5 quirky confessions & unconventional résumé builders

5 quirky confessions & unconventional résumé builders

Every time I sit down to write to you, my goal is threefold: (1) to provide thoughtful ways for you to feel more free and get to know yourself better, (2) inspire you to trust your dreams more than your fears/more than you did yesterday, and (3) offer some ideas for how to develop the personal habits and actions that make those dreams REAL.

Here are 5 quirky confessions, things that’ll help you understand why this drives me, week after week. A unique résumé, of sorts.

1. I cut my own hair

For many years now, I’ve been cutting my own hair. It’s not perfect – but it’s good enough. (It grows back.) And, like most things, the more I do it, the better I get at it. Regular hair appointments never felt like something I wanted to do. I wanted the result, but not the experience of making the appointment, having to devote a good chunk of an afternoon to drive to the appointment, find parking, sit in the chair, endure small talk, hear small talk from others nearby, wash, rinse, dry, more small talk, pay, leave, repeat … all for a haircut! No thanks. For a while, in an effort to extend the time between haircuts, I asked for a cut that was shorter than what I actually wanted. “I’ll like it in three weeks,” I told myself. Until I finally said, screw that and started cutting my own hair. Now, I keep my hair the length I want, all the time. And – I save time, money, energy, and small talk. Things to gleam from this: There are no “have tos”. You get to choose which “norms” you subscribe to. Don’t let the beauty industry (or any industry) tell you how to think or what to do. You can do brave big little things that add up, and save you time, energy, money, and frustration. Why settle or tolerate? There are many ways to get the results that you want.

2. I am location-independent

An RV nomad for more than 5 years, I call an Airstream home. In other words, ‘make life an adventure’ isn’t a trite sentiment, it’s a way of life! You of course don’t have to live in an Airstream or travel if that’s not your thing. But, whatever horizons are calling YOU, you can be darn sure that I hold them as valid, important, and inspired (even if it makes about as much rational sense as the shoe-lover that I am, calling a 27’ condo-on-wheels with far too little closet space, home). 😀 As your coach, I support you every step of the way, ensuring that you have a full tank of fuel and the guidance needed to skillfully navigate and accelerate your way to the life YOU dream of for yourself. 

3. I ran away as a kid

If you feel a bit like a caged bird, trapped in any way – be it in a job, home, body, relationship, or [fill in the blank with your own] – constrained by the belief you can’t actually have the life you really want… I empathic-ly and viscerally FEEL that. As your coach, I help you climb out of that metaphorical window and create the freedom you want. I will be running down that street with you, there for the gleeful moments, the sob-it-out moments, and the “what now?” moments. AND – because we’re grown ups and know that true freedom isn’t about what you run from, we’ll get you crystal clear on the life you want to be running toward and set you up with a proven process to get there, full steam ahead! Because creating a life you love is a ridiculous thing to put off, amiright?

4. I believe life is art

Your life is an original work. You are here to create something as unique as you are. Something I have said many times is, “I don’t know what I think until I write it down.” For me, writing is central to my own artful creative life. It’s a place where I find myself, express myself, reveal myself, and clarify what I feel, think, want, and know. Creativity is life force and MUST be expressed for life to be truly satisfying and gratifying. While writing is a primary way that I find my own full expression, it need not be your way – obviously. Your way is your way, and I respect and hold in the highest regard YOUR bubbling creativity and the importance of you finding your unique way to full expression. I am well-versed in the realm of creativity, both as a creator and a connoisseur, and will always respect, encourage, and support your unique process.

5. I’m a life coach who salsa dances

What this means for you is that when you hire me and I do a happy dance to celebrate your successes (of which there will be many!) … my booty shakes, my shoulders shimmy, and I happily dance loooong after my feet hurt.

There you have it. Five rather unconventional credentials, but “cred” nonetheless. In some ways perhaps even more important than my formal education, certifications, Bachelors and Masters degrees!

What do you think?

Comment below and let’s have some fun with this. Share a quirky unconventional example of your own credibility!

Planning for a big year

Planning for a big year

Welp, here we are …

The new year is just around the bend.

