Carol Schulte

Get your /BRĀV/ on

women's empowerment coach

3 Ways to Declutter… Your Mind!

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Happy Friday!

I don’t know about you, but I love ‘Back To School’ time of year!

Although it’s been a LONG time since I last strapped on my backpack to set foot down my high school or university hallway, I can’t help but still get excited.

September to me represents a fresh start, a blank canvas, a time for new opportunities.

And in order to do that, you first gotta create some space… in your mind as well as in your life. 

Incompletes, unfinished business, and messes ~ you got any?!?

We all do. And they affect our ability to give our full focus to whatever we have going on right here, or want to create. How? By taking up space and energy in our minds, even when we may not realize it.

Promises not kept, not acknowledged, or not renegotiated? Overflowing closets with clothes never worn? Junk drawers full of unnecessary or unusable items? Unpaid debts or financial commitments? Piles of disorganised paperwork scattered all over your desk? Incomplete projects that require doing, dumping, delaying, or delegating? Personal relationships with unstated feelings, appreciations, or retiring forgiveness?

It’s hard to hit the ground running, and get into a state of flow and creation, so long as we have some lingering incompletes, unfinished business, or messes lying around.

Watch this week’s video to learn 3 easy steps to declutter your mind… to leave nothing but space for creation & possibility!

What is just ONE thing that you could commit to taking on this week, that would knock something off your list?

Tackling the incompletes, unfinished business, and messes in your life leaves nothing but space for possibility, creation, and flow.

Perhaps you want to finally organize your desk. File your taxes. Clean up your closet or that messy drawer. Or maybe it’s time for some forgiveness…

Today is a perfect day to clean up, clutter down, and create space for new possibilities.

Share your commitment over on YouTube or in the comments below. I guarantee you’ll feel a whole lot lighter when you do.

I can’t wait to hear how it goes!

The ONLY question you need to ask yourself.

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Is all you’re doing right now, all you have going on in your life – making you happy?

In her brilliant book ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,‘ Marie Kondo shares the single most important question to ask when de-cluttering your space (and your life!) is this one: DOES IT BRING YOU JOY?’ 

Simple, yet POWERFUL.

And I think we can use this very same idea when looking at all  we want to create in our lives – this year and beyond! [Read more…] about The ONLY question you need to ask yourself.

I Had You at Hello! 5 Ways to Build Instant (& Lasting) Connection

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How to have them at ‘Hello!’ : 5 Ways to Build Instant (& Lasting) Connection

Happy Friday!

So I am loving being here in Prague – it’s like walking in a story book. Every corner boasts a new beautiful building and houses so much history.   And although we were told that Czech people can be very reserved and cold, I haven’t found that to be the case at all. I’ve already made a few local friends, including Jacob and Anna, who have the ‘Cava house’ at the local farmers market, where I just enjoyed an iced coffee

However, one thing I find a bit frustrating? I don’ speak the language! And I hate – hate is a strong word – I strongly dislike when I can’t simply engage in conversation with those I meet as I normally do.

For me, communication is one of the ways I like to connect with people. And yet, it is not the only way! And I’ve had to rely on some others since being here.

Do you want to connect more easily, and more quickly, with those you meet and work with?

Listen to this week’s video and learn 5 ways to do exactly that.

Again, the five ideas are:

Acknowledge.

Learn their name. 

Be the first.

Speak their language.

Self-disclose. 

Test it out this week! I challenge you to connect just a little bit BIGGER this week! And then let me know it goes! Leave your comments below, or over on my YouTube Channel.

Happy Friday, and have a FAB week!

Living Big on the inside is JUST as important as Living Big on the outside…

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Good times this week… Mariachi Band selfies, getting interviewed at El Financiero, biking along El Paseo de la Reforma (losing my wallet, and then insisting I retrace my ride and find it… and LOW AND BEHOLD there is way ~ CAH-RAZY ~ power of belief!), Lucha Libre, Sweat Lodge, Cathedral Bell Tower tour, sunset yoga, picnic in the park, dancing… 

Living BIG on the inside is JUST as important as living BIG on the outside…

 

It’s true, I like living BIG!

Now I don’t mean big in terms of swanky homes, stylish clothes, or showy cars. (Not that there’s anything wrong with any of those, mind you!)

To me, living big is more about creating new experiences that are going to enrich your life (like the Sweat Lodge I went to this week, or riding in a hot air balloon over the pyramids like I’m going to do tomorrow!), stepping outside of your comfort zone, and taking action on your big goals and dreams.

And yet, I’m realizing more and more living big is also about how you’re living on the inside.

Moreover, I’m realizing if you’re not first living big on the inside, it’s near impossible to be able to live big on the outside.

 

What do I mean? And how can you apply this idea to your life?

Here are three ways to live just a little bit bigger ON THE INSIDE this week (or throughout your life, for that matter!)

