March 9th, 2010 by Jillian
In his article on the new additions to the DSM-IV TR, Edward Shorter writes: “Patients who seek psychiatric help today for mood disorders stand a good chance of being diagnosed with a disease that doesn’t exist and treated with a medication little more effective than a placebo.”
http://www.wikio.com/themes/Edward+Shorter Whether the disease exists is a philisophical question in my opinion. It now certainly exists because it is written in the DSM, will have a code which therapists and other practitioners can give to insurance companies, which then people can be reimburred as they get “treatment” for their “disease”.
Moving beyond mood disorders, I noticed there is an entry for caffeine-induced anxiety, or something like that. Can you imagine getting labelled for this disease and then being treated for it with medication which has other complications, all to get reimbursed by insurance, or because you happened to consult with someone who works from the DSM?
In our Soft Addictions solution coaching, you might identify drinking coffee as a soft addiction. But then you learn what feelings you have when you over-drink caffeine, what it does for you – why you drink so much of it, and how to replace it to really satisfy the need that compells you toward Starbucks in the first place!
I have seen so many people in our soft addictions program just stop drinking coffee by adding in other nourishing activities! And we only meet once every 3 weeks for 2 hours! This is so much less time-consuming than having a disease that needs medical treatment. Many of the salespeople in our program see how much money they’ve saved and have even refrained from coffee during the mulititudes of sales coffee-meeting
Tags: Caffeine, coffee, DSM, Soft Addictions, wright leadership institute
Posted in Sales, Soft Addictions | No Comments »
March 4th, 2010 by Gertrude
After a brief look at articles and interviews on the internet it is clear that parents across the country are looking to the Obama’s as role models for parenting. I don’t recall a first family ever being looked to as positive role models as much as the Obama’s and particularly Michelle as a mother. I was really struck reading some of the examples such as one mother who heard that the Obama girls are required to make their bed each morning and she starting having her children do the same. It had not occurred to her until then to have her children do things for themselves.
After reading several more examples like this where people are seeing positive values being practiced by Michelle and Barack Obama I am heartened. These are all the principles we bring into our parenting coaching and training at the Wright Leadership Institute. What isn’t said in any of the articles, but I know to be true is that a parent cannot instill these values or teach this to their children if they are not walking the talk. We stress how critical it is for a parent to really know themselves and then they can bring it into their parenting. Kids are smart and they see right through false parenting.
So, when I have people ask me what we offer to parents I of course tell them all about our coaching and awesome Parent Child Adventure Weekends, but I first invite them to participate in the More Life Training where they can begin their personal journey that will lead them to being the best parent they can be. Come join us at the next More Life Training and go to www.morelifetraining.com.
Tags: More Life Training, parenting coaching, wright leadership institute
Posted in Leading a Great Life | No Comments »
March 3rd, 2010 by Angela
I don’t mean through cell phones, internet- facebook, linked in and the next and best gadget that is out there. I mean are you connected to yourself and what you value and what matters most to you. Connectedness is a feminine principle. It is about relationship and about living in the here and now. Traditionally, women have been the ones to hold the relationship and the importance of being connected. However, with the emphasis in our world on masculine values and standards, fewer and fewer woman are holding the importance of the feminine values. We are losing something about what it means to be women.
If you think about it, few of us spend little time in the present moment. We are racing to be successful and have more but we are missing in having those things while having more life and more connection. We probably spend more time numbing ourselves down through food, alcohol, internet and trying to have it all. Moments go by and we can’t even remember what happened or we have forgotten how to truly experience a moment in a way that it makes a fulfilling.
I have learned a lot from Dr. Judith Wright and her books on the One Decision and Soft Addictions. She has challenged me through her various trainings, MORE life training and the Woman’s Essential about what it means to be a woman. It has brought me more to living in the moment and valuing what matters to me. I have created more meaning and connection in my life while being successful from using her skills.
As women, I find that we think of ourselves last yet they always tell you if a plane is going down, you need to put yours on first in order to help those around you. Even though we know that, we still don’t really live like that. I challenge you to consider would you give a weekend to yourself to really learn more about what it takes to have a fulfilling, meaningful life? Would you be willing to do what it takes? If you are, check out the morelifetraining.com site or judithwright.com. Let me know your thoughts.
Tags: connection, Dr. Judith Wright, meaning, More Life Training, Soft Addictions, woman
Posted in Leading a Great Life, Personal Growth, Relationships, Soft Addictions, Women | No Comments »
For the past two weeks my television has pretty much constantly been on one of the Olympic Channels. I’ve watched some athletes win the gold, others I’ve watched lose the race of their lifetime—some have been injured and their dreams diverted or put on hold, while others have recognized their dreams and become an inspiration for thousands.
Clearly, I love the Olympics. And, I know I’m not alone. As the games were coming to a close last night I tried to put my finger on what it is exactly that draws us into these games…?
