The FORWARD Group Blog

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Got Balance?

Do you find yourself constantly chasing "balance" in your life?  Well, I personally hate when people ask me if I am "balanced".  Balance indicates there is equilibrium on both sides of an equation.  How many of us feel everything is equal at any given point in time? I sure don't.  

I had an awesome discussion with Deborah Hardnett of Wealthy Sistas today where I talked about "balance" and how I prefer the word "centered" along with a host of other topics.  Take a listen...

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wealthysistas/2011/07/25/wealthy-sistas-corp-branding-expert-anne-sempowski-ward

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A Hiatus...

Many of you have asked us what we have been up to...

Well, we have taken a short hiatus from updating our website and blog.

However, don't take that as we are not moving FORWARD!  We have been very busy steadily adding new clients in both our coaching and consulting businesses as well as being hard at work on our book.

PLAYMAKERS, you won't want to miss this one!

More to come, so stay tuned!

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Most of us at some point in our life get stuck. If not, keep living, you will.

It’s that place that makes you feel as though life has you in a holding pattern. The best example I can use to explain this is an airplane circling the airport waiting to land but can’t. Moving to the next destination is not possible nor is returning to the city where the flight originated. The funny thing is that you are still moving while in the plane; it gives the illusion of progress but in reality you are going in circles.   The interesting thing about this example is like many situations we find ourselves stuck in, we are at the mercy of the control tower. Even if the pilots wanted to land or travel to another airport to land, without the consent of the control tower they are stuck in a holding pattern.   In most cases circling is for your own security and safety. The control tower understands what’s going on and gives instructions that will keep an accident from happening. Although, I have built my business on coaching people forward there are times when God, the ultimate control tower, has you circling for a reason.   Just this past week one of the presidential planes carrying First Lady Michelle Obama had to abort landing because the flight was too close to a cargo plane on the ground. The control tower sent instructions that saved the world from a major tragedy.   Who’s manning your control tower? Coach Kevin Ward 

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Review Your Game Film

Many of us use the season change to reflect, so we thought it fitting to talk about using this time to rewind and watch your personal game film.   For those of you who may not spend much time watching sports or have not played organized sports, the process of watching film is critical to a team getting ready for their next game. Sitting and reviewing an opponent allows them to study how they play, analyze their strengths and weaknesses and create their strategy for winning. Well, in our personal lives, we all have a vast archive of game film. These are the stories of our lives.  From memories of the first time we learned something from our parents to the things we used to love to do when we were young or when nobody was watching. Today, we encourage you to rewind and review the game film of your life. It can offer clues as to what you might love to do but have somehow forgotten amidst life's demands.  Perhaps it will uncover some deep-rooted beliefs that you have that may be stopping you from getting to the next level in your career, relationship, or life.  Or maybe, it just might open up a whole new world of possibility for pursuing something you never even imagined could be a life calling when you left your childhood behind. PLAYMAKERS watch hours of film and know the plays that will make them successful...do you?

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Are You Living A Default Life?

The word default has several different definitions depending on the context in which the word is used. For this post, I want to use the word default as described in the dictionary: “a computer program or other mechanism that reverts automatically to a preselected option.”

A computer will default back to previous programming settings as a way of familiarity when it doesn’t understand something or as a safety precaution.

The human mind is considered one of the greatest computers in existence. Social norms, beliefs and contextual conditioning have played a vital role in our programming. This includes parents, relatives, ministers, teachers, coaches and friends. Like a computer, we have a default mode that we often use.

Have you ever automatically reverted to a default position? This is a place that is familiar, known, and understood.  This natural position can happen without effort. It is so easy to live a default life that it often goes undetected, leaving many of us unaware. This is not a judgment on default living; it’s more of a question. If the default position is where you desire to live and it’s working for you then continue. However, if you have been uneasy, frustrated and de-motivated then perhaps you should investigate the possibility that you are on default.

By default we play a passive role and allow situations, people and circumstances to dictate. When we don’t speak up and allow the situations or person to determine the outcome without our participation, we default. The problem with this is we end up in situations and circumstances where we feel powerless and controlled.

Changing this requires full participation in life. You have to be active and present to what is going on around you. By not just allowing things to happen but playing more offense and making things happen you spend less time in a default mode.

If the default position is no longer working for you, awaken and take your power back by speaking up and out. When you know your natural reaction is to default and you consciously choose to do the opposite, you are well on your way. 

LIVE FORWARD...

Coach Kevin Ward

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Spring Forward...

Spring is in the air.  This spring is all about moving FORWARD. But to do so, we must remove the clutter and clean out the stuff that prevents movement.

I am ready to have a spring in my step this year.  Because this winter was particularly brutal in many parts of the country including where I live, this year the anticipation of spring is greater than previous years. 

