“I am a teacher.”

“I am a writer.”

“I am a salesman.”

“I am a doctor.”

“I am a professional monkey-trainer.”

(Side note: I can only claim the first two, but am quite interested in conquering the last one.)

Anyway, we get too caught up in titles because oftentimes we define ourselves by those titles. We forget that there’s so much more to us than by how we make a living.

That’s why I encourage you to tap into and tune into Other Areas of Interest, which may include but are not limited to: ... Read More »]]>

I know firsthand what occurs when one defines himself or herself with a title:

“I am a teacher.”

“I am a writer.”

“I am a salesman.”

“I am a doctor.”

“I am a professional monkey-trainer.”

(Side note: I can only claim the first two, but am quite interested in conquering the last one.)

Anyway, we get too caught up in titles because oftentimes we define ourselves by those titles. We forget that there’s so much more to us than by how we make a living.

That’s why I encourage you to tap into and tune into Other Areas of Interest, which may include but are not limited to: volunteer work, pursuing a hobby, learning a new language or skill, traveling, and such. ‘Tapping and Tuning’ allows us to grow as humans. It allows us to discover new things about ourselves and the world around us. I think, too, that it makes us happier, more creative individuals.

Stretching ourselves is vital to our well-being. We must never accept complacency or mediocrity. We must remain vigilant in our desire to expand our horizons.

Our day-in-day-out routine can make us weary. We could end up in a rut. We may simply begin accepting things because ‘that’s how they’ve always been’. Yet they don’t have to be. Yes, we have responsibilities and obligations, but that doesn’t mean we must limit ourselves.

When you were a child, I’m sure you had some big dreams. Revisit those dreams, and see if you can find a way to tap into them in some way. Perhaps you wanted to be a singer, so why not join a community chorale group or your church choir? Maybe photography was your thing. Grab a camera and get to it!

As a kid, I grew up watching – and loving- the CBS soap opera, Guiding Light. I recently starting writing fan fiction based on the show. Yes, I know it’s incredibly silly. I realize very few people will take the time to read it, but it’s something I enjoy doing. It’s something that’s completely different for me. I find it a fantastic little diversion that keeps me from getting bored.

I encourage you to spend a little time today ‘Tapping and Tuning’. Step into an unfamiliar area and see what happens. If one thing doesn’t get you going, then choose another. Revisit those ideas that excited you as a child. We were never meant to live merely by titles. We were meant to enjoy ever-evolving and fun lives!

Now, if I could figure out how to incorporate monkey-training and writing soap opera fan fiction, I’d have it made in the shade with pink lemonade.

Beth Newman is an image consultant, mentor, and author based out of Houston, TX. For more information about her, she invites you to visit her website at www.newmanimage.info.

Photo credit © Suprijono Suharjoto | Dreamstime.com

Target Tip 1: Know What You Want. It sounds simplistic, but so many of us meander through ... Read More »]]>

Now that we’re a couple of weeks into 2012, I must ask you: how are you coming along on those New Year’s Resolutions? Frankly, I don’t care for the word ‘resolution’, for it’s too broad and doesn’t pack the same sort of punch as words such as ‘goals’ or ‘intentions’. Nonetheless, if you made plans for improvement this year, I wanted to share with you some ‘Target Practice’ tips to insure that you’re ready, that you aim, and that you fire according to plan:

Target Tip 1: Know What You Want. It sounds simplistic, but so many of us meander through life uncertain of what it is we actually want. We probably know what our parents wanted for us. We probably have a good idea what our spouse wants from us. I’m sure our kids have let us know repeatedly what they want from us. But what do you want, personally and professionally? No desire is too big or small. You simply need to figure out what it is. What gets you excited? What inspires you? Answer these questions and you’ve already won most of the battle.

Target Tip 2: Daydream. Yes, that’s right. Imagine doing what you love to do. Feel those feelings of joy and gratitude as you’re doing those things. Visualization is a magnificently powerful tool, so spend a little time each day thinking about your success. Self-help and success gurus always preach the message of positive visualization. Why? Because it works, so hop to it!

Target Tip 3: Walk Like a Baby. Take tiny steps each day as you work toward your goal. If you’re intention is to live a healthier lifestyle, replace the afternoon candy bar with yogurt. Substitute carrot sticks for French Fries. Take a thirty-minute walk instead of veggie out in front of the television. Small steps will eventually carry you toward great strides, and will also keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

Target Tip 4: Become Accountable. When we enlist the help of a friend or mentor, we’re more likely to hit our mark. Most of us have a tendency to give up, or to go easy on ourselves. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right and an accountability partner will assist you in doing just that. Touch base with your accountability partner at least once a week.