I was watching downhill skiing last week and heard an announcer talking about the athlete’s “commitment to excellence”, which sparked a light bulb in my head. These athletes are an inspiration because they dedicate their lives to achieving their goals. They consciously, consistently CHOOSE to dedicate themselves to their sport. They choose to get out of bed at 5 am for training, they choose to try a quadruple axel even though its never been done, they choose to ski on bruised shins—the decision to train and to be an Olympic athlete is not a one time thing. Once made, the athletes have to continue to make that decision over and over again, choice-by-choice, day-by-day.
I didn’t exactly relate athletes making a commitment to excellence with my own life. It wasn’t until I heard Dr. Judith Wright speaking on Sunday about her book The One Decision (www.judithwright.com) that I got what it means for my life. To be great, to live great, to feel great – we must commit ourselves to that great life. Perhaps my commitment will lead me to athletics, or owning my own business, or maybe it will just help me to be the best parent or person I can be. I see that I have to dedicate myself to my goals and then continue to use my decision in each choice that I make.
None of us want to be average, or mediocre. And the athletes at the Olympics are far from average. I ultimately think that it is their commitment that keeps them coming back each day—no matter the pain, the heartbreak, the hurt—their dedication overrides all of that.
Olympic athletes commit themselves to excellence – what will you commit to?
Tags: commitment, dedication, Dr. Judith Wright, Olympics, sports, The One Decision
Posted in Leading a Great Life | No Comments »
February 25th, 2010 by Jillian
“Men on Women and Sex” is the name of the event being sponsored by the Wright Leadership Institute tomorrow night: http://bit.ly/7oOWIc. This is the night where we women will be listening in to the conversation that men have when they are not with other women! Voices are distorted so we don’t know who is saying what – it’s a great opportunity to ask those questions you would never ask face-to-face.
Some of the women attending are saying: “Do I really care about being the fly on the wall and listening into a locker room conversation where men are talking about women and sex?” Won’t I just be grossed out!?”
When we did the event “Women on Men and Sex”, the night was about relationships and feelings and intimacy, and the guys were asking questions about how to bed us! So, what will the reverse be like?
I’m guessing the conversation will be guided by the questions the women ask…because as we know from our last event, men are still trying to please women in order to get with us. 
Attend the event and share your own thoughts and opinions! Sign up now http://bit.ly/7oOWIc!
Tags: dating, intimacy, men, sex, Singles, Women
Posted in Leading a Great Life, Singles | No Comments »
February 24th, 2010 by Gertrude
A chick flick it is not, but “Wow!” is Avatar a movie packed with feminine power! I saw the movie the first time a month ago with my family and enjoyed it very much. I thought it was beautiful and the messages around protecting the environment were clear. Last night I went again. This time I saw it in an Imax theatre in full 3-D surround sound. The bigger difference, however, was that I was with eleven other women that I am in a woman’s leadership development program (WILD). Dr. Judith Wright gave us the assignment to watch the movie and look for where feminine power and feminine values are present.
First of all, going to a movie with an “assignment” makes it an even richer experience. I felt deeply moved by the movie. The main character, Jake, transforms from being a disgruntled injured Marine only looking out for himself into a warrior who goes to battle to save the indigenous people and environment of the planet he is on. He is trained by a woman who teaches him both the warrior ways of her people as well as their deep connection and love for the Mother as She reveals Herself in nature. Even the woman Marine who is very “tough” uses her masculine energy in the service of protecting feminine values. This is some of what I saw. What did you see?
Tags: Dr. Judith Wright, feminine power, feminine values, Leadership, transformation, Women, women leadership
Posted in Leadership, Relationships, Women | No Comments »
February 19th, 2010 by Angela
I have been coaching our conscious singles group. There have been lots of discussion about second dates. Questions like; how do you get one? If I really don’t like the person, do I need to ask them again? What are the expectations of a second date? I am sure there are others.
Many times you have the first date and upon meeting them there are initial thoughts and reactions. In 17 seconds or less you may have decided you either really like them or you’re just not that into them. The job is to get beyond that initial judgment and reaction and really test the date. Be authentic, be real, tell the truth- see what happens. I mean after all what do you have to lose if you really think you don’t like them?
Then the end of the date comes- it could tricky. You are saying good bye and typically you might say I had a nice time, I’d like to see you again and the other person says yes I’ll call. Then you wait and there is no call. You ask yourself, do I call and find out what’s up? I say, why not just be straight at the end of date. Yes it might hurt to say I am not interested but I think that is less hurtful then, yes I’ll call and never do.
I have encouraged our singles to be as honest as they can be. They don’t have to be rude, just genuine. I have supported them to let someone know that they did have a nice time and that they would like to get together again. I have also encouraged sometimes a second date even when you think you are sure they are not right for you doesn’t hurt. It is good practice to stay engaged and try saying things that you maybe didn’t say the first time. You don’t have anything to lose if you aren’t that interested. However, you might find that it gets more fun as you feel more freely to say what you want.
What do you think about second dates? Are you mainly a one date person unless you think it’s the one?
