Huwork

Category: Work-Life Integration

  • List of resources to help you crush your 2025 goals

    Happy New Year! If you are someone who likes to plan out your goals but sometimes don’t follow through, here are my Top 5 resources that have helped me follow through on last year’s goals. 

    Group Coaching Program Details:

    12 sessions, 90 minutes each. The dates and times will be determined based on the preferences of the first few individuals who sign up. By keeping the group small, limited to 10 participants, we ensure an intimate and personalized experience for everyone involved.

    1. Ask me every: I get a daily reminder email to nudge me on a habit. E.g., my aspirational habit to spend at least 1 hour outside daily (aka away from my computer). (Free for 1 habit)

    2. FocusMate: I use this daily. It is fantastic for solo activities that I may procrastinate on. You choose the time to work on a task, and the site pairs you with a partner. At the chosen time, you join the meeting, say hello and state your task. Then you both work independently for a while and then check in at the end. (Free for a few sessions/week)

    3. Pi: personal AI app I use when thinking through something. What’s great is you can talk to it via your phone, so great to use during a walk or when doing things around the house. (Free)

    4. Phone reminders using location, bluetooth, and Wifi: I set up some reminders on my phone based on location, such as when I get home, or when I am getting out of my car. Just click on the “i” next to the reminder and toggle on “Location” to choose when you want to see your reminder. (Free) 

    5. WOOP: Stands for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan. I find the “obstacle” and “plan” for dealing with the obstacle very useful for personal tasks/habits that just aren’t getting done. (Free)

    What other resources have you found helpful??? What do you wish you could find a resource to help you with?

    And if you’d like more resources, join our virtual Power Hour on January 16 from 12-1pm MT. RSVP here. (If you can’t make the call but want the resource, RSVP to get the resource emailed to you after the call.)

    Click here if you were forwarded this email and would like to sign up to receive my emails. You may unsubscribe at any time.

    Bijal Choksi, MA, CHPC, ACC

    bijal@huworkteam.com

    Follow HuWork on LinkedIn

  • History Matters

    Hello from Cambodia! 

    Visiting Cambodia with my brother and mom for her 80th birthday. She said it was the best birthday she’s ever had!

    That picture was taken in front of one of the many gorgeous temples that are Unesco world heritage sites. I highly recommend visiting if you like great food, warm people, gorgeous architecture, clean cities with good roads that are not yet over-populated.

    In between temple tours while chillaxing at the hotel, my mom opened up about how hard it was when she immigrated from India to the East coast of America in 1972: the judgment she felt when she told people she was vegetarian (“How can you live like that?” and my favorite, “Do you eat grass?”), the lack of respect she got even in the hospital where she was employed as a physician, feeling like an outsider at work, and not having someone to help guide her or, at times, just tell her what to do to get more respect at work and more broadly in society.

    Perhaps partly to pay homage to her experience and make it easier for other Indians working for American firms, I started a program called SAPNA (South Asian Professional No-Nonsense Accelerator) last year. This is a 3-week accelerator program, where I have condensed the essence of what I cover in my 1-on-1 leadership coaching programs, into a compact, easy to follow program. And because it is cohort-based, I am able to bring the price point down significantly for this hybrid self-paced + 6 live calls program.

    So, if you are a South Asian woman or know a South Asian woman who could benefit from this leadership program to gain more respect at work, here is the link to learn more. The program starts on March 4, and runs for three awesome weeks!

    Here is what a senior HR executive and former student in the program said about SAPNA: “I loved working with Bijal throughout the SAPNA program. She made it effortless to reflect on and dream about what I would love to achieve in bringing more of myself to my work, and then broke it down into practical techniques for making it happen. Bijal is an expert listener and dot-connector, and her unconditional belief in her students coupled with a no-nonsense yet light-hearted style becomes just the push one needs to show up as the leader we want to be.” 

    After the last email I sent announcing this program, a couple people asked if there was an early-bird price. Thought that was a great idea, so if you use the coupon EARLY, you will get $100 off the $397 – that’s over 25% off. But only for people who receive my emails and only until 3pm MST on Friday, February 9th.