 

  1. Believe in yourself.

 

Perhaps a tad trite, and yet also totally true.

 

You are far more capable than you even realize.

You are far more brilliant than you could ever imagine.

You are far more powerful than you give yourself credit for.

 

As one of my good friend’s Dan Blackburn often says: ‘When you believe in you as much as you want others to believe in you, success will find you.’

And success, of course, is whatever and however YOU choose to define it.

Living BIG means believing in all you are, all you have to offer, and all you have to give.

 

  1. Connect with yourself.

 

I’m beginning to discover part of my journey this year is going to be spiritual. Getting quiet, being present in the moment, creating space.

One of my resolutions I’m actually sticking to includes meditating, or even breathing, for at least 3 minutes a day (you’ve got to start somewhere, right?!?)

As someone who’s so used to being busy, thrives on a full schedule, and is often go-go-go, this is an important challenge I want to tackle.

Living BIG means spending time with yourself, being present with yourself, connecting with yourself.

 

  1. Love yourself.

 

It’s one thing to believe in yourself, it’s another to truly love yourself.

One of my fave recent reads is ‘You Are a Badass’ by Jen Sincero. And she finds a way to throw in this idea at the end of many of her chapters.

 

Love yourself. And life becomes a party.

Love yourself. No matter who you really are.

Love yourself. And everybody benefits.

Love yourself. While you still have a chance.

Love yourself. Unless you have a better idea.

 

And she’s right.

It’s not the first time you’ve heard it, and it may sound cliché, but it will never grow old.

Living BIG means loving ALL of yourself.

 

So…

Living BIG is going to mean something different to you than it does to me. And yet, there are also some universal truths that exist.

If you truly want to live big, you’ve got to believe in yourself, connect with yourself, and love ALL of yourself. (Click to tweet it out!)

If you truly want to live big, make a big difference in the world, step into your biggest potential, you must first start living big on the inside. 

 

Have a FAB week!

Carol - high res

 

 

 

So, how are YOU going to live just a little bit bigger on the inside this week? Share your comments below.

 

AND, if you know you’re ready to live bigger on both the inside AND the outside this year, then I invite you to join us in The Tribe…

The Tribe is a community of like-minded, powerful women who are ready to step UP their game, step OUT of their comfort zones, and step INTO their biggest lives…
Registration closes next Friday, Jan. 27th, and there are only 3 spots left!
AND, when you register by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, you will get a BONUS 30-minute one-on-one coaching session going over your ‘Intentions, Resolutions, & Goals, OH MY!’
Let’s make 2017 your most EPIC year yet!

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What’s the Rush? And opening up about Remote Year…

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Happy Friday! Feliz Viernes! (Although not too sure that is a thing here!)

 

Week two into my new adventure, and starting to get into the rhythm. Working in a space with 77 other ‘remotes,’ the climate (there’s a weird cold front going on, so you go from sweating outside to using heaters inside!), and the street tacos (both delish and dangerous… beware of the green sauce!)

I’ve been wanting to hit the ground running in terms of work, as well as in terms of exploring the city… and yet I feel I haven’t really been doing either!

And then I had an epiphany the other night…

What’s the rush?!??

I’m on this journey for a YEAR. And we are on the journey of life for, well, a LIFETIME!

If life is to be enjoyed and it’s all about the journey, then perhaps I can slow down in an effort to allow myself to do just that. And also to allow the experience to unfold exactly as it’s supposed to, at the pace it’s supposed to.

I truly think that will be one of my biggest lessons this year.

 

Trust you are exactly where you’re supposed to be in this moment, doing what you’re supposed to be doing in this moment, and moreover trust all will unfold exactly as it’s supposed to, when it’s supposed to…

 

Yesterday I experienced a Shaman Ritual as part of our cultural track. It was pretty powerful. It was also the full moon, and we were welcoming in the four paths (east, west, north, and south) from the rooftop, and all that each represent, as a way to cleanse and centre ourselves. And in that moment, I was totally in the moment, and had a moment.

I look forward to more moments like that this year. Because I truly feel that’s what it’s all about.

 

Some of you have been asking about this whole Remote Year thing I’m doing. And so I thought I’d share a little bit about the program, my reasons behind doing it, as well as how I was feeling going into it.

Full disclosure here, folks!

 

What is Remote Year?

An initiative where 75 people – initially strangers, from all over the globe – live and work together in a new city every month over the course of a year. Some may already hold a remote position or have negotiated how to make their current work remote, some may be exploring this digital nomad lifestyle for the first time as either entrepreneurs or techies, and others may be perhaps taking a sabbatical or working on a special project.

It’s an opportunity to be able to work, and not only see the world at the same time, but experience the local cultures along the way, while no doubt forming some pretty cool connections and bonds with folks from all over…

 

Why am I doing it?

