It is 2021 and the start of the New Year… and one of the first few messages I read in our chat group is this post:

My GOAL in 2021

Is to Accomplish the Goals I set in 2020

Which I should have done in 2019

Because I made a promise in 2018

Which I planned in 2017

I found this so hilarious and was laughing silently, and yet a little bit later I was asking myself, how much of this is true for me?

Suddenly, it wasn’t entirely funny at all…

When I think about it, I have accomplished so many goals in my life which I am grateful for, and I also have a number of “unfinished” goals that I started way back when. Case in point is losing weight, this has been a perennial struggle for me and year after year I say that I will lose weight. At a certain point, I had lost weight and then I gain it again… at times maybe a little more than what I had lost. 2020 was no different, in fact, I told myself that with more time at home then I can do my exercises and eat healthier food. It started ok, and then it turned around in the last quarter and now am back where I started, or worse. The more I think about it, the more I realize that something has to change in order for me to lose weight. I know what needs to be done, eat right, do some form of exercise, sleep well. Then I ask myself, what’s preventing me from doing all of these things?

One question stuck in my head as I was reflecting on this, is the goal really to lose weight or is losing weight the reward for achieving my goals? If so, what then is the goal? My realization is that the goal, at least for me, should be to create new habits and practice them committedly and consistently. And as I create new habits, the reward of losing weight and becoming healthier which will be a consequence of my daily actions over time. James Clear in his book ‘Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones’ says, “You should be far more concerned with your current trajectory than with your current results.” This redirects my focus to keeping with the daily new habits and let the reward of losing weight take its natural course.

So, my first step is to map out my plan, with the intention of creating new habits that will support my desired outcomes.

1. Be Clear About My Purpose
   1. What makes this important to me?
   1. Who else will be positively impacted by this?
   1. How can this make a difference in my life?
2. Define My Trajectory
   1. What outcomes would I like to happen in 2021?
   1. How long will it take for me to get to the desired results?
   1. What resources do I need?
3. Outline My Everyday Why
   1. What daily actions do I need to do?
   1. How can I ensure that I will do this consistently?
   1. What are my potential roadblocks?
4. Kaizen = Continuous Improvement
   1. How can I do things better today than yesterday?
   1. What other areas do I need to improve?

Once the plans are clear, then it is time to do the grind and make it happen.

One side note I should remember, studies have shown that when you write down your plans the chances of success is higher, and according to the American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) your chances of success can increase to 65% when you share your plans with someone, and you can bring that up to as much as 95% success rate when you set regular updates/discussions with an accountability partner.

How about you, what new habits would you like to create in your life? If you need help, try speaking to a coach. Depending on what part of your life you would like to improve, there are different types of coaches who can help you, such as a Life Coach, Business Coach or a Career Coach. As Bill Gates said in his TedTalk, “Everyone Needs a Coach”.

Looking forward to creating new habits in 2021 and beyond!

Thank you 2020, Welcome 2021!

And just like that, 2020 is over! I remembered sharing this message when I facilitated a year-ender business community gathering and organized a Christmas Thanksgiving outreach event. “2020 may have been a year of shocks and surprises yet we can still make it count with a big celebration of blessings”. No doubt it was a very challenging year, yet I find it pass the fastest after having spent most of it at home and the most meaningful one after reducing almost everything to the core.  Yes, I am welcoming the New Year with the gifts of reflection and learning from 2020 – reinforced values, stronger faith, new perspective, deeper love and gratitude.

At Haraya, we started our 2021 strategic planning session as early as October 2020 building from a positive momentum of thoughtful investments in ourselves, our company’s brand, clients, partners and programs. This geared us up for another new notable year. If you have been following our journals, we ended the year with some thought provoking questions like what gifts did 2020 bring you? What wisdom did you gain from the struggles of the past year? If 2021 were to be your best year, what would you be doing? These hopefully helped you in your reflection as you move forward to 2021. If you haven’t yet started, join me in this journal as we kick off the new year together.