However, it might be challenging to have a spring in your step when the things around you are cluttered, dirty and weighing you down. Yes, cleaning out the closet, garage, basement and yard are a given. However, and more importantly, are the cluttered relationships that have been and will continue to be a heavy load.  The unhealthy friendships and love relationships that will prevent you from springing forward must be cleaned up or out. 

What a great opportunity we have to clean up our lives as we SPRING FORWARD!  

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The Game of Life

Last night I watched the Duke & Arizona college basketball game. It’s not how you start, it is how you finish, as Duke can attest.

Duke dominated the first half of the game. But after trailing by six at the half, Arizona made some adjustments in the second half and embarrassed Duke with a 16-point win.

Just like last night's game, the first quarter of the year is upon us. Based on your goals how would you rate your performance versus your goals? As April approaches it is important to understand where you are so you know what needs to be done to stay on track. What score would you give yourself? Are you trailing, leading or is the score tied? If you are leading, be mindful and don’t get behind. If you are trailing, you are in the perfect position to at least tie the score with the intention of taking the lead.

I would encourage you to go back and re-read my posts on how to change momentum in your favor. Here’s a recap:

Turn the Tide

Get in the Game

Control the Energy

Plan Your Momentum

When Opportunity Knocks…Answer!

These can be found at our FORWARD Blog: http://blog.thefwdgroup.com.

Most coaches will tell you that the first quarter of a game is all about figuring out your opponent. What are they doing to you, what adjustments need to be made, what is working, what isn’t? These are some questions I would encourage you to ask yourself as the first quarter of the year comes to an end. This is time you will never get back, so prepare yourself to turn momentum in your favor or keep the momentum if you are ahead. We want you to be victorious this year, so however we can help you manage the game, we will.

You can do it!

Coach Ward

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Ouch...that hurt!

Today was the second time I’ve taken a Yoga class. It has been more than 8 yrs between classes. As a former defensive lineman, I have very little flexibility and I realize that the more you work at stretching the more flexible you become.  However, is my inability to be flexible when stretching, consistent with an inability to be flexible when it comes to circumstances and situations in my life? Where else in my life does it hurt to stretch?

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Step 5: When Opportunity Knocks...Answer!

March Madness is upon us. There has been some amazing basketball games on this weekend. While watching several games, I noticed that in the close games, coaches and players really looked for opportunities to change the momentum of a game. It could be calling a time-out at the most opportune time to stop the momentum of the opposing team or calling a designed play in order to get a score. It was clear that each team was on the lookout for momentum changing opportunities. 

Everyday we are presented with opportunities - some we see, others we are simply oblivious to. In order to keep momentum or change momentum you have to be opportunistic.  In other words, when you have momentum you must defend it, and when you want it you have to be offensive minded.  Remember momentum is energy and energy attracts like energy.

Hopefully, these five plays shared over the last several blog posts can help you defend your momentum if you have it or can help you change it in your direction if it isn’t now. There is still time for you to reach your goals, remember with a little momentum in your favor anything is possible. 

MOVE FORWARD!

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Step 4: Plan Your Momentum

You must be strategic and have a plan for momentum.  Sports teams go into a game with a plan to win. The team that is able to execute that plan builds momentum faster which increases their chances for success.  Companies create business plans, marketing plans, and financial plans for success.  Those that do well are able to create momentum around a particular product or service that they are offering. The result could be overwhelming. When Apple came out with the iPhone the momentum that was created was amazing.  What is your GAMEPLAN TO WINTM? 

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Step 3: Control The Energy

Be intentional; intention creates energy. In order to create momentum, intentions must be clear and directed. When intentions are undirected it is much more difficult to create momentum because the energy is dispersed.  Having everything moving and working and in the same direction builds and focuses energy that in turn creates momentum.

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Step 2: Get In The Game

The second way to create momentum is to be in ACTION.  It is impossible to have momentum without movement.  Imagine a sports team that just stood on the sideline and never played the game.  Inaction will cause doubt and fear to creep in. As long as you stand on the sideline and think about doing it, nothing happens. The moment you take action, energy is created and movement begins. 

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Step 1: Turn the Tide

You may be feeling like you are not in the game because you do not feel movement.  That is ok.  In fact, just being conscious of this is a huge breakthrough because many people don’t realize they are stuck.  In order to begin to create momentum in your favor, you have to be inspired to do something. What good is momentum if there’s no use for it?  Find a reason to be inspired.  Whether it’s a goal you personally want to achieve or you want to help someone else with a project, when you create an inspiring reason for momentum, you will spark motivation.  

