Friday, October 26, 2007

Take care of a few things before you die ...

The idea of Death triggers a lot of stress in people, and leads to some big questions: when will it happen, what will it be like, how should one prepare for it?

1st - it'll happen when it happens, but at least it's not right now.
2nd - it'll be like cute puppies jumping in your lap and emitting lots of love (at least that's how I like to imagine it).
3rd - preparation? That's what I have people for!

Said person just happens to be Wills, Trusts, & Estates lawyer, George Bischof, who's been kind enough to share his knowledge on the top 3 concerns that people seek him out for.


If you have kids, assets, or a life, you should take a few moments (13:34 to be precise) to find out the best ways to protect them.

You’ll learn about guardianship, how to minimize taxation by the government, living wills, healthcare proxies, and more.





If the audio player doesn't appear above, then copy and paste the following into the address bar of your web browser:
http://www.stopstressingout.com/Interview_with_George_Bischof_-_Wills_Trusts_&_Estates.mp3

(or right click and select "Save as" to download the podcast.

Please submit suggestions of future topics you'd like to hear interviews for via the comments section or send me an email.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

I'm not a mind reader, just a prognosticator

Remember my post on paparazzi?

I recently taped a segment on life coaching for
Late Show with David Letterman where I was one of five life coaches to work with Andy Kindler (a comedian they frequently have on the show - do a search on YouTube for examples of his comedy).

For about 90 minutes on a park bench in Central Park we discussed, among other things, the stresses of a stand-up comedian and relationship issues. We poked fun at life in general, the people watching us, and coaching over the phone.

I have no idea what will make the final edits, but was told by the director, "You're going to be happy with it." So that's a good sign.

I am very thankful to those I contacted for help and advice on how to best prepare for the experience. You were all great! You definitely helped me get in the right mindset by playing up my strengths, and putting the risk and expectations into perspective.

Strengths: My improv and performance background tremendously helpful. While we were talking I was oblivious to the camera, crew, and passers by. I was very calm, and tried to balance coaching Andy on the issues he presented, as well as keeping the mood light (it is a comedy show after all).

Risk and Expectations: People put in this position for the first time are expected to not look good. Anything above that is just bonus.

I'll be given up to 24 hours notice prior to air-date. Which means you'll be given even less to Tivo it. I will send out an email to my newsletter as soon as I get the info. If you're not yet signed up, do so, or check back here daily during November ;)

Friday, October 5, 2007

Instant help for your stress

As a coach, I'm an advocate for people taking a big-picture view of their life. I want them to be able to envision themselves 3 years, 5 years, or more into the future, and then I can help them plan and follow a route to get them there.

But I also realize that there are many small obstacles that make the immediate moments in that journey difficult.

That's why I incorporate short-term, stress reduction methods, while proceeding along the long-term stress release path I set up with clients.

So, what's a fast, easy way to reduce stress? Aromatherapy bypasses your higher cognitive brain functions to trigger responses directly. That's why you'll sometimes smell something, feel a different way, and then try to figure out what it reminds you of. (As opposed to smelling something, figuring out what it relates to, and then feeling a different way.)

The first oil I recommend people try is called Peace & Calming - a very fitting name since it's formulated to result in that effect. Apply a drop to the occipital lobe (the bump on the back of your head where the spine enters the skull), the pulse points on the inside of your wrists, temples, and 3rd eye (between your eyebrows, above the bridge of your nose).

Thursday, October 4, 2007

one time you don't want to be 'all right'

If your car was making a squealing noise every time you made a left turn, would you take it to a mechanic to get it fixed or would you just accept that the car was broken and continue driving it? (besides, two wrongs don't make a right, but three rights make a left) Which in the end makes you "all right"

Realizing that you get stressed each time a particular situation arises, and not fixing the core issue is just as foolish as making right turns for the rest of your life.

You did a great job with step one - realizing that your car is squeaking. For step two all you need is a good mechanic.