It’s been an(other) unusual twelve months and I think it’s fair to say, no one has gone unchallenged this year. Yet in the midst of the challenges, we’ve also each been presented with some unique opportunities: to embrace a new kind of rhythm, to make lifestyle adjustments, to find innovative ways to nurture connections, to discover new strategies for how we work, self-care, and create, to name a few…

 

Before the close of each year, I find that doing a Year-in-Review reflection is a valuable exercise and a powerful way to set the stage for the year to come. Doing an annual reflective review is something I not only coach clients to do, but something I do myself.

 

3 powerful Year-in-Review questions to consider:

1.)
What did you accomplish, create, or achieve in this past year? Create a big long list.

2.)
What goals or dreams did NOT come to fruition for you this year? It’s uber important not to ignore or disregard the fact that you didn’t achieve them. By shining light on them you’ll gain clarity and momentum about what you really truly want in the coming year.

3.)
What is your action plan? What will you do differently in the coming year?

 

 

Today I feel inspired to briefly share some of my own 2021 highlights, a few personal goals for 2022, and some exciting ways we can connect in the new year.

 


2021 Tara’tory:

 

  • As an RVer, I’ve been able to enjoy continued domestic travel, rolling across state lines in my Airstream, a.k.a. condo on wheels. My quick travel synopsis from 2021: Winter in New Mexico, New Orleans and Florida in the Spring, Summer in the northeast, and Fall in the Berkshires, Niagra Falls, and Illinois. (Friendly reminder: While many venues are closed, nature is open and she’s beautiful as ever, so get out there and hug a tree or something.)
  • Illinois is where I was when my book launched on Amazon and became a bestseller. The launch and success of The Brules of Life and The Brules of Life Companion Workbook was a definite bright spot in my year, the culmination of a tremendous amount of work and planning. Seeing how well it is being received, hearing how it is touching and inspiring the lives others, is the ultimate repayment.
  • I ran more in 2021. Salsa clubs used to be my sweaty haven, but times have changed. Running has become both a mental health and physical health outlet for me. 5k is a typical distance now, but as I look to 2022, I’ve got a 10k training app tempting/taunting me to go further.
  • Along with the launch of my book and coaching my clients to harness the unique opportunities of this interesting year, countless improvements and updates have been made to my website and offerings, to include a special new free gift, and other gems – all of which are waiting for you at tarasagecoaching.com.
Ok, 2022.

 

My 2022 goals include: increasing readership of my book, start writing my next book, reach some fitness milestones, put out more video content, and light a fire under a creative project I’ve got sitting on the back burner.

 

January is going to be a full month, and includes several exciting opportunities to connect!

January 5: Brule Break-a-thon Livestream! 

Jumpstart the New Year with a different take on resolutions! On January 5th, I am joining forces with community coach, Peter Bowden, for a fun, one-of-a-kind, interactive, livestream event to help you identify the “brules” (bullshit rules) that are holding you back so that YOU make 2022 a joyful, life-enhancing, dream-fulfilling year! It’s going to be a hoot! Subscribe, like, share, and invite your friends!


January 14: Book signing!
I’ll be doing an (outdoor) book signing at Sundog Bookstore in Seaside, FL. This is a fabulous independent bookstore I’ve visited many times, while envisioning the day when my book might be on their shelves. That day is here! If you’re in the area, stop by! 11am – 2pm

 

January 19-23: RV Show! This will be my third year on the seminar stage at the Florida RV Supershow in Tampa, presenting Nomadic Living 101: How to Live Nomadically for a Month, a Season, a Year or Forever. 1pm, daily.So that’s a bit of what’s happening in my world . Let’s start the year off strong together!

 

Are YOU determined to make 2022 different and finally bring those back-burner dreams to life? Are you ready to tell yourself the truth about what you want, refuse beliefs about limitation, fears about worthiness, and lies about what you “can’t” do? If so … claim your seat in The Dream Acceleration Program for all of this and more in the New Year! There are just a few openings, so enroll today.

 

Looking ahead to 2022, I am 100% committed to taking extraordinary care of myself while also giving (you) a lot more. It feels wonderful to know how deeply compatible these intentions are.

 

Onward and upward!

 

Here’s to a happy healthy dream-fulfilling New Year,
Tara Sage
PS – Seriously, if you have a fire in your belly and are determined to make this year different and finally bring your dreams to life, register now for The Dream Acceleration Program and let’s do this together. I can’t wait to welcome you to the program!
I love my coaching clients. I don’t love the coaching industry.

