Fearless Fabulous Project

I want me one of those!

Seriously, Tim Ferris’ book, The 4-Hour Workweek, is based on the premise that our larger lives shouldn’t or needn’t be subservient to our work… or more specifically our jobs.

The book is divided into four sections: Definition (determining the dreams of having, being and doing, and calculating the resulting Target Monthly Income and timelines for accomplishment), Elimination (getting rid of all the extraneous and unimportant), Automation (subtracting you from the need to do everything), and Liberation (how to spend all of your freed up time).

You could read this simply as a hypothetical game plan for work avoidance. However, Ferris is more serious than wanting a bestseller with a catchy name. He really believes that our lives have so much more possibility for fulfillment and adventure, and that learning and experiencing new things is necessary expression of what makes us tick.??So, if the idea of outsourcing big chunks of your routine life, enjoying mini-retirements (instead of waiting for the end), and escaping paralysis appeals to you, get The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich.

If nothing else, this book will give you specific steps to reclaim pockets of time. With it as a guide, you can think about why you are holding back from living the life that you want.

I’m going to try the ideas in the book this summer, and I’ll report out after Labor Day.

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freedom from schedules, independence, outsourcing work, automating tasks, defining your ideal life, Tim Ferris, Target Monthly Income

Recently, I forced my husband to sit through the three versions of “The Avengers” TV series from the 1960s. Patrick McNee played John Steed, an uppity-snuppity British spy ; in every episode he was outfitted in tweed and bowler with an umbrella in hand (often wielded as weapon). Through the years of the series, he always had a female foil with whom he bantered as together they solved a series of ridiculous crimes. [The 1998 movie adaption was dreadful; the 80’s TV series “Remington Steele“ was on the same track.]

Early episodes paired Steed with Mrs. Cathy Gale, portrayed by Honor Blackman. In the middle and best years, Diana Rigg was the cool and clever Mrs. Emma Peel. The series wrapped in 1969 with Linda Thorson playing young, beautiful Tara King.

At ages 7-9, it was Emma Peel that struck my fancy. She was glamorous and strong, clever and smart, and ever ready for the next adventure or risk. She had a witty remark for every situation. I wanted to be ready for anything like her. I actually wanted to be her.

It was probably one episode in particular — not found during the recent marathon viewing by the way — that featured Steed and Peel fencing, complete with spandex outfits (he in black, she in white), masks, foils, and a more than a bit of wicked humor. At least I remember it that way. I always intended to take up fencing based on that very strong impression; I wanted those agile, flexible, dramatic moves for my own arsenal.

Now that I am at the mid-point of my life, I laugh a bit at my early infatuation. I’m struck by how long and fiercely I clung to my “Emma Peel Ideal.” But now — and especially after realizing how dated the conversations, styles, and story lines from the TV series — I’m satisfied with my own style and progress toward my very contemporary ambitions and ideals. I’m a business owner with a clear vision of what I want to accomplish. I have numerous friends, opportunities for self-development and travel, time to explore my interests and passions, and a balanced life.

This past winter I conducted a pilot 12-week group coaching program focused on female boomers. In the past few months I’ve swallowed and digested an enormous amount of new technology; I’ve developed a web site, blogs, and now I’ve launched an ezine (sign up at the top of this page to receive a weekly issue via email). I’ve learned how to set up my online shopping cart, arranged for a merchant account, written autoresponders, and created an online forum. I’ve created coaching packages and taken on clients. I am focused on bolstering my marketing efforts in order to fill my group program scheduled for July.

Emma, eat your heart out.

Think about your early influences. Is there a role model from your childhood or earlier adulthood? What is the temperament, “look,” or “MO” that inspired you? Does the image still do it for you?

Is there a contemporary model out there that embodies the ideal for you now? What is your definition of a Fearless, Fabulous Female? Share your memories and experiences. Post a comment. Let’s collect a bunch of these impressive female profiles, and then I’ll figure out a way to share them with all readers of this ezine.

Fear? No kidding!

This week I’m inviting a select group of friends and colleagues to participate in my Fearless, Fabulous Project’s Research and Development Group. For 12 weeks, I will work closely with participants on ending mental constipation and taking action on long-held dreams.

This brings out into the open and makes official my own long-held desire to provide coaching as part of my work. I coached several clients years ago for a brief period, before I accepted a corporate communications position in health care. The job effectively ended my foray into coaching as my responsibilities blossomed and other interests held my attention.

But opportunities we’re naturally drawn to reappear sometimes in a better format and when we’re better prepared to explore and master them.

So, almost seven years later, I return to what I had planned way back then as a freelance writer and editor. To transition to coaching and to continue to write…but only about what interests me. [I also share a marketing and business strategy business with my husband.]

I’m braver than I used to be. Before I thought I’d need to be perfect before I could put out my shingle. Now I’m smart enough to know I need feedback and help from others. The only way I’ll get it is to put myself out there, and deal with possible criticism. Older and wiser, I “get” that suggestions for changes and improvement can only make me and my products and services stronger.

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dreams, coaching