In the November 2005 Newsletter
  Gratitude at Work / The R in Sunflower / Events / Only 14 more days!

Northern Coloradoans: don’t miss the opportunity to receive a FREE autographed copy of Pursuit of Passionate Purpose on Thursday, November 17th. See the Events section below.

Gratitude at Work

Dissatisfaction among employees is very high. A 2004 US Job Recovery and Retention Survey by the Society for Human Resource Management and Career Journal shows that about 75 percent of all employees are looking for new employment. When these people leave, a company’s productivity as well as its bottom-line plunges.

Not feeling appreciated is a major reason workers want to change jobs.

We hear so much of disgruntled employees who are dissatisfied, what about the GOOD NEWS? The good news is that a little gratitude goes a long way. Saying thanks is a simple way to help people feel they are making a difference.

Now is the season of saying thanks. We can each be part of a global effort to give positive feedback and express gratitude. When was the last time you told a co-worker that he or she did a good job? Have you shared with your boss that you appreciate something he or she did? When did you acknowledge that your company, while not perfect, offers you many opportunities and benefits?

The solution is simple — say thanks! Don’t wait to say thank you to someone today. Help make GOOD NEWS your passionate purpose!

The R in Sunflower

Passionate Pursuers ® — people who successfully find and pursue a worthwhile purpose with intense interest, enthusiasm, and dedication — have nine winning traits. Consistent with the bold flower on the cover of Pursuit of Passionate Purpose, each trait aligns with a letter in the word SUNFLOWER.

R – Regeneration. A regenerative nature allows Passionate Pursuers to revive, renew, and produce again despite adversity, setbacks, and obstacles. With the ability to bounce back, recover readily, and rise from the ashes, they possess the Phoenix factor of the fabled mythical bird. Such resilience appears to be interdependent with the traits of self-confidence, integrity of effort, and optimistic attitude, the S, N, and O of the winning SUNFLOWER traits.

Answer this question for yourself: When faced with challenges, do I revive and produce anew? If you answered sometimes or seldom rather than frequently or most of the time, you could use a revival of your passion and purpose. Or perhaps, you could be on the verge of burn out. Have you been there?

That is where I was just a few months ago, exhausted, used up and feeling burned out. How could this be? Surely, I knew the success strategies for producing extraordinary results and keeping the fire burning. Seven months traveling the country with my book tour and giving over 50 presentations in 16 cities was exciting AND extremely tiring. I was helping others find and foster their passion, but in the process I depleted mine. As I assessed the situation during my August break, I realized that I had come out of the “book tour” gate earlier in the year running fast, too fast. Only later did the wisdom of my Wiley editor sink in: Promoting your book is a marathon, not a sprint.

My passion was so intense and my persistence so strong that my head just plowed over and ignored the messages from my heart to slow down. Finally my body took over as the communicator and gave me signals that this was not sustainable. This was not fun anymore — I had stopped enjoying the journey.

Finally I was forced to embrace another P word — Pace. One of my support team members, my massage therapist Kat Shea, helped me establish a new affirmation, When my passion and purpose are pursued with the proper pace, I feel great.

The experienced athlete knows the importance of pacing. Many long-distance runners have a support team member run with them to help set the proper pace. Even if you have passion, purpose, and a clear plan for the pursuit, trying to achieve unrealistically high goals too quickly can lead to disaster. Yet many of us high achievers push ourselves and our people to the point of diminishing returns. Have you and your team set a proper pace?

Practical Pointers for Regeneration

	PONDER AND ASSESS. How are things going? When the inevitable hindrances appear on your path, are you able to overcome them, revive, and produce anew?
	PAUSE. Give yourself a break. Pamper yourself. Be kind and gentle.
	PACE. Ask if you have set a proper pace. Is this sustainable? Why not slow down while still holding on to your end goal? Set more realistic goals.
	PROCLAIM. Establish a positive affirmation about the proper pace. Remember: When my passion and purpose are pursued with the proper pace, I feel great.
	PEOPLE AND PETS. Surround yourself with a support team that can help you set a reasonable tempo. A business coach can provide you essential feedback.

Selected Upcoming Events

Thursday, November 17, 2005. FREE presentation on “Practical Tips for Small Business Pursuits of Passionate Purpose” and book signing. 5:30 PM MST at the After Hours Grand Opening at OfficeMax. 16557 Washington Street, Thornton, CO. The first 50 attendees will receive a FREE autographed copy of Pursuit of Passionate Purpose. The public is invited to attend at no charge. Bring a friend!

Tuesday, November 29, 2005. Theresa moderates a seminar for the National Speakers Association on “Marketing of Professional Services” at 5:00 PM MST. Details are available at www.myNSA.org.

Be the BUZZZZ

Please keep Theresa in mind for speaking / consulting / coaching. Be the BUZZZZ about Pursuit of Passionate Purpose and Theresa’s work. It’s taking off, thanks to all of you.

Only 14 More Days Until December!

Last December a successful business colleague gave each of her clients a copy of Pursuit of Passionate Purpose as a Holiday gift. The response was resoundingly positive, and it allowed them to kick-start their business planning efforts for the New Year. The book is available at bookstores and online, including www.PursuitofPassionatePurpose.com.

TAKE ACTION!

Don’t Just Wish for a Prosperous Year. Revive so you can take your business and life to the next level. Set the proper pace for yourself and your workforce. Let Technology and Management Solutions, the catalyst for your extraordinary results, help you and your organization thrive in these challenging times.

Thrive in 2005,
Theresa M. Szczurek, Ph.D.
CEO, Entrepreneur, Consultant, Speaker, and Author

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