Tags: dating, Singles
Posted in Coaching, Leading a Great Life, Personal Growth, Singles | No Comments »
February 18th, 2010 by Angela
I saw a statistic today that only 45% of people surveyed are satisfied with their jobs. I ask myself why that is. The survey I read asked those who are dissatisfied to consider the flowing 2 positions: are you dissatisfied with the type of work you are doing or are you dissatisfied with the conditions of your work. To me, these two positions seem like a sure pathway to dissatisfaction and being victimized to your work circumstances.
I know this is a leap, but consider the people in concentration camps. Victor Frankl talked about his experience in concentration camps. The people that made it in the concentration camps dealt with their reality. They knew where they were. They stretched themselves to make the best of it daily. They didn’t look to a future or some savior or some fantasy of getting out some day. No instead they engaged in each day and made the best of it. So, I guess you have a choice to do what you can and be satisfied in your job. I you think about it, you probably spend the majority of your week at work and if you are dissatisfied there, that means you are dissatisfied with most of your life. This is not a great perspective to me.
I don’t really think it matters what the job is or who you are with on the job. You have a choice on how you respond to your situation. You can either make it a blast and be fully engaged with what you are doing or you can hate every minute. I know when I am not engaging or enjoying what I am doing, it takes longer. If you are in a job, make the best of it. It is your reality. The future is something that may or may not be there for you. All that exists is this moment- so make the best of it.
I believe it is important to take personal responsibility for your situation. Do what you can to enjoy what is in front of you. Engage in your life; engage in your job and with the people around you. You might be surprised what you find. What do you think?
By the way, if you are dissatisfied with your job, check out www.morelifetraining.com and learn how to love the life you have even more than you do.
Tags: Career, job satisfaction, personal responsibility
Posted in Career, Leading a Great Life, Personal Growth | No Comments »
February 15th, 2010 by Gertrude
All professions require ongoing training to stay on top of their fields. For me as a life coach staying on top of my field actually means a commitment to a lifelong journey of personal growth and development. It is not just about “knowing” what is going on in a certain field and learning new techniques it is about a way of life and growing, stretching and ultimately transforming in every area of my life on an ongoing basis. Daunting!
My bosses, Drs Bob and Judith Wright, have told this to me many times and I understood it as a concept, but honestly minimized its importance over the years until recently. I made erroneous assumptions that because I am “around” it all the time and have a created a life I love I could, well, rest on my laurels and let that carry me.
When I was offered the opportunity to go to an outside training (with a competitor no less) I was resistant and superior. I went into the training with that attitude and not surprisingly didn’t get much out of it for the first day and a half. Not because it wasn’t good, but because I was too busy comparing and being superior. Fortunately, I realized this was getting me nowhere so I chose to engage and really benefited. I also signed up for their next level of training.
It was deciding to go into the next training with full intention to get as much out of it as possible for my own development that I came away personally and professionally transformed. The big theme I worked on was living a life of integrity and I have been working it in all areas of my life. In particular as a coach I am feeling more in integrity. Seeing my gaps and being on my cutting edge is not only making an impact in my sessions it is more fun!
Tags: Dr. Bob Wright, Dr. Judith Wright, integrity, landmark education, life choace training, living a great life, Personal Growth
Posted in Leading a Great Life | No Comments »
February 12th, 2010 by Abby
I’ve always been happy with what I have and I’ve always felt very blessed by the education, family, friends, and opportunities that have been so abundant in my life. I thought that I should be grateful for what I have and not be selfish in wanting more, more, more all the time. It wasn’t until I started working at the Wright Leadership Institute (www.wrightlving.com) that I began to understand that I can be happy with what I have and STILL want a lot. So, I started by asking myself the obvious question—what is it that I want?
I want a lot. For the world, I want tolerance, peace, and understanding—I want freedom for those who have none and food for those without. I want medicine for the sick and tranquility for those who are dying. I want people to take responsibility for their actions and try using truth over lies. I want us to take care of the Earth and the people who inhabit it. I want us to care. For myself, I want growth, and new adventures and challenges. I want to take new risks and make a thousand mistakes. I want to learn. I want to connect and create relationships. I want to make a difference. I want to make the world a better place.
I don’t know how to get everything I want. I know that much of it seems improbable, fanciful, and impossible. I can throw out abstract words like “peace” and “freedom” but how can I make changes and decisions that will help us to get there?
To be honest, I don’t have an answer. So, if any of you have suggestions—please share!
All I know is that the more I stay conscious, engaged, and intentional in my life the more I get what I want and the more I get what I want for the world. I know now that its okay for me to always want more, and with my coaches help I’ve seen that my wants are what motivate me to keep stepping out into the unknown and taking risks—even when I’m scared. It was challenging for me to think about (and admit) everything that I want. Now, my challenge is no longer merely figuring out what I want—but how to get it!
Tags: challenge, Coaching, consciousness, engaged, motivate, selfish, wants, wright leadership institute
Posted in Coaching, Leading a Great Life, Personal Growth | No Comments »
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