The subject of time management has been around for decades. Managers with a penchant for micro-managing people and projects were quick to adopt practices that required people to be accountable for their time on the job . . . every minute of it. Productivity could not be sacrificed because of a measurable lack of respect for the value of a single minute.

Historically Speaking

Time was when there were no clocks. Time was when people rose with the sun’s rising and retired with its setting. Time was when the original alarm clock was more organic than mechanical. The drinking of a large amount of water before retiring, for example, would encourage early rising due to the need to empty an overly full bladder.

Time was when North America entered its industrial revolution by manufacturing such items as automobiles. The large assembly plants required a workforce numbering in the hundreds and sometimes even the thousands. They punched in and out on a time-stamp clock to keep track of each employee's exact contribution of time. That timing apparatus was an invention that resulted from the need to monitor the precise time spent on shift for a large contingent of labourers without having a human do the record keeping. Work hours could then be calculated, and the workers paid accordingly.

Do We Manage Tasks and People, or Do We Manage Time?

To be clear . . . it is possible to manage people, and it is possible to manage tasks or the production of products, but it is simply not possible to manage time. Time continues with or without management. It does not stop. It cannot be slowed down or speeded up. It was not possible to set the time stamp clock back if someone was late for shift.

Time is time. It can be measured in terms of its passing as in the amount of time that has lapsed. We can describe what took place in that period of time, and we can report on whether or not we employed the time as planned. But time itself is not manageable.

What Can we Manage?

• We can set boundaries on the length of time we are willing to spend doing something.
• We can devote time to a hobby or to learning something new.
• We can estimate the amount of time that a task will take.
• We can choose the number of months or years to spend working before taking retirement or finding greener pastures. 
• We can make choices about how we spend the next hour.
• We can donate our time by volunteering or performing acts of kindness. We can give of our time in support of campaigning for a cause or caring for a loved one.
• We can share our time with family and friends.
• We can celebrate our wins when we accomplish what we set out to do. Those wins might have been attached to a timeline; thus, we may also celebrate the completion if accomplished within the targeted amount of time.

Does Time Have Monetary Value?

If time did not have value, there might not be any such thing as an hourly wage or an estimated return on investment over time.

Is your time for sale? If you are being paid for your time, are you more easily motivated? Perhaps your time may be purchased as in contracting for your services with a payment agreement.

We can record our use of time by keeping a log and determining our hourly worth.

Spending Time Investing in Ourselves

Is there something you have wanted to learn? Taking classes is one way to invest in yourself, whether you are enriching your mind or expanding your skill set. Hiring a coach, watching how-to videos, and reading books are other ways to invest in your abilities and grow your knowledge.

Is it okay to squeeze the life out of every working minute of every day? Perhaps. However, using a portion of your time for leisure and recreation, too, can prove to be a valuable investment in your physical and mental health.

Active or Passive? 

Our time may be spent passively or actively. We can be bystanders or participants. We can be engaged physically or mentally, or both. Our level of engagement can vary. We can be present as silent observers or as active listeners without contributing a single word. We can partake in the discussion by asking questions and sharing information. Regardless of your participation, time will not be put on hold.

But Time Management?

It’s not about managing our time. It’s about setting our priorities. Prioritize. Decide what’s important. What needs to get done today? Now?

We can rent out our time. We can save time when we package activities. And certain projects can be completed faster with the right equipment rather than doing them by hand. That can save time, too.

How About Managing Your Use of Time?

I am reminded of the question, “What is the best use of your time right now?” Is that making a phone call to a friend or taking a nap? You get to decide.

You are the manager—the decisionmaker—regarding how you use your time. Is it necessary to have something to show for every minute and even every second of your time? Maybe so if you are a gamer testing a new avatar for release by a deadline or engineering the launch of a rocket within a window of good weather. Maybe your income per minute matters if your return-on-investment increases with every additional product you can manufacture in an hour.  Seconds can matter in the saving of a life. Fortunately, not every decision about the use of time is a life-or-death situation or threatens failure.

Making Changes

What are your priorities for the use of your time in the coming year? Will you read more? Will you play more? Will you start a new project? Will you be more physically active?