Target Tip 5: Act it Out. Start acting as if everything you want has come to pass. Walk, talk, think, speak, and dress like the person you want to become. You’ll find that when you do so, your intentions come to pass a little more quickly and a little more easily. I know a young man who was recently promoted at work. While his colleagues dressed in khakis, he wore a suit – because his boss wore one. He knew that in order to be promoted, he needed to look the part. He also refrained from water-cooler gossip – because his boss did. Follow the lead of the leaders and you’ll become one yourself.

That old cliché of practice making perfect holds true, particularly when it comes to creating wonderful things for ourselves. Practice tackling those goals daily, and enjoy all the fabulosity that 2012 has to offer.

Beth Newman is an image consultant, mentor, and author based out of Houston. Her book, ‘365 Days of Fabulosity’ is available through Amazon. For more information, feel free to visit her website at www.newmanimage.info. Online consultations available!

Photo credit © Jason Stitt | Dreamstime.com

I say ‘create’, because we do have the power to accomplish anything. It takes clear intentions and a lot of work, sure, but if you’re willing to tackle the tasks and step out of your comfort zone, you might surprise yourself at just how much you can accomplish.

I find the biggest obstacle with most people is that they simply have A Big But:

But ... Read More »]]>

What do you want out of life? Have you any idea? I’m surprised by the staggering number of people who’ve reached ‘a certain age’ and are still clueless about how to create their own little slice of fabulosity.

I say ‘create’, because we do have the power to accomplish anything. It takes clear intentions and a lot of work, sure, but if you’re willing to tackle the tasks and step out of your comfort zone, you might surprise yourself at just how much you can accomplish.

I find the biggest obstacle with most people is that they simply have A Big But:

But I Don’t Have the Funds – perhaps you want to escape the nine-to-five rat race and set your own course. I can certainly relate to the fear of the financial unknown, because I’ve been there. It’s not easy. You’ll most likely have to cut back on certain luxuries. It’s all about priorities at this point – satisfaction with your career or the ability to afford a brand new car every year. Only you can make the decision. If you opt for the latter, you really don’t have the right to complain about not having the former. Decide what’s really important to you, and make a move to make it happen.

But I Don’t Have the Time – the clock’s tick-tock factors into so much of what we do – or don’t do. Eating healthy and getting a bit of exercise. Spending time with the kids. Making time for your spouse. Soaking in a nice, hot bath at the end of the day. My advice is to eliminate the common time wasters, such as surfing the Internet and watching TV, and replace those mindless activities with things that matter.

But I Just Want to Be Loved – we all do, but far too many of us, particularly women, go above and beyond when it comes to people-pleasing. The whole world doesn’t have to love you (which should be a relief, because it won’t), so there’s really no reason to run in circles trying to make it happen. Love and respect yourself first. Those who really matter in your life will love and respect you for it.

But I Don’t Know Where to Start – start right now, right where you are. Make a list of things you want to accomplish in your life. Jot down a few time-specific goals to help you get going. Ignore the doom-and-gloom media and negative words you may hear from those pretending to have your best interest at heart. You’re the one living your life, not them.

I encourage you to boldly take control of your life. Set clear intentions. Dream. Have faith. A Big But will only weigh you down.

Beth Newman is an image consultant, life coach, and author based out of Houston. Her latest book ‘365 Days of Fabulosity’ is available through Amazon. For more information, please visit her website at www.newmanimage.info

Photo credit © Jason Stitt | Dreamstime.com

Two minutes after Halloween, not a ghost or goblin graced store shelves. They’d been replaced by Santa and his reindeer.

Christmas tunes already blare at one shopping strip near my home.

And it’s still two weeks until Thanksgiving, that seemingly forgotten holiday.

I don’t believe for one minute that the yuletide rush has anything to do with the true ‘reason for the season’; it’s simply a brash, bold move in the name of commercialism.

That’s right – I believe our society is one of over-the-top consumerism. Manufactures and retailers know ... Read More »]]>

Two weeks before Halloween, several shops in my neighborhood began decking their halls.

Two minutes after Halloween, not a ghost or goblin graced store shelves. They’d been replaced by Santa and his reindeer.

Christmas tunes already blare at one shopping strip near my home.

And it’s still two weeks until Thanksgiving, that seemingly forgotten holiday.