I love my coaching clients. I don’t love the coaching industry.

I love my coaching clients.  I don’t love the coaching industry.
More than 16 years as a coach, I see so much in my industry that is problematic, unethical, or just plain false … all of which makes it incredibly hard for a prospective client to discern who the heck can actually help them.
This is deeply concerning to me.
But this article isn’t about that.
One common standard for success and measure of results-orientened coaching is dollars.
One problem with this is that true wealth is NOT measured in dollars. You don’t have to look far to find unhappy, stressed-out people with money. And more money is not their solution.
I coach my clients to create a no-vacation-needed life.
In doing this, I hold firm to the big picture dreams for their life. I remind us both periodically that a goal without a dream is a recipe for dissatisfaction, and that money alone does not a dream make.
This said, when money comes through aligned action – yeh!
Earning money doing work you love is cause for celebration – woot!
Successfully working smarter not harder is reason for a happy dance hoedown.
Two of my clients this week had big wins in this department and I am so friggin’ proud of them.
One client hired me to help her turn something she loves and “would do for free” into a business.
Yesterday was our kick-off session.
Step one in this realm requires understanding that the fact that you love doing something doesn’t in any way minimize the value it provides for others. By the end of our call, she had prices for her services and a plan to tell people about it.
Less than 24 hours later, she has two paying clients. Woot!
She said saying her price out loud was hard.  It’ll get easier…
Another client of mine and I have been strategizing about how she can work smarter not harder in her business. The goal around building her business is to intentionally allow her more time-freedom. Yesterday we celebrated that AFTER paying a new team member, her business made $2240 off of that team member’s effort, with little to no time required from my client. Go girl!
We’re now putting wheels in motion for her to bring on yet another contractor and do it again, x2. Repeat, repeat, repeat, scaling her business by building her team so that my client can focus on bringing in new contracts and customer care, while her team does the bulk of the work.
One more …
Last week, another client wrote to me with this realization: “My business HAS provided me with the time and money freedom to pour into my family and to be the mother I want to be for my daughter. This makes me very, very happy, proud, and grateful.”
This is wealth.  >>> Doing work you love, leveraging your time through team building, and feeling supported and able to really pour yourself into family and the people that mean the most to you.
Now, to be very clear, my clients created these results.
I merely coached them.
Their results are THEIRS.
Too often, I see coaches claim responsibility for their clients results. This is not only an act of hubris, it’s wrong. Especially when those very same coaches are first to say that they are not responsible for the lack of results that other clients of theirs received.
Anyway, I am really friggin’ proud of my clients and so honored to be able to contribute and serve and play a supporting role in their progress and success — as defined by them.
Breaking the Mold on Coaching

Breaking the Mold on Coaching

“High-level coaching does not have to be cost prohibitive to be life changing.”

I do things differently than most coaches in the industry.

Through my company, Tara Sage Inc., I offer several comprehensive signature coaching programs:

The Dream Acceleration™ Program

The Speak Up™ Program

Nomadic Living 101 

… to name a few.

I provide in-depth seminars and trainings, both online and in person events.  

If you haven’t already, my FREE Dream Acceleration Strategies video training is a good one to grab, for sure.

And I offer Private Coaching. 

Most of my clients come from other clients.

Client referrals are and (since in 2004) have been, the primary source – like, 80% – of how I attract new clients into my business. Most people find me and my programs because someone they know recommended they connect with me.  

Referrals really are the best testimonial. 

Here’s an example of an email introduction made from a past client recommending that the woman she knows connect with me.

She wrote:

“I told you about the difference that Tara Sage has made for my business. She truly is a dream acceleration coach, listens deeply for what wants to come to light for her clients, is a brilliant life hack expert and knows how to create organic workflows, compelling messages and teaches how to enroll clients gracefully and effectively.

With her help I was able to double my income and generate my best revenue year ever – and I didn’t kill myself in the process and had fun with it. Her first 30-minutes are at no charge and you will have an opportunity to unlock something of value even in that initial engagement.”

Claim this session here >>> www.sessionwithtara.com 

Private coaching obviously provides the most customized and personal level support, but something I’ve consistently heard from folks who are in my signature coaching programs (The Dream Acceleration Program in particular), is how unique it is to find such affordable content-rich coaching programs that INCLUDE built-in personal customized private support.

