Written by Debra Kunz

Giving and gratitude are at the top of our minds during the holidays.  I wonder what happens to those feelings and intentions the rest of the year?

Being thankful for all that you have, all that you are and all that you will become sets a course for a joyful life; One that feeds your soul, directs your decisions, and creates abundance.  YOU define what abundance you want in your life, and in what category.

Money is usually on that list.  Though I ask you – what for?  What would you do if you had all the money you could possibly need in your life?

Most people say – “whatever I want.”  True. Though look beyond that.  What would your purpose become?  You might say you work for income and if you had all the money you needed, that worry would be removed. Consider that for a second – because that thought means your current purpose is to earn income.

Is that it? That’s your purpose?

Here’s the tough question – What would make your life meaningful?  What would make you get up in the morning, excited about your day?  And, consider all of the things you could do for others if you had all the money you could ever need.

Being grateful for your life, as it is now, is a powerful source of peace during all of the turmoil and stress around us.  Now, I’m not talking about being grateful with a spin of desperation. That’s an entirely different experience that feels like “I’m thankful that everyone has helped me with stuff ‘cause I can’t do anything for myself, create anything or believe I have any value.”  

Instead, truly center on being thankful for your life as it is now, and know that you have the power to change it with the choices you make.  Each day. Every day. All year.  Connecting desperation to your feeling of gratitude negates the entire experience, and gives your power to others. 

Instead, keep your power and listen to your soul.  If you focus each day on what you are truly grateful for, your physical reaction is slowed breathing, clearer thinking and better choices that create the life you want.

One of my personal affirmations is this, “I am grateful for all that I am, all that I have, and all that I will become.”  Feel free to borrow it.

For more information:

Debra Kunz, MBA, CSLP is the Strategic Life Planning Director at Integrity Investment Advisors, a speaker, author and coach on life and business issues such as strategic life planning, team dynamics and business changes. She teaches individuals, groups and businesses, to create their life and business instead of just react to it. Email her at dkunz@iia-kc.com.  www.iia-kc.com/life-and-business

Written by Debra Kunz, MBA, CSLP

As you consider the world economy and the nature of your life in general – are you driven by fear or by focus? Does the fear of the unknown determine your decisions, or are you focused on what you want? Do you know?

One of the ways to create your life is to understand the difference. No, this doesn’t mean you can control the economy, stock market, or life’s events. It means you already have a vision in place for the life you want, and are making daily choices to create it.

It’s not a secret. It’s a choice. Daily. Deliberately.

The only way it works is if you are aware of your own decisions and how you make them. Which one are you?

* The “guesser” – “Well – this looks close so I’ll do that.” Which means you aren’t going to bother to figure out what’s important to you.

* The “procrastinator” – “Well, I don’t have to make up my mind right NOW, do I?” Which means your decision is no decision.

* The “fearful” – “My choices are A and B. Which one scares me the least and won’t change things very much?” Which means your decision is based on what you’re avoiding.

None of these decision “methods” are deliberate, nor do they actually move you toward anything. All of them mostly just keep you stuck in the same place. The “fearful” one roots you there with emotional anxiety about – well – everything given fear is the driver of your choices.

Is that a way to live??

I’d say resoundingly NO.

Start by becoming aware of your choices, and the real reason you’re making them. Get help from your friends or a professional coach, but figure it out. You’ll be amazed how this awareness shifts choices away from fear toward focusing on what you want.

More Information:
Debra Kunz is a speaker, author and coach on life and business programs such as strategic life planning, team dynamics and work environment. She teaches individuals, groups and businesses, to create their life and business instead of just react to it. Email her at dkunz@iia-kc.com. http://www.iia-kc.com/life-and-business

CSLP, Certified Strategic Life Planner

The tale of the financial markets collapse continues with the news of yet another suicide. Another man took his own life due to the collapse of his finances. What about his soul? What about his family? Why are we pre‐disposed to define ourselves based on our bank accounts… our cars… homes… our net worth?

It seems counterproductive to define our own self worth based on something that should be used as a tool to provide for our life, and not define our life.

Perhaps we can learn about life and money from their tragic deaths. Maybe the reason so many people get caught in the trap of defining themselves by what they have, versus who they are, is because they haven’t taken the time to discover the answer. I call that living by default, and not by intention.

When you define what you want your life to be, and take some time to develop a life strategy or plan, your focus changes. You become someone who chooses your life and makes deliberate decisions, versus reacting to things around you. Granted, you can have all the plans you want, and won’t be able to control everything around you.

Though with a plan, and the unexpected happens, it gives you direction that’s focused on your priorities, and becomes a filter for better decision making. Of course, money must be part of the plan, though it shouldn’t be the plan.

Regarding the investments of these men, my biggest question is, “What was driving their investment decisions, greed or reason?” There is no better time than now to understand why diversification in your portfolio is important. Granted, the severity of this particular financial situation hasn’t been seen since the 1930’s, and there is nowhere to hide. However, if you are well diversified, and make investment decisions based on risk tolerance appropriate for your goals, then ride the wave. It will eventually smooth out and grow again.

May this experience inspire you to redefine your own value and have a prosperous new year personally, professionally and financially. More importantly, may you understand how to integrate those pieces together and define yourself beyond your money.

For more information call Debra Kunz at 913‐897‐2074 or email dkunz@iia-kc.com.

*CSLP Certified Strategic Life Planner