Jason Womack

Helping families reduce and manage stress...

...in the New Year!

Joe and I are putting together a short presentation in Santa Barbara, CA on January 18th. We are opening an invitation to anyone who'd like to come and discuss these (and other) important topics:

Balancing school, extra-curricular and family expectations

Communicating more effectively with your teen and family

Register by phone at 805-964-7762 or in person at the Cathedral Oaks Club located at 5800 Cathedral Oaks Road. Registration is limited to 25 participants.

What did he say?

Do you know how sometimes what is said...is not what is heard?

Have you ever shared a conversation with someone, only to find that afterward you walked away with a slight doubt about what was said...or, wondering if they understood what you were saying? One of the things I've noticed in presenting courses and working with individuals over the past decade is this:

Even the slightest mis-communication can radically affect the outcome of a conversation.

Visualizing a negative outcome

I observed in amazement a father to son communication event the other morning.  While waiting in line for a coffee drink, I overheard a conversation behind me:

"We've got 20 minutes to get you there."

"How long will it take?"

"At least 10 to drive, and with this line, you're just going to the late."

"That's okay, I show up late all the time."

But neither one talks!

Zuma (black lab) and Carly (my niece) have a very understanding relationship. It's amazing, although Carly is in to smaller words and a lot of gesturing, Zuma seems just fine acting as "guardian angel." I saw this picture and had to smile!

Goal setting for kids

Imagine if children were taught goal setting the way marketers were taught advertising.  By positioning information in a scalable, defined way, they would not only accept their dreams as probable, they would believe they are possible. 

What a way to talk to yourself!

I received this as part of an e-mail from someone I met last week. In her note, she described how she's continuing her own education and process to learn more about "how things get done." In reading these short lines, I'm struck by the intention to treat the human "being" part of the human doing.

I find that all too often it's easy to get "caught up in it all." This letter gave me the opportunity to slow down, and ask: How am I thinking about myself?

Months ago, I decided that 2006 was going to be “all about me” – not in a selfish way, but all about improving myself. . . . being the best “me” I can be (physically, spiritually, family, relationships, career, etc) will benefit everyone in my life. So far it’s working; I’m enjoying one of the best years I’ve had in a long time.

Leadership...what a fascinating topic

I'm working in Washington DC this week. The organization is one of the leaders in international finance and sustainable development. Walking to work yesterday morning, I passed this guy and seriously considered my role as a researcher and facilitator in the field of personal and interactive productivity.

While working with one of the HR directors yesterday afternoon, I met with one of his staff. We briefly discussed the topic of "discipline" as it applies to the workplace. "I know I have to sit down and organize my desk," she claimed, "but I just don't have the the discipline."

I shared with her my own experience, some 13 years ago now, when someone explained the way to take the "pain out of discipline." I was about to enter graduate school, and I spoke with a mentor from one of the universities I attended.

I described the program I was entering - a one year program, where I would earn a teaching credential and a Master's Degree in Education by teaching during the day, and attending courses at night and on weekends. I explained my "worries," mostly around the discipline it would take to complete the program.

Stepping Out to Celebrate Life > The Event

My step-mom, Gail, is one of the most amazing people I know. She's upstairs (I'm in Novato, visiting for the weekend) preparing for the Annual Stepping Out event. She's worked for the past year (ok, for the past about 7 years!) on this event, and it seems she gets more and more energized as the hours tick by. It's going to be a great time, please come by and visit the site. (And, feel free to scope out the silent auction! You don't even have to attend tonight to pick up some amazing things!)

Stepping Out to Celebrate Life > The Event.

Stepping Out To Celebrate Life 2006 promises to be another spectacular event. The Marin Center Exhibit Hall will be transformed into an Asian paradise for the black-tie optional evening, as our breast cancer survivor-models take to the runway in the latest fashions from Bay Area retailers and designers.

Adding to the festivities: a delectable catered dinner by Robert Meyer’s Mangia/Nosh Catering, followed by dancing to the music of Pride & Joy. Guests will have a chance to bid for fabulous items in the Live Auction. Preview our live auction (available beginning September 9th).

I was able to present a Getting Things Done seminar to the volunteers of this organization. Held early this year, it was quite special to walk around the event this morning, again volunteering my time, energy and focus, hearing them talk about "the seminar."

I'm looking forward to presenting another one of these for them early in 2007...

Please, please read this one...

I waited - desperately - for Joe to write this story. If anyone reading this has children (or knows a parent, please pass this along), I think you'll resonate with the tone and the feeling. What do you think about the outcome?

Link: Thinking Forward: We need to find another way.

We need to find another way by: Joe Bruzzese, M.A.

In a rush to depart yesterday morning my wife, daughter, son and I filed into the car. Amidst the chaos of activity my daughter had managed to outfit herself in a Minnie Mouse skirt and top while evading the hair brush. One look from my wife and both she and my daughter headed back inside.

Back to School

Here is the first paragraph from the most recent article we've had published. Please click here for the full text.

Helping Your "Knowledge Workers"
Families across the U.S. are preparing to go back to school. Right now, thousands of students are heading out to buy supplies, new clothes and the latest gear. Their parents are juggling multiple projects, priorities and responsibilities while struggling to prepare for the inevitable start to another school year.