 

The industry standard is that you usually get one OR the other – not both.

But anyone who knows me knows, I’m a BOTH/AND kind of person.

I re-write the rules.

I manifest new horizons.

I color outside the lines.

I don’t accept that things have to keep being done the way they’ve historically been done.

I always see new avenues and opportunities to create results.

I love finding new ways to break old molds.

I set and create my own standards about what’s possible.

I’m told that this is rather contagious. 😉

My clients quickly start seeing new opportunities where they thought there weren’t any.

They start having courageous breakthroughs in behavior patterns.

Narrow limited views suddenly open up to become broad, vast and expansive.

Possibilities they never considered before, or that seemed impossible, rapidly start coming into focus.

I love finding new ways to do things better.

And I’m fierce about my clients’ success.

As a rule, I don’t hold back on what I know will make the biggest difference for them.

Private 1:1 Coaching + Comprehensive anytime-access to invaluable at-your-fingertips content = The magic mix.  

It’s the java juice, the secret sauce, the dynamic duo.

This supercharged combination is the potent pairing that gets results.

I say this from my years of experience, integral Masters level education, and many many many hours of coaching individuals, people spanning four continents.

Customized support + timeless universal wisdom = the winning combination. 

This is what makes all the difference for you, your goals, your dreams, and your success.

Working in this way, I am able to provide high-level coaching without it being cost prohibitive.

High level coaching does NOT have to be cost prohibitive to be life changing!

This Is For You IF: 

==> You are motivated and ready to build a life and/or business that delights you …. a life that you can’t wait to get-up-and-out-of-bed-for in the morning … a life that you won’t need a vacation from.

==> You are tired of the status quo and part of you is crying out, longing to be lived, eager for a new level of experience, because you know there has GOT to be a better way.

==> You are ready to align your thoughts, words, and actions with the life you so deeply desire.

==> You want content-rich support from a coach who “gets it”, who explains things clearly, and who provides exactly what you need when you need it to achieve your goals and dreams (and keep on achieving new ones).

==> You have a “can do” attitude, you’ve had it with excuses and feeling stuck.

==> You understand the value of support, and you want to be shown exactly how to create more joy, ease, grace, and abundance – quickly and sustainably.

==> You are ready to amp up your courage, ready to be brave and supported throughout the entire process, to step up and into creating the life that you KNOW (in your heart of hearts) that somehow, someway, you are capable of.

Ready to explore how YOU can benefit from a customized coaching experience?

Here’s the next step: Click here to claim a time on my calendar. 

Let’s map out the exact best strategy that is going to be most relevant and helpful to YOU, your goals, and dreams.  We’ll take it one step at a time.

You know when something is for you.

If you feel called to learn more and connect about this truly transformative opportunity, go now to www.SessionwithTara.com and schedule a time for your free session.

A real-time, two-way conversation. (My favorite kind.)

Talk soon!

,

Tara Sage

PS – If this is not for you, but you understand and appreciate the power of high-level coaching, consider this a good-karma opportunity to share this with others. Who do you know that could benefit from high-level, private, comprehensive, cost-effective, custom-designed, transformative expert support? I always ask new clients how they heard about my work, and as a referral-based business I make a point to show my gratitude for each and every referral received. 🙂

Make the story GOOD.

What makes a life well lived?

Six months after embarking on a nomadic living experiment (turned lifestyle), I made this video, reminiscing about apartment living and stresses of the lifestyle I used to live … while sitting on one of my favorite beaches exploring ideas about what makes a well-lived life.

I think it’ll make you smile and maybe even learn something.  Enjoy!

Have you grown accustomed to a bit too much of the same-old-same-old?  Routines can provide comfort and stability, but they can also cause your mind – and your life – to go into autopilot.

You don’t have to settle for status quo expectations and life on autopilot.

This doesn’t need to feel mysterious. Apply these simple powerful strategies and you can make your life what you dream it can be. Life so good you can’t wait to get up and out of bed for it in the morning…

And it’s my gift to YOU >>> Claim the FREE Dream Acceleration Strategies training video I made – with love and behavior modification know-how.  😁

Claim it now and start today to put these 9 simple powerful strategies to work for YOU on behalf of your best, most story-worthy life!  (You’re welcome.)