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First Quarter - Momentum

First Quarter – Momentum:

We are in the first quarter of the 2011. Getting off to a fast start is an important part of reaching goals. Every team no matter the sport wants to get off to a fast start.  Building momentum early and maintaining it throughout the game can be the difference between winning and losing.

Momentum is described in physics as the energy of a moving object. It is a powerful force that can propel you forward faster with very little effort. Once momentum is created it can be difficult to contain. The propensity to take on a life of its own is high.

A great example of momentum is a local story that gains energy and becomes national news. There are times in life and career where you are the beneficiary of momentum. Many have made a career out of jumping from one right opportunity to the next. It requires being in the right place at the right time.  Perhaps it could be something as simple as moving into the right neighborhood at the right time. The neighborhood is experiencing tremendous growth and has gained momentum from local politicians, businesses that want to offer goods and services, and great schools.  This momentum could pay off handsomely if you decide to sell at the right time.

Are you in the game?

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Pull FORWARD

I had an appointment in downtown Chicago recently. Rather than take public transportation, I decided to drive. I drove into the jungle with one goal. Find street parking close to my meeting. This is like looking for a needle in a haystack.

Unsuccessful, and running late, I decided to pull into a parking garage. As I pulled forward the garage door was closed.  I expected it to automatically open, so I pulled closer.  Normally the automatic door trigger will open the door. Fearful of actually hitting the garage door, or that it might be out of order I stopped and waited. I sat there watching the time slowly tick by, unable to backup because the cars behind me blowing their car horns. I realized I was stuck.

After about 10 seconds, which felt like an hour, I saw the following sign on the wall “Pull Forward As Far as Possible”. Once I saw the sign I inched closer to the garage door and it automatically opened. Relieved and running late, I valet and headed to my meeting.

When I returned to the garage, I saw the sign and thought about the times in life we attempt to move forward and because of roadblocks, naysayers, and closed doors we get stopped. Unable to move backward or forward we sit quietly hoping and waiting for something to happen but it never does, precious time slowly ticking by leaving us frustrated and discouraged.

Perhaps the next time you find yourself stopped or stuck, you should “Pull Forward as Far as Possible”. This movement could trigger the automatic door to open, ultimately leading you to your desired destination. Many dreams have never been realized because we give up too soon or don’t go far enough stopping just short. Had we only inched closer the door would have automatically opened.

Grow FORWARD!

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First Round Draft Pick for The FORWARD Group!

I would like to take this post and welcome Anne Sempowski Ward to The FORWARD Group. Anne has been named President and CEO.  She will be responsible for developing the overall company strategy and overseeing various aspects of operations. She also leads the company’s FORWARD Consulting practice, where she and other members of Team FORWARD assist clients with developing winning corporate, operational, and marketing strategies.

During her almost two decades in corporate America, where she has held senior and c-suite positions at Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and Johnson Publishing – parent company of iconic Ebony, Jet, and Fashion Fair brands – Anne has built strong business acumen and a wealth of expertise in the areas of corporate and brand strategy, operations, and overall business leadership. She has led challenging business turnarounds, high-profile acquisitions, classic rebranding efforts, corporate reorganization and restructuring, and multicultural marketing. She has worked across beauty, media, food & beverage, baby care, technology and a number of other consumer product categories.

In addition to leading the FORWARD Consulting group, Anne also coaches individuals and speaks to groups including Fortune 500 corporations, small and mid-size companies, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions about the lessons she has learned throughout her career. She commonly speaks on topics related to linking your career to your passion and various aspects of The FORWARD Group’s signature PLAYMAKER Series. She is also recognized and often sought out by young corporate executives for her individual coaching on how to accomplish unbelievable career success by declaring and living your personal passions and holding true to your principles.

We are excited to add Anne, a true PLAYMAKER, to Team FORWARD.

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The Forward Factor™

The Forward FactorTM is a powerful process that Team Forward created to help individuals, companies and communities move forward.  Many of you may have heard of the “X-Factor”.  According to wisegeek.com, “in the world of mathematics, an ‘X factor’ is an unknown quantity which only becomes known after following a prescribed process. This concept of an unknown but vital quality also extends into other worlds, such as business and entertainment. In this sense, an ‘X-factor’ is a certain undefinable quality, which may promote one candidate over another in the eyes of his or her critics or examiners.”

Team Forward understands intimately the importance of forward  movement and that’s why we developed The Forward Factor.  By using our tested process we are certain we can get you unstuck and moving forward. No matter what situation you’re in or how stuck you are The Forward Factor can work if you work it.

There is no need to put your hopes, dreams and desires on hold any longer. Life could be passing you by, just because you don’t have the right resources to move forward. No more excuses it is time to start living the life you know you deserve. If your interested please contact a Team Forward member today @ [email protected]