In the September 2004 Newsletter:
Are you having fun yet? / Practical Pointers / 9th Practice
Events / Good News

Are You Having Fun Yet?

Fun? What is fun anymore? You know that the more you can enjoy the journey, the more productive and satisfied you will be as a Passionate Pursuer. After all, it is the pursuit of passionate purpose, not only its attainment, and relationships along the way that brings meaning and satisfaction to life.

You probably know this fact like I do, yet it is easy to press too hard for a certain result and disconnect from having fun along the way. The universe helps reminds me. Perhaps that is why Scott Friedman, president of National Speakers Association, set this year’s theme for the organization as “Enjoy the Journey.” We all need help remembering.

How? Just today I needed to remind myself. As the mountain of action items toppled over, my stress level soared and my productivity plummeted. Here’s what I did:

• I took a break and went outside for a one-minute “power purge.” While quickly moving my awareness from head to toes, I forcefully breathed out.
• Coming back in and using the Persistence Strategy highlighted in last month’s newsletter, I focused intently with great discipline on a very small piece of my highest priority task until I had something to cross off this list. Ahhh, this gave me hope. I continued on.
• Luckily I had scheduled a massage a few weeks ago. Amid relaxing music, my therapist shared some wisdom, “Get real. You are not going to enjoy each moment of the journey. Find the moments that you can really enjoy — treasure them and plow through the rest.” Then I recalled tucking my daughter into bed the other night when she was having trouble falling asleep. As we cuddled and sang her favorite lullaby, I rubbed her back. Together we visualized a mommy and baby dolphin playing in the waves. Before long, she had drifted into peaceful slumber. Now this relaxing reverie brought a smile to my face and helped me get back in touch with enjoyment.

Practical Pointers

How do you continue despite the challenges that surface along life’s path? Here are a few of the many proven suggestions found in the book, Pursuit of Passionate Purpose:

• Affirm. Say the following affirmation every day, “I enjoy the process of life and let it naturally unfold. I am open to the opportunities that are everywhere and embrace the ones that are right for me.”
• Emulate. Surround yourself with people who know how to play. Ask supporters to assist you in lightening up.
• Experiment. Try new behaviors. Spontaneously take a break. Take some time to play.
• Play. Make the pursuit fun and playful. Smile more. Maintain a sense of humor. Especially, laugh at yourself.

9th Practice of Prosperity

Effective Passionate Pursuers use the 9th Practice of Prosperity: “enjoy the process.”

Recall that over this year in monthly installments, this newsletter is highlighting each of the “12 Practices of Prosperity” described in my presentations, consulting, coaching, products, and soon-to-be available book, Pursuit of Passionate Purpose. What do I mean by prosperity? All that you want in work and life — real rewards of meaning, satisfaction, results, financial gain, and more.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, October 2, 2004. Theresa is in Washington, DC to co-facilitate a retreat on behalf of the Saltwater Institute. The retreat will help a Board of Directors explore how their organization can reaffirm and passionately pursue its purpose while living true to core values.

Friday and Saturday, October 8-9, 2004. Mountain Desert District conference of the Unitarian Universalist Association in El Paso, TX. Theresa’s workshop to UU leaders explores how UU congregations across the western USA can use the “Pursuit of Passionate Purpose” approach as part of the adult religious education curriculum to help live a life that matters. Theresa will also conduct a workshop on how to run a video project as part of a unique religious education program for 6-9th graders.

Wednesday, October 20, 2004. Esprit Entrepreneur. Activities all day throughout Boulder County, including educational forums, on-site visits, and banquet. Hope to see you. Go to www.boulderchamber.com to register.

Saturday, October 23, 2004. CTEK eBall. Held at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Denver. One of the best networking events of the year, the Entrepreneurs’ Ball is a charity benefit to support CTEK’s mission to promote economic vitality across Colorado. Don’t miss the music, dancing, gambling, auction, and food. Register now at:www.ctek.biz.

Let’s Help Each Other

FREE NEWSLETTERS. You can see the first eight “Practices of Prosperity,” highlighted in my earlier 2004 newsletters, at: www.pursuitofpassionatepurpose.com.

MORE HELP IS HERE. Pursuit of Passionate Purpose: Success Strategies for a Rewarding Personal and Business Life — available Dec. 2004 from John Wiley & Sons and wherever books are sold — includes an entire section exploring how you can make sure to enjoy the process. Give yourself a New Year’s gift and lock in the pre-order discounted rate by ordering now. See details at: www.pursuitofpassionatepurpose.com.

SPREAD THE NEWS to others who might benefit. Do you know of people and organizations that need a supercharge on how to successfully pursue prosperity and real rewards in life? This work is important to individuals and organizations, large and small. The “Pursuit of Passionate Purpose” approach is proven to create results in marketing, strategic planning, organization development, and more. This message can be delivered in meetings, conferences, and projects.

FREE CONSULTING / SPEAKING OFFER. I reserve a certain number of pro-bono days of consulting and speaking on my schedule for qualified non-profit organizations. If you know of an organization that needs help, please contact me.

Life is Short. Begin Now

Don’t just wish for a prosperous 2004. TAKE ACTION! Remember to smile more than sigh, and savor the playful moments along the way. Let Technology and Management Solutions, the catalyst for your extraordinary results, help you and your organization.

Pausing now to smile and enjoy the process,
Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D.
CEO, entrepreneur, and author

P.S. Pass it on. Feel free to share this newsletter with your colleagues.