Urban Nomad

Friday Flicks: Life Coaching Intro Video

2012-02-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Some of you may not have seen my slightly updated website. There's an everybody version and a Lutheran version. Take your pick. The best part is this fun new video to introduce people to me and my services. Take a look here, or view it on the upper left hand corner of either page. Let me know what you think!

***
The next round of eCourses start February 20 and 23. Join a group of like minded people to learn more about yourself, get organized, and set and achieve goals. Learn more about eCourses.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts: it Doesn't Matter How Slow You Go

2012-02-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Travel Tip: Help Others Help You

2012-02-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

{Photo found via orgsites.com}

I know someone who has trouble getting others to help with projects. He works at an organizations where volunteers could be doing many of the tasks, but fewer and fewer people have been involved. He thought it was due to people's busy schedules, the lack of commitment to volunteer organizations, or maybe even the economy. However, that would not explain why volunteering went down just as he took over the organization.

So I challenged him to ask a volunteer. The volunteer was polite and didn't say much. He had to ask more than one volunteer. Finally, a teenager told him she would no longer be updating the bulletin boards, and she told him why.

"You never like what I do. I think I'm done and then you come and correct everything, and tell me there's a better way. I feel like I'm doing it wrong all the time."

If you don't allow people to do the project their way, soon they won't want to do the project at all.

This leader narrowed things down to a few issues:

He had a very clear vision for how he wanted everything to be done, and didn't always communicate that vision.
He had trouble allowing people to do projects and solve problems in their own way.
He didn't always rank what projects were vital to the organization and must be done exactly right, and what projects were open to interpretation.
He was looking for factors outside himself to explain a drop in volunteerism, when really he had the capacity to improve it himself.

It came down to communication, trust, prioritization, and taking responsibility. Those are huge things to work on, but knowing what the issue is helps him start the journey.

Whether you are leading an organization or just need someone to transfer your luggage, allow them to understand what needs to be done and to accomplish the task in their own way.
***
The next round of eCourses start February 20 and 23. Join a group of like minded people to learn more about yourself, get organized, and set and achieve goals. Learn more about eCourses.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

NY Giants' Winning Mantra

2012-02-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

I generally don't participate in football festivities, but I happened to be at a Super Bowl party this year. Being in New York City, I knew our local team was playing yet I was just marginally invested. As I sat there eating what could only be called a gourmet selection of dips, our tradition struck me as odd. We all sit around eating high calorie foods while we watch some of the best athletes in our country battle for the championship. It feels like a disconnect.

Beyond the promise of fun dips and other foods, I get on board with sports if I know some of the players personally or there is an inspiring moment. Since I didn't know any of the players in the Super Bowl, I needed an inspiring moment. I must say, inspiration is generally easier to find in the Olympics than in other sporting competitions, but it's there.

For me, inspiration came after the game during an interview with coach Tom Coughlin. He said that he tells his players, "Talk is cheap. Play the game." After some googling, I learned that he even gave shirts to the team with this phrase in 2007. I love it. Not totally original, but it overlaps nicely with my One Little Word this year, action. We can talk all we want, but action is what counts in the end.

Congratulations, Giants. I applaud you as I sit here on the couch, finishing off the last of the guacamole.

***
Start playing the fame with one-on-one coaching by telephone or email.

The next round of eCourses start February 20 and 23. Join a group of like minded people to learn more about yourself, get organized, and set and achieve goals. Learn more about eCourses.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Monday Musing: Deadlines

2012-01-30T09:30:00.000-05:00

So, I wrote a book this weekend. What did you do?

OK, it's more accurate to say that I compiled a book, since much of it consists of posts that have already appeared on this blog. Still, there is so much that goes into self-publishing, and I did it in a weekend. Why so quickly? I have a speaking engagement coming up, and what speaker isn't instantly more legit if they have a book? Deadlines are powerful like that. Why? Because I nearly stopped writing the book about 64 times this weekend.

I didn't stop because I wouldn't make the deadline.

And now I have a book.

As a loyal reader of this blog, I'll make sure that you hear about how to get your own copy.

***
Move forward confidently with one-on-one coaching. Start with one session, or invest in a package.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts: Go Confidently

2012-01-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

***
Move forward confidently with one-on-one coaching. Start with one session, or invest in a package.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Monday Musings: Not a Match

2012-01-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

{Photo credit: http://fortheluls.com/tag/bank/}

My bank decided to join the crowd and charge a fee to customers who do not have a paycheck automatically deposited into their account. This was a clear sign to me that they no longer want small business owners or freelancers as customers. I went in to close the account. They were very polite and tried to keep my business, but I told them we just weren't a match anymore.

I don't pretend to know what they need to do to stay in business, but they sent a clear message to me. I am no longer who they want as a customer. Sometimes there is no need to get angry or fight. Just recognize that you are no longer a match and move on.

***
Need to sort out whether you are a match? Take action with one-on-one coaching. Start with one session, or invest in a package.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts: Life Does Not Have to be Perfect

2012-01-19T04:26:00.000-05:00

***
Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Designate the Time

2012-01-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

{Photo found via Pinterest}

I set phone dates with friends all the time. Why? Because I want to make sure that we talk, and sometimes it just doesn't happen unless we designate the time for it. By setting a date, it's an event. We may shift the time slightly, but we have acknowledged that it is important, and we make it happen.

What do you keep saying is important, but you don't take the time to do? Set aside time for it and make an appointment to do it.

***
Need more accountability to get things done? Take action with one-on-one coaching. Start with one session, or invest in a package.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Monday Musings: One LIttle Word

2012-01-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

{Photo Credit: www.aliedwards.com}

It's Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Today is a day to set a vision for a better future, as he did in his most famous speech. Today's post presents a way to help you set a vision for a better future for yourself and anyone within your sphere of influence.

Last year one of my friends in the blog-o-sphere brought my attention to a movement by Ali Edwards to set an intention for your year with One Little Word. I loved it. Last year, my word was momentum. For me, momentum meant that things that had been a conscious effort became a bit more effortless as they start to run themselves. Momentum implied progress toward a positive outcome. Momentum also meant building habits to the point of autopilot so that I could focus my attention on new projects. I created momentum by eating more healthy, exercising more consistently, performing more often and in better shows, creating new coaching opportunities, serving the people around me in new ways, blogging more often (did you notice?), keeping better records throughout the year, networking more efficiently, and spending a whole year in conversation with my mastermind group. As I look at my 2011 blessings and accomplishments, I see the effects of my momentum.

This year my word is action. For me, it means a few things:

Action = moving from idea to implementation: For every 1000 great new ideas I have, I act on 5. I know that it's not possible or prudent to act on all 1000 ideas, but this year, I will act on 10.
action = not procrastinating: It's not just about acting on new ideas, I also need to keep normal life up to date.
ACTION = exercise and movement. I have drifted away from some of my favorite dance classes, and I want to reinvest. I also have started a new set of exercises on my own.
"Action!" = the start of filming. I am going to explore the world of film and television, of which I know almost nothing. Don't expect me on the Golden Globes next year, maybe something more along the lines of waitress #3 in the background whom you can glimpse if you pause the DVR at just the right moment.
ACTION = helping coaching clients move forward in bold new ways to make a difference in their world.

I think action is going to be a good word. I've already started to use it as a battle cry to motivate myself on cold days. Are you considering what might be your One Little Word and need some ideas? You can read everyone's words on Ali Edwards' blog. I'd recommend it. It's quite inspiring.

***
Take action and make a difference with one-on-one coaching. Start with one session, or invest in a package.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts: Get Closer to Where you Want to Be

2012-01-12T09:30:00.000-05:00

(Photo Source: adaywithtwo.blogspot.com)

Along with today's Thursday Thought, I just wanted to recommend a quick article on Huffington Post published yesterday about life coaching. It presents two helpful ways to understand the difference between therapy and coaching.

1. According to Martin Seligman, the founder and pioneer of positive psychology, life coaching revolves around the essential question: Do you want to be pulled by your future or driven by your past?

2. Carol Kauffman, founder and director of the Institute of Coaching and an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School, put it differently... "The difference is that in therapy you follow the trail of tears with a goal of healing," Kauffman said. "As a side-effect, people's levels of function and job satisfaction go up. In coaching, you follow the trail of dreams with the goal of igniting the person to be their best. As a side-effect some kind of healing can happen."

While therapy will always have an important role in certain situations, coaching has an entirely different focus and approach. Read more on Huffington post!

Tuesday Travel Tip: Find the Plug

2012-01-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

A plug tucked behind a bed

As we all travel with more and more electronics, we all have things to charge. Hotels are notorious for being short on plugs, and tucking them into places that are difficult to reach. I'm thrilled when I encounter a hotel that has been redesigned with plugs in mind.

There's a whole new level of challenge when you stay in another person's home. Make sure that you locate a plug before your host leaves you for the night. Sometimes you may not be able to find it, or may need help moving a piece of furniture in order to access the plug.

Locating the plug can be the difference between accidentally sleeping in or waking on time to the alarm on your fully charged cell phone.

***

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Monday Musings: 10,000 Hours

2012-01-09T09:30:00.000-05:00

At the 34th Street subway station, there is a small boy who plays classical music on an electronic piano at breakneck speeds while his father stands at his side. It seems to match the pace of the trains to hear Mozart played five times faster than you've ever heard it. Whenever I see him, I think about Malcolm Gladwell's book Outliers and how he determined that it takes 10,000 hours to reach truly expert levels at anything. The Beatles played for years in German bars to reach 10,000 hours. Bill Gates was playing with university computers while still in high school, reaching an expert level of 10,000 hours before most people his age. To reach 10,000 hours you need passion, focus, determination, and perhaps a father looking over your shoulder as you play classical music on the subway platform.

***
Start a habit of personal development! Another round of interactive eCourses begins tomorrow! Spend the next 4 weeks exploring the topics of Personalize, Organize, or Realize.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Sing Because You Have a Song

2012-01-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

***
Get started on a year of personal development with a 4-week interactive eCourse. Another group starts January 10, so join before the next group fills up! Explore the topics of Personalize, Organize and Realize with like-minded people.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Tuesday Travel Tip: How I Actually Got There

2012-01-03T09:30:00.000-05:00

Today's travel tip isn't how to literally get somewhere on your next road trip. It is a way to get somewhere on your journey of life. Today's tip may be a challenge for some people. Others will want to dismiss it as coincidence. However, I don't believe in coincidence (we can chat more about that if you'd like). I share today's travel tip for those who will find it useful and empowering. I'd love to hear your reactions.

Last New Year's Eve, my mastermind group and I created vision boards. They were filled with words and pictures of what we'd like our lives to be in the coming year. Among other things, I set goals to work as an actor a certain number of weeks and to work at a certain caliber of theaters. That sounds pretty specific, but within that was something super, duper specific: I cut out the audition notice for a certain national tour.

I don't like to be so specific about my resolutions, at least the ones over which I don't have much control. If I set a range of criteria that is just a bit above what I'm currently doing, I increase the chance that I'll reach my goal. It's frightening to actually make my resolution so specific in a very competitive field. It makes it more obvious if I fail, and I don't have control over the factors. A goal of getting a specific theater job is not like doing 100 situps in a minute since someone else makes a final decision about whether you reach the goal. That's probably why I immediately forgot that I'd included that national tour on my vision board.

Last week, I took out that vision board to prepare for this year's session. (Yes, I know you're supposed to look at it every day, but I'm an Urban Nomad. I travel light.) I was shocked when I saw that audition notice on the vision board. Why? Because the producer of that show actually called me. I set a specific goal and it happened, just not in the way I expected. I wasn't cast when the tour began, but someone had to leave the show and I was next on the list. Even more surprising was that I didn't take the job. I was already booked to do something even better!

It's not magic: I had to take action, because they certainly never would have called if I had not even auditioned. It's also not a guarantee: my life unfolded in even more surprising and interesting ways than I dared to dream. Finally, it's not unattainable: Even though hundreds and hundreds of people audition for these tours, I knew that I could be a serious competitor based on previous experience.