It’s that time of the year when this quote “Forget resolutions this new year, set an intention” got me into reflective thinking.  It led me to some heart and mind opening articles highlighting the difference between resolution and intention.  How mindset and framing have influence over one and the other.  How the value of purpose and practice make a difference in one’s commitment.  I learned that resolution is coming from a perspective that something is wrong with me, that I am not good enough and something has to be changed or fixed in my life.  Resolution sounded more like of a rigid ‘either I do it or else’ command. Good if I’m able to fulfill it however if not, it can lead to a cycle of disempowering thoughts and feeling of failure, guilt, shame or self-judgment which at worst may feed into negative self-worth.  Intention, on the other hand, comes from an empowering space that I am good enough and whole. It is not about what I should be doing rather it’s more of who I want to be.  Something that I need to actively work on for it to manifest in my life as it allows for more room to move and adapt to my circumstances. It is an aim that guides my decisions and actions, a deliberate commitment to align my actions to my purpose and values – enabling me to live my purpose. 

What I loved the most about the concept of intention is that it’s not a one-time event or one off action.  It signifies our active role in continuously creating our dream life.  It nurtures character building of commitment, trust and letting go.  We move forward with it without being attached to the outcome – it’s the journey more than the destination and a practice for progress rather than perfection.  All these inspired me to be more deliberate in setting my intentions to achieve my goals. After all, what can be more fulfilling than living each day moving steps closer to my purpose?

Here are some tips and guide questions that I find helpful in setting and living my intentions:

1. Reflect on and/or re-write your purpose statement
   1. How has your purpose served your life?
   1. What makes your purpose relevant?
2. Be clear with what you want to nurture in your life
   1. What specific life area needs attention from you right now?
   1. What will this nurturing bring to your life?
3. Set your intention – a statement that relates to your purpose
   1. What do you want to be living, feeling or contributing to yourself and others?
   1. How you can bring about that nurturing in your life?
4. State your goals in a gain frame
   1. What benefits will you gain from achieving you goal?
   1. What positive impact will this goal have in your life?
5. Develop strategy and action plans to achieve your goals
   1. What strategies are supportive of your goals?
   1. What realistic action steps are you committing to live by?
6. Acknowledge and celebrate your wins
   1. What milestone(s) did you set around your goals?
   1. How will you reward yourself for the small and big wins?
7. Learn from your setback
   1. What did you learn from your challenges?
   1. What will you do differently?
8. Enjoy the journey

I can’t wait and am curious to know, what intentions are you going to set this year that your future self will thank you for?

Let us welcome the New Year with a trusting and grateful heart for the many more blessings God has in stored for us. Wishing you all a Blessed & Peaceful New Year!

God bless!

Lea

Before we write off 2020 …

What a ride we’ve had in 2020! No one was exempt from its craziness and I know many are just so relieved that it’s finally over and eager to start anew. I, for one, had such high hopes for this year that quickly took a downturn in the first few weeks. Our Haraya team had just completed our strategic planning session and everyone was just so eager to get the year going. This was supposed to be a banner year for us. We had a great plan, a capable team and we were energized by the possibilities! Before we could even find our bearings, Taal had erupted and the next thing we knew we were locked down in our respective homes, scrambling to find a way to run everything virtually.  I clearly recall my own struggle in those first few weeks of March. I found myself almost catatonic, feeling helpless, lost and scared. There was so much uncertainty with no end in sight and no clear timeline that we had little choice than to take it day by day, week by week. On some days, I had to take it hour by hour. Wow! What a ride indeed!

Fast forward to today. I’m looking back and feeling so much warmth and gratitude towards 2020. The words that come to mind in my reflection are: RESET, PIVOTAL, GROUNDING, INTROSPECTION, FAMILY, and LOVE. Not the words I would have used to describe anything back in March, that’s for sure!

What happened between March and December? How did I get to this place of thankfulness despite the roller coaster of a year we’ve had?

It helps that I work with an amazing team. Together, we focused our attention on what really matters and drew from our collective strengths. We asked thoughtful questions and had many conversations with you – our dear friends, clients, partners and coaches. You shared with us your challenges, thoughts, and feelings and told us how you wanted to be supported. So we listened and created with you, not for you.

2020 gave birth to a number of coaching programs that were designed to support you in a way that was most meaningful:

• Unang Tugon – a first response coaching support for those with an immediate need
• Ka-malayan – partnering to create awareness of what is happening in your team
• Ka-lingap – partnering for your complete well-being and brain health
• Sibol – our community development work supporting educators throughout the country
• Ka-lunsad – partnering to launch the business you’ve been dreaming about
• Banyuhayan – partnering to create a new and meaningful life
• Kina-iya – helping leaders become their best selves while engaging their teams

Just reflecting on all these programs is making me teary-eyed. I would never have guessed that we would end the year with such clarity about who we are as a company and how we want to help. Because we listened, first and foremost, we’ve been the most creative. Haraya is definitely ending 2020 as a banner year, and that is because you’ve helped us to make it so!

