Brook Noel

Announcing the New Change Your Life Challenge Monday Night Event Line Up

Starting this Monday, July 16, we will have have 3 online events. Feel free to come and go for one or stay for all.

These events go from:

6:00 -   8:00 PM Pacific
7:00 -   9:00 PM Mountain
8:00 - 10:00 PM Central
9:00 - 11:00 PM Eastern

Weekly Challenge
with Brook Noel

Our last of the events is a topic of the week followed by Q&A. Each week we explore a different area of the CYLC Program or self-improvement.

Health Matters
This 30 minute chat is designed especially for our Health Challengers although anyone is invited to attend.

Class Chat
This Q&A period is designed specifically for those enrolled in a CYLC Online Class. Class moderators will be present to office tips, ideas, and answer your questions.

Need A Reminder?
You can sign up for our free reminder service (if you haven't done-so already) by pasting this link into your browser http://www.livingthechallenge.com/chatevents.htm

We will send you a reminder the day before with the link to login.
At that link you can also... view the schedule of topics and hosts through the end of August, submit your requests for future topics and go directly to the chat room

Monday July 16 Events
What does Living the Challenge Mean? 5 strategies to increase happiness and contentment hosted by Brook Noel

Recommitting to the Health Challenge
hosted by Rhonda

Class Q&A
hosted by Rhonda and DeAnn

(For full details paste the below link into your browser) http://www.livingthechallenge.com/chatevents.htm

Summer Special

 

Summer Special .. expires June 7, 2007

Online Self-Improvement with Brook Noel

Our first ever “summer-school-special” offer is valid today through June 7, 2007. Register for any of the six online classes below and 25% will be deducted at the time of checkout on each class.

Here are the six classes around the corner…

Searching for Something: How to discover and live your values, passions and purpose

Journaling: Self-Discovery through the Written Word

Extreme Home Makeover: 10 Weeks to the House You Want

Visual Journaling: Combining Words, Collage and Creativity for Self-discovery

Staying Motivated: Harness Power, Focus: and Discipline to Maximize Each Day

Christmas in July: Start Now to Create a Magical, Memorable, Stress-Free Holiday

To learn more click here. You must click this link to receive the special offer. Browse to your heart’s desire. You will see the discount reflected when you checkout.

All of these classes are hosted on our new interactive portal, allowing students the option of interacting through chats, message boards, and Q&A with Brook Noel.

The 12 Months Ahead: Class Calendar Available: For your convenience, we have also created a year-at-a-glance calendar. You will find it at the link above. This shows all of our offerings and the dates they will be hosted through May 2008.

Classes Starting Soon

Hurry!

Welcome packets sent Sunday April 29,

Online Class Start Date, April 30

Both classes feature:
* a downloadable audio podcast (or listen online)
* printable lessons, assignments, and worksheets
* interactive message board moderated by Brook Noel
* optional online-organizing sprints hosted by Brook Noel to help you stay motivated and answer your questions

Paper Piles?
The 30 Day Paper & File Makeover Solution

Click "go" for a complete course description or to register.
Are you drowning in paper?
Is it hard to find the document you need, when you need it?
Are you paying bills late due to paper clutter?
Are your drawers overflowing with mail and items to file, kids projects and paperwork?
Unsure what to save and what to file?
Do you have stacks of magazines and information you "want to look at" but haven't had the chance?
Do you have piles of printouts from the Internet that you don't know what to do with?

During this 30 Day Paper and File Makeover you will learn a new way to tackle the paper piles once and for all. The one unique rule of my approach is that during this class, you are not allowed to purchase any manila folders, hanging files, cute tabs, filing cabinets, paper sorters, or other paper-storing materials. We aren't going to buy a system and try to make your papers "fit into the system." Instead, we are going to discover your unique Paper Personality, and then create the system to support it.

Click "go" for a complete course description or to register.

 

Step-by-Step Organizing for Arts, Crafts & Scrapbooking
From chaos to order in 5 weeks

Click "go" for a complete course description or to register.

I have a confession. As organized and maintained as my home is... there is a "secret floor." This floor is the basement, more commonly know by my husband as the "Large Art Store that Exploded and Landed in Our Basement." In an unusual turn of events--he is right.

With one of my New Year's Resolutions being a goal of adding more "creative time" to my life, I realized that I needed a system to make finding and using items more suitable for my creative-personality.

Step-by-step, I began to work through my creative space, using new approaches and knowledge from my other organizational systems that had worked long-term. I adapted these to specifically match people when in the "creative zone," (who often do not want to stop and put the item back after use, or even put the cap on a glue stick)! In the end, I derived a "creative organizational system," that I will share with you over 5 weeks while and helping you to customize your own personal creative space.

Click "go" for a complete course description or to register.

(c) 2007 Brook Noel. All rights reserved. www.changeyourlifechallenge.com

Questions? Need help? Click here to visit our help and question area.

Are You Wasting Your Time and Energy?

 

We don't need to increase our goods nearly as much as we need to scale down our wants. Not wanting something is as good as possessing it. ~Donald Horban

How much time and energy do you spend trying to attain something, whether emotionally or physically, which you believe you need in order to be happier, more fulfilled or make life easier? Common examples of where we get caught up in the "chase" include:

Believing we need someone's approval
Believing the next "planner" will organize our lives (instead of organizing it ourselves)
Believing that some better-than-botox cream will make us beautiful
Believing that our child needs a specific brand item or toy to be happy
Believing that we are responsible for "fixing" problems beyond our control
Believing that we are responsible for someone else's happiness

If I were to stockpile all the time and energy I have put into endeavors like these in the past, surely I could take the month of April off -- and maybe May, too. How freeing it can be to realize that maybe we don't "need" everything we think we do--instead, what we need to do is scale back on perceived needs.

Your Turn:
Create a list of things you have spent time and energy on that you felt you "needed." What needs can you scale back on so that you can enjoy today more?

Your affirmation:
My energy and time are spent only on life's true needs.

Challenge Life!
Brook Noel

I just released a new free ebook. This book is for anyone who subscribes to the free Challenge Weekly newsletter. If you already subscribe, read yesterday's issue and follow the link to download your copy. If you don't already subscribe, just visit www.changeyourlifechallenge.com and follow the link in the top left to get your copy. Enjoy!

Also don’t forget…

Online Classes Starting March 1, 2007

  Click on a class title to learn more.

Staying Motivated: Discover how to Harness Power, Focus and Discipline to Maximize Each Day

Visual Journaling I: Combining words, collage and creativity for self-discovery and understanding

Making 2007 Your Best Year Yet: Part 4 of 4

This article is the final installment of our four part series devoted to making 2007 the best year yet.

If you missed previous articles, please click here to read.

12 Tips for Reaching Your Goals

If you have been following our series, you have created a solid foundation of your important goals for 2007. Here are 12 tips to take with you on your journey.

Write your goal down in one sentence and make sure it is S.M.A.R.T. - The S.M.A.R.T. acronym stands for...

SPECIFIC: Make sure your goal specifically states what you desire to accomplish. "Become healthier," is not a specific goal. "Improve my health by adding one new healthy habit each week for 52 weeks," is a specific goal.

MEASURABLE: Make sure your goal can be measured so that you will know if you have achieved your objective. The above example is measurable, because you could clearly measure whether or not you reached the goal.

ATTAINABLE: Do a soul-search to determine if you have the resources needed (and energy/attitude) to reach this goal against the timeline you set. If you do not have the resources, make sure to include the process of attaining them within your goal plan.

REALISTIC: Many people take an all-or-nothing approach to goals. A great example is a woman who wants to pursue healthy lifestyle changes. She sets a goal for January 1 where she is going to join a health club, exercise everyday, change all her eating habits and give up sweets -- STARTING the next day! We have to remember that part of any goal is forming new habits, which means often replacing and reprogramming old habits. This doesn't happen overnight. While we might be able to adhere to a schedule like this for a short time, it will be hard to sustain long-term. If you have set up a goal like this, now is the perfect time to revisit it and make a realistic plan.

TIMELY: Make sure to have an end date for your goal. This is what transforms a wish into a goal. Wishes don't have deadlines - goals do! In addition to an end date, identify key milestones at the 25%, 50% and 75% mark to track your progress.

Aim for improvement, not perfection: Many people make rigid goals - i.e. exercise EVERY day for 20 minutes. Or drink 60 ounce of water EVERY day. Every day is a lot of days! When setting a goal it is important to optimize your opportunity for success and also create the opportunity to EXCEED your goal. If you set a goal for 7 days per week, it is impossible to exceed the goal unless you have a magic-machine that creates an 8th day (if so, please send it my way!) Instead, set a goal for 5 days or less per week.

Take control of your time. Schedule the time you will need to complete your goal on your planner. Obviously, this goal is important to you or you wouldn't have set it. Respect this "goal time" as you would any other appointment. If you believe you need to improve your time management practices, you may want to investigate our online course Getting Things Done!

Be accountable: Whether it is an online group, a friend, a coach, a doctor, a spouse, or a child - share your goal plan with someone who will hold you accountable.

Inventory your obstacles: There is a quote that states if we wait for the right time, it never comes. The truth is that we are unlikely to hit a long space of time where we can focus on our goals without obstacles and interruptions. Instead of using interruptions and obstacles as an excuse to "back off a goal," create a notebook for listing obstacles and interruptions. Brainstorm solutions and options for as many as you can. As you hit more obstacles (which is part of any process) add them to the list. Brainstorm solutions with others if needed.

Energy: For any goal, we need to have the physical and emotional energy to keep us motivated and moving forward. Remember to take care of yourself through food, diet and relaxation so you have the stamina to pursue your goal.

Encourage yourself: Recognize each small step you take forward by keeping a daily record of your progress. Write down even the littlest of steps. One of my favorite Chinese Proverbs is : "Be not afraid of going slowly, be only afraid of standing still." Instead of looking at what you haven't done yet, review this notebook regularly and pat yourself on the back. There is no quicker route to goal-abandonment than a bad attitude. If you need help on the attitude front, try our 10 Day Attitude Makeover.

Revise... don't abandon: If you hit a road block and go off track in your goal, don't abandon your goal and wait for "another time." Instead, sit down and revise your plan, using the knowledge you have gained to create a more concrete plan for the next time around. What separates those who achieve their goals from those who don't is perseverance. I have created more than 2 dozen goal plans to reach a single goal-- each one carried me a bit further than the last. When we persevere, we will get there.

Your Turn
Review your notes from this 4 part series. (If you haven't read the entire series, follow the link at the start of this article to catch up.) Take at least one hour this week to work on your goal plan.

Challenge On!
Brook Noel

Tips for Improving Your Problem Solving Skills

"It's not that I'm so smart , it's just that I stay with problems longer." Albert Einstein

Good morning! When I saw this quote, I immediately wondered if perhaps, that is the definition of "smart" - staying with the problem until the answer is found. Maybe many of us who "look smart" don't necessarily grasp things more quickly, or have a natural knack, but have persistence and perseverance. I love that Einstein, one of the greatest minds of all time, was the one credited with this statement.

Although I am far from Einstein, I could relate to this quote. Many people have asked how I have overcome certain obstacles or created certain processes. It certainly wasn't a stroke of genius or brilliance or a light bulb flash above my head. But it was "staying with the problem longer." I know inherently that every problem must have a solution. Our commitment to discovering that solution is what makes the difference.

As we learn to problem solve, our problem-solving skills develop and become stronger. The only thought-pattern required to implementing positive problem-solving skills in your own life is a curious mind and the belief that each problem must have a solution.

Your Turn:
Work on increasing your problem-solving skills. Instead of shrinking away from a challenge or problem, realize that each challenge or problem does have a solution - become a detective with the aim of uncovering it. Some solutions can be discovered in a day, some may take months - but the solutions are there. Try writing down a problem you are facing. Then ask yourself questions to begin exploring solutions. Some questions you might try include: How did this problem come into being? Who do I know that might be able to give me ideas or strategies for solving this problem? What would the answer/solution look like? What steps are needed to get that answer or solution? What role did I play in the creation of this problem and if I reversed my actions/thought patterns, would that impact a solution? What are 5 crazy solutions I can dream up? (Brainstorming quick lists --no matter how outrageous-- helps us become creative in our approach and solution focused).

Your Affirmation:
For every challenge or problem, I know there is a solution. I also know that I can find it.

Challenge Life!
Brook Noel


Ready to take the Challenge?
www.changeyourlifechallenge.com

And as always, don't forget to start your day with a heartfelt "Something great is going to happen today... I can't wait to see what it is!"

And when ending your day ask yourself, "What is one more thing I can do to make today matter?"

 
To subscribe to this free newsletter or other free newsletters from Brook Noel click here

Good Decision Making

Making Good Decisions

Good Morning Message for January 25, 2007

"We choose, and in doing so, we design our lives." "Learn to master the moment of decision and you will live a life uncommon." from The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion & Purpose by Matthew Kelly

---

Good morning! Don't you think the Nike(R) slogan is catchy? "Just Do It!" I wonder how successful it would have been if they would have tried... "Just think about it," or "Just wallow in indecision." It doesn't have a real ring to it, does it? But that is what many of us do. Instead of "deciding" we "debate." Instead of moving forward, we tread water. Instead of making "it happen," we weigh what might happen. In these moments of indecision, life continues on without us.

These quotes by Matthew really bring us back to that fundamental point: "Learn to master the moment of decision and you will live a life uncommon." Uncommon, because so few people actually decide anything. Instead we dabble and debate and discuss. Where are you in your 2007 goals? Are you dabbling and debating? Or did you make a decision and move forward. If you have, you have seen change. If you haven't, you're likely looking at the same old scenery. But each day brings many decisions and each decision you make creates power and momentum.

As a business owner, I make many decisions both large and small each day. They aren't always right. But I would rather make a wrong decision than no decision at all. I would rather gain information and learn what doesn't work so I can pursue what does work versus sit and wallow in indecision. For each time we make a decision, even if it is the wrong one, we are getting closer to making the right decision.

Your Turn:
Today, don't put any decisions on the back burner or in the "debate and dabble" column. Trust yourself and make a decision while the situation is in front of you. Feel the action and empowerment that comes with decision-making.

Your Affirmation:
I make decisions with confidence and optimism.

Ready to take the Challenge?

www.changeyourlifechallenge.com

And as always, don't forget to start your day with a heartfelt "Something great is going to happen today... I can't wait to see what it is!"

And when ending your day ask yourself, "What is one more thing I can do to make today matter?"

To subscribe to this free newsletter or other free newsletters from Brook Noel click here

Spring Cleaning Starts February 5

Extreme Home Makeover

10 Week Intensive Boot Camp

                        

Give your home a complete cleaning overhaul and create an ongoing maintenance plan to maintain the home of your dreams.

To Register for the February 5th class, Click Here. You will receive your class instructions on January 29, 2007 by e-mail.

Have you ever found yourself saying any of the following...

I need a personal organizer!

If I could just get a system to keep my house clean...

My house is so cluttered... it needs an overhaul

Or have you ever felt that...

...you'll never get control of the chaos and clutter?

...your family is working against your goal of creating an organized home?

...you won't have the organized home of your dreams until your children

are grown and gone?

Help is here! Not only will you have a clean and organized home at the end of this 10 week course, you'll have fun in the process. (Yes, cleaning can be fun.) The before and after contest is always a big hit and the group camaraderie has made this one of our most successful offerings! This class also includes many bonuses like a 10 Week Membership to our Housework Helpers program. See the left panel for more details on bonuses.

When you register, you will receive your extensive workbook to use throughout the class. This will include instructions on how to listen to the 5 podcasts that encourage and help you with your progress! You can listen to these podcasts over and over by downloading them to your computer. (We have step-by-step instructions so even the technology-challenged needn't worry!) Your 100+ page workbook will become an action plan of success, filled with tips and tools to take control of your home.

To Register for the February 5th class, Click Here. You will receive your class instructions on January 29, 2007 by e-mail.

To purchase the podcasts on CD, click here

Here is a summary of the lessons:

During Week One you will learn about the 10 weeks to come and review your handbook materials to learn how to use all the features of this class. You will also complete a "home goals" worksheet--the first step in strategizing your success. A Room Ranker Tool will help you break your home into stations that can be tackled and help you prioritize what to do first.

Week Two: In Week Two we add simple rewards to the Room Ranker Tool to encourage us on our journey. We also take before photos this week. Lastly, we create a timeline for the remaining 8 weeks of this challenge. You can share your action plan on our class message board for additional cheerleading if you like.

Week Three: In Week Three you will learn the systems and secrets of the pros for clearing clutter and maintaining a clean home. You will begin working through your action plan and we have our first contest for clearing clutter!

Week Four: Your daily time will be spent working through the action plan you created in Week Two. Your workbook will contain tips and ideas for each room. You will have divided your action plan into 7 weeks at this point. Time investment will depend upon the size and clutter of the 7 areas.This week, Brook Noel will walk you step-by-step through the rooms of your home with tips and ideas for common problem areas. 

This week we continue working through our action plan and sharing our progress via the message board.  This also marks the week we host our special half-way-there chat online, where you can ask Brook Noel any questions you have or share your progress.

This week we look at what to do when life interrupts our plans and how to get "back on track." We will also explore effective delegation and how to manage delegated tasks. You will receive a delegation checklist this week and be challenged to delegate some of the remaining items on your action plan.

Weeks Seven, Eight and Nine:

During these three weeks, we continue working through our action plan and sharing our progress via the message board. We also have a "most sprints attended" contest to encourage a last minute hustle toward our goals! Additionally After Photos are turned in during Week Nine so we can announce our 3 winners at the Online Graduation that occurs in Week 10.

Week Ten: In this week you'll learn what to do after this class, and how to create a Master Task List to stay on top of your goals. You will receive several sample master task lists that you can customize to meet your own needs. We also have our graduation party which is an online chat hosted by Brook Noel where we will celebrate our journey together and announce our Before & After Contest winners.

To Register for the February 5th class, Click Here. You will receive your class instructions on January 29, 2007 by e-mail.

How much does this program cost? 

This 10 Week Program costs $49, which includes the 5 podcasts, your extensive 100+ page workbook in PDF format, interactive message board support, a 10 week membership to Housework Helpers, bonus chats and contests.

 

I have never listened to a podcast before. What do I have to do? Listening to a podcast is simple. Your workbook will include detailed instructions. Most computers have either Windows Media Player or Real Player which is all you need to listen to a podcast. If you do not have a media player, you can download one for free by following the instructions in your workbook. Or if you choose, you can have the podcast lessons sent to you on CD for an additional $9.95 plus shipping. These CDs can be listened to on any CD player.

To Register for the February 5th class, Click Here. You will receive your class instructions on January 29, 2007 by
e-mail.

Part 3 of Making 2007 the Best Year Yet

Your Weekly Challenge:

Making 2007 Your Best Year Yet: Part 3 of 4

This article is the third in a four part

series devoted to making 2007 the best year yet.

If you missed the first article, please click here to read.

This week we continue on our journey of forming our plans for 2007. If you have not read the first two articles of this series, I encourage you to do so. They provide the context for this week's article.

After working through the last two articles, you are now armed with a list of themes and interests that are calling you in 2007. This week, I challenge you to begin defining these themes more clearly.

List out the major roles in your life. Examples might be: Mother, Wife, Your Profession, Domestic Engineer, Volunteer, Religion, Friend, Artist, etc. You don't need to list every role in your life, just those that you partake in regularly for a few hours or more each week - or would like to partake in regularly. Please include "Self" as one of these roles as well.

For each area, look at the lists you made during the prior weeks and ask yourself, "What is the most important step or path that is calling me in 2007 in this role?" Write down your answer. If you aren't confident in your answer, write down several ideas and sit with them over the coming week. Keep brainstorming until the answer finds you. You will know you have found the right answer because you will literally feel like your body, mind and answer "sync." It is a very distinguishable feeling. If you don't have that feeling, keep brainstorming. Remember we can't force the answers - we have to just keep asking questions and let them emerge.

As the answers appear, I encourage you to begin building a "Home for Your Goals." In just a minute, I'll turn this over to Rhonda from New York, our resident expert on the subject. (I have deemed her that for how she developed and explained this concept last year--a creation that has proven valuable to many.)

You need not have all your "answers" in place to begin this process. Start with what you have. You will likely find as you begin working in one area, other answers emerge.

And now, Rhonda.... (big thunderous clapping!)

Please click here to read Rhonda's article on Creating a Home for Your Goals:

http://www.changeyourlifechallenge.com/articles/weekly/weekly01.30.htm

Ready to take the Challenge?

Learn more at www.changeyourlifechallenge.com