking, and navigation. Like most teams, we did not complete this 30-hour race. Sometimes I learn more from failures than successes. Here are some points and applications to your world.

LESSONS LEARNED:

Select your team carefully. There is no greater investment. If you associate with optimistic, successful people then you will be more likely to attain your goals. In this race, I selected two teammates with varying ability levels who had not raced together. So, we learned about each other via teambuilding surveys online, and two conference calls. If we had been able to train together in all race elements, or seek references for any prospective teammates, we would have been able to assess skill levels prior to racing together. That makes me wonder, who is on your success team?
Cold weather drains energy over time. In this race, one of my teammates had difficulty breathing and developed symptoms of exercised induced asthma. Yet, there will always be adversity in business or in life. The winners prepare for the worst, travel light, and support each other. How are you responding to the adversity in your life?
Be prepared for levels of adventure- from physical to emotional to cognitive to spiritual. Once upon a time adventure races were merely physical events. The team that traveled from point A to B the fastest was declared the winner. Then as teams became faster, race directors added complexity, including cognitive challenges. In this race, for instance, we were presented with optional orienteering challenges, so we took the bait, and invested 8 hours. The first place team, however, skipped that added complexity, and went directly for the finish line. Adventure races, like most businesses, were once mostly physical and emotional challenges. Now, success requires commitment to a shared mission or spiritual goal, and the ability to think on your feet, even when it is cold and dark in the forest.

ACTION STEPS AHEAD: Four next steps for you

So what is your adventure goal?

Regardless of your answer, you will need to demonstrate self awareness as you approach that goal. The winter months are often a good time for reflection, realistic goal setting, and next steps. Here are four steps that you can take to improve self awareness:

Physical adventures in self awareness:

Self-Awareness: Notice where you hold tension in your body- such as your jaw, stomach, neck, back, and so forth. Pay attention to your breath, right now - is it shallow or deep? Notice when you find yourself holding your breath, and when you breathe in a smooth, continuous way.

Emotional Adventures in self awareness:

Self-Awareness: Be aware of when your emotions shift throughout the day. As accurately as possible, notice when you are feeling happy, sad, angry, or fearful.

Cognitive Adventures in self awareness:

Self Awareness: Notice your internal dialogue when reflecting on your day or life. Is your language appreciative or critical? How does that impact your larger attitude?

Spiritual Adventures in self awareness:

Self Awareness: Notice when you experience a sense of connection and flow with life. What is it that you are grateful about in your life? Make a list and add to it for two weeks. Read over that list every morning for the following week. Then write your daily goals each morning and focus on what you are passionate about completing that day.

PERSONAL THOUGHTS:

My current adventure goal is to sell this new book to thousands of people, so that they can serve others. I need your help to do so. How can you help me get this book promoted by Oprah or Dr Phil or into large organizations?

Please forward this newsletter to any of your colleagues or friends!

To add a colleague or friend to the action-learning newsletter:
http://www.action-learning.com/subscribe.shtml

For comments or feedback: click here

Coaching and Trainingfor People and Organizations