Success Strategies for a New Year

As a new year approaches, we tend to reflect on our lives and devise ways in which to make improvements. Obviously, a new year signifies a rebirth, of sorts – a time to review, revise, and perhaps reinvent. As I’m in the ‘makeover business’, I humbly offer the following food-for-thought as you make those plans for 2011:

1. Decide What You Want – We won’t find success and happiness driving aimlessly through life. We must come to terms with what it is we truly want. Years ago, I decided that full-time broadcasting wasn’t for me. I wanted to teach, and I did that in a traditional classroom setting for a number of years. I realized, however, that middle school English (as noble and rewarding as that profession is) was not where I needed to be. I wanted to instruct others on living well and abundantly. I wanted to help others find their style. I created a plan, and took steps toward bringing that plan to fruition. Scary? You bet! Sailing into unchartered territory always is. My faith and unwavering support from my husband, my family, and my friends helped guide my way.

2.Surround Yourself With Success – We won’t climb higher by hanging out in the ‘Woe is Me’ club. I encourage you to seek out others who have what you want. Hob-knob with the truly happy among us. Bask in the positive vibes of those who have your best interest at heart. Seek those who live serenely and joyfully. It’s time to divorce ourselves of those who bring us down and make us feel less- than-fabulous.

3. Act (and LOOK) the Part – One of the best keys I’ve discovered toward any sort of success I’ve had is by playing make-believe! I started to play the part of a successful person, and very soon doors opened that allowed me to achieve many of my dreams. Too often, people downplay their outer image, thus hindering their chances of reaching certain goals. Track suits, grungy jeans, and crocs do not scream success. Clinton Kelly says, ‘The way you dress tells the world how you expect to be treated.” Do remember that the next time you head out the door.

4.Find a Role Model – Whom do you admire? What traits do they possess that you wish you possessed? Find out as much as you can about that person, and adopt those habits as your own. For me, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis comes to mind. Her sense of style, her mystique, and the way in which she gracefully overcame tragedy are only a few of the things I admire about her. Insure that your role model is someone who contributes positively to society.

5. Turn off the TV – As I child, I learned the concept of ‘Garbage in, garbage out’. Whatever we put into our heads eventually comes out through our hearts. If we absorb the bad behavior we see on ‘reality TV’, then we’ll soon discover that we’re channeling a great deal of negativity. Say ‘no’, I implore you, to dumbed-down ‘entertainment’. Set your sights on only those things that uplift you. Get out and visit with your neighbors. Go for a walk. Talk to your spouse. Call your mother. Find ways in which to make real connections to real people.

6. An Attitude of Gratitude – When we choose to focus and give thanks for the good things in our lives, more good things come our way. It’s true! God, The Source, or whatever you choose to call it, reads our signals. When we feel grateful for what we’ve got, that higher power gives us even more. Ignore the bad stuff – none of it means anything, anyway. We’re here for only a short time. Let’s be grateful for every second of it.

It is my sincerest wish for you that 2011 will be your happiest and most successful yet!

Beth Newman
Image Consultant/Life Coach/Author
Newman Image
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and LIVE your absolute best!

My online course, New Year, New You begins Monday, January 3. Details on my website.

Hocus Focus

I believe in magic. Not the kind you find at kids’ birthday parties or lavish Las Vegas shows, though; I believe in the kind of magic that surrounds us each day. I believe, too, that we have the power to tap into our own Harry Houdini and create truly magical experiences for ourselves.

But before we start waving our wands willy-nilly, we must be certain of one thing: our intentions.

In order conjure up something fantastic, we must first determine what that fantastic something is. One of the main reasons people don’t get what they want out of life is because they simply don’t know what they want. Perhaps they’re living the dreams others have placed before them. Perhaps they’ve been conditioned to believe that focusing on a particular dream is selfish. It takes a lot of soul-searching, prayer, and meditation to overcome these limitations, but trust me when I tell you that it’s well worth the time and effort.

I think, too, that mind-clutter keeps us from living magically. With all the bad news, bad TV shows, bad music, and bad movies floating around out there, we tend to mire ourselves down into a swamp of negativity. All the violence, deviance, and selfishness we read about, listen to, and watch eventually enters the subconscious mind. Years ago, I learned the concept of ‘Garbage In – Garbage Out’ and although I didn’t apply it at the time, I now know for a fact that it is true. We can’t live magically while wallowing in a dumpster.

