by Marcia Yudkin

Centered in Italy and making worldwide converts, a "slow movement" recommends stepping off the 24/7 treadmill and reclaiming the joys of eating, relating and appreciating life's pleasures. Carl Honore's book, In Praise of Slowness, chronicles companies, cities and individuals that insist on taking the necessary time for leisurely paced medicine, child care, cuisine, travel and more.

A German lawyer quoted in the book explains the benefits of taking two hours to get to know each new client, instead of getting to work after a ten-minute summary of the problem. The slower start minimized his need for followup calls or backtracking because he'd misunderstood something.

Similarly, I like to let a strategic issue or copywriting challenge simmer for a day or two before formulating advice or choosing an angle for getting started. While I'm occupied with other matters, my unconscious mind sorts through my bank of experience and often gives me an inspired starting point and easy route to completion.

Speediness isn't always effective, productive or satisfying. Rushing produces mistakes and irritation. Slow down for a more efficient, happier tempo!

Reprinted with permission from the Marketing Minute, a free weekly email newsletter. Subscribe here: http://www.yudkin.com/markmin.htm

In this season of hustle and bustle at work and in our personal life, spend some time "slowing down". Practice centering exercises. Enjoy what is right before you. Be present.

It's time to get started on your master plan for 2006. Give yourself some quiet time, put on some relaxing music . . . and begin. First acknowledge all that you have accomplished in 2005. Next, write down your goals for 2006. Open your mind to ALL the possibilities. Start each goal with "I am" or I will". Don't even THINK about restricting yourself. This process may take two hours. It may take two weeks. Remember, you're building what you want in your life. To help you with this process, here are some key questions to ask yourself:

• What do I want to do?
• What do I want to have?
• Where do I want to go?
• What contribution do I want to make?
• What do I want to learn?
• Who do I want to meet and spend my time with?
• How do I want to earn save and invest?
• What will I do for fun and optimum health?

To receive a form to capture your accomplishments for 2005 and your goals for 2006, send Andrea an e-mail at andrea@coachandrea.com with "Accomplishments and Goals" in the subject line.

Coach Andrea's Coaching Tip of the Week is brought to you by Andrea Novakowski, Master Certified Coach who provides Business and Personal Coaching to Corporations, Businesses, and Individuals. Andrea is a professional coach who partners with people to set goals and create momentum to produce effective results in their business and/or personal lives.

Andrea is available for individual coaching. If you are serious about reaching your goals and living with greater fulfillment and satisfaction, consider using a coach. To schedule a COMPLIMENTARY initial consultation, send an e-mail to Andrea at
andrea@coachandrea.com.

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Coach Andrea
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