 

xo

Tara Sage

The 8-Day Countdown to Nomadic Living

Greetings from the road!

Modeled after an 8-day countdown I shared on Facebook as it was happening (in 2017), here’s the highlight reel of my 8-day Nomadic Living Countdown.

To say that there was a lot involved in planning for such a major downsizing, would be an understatement. Going from apartment living, to my boyfriend, dog, and I all moving into a 20 foot RV was no. small. undertaking. (Spoiler alert: One year later, we upsized to a 27′ Airstream.)

The process required very real focus and attention to downsize, organize, pack and prepare for our Nomadic Living Experiment. And we did it all in 60 days!

We were motivated and up for the challenge.

While Nomadic Living is not for everyone, a growing number of people are redefining home and embarking on a location independent way of life.

Can you relate to feeling a degree of restlessness?

Is your heart longing for adventure and newness?

Perhaps you’ve grown accustomed to the same-old-same-old: taking the same route to work, to the gym, to the grocery store … going to the same places, with the same people…

While routines can provide comfort and stability, they can also cause your mind – and your life – to go into autopilot.

Whether you choose to hit the road or not, you don’t have to settle for status quo expectations and life on autopilot.

With just a few small powerful shifts, you can create a life you can’t wait to get-up-and-out-of-bed-for-in-the-morning. As my gift to YOU, I created this FREE Dream Acceleration Strategies video training – made with love and behavior modification know-how so that you too can start taking steps today to create a life you love. 😉 Claim it now and get started today to fast-track your dreams. (You’re welcome.)

Here’s the synopsis of my 8-day Nomadic Living Downsizing Countdown:

8 Days From Nomadic Living: A Downsizing Micro-Glimpse 

With the downsizing and packing process well underway, I paused to catch my breath. This bag of tea is a micro-glimpse of my process. I went from an abundant tea selection, with many boxes of tea stacked in my kitchen cabinet, to one single consolidated zip-lock bag. With just one week to go, I spent an entire Saturday sorting and clearing “everything kitchen”. Tea was one of so many things I needed to sort through from my kitchen, but bit by bit… it got done.

 

7 Days From Nomadic Living: Moving Sale

The 7 day count-down! After sorting, sorting and more sorting … I had set aside my final few irreplaceable items for storage (original art, family photo albums, for example). I posted a moving sale sign by the elevator in my building. It listed the last of the things I had yet to sell. (Much of it sold. Whatever was left, I donated.)

6 Days From Nomadic Living: Decision Fatigue

I find that the most difficult decisions to make are often the ones that don’t really matter but that you need to make anyway. Do you agree? I was definitely feeling decision fatigue as I made countless micro-decisions … which pots to pack …. what spices to take … which socks  … which kitchen utensils … toiletries … etc.. etc… and, even more daunting for me was deciding where each item I wasn’t taking was going … sell? recycle? donate? … and if for sale, for how much? … where and to whom?

You feel me? I was knackered. I put out a call for some positive juju and energetic support as I sorted through the stuff of downsizing. While super excited to simplify and have less – I won’t sugarcoat it – the process of getting there took a lot out of me.

But, one decision at a time, I did it. And I’m SO glad I did.

5 Days From Nomadic Living: Giving Love Away

With just 5 days remaining, I hit a turning point. I went from battling decision fatigue, to surrendering.

Instead of wanting to sell things, I wished I could just beam it ALL to donation. For starters, I gave ‘Love’ (and a few others items) away. I delighted in doing so, as a metaphor in motion. Really, isn’t that what it’s all about?  I literally gave “LOVE” for free and it felt good.  🙂

 

4 Days From Nomadic Living: Farewell Pistachio!

With a sense of nostalgia, I sold my little Fiat who I had named Pistachio. I bought Pistachio 2.5 years prior, just days after moving to the DC area. Fun to drive and cute as can be, I loved being able park in spaces that no one else could fit in.

One time, a man standing on a nearby curb watched me parallel park and stood on the curb clapping for me after I fit into an incredibly tight parking spot. I bowed when I got out of the car. 🙂

Pistachio and I also took to the highways, on road trips south to Florida and north to Rhode Island. Here I was, just days from Nomadic Living, and it was time we parted. Farewell, Pistachio … and thank you! Maybe I’ll see you on the road.

