MVP Seminars - All Blog Entries

All I needed to know about Leadership, I learned from my Cat

We have two cats that provide endless hours of entertainment. The oldest, Sundae, is a female calico who is definitely the Alpha over her partner, Max, a male tabby. Sundae's entire mission in life is to be loved, and while she is not the sharpest tool in the shed, she usually reaches her goal.

Recently my husband Larry had rotator cuff surgery and was confined to the couch for a few days - this definitely stirred interest as something "amiss" for the cats. They are not accustomed to see him still for so long. Sundae, in her mission for affection, called dibbs on Larry's lap, and proceeded to make herself comfortable. When Larry did not respond to her royal presence by petting her, Sundae nudged or licked his hand, causing Larry to move it. Undeterred, Sundae repositioned herself and nudged again.

This went on for several minutes until, exasperated, Larry finally bestowed the affection Sundae sought. As I witnessed th

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November 7, 2007 Posted by Allison Adams Blankenship | women, training, pet, life coaching, leadership, effective management, effective, cat, career, allison blankenship | Comment (0)

Manners Matter...Even at the SuperStore!

Not too long ago, I visited one of my passions: a national chain superstore. I've visited their stores in 42 states through travel and vacation, and am always fascinated by their retail philosophy. (Obviously, I need a life.)

On this day, I was in my car, stopped at a crosswalk, waiting on a couple to cross the street. Instead, they walked along the side of the street, not cutting through the waiting traffic. My car was partially hidden behind a large armored van making it's daily delivery. I knew the couple couldn't see me waiting for them.

After a few minutes, I decided to drive through the crosswalk since it was not being used by pedestrians. Of course, who decided to cross at the same time but the couple?! My car is a V8 and it roared by them, taking both by surprise. I felt bad yet could not stop without causing a traffic incident.

As I parked and headed to the store, the woman from the crosswalk jumped out

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August 21, 2007 Posted by Allison Adams Blankenship | women, success, stress, personal development, manners, ettiquette, enlightenment, empowering women, communication, assertiveness, anxiety, allison blankenship | Comment (0)

CPR for the Soul: the Luxury of Slowing Down

Last weekend, my 12-year-old niece and namesake, Allison Anne, visited for a new family tradition: Camp Allison. My niece somehow inherited my crazed addiction to crafting - give us a hot glue gun, Modge-Podge or sewing pattern, and we can go for days...and we did! Three days, to be exact. The crafting began on Friday afternoon with painted jewelry, followed by decoupage candles, followed by sewing a bath wrap, followed by handmade purses, followed by rhinestone nail art with mall shopping thrown in for good measure. It was crazy, non-stop, crafting mania for all three days. So you might be wondering, "What does this have to do with the title?"

Allison Anne is incredibly bright, catches on in a nanosecond and is completely adept at multi-tasking at least 4 projects at once. She is certainly a product of our crazy-busy environment, and quite comfortable in it. When it was time to slow down and hand stitch the straps onto our purses,

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August 6, 2007 Posted by Allison Adams Blankenship | women, time management, success, stress, self-empowered, life coach, leadership, communication, allison blankenship | Comment (1)

Why is fitness INVISIBLE?

What you can't see is more important than what you can. Whether it be physical, mental or emotional- the invisible creates the visible. Whether it be in person or on the 90 Day Health and Body Makeover, we help you reprogram your mind to take care of you first- and always.

It doesn't take scientific knowledge to drop a few pounds or build a bigger bicep. But to shape and tone your body correctly in order to prevent injuries and avoid joint degeneration requires specialized training most fitness trainers simply don't have. Certifications last a few days ans science needs more than a few days.

The Invisible Fitness difference is that our trainers and coaches each have backgrounds in biomechanics, and base your personalized fitness program on a thorough understanding of the human body. Combined with the research we conduct with you beforehand, your program is uniquely built on the foundation of your goals and abilities.

To Stretch or Not to Stretch?

What is a stretch? In very basic terms, a stretch is the lengthening of a muscle. We consider it a "relaxed" state. But in order to get one muscle into that relaxed and lengthened state, another muscle has to be shortening.

