Lesley,

Thank you so much for this article. I love finding short but powerful tips such as these. Your tips about breath, yoga, and meditation would fit into even the most hectic schedule. I especially like the idea of clearing space for new and good things to come into your life.

Thanks again for the reminder to just stop and take a deep breath.

Elizabeth

Jim,

I enjoyed your article and reading about the calm that comes from inviting others to say "no". It decreases the pressure. My favorite line was about remaining emotionally neutral. "Staying emotionally neutral will keep you focused on the one thing you can control: your own behavior and actions in the ne. You cannot control what the other person feels, does, or says." How true! Thank you for an insightful article.

Elizabeth

Joni, I am a big fan of social media, but twitter really does confound me. I appreciated your perspective and especially the end of your article--you get out of it what you put into it. I can't say I'm ready to jump in quite yet, but your article made me think about the advantages of using it. Thank you.

Elizabeth

Donna,

I am going to come back to this article and make sure to follow your tips. I love the suggestion to update your status in just one place. I also appreciated your encouragement to post on someone's actual blog and not on the Facebook status.

Thank you for sharing.

Elizabeth

It was a pleasure to meet everyone last night. What great energy and ideas to move into 2009.

Elizabeth

Suzette,

I just stumbled across your article. Thank you. I have read the book and enjoyed it. I know many people who use the four agreements in their daily lives; they are some of the kindest, most authentic, and strongest people I know. I like the reminder that who we are in business is not different from who we are in other areas of life. To be authentic, you bring your entire self forward in each and every encounter. I hope your daughter could use some of the principles.

Blessings, Elizabeth

Kate, Thank you so much. Your journey through 2008 has mirrored some of my own. I, too, found myself thrown into networking and community, and had to take a step back to focus on self care. I've added my daily walks back into my schedule and made time for play a priority. As a result, I'm feeling more energized and more productive. I also like how you articulated how writing and getting feedback here on BizNik and other places spurs creativity. Thank you for sharing.

Blessings, Elizabeth

Tshombe,

What a great and timely article. I really appreciated your wisdom and encouragement for all of us to look at our goals with passion and realism. I believe being specific has a huge impact on our ability to move towards our goals. Personally, I don’t do well with resolutions, as there is an expectation that they fail. I do make it a practice to regularly set intentions and use a variety of tools such as dream boarding and visualization to step fully into these intentions. I've also found--in my own life as well as my work with clients--that one of the key things about moving closer to your goals is to appreciate where you are.

Best wishes for the new year, Elizabeth

Jennifer,

Thank you for posting this article. I, too, love the reminder about personal self care and striving to make slow, continual progress. It's sometimes hard to keep your life in balance when putting so much energy into a new goal and really Going for the Gold. I especially appreciated the tip to notice how your goal and other areas of your life can work together.

Melissa,

Thank you for a wonderful article. I love your encouragement to meet others with an open heart and a spirit of curiosity. My favorite part was the reminder to engage others with intentionality.

Elizabeth

Deb and Dani, I really wish I could make it. I have a class that night at Bastyr. I hope you will host another event in the near future. Elizabeth

Zita,

I love the idea of the end-of-year inventory. I often think of those people on my top ten list, and am always happy to see them or hear from them. However, I have not had a plan per say for strengthening these important relationships. Thank you for the valuable tips. Elizabeth

I am looking forward to part II as well. As a therapist, marketing can be a little tricky. I've seen referral partners struggle with the third challenge. How can you refer someone to a therapist who you really believe could help someone without making them feel put on the spot? My advice to such partners is always to trust themselves and speak about the possibilities that such a service can open up. Thank you for an interesting article.

Kate,

At the last minute, I thought I could attend this event. It looks very helpful. I'm sorry I had to miss it. Maybe you will host another one?

Elizabeth

Lisa,

Your events are incredible. I so enjoyed a moment of just being me, showing up, being human--and seeing the richness that came from our group when everyone took the same approach (which you model beautifully, by the way). Thank you again.

Elizabeth

I regret having to cancel my RSVP. Something came up unexpectedly. However, I will be sending all of you positive energy.

I am sorry to be missing what I know will be a rich discussion.

Ruth, Thank you so much for the invite. I am sorry I will have to miss the game. It sounds very helpful. I have a meeting at 3 pm.

However, I am thrilled to see you today for Mastermind Monday.

Elizabeth