Personally, I’ve developed awareness and practiced a side of my brain that I haven’t tapped so much before. I gained new opportunities to support this community that I love so dearly and my family has grown together in many ways.

As we celebrate the Holiday season the new normal way, take a moment aside to reflect. Keep in mind the true meaning of the holiday and celebrate God’s incredible act of love and gratitude.

There’s no way I’m writing off 2020! If anything, it’s been a source of purpose and clarity for me. What about you? What gifts did 2020 bring you?

Cheers,

Jackie

My ultimate happy place during this quarantine has definitely been my balcony. I live on the 40^th floor of a high-rise building right in the middle of the city fortunate enough with a view that allows the eye to see as far as it can see.

I have yet to encounter a person that walks into the condo who does NOT take a moment of stillness to have a look at the view (with the exception of someone with a fear of heights). I have observed how people are naturally curious and drawn to take a look, allow their eyes to see, their breath to slow down and their shoulders to drop. And, just for a moment, stand there and “take it all in”.

It’s glimpse of the much needed PAUSE we need in our life.

What makes reflection important?

Viktor Frankl has been attributed to have said: “ Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” It urges us to honor the pause as a time to REFLECT on our next choice, action, response.  

The word “Reflection” comes from the Latin: Reflectere, re-“back” and flectere, “to bend” – bending something back. Allowing ourselves to reflect means we are bending something back, something inwards, allowing our thoughts to bend back inwards.

American Educator and philosopher John Dewey said: “We do not learn from experience. We learn from reflecting on experience.” Reflection is an essential part in learning, growing and creating our desired future.

What is the beauty that unfolds in a reflective space?

As Haraya Coaches, we are trained to take our clients on a transformational coaching journey that is deeply rooted in creating and facilitating a reflective learning space for them. Beauty starts to unfold when our client is able to access their reflective thinking capacity and have a space to “think about their thinking”, to “see” their situation from a different perspective, to bring confused thoughts into clarity or to think about things they may never have thought about before. 

Reflection gives us a space to:

• Get in touch with what is most meaningful to us
• Helps bring our own learning to life
• Gain perspective
• Become clear on where we want to make a change and take action
• Appreciate and be grateful for our experiences

It is no secret that 2020 was a one crazy experience. Imagine all the gems of wisdom available to us because of the unprecedented year we have had. Now, is a beautiful time to “take it all in” – to integrate our learning and insights of the year into what is to come for 2021.  

To get you started…

The Haraya Team has pulled together some of the questions that we have been reflecting on the past few weeks:  

1. What is your biggest win and made you come alive during 2020?
2. What wisdom did you gain from the struggles of the past year?
3. What are you most grateful for?
4. If 2021 were to be your best year yet, what would you be doing?
5. What trait, strength or characteristic in yourself would you need to activate to achieve that?

Enjoy this time of pause, reflection and gratitude.

We will continue to hold the space and bring life coaching in the Philippines within your reach.

Merry Christmas everyone and a wishing you all a blessed 2021.

Stay curious,

Cecilia

The pandemic that took the entire world by storm has led many companies, including ourselves, to finally look into digital not just for our coaching sessions but in the ways we expanded our client base versus relying on traditional word-of-mouth. 

One such company that helped us on our journey to digital is iManila, a full service website development and digital marketing agency in the Philippines with over 24 years of helping once-traditional companies like Haraya to move online. 

Although it seems that iManila’s services are on point during the pandemic and even though they call themselves fortunate to have been able to move their operations online and work throughout the pandemic, it was inevitable for many employees, including the top management, to feel difficulties in adjusting to life at home as well as the struggles of managing work life and personal life in their own individual spaces. 

Given these challenges, the Haraya team proposed to conduct a Ka-Lingap Program that they felt would help give everyone from iManila gain confidence, self-purpose, empathy and to reach their full potential despite the pandemic. 

We at Haraya, take pride in designing and providing relevant programs best suited for a diverse set of people, at every phase of their transformation – from sustainable learning programs, robust leadership development practices to team and culture dynamics approaches. Let us walk you through what transpired during our Ka-Lingap Teambuilding session.