I encourage you today to take a little time to think about what it is you truly want out of life. Overcome any fears or limitations you may have. Surround yourself with positive energy. Then prepare yourself for a wonderfully magical ride!

Beth Newman
Image Consultant/Life Coach
Newman Image
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and LIVE your absolute best!

Contact me for details about my online course, Miracles, Magic, and Everyday Grace!

Commitment to Excellence

You are today where your thoughts have brought you; you will be tomorrow where your thoughts take you – James Allen

It’s a simple idea, really – one of committing ourselves to only the best life has to offer.

Yet so many of us settle for mediocrity.

The world holds true abundance and joy for us all, if we allow it to do so. We start by offering and feeling thankful what we have, and we don’t focus on those things we don’t. We then dedicate ourselves to excellence in all areas of our lives. We expect it, and we don’t settle for the mundane anymore.

Commitment to greatness, rather than goodness, is one of the fastest ways I know in which to reap the rewards of life. Use the good napkins rather than paper towels during dinner. Stop wasting time in front of the television when you could spend that time better learning something new, talking with a friend, or simply sitting and reflecting on the day. Speak kindly, and show respect toward others as well as toward yourself. Readily forgive others when they’ve hurt you, and readily forgive yourself for any shortcomings.

Our society in general seems to be content with merely ‘getting by’. I’m not content with that, and it is my sincerest wish that you aren’t, either.

Life is too short, my friends. Why not take the high road in all situations? Seek happiness, offer comfort, and make the conscious decision daily to strive for excellence in all that you do and say. Expect excellence, and you’ll get it!

Beth Newman
Image Consultant/Life Coach
Newman Image
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and LIVE your absolute best!
online consultations available!

The Seeds We Sow

We reap what we sow. This is something we hear as children, but of course it never registers completely until we reach a certain age and gain a little experience.

Unfortunately, some people, though aware of this concept, never really take it to heart.

Not too long ago, I encountered a man who, according to several reliable sources, throws a great deal of negativity into his world. He’s verbally abusive, quick to judge, and makes snap decisions based on “What’s in it for me?” rather than “How will this benefit everyone involved?” Needless to say, he’s not respected nor much liked by the majority of those who know him, which is unfortunate. Oddly enough, however, he thinks that he is, which is sad.

This poor man has no idea of who he really is and how he’s perceived. He’s yet to develop the tools for gaining true happiness and success. He claims to be enlightened, but he isn’t. He’s driven purely by his ego, and is genuinely surprised when things don’t go his way. He’s yet to make the connection that the unpleasantness and hostility he’s bestowed upon others comes directly back to him. When obstacles appear, he’s angered and plays the victim. It’s apparent to those of us in-the-know understand what’s happening, but this poor soul just doesn’t get it.

Happiness and success come when we tap into our authentic selves. This takes reflection, honesty, and time. We must check our ego at the door and let go of those negative thoughts that only weigh us down. With an understanding of our true self, we are free to pursue our passions, free to live happily, and free to sow those good seeds that will help others succeed.


Beth Newman
Image Consultant/Life Coach
Newman Image
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and LIVE your absolute best!

Revelations from the Fitting Room

A friend asked me the other day how image consulting and life coaching work together. “After all, one’s pretty shallow, and the other’s quite deep,” he quipped. I laughed in spite of myself, and explained my personal philosophy (one I completely stole from What Not to Wear’s Clinton Kelly): how we dress tells the world how we expect to be treated. I added the caveat: our thoughts, words, and actions tell the Universe how we expect to be treated.

Women tend to reveal deep, dark secrets in fitting rooms, and not just the type that involves lumps, bumps, scars, and sad underwear. Gals tend to purge a few things while trying on clothes and discovering new looks. “I love it, but there’s no way Bob will let me wear it.” What else does Bob dictate? I wondered. “I just don’t feel comfortable in bright colors; I’m much more comfortable in black.” Why are you afraid of getting noticed? I pondered. “I should not spend this much money on a shirt.” Why don’t you feel worthy? I mused. Anyway, by the time I leave most fitting rooms, I know far more than a woman’s age, rank, and bra size.