When I first heard about this organization, I got pretty excited. An opportunity to work and travel the world? You certainly have my attention! And then I found out it was a pretty rigorous application process. So I put my best foot forward, worked hard, and low and behold was offered a spot with this current cohort called MERAKI.

meraki definition

Although pumped, once the offer was there, it wasn’t necessarily an immediate and obvious yes… and yet I want to walk my walk and talk my talk, and so yes, this is getting me out of my comfort zone!

 

So, how am I feeling? (please keep in mind this is what I wrote in my journal before I arrived!)

A plethora of emotions, to be honest.

Excited, absolutely. Nervous, you betcha. And a lot of other feelings, too.

Have I made the right decision? Did I pack what I needed to pack? Will I connect with the other ‘Remotes’ as we’re referred to? Will I be able to focus on my work? Will I be one of the oldest? Am I clear enough on what I want to get out of it? Have I set the right intentions?

 

What are my Intentions for this Trip?

To connect with people all over the world. To embark on an epic adventure. To experience some amazing experiences. To take Women Living Big globally. To be able to work and travel and live and somehow find some kind of semblance of balance. To gain further clarity on who I am and what my purpose is in this world. To find focus. To learn to trust the process and the Universe.

So I had these grandiose plans to have my entire strategy planned out, speaking engagements lined up in the first few cities, and women living big events in each city all mapped out.

And while I didn’t quite make that happen, as one of my intentions is to trust the process and the Universe, I’m going to choose to do exactly that.

 

Here’s to an EPIC year ahead, whatever that means, and however it unfolds.

And cheers to you and to YOUR epic year ahead, whatever that means to you…

Carol - high res

 

 

 

P.S. If you’re ready to play bigger this year, and want to be involved in a powerful community of women who are dedicated to doing the same, there are a still a few spots open for ‘The Tribe!’ (Registration closes on January 27th…)

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Got questions? Let’s talk! Book a call with me HERE.

It’s time to Dare Greatly.

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It's time To Dare Greatly. 

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt

That was the game changer passage for Brené Brown, and the inspiration behind one of five books, Daring Greatly.’ I finished listening to the audio version a few weeks ago, and have been thinking about it ever since.

Brené spent twelve years researching shame and vulnerability ~ she’s done a few TEDx talks, been featured on two Super Soul Sundays with Oprah, written numerous books and articles, and really walks her talk.

So just what does daring greatly mean? Having the courage to be vulnerable. To be open, to show the world who we really are, and to stand in what we believe. To not let the fear of not being enough, of not gaining approval from others, stand in our way of going after what we truly want. It’s about having the courage to play in the arena.

It takes courage to put yourself out there. To take a chance, to create, to connect, to ask.

It takes courage to take a step of imperfect action before we feel truly ready.

Some days, it takes courage just to show up.

I will be the first to admit I still sometimes struggle with wanting approval from others. And yet, if we attach our worth by the approval we get, we’re destined to fail either way. If we receive criticism, we feel bad. And if we receive praise, we’re doomed. We cannot attach the worthiness of what we put into the world based on others’ feedback or criticism. Otherwise we will always be wanting to please, perform, or perfect.

Daring greatly is about being brave enough to be seen exactly as we are, with all of our fears and imperfections.

If we have the courage to share who we are and what we are feeling, chances are there are numerous others out there that can relate — and are likely feeling exactly the same way. And isn’t that what it is ultimately all about? Connecting with others, relating to others, recognizing and celebrating just how similar we all really are. But we can only do that if we are first brave enough to show up as we really are. And then to be brave enough to play.

We may not always win. In fact, there is a good chance we will lose on more than one occasion. But we will never know if we are going to win or lose unless we actually get into the arena. We will never be completely certain. And not just about succeeding, but about anything in life. Certainly is overrated anyhow. How much fun is playing when we already know what the outcome will be? It’s about getting into the ring, ‘getting marred by blood and sweat and dust’, and yet still playing and striving valiantly.

And if we never even try, aren’t we already simply destined to lose anyhow?

It’s often our fear that keeps us comfortable, keeps us stagnant. But ironically, it is also this fear that is going to ultimately propel us forward. If we recognize that standing in our fear is what it means to be vulnerable, we will see that being vulnerable is also all about having the courage to work through our fear.

Today, I challenge us all to dig deep and find a little courage. Find a little courage to stand in who we are. Find a little courage to go after what we believe in, and to go after what we truly want. Find a little courage to put something out there, to create, to be seen.

Be brave enough to get into the arena. Be brave enough to dare greatly.

It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about being brave enough to play at all. It’s about daring greatly. Click to tweet it out!

 

Have a FAB week, everyone!

Carol - high res

 

 

 

And now I’d LOVE to hear from you! How are you doing to dare greatly this week? Share your ideas in the comments below.