There are 2 types of stretching- passive and active. We consider passive BAD and dangerous. We encourage you to use active stretching. Studies from the American Journal of Applied Physiology and reports brought to us by the American College of Sports Medicine show that passive stretching can decrease strength. Passive stretching can tear your soft tissue thus creating less available muscle for you to create power.

So what's the difference between active and passive stretching? Passive stretching is when an outside force other than your own muscle is pushing or pulling your body into a range of motion that you can't do by yourself.

Other factors to consider: everyone has a different structure. And your structure will determine it's function--not the other way around. No one can decide to become a contortionist. You either have large joint spaces and longer or loose ligaments so you can fold yourself or you do not.

Stretching naturally occurs when you exercise. In order to contract a muscle, the opposite muscle groups have to be relaxed and lengthening.

Here is one good example. The Bridge is an exercise that contracts ( or works) the hamstrings, glutes and lower back. It stretches the quads, hip flexors and abs. Use your exercise wisely. Pick different exercises every few weeks that work though different ranges of motion so you gain active flexibility and you can stop pulling on your legs since that won't do you any good!

Bridge: On your back, knees bent, feet slightly wider than hips, push your butt in the air using your glutes and hamstrings. Lower slowly but

hover over the ground-do not rest. Start with 20 reps/ 2 sets. Increase resistance by crossing one leg over the other and only lifting with one leg.

May 1, 2007 Posted by J.J. Flizanes | workouts, women, weight loss, stretching, in home training, fitness, exercise, bridge, beach workouts | Comment (0)

The Positive Power of Saying "NO"

Knowing when and how to say "no" is a constant battle for many people. This becomes especially difficult for business professionals who are looking to please and impress higher-ups. Almost from birth, the world has conditioned us to do what others ask without question for any number of reasons. We, too often, get pushed and pulled in all sorts of awkward directions that had not been on our intended agenda due to the inability to confidently speak that singular two-letter word.

Why do we allow ourselves to be ruled by people or things that make us uncomfortable? Does going the extra mile for that prospect result in cognitive dissonance in regards to your own morals? Is the undue stress caused by bending over backward for an overbearing manager worth the possible reward? What value does inviting such negativity into our lives really afford us?

Just say "NO".

Saying "no" is a very reasonable response to any request no matter how big or small. If you can't do what is being asked or even just don't want to, it is truly okay to say "no". No further explanation is required. The fact that you don't want to is more than enough reason. If you are a person that has trouble saying "no" outright then respond by saying "I'll consider it and get back to you". This is alright too. It is much better to give no commitment at all than to commit to something you didn't want to do in the first place. Mastering the art of delegation is another way to lessen the burden of being so agreeable. Don't be afraid to request help from others of similar competence. By delegating tasks that you are either unwilling or unable to perform, you can focus your attention on matters that are more pressing or important to you.

There is so much additional stress that develops when a person attempts to perform a task unwillingly. Think about times when you have worked at something you truly enjoyed. How easy was it for you to complete the task successfully? Now think about a time when you have agreed to a task that was not really your cup of tea but you just couldn't say "no". Did you give the task your complete 100%? Was the task completed and completed on schedule? How did you feel during the process?

Saying "no" firmly and asserting your position can give you power beyond your wildest dreams. Speaking "no" is to overcome your fear of rejection. It is to embrace independence. It is to get in touch with your true values. What do you stand for? How do you want to live your day? Saying "no" gives you back the control over how and with whom your time and energy is spent. So where does one begin? By just choosing the positive power of saying "NO".

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About the Author:

Niquenya D. Fulbright is a Chicago area executive life coach, professional speaker and corporate trainer with over 10 years experience specializing in motivating small business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, and individuals in a career or life transition to use their innate abilities to master their goals and achieve successes beyond their wildest dreams. Contact MVP Seminars to secure Niquenya for your next big event or training session.

April 25, 2007 Posted by Niquenya Fulbright | women, self-empowered, say no, power, empowering women, delegation, control, assertiveness | Comment (0)