I don’t believe for one minute that the yuletide rush has anything to do with the true ‘reason for the season’; it’s simply a brash, bold move in the name of commercialism.

That’s right – I believe our society is one of over-the-top consumerism. Manufactures and retailers know this, and they play upon us to ‘get it now’, ‘get it while it’s on sale’, ‘get it so your children will love you’, and that sort of thing.

Personally, I’ve had enough of them telling me what to do because, quite frankly, I choose to live simply. I don’t have a lot of stuff. I don’t want a lot of stuff. I don’t need the newest, most high-tech device out there because I like what I currently have. According to my husband, I’m a notorious purger – I simply don’t like anything unused taking up space in my house.

Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t understand the big whoop in having a lot of material things. That’s not what the holidays should be about, and it certainly isn’t what life should be about. Some of the most miserable, unhappy people I know are the ones who can (and do) go out and buy any old thing any old time they want.

Keep it simple – that’s my motto. I’ve seen children delight in gifts I’ve given them from The Dollar Store just as much as when they receive gifts I’ve given them from The Fifty Dollar Store. Perhaps if adopt a more childlike (rather than childish) stance, the holidays would be less mentally, emotionally, and financially stressful.

I’d love to see us all take a more elegant approach to giving, receiving, and celebrating this time of year. That means we refrain from camping out in front of stores as Black Friday approaches. It means we steer clear of gigantic inflatable outdoor monstrosities that pass as ‘decorations’. It means realizing that the biggest isn’t always the best, and when we do what we do from the heart rather than for show, we’ll all be better off in the long run.

So I encourage you to celebrate thoughtfully and simply this season.

Beth Newman is an image consultant, life coach, and author based out of Houston, TX. She invites you to visit her website at www.newmanimage.info and to become a fan of Newman Image on Facebook.

Photo credit © Sandra Cunningham | Dreamstime.com

Inventory – shop from your closet first. If you didn’t wear it at all last season, chances are you won’t wear it this season. Get rid of it. Make a list of what you need in order to revamp your wardrobe. This includes not only your clothing, but your shoes and accessories as well.

Budget- ... Read More »]]>

Alright, Sweeties, we’re down to the wire: it’s officially shopping season! If you’ve not yet hit the stores in order to snag some fabulous new fall finds, you must hop to it! Before you do, however, remain mindful of the following:

Inventory – shop from your closet first. If you didn’t wear it at all last season, chances are you won’t wear it this season. Get rid of it. Make a list of what you need in order to revamp your wardrobe. This includes not only your clothing, but your shoes and accessories as well.

Budget- yes, you can be frugal and fabulous. Most stores and boutiques are already offering markdowns on fall merchandise in order to make room for incoming holiday collections. Stay within your budget. Get on customer rewards programs offered by most boutiques, and take advantage of the deals and coupons they offer.

Do Your Homework – look online for looks you love, and visit only those stores. I limit myself (and my clients) to two places during any shopping excursion. Call ahead to insure those stores carry what you’re seeking (not every store sells what is available online). Some boutiques will allow you to call ahead and hold certain items providing you’ll be in within 24 hours.

Be Classy – use those coupons, but don’t ask for a ‘double dip’. Carefully consider having a sales associate ring your items up under several different transactions in order to use several different coupons, particularly if the store is crowded and you won’t save that much more money in the long run by having her do so.

Show Some Respect – After trying on clothes, re-hang the ones you’re not taking and leave them neatly in the fitting room. The sales associates are not your personal maid service, nor are they your personal punching bag. Always remain kind and considerate to those who assist you.

Wear Proper Undergarments – If you’re shopping for cocktail attire, don’t wear a jogging bra. Wear your Spanx to insurer a smooth silhouette.

Child’s Play – Never allow your child to roam freely in a store. Not only does this put the child in danger, it could also present a liability to the store. Small children and boutique shopping really don’t mix, so do try to leave the kids with a sitter while you shop.

Return to Sender – Should you discover that recent purchases won’t work for you, return them to the store in which you bought them. Stores take a ‘hit’ anytime you return, and it’s not really fair to penalize Boutique North because you changed your mind about what you bought at Boutique South. Most online purchases include a return address label – use it.

Remain focused, smart, and considerate – happy shopping!

Beth Newman is an image consultant, life coach, and author based out of Houston, TX. For more information, visit her website at www.newmanimage.info.

Photo credit © Yuri Arcurs | Dreamstime.com