I really believe our style represents our authentic selves. What’s happening on the outside is a pretty good indicator of what’s going on inside, usually. I suppose once I’ve seen someone practically naked, she feels comfortable enough with me to discuss things that she won’t easily discuss with someone else.

I take a great deal of pride in my work. It’s about empowering others, really, and it’s a real kick for me to assist them in taking control of their lives. We only get one life, you know. Why not frolic through it joyfully while feeling as fabulous as we look?

Beth Newman
Image Consultant/Life Coach
Newman Image
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and LIVE your absolute best!

Peace Comes

Peace comes with doing the right thing. Peace comes when one knows she’s made the right decision. Peace comes with self-knowledge, self-love, and self-respect.

We feel it when we’ve successfully fought the good fight. We feel it when we when we finally become detached to an outcome and are simply content to be. We feel it when we put fears aside and follow our dreams…our passions.

Peace and abundant living go hand-in-hand. It’s a choice – we can choose to learn about and love ourselves. We can choose fulfillment over drudgery. We can choose to surround ourselves with positive people and experience their positive energy.

We have unlimited potential, and we have power. We realize that potential, we tap into that power….and peace comes.

Beth Newman
Image Consultant/Life Coach
Newman Image
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and LIVE your absolute best!

The Big Bang Theory

Gloom, despair and agony on me
Deep, dark depression, excessive misery
If it weren’t for bad luck, I’d have no luck at all
Gloom, despair, and agony on me.

Oh, my lord – I’ve resorted to quoting from Hee Haw.

But I do it to make a point.

Too often, people merely sit around in tattered overalls sipping their moonshine from jugs waiting for something big to happen. (Okay, maybe not in overalls and perhaps no moonshine’s involved, but bear with me – I really intend to go somewhere with this)

They spend a tremendous amount of time thinking, If only I made X amount of dollars. If only I could lose X number of pounds. If only I could find a man. Then, all would be right with the world.

Of course, disappointment sets in because their desires were not manifested. Usually, this turns to bitterness, and ultimately these folks find themselves living in a constant state of negativity.

Here’s the lesson, boys and girls: things don’t just happen – we have to make them happen.

Our actions, thoughts, words, and even the way in which we present ourselves to the world determine just what will – and what won’t – happen.

In other words, we must dress the part and assume the role of a successful, happy individual in order to achieve or receive anything good. Sometimes this takes a little acting on our parts: we won’t always wake up in a good mood and rejoice in our tedious jobs, cluttered homes, insolent children, or detached spouses. However, we do have the power to readjust our mindset: yes, I have a viable source of income, a roof over my head, and am blessed with family. If we feel gratitude for what we do have, rather than a longing for what we don’t, that job won’t seem so bad, the kids won’t grate on your nerves so much, and that spouse…well, you may find he’s not so bad after all.

We must also discover elements of bigness in the little things. Rather than proclaiming, Oh, I can’t wait for (whatever it is one waits for) to happen!, we must relish small pleasures and each little blessing throughout the day: a quiet cup of coffee, a stroll through the neighborhood, an opportunity to merely chat with a friend.

We are magnets. Everything occurring right now is a result of our attitude and actions.

Those guys from Hee Haw sang that song every week for twenty years. Nothing changed. They didn’t relish in the fact that pretty girls surrounded them, ‘shine flowed like water, and Buck Owens was a resident of Cornfield County for a very long time – that’s good stuff, my friends!

The power for change lies within us, if we only focus on the positive and possess a clear vision for what we truly want out of life.

There is no big bang, but there are an awful lot of little bangs that go unnoticed.

Beth Newman
Image Consultant/Life Coach
Newman Image
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and LIVE your absolute best!

Common Ground

Great relationships exist due to one thing: a shared outlook.

It’s true for any relationship: romantic, family, friendly, working, and such. Too often, relationships fail because they were never really based on common ground. Perhaps, initially, common ground existed, but one, or both parties, changed over the course of time. This happens. That’s why I think it’s vital for each of us to learn – sooner rather than later – who we really are, what we stand for, and where our passions lie.