    I truly believe that if you want to have a bigger impact on the world… if you want to achieve your goals and dreams faster … and if you want to inspire others to help you make it happen… 

    The time to prepare for the next opportunity is NOW 

    And to do it in a way that allows you to remain authentically yourself, including your South Asian identify. The longer you hold off on learning what’s needed to get more respect at work, be listened to, have influence, and more, the longer you put off your goals and dreams.

    These skills are a must, and not just for leadership, but for any role working for an American firm today, including individual contributors. And they are especially important for us Indian & Pakistani women, to counter the stereotypes we face. 

    I’m not saying at the end of 3 weeks you will be an expert on what is needed to get that promotion, BUT what I am saying is that you will have AWARENESS of what is needed to reverse the impression that you are not ready for the next opportunity, or not seen as someone who is strategic. And stop being seen as that “Indian do-er” (sorry to be blunt, and I had to do the same work myself to reverse this impression.)

    OK, sorry for the rant, but I get passionate about this.

    To find out more and to sign up, visit the SAPNA sign up page.

    I hope to see your name on the roster!!! But hurry, because the $100 off expires on Feb 9th.

    P.S. if this doesn’t resonate with you, but you know an Indian or Pakistani woman, please share this resource with them in case it would be helpful to them!

    With so much support and warmth,

    Bijal

    The intent of these emails is to provide different perspectives, ideas, and insights as you navigate the path forward for yourself, your team, your organization, and your family.

    Click here if you were forwarded this email and would like to sign up to receive my emails. You may unsubscribe at any time.

    Bijal Choksi, MA, CHPC, ACC

    bijal@huworkteam.com

    Follow HuWork on LinkedIn

  • The Science of Happiness

    I’m thrilled to invite you to join me for a transformative in-person experience at an upcoming weekend workshop, “The Science of Happiness,” set against the breathtaking backdrop of #MiravalResorts in Tucson, Arizona, from February 15 to 20, 2024.

    MORE INFO: The workshop is structured around key takeaways that provide valuable insights and practical tools. Participants will delve into the 3 main components of resilience to better understand its role as a foundation for sustained happiness. Strategies for building resilience will be shared. We’ll explore positive psychology principles, address coping mechanisms, and discuss the importance of embracing authentic emotions and the power of self-permission. Walk away with knowledge and actionable steps to enhance your happiness and resilience levels.

    SPECIAL PRICE: I was able to secure a special rate for my circle. If you book using code SOCIAL, you’ll receive EXTRA nightly resort credit. You package will include $225 nightly resort credit (normally $175) to use toward luxurious spa services, wellness workshops, culinary experiences, and private sessions with Miraval Specialists. Link: https://www.miravalresorts.com/packages/social-influencers?src=prop_tusob_other_email_bijalchoksi_arizona 

    I hope you will consider using this opportunity to shake up your outlook on work and life if needed, embracing positive psychology and resilience-building strategies.

    Secure your spot today and let’s make 2024 a year of joy and resilience!

    Warmly, 

    Bijal

    The intent of these emails is to provide different perspectives, ideas, and insights as you navigate the path forward for yourself, your team, your organization, and your family.

    Click here if you were forwarded this email and would like to sign up to receive my emails. You may unsubscribe at any time.

    Bijal Choksi, MA, CHPC, ACC

    bijal@huworkteam.com

    Follow HuWork on LinkedIn

  • How Managers Can Foster Both Healthy Boundaries And High Performance

    Managers play a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of wellness that will help ensure that their teams meet the company’s goals while also maintaining healthy boundaries. Bonnie shares tips with her Forbes Coaches Council peers to help organizations promote employee well-being and success.

  • Join a Unique Year-Long Group Coaching Program

    Hard to believe it is almost November. It’s been a busy time amidst an emotionally challenging season. Personally, I’ve been teaching and coaching a lot, adjusting to having one child in college and another with a driver’s permit, and trying to remember to slow down to enjoy key moments every day despite the chaos in the world. And to celebrate wins large and small, which I normally plow through to work towards the next goal. So here is a public celebration of the 10 outstanding women who participated in an intense 3-week program I designed specifically for South Asian women working in corporate America.  I applaud the hard work they put in and the vulnerability they showed in our 1:1 and group sessions. 👏🏼(Read a couple testimonials below.)