Go back to your resolution and make it super specific, and then take every action that you can to make it happen. And then watch something even more interesting unfold.

***
Are you in Minnesota or New York City? Register now for my live, 90-minute workshop on "12 Essentials for 2012" in the next few days! Anyone serious about making 2012 a great year is encouraged to attend.

Learn what actions to take as you work toward your goals! Another round of interactive eCourses begins in one week, January 10! Spend the next 4 weeks exploring the topics of Personalize, Organize, or Realize.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Musing: A Report on "Green" Christmas

2012-01-02T09:30:00.000-05:00

Regular readers of my blog know that each year my family has a theme for our Christmas stocking gifts. Last year was shapes, the year before was numbers, and the year before that was experiential. We've had themes for about fifteen years, so I actually get inquiries on the theme from some of my friends who look forward to brainstorming with me about what to get for my parents, my brother, my sister-in-law, and my two nieces, ages 8 and 1.

My mom always starts with a warm up activity. This year she created a quiz in which all of the items included the word green. Then she gave her gifts wrapped in lovely lime green paper. Her gifts ranged from green tea to green pencils made of recycled materials.

My brother made a green meal for everyone: kale and spinach soup and leafy salad. So yummy.

My sister-in-law gave donations to various green causes in honor of each of us. My 8-year-old niece lead a craft activity for everyone using primarily green beads. I gave a variety of green colored gifts in recycled bags that ranged from green sippy cups for my youngest niece to early reader books about God's green earth for my older niece to green scrapbook supplies, pesto, olive oil, fair trade coffee and and a green scarf made as part of a sustainable program.

My father added to the green food gifts, primarily with vegetables. And of course our tree was green, so we took note on how thematic that was. My youngest niece wasn't in green, but I couldn't resist a picture of her in her Santa hat!

My 8-year-old niece suggested that next year's theme be symmetrical. Watch for that update a year from now!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

January 1: it's just a date, made up of numbers, arbitrarily picked on the calendar. In some ways, nothing changes on January 1.

But I love it. I make changes on January 1, just because I can.

I love all sorts of new starts, and I'll take whatever type is given to me. I get a new start as an Urban Nomad each time I settle into a new place for an extended stay. I get a new start when I begin a relationship with a new coaching client. I even get a new start when I get something as small as a haircut. I still honor the new start that September brings, just because the beginning of the school year was a new start for me for so many years.

So for me, New Year's Eve is a new start. I appreciate the chance to look back at what I've accomplished, new friends I have made, and other things that have changed. I also get to look forward and dream about what could happen in the coming year, and then evaluate which dreams really fit who I am and what I'm going to do to make them come true. Dreams without action go nowhere, but dreams coupled with action have taken me to so many places, both expected and unexpected.

As I say on my webinars, I live and work completely within my passions and I believe that you can too. Let's talk about how. You could start with a 2012 Super Strategic Map Making Sessions: New Year's Resolution Edition one-on-one or via group webinar or a 4-week interactive eCourse that starts January 3 or a series of private coaching sessions. In whatever way we connect, it's time to get started.

***
Get started on a year of personal development with a 4-week interactive eCourse that starts this Tuesday! Explore the topics of Personalize, Organize and Realize with a group of like-minded people.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2012.

Thursday Thoughts: What You Get

2011-12-29T09:30:00.000-05:00

***
Reaching a goal is deeply connected to who you are at the core. Learn about that and much more in a 2012 Super Strategic Map Making Session: New Year's Resolution Edition one-on-one or via group webinar or join us for a 4-week interactive eCourse that begins January 3.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Video: What I Dreamed Last Night

2011-12-28T02:48:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year (I won't get to say that much longer!), I played Marion Cunningham in "Happy Days: A New Musical." I had the pleasure of singing one of the best songs in the show, "What I Dreamed Last Night." I put together a couple clips of the song: one is in the first act when Mrs. C realizes that, as much as she loves being a mother and wife, she may be able to be even more useful to the larger world. In the second act reprise of the song, Joanie and Pinky Tuscadero (remember her?) have also shared their dreams, and all three women bond together and commit to really go after making their dream a reality. The parts I put together are less than a minute and worth watching:

The lyrics at the end are:
I want what I want and I want it now,
Forget what traditions of the past allow!
I want what I want and I'm willing to fight
'Cause I want what I saw, I want what I felt,
I want what I dreamed last night!

Strong words, which is the great thing about musical theater: there's a whole song to express how far these characters are willing to go to make their dreams come true!

When was the last time you knew, deep in your bones, what you needed to do? When were willing to do whatever it takes because it was that important to who you were and what you could offer the world?

Right now? Great. You don't have to wait. Let's talk.

***
Jump into your next goal or your 2012 resolution with the all-new Super Strategic Map Making Session - one-on-one or via group webinar. It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started. Keep your momentum with a 4-week interactive eCourse that starts January 3.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Musing: Sightreading Christmas Carols

2011-12-26T09:30:00.000-05:00

Our book of Christmas Carols

Since I don't really cook and I am in a family of good cooks, I generally stay out of the kitchen on Christmas. Part of my job is entertainment. Sometimes that means playing with my nieces, but I also find time to play the piano. Every year I sight-read our vintage Christmas Carol book. No one really sings along, but everyone seems to enjoy it. My niece just started piano lessons, so this year she jumped in a few times to play a song.

As I was playing this year, it occurred to me that it is much easier to sight read a song I know. When the chords become complicated, I can ignore the right hand and keep the familiar melody going while I focus on what the left hand needs to do. Isn't that the way lots of things are in life? When something difficult demands our full attention, it's important that we have some other things that are very familiar so that those things can keep going while we focus on the problem at hand. That's why healthy habits are so important. Without healthy habits that can keep going under most circumstances, we have to focus on daily practices, and those daily practices fall by the wayside as soon as something else demands our attention.

Which leads me to my next thought: you have to keep the song going, especially when everyone knows it. Even when the arrangement is difficult, you can't stop and worry about a wrong note, you just have to keep it moving. Perfectionism slows us down and interrupts the song. At it's extreme, it makes the song almost unintelligible.

However, there is a time and place to work on something and make it better. Since I don't have a piano of my own, much of my time at the piano is sight reading. It's been years since I've practiced a song and really learned it. Thus, I decided that this week I would learn Bach's Invention #1. I've practiced every day. Productive practice means that we look for the areas that are difficult, go over the details slowly, and learn to improve. As tempting as it is to "practice" the things we do well, in order to really improve, we need to practice the things we don't do well.

And so it came to pass that I am pretty good at Bach's Invention #1, but I'll always enjoy playing through the book of Christmas Carols, mistakes and all.

I hope that your holidays have been merry and bright.

***
Equip yourself for the new year with a Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started.

The next round of interactive eCourses begins January 3! Explore who you were created to be, get organized with your time, space and money, and then learn to set and achieve goals. All of these are available in 4-week courses that you complete on your own time each day.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

[Repost] Video: Last Minute Christmas Gift Tips

2011-12-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

For those who missed it last week, here's a quick video with meaningful ideas of gifts you could give that don't involve a trip to any retail stores. Perfect for the person who has everything but doesn't have it all figured out. (Is that you, or is that someone else? Or both?)

***
In which I stand in something like a mall and give ideas for meaningful gifts that don't come from a mall. Having trouble seeing the video? View it on Vimeo.

It's not too late to give a gift certificate for a Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Joy to the World

2011-12-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

***
Joy to the World, now and always!

For a last minute gift idea, get a gift certificate to the all-new Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Don't Wrap the Presents

2011-12-20T09:30:00.000-05:00

I realize at this late date you may have already bought your presents. If you are not hosting the festivities at your home, don't wrap the presents. Wrapped presents don't travel well. If you're flying, you may be searched and the TSA will unwrap your presents. Even if you drive or take the train to your destination, the stress of travel may compromise the perfect bow that you placed on the gift. Save yourself the trouble and bring wrapping paper and ribbon with you, and wrap when you arrive.

Better yet, acquire the gifts when you arrive. That's what I do. I know a few places to shop near the homes of each of my family members, so I plan what to get, arrive a couple days early, and get the presents when I arrive. That way, I can travel as light as possible during the busy holiday season.

***
Here's a present that travels well: a Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started. Available for you or as a gift certificate for someone else!

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Musing: Follow Expert Opinions, or Not

2011-12-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

My storage in New York City is along an elevated park called The High Line that is popular among tourists. I often walk along it because it is quicker than walking at street level and waiting for traffic at each corner. The High Line is filled with people taking photos of the river, the Statue of Liberty, the skyline, the artwork and the plants.

On one recent walk on the High Line I noticed an interesting phenomena. There was a particular view that no one was interested in. Then, someone who appeared to be a professional photographer stopped at the overlooked view and took a few shots at interesting angles. Suddenly, other people gathered to take the same shot on their camera. People almost lined up to get the same angle that the professional photographer had gotten. Once an expert identified and showed the way, others followed.

Do you noticed when an an "expert" points out something that you may have missed? Do you look for what's interesting or beautiful on your own, or do you wait for the expert to to show you what's important in the world around you? Do you always believe the expert, and follow along without evaluating it, or weigh their insight along with information from other sources and your own experience?

***
Let's talk about what you're learning from experts and whether it applies to your life in a Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started. Available for you or as a gift certificate for someone else!

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

A Win-Win Situation, Overheard on the Subway

2011-12-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

Riding the subway during busy times is sometimes nearly silent, and sometimes full of conversations that you can't help but overhear.

Yesterday, I heard a man tell a friend that late last Friday afternoon he got a call that his parents were coming for a surprise visit. His home was a mess, and he had to work late. He called his once-a-month cleaning lady on a Friday night, wondering if she would take a last minute job at a time of day that she doesn't usually work. She agreed immediately. She took the bus across town and worked for a few hours. By the time he got home his place was spotless. As he paid her and gave her an extra tip, she held up the money and said, "This is Christmas for my children. Thank you."

The man on the subway didn't draw conclusions from his experience, but I was struck with how in that one transaction they both were provided with what they needed. He was thrilled that she would work on a Friday night with no advance warning right when he needed her. She was thrilled to have extra money for Christmas gifts.

I think that there are more opportunities than we realize to create win-win situations, but two factors come into play:

we must ask for what we need
we must take the opportunities that come to us

Which part of that equation do you need to get better at doing?

***
Start to work on what you need for 2012 with a Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started. Available for you or as a gift certificate for someone else!

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: You Are Far Too Smart

2011-12-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

***
What you believe in and who you are matter. I'll show you how as we explore the connection between who you are and what you want to do with the all-new Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started. Book a session for yourself and get a gift certificate for someone else.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Video: Quick Holiday Gift Tips

2011-12-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

***
In which I stand in something like a mall and give ideas for meaningful gifts that don't come from a mall. Having trouble seeing the video? View it on Vimeo.

Find out more about Super Strategic Map Making: New Year's Resolution Edition!

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Things we believe in

2011-12-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

(Photo Source: http://gardenviewcottage.tumblr.com/post/2562523259)

***
What you believe in and who you are matter. I'll show you how as we explore the connection between who you are and what you want to do with the all-new Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started. Available for you or as a gift certificate for someone else!

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Exercise

2011-12-06T09:30:00.000-05:00

We all know the benefits of exercise for your overall health, but it's especially important during travel and one of the things people often skip. Exercise is one of the best ways to get yourself on a new schedule and stay healthy in a new climate. I know we all have our own thoughts on what those exercises need to be, but since you can't bring your entire volleyball team with you on your next trip, you may need to take up some sort of individual exercise plan.

My entire exercise plan fits in a quart sized ziplock. Not gallon sized, quart - the same size we put our liquids in at the airport. My strength training and physical therapy can be done with tubing and a resistence band. I also walk and do a combination of yoga, pilates and ballet, which requires no equipment and has great benefits. I also carry a tennis ball to work out any knots or cramps from traveling or sleeping in odd places.

Even if you have to change your routine for a few days, make sure that you find a way to exercise. It will be worth it.
***
Get a jump start on your next goal or your 2012 resolution with the all-new Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started. Available for you or as a gift certificate for someone else!

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughtful Reminder

2011-12-01T09:30:00.000-05:00

First of all, happy holiday season.

I just wanted to remind you that Urban Nomad Life Coaching and gift certificates are 10% off through tomorrow, Friday, December 2. You can only get the deal through this link.

The gift of coaching is your opportunity to help someone and give the most unique present in the holiday gift exchange (a win-win!). Who do you know that is always saying they are going to get in shape, become more healthy, finally get organized, or change jobs? (Is it you? All the better!) All of those people could use a 2012 Super Strategic Map Making session. It's a one-hour interactive workshop where you redefine a New Year's Resolution, figure out a step-by-step plan of action, anticipate barriers, and create a way to motivate yourself using the latest research from social science. It's available as a prescheduled group webinar, a private webinar at your convenience with you and up to three friends, or a 1-on-1 private session by phone or webcam.

Register now, and remember to use this link to get your 10% off.
***
Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Thankful People are Happy

2011-11-24T09:30:00.000-05:00

(Photo source: piccsy.com)

Today and always, start by giving thanks. Happy Thanksgiving to my United States readers!

***
Get a jump start on your next goal or your 2012 resolution with the all-new Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Just Be

2011-11-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

(My room in the cast house, adjacent to a screen-in porch)

Before embarking on my three city tour of in-person coaching that I'm calling Super Strategic Map Making, I spent 11 weeks in Florida. As someone who has always lived north of the Mason Dixon line and only visited the south for a week or two at a time, it was fascinating for me to experience the change of seasons in a warmer climate. The weather went from way too hot to pleasantly warm during the day and cool at night. Previously, Florida always felt like summer to me with no discernible change of seasons, but being here for a longer stretch helped me see how there are changes. Even though it didn't get cold the way I have always experienced, it still felt like fall especially after daylight savings time when it started to get dark early. I'd always known that Florida weather was great, and now I was experiencing it.

At the beginning of my last week in Florida, I realized that I only had a week left in this almost-perfect weather before jumping right into winter. I suddenly worried that I wasn't doing everything that I should to take advantage of the great weather. Then I realized all I needed to "do" was to "be." As long as I could be outside, I could do anything and be satisfied. In fact, other than sleeping and doing the show, I was outside all the time. It helped that I had a screened-in porch right off of my room. I worked, read, talked to friends, coached, walked and enjoyed every minute of fresh air that I could.

While I am often a big advocate of taking action, there are times that it is more important to just be, and let your actions be secondary to the experience. I fully embraced my last week in Florida because I remembered to just be.
***

Examine what you need to be and what you need to do in order to reach your next goal with the all-new Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started or keep going.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Musings: Communication is the Key

2011-11-21T09:30:00.000-05:00

(A failure to communicate? Source: Pinterest)

I know many freelancers. Some are artists, a few are writers, a number are consultants or life coaches. One of these freelancers is highly skilled at what she does. I am consistently impressed with her expertise and knowledge. However, she has the least work lined up out of all of us. Because of this, she started to doubt herself. Why don't people want to hire her? Isn't it enough to be great at what she does?

It turns out, her lack of work had nothing to do with her skills or knowledge. It had to do with one (seemingly unrelated) thing: communication. She was notoriously bad at returning emails, phone calls and other forms of communication. She also didn't actively follow up with potential job leads or seek ways to make contact with new clients.

Sometimes, when a project, goal or career isn't working, it isn't about the quality of your work. Look at other areas of your life. Everything must be working well, moving in the same direction, and supporting all areas of your life in order for you to reach big goals. What areas do you need to work on? Take a look around, or just start where this freelancer started: learn to communicate.
***

Get everything in your life in order and working toward your next goal with the all-new Super Strategic Map Making Session - join me this week in Denver, or later on in Minnesota or New York, or via webcam worldwide! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Leave a Trail

2011-11-17T09:30:00.000-05:00

Be intentional about the path you are on and the trail that you leave. Make a plan for your next goal or your 2012 resolution with the all-new Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

The completion of my goal and how to reach yours

2011-11-16T09:30:00.000-05:00

(Source: http://www.momsbookshelf.com)

Please allow me a bit of celebration in the blog today: this is my 100th post of 2011! Woo hoo! Why does it matter? Well, 100 is always a fun number to celebrate. It's also a great milestone on which to celebrate one of my 2011 goals. You see, in 2010 I posted 45 times the entire year, so I set a goal to post twice as often in 2011. I've more than accomplished that, with six weeks to spare. I also love that I did this while also writing 75 separate, high-content blog posts for my e-courses, which I launched earlier this year (another goal checked off the list, which included the opportunity to e-coach lots of new people).

So what's next? Well, you may have noticed my little announcement yesterday on Facebook, Twitter and in the footer of this blog. I'm taking Urban Nomad Life Coaching on the road with Super Strategic Map Making! So far, I'm setting up live, in-person sessions in Denver, Minneapolis, and New York City with more places to come. I've designed a 1-2 hour session to really jump start your goals or give you a head start on your 2012 New Year's Resolution. In this individual coaching session we'll define your goal, create strategies to overcome potential barriers, create ways to help you stay motivated, and make a step-by-step "map" to your "destination." Don't worry if you're not in one of the cities where I'm offering this: I'm also offering it via webcam worldwide. I can't wait to get started next week in Denver!

***
Set up your appointment to get a jump start on your next goal or your 2012 resolution with the all-new Super Strategic Map Making Session - live in person or via webcam! It's the structure, strategy and momentum that you need to get started.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Make a Video

2011-11-15T09:30:00.000-05:00

How do you remember your travels? Sometimes I make my own travel videos, some of which you can view here. My latest travels have taken me across the country and back in time to St. Louis in 1903, by way of Florida. I know, it makes no sense geographically, but I'm playing Mrs. Anna Smith in a production of "Meet Me in St. Louis" at a dinner theater in Florida. Watch the video to meet some of the other characters, see the beautiful costumes, hear one of our suggested rewrites for the script, and even get a back stage glimpse of the "snow."(If you have trouble making the player work here, just click the link below the video to view it on Vimeo).

Backstage at Meet me in St. Louis from Dawn Trautman on Vimeo.

Monday Musings: Food vs. Technology

2011-11-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

(Source: www.webdesignworlds.com/website-designing)

One of my recent Facebook posts was

"When you live in a house where the microwave makes the internet go out, it really makes you think twice about how hungry you are."

Besides the frightening possibilities of what this particular microwave might be doing to our bodies, it also leads to a frightening realization: sometimes I want internet more than I want hot food. Seriously? Something that was invented during my lifetime is trumping basic human survival? Well, yes, for short periods of time.

But perhaps there is something else going on: the microwave was meant to make our lives easier. However, if there is a higher "price" to using it (the temporary loss of the internet for everyone in the house) then the microwave is no longer the easiest option. It's actually easier to use the stove or the oven. It might even be easier to build a fire out back. Just don't take away our internet.

***
Make a personalized, step-by-step map to your next goal through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Imagination

2011-11-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

(From sisterspock.tumblr.com )

***
Where is your imagination taking you? Let's talk about it, and make a personalized, step-by-step map through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Surround Yourself

2011-11-08T09:30:00.000-05:00

(Walking with the runners)

I am not a runner. Not at all. I even leave early whenever I need to go somewhere so that I don't have to rush, because rushing feels too close to running. I always say that I'll run if something is chasing me, which really doesn't happen very often.

Last week I walked along a promenade among runners. And I almost wanted to run.

This weekend I read a lot of updates from people who ran the New York City marathon. And I almot wanted to run.

I will continue to get my exercise in other ways, but while I was surrounded by runners I wanted to run.

If you have trouble motivating yourself to go somewhere new, surround yourself with people who are going where you are going. Simply being near them will help.

***
Get where you need to got through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Musing: What's Your Story?

2011-11-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

(Photo from bebestilo.com)

I am fascinated with the stories that people tell themselves about things that happen in their lives. They generally don't just recount a series of events in their life, they also give a short commentary on those events. In fact, they become so invested in the commentary that sometimes they cannot separate it from the facts.

On some level, what actually happened doesn't matter as much as the story you tell yourself (and others) about what happened.

For example, what was the toughest challenge you faced this weekend? Take a moment to think of something. Do you have an event or an interaction in mind? Great. Now consider what it taught you about the world around you. You may find that you had a big challenge and use it as evidence that you are weak, or that the world is a tough place to be, or that you are a victim in some way. In other words, the world is big and scary and out to get you.

However, this weekend's toughest challenge may have been an opportunity to resolve something, learn something or grow in another way. Without even realizing it, this weekend's toughest challenge taught you that you are able to handle certain situations and can move forward toward a healthy life even when faced with challenges.

What story are you telling yourself about who you are in the world and how the world treats you?

I know that some of you are saying, "You have no idea how bad my weekend was." You're right, I don't, but if you're reading this you must be alive so right there you have something you can be thankful for. You have survived at least to the level that you have the free time and the resources to be reading this blog post.

We want to think that first the world is one way, and then we form our story as a response to the world. However, I find that we often have built a story and then look for the world to support that story.

If you don't like what you are seeing in your life, change your story. You'll find evidence to support your new, more helpful story.
***
Need help with your story? Learn more about yourself and how you interact with the world through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Passionately Curious

2011-11-03T09:30:00.000-04:00

How do you explore your curiosities? Learn more about yourself and how you interact with the world through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Pack the Night Before

2011-10-25T09:30:00.000-04:00

Whether you are leaving for days or just a few hours, how often do you scramble to get out the door and then remember that you forgot something?

Pack the night before (or even before that for a longer trip to a new location). Being prepared saves time, money and stress. You don't waste time going back inside for what you forgot, money buying it, or the stress of figuring out whether to buy, go back for or do without whatever you forgot.

I find that by calmly packing the night before, I can often be more strategic and carry less, something that matters in New York City and other places where you actually carry your things all day.

Tonight, pack up for Wednesday.

***
Learn more ways to save time, money and stress in one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Morning Musing: Great Idea

2011-10-24T09:30:00.000-04:00

I have a whole new idea for my coaching business. I'm not ready to divulge the details, and I'll let you decide how wonderful (or not) it is once I reveal it later this week. Today, I want to focus on the germination of an idea.

Once I had my new idea, I did some research at a bookstore and on the internet. This allowed me to see what others do who have similar ideas. Then I thought about it during a long walk. This allowed me to develop creative versions of my original idea. Third, I talked about my idea with a few trusted advisers. This allowed me to see my "blind spots" - the areas that I was missing in my explanation of my idea.

Only then did I take action. There will still be rough drafts, and versions of the idea, and much to learn once I launch it. However, I always love that early stage when the idea is nothing more than a thought in your head and the journey of implementation is still ahead.

How do you develop your ideas? Have you ever thought about the process?

***
Develop your ideas in a conversation with a life coach. A small investment on the front end will save time and money down the road. Learn more about one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Create Yourself

2011-10-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

(Photo Source: lifestyle.msn.com via pinterest)

***
Learn how best to create yourself through one-on-one coaching by phone or email or a 4-week interactive eCourses.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Friday Flicks: Colorado Gold Rush

2011-10-14T09:30:00.000-04:00

I'm happy to announce Friday Flicks! I often make short videos with thought-provoking questions, so I'll share them here on select Fridays. If you're having trouble viewing this one, visit it on Vimeo.
***
The next session of 4-week interactive eCourses runs October 18 through November 15. Choose which course is right for you: learn more about yourself, get completely organized or learn proven methods to reach your goals. You'll complete each daily assignment on your own time, whenever it's convenient for you.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Turn Your Can'ts into Cans

2011-10-13T01:49:00.000-04:00

(Photo source: etsy.com via pinterest)

***
Figure out what it means for you to turn your can'ts into cans through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Want turn your dreams into plans with a virtual group? The next session of 4-week interactive eCourses runs October 18 through November 15. Choose which course is right for you: learn more about yourself, get completely organized or learn proven methods to reach your goals. You'll complete each daily assignment on your own time, whenever it's convenient for you.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Be Fully Present

2011-10-11T09:30:00.000-04:00

Once you decide to be somewhere, be fully present.

I've been at a party where I never took my jacket off because I was only going to stop by. Two hours later, I'm still there, wearing my jacket and not quite fully committed.

I went to grad school with someone for two years who never said that she lived in the city where we attended school.

I had a Russian coworker who said that she was just visiting New York and wanted to get back to Russia. She left Russia in the late 80's.

Be fully present and committed to your surroundings. If they aren't right for you, leave as soon as you can. Just don't be halfway there. It's not helpful to you or anyone else.

***

Learn to be more fully present. The next session of 4-week interactive eCourses runs October 18 through November 15. Choose which course is right for you: learn more about yourself, get completely organized or learn proven methods to reach your goals. You'll complete each daily assignment on your own time, whenever it's convenient for you.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Passioneers

2011-10-06T09:30:00.000-04:00

{From imgfave.com}

For today's Thursday Thought, I want to encourage you to share a few of your thoughts in this survey of Passioneers. I know, passioneer is not a word you ever learned for a spelling bee, but it attempts to describe "polymaths/renaissance souls/multipotentialites/scanners/multipassionates/passioneers/wayfinders/tenzillionothernames!!"

And for the first time (that I know of), the fine folks over at The Good Ship Lifestyle have created a quick survey to gather our thoughts. Take the survey, and I'll share some of the results (after they are sent to me!) here on this blog. As with anything of this nature, the more people who participate, the more interesting the results, so jump in!

***
Live within your passions and make a difference. Learn how through one-on-one coaching by phone or email or 4-week interactive eCourses that start Tuesday, October 18. This is coaching for good people going great places.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Store Things at the Point of Use

2011-10-04T09:30:00.000-04:00

One of the most useful organization tips that I share with clients is to store things at the point of use. When I was cat sitting recently, the owners were excellent at this strategy. The cat's eating area was right next to a cupboard that held all of the cat food. The liter box was on the other side of the kitchen, right by the back door leading out to the garbage, and across from the broom closet.

Keep everything you need within arm's reach. This saves space because all of the supplies are collected into one area and you know right where to put things away. It saves time because you don't walk around to gather what you need for your chore or project. It saves money because you know exactly when you need to replenish a supply and won't make a special emergency trip to buy supplies or buy something that it turns out you had but misplaced.

When traveling, to store things at the point of use means that I keep my boarding pass with my photo ID since I'll need them at the same time, and I keep both of those at the very top of my carry-on for easy access. What does it mean for you?

***
It all starts with getting more organized, and from there you can change your world. Live within your passions and make a difference. Learn how through one-on-one coaching by phone or email or 4-week interactive eCourses that start Tuesday, October 18.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Morning Musings: Set Deadlines for Creative Projects

2011-10-03T09:30:00.000-04:00


The cast of Meet Me in St. Louis which opened this weekend

Sometimes creative projects marinate awhile. They benefit from weeks, months, or even years of consideration before any action is taken. There is something luxurious about keeping the project personal and considering it whenever there is a free moment.

Often, creative projects that actually get completed happen on an external deadline. Ah, the power of a deadline. Without it, many projects never even get started. With it, the pressure of time forces solutions to tiny barriers in exciting new ways.

Sometimes we don't want to work to the deadline, but various realities leave no other choice. In my world, revivals of musicals in regional theaters happen on deadlines. The artisitic staff starts months ahead of time, but the actors arrive at the theater only two and a half weeks before opening night. In approximately 17 days, the actors learn the music, blocking, and dances. Only after the actors are assembled can the artistic staff do costume fittings, light cues, set construction, adjustments to the orchestrations and discussions about characters with the actors.

The intensity of the schedule causes exciting new connections, excellent solutions and creativity that may not happen otherwise. Whether it's a performing art or fine art, deadlines are powerful.

***
What creative projects of yours need an external deadline? I can help you make a step-by-step map to your creative project through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Get ready: the next session of 4-week interactive eCourses runs October 18 through November 15. Just think, before Thanksgiving you could learn more about yourself, get completely organized or learn proven methods to reach your goals.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Make a Decision to Try

2011-09-29T09:30:00.000-04:00

(Photo Source: lifes-a-journal.com via pinterest)

***
You made a decision to try, now what? I can help you make a step-by-step map to your goal through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Get ready: the next session of 4-week interactive eCourses runs October 18 through November 15. Just think, before Thanksgiving you could learn more about yourself, get completely organized or learn proven methods to reach your goals.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Make a Local Friend

2011-09-27T09:30:00.000-04:00

When I settle into a new neighborhood for more than a few days, I make a local friend. This is generally facilitated by my ever-present need to buy a Diet Coke. The person pictured here is the daytime worker at a bodega where I often bought Diet Coke this summer.

I love having a local person to greet each day. Eventually we recognize each other and make small talk. Sometimes my local person even shares useful information about the neighborhood. Even if we never progress beyond a polite hello, having a person who is there every day grounds me in the local community. In this day and age when we can take our world with us where ever we go (and I love that!), I also like to connect to real humans in real places.
***

Learn to make a difference and commit to taking action: I can help you make a map to live out your passions through one-on-one coaching or 4-week interactive eCourses.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Morning Musing: Moral Traits vs. Performance Traits

2011-09-26T09:30:00.000-04:00

Last week on my Facebook page and Twitter feed, I posted this article from the New York Times entitled, "What if the Secret to Success is Failure?" I appreciated that it referred to a list of 24 character strengths developed by Drs. Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson that are consistent among cultures throughout the world. We use their assessment of strengths in my Personalize eCourse to identify key strengths as part of the process to create a personal mission statement and live a more passionate, fulfilling life. The New York Times article recounts the story of building these character strengths among students two very different New York City private schools.

I found a helpful distinction in the article between moral character traits and performance character traits. Have you ever thought about the difference? I hadn't, but once I thought about it, everything made so much sense. Moral character traits are ethical values like fairness, generosity, honesty and integrity while performance character traits include effort, optimism, social intelligence and perseverance. Both moral and performance character traits are important, and both can be taught. You may have learned many as a child, but you can learn them as an adult as well.

We have all seen examples of people who have developed their performance character traits and find great success, only to be brought down by their lack of moral character traits. Bernie Madoff comes to mind. However, my clients generally have heavily developed moral character traits and slightly less developed performance character traits.

In other words, my coaching clients are good people at the core who want to accomplish more with their lives.

They are exactly the type of people that we want to help have a greater influence on the world around them.

If that sounds like you, let's talk.

***
Develop performance character traits through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Mark your calendar: the next session of 4-week interactive eCourses runs October 18 through November 15: learn more about yourself, get completely organized or learn proven methods to reach your goals.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Choose Joy

2011-09-22T09:30:00.000-04:00

(Photo Source: etsy via pinterest)

***
Figure out what it means for you to choose joy. I can help you make a map to your own version of joy through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Mark your calendar: the next session of 4-week interactive eCourses runs October 18 through November 15: learn more about yourself, get completely organized or learn proven methods to reach your goals.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Get Set Up Right Away

2011-09-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

Current housing, all set up and ready to go

When I arrive in a new place, I unpack and set everything up right away. I find that if I don't do it in my first day or two, I don't ever really settle in. I also establish certain habits that I maintain throughout my time there. For example, if I don't do yoga on my first or second morning in a place, I struggle to do yoga the entire time I am there. Apparently this is the same with other behaviors among college students as they arrive for the freshman year. A recent article in the Washington Post reported on research around why college students attend (or don't attend) church during their years on campus. "Whether they also find time for church during their first two weeks on campus will set the mold for the rest of their college years, according to new research."

When you change locations or make another change is the best time to integrate a new habit in your life. It occurs to me that when you start a habit without another major change, you actually have to unlearn whatever you are accustomed to doing at that time of day or in that place. College students may get very attached to Sunday morning brunch and feel like they are missing something if they go to church, instead of finding a way to do both. People who want to exercise may need to give up on a TV show, something that wouldn't feel like a sacrifice if they had never gotten invested in the first place.

Starting a new habit without a change certainly isn't impossible. It's just good to be aware of the forces that are working for you and against you.

***
It all starts with getting more organized, and from there you can change your world. Live within your passions and make a difference. Learn how through one-on-one coaching by phone or email or 4-week interactive eCourses that start Tuesday, October 11.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Morning Musing: Excellence vs. Perfection

2011-09-19T09:30:00.000-04:00

{Photo found at http://www.connectedprincipals.com}

I have discussions all the time with clients, friends and eCourse participants around the topic of excellence vs. perfection. In fact, we were discussing it this weekend in my online eCourse, Organize. Often, we allow our quest for perfection to cause us to not take action at all. if it's not going to be perfect, it's not worth doing. The thing is, some things actually are worth doing and we need to be OK with achieving something less than perfection for the sake of getting it done. Aspire to excellence, not perfection.

In the things you do, or need to do, or aspire to do someday, what does it mean to be perfect and what does it mean to be excellent? Because doing nothing just so that you don't have to find out that you're not perfect is not a great choice. In this article from the New York Times, the author found that "in the end, unless you negotiate peace with the demon of perfectionism, you’re left with the ruins of a dream and a painful testament to personal shortcomings." The important thing was not that the author's project was perfect. The important things was that he finished.

***
How to you start to take action toward excellence instead of letting a quest for perfection hold you back? Let's talk about it and remove that barrier in a session of The Great Barrier Relief or any other of my one-on-one coaching options, available by telephone, email or a combination of both.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in its entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Things that Matter Most

2011-09-15T09:30:00.000-04:00

***
What's in the way of spending more of your time and energy on things that matter most? Let's talk about it and remove that barrier in a session of The Great Barrier Relief or any other of my one-on-one coaching options, available by telephone, email or a combination of both.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Don't Plan Anything for the Last Day

2011-09-13T09:30:00.000-04:00

{Image by photographer Mark Shaw

for LIFE Magazine in 1957 via Paris Hotel Boutique}

I always try to keep my schedule as open as possible on my last day in a particular location whether I have been there for months, weeks or only a few days. I run my errands, see the most important people and places, and eat all my favorite meals before the last day. I even have a general idea of what I need to pack before the last day.

When I am at a multi-day event and I run into people who say "we should grab coffee while we're here" I schedule it right away, but not for the last day.

If I remove the last day as a possible day to do things, I move the urgency earlier and actually do all sorts of things earlier. Doing "last day things" when I know it's not really the last day is also great, because I know that if something doesn't go quite right, I actually have one more day.

Keeping my last day free allows me to spend a little more time on anything that has held meaning for me in that place. On my last days in various locations I have had time to talk for hours with a close friend without worrying about travel plans, sit outside the Sydney Opera House and watch the sun set, take advantage of unexpected opportunities because I know that things are all set for my impending departure.

Planning ahead actually gives you more opportunity to be flexible and have a meaningful experience before your departure.

***
The next round of 4-week interactive eCourses starts TODAY! There is still room for you, so find out more and reserve your spot to create your personal mission statement, organize your time and space, or learn to reach goals once and for all.

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Is it time make a creative and lasting impact on your personal life or organization? I can help you make a map to your goal through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Morning Musing: Lifelong Learner

2011-09-12T09:30:00.000-04:00

{Poster Art by Mitch Markovitz}

Whether or not you are still involved in education, doesn't the fall always make you think back to school?

When I attended Valparaiso University for my undergraduate degree, I was part of the honors college, a smaller group within the larger university with its own building, faculty and courses in the humanities. Although we declared our own major, our courses at the honors college fulfilled almost all of our general education requirements with an interdisciplinary approach. Instead of taking separate classes in, say, history, theology and art appreciation, we learned about all three interacted throughout the centuries. We also integrated ourselves together as a freshmen class during our first semester when we had to write, produce and perform a musical that embodied the themes of what we learned.

One of my favorite parts of our education was symposium. Every Thursday night, the entire honors college including all four years of students plus the faculty, gathered together for one hour to learn and discuss one topic. I love the way in which the symposium gave us all something common to think about even though we were all at different parts of our academic path. Everyone had something unique to contribute to the discussion because we were all approached the topic from a different angle.

The brilliance was that at the same time drew us together toward one set of ideas, symposium also provided a diversity of idea. Over the course of a semester, each individual would spend time at the symposium thinking about topics well outside his or her main interests because the topics were so diverse. For example, fall 2011 includes "Sex, Lies and Bad Romance: The Hunt for the Real Lady Gaga" lead by a musicologist, "Stewarding Creation: Why Christians Should Care about the Environment" lead by a biblical theologian, and "Sacred Space/Middle East" lead by an architectural historian. By considering a wide variety of topics, people made unique connections in their main area of study.

Liberal arts colleges around the world specialize in exposing their students to new ideas. If you are not attending school this fall, what are you doing to learn, grow and integrate new ideas into your life and work?

***
If it's time to learn about yourself and make extraordinary progress toward major goals in your personal or professional life, I can help. My 4-week Interactive eCourses start TOMORROW, September 13 or one-on-one coaching by phone or email starts any time!

Don't want to miss another blog post? Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Fear (and what to do about it)

2011-09-09T09:30:00.001-04:00

{Photo found on Pinterest}

I meet people on a semi-regular basis who say they would love to work with me as a life coach, but they are afraid.

I find it rather brave that they would tell me they are afraid. It tells me that they are only afraid of certain things, not everything. After a brief conversation, I discover that they are not actually afraid of me as a person (wheh!) but rather what they might discover they need to do as a result of our coaching conversations.

Anything can be frightening until you have more information, but sometimes you can't get all the information you need without actually doing the thing that frightens you.

So you can be stuck or you can face the fear.

I can tell you that I have done many things that started out very, very scary: move across the country by myself, buy and sell a condo, and leave a full time job with benefits in order to follow my passions. I have also not yet done many things that frighten me, but I'm working on it slowly.

Sometimes fear is a useful reaction that helps you avoid some sort of actual danger. Other times fear is something that you must acknowledge, assess, and then act anyway. What kind of fear are you experiencing? Talk about it, gather information, and find people to support you.

***
As a coach, I help people sort out which fears are worth listening to and which fears to manage and take action in spite of them. No matter which it turns out to be, I provide support and encouragement through the entire process, and help people live lives of passion and purpose. Check out one-on-one coaching by telephone or email and 4-week interactive eCourses that start this Tuesday, September 13.

Don't miss another blog post! Sign up on my website to have them delivered by email or become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook to see them in your news feed.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Extraordinary

2011-09-08T09:30:00.000-04:00

(Photo source: amazon.com via pinterest)

***
What will you do to make today extraordinary? If you believe it is possible and just don't know how, learn to make a solid plan for extraordinary days in my 4-week Interactive eCourses that start September 13.

Is it time make a creative and lasting impact on your personal life or organization? I can help you make a map to your goal through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Look in Unexpected Places

2011-09-06T19:41:00.000-04:00

This is an alley between two upper middle class apartment buildings on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.

I passed it many times while cat sitting in a nearby apartment without really looking down the alley.

Why would I look at the garbage waiting to be picked up?

I'm glad that I looked because I might have missed this:
Someone was throwing away a larger-than-life statue of the Incredible Hulk, masked only slightly by a tarp.

It was almost as though the Hulk was real, and trying to escape undetected after being held hostage by whoever his enemy is in the comic book series, and purposely standing very still until the garbage man came along and opened the gate that imprisoned him so that he could spring to action and make a surprise escape.

Or maybe my imagination is just a bit active, but I would have missed all the fun if I had hurried past instead of looking around.

***
The next round of 4-week interactive eCourses start in only a week! Registrations are rolling in, so find out more and reserve your spot to create your personal mission statement, organize your time and space, or learn to reach goals once and for all.

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

Is it time make a creative and lasting impact on your personal life or organization? I can help you make a map to your goal through one-on-one coaching by phone or email.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts

2011-09-01T09:30:00.003-04:00

(Photo Source: etsy.com via Pinterest)

"Turn your can'ts into cans and your dreams into plans."

Brilliant.

And totally possible.

Find out how at tonight's webinar, Thursday, September 1 at 6pm PDT/9pm EDT. Sign up now.

Smooth Travels:

10 Essentials You Must Pack

for the Journey to your Next Big Goal.

It's part project managment, part psychology, part leadership lab.

It's full of stories, practical tips, exercises, and entirely new ways to think about your goals.

And did I mention that it's free? And that everyone who registers will be offered a discount on my coaching packages? It's all true.

Reserve your spot if you plan to complete a goal of any kind in the next 6-12 months.*

* Examples of goals may include, but are not limited to: train for a marathon, knit a scarf, change jobs, start an 80s rock cover band, clean out the produce drawer of your fridge, become vegetarian, start a club, join a club, move to a new home, become a croquet champion, make all of your holiday gifts, get married and/or learn the fine art of taxidermy.

Talk to you later on the webinar.

***

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

Is it time to pursue your life-long goal or to make a creative and lasting impact on your organization? I can help you make a map to your goal through one-on-one coaching by phone or email and interactive eCourses.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post or my coaching giveaway? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Plan Ahead to Have Your Work Done Early

2011-08-30T09:30:00.025-04:00

Non-perishables and other necessities

You may recall my post in July with the same title as today's post: Plan Ahead to Have Your Work Done Early. This past week, I did a better job of following my own advice. Faced with Hurricane Irene and potential power outages, I worked ahead on many things.

Wrote blog posts and other social media
Contacted people who were scheduled for one-on-one coaching sessions early in the week
Made other arrangements for plans with friends
Confirmed the cancellation of a Rodgers and Hammerstein show I was supposed to sing in
Picked up batteries, a flashlight and a radio from my storage unit
Bought non-perishable food items

In fact, every step of the way, from shopping to communicating about plans to retrieving supplies, I never felt rushed or stressed. By shopping Thursday instead of Friday, I actually was able to buy all of the food that I wanted before the shelves were empty. By having batteries and a flashlight well ahead of time, I did not have to fight the crowds to buy those items. I even had time in the midst of my hurricane preparations to get a massage, and time to sit and talk with a friend who I ran into just hours before the rain began. Why? Because I was prepared.

Of course all storms are unpredictable. Now that it's over, I realize that my area was spared and my thoughts are with others who are still recovering. Yet, at least the "storm" didn't start early for me with a flurry of rushing through necessary errands before things were sold out or the transit system shut down (as it did at noon on Saturday). I also didn't cross that line into living from a place of fear by over-preparing, which we've all seen someone do. I calmly used the information I had to prepare the best I could, and trusted that I could handle whatever unexpected things came my way.

The best part of the storm for me: I had time to create a whole new webinar: "Smooth Travels: 10 Essentials you must pack for the Journey to your Next Big Goal." Join me for a free 60-minute webinar this Thursday, September 1 at 6 pm PDT / 9 pm EDT.

***
Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

Is it time to pursue your life-long goal or to make a creative and lasting impact on your organization? I can help you make a map to your goal through one-on-one coaching by phone or email and interactive eCourses.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post or my coaching giveaway? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Give Yourself Extra Time

2011-08-23T09:30:00.004-04:00

(Photo Source: hellowendysgems.com via Pinterest)

I think many people have a tendency to make a stressful situation even more stressful through one simple act: being late. It seems that at some point mid-trip, many people who leave late suddenly decide that they want to be on time. They are truly upset about the traffic jam, or the train delay, or the person crossing the street slowly, or the lack of parking. These same people seem to think something truly horrible will happen if they leave early, arrive early, and have to wait at their destination for something to begin. To them I say: bring along something to read. You'll be fine.

A couple years ago I stopped almost all hurrying and my life is much better for it. I am not always on time, but I strive for it and take ownership for when I am late. Here are a few of my rules:

The further you are going, the more buffer time you need.
The more unfamiliar your destination, the more buffer time you need.
The more important the event, the more buffer time you need.
If there is a child involved, leave even earlier, and bring something to entertain them.

So, for example, if you are in an unfamiliar town going to an unknown church for your favorite cousin's wedding and are bringing along a baby, leave really, really early. Not only will you be calmer if you become lost or delayed, you honor your favorite cousin by not having him or her worry about where you are and when you'll arrive.

When it's all said and done, being on time is a matter of respect for others and integrity in showing up when you said you would.

***
Big news! I am going to offer a *free* 60-minute webinar called "What to Pack for the Journey to Your Next Huge Goal." It will include useful exercises, helpful tips, real-life stories and everything you need in order to prepare to meet your goal. This is perfect for anyone headed back to school, switching careers, launching a new program in their organization or considering how to make a difference in the world. There will also be a fun giveaway and discounts for participants! Mark your calendar for Thursday, September 1 at 9 pm EDT (6 pm PDT) and check back for registration information tomorrow on The Urban Nomad Blog, Urban Nomad's Facebook page or Twitter tomorrow.

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post or my coaching giveaway? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Morning Musing: It's Not All About the Worst Part

2011-08-22T09:30:00.035-04:00

(Photo Source: curlyinthecity.com via Pinterest)

Sometimes when I consider all of the effort it would take to do my daily series of yoga, pilates, ballet and strength training, I'm overwhelmed. It seems like too much effort.

Way too much effort.

Remembering how hard it will be makes me not want to do anything at all. Then I remember that I don't have to start with the hardest part, I get to start with gentle stretches. Each part of the exercises build into the harder parts, and by the time I get to the difficult parts I'm ready. It's still hard but I'm warmed up and ready to go.

We often focus on the worst part of a project as a way to convince ourselves not to do any part of it. We even characterize the entire experience by the worst part of it. We can't ignore the hard part, we need to be ready, but we also need to keep in mind the good part. In my scenario, I also need to focus on how much I love to stretch before and after strength exercises, how good I'll feel afterward, and the long-term effects on my body.

And so, without further ado, I shall start with today's series of exercises.

***
Big announcement tomorrow! Stay tuned for a fun new *free* opportunity! I can't give away too many details yet so be sure to check in on The Urban Nomad Blog, Urban Nomad's Facebook page or Twitter tomorrow.

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

Is it time to pursue your life-long goal or to make a creative and lasting impact on your organization? I can help you make a map to your goal through one-on-one coaching by phone or email and interactive eCourses.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post or my coaching giveaway? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: You Are Never Too Old

2011-08-18T09:30:00.001-04:00


(Photo Source: imgfave.com)

***
What is your new goal or dream? What's standing in your way? Win one free email/phone session of my new coaching package, The Great Barrier Relief. To enter, become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook, then tag Urban Nomad in a comment on your own Facebook page by Friday, August 19. A winner will be announced on Facebook next Monday, August 22. Good luck!

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

Is it time to pursue your life-long goal or to make a creative and lasting impact on your organization? I can help you make a map to your goal through one-on-one coaching by phone or email and interactive eCourses.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post or my coaching giveaway? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Pack the Proper Technology

2011-08-16T09:30:00.006-04:00

Today's Travel Tip is brought to you by a guest blogger, Julyne Derrick. Julyne and I met when we worked as camp counselors at Sky Ranch Lutheran Camp in Colorado on summer breaks during college. Since then, she has built a successful career as a journalist that included many years at MSN before becoming a freelancer last year. You can read more of her work at http://beauty.about.com.

I've traveled all over the world this year since I started working for myself and the one thing that has saved me every time is packing the proper technology.

Since I'm a writer, I have to have a laptop with me at all times and I've lugged my heavy 6-pound MacBook Pro across the United States, to Mexico, Bermuda and Thailand. Never again. Not only is it bad for the back, but it takes up so much space in my carry-on. This year before my October trip to India I'm going to invest in a MacBook Air, which is featherlight and under $1,000. Don't want a MacBook? Consider the iPad or a Netbook PC.

Instead of packing a travel alarm clock or a heavy camera, I use my iPhone, which takes amazing pictures and videos and works as an alarm clock as well. Just make sure to get the International plan if you're traveling abroad or at least turn off your data roaming so you don't end up with a $5,000 phone bill.

Perhaps my biggest indulgence for travel is the Kindle. I'm an avid reader when I travel and the Kindle holds a library of books so I no longer have to pack a bunch of paperbacks, leaving them at hotels in my wake as I finish them. I've used mine on the beach, by the pool (that's me pictured below with my Kindle in Bermuda), on the airplane, on trains and on subways. I make sure to pack a tiny headlamp so I can read it under the the covers at night and not wake up my traveling companion. The iPad may be an even better bet because you get the reader and the laptop in one.

Happy travels!

***
Win one free email/phone session of my new coaching package, The Great Barrier Relief. To enter, become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook, then tag Urban Nomad in a comment on your own Facebook page by Friday, August 19. A winner will be announced on Facebook next Monday, August 22. Good luck!

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

Is it time to pursue your life-long goal or to make a creative and lasting impact on your organization? I can help you make a map to your goal through one-on-one coaching by phone or email and interactive eCourses.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post or my coaching giveaway? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Morning Musing: Hard Workers and Whiz Kids

2011-08-15T09:30:00.005-04:00

(Photo Source pixdaus.com via Pinterest)

In the last two weeks, I have talked to five different people who seem to be "stuck" in their careers. Oddly enough, they all have something in common. Early on, they were the Whiz Kids. The stars. Opportunities were handed to them because they were enormously talented and highly educated for their field. As they were given better opportunities, they exerted enough effort to make a good showing and got even better at what they did. They started to become well known within their field. They knew all the right people and did all the right things. They climbed the mountain and enjoyed the view.

So why are they stuck? It turns out that while the Whiz Kids were being handed everything and enjoying the view, others, we'll call them the Hard Workers, were fighting for every last opportunity. The Hard Workers took longer to get where the Whiz Kids are, but along the way they learned to go after what they wanted and put in a lot of extra work. The extra work was difficult and often inconvenient, so the Hard Workers asked themselves if it was worth all that, well, Hard Work. And for those whose answer was yes, they redoubled their efforts toward the goal.

And then one day the Hard Workers caught up to and surpassed the Whiz Kids. And the Whiz Kids were shocked. In fact, they looked around and didn't even see anyone else, because the Hard Workers had moved on to another mountain, which they climbed even faster. It wasn't because they were more skilled. It was because the Hard Workers learned so much about themselves as they climbed the first mountain that they were better prepared for the second mountain.

Eventually everyone can develop the skills for the job. The winners for the long haul also develop the necessary internal resources. They know if the goal is what they really want, and they are willing to do whatever it takes, even when it's inconvenient, as long as it aligns with their sense of right and wrong. The Hard Workers have the passion. The Whiz Kids who get stuck just haven't had to test their passion yet. They have gotten as far as their education and talent and connections will take them. They have an interest or ability in their field, but now they need to decide if they have the passion.

I can hardly wait to hear what the Whiz Kids in my life decide, because either way, they have an exciting road ahead.

Thursday Thoughts: Go Somewhere

2011-08-11T09:30:00.001-04:00

(Photo Source: fordesignssake.blogspot.com via Pinterest)

***
Ifyou are ready to go somewhere new in your life but you don't know how to get there, you'll love my new coaching packages and giveaways later today on the Urban Nomad Facebook Page. Become a fan so you're ready for tonight's announcement!

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

My goal this summer is to coach 25 new clients! Find out more about one-on-one coaching by phone or email and interactive eCourses.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post or my upcoming coaching giveaways? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Do Your Homework

2011-08-09T09:30:00.002-04:00

When I was somewhere in the tween years, my family took a summer vacation that involved driving from Minnesota to Missouri. On the way there, my mother made us read "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain. It may have just been a way for an English teacher to get her children to read the classics, but it greatly enhanced the vacation. By the time we arrived in Hannibal, Missouri, we knew all about the white picket fence and Becky Thatcher and the importance of the Mississippi River. We took a riverboat ride and learned about how Samuel Clemens took the pen name Mark Twain. We took a cave tour that was just like the caves where Tom and Becky hid. It wasn't completely fabricated for tourists, it was all there, just like in the books, because we were in the boyhood home of the author.

Without reading the book, it would have been a fine vacation, but knowing the significance of things made us a participant. It felt like the books had come to life, and we couldn't wait to read more.

Do your homework before you visit a place. It makes it so much more fun.

***
I can hardly wait to reveal my new coaching packages and coaching session giveaways! All the details will be available later this week on the Urban Nomad Facebook Page. Become a fan today! For those who can't wait, here's a clue: it has something to do with Longitudes and (L)attitudes.

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

My goal this summer is to coach 25 new clients! Find out more about one-on-one coaching by phone or email and interactive eCourses.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post or my upcoming coaching giveaways? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: Grow Into Your Dreams

2011-08-04T09:30:00.002-04:00

(Photo Source: etsy.com via Pinterest)

***

Plans are coming together for my new coaching packages and coaching session giveaways! All the details will be revealed next week on the Urban Nomad Facebook Page. Become a fan today!

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

My goal this summer is to coach 25 new clients! Find out more about one-on-one coaching by phone or email and interactive eCourses.

Do you know a smart, creative, spiritually-minded person who might be interested in this blog post or my upcoming coaching giveaways? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Tuesday Travel Tip: How to Prepare for Laundry on the Road

2011-08-02T09:30:00.002-04:00

Do you ever go away long enough that you have to do laundry? If you're able to make it to a laundromat they may sell single "servings" of detergent, but if you end up doing laundry in a hotel or campground you may not be so lucky. Enter one of my favorite inventions: 3-in-1 laundry sheets. Purex makes sheets that are detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets all in one. I love the efficiency. I carry a few in a Ziplock along with my Shout Color Catchers in case I have to mix colors in a small load on the road. That way I have my laundry needs covered without either a liquid or a powder that could potentially open up in transit and get all over everything in my suitcase.

Yes, there are a lot of brand names in today's post. No, they're not paying me to say this. I just pass it along as a public service because I've done the research and I have found what works. Go for the brand names, it's worth it on this issue.

***
Big news coming up next week regarding new types of coaching and coaching session giveaways! All the details will be revealed first on the Urban Nomad Facebook Page. Become a fan today!

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

My goal this summer is to coach 25 new clients! Find out more about one-on-one coaching by phone or email and interactive eCourses.

Do you know someone who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Monday Musing: Contribute to the System

2011-08-01T09:30:00.002-04:00

(Source: architizer.com via Pinterest)

On this day of debt ceilings and federal budgets and taxes in the United States, I think back to a recent conversation with an acquaintance who was ranting about how his tax dollars were being used to fund a playground. He never planned to have children and didn't see the point of paying for something akin to toys for someone else's child. "It's not like it's a school or something useful. This has nothing to do with me."

Actually, it has a lot to do with him. I explained how a playground keeps the high-earning parents of those children in our community, paying local taxes and funding all sorts of things. If the families stay here instead of commuting from some other place with more playgrounds, they also may take in some local entertainment, thereby directly supporting my performer-acquaintance. I also pointed out that he has a vested interest in those children growing up healthy and strong so they will be ready to take care of him in his old age, since he doesn't want children.

Whether it's taxes or doing a favor for someone or making a donation, sometimes it's not about your immediate individual return on investment. Sometimes it's a secondary benefit, and sometimes it just won't benefit you at all. Of course you don't waste your time and money, you just may need to look a bit further to see where it's going. You contribute because it's about keeping the system strong and living an orderly, generous, pleasant life. And who's to say we won't try out that playground some evening after the children get tucked into bed?
***
Big news coming up next week regarding new types of coaching and coaching session giveaways! All the details will be revealed first on the Urban Nomad Facebook Page. Become a fan today!

Want these blog posts delivered right to you email inbox? Sign up on my website!

My goal this summer is to coach 25 new clients! Find out more about one-on-one coaching by phone or email and interactive eCourses.

Do you know someone who might be interested in this blog post? Please forward it in it's entirety, compliments of Dawn Trautman, Urban Nomad. Copyright, 2011.

Thursday Thoughts: What You Do Speaks So Loudly

2011-07-28T09:30:00.003-04:00

(Source: thiswaytojoy.blogspot.com via Pinterest)

Today's Thursday thought goes along with another more well know quote: actions speak louder than words.

What do you say you believe in?

Do your actions support your belief or work against it?

You can say that you value a sustainable earth, but your friend notices you throwing away plastic bottles instead of recycling, or driving somewhere when you could walk.

You say you want to lose weight, but your friend sees you continue to sit on the couch and watch reality television when you could exercise and order an extra dessert even though there is no special occasion.

Will your friend remember your words or your actions? And what will make a larger long-term impact, your words or your actions?
***
Live life fully and deeply. Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone. The next round of Online Interactive e-courses start August 2 and run for four weeks. All coaching is firmly grounded in organizational psychology, business administration, theology and the very best philosophical thought from around the world.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Thursday Thoughts: Another Ode to Books

2011-07-21T09:30:00.001-04:00

Earlier this week I wrote an ode to books. It only seems fitting to follow up with a quote about books, especially on the heels of the release of a movie that dramatized one of the most successful series of books of our time.

I remember the release of the seventh book in the Harry Potter Series. I had friends visiting me in New York City, two adults and one teenager. The night before the book came out, we decided to check out the official Harry Potter block party at Scholastic, where they were counting down to midnight when the book would be released. The line to enter the party was blocks long. After calculating the hours we would wait just to enter, we decided instead to just say a quick hello to a friend of mine who worked for Scholastic and was already inside. While chatting across the barricade with my friend, someone influential recognized me from a show. In one of those quintessential New York moments, we were wisked into the party as the special guests of the president of Scholastic.

The next day, the teenager in our midst was completely engrossed in the book, as were many people in the city. It was fun to see almost everyone reading the same book on subways, buses and in city parks. It was impressive when you saw someone near the end of the book, because you knew that everyone started at the same time. Even more so, it is so rare that everyone in our country is caught up in a book, and therefore caught up in the same set of ideas.

In this case, perhaps the movie lives up to the book. Having not seen this weekend's blockbuster movie, I have no opinion, although I trust the many people who tell me they enjoyed it. This is also a rare case when many of the people who saw the movie actually read the book. I encourage you to remember how enriching that is. The next time you consider seeing a movie based on a book, read the book first. And then read another book that hasn't even been made into a movie. There are so many exciting ideas and stories for your imagination to enjoy.
***

Live life fully and deeply. Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone. The next round of Online Interactive e-courses start August 2 and run for four weeks. All coaching is firmly grounded in organizational psychology, business administration, theology and the very best philosophical thought from around the world.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Keep Your Things Together While in Transit

2011-07-19T09:30:00.001-04:00

Since I live in New York City without a car, I spend a lot of time on public transportation. Sometimes I am in transit long enough that I need more than one thing out of my bag: a snack, a book, an iPod, perhaps music that I am memorizing (which is what I've been doing lately on public transportation). However, I have learned over the years to keep all of my things together inside my bag. I only take out what I am am actively using at the time: first a snack, and when I am done my book, etc. I have seen too many people have their things all over the seat beside them, and then suddenly see a connecting train and jump up to catch it, leaving behind something important. Even on airplanes I keep everything inside my bag except what I'm currently actively using, ever since I left behind a favorite book in the pocket of the seat in front of me, having stored it there before snoozing off on an international flight. Sometimes it becomes necessary to keep my wallet out to show a ticket or passport more than once during a trip. Thus, I use my wristlet as a wallet since I can have it connected to me when it's not inside my bag.

Keep your things together to have a smoother trip.

***
Move toward excellence with proven, scientific methods to know yourself better, understand how your thoughts influence the world around you, and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of Online Interactive e-courses starts August 2 and runs for four weeks. Can't wait? Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Monday Morning Musing: An Ode to Books

2011-07-18T09:30:00.004-04:00

(Photo: The Reader by Jennifer Zwick)

I love social media. Here I am writing a blog, and I also keep up with Facebook and Twitter. I even have an account on Google+, although I don't really understand it yet. I love how I can scroll through short posts from friends that keep me updated on events that range from personal opinions to worldwide news events. I also love the unexpected conversations that crop up, allowing me to exchange ideas with a wide range of people.

Recently, I noticed that by scanning through unrelated bits of information all the time, I don't need to pay much attention. One sentence has nothing to do with the next because they were written by two different Facebook friends or Tweeters. Social media actually encourages one to forget about the previous sentence since it is not related anyway. Even a blog generally only has a couple paragraphs. Once I had Twitter and Facebook on my phone, I developed a certain expectation that I'll get brand new bits of information at all times.

Does this matter? I think it does. I am the first to admit an interest in wide range of topics, and often call myself, in the words of author Barbara Sher, a "scanner" instead of a "specialist". However, now that society feeds my scanning tendency 24 hours a day, I don't want to lose my ability to fully engage with an entire series of related thoughts from one author, which is why I now purposely seek out books. Books allow me to really understand a few things from all angles or meet new people and places. I never really stopped reading books, I just slowly shifted away from reading books in bits of spare time, saving it as a planned activity after I've already checked in with all my social media. And to be fair, I must admit I read on a Kindle, another electronic device, but the words are all there.

Deep, well thought out ideas from one source still have a place in our world. Pick up a book sometime soon, before you loose your attention span.

***
Deep, well thought out conversations also have a place in your world. Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Learn more about yourself in fun, systematic ways! The next round of Online Interactive e-courses start August 2 and run for four weeks.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Plan Ahead to Have Your Work Done Early

2011-07-12T09:30:00.014-04:00

Several times throughout a given week, things happen that make me say, "That would make a good blog post." And then I take a picture with my phone, partly as a photo for the blog and partly to remind myself of the idea. Then, when I sit down to do a batch of blog posts such as Tuesday Travel Tips, all of the photos are right there in my phone, ready to go. The system works well, right up until I get behind and have to do the Tuesday Travel Tip in the wee hours of a Tuesday morning, (and by wee I mean that only 9 of my 870 Facebook friends are currently logged in), and I just downloaded a "required" update for my phone, and in the process the phone forgot how to connect to the internet, and I can no longer email the photos from my phone to my blog.

And so, dear readers, that is how it came to pass that I am posting a Tuesday Travel Tip with no photo. I'm sorry. I promise I have all sorts of great photos waiting on my phone, which I will send to this blog for future Tuesday Travel Tips. I never would have even had to admit this small technical difficulty if I'd made sure that I'd worked further ahead on the Tuesday Travel Tips instead of waiting to do this only hours before it's "due."

Plan ahead to have your work done, so that things continue to run as smoothly as possible, even when something unexpected happens.

***
Stay organized with your time, space, money (and blog posts!). Now is the time to make a change. Get started with this eCourse, Organize, which starts today and runs for 4 weeks.

Want personalized coaching? Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Be Your Best You

2011-07-08T09:30:00.004-04:00

My most viewed blog post of all time is A Walking Tour of Charleston, SC. I think I did fine with it, but I don't think it's 150% better than my second most viewed post, Now Boarding on Track 4, or twice as good as my third most viewed post, Lessons in Confidence from Maria Von Trapp. You see, the perfectionist in me wishes that the fourth place post, America's Leading Expert House Guest, ranked higher. I want people to start to get to know me as an Urban Nomad and someone with great additional insights for all types of journeys. I want to control the message.

You know what? You don't know how people are going to get to know you. You don't know what will "go viral", either online or person to person. Make sure that what you put out there in the real world and online is a great version of you. People don't expect you to be perfect. However, you do yourself a service by being the best version of the real you as often as you can. Being consistent is one version of integrity. Have your consistent message be something great. Not fake, great.

Do what you can to make sure that what you do, say and write would be OK if it went viral or was someone's first impression.

***
Learn more about yourself in fun, systematic ways! The next round of Online Interactive e-courses starts July 12 and runs for four weeks, or find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Thursday Thoughts: Habits

2011-07-07T09:30:00.005-04:00

(Source: staycalmandbreathe.tumblr.com via Dawn on Pinterest)

Two of my eCourses, Organize and Realize, wrapped up last week. In both of those courses, we talked a lot about forming good habits. That's why I love this quote from Aristotle:

We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.

I think we can all agree that Aristotle knew a thing or two about excellence.

Will the things that you repeatedly do add up to excellence, or just a repetitive task?

What could you start doing in order to achieve excellence?

What could you stop doing that is standing in the way of excellence?

***
Move toward excellence with proven, scientific methods to know yourself better, understand how your thoughts influence the world around you, and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of Online Interactive e-courses starts July 12 and runs for four weeks. Can't wait? Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Truly Experience Things as They Happen

2011-07-05T09:30:00.006-04:00

This is a sample of the red, white and blue appetizers we had on the roof of my friend's apartment as we waiting for the Independence Day fireworks to begin in New York City last night. I also have a couple pictures of friends and other rooftop views, especially as the sun went down. What I don't have is a picture of the fireworks. You see, I love fireworks, and if I'd been concerned about getting a good picture of the fireworks I would not have truly enjoyed the display. I would have focused on framing the photo, timing it out with the burst of color, and constantly wondering if I could make the next photo even more spectacular. However, I didn't want to "waste" this fireworks display by doing all that. Although the fireworks go on for quite some time, they don't happen every day, and I wanted to see them all. I also knew that plenty of other people were taking photos, and that it was being televised. If I really need to have a record of the fireworks, I can find it quite easily.

If you put all of your focus on saving the memory for later by trying to record it, you may never truly have the experience in the first place.

***

Summer is a great time to take your life to a whole new level! Find out more about 4-week Online Interactive e-courses that begin July 12 or one-on-one coaching by email or phone. My goal is to help 25 new clients reach their goals this summer. Let's talk!

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Thursday Thoughts: Come Alive

2011-06-30T12:35:00.000-04:00

There is nothing more compelling than someone who is passionate about what they're doing. The kindergarten teacher who seems to effortlessly manage the children and spark their learning, the restaurant owner who greets each guest and ensures they have a marvelous dining experience, the writer whose work transports you to another time and place.

What makes you come alive? Really, truly come alive? When do you lose track of time, get totally immersed in your project, and find that balance between being challenged and begin qualified to do what you need to do? It's called a sense of flow, and it's one of the times that you are working at your highest level. It's going to be different for everyone, and that's the great thing about it. We all come alive from different things and we all offer the world different things. And the world needs what you have to offer.

***
Today is the last day before prices rise on interactive eCourses! Find out about Online Interactive e-courses before the price goes up to $75 on July 1 or find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: A Place to Hang Your Hat

2011-06-28T09:30:00.001-04:00

Today's Tuesday Travel Tip is somewhat more useful for hosts of house guests than the travelers themselves: Put a hook on the back of the door of the guest room (or whatever room becomes a guest room). A hook is mega-useful for things such as wet towels or hanging out clothing that may have gotten crinkled in transit. Such a tiny, simple thing makes all the difference.

Tip for the traveler: don't forget what you hung on the hook! Be sure nothing gets left behind!

My goal is to help 25 new clients reach their goals by the end of the summer! So far I'm at 6. Who's next? Sign up for the next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses before the price goes up to $75 on July 1 or find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Guard Your Time

2011-06-21T09:30:00.015-04:00

(Gathering of friends in Christchurch, New Zealand)

It's so exciting to revisit a place where you know a lot of people. It can become an endless series of coffees, lunches and walks in the park. What I have found is that if I do too much of that, I end up with shallow relationships with lots of people instead of meaningful relationships with a few people. Thus, when I go to a place where I know a lot of people, I don't always advertise that I am coming. Before I arrive, I set up large blocks of time with a few people so that we share real experiences, not just a quick meal where we each give a hurried overview of our lives. Once I am there, I may set up a gathering for the group of people I am not seeing one-on-one. The list of people I see may change from one trip to the next, but I find that over the years I'd rather have deep, sustaining relationships with a few people, so I make time for them and guard that time.

If it's a short trip, I may never even tell large groups of people that I was there, but instead spend more time with a few close friends. Of course there is always the possibility when you "sneak" into town and that you may be spotted. On one recent trip to Minnesota, friends of friends that I'd stayed with on a trip to New Zealand spotted me at the The Mall of America. They texted the mutual friend, who texted me, and the jig was up. We all laughed about how I thought I'd covered all my bases but never considered that friends from New Zealand might be at the Mall of America.

Apparently my international fame has reached new heights. Until yours does, guard your time on your trips so that you have time for the people that you came to visit.

***
Not sure what you'd learn in an eCourse? Know yourself better before that next date/job interview/big life-changing decision. Understand how your thoughts influence the world around you so that you can organize your space, time and money. Learn how to set and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses starts July 12 and runs for four weeks. Can't wait? Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Thursday Thoughts: Please Take Responsbility

2011-06-16T09:30:00.001-04:00

(Source: etsy.com via Holly on Pinterest)

Since the Tuesday Travel Tips have been going so well (thank you for your supportive feedback!), I decided that it would be fun to add another weekly series: Thursday Thoughts.

I was reminded of this quote when a coaching client of mine mentioned that Oprah used it on her last episode:

"Please Take Responsibility for the energy you bring into this space."
- Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor

I love it.

Are you often aware of the energy you bring into a room?

In what situations could you take more responsibility for the energy you bring into the room?

What difference would it make?

***

Take responsibility: know yourself better, understand how your thoughts influence the world around you, and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses starts July 12 and runs for four weeks. Can't wait? Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Bring Empty Plastic Bags

2011-06-14T09:30:00.003-04:00

As much as I'd like to save the world, I always travel with a 2-3 empty plastic bags of various sizes: an extra quart ziplock, gallon ziplock and larger plastic bag from a store. They come in handy when

it's time to pack and something is wet
your bag is overpacked and something needs to come out for it to fit in the overhead compartment
a zipper breaks on another bag and things come spilling out
a previously packed liquid suddenly becomes a potential spill or develops a leak
you want to organize things within a larger bag
you opened a bag of something (pretzels, bobby pins, etc.) and you want to prevent the contents from spilling all over your larger bag or vehicle
you find a treasure that is slightly dirty and you don't want to get the sand or dirt on everything else
your MacGyver-esque friend can fashion something interesting out of the bag to save the day

All of these scenarios have happened to me. Plastic bags are infinitely useful.

***
Learn proven, scientific methods to know yourself better, understand how your thoughts influence the world around you, and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses starts July 12 and runs for four weeks. Can't wait? Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Drink More Water

2011-06-07T09:30:00.001-04:00

For eight years I had a job that involved taking groups of teenagers on cross country trips to do service projects. (And you think you have a lot of variables in your travel plans .... ) I found that many problems could be solved by drinking more water.

"I'm thirsty."
"Drink more water."

"I'm tired."
"Drink more water."

"I have a headache."
"Drink more water."

"I have a cramp in my side."
"Drink more water."

"I'm hot."
"Drink more water."

It got to a point in which a junior high girl came to me and said, "Suzy is driving me crazy. [Long pause. Short sigh.] I know, drink more water."

You never know what will happen on the road. Be prepared for it. Drink more water.

***
Learn proven, scientific methods to know yourself better, understand how your thoughts influence the world around you, and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses starts July 12 and runs for four weeks. Can't wait? Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Did you miss last Tuesday's travel tip? It was in this newsletter.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Anticipate their Needs

2011-06-06T09:30:00.003-04:00

Last Monday was Memorial Day here in the United States. It's the unofficial start of summer. Many people, including the people in my house, celebrate by having outdoor parties that often include grilling.

Our local grocery store ran out of buns. Every shape and size was sold out. Yes, sold out on Memorial Day, second only to 4th of July as a Major Grilling Holiday.

Having never run a grocery store myself, I don't know all of the intricacies of buying extra supplies of traditional foods for certain holidays. However, I know that a lack of buns made us do all of our shopping at a store across town. This grocery store didn't just lose the profit on the buns, they lost the opportunity to sell us all of the supplies for our large gathering. One important missing link, and the whole sale was lost.

You may not own a grocery store, but you provide something to someone sometime or somewhere. Anticipate the needs of the people you serve, and the rewards will be great.

***
Not organized enough to anticipate the needs of others? A new session of my $59 interactive eCourse, Organize, starts today and runs through July 2.

Want more than an online course? Find out more about one-on-one coaching by email or phone.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Bring Your Own Spork

2011-05-24T09:30:00.008-04:00

More often than not, I have a spork with me. It's a lovely pink plastic one that is fairly durable and definitely reusable. Here's just a sample of the myriad of situations in which it comes in handy:

"Want to try this? It's really delicious."
"Oops! We ran out of utensils at the picnic."
"Oh, wait, I forgot to grab a spoon from the frozen yogurt shop."
"My ice cream cone is melting!"
"Welcome to your new sublet. We haven't done the dishes in awhile."

The answer to all of these?

"No problem, I brought my own spork."

***
It requires more than a spork and a smile to be strategic about your life. Learn proven, scientific methods to know yourself better, understand how your thoughts influence the world around you, and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses starts NEXT WEDNESDAY, June 1, and runs for four weeks.

Do you know someone who would benefit from this blog post? Please consider forwarding it.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

People Who Figure Out How to Remember Things Are Better Off

2011-05-23T09:30:00.011-04:00

While I am in Illinois to perform in "Happy Days: The Musical" I live with the other out-of-town actors in a large house owned by the theater. I also have been bestowed with the title of House Mom, an actual paid position. (This seems to be a gender neutral term, as the House Mom for the previous show was a man. But I digress.)

As the House Mom, I assign chores, buy supplies, keep track of the company vehicle (a sporty minivan) and coordinate repairs. At our house meeting I made one request: if someone needs something, put it in writing. It could be a handwritten note, a text, an email or sky writing, but it needs to be in writing. Why? Because I know that I'll forget things that I hear, but I remember things that I read. Is that true for you? Or are you the opposite?

I observe so many people continuously forgetting things. "Oh sorry, I forgot to replace the banana that I ate. I'll bring one tomorrow." And then tomorrow comes, and they still forget. They never took the time to remind themselves. They probably remember at inopportune times, such as when they are falling asleep or taking a shower or otherwise unable to replace the banana.

Figure out how you remember things. Put a system in place to remind yourself. Why? Here are some of the top reasons:

Save yourself from the mental clutter of continuously remembering things you forgot, not doing them, and having to remember again.
Honor the people around you by "paying them back." They appreciate it, even if it's a banana, and they'll be more likely to help you in the future.
Good opportunities come to reliable people. I am not likely to recommend you to someone else for a cool opportunity if I don't think you'll follow through. I end up looking bad for making the recommendation, and someone else looses out on the opportunity.

***
Need help organizing your time, space or money? My 4-week Online Interactive e-courses called Organize starts June 1 and runs for four weeks for only $59.

Do you know someone who would benefit from this blog post? Please consider forwarding it.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Track the Price of Your Flight

2011-05-17T09:30:00.002-04:00

Many people have their favorite site to compare airline tickets or their favorite airline where they like to accumulate frequent flier miles. However, before you do that, check out Bing Travel. Bing gives you a helpful history of the price of your trip and even predicts whether to buy now before the price goes up or wait for the price to go down. Sure, they might be wrong, but they even explain what might happen if they're wrong. Plus, having a good guess is better than having no information at all and just waiting to see what happens with the price, crossing your fingers the whole time that you gamble correctly.

p.s. I am not being paid or compensated to sing the praises of Bing. I really just like it that much!

***
Learn proven, scientific methods to know yourself better, understand how your thoughts influence the world around you, and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses starts June 1 and runs for four weeks.

Do you know someone who would benefit from this blog post? Please consider forwarding it.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Take a Day Trip

2011-05-10T09:30:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, a friend and I took a day trip. (Our "weekend" falls on Monday since we work in theater.) As we drove away from town and into the countryside, we slowly began to talk about new topics. It wasn't a conscious choice, but as soon as we were away from our "bubble" in the town where we are living, we talked more and more about the world at large. When we arrived at another town after about an hour of driving, we got to see new things, walk among new people, and eat at places that we don't normally get to eat.

Not every trip requires months of planning, expensive choices, and requests for vacation time off of work. A quick trip can provide just the restoration that you need. Give it a try this spring.

***
Learn proven, scientific methods to know yourself better, understand how your thoughts influence the world around you, and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses starts June 1 and runs for four weeks.

Do you know someone who would benefit from this blog post? Please consider forwarding it.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

A Week in the Life of a Life Coach, Actress and Urban Nomad

2011-05-07T09:30:00.005-04:00

Some of my friends in the blog-o-sphere introduced me to Ali Edwards. She leads a scrapbooking project called Week in the Life. The idea is that once a year, you make a time capsule of what regular life is like. To find out more, visit her website.

For my Week in the Life, I followed many of Ali Edwards' suggestions. I also made it work for me. For example, I had my Week in the Life begin on Wednesday since that's when my week begins, after Monday and Tuesday off from performing in shows. I also noticed that Ali Edwards typically does The Week in the Life at the end of April. At first I thought I shouldn't do that week because of how much I had going on, and then I realized that's the point. I just capture a week, no matter what's happening.

I'm glad I did the project. Documenting a week made me think about what's important in my current situation, what I'll want to remember for the future, and who is in my world. I also found myself delighting in normal things, knowing that they won't always be normal once I move on. I even took photos of things like my food, my favorite beauty products, and my shoes because those photos will be a fun time capsule later on.

Start to appreciate normal life. Document it with photos, keep a detailed journal, or just discuss it with a partner. You may find a new appreciation for things that you weren't even noticing.

I will eventually put my pictures into a scrapbook the way Ali Edwards suggests, but for now I've gathered them into a video with a couple show clips. If you've ever wondered about the week of a life coach, actress, and Urban Nomad, here is a peek into my world.

A Week in the Life from Dawn Trautman on Vimeo.

(Having trouble viewing it? Watch it on Vimeo.)
***
Learn proven, scientific methods to know yourself better, understand how your thoughts influence the world around you, and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses starts June 1 and runs for four weeks.

Do you know someone who would benefit from this blog post? Please consider forwarding it.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Bring Your Power Source

2011-05-03T09:30:00.002-04:00

It is the rare hotel, airport, bus, train or rest stop that has enough power sources. In this era of laptops, phones, iPods, Kindles, and in my case, a space heater, more things need power than can generally be charged while on the road. I travel with a small power strip that comes in handy all the time. This one only has three plugs, which is perfect for me, but others may need even more plugs. (And just in case you're wondering, the TSA has never questioned my possession of so many cords in my carry-on. They always questions my tap shoes, but never my power strip.)

***

Learn proven, scientific methods to set and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses starts TODAY, Tuesday, May 3 and runs for four weeks.

Do you know someone who would benefit from this blog post? Please consider forwarding it.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

I don't want to brag ...

2011-05-02T09:30:00.002-04:00

... so I have others do it for me. I was so honored to be chosen by Tara Joyce for her April Innerpreneur Spotlight!

That's right, I'm an innerpreneur. Tara defines an innerpreneur as an entrepreneur who use their business to find personal fulfillment (creatively, spiritually, emotionally) and create social change. Surf on over to read my spotlight, and spend some time on her site to find out more about innerpreneurs.

Thank you for joining me on this journey!

***

Learn proven, scientific methods to set and reach your lifelong goals. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses starts TOMORROW, Tuesday, May 3 and runs for four weeks.

Do you know someone who would benefit from this blog post? Please consider forwarding it.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Keep Your Receipts Organized

2011-04-26T09:30:00.018-04:00

When you travel, do you keep receipts? Whether you need to turn them in for reimbursement, track them for tax purposes, or want to keep a tally of how much you spend on your trip, receipts can become overwhelming. Keep track of them with a tiny accordion file. This one is only 4x6 so it fits easily into my bag. I labeled it with five categories that correspond to the areas where I generally spend the most money. I can put receipts in there right away at the store or restaurant so that my wallet does not overflow with unorganized, important receipts. This way, I know right where to find them when I need them.

***

To truly get organized, you need to start by organizing your thoughts. Examine your expectations about your time, money, space and more in the next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses which start THIS THURSDAY, April 28, and run for four weeks.

Do you know someone who would benefit from this blog post? Please consider forwarding it.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Your Signature Piece represents Your Personal Brand

2011-04-25T09:30:00.030-04:00

These are the aprons that I wear as Marion Cunningham in Happy Days: The Musical. Yes, there are five. Yes, they coordinate to the costumes. She just wouldn't be Marion without the apron. Marion makes meals, works hard, loves and nurtures her family. All of her core values are represented by the aprons.

Do you have a signature piece of clothing or a small item that really captures your core values? Do people see you with that item on a regular basis?

***
Take time to define your core values and create a personal mission statement that embodies who you are and how you interact with the world around you. All this and more are available in the next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses which start THIS THURSDAY, April 28, and run for four weeks.

Do you know someone who would benefit from this blog post? Please consider forwarding it.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tuesday Travel Tip: Ship It

2011-04-19T09:30:00.004-04:00

It is only on very rare occasions that I check a bag. I began this personal policy long before airlines charged to check bags. I value the freedom to switch flights easily and to move quickly without dealing with heavy, bulky bags. I also like to leave the airport after I land, not wait at the baggage claim.

However, sometimes I go away for very long periods of time, even months. I can't get by with just a carry on, especially if the seasons change while I am away. In these cases, I ship my suitcase. I find that the major shipping companies will allow you to ship the bag itself, so you don't even need to pack your things into boxes. Not only is the bag there waiting for you at your destination, in many cases it is cheaper for me to ship the bag than pay for a taxi to the airport plus the fee involved with checking it. Still considering checking a bag? You also loose a bit of freedom as you travel. More than once, I have been allowed to make a last minute switch with my flights, but only after the gate agent made sure that I hadn't checked a bag.

Next time, ship it.

***
Explore who you were created to be. Create order in your world inner and outer world. Make a list of goals and learn to actually achieve them. The next round of $59 Online Interactive e-courses start NEXT THURSDAY, April 28 and run for four weeks.

Do you know someone who would benefit from this blog post? Please consider forwarding it.

Don't miss another Urban Nomad blog post! Become a fan of Urban Nomad on Facebook or visit the blog to sign up for email updates in the upper left hand corner.

Tap Shoes, Mary Kay, and Getting Things Done

2011-04-18T09:30:00.003-04:00

In my current role as Marion Cunningham in Happy Days: The Musical, the theater provides the shoes that I wear with my costume with one exception: tap shoes. I wear my own tap shoes in the show. (You'll have to come see it to discover why Marion Cunningham is tap dancing). Backstage at each performance, I have to put on a costume piece, pick up a prop, and get the shoes on and off semi-quietly, semi-quickly in semi-darkness. One shoe has a buckle that is very easy to manipulate. The other is a struggle every single time. Sometimes I hear the cue coming up and I don't have it buckled. It creates stress. However, I have found that if I work on the difficult buckle first, I am less stressed and get it to work in plenty of time to do everything else.

I read that Mary Kay Ash, founder of Mary Kay cosmetics, made a list of what she needed to do each day, and then started with the hardest thing on the list. Same concept. What do you need to do today? Start with the hardest thing and get it done. If you leave the hard part for last, you add layers of stress that make it even harder.