Will you pare down your “Things To Do” list or make it longer? I am reminded of the book The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. What is the one thing that, if you get it done today, will make everything else you do today a bonus? You might even try making a Things-To-Do list in reverse by writing down all the things you did today rather than building the list before the fact.

Time is a Gift

Time is a gift. We have but to decide what we do with it. We can choose to set priorities for our time week by week, day by day, or hour by hour. We can even schedule our time by the minute. We can choose how we will spend it and then carry out our plan.

Yes, time is a gift. It is passing by now as you read this article. It cannot be replaced or substituted. May you take command of your choices, and may your choices bring you satisfaction and fulfillment.

Donna Dahl, M. Ed., is more than an empowerment coach. She is a leading executive strategist and catalyst for change, working with leaders, teams, employees, and entrepreneurs. Through her neuroscience-based approach, she is well-poised to disseminate skill development, empowerment, and engagement. Her award-winning track record speaks for itself. She is the author of Lessons I Learned from the Tortoise, a five-star rated book designed to gently challenge the reader to consider a change. She welcomes opportunities to discuss your challenges. Check out her profile at https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnadahl/

There is Ground School for pilots in training, so could there be Ground School for geese? Is there even such a thing?

I enjoy being a student of the unexpected. I never know where the next gem of insight will show up. What I am about to share with you is something I learned on the fly . . .  pardon the pun.

I have learned that being open to the gifts that may arrive suddenly and by surprise provides space for opportunities to present themselves. On this particular occasion, I found myself drawn to watch the activity of a group of young geese.

I was having a game of golf and at the fifth hole was a pond of water longer than it was wide. I could not help but notice the considerable number of geese in the water.

“That’s rather odd,” I thought to myself. This did not look like one of those times when the parents of this year’s goslings were out for a swim with their brood. It appeared that all the geese, save for one, looked to be about the same size and likely about the same age.

After a little study, I noted that this was a flock of young geese appearing to be swimming in unison . . . well . . . more or less in unison . . . moving across the length of water. Some of the geese were fast, some were slow, and some needed extra time to get upright in the water after performing unintended head-over-heel style flips. Sound interesting? The synchrony of the geese swimming together . . . or trying to…caught our attention so much so that we joined the pairs of spectator geese that had now gathered around the pond, and we watched.

Without warning and without so much as a whisper, something interrupted the geese in the water. The geese began to gather at one end of the pond and then began to make their way across the pond to the other end. They appeared to be following an older lead goose and imitating what the lead goose was doing.

When moving in one direction, they seemed to be floating like hovercraft without moving their wings or creating a ripple in the water. When they arrived at the pond’s edge, some would simply turn around in preparation to go back the way they came. Some would attempt underwater somersaults . . . where . . . more often than not . . . they would tip over sideways, scrambling to keep their bodies upright with their feet in the water. It was funny to watch them trying to carve out a space for themselves . . . not unlike trying to make a space for yourself in a crowded tai chi class.

When the geese were in position in the water and comfortably separated back at the original end of the pond, the leader began flapping his wings and making noise until they were all following along. Then the class began to move across the water with feet propelling them as though they were getting ready to walk on water. When the lead goose reached the other end of the pond, the flapping stopped. The bodies of the goslings settled into the water as they simultaneously turned around and headed back to the other side of the pond in preparation to repeat the exercise. This carried on several times.

From where I was standing, it felt like I was on the observation deck during Goose Ground School training exercises. After all, a few minutes of distraction from playing golf couldn’t hurt.

It became apparent that there was only one explanation for what we saw. This had to be Goose Ground School. The geese born this year were being groomed for their long-haul flight. They were being trained in important goose migration skills like formation take-off, wind-direction assessment and wing muscle-mass development. When the instructor goose leading the pack thought the students had had enough practice for one day, flight class abruptly ended with all the young geese stepping out of the water to join their parents for grazing snacks.

I wish I had had my phone with me so I could have recorded the whole event. How many times have you said, “I wish I had . . .” or “I wish I would have . . .?”

It takes a particular mindset to be open to observing the gift or receiving the information that appears in only that one single moment. Being able to attend a lesson at Goose Ground School that day was an unexpected pleasure. No one minded that we took a few extra minutes at Hole Five to savor the sight.

What does Goose Ground School have to do with getting your business off the ground? For me, it all boils down to an attitude of being open to receiving unexpected gifts that may show up from time to time. Sometimes those gifts are in the form of opportunities happening right before our eyes. We have but to pay attention.

Opportunities to do business are everywhere. Sometimes you simply have to get in the water. Sometimes you have to take flight lessons to get your business off the ground . . . and sometimes you find ways to delegate certain tasks to others who are experts at what they do and who can lighten your load.

Sometimes in business and in life . . . that’s all it takes . . . a consultant, an expert, a teacher, a mentor, a coach—someone who will share their experience and enrich our abilities to take advantage of life’s unexpected gifts and achieve success.

By Donna Dahl

Donna Dahl, M. Ed., MNLP, is a leading executive strategist and catalyst for change. Through her neuroscience-based coaching, she is well-poised to disseminate skill development, empowerment, and engagement. Donna has an award-winning track record, and she is the author of Lessons I Learned from the Tortoise, a five-star rated book designed to challenge the reader to consider mindful change.  She welcomes discovery calls.

Do you have a coach? | Why have a coach? | Would a coach make a difference as you grow your business?

If you have a coach

• Is your coach someone you are developing a relationship with?
• Or is your coach more like your confidant. . .someone who is a professional listener. . .someone who is strong at asking those pointed questions that have you calling upon your experience with your blinders off and thinking?
• Is your coach good at helping you build confidence in your role?
• Is your coach someone you depend on for training in a particular skillset or mindset?

Coaching has significantly expanded over the past several decades to the point that it is now a multi-billion industry worldwide. From corporations to individuals, coaching has become a respected approach to facilitating change. No matter what you want help with, I can say with reasonable certainty that you should be able to find a coach to work with you.

Does Coaching Make a Difference?

Be you an individual, a solopreneur or an organization, coaching may mean the difference between success and failure. Coaching may make the difference between growth and stagnation.

What results might you expect? According to studies done on the impact of coaching in the business environment, three things are likely to improve: engagement, productivity, and results. Check out the article written by John Brubaker. He reports you are more likely to have strong business results when you work with a coach.

Who should have a coach?

Everyone should have a coach. That’s what Eric Schmidt said. Eric was the CEO at Google at the time. Eric thought so highly of his coach that he participated in writing a book about him.

What made Eric’s experience with his coach so positive? I can only guess but I believe that these four characteristics, as cited in an article by Stacey Alcorn, must have had a significant impact on his attitude and success. To her, good coaches are people with whom you build a relationship. Everything flows from there. She adds the following elements:

• In the first place, your coach should be interesting. If you are not looking forward to the time you spend together, something is terribly wrong. Are you enjoying the time you are spending with your coach?
• Secondly, do the ROI evaluation. What are you getting out of your coaching sessions? Are you fulfilling your purpose? That is, are you working toward accomplishing the objectives that you targeted for achievement?
• Thirdly, does your relationship with your coach go beyond coaching? Are you both experiencing other professional benefits such as referrals or introductions?
• And lastly, Alcorn asks if your coach is more than your coach. My clients tend to become lifelong friends. Do you regard your coach as your friend?

Should you DIY or Hire a Coach? 

Do you tend to be a DIYer? Are you the kind of person who likes to figure things out for yourself? Or are you the kind of person who seeks answers from reading books and articles? If you tend to be a DIYer who plays with your ideas by talking about them, would it be helpful to entertain your ideas out loud in a conversation with someone you know, like and trust? You can still be a DIYer with a coach. Your coach may be the mirror or the sounding board that keeps you from getting distracted.

As a leader in an organization of one or of many, no matter how many things you are being challenged to deal with at any given time . . . no matter how many areas you are focusing on, . . . a coach can be the bright light in your life to raise your spirits, challenge you to improve and increase engagement.

Your coach can be your cheerleader, your challenger and your champion. Your coach can challenge you to go beyond your pre-conceived limitations. Coaches can simultaneously be your accountability partner, your change agent, your strategy consultant and your professional listener. It’s the job of your coach to push and prod and poke and praise and help you achieve the outcomes you seek.

By Donna Dahl

Donna Dahl, M. Ed., is more than an empowerment coach. She is a leading executive strategist and catalyst for change, working with leaders, teams, employees and entrepreneurs.

Through her neuroscience-based approach, she is well-poised to disseminate skill development, empowerment and engagement. Her award-winning track record speaks for itself. She is the author of Lessons I Learned from the Tortoise, a five-star rated book designed to gently challenge the reader to consider change. She welcomes opportunities to discuss your challenges. https://www.linkedin.com/in/donnadahl/

Golden Buzzer: World Taekwondo Demonstration Team Shocks the Judges - America’s Got Talent 2021

Picture and Video courtesy NBC America’s Got Talent

#AGT #AmericasGotTalent #GoldenBuzzer

Overall, health and fitness always played a part in Michelle’s life and continue to be part of her consulting approach today, differentiating her from others in the industry. Michelle guides business owners to develop a self-sustaining business, generate more revenue, and take back time to do things that excite them!

Raised by a strong, independent single mother, Michelle’s vision and values were instilled early. Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey started in the 90s in event planning and speaking. In addition to Michelle’s over 30-year Corporate career in Media, Logistics and Financial Services, her passions shaped Michelle’s experience, providing innumerable opportunities to give back as a volunteer.

Passionate about making a difference, Michelle is on a philanthropic foundation, “Board of Advisors,” building sustainable schools in developing countries and supporting Digital Samurai’s efforts, an entrepreneur focused on reducing youth unemployment in Africa through apprenticeships.

Michelle’s 35 years as an Account Executive spanned credit card processing and financial services, transportation, logistics, media, and consulting, with many projects including managing consultative alliances, live event management, and sales team leadership. In 2021 Michelle completed Wardell International Advisor training and had recently undertaken S.O.S. Sales Objection System group training with renowned trainer Joe Marcoux. Her career and entrepreneurial ambitions have taken Michelle outside Canada, providing extensive experience in multiple markets in North America and beyond.

You can find Michelle Ricketts on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/michellericketts 

Difficult Customer Service Experience

Ever had a bad customer service experience? Most of us have. Some people handle bad experiences by yelling and screaming at staff members or customer service agents. This is not the best way to handle things and causes agents to want to give some honest responses, although the good ones never would.

Ninety-six percent of unhappy customers never complain, but 90 percent of those who are dissatisfied will not rebuy the product. Each unhappy customer will tell their story to at least nine other people. That's why it is always the best policy to take a proactive approach by immediately correcting any mistakes you catch, rather than letting the little one slide.”

Arming Your Staff

A better way to approach a business is by ensuring your staff is armed to address customer service concerns. Provide staff with the opportunity to handle situations smoothly and effectively for a win-win for your business and your customer. Repeat customers are far more cost-effective than finding new ones.

We like to think of it as a three-legged stool. A position or role should have Accountability, Authority and Responsibility. Each one represents a leg of the chair. If there is too much reliance on one leg, things are off balance and may fall over. It's the same as having too much dependence on a single individual in an organization.

Accountability

Do your staff know that they are accountable for their actions? If they do or say something good or bad, they should own it, knowing they will be supported. Accountability is a personal guarantee and commitment to a proposed result. This strategy empowers employees to rise to the challenge while doing their job. When an outcome of a situation is important enough, we all rise to the occasion. Everything should be that way, but people can fall short without accountability.

You can't force personal accountability; you must model it. It starts with management being accountable to their staff and partners 100% of the time. Be responsible, own the consequences, model accountability and recognize leaders on your team.

Authority

Leaders are accountable for their team members, but that does not mean they have to take responsibility. Leaders provide authority to their team members at various levels. “Authority” is the empowerment to make decisions necessary to complete a task and get results. Empowering your staff with authority to make decisions, knowing that they may make the occasional mistake, is a step in the right direction.

You can hand over some of the reins of authority by ensuring staff have the most relevant information and knowledge. Some information is confidential but ensuring they have the information required to understand the impact of their decisions is vital. Determine what information you will allow each team member access to make the proper decisions.

In retail, for example, set a level of boundaries such as the maximum item or transaction amount. The staff member will be able to handle a discount or return against policy. You give them the authority to create a “win-win” to appease an unhappy customer.

You can utilize the “circle of authority,” a mechanism to give your employees independence at a pace they can handle while still providing the supervision they need. Determine the levels of authority you wish to provide for various individuals within your organization and establish the parameters under which this authority would be utilized.

Responsibility

The third leg of the stool, “Responsibility,” is the assurance that the work will be done according to plan. This is the process that needs to be completed. Staff must know what they are responsible for.

Requirements need to be clearly outlined, so there is no confusion. This may change over time as tasks and responsibilities evolve, but the initial clarity stops everyone from doing their own thing and identifies the path to take for consistency.

The Three Key Factors

Implementing a strategy with these three key factors - Accountability, Authority, and Responsibility into your management system will give you confidence in your team and their decisions.

By Michelle Ricketts
Cohesion Services

Overall, health and fitness always played a part in Michelle’s life and continue to be part of her consulting approach today, differentiating her from others in the industry. Michelle guides business owners to develop a self-sustaining business, generate more revenue, and take back time to do things that excite them!

Raised by a strong, independent single mother, Michelle’s vision and values were instilled early. Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey started in the 90s in event planning and speaking. In addition to Michelle’s over 30-year Corporate career in Media, Logistics and Financial Services, her passions shaped Michelle’s experience, providing innumerable opportunities to give back as a volunteer.

Passionate about making a difference, Michelle is on a philanthropic foundation, “Board of Advisors,” building sustainable schools in developing countries and supporting Digital Samurai’s efforts, an entrepreneur focused on reducing youth unemployment in Africa through apprenticeships.

Michelle’s 35 years as an Account Executive spanned credit card processing and financial services, transportation, logistics, media, and consulting, with many projects including managing consultative alliances, live event management, and sales team leadership. In 2021 Michelle completed Wardell International Advisor training and had recently undertaken S.O.S. Sales Objection System group training with renowned trainer Joe Marcoux. Her career and entrepreneurial ambitions have taken Michelle outside Canada, providing extensive experience in multiple markets in North America and beyond.

You can find Michelle Ricketts on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/michellericketts 

Photo:  Surface

Were You Crazy Starting A Business During A Pandemic?

Having been in the corporate world for 30+ years in three different industries and had the opportunity to be downsized, resized, or released three times in my career, what did I do during a pandemic? Launch a full-time business, of course!

With the opportunity to be resized again, I didn't want to go back into the corporate world. Every bone in my body told me I needed to do something different, but I was still searching for where I could add more value. After coordinating my "3-Day Weekend Lifestyle "event series in 2017-2018 for entrepreneurs to use the expertise of various successful business owners, I wanted to take that concept further. It was time to listen to the universe and do my own thing.

I sought an expert to who I had been introduced to 16 years earlier, and I embarked on a journey to launch my business in spring 2020. Yes, we were in a pandemic, so using Wardell International's Value Program absolutely made sense. Business owners need what Mark Wardell spent the last 20+ years developing and implementing, with thousands of clients in 15 countries.

Not a single Wardell client has gone out of business during this challenging time. They have survived. Some have even thrived by pivoting to meet the moment. It is primarily due to the self-sustaining, strong foundation the Wardell system has helped them build.

We have been able to help business owners get clear on one thing, and one thing only... no process, no profits! The money is in the Systems! Some owners think they don't have systems, but whether you sell widgets or watermelon, McDonald's or Microsoft, everyone needs processes and systems. That is how small companies grow into large, profitable corporations. Everyone is a small corporation just waiting to grow.

What about you?   How is your business now? As we open up again, the exciting thing is how you move forward. Those who have been doing the work, putting in the hours, making connections, networking, and following up during the pandemic should now start seeing the fruits of your labour generating success. This is part of the journey that you embarked on two years ago. Following your process and your strategy takes you closer to the goals and strategic objectives you set when you started.

When people ask you if you were crazy starting a business during a pandemic, you can say, "Of course not."   If I hadn't started it, then right now, I'd be two years behind! Entrepreneurs who see possibilities and take decisive action will succeed!"

So what do YOU see? Obstacles or Opportunities? 

Do you need to jump-start your business? Ask me how you can take advantage of the opportunities all around you At  michelle.ricketts@cohesionservices.com

Overall, health and fitness always played a part in Michelle’s life and continue to be part of her consulting approach today, differentiating her from others in the industry. Michelle guides business owners to develop a self-sustaining business, generate more revenue, and take back time to do things that excite them!

Raised by a strong, independent single mother, Michelle’s vision and values were instilled early. Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey started in the 90s in event planning and speaking. In addition to Michelle’s over 30-year Corporate career in Media, Logistics and Financial Services, her passions shaped Michelle’s experience, providing innumerable opportunities to give back as a volunteer.

Passionate about making a difference, Michelle is on a philanthropic foundation, “Board of Advisors,” building sustainable schools in developing countries and supporting Digital Samurai’s efforts, an entrepreneur focused on reducing youth unemployment in Africa through apprenticeships.

Michelle’s 35 years as an Account Executive spanned credit card processing and financial services, transportation, logistics, media, and consulting, with many projects including managing consultative alliances, live event management, and sales team leadership. In 2021 Michelle completed Wardell International Advisor training and had recently undertaken S.O.S. Sales Objection System group training with renowned trainer Joe Marcoux. Her career and entrepreneurial ambitions have taken Michelle outside Canada, providing extensive experience in multiple markets in North America and beyond.

You can find Michelle Ricketts on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/michellericketts 

Cheryl Erickson for CIBN

Overwhelmed and Stressed

Lack of Money

It wasn’t that long ago I was working 16+ hours, seven days a week, wishing I had help and definitely “needing” to find more money. I did not realize that my lack of money thoughts affected my abilities, confidence, and other areas. It just added to the pressure, and I made more mistakes. I know I need to focus on my clients, marketing and sales, or there is no business. It sounds strange since that is what I do for others. But focusing on lack of money was the only reason that prevented me from getting help.

Make Changes

Once I realized that I needed to change my focus from lack to having money flow freely towards me, I started to think differently, and my business changed.

No miracle happened where I had the money come to me, but adjusting my living expenses to accommodate an assistant allowed me to focus on what matters with my business so the money would flow freely.

Good Things Happened

I have been able to get the final part of my business up, more time for marketing and sales, and some me-time, which is very important for maintaining good health. If I am unhealthy, my business will be too. Best of all, my confidence grew, and I got my reasoning back for doing the things I do—this business isn’t about me.

When looking for an assistant, I had to ensure my values and standards were a part of it. I wanted to help someone starting out and hopefully from my networking groups. I knew this meant I would pay a bit more, but having that connection has other benefits.

Has the sacrifice been worth it? At this time, definitely. Time will tell if I do have the right individual, but I won’t go back to carrying the entire load myself.

Cheryl Erickson

Imagine having your emails/calendar handled efficiently, a professional presentation, and business-wide assistance.

As an Executive Assistant and Professional Organizer, Cheryl helps individuals protect and grow their business efficiently. With her broad range of skills and high standards, she is ready to handle the details freeing up your time.

Cheryl Erickson
Website: https://cherylerickson.ca
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/visionary-business-organizer/

By Michelle Ricketts, February 2022

Greetings Are Important

Have you noticed that when people say "How are you," they seem to use it the same way as saying "hello"? Why is that? When did it start to become a greeting and not a question? A greeting is "Hello," "Hey," "Hi," or from Down Under  "G'day Mate. "How are you" is a question which suggests it needs an answer. Yet, many people in our fast-paced world today have decided it is part of their greeting. They don't wait to hear how you're doing, and they don't seem to care.

Listening Skill

Listening more than you speak is a good rule of thumb. There's no listening involved with" How are you" as a greeting. If you don't want an answer, you shouldn't be asking the question. It's not complicated, but it amazes me how often I hear people greet with "Hello,  how are you," all in the same breath without a pause. Then they start talking about what they have on their mind or agenda. Whether it's business or pleasure, they handle it the same way.

Why Does it Matter?

I care when I say, "How are you?" I want to know. People are amazed that I stop and listen, and if they don't say anything, I ask again. Individuals comment that most people don't care when they ask, so they'll only respond with "fine." Then I ask them to back up a minute. They can't brush me off with "fine" unless they are fine. With somebody who doesn't seem okay, it is why I'm asking. I dig a little deeper. I want to see how I may be able to assist their business and the individual as well. I have contacts I can connect them with if need be. When I work with clients, this is a rule for me. I ask them how they are when we start each session. They can't say fine, okay or not bad. They have to talk to me.

Health, wellness and fitness have always been a big part of my life. Being able to persevere, not miss time at work, or pass work to others when I've had an accident, procedure or surgery has been part of my success. Taking care of ourselves is paramount. It means resting both our mind and body, eating nutritious food, including things that make us smile and laugh in our day, plus time with family and friends. I recently received an invitation to a hockey game, the first large outing in two years. It was so much fun! Then this past week, I went on a Christmas outing with a friend to see "The Tenors," a wonderful evening out, part of my fun time. It's not that I do big tours every week, but we must do things that we enjoy that make us smile. Smiling is good for us. Smiling not only offers a mood boost but helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins that provide numerous health benefits, including:

• Reduced blood pressure
• Increased endurance
• Reduced pain
• Reduced stress
• Strengthened immune system

 (Source: https://www.henryford.com/blog/2017/10/health-benefits-smiling)

We deal with things that make us stressed, tired or unhappy. It is essential to counteract bad with the good. That's where taking care of yourself and enjoying some time out, or whatever fun and relaxing means for you.

Smiling is the other thing that keeps us happy. I know it sounds silly, but those take it to heart. Did you know smiling takes less of a toll on your body and mental health? There are many physical and psychological benefits to smiling. (Source: https://lowrydental.com/smiling-vs-frowning/)

Spreading the Care

Next time you're walking down the street, smile at someone passing you.

When you say "Hello, how are you" to someone in the future, pause and wait for the answer. If somebody's having a bad day, they may need your help, an ear, or only to know that somebody cares.  

It may be difficult to stop yourself from making "How are you" a greeting. Putting in the effort will be well worth it whether you're online, in-person networking, or out having some fun. You'll find that you have more meaningful conversations when you care about them and listen. 

Michelle Ricketts

Overall, health and fitness always played a part in Michelle’s life and continue to be part of her consulting approach today, differentiating her from others in the industry. Michelle guides business owners to develop a self-sustaining business, generate more revenue, and take back time to do things that excite them!

Raised by a strong, independent single mother, Michelle’s vision and values were instilled early. Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey started in the 90s in event planning and speaking. In addition to Michelle’s over 30-year Corporate career in Media, Logistics and Financial Services, her passions shaped Michelle’s experience, providing innumerable opportunities to give back as a volunteer.

Passionate about making a difference, Michelle is on a philanthropic foundation, “Board of Advisors,” building sustainable schools in developing countries and supporting Digital Samurai’s efforts, an entrepreneur focused on reducing youth unemployment in Africa through apprenticeships.

Michelle’s 35 years as an Account Executive spanned credit card processing and financial services, transportation, logistics, media, and consulting, with many projects including managing consultative alliances, live event management, and sales team leadership. In 2021 Michelle completed Wardell International Advisor training and had recently undertaken S.O.S. Sales Objection System group training with renowned trainer Joe Marcoux. Her career and entrepreneurial ambitions have taken Michelle outside Canada, providing extensive experience in multiple markets in North America and beyond.

You can find Michelle Ricketts on LinkedIn at https://linkedin.com/in/michellericketts