    And I’m excited to let you know I’m launching another program! This is a year-long GROUP COACHING program designed exclusively for South Asian women. This transformative journey will provide members with invaluable tools, support, and a community that understands and celebrates a shared heritage.

    Not a South Asian woman, but know one who could benefit from this program? Please forward this email.

    Group Coaching Program Details:

    12 sessions, 90 minutes each. The dates and times will be determined based on the preferences of the first few individuals who sign up. By keeping the group small, limited to 10 participants, we ensure an intimate and personalized experience for everyone involved.

    I love a top 10 list so here are the top 10 benefits of joining this year-long group coaching program:

    1. SPOT COACHING: Receive personalized guidance and support tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you’re dealing with not getting enough respect at work from certain individuals or a never-ending chai addiction, I’ve got your back!

    2. INFLUENCE LIKE A BOSS: Learn effective tactics to enhance your influence and make a positive impact in both your personal and professional life.

    3. CUSTOMIZED SESSION TOPICS: Help select session topics to ensure that the content is relevant and beneficial to your specific needs and goals.

    4. WORKING SESSIONS: Engage in interactive working sessions during each meeting, allowing you to actively work through topics and apply the strategies discussed. Worksheets, templates, and cheat sheets all included!

    5. CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING: Connect with amazing women who understand the cultural nuances and challenges faced by South Asian women because they too have had similar experiences, not to mention our love for Bollywood dance-offs 😉

    6. BRAND AND REPUTATION: Gain insights into the four key components of building a powerful personal brand and reputation, enabling you to stand out in your chosen field, while still being authentically YOU. 

    7. SUPPORTIVE NETWORK: Meet a group of amazing women who share your aspirations and values, providing you with a network of support, inspiration, and career help throughout your journey. Together, we’ll create a support system that will make you feel like the superhero you truly are.

    8. ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS: Benefit from accountability partners who will support your growth, ensuring that you stay motivated and on track towards achieving your goals.

    9. SOCIAL CAPITAL: Build your social capital by connecting with like-minded individuals to expand your professional network and create opportunities for collaboration and growth.

    10. TRUE NORTH STAR: Clarify your purpose and learn how to use your north star to guide your decisions and actions towards a fulfilling and meaningful career and life.

    Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to embark on a transformative journey of personal and professional growth. Join our year-long group coaching program exclusively designed for South Asian women. Limited to 10 people. Small group => HUGE impact.

    SIGN UP HERE

    So, are you ready to laugh, learn, and level up? Sign up now and let’s embark on this unforgettable journey together. If not now, then when? If not you, then who? 

    Testimonials from previous students: 

    • “This program made it effortless to reflect on and dream about what we would love to achieve in bringing more of ourselves to our work, and then break it down into practical techniques for making it happen.”  

    • “I am currently faced with a challenge of mass change. This program really helped me find some resolve and strength to feel ok with discomfort and being in transition and work on finding my Northstar to help guide me.”

    Warmly, 

    Bijal

    The intent of these emails is to provide different perspectives, ideas, and insights as you navigate the path forward for yourself, your team, your organization, and your family.

    Click here if you were forwarded this email and would like to sign up to receive my emails. You may unsubscribe at any time.

    Bijal Choksi, MA, CHPC, ACC

    bijal@huworkteam.com

    Follow HuWork on LinkedIn

  • Do you know your Superpowers?

    I recently had the privilege of teaching a few workshops at Miraval Resorts, a top wellness retreat center that is Oprah’s favorite! 

    Over the course of several workshops, I guided Miraval employees and guests on a journey of self-discovery, helping them unlock their inner superpowers. Participants:

    ✅ Identified their SUPERPOWERS

    ✅ Explored how to LEVERAGE their superpowers unconventionally

    ✅ Learned 4 TOOLS to handle the tasks in their lives that deplete them

    Through engaging exercises and thought-provoking discussions, we embarked on a transformative adventure aimed at unlocking the hidden potential within each attendee. Many of us minimize and downplay our strengths, so one exercise participants found valuable was thinking about what their best friend would say are their unique strengths. