Thursday Thoughts: What You Get

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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.

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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

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

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.

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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

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?)

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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.

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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

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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

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.

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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

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?

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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!

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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

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:

1. we must ask for what we need 
2. 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!

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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

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.
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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

(Photo source: piccsy.com)

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

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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

(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

(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.
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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

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

(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!

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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

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.

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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.

Monday Musings: Food vs. Technology

(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.

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

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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

(From sisterspock.tumblr.com )

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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

(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.

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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?

(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.

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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

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

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.

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

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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

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?

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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.

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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

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

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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

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.
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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

(Photo source: etsy.com via pinterest)

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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

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.

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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

{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!

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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.