 

3 Days From Nomadic Living: We Put The Cart Before The Horse

Here’s a quick story about when Carl and I went to the RV dealership and purchased our “condo on wheels”. While learning about the weight of the unit, the towing info, etc., the sales guy asked, “What do you drive?” and in unison we answered:

“Fiat” “Prius” !

Maybe you had to be there … but it was a funny moment.

Here we were, looking to buy an RV with two vehicles that obviously weren’t going to tow it.

That day, we purchased our (starter) RV travel trailer and drove off – in the Prius.

With a ‘Sold’ sign in the window, our little RV was awaiting our return to pick it up.

In other words, we literally put the cart before the horse! Arguably not a rational logical move but, hey, not all good decisions are rational decisions.

We put into practice what, in coaching with my clients, I refer to as ‘Quantum Leaping a Dream’. By, quite literally, putting the cart before the horse, we took a big ol’ leap of faith. We dove into the deep end and teamed up to do something that neither one of us had done before.

Our decision to put the cart before the horse, ensured that we would figure out what we needed to figure out, and gallop our way back to hitch our cart. And that’s exactly what we did. We sold our Fiat/Prius. And our little RV got it’s horse.

*** What Quantum Leap are you dreaming up for your own life? What dream is stirring within YOUR heart just waiting for YOU to leap?

I’d love to hear all about it. >>  Go here to claim a complimentary session and let’s explore the possibilities together!

2 Days From Nomadic Living: See You Later

Any friend who helps you carry boxes and drop stuff off at Salvation Army, is the real deal.

Just a few weeks after moving to the DC area, while out salsa dancing, I met Laura. We had chatted briefly between songs. When later that night she saw me leaving, she yelled goodbye, waving vigorously at me from a balcony. I knew then and there, we’d be friends. A few weeks later, we went for a 3-hour kayak conversation (much more talking than rowing) and it was a friendship made.

Just 2 days away from nomadic living, Laura came over and helped me move. I gave her the grand tour of our 20′ condo on wheels, and we ate take-out at the dinette table. We also took this “see you later” selfie (no goodbyes).

I’m so glad our paths have crossed. And I know they will again. True friendship transcends time and space.

 

1 Day From Nomadic Living: How Long Things Take 

Carl and I spent our last night in the almost empty apartment after a busy day of too many tasks to name, all on the heels of a late night out dancing (we, too, met on a salsa dance floor). We accomplished a lot that day and sleep felt like a true reward.

After months of planning and preparation, it was exciting to be less than 24 hours away from the kick-off of our nomadic lifestyle. Knowing that by this time tomorrow, we’d be fully moved out of the apartment and starting on our RV living journey, was definitely exhilarating.

Big life changes are rarely made overnight. They take time and they require planning and preparation.

Generally speaking, the bigger the change, the more planning and preparation is needed. But, how long?

How do YOU determine how long things will take?

As a rule of thumb, I find that when it comes to getting big, daunting tasks and projects done …. things take exactly as long as you have for them.

Knowing and learning to trust this, is a bit like having a superpower.

We did it in 60 days. Once the deadline was set, we got to work, trusting that the time we had was exactly the time we needed.

A favorite personal mantras of mine is “Time expands for me.” I tell myself this (on repeat, until I believe it) especially when I’m feeling like the time I have is shorter than the time I need. And, lo and behold, it all gets done.

On the eve of this great new adventure, having certainly wondered and felt concerned about whether we’d pull it off and get everything done and ready to go in time — I went to bed feeling confident, a knowing in my soul: we got this.

What about YOU? How long do things take?

Do you find that things take as long as you have for them?

How do YOU ensure that tasks and projects get done, done well, and efficiently?

One of my favorite testimonials we’ve received about our Nomadic Living 101 Program is this:

“Thanks to Nomadic Living 101, the start date on my dream of living a nomadic RV lifestyle, has been bumped up … from 5 years, to next April!” – Jody Held

I love helping people surprise themselves and make their dreams come true much faster than they had anticipated.  🙂

November 5th, 2017: The Nomadic Journey Began

Farewell apartment 207 – and thank you. Onward and upward!

Now, several year in to this lifestyle, we see no end in sight and get to help others live it too!

Curious? Learn more at www.NomadicLiving101.com.

xo

Tara Sage