Too often, relationships fail because many of us depend upon others for our happiness. We ultimately set ourselves up for failure when we rely on another person to make us happy. We must take ownership for our own happiness in order to succeed in any relationship. Yes, my husband brings indescribable joy to me each day; however, we were both happy individuals before we met. Finding each other was merely icing on the cake. As a result, we bring out the best in each other, through love, support, and yes, sharing the same priorities and outlook on life. Go, Team Newman!

It’s important to realize when an outlook is no longer shared. After a number of years, I left a job I initially loved because circumstances surrounding the job changed: it went from a mom-and-pop organization to a corporately owned institution. The family-like atmosphere no longer existed, and I was no longer comfortable there. In hindsight, I realize that my priorities there had changed over time, so it would be really unfair of me to place the entire blame on the corporation. Leaving was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but it was the right decision for me.

The key to it all, of course, is self-awareness, and knowing what we truly want out of life, independent of people, situations, and stuff.

We must realize ‘when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em’. Hold on to those relationships that are based on a shared outlook. Keep those people around whose priorities are your own. Rid yourself of those relationships that simply won’t work for you.

Discover your own passion, and live your life accordingly. Take a stand for your beliefs. The right people and circumstances will find you, rest assured.

Beth Newman
Image Consultant/Life Coach
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and LIVE your absolute best!

Living the Dream

Once upon a time, there lived a girl who always did exactly as she was told. Be good, eat your vegetables, don’t talk to strangers – she abided by them all. Her desperate desire to please didn’t disappear as she entered adulthood. If anything, it multiplied. Fear of conflict, fear of losing a job, fear of disappointing her friends and family kept her in a constant tizzy. Her painted-on smile and keen acting chops served her well. No one knew the degree of misery in which she lived.

Time, along with a couple of serious kicks to head, led this girl to what I refer to as a come to Jesus moment. She realized just how weary she’d become of it all. Her attempts to keep everyone happy weren’t worth it anymore because they simply did not work. Taken for granted too many times, she decided to call it a day.

She quit her corporate job to pursue her passion. She cut out negative people who had influenced her. Granted, she doesn’t make a lot of money and she spends many Friday nights alone, but she’s happy – and that’s a first for her. She finally came to understand that she had the power to create her own life.

Faith plays a huge role in her creation. When times get tough, she knows the Universe will supply everything she needs.

She doesn’t necessarily feel more enlightened than anyone else, but she can’t help but wonder about those folks who choose hatred (of job, family, life) over happiness…those who choose fear over faith…those who choose blah over beautiful.

Part of her life’s mission is to help others overcome the obstacles that keep them down. She doesn’t preach, though; if anything, she merely leads by example and offers advice only when it’s asked. She understands that living one’s dream is possible, if only given the chance.

Beth Newman
www.newmanimage.info
Look, feel, and live your absolute best!

Living Well

A huge difference exists between living and living well. Too often, people merely want to get through the day, work toward the weekend, and then start the cycle over again come Monday morning. They rely on fast-food for sustenance, television for entertainment, and a wardrobe consisting of black slacks and white shirt that they assume will carry them anywhere.

My friends, life is far too short not to live well.

Living well does not mean one has to have a lot of money. Living well does not mean one must live in a mansion. Living well does not mean that one must look a certain way. Some of the happiest people I’ve ever known didn’t have much to call their own, but they knew how to live well. They laughed. They enjoyed different types of art and music. They enjoyed the company of a variety of people. They gave of themselves…their time, their wisdom, and even a shoulder to cry on from time to time.


I find it a little sad when someone says, on a Monday morning, “Wow, I can’t wait for Friday afternoon!” I’m equally disheartened when Friday afternoon rolls around and someone cries out “TGIF!” It’s important to make the most of each day; to find excitement in what it may bring, and to be pleased that those past mistakes were in fact learning tools.

Look, feel, and live your absolute best – that’s the motto I use for my business and the one I live by each day. I feel that those concepts work together to create a meaningful, joyful life - a life that’s lived well. And don’t we all deserve a life that’s lived well?

Beth Newman

www.newmanimage.info

Look, feel, and live your absolute best!