We asked Mr. Robert Deluria, President and CEO of iManila on his personal experience on the session he said that, “It was perfect timing, with all the positive impact on my personal life and that of the management team it was decided that we will also cascade the benefits of the Haraya “way” to the other people in iManila. This is where the Ka-Lingap program came into the picture. This program was meant to allow the other members of iManila to benefit and be able to not only survive the pandemic but to “grow” in the new normal. This is especially meaningful to me since this allowed me to personally connect with members of the team during the sessions. To hear them and share with them. To be “normal” again even for just a few hours. I just hope that everyone who joined was improved by the experience as I had been.

Personally, the coaching sessions with my Life Coaches Jackie and TJ helped me handle the stressful situation during the pandemic. The sessions allowed me to answer questions that were bothering me especially about the future of the company and how to plan for the uncertain future. I realized that although I may not be able to control what is happening around me and the future, I was still in control of myself and how I act towards the stressful environment. I was able to make “baby steps” in the right direction and eventually regain focus on moving forward. I was also able to challenge myself to have a healthy lifestyle and consistently nurture my mind, body and spirit to be strong and resilient. I was able to do a routine of prayer, exercise, learning, working and living life to the fullest every day.

In the end, I am very thankful to the Haraya team for all their patience and expertise in helping iManila through these uncertain times.”

The whole iManila team had an interesting time throughout all of the sessions. During each of the sessions, the team talked about their struggles and how each has been able to adapt to change. Members of the team shared their individual experiences and were able to connect to each other after months of being isolated at their own homes. 

“It’s a wonderful experience to know the habits for the agile brain. It’s also a revalidation of what area I should improve and work on. Also it’s a review for me on how I should face this pandemic period and also be on a right mindset and attitude towards it.”, shared by Mr. Arnold Del Mundo, Sr. Manager for Finance and Admin.

“Although we are in the same storm, our experiences vary. How we go through the storm depends on our inner strength – be it faith, mindset or our inner compass. We hear others’ struggles and realizations and somehow find a reason to thank God.”, added by Ms. Lea T. Recomite, the Chief Finance Officer of iManila.

Having to conduct coaching sessions and team building through online spaces may be different but regardless of the lack of face-to-face interaction, many have found it to still be as helpful and as life-changing. What started out as an opportunity to offer assistance evolved into a distinct approach and a clearer reflection for the whole team of iManila. 

We’re so happy to have been able to help a team that has patiently helped us understand and move our business online and to our very own digital space. 

Whether you are a team, an organization, or an individual person thinking of what might be the next best step in the right direction, our coaches have the heart, breadth and depth of experience to determine what it would take to reach not only your intended outcomes, but to go beyond what you thought is always possible!

Coaching at its heart is about inspiring people to reach their fullest potential and that is what Haraya aims to do with every session and every project. With Haraya, we believe you can. Learn more about us and visit our website at www.harayacoaching.com.

It has been months since our normal routine took a sudden change all because of an unseen enemy. Coronavirus has affected all the lives of everyone who are constantly striving themselves in their everyday work – that leads them to anxiety, confusion and negativity.

For someone who’s doing the same routine before the pandemic starts, it’s a lot to take in and accept the fact that we are now moving in slow phase and living the new normal as positively looking as possible.

Now that we are bringing the office problems at our homes, learn how to balance taking the stress of both work and home problems. Keep in mind that everyone has their different ways of coping up and we must respect them.

In this blog, we laid out some tips that you can apply. Might work on your but not on some. But it’s better to try than doing nothing.

Be dressed like going to work

Working in pajamas really makes your day comfy and less time to prepare but you should not take it in your way to work, or I should say on your way to your home desk. Try dressing up like you’re going to work – means that you’re signaling your mind and body that they need to shift to work mode. Who knows, it’s the opportunity to wear your clothes you haven’t worn for months’ time.

Reduce your distractions

Just like at the office set-up, have your phones set aside when working at home. As much as possible put your phone on airplane mode to avoid notifications from your apps. And speaking of apps, try removing some that took so much of your phone memory space.

Another way to reduce distractions is to avoid working in front of a television as this can be an essential part of reducing stress. A tip from us, you can listen to music while working as this will help your mind to focus on your daily tasks – but make sure those songs are suitable to your eardrums.

Provide scheduled breaks

Of course, you don’t have to face your screen for eight hours straight. For health reasons, your eyes should take a break once in a while. Setting an alarm for breaks would be best not only for your eyes but also for your body. Have some stretches and get some fresh air during your breaks.

You can plan from mini breaks to longer hours. Because you’re only at home, walking away from work actually increases productivity, as long as you don’t linger too much and back again.

Attend training sessions

Attending training sessions even in video set up can also enhance your skills and master your field in the long run. By working smarter, you get to refresh your memory and skills to be able to become an expert on what you want to be.

Just like our training sessions at Haraya Coaching, we provide full support and full knowledge to teach to become well aware and be an advocate of self-awareness. Cariz Peregrino says “Haraya sessions were a breath of fresh air. While the sessions comprise just a small percentage of our whole onboarding process, these were matters that gave value to the often-overlooked aspects of one’s self. These were essential in promoting the welfare of our volunteers.”

Prioritize sleep

No doubt, sleep is very important. You may be working from home and self-isolation and might stay up late for binge-watching, but proper sleep is a must. A good hygiene sleep consists of a minimum of eight hours per night. Part of time management if dedicating some time for sleep as it readies your mind and body to perform well the next day.

Don’t forget to reward yourself

Surviving this long in a time of pandemic is actually a reward in itself. You surpass all the stress and anxiety while keeping your distance and resisting temptations to enjoy the outside environment. In terms of working from home, you can have mini rewards for having a good job doing the tasks on time as it serves a big motivation to work harder and smarter.

You can also treat yourself to some sweets and watching your favorite show, but not binge-watching. At this time, you should adapt to your everyday routine and navigate your movements as easy as you can be. Reward yourself once in a while.

In this time of pandemic and endless what ifs, it’s difficult to turn to someone for frustrations and words of advice. We draw strength to someone who will listen and accept your flaws and all. We at Haraya Coaching, we are here to be leaned on for your setbacks and guide your bounce back feeling good, resilient, and healthy. We are here to cope up with your surroundings and our surroundings. Want your thoughts to be heard? Write to us at team@harayacoaching.com or visit us at http://haraya.staging.imanilahost.com/connect-with-us/. 

The COVID-19 pandemic created huge disturbance in our lives, it brought uncertainty in our work and family lives. Without a clear end in sight and with the daily changes, many are struggling to adjust to the new normal. From social distancing to practicing good hygiene these become part of our daily lives. A fast-changing environment has meant a greater need for us to be adaptive. This can be challenging, because we never experienced this degree of change in life before.

Here are some tips on how to adapt to the new normal.

Break it down

Don’t view the new normal as a rapid change, instead view this period as a small chapter in your life to make it less stressful and manageable. A chapter in your life is not your whole life, this will give you a sense of control on what you should do during this helpless situation. This pandemic situation can be difficult but we can adjust our expectations to cope up with the current chapter of our lives.

Respond instead of react

Accept the things that you can change during these new normal and avoid reacting to the situations that is beyond your control. Try to find positivity in life’s challenges and make the best of it. For instance, during this new normal you may not be able to operate your business in compliance with the government try to explore new things by making your business active online. This will give you the opportunity discover new things. Try to sweeten up sour situations by responding instead of reacting.

Choose Gratitude

You may find it difficult to adjust to the new normal, but always try to focus on the positive sides of your life, by focusing on the brighter side you can overcome the negativity that can destroy you. Make it a daily habit to practice compassionate heart that chooses gratitude. You can pray, meditate and speak your gratitude to your loved ones.

Practice self-care

If you feel down mentally and physically. You cannot avoid struggles in your life, but you can handle the struggle by engaging in self-care. You may try sleeping properly, mindful eating, exercise and meditating. Avoid negativity and separate yourself from anything that drains your energy. Don’t ignore your health because no one will look after you but yourself. Always try to be the best version of yourself every day.

These are some helpful tips to help you adjust this new normal, keep in mind that change is part of life whether you like or hate it you should accept change. Keep in mind that you are not alone in this situation. If you are having trouble adjusting to the new normal reach out for help.

Here at Haraya Coaching we are here to help you help yourself especially during this new normal. “Despite being limited to online training sessions nowadays, Haraya’s program effectively catered to the needs of our volunteers for the OVP Community Learning Hubs (OCLH)”- Cariz Peregrino. Reach us through http://haraya.staging.imanilahost.com/connect-with-us/ for us to help you keep going despite the ongoing situation. We partner closely with our clients in defining success, gaining a deeper awareness of what’s most important to them and co-creating a customized approach. We also believe that true collaboration entails seeing our clients through to execution of their plans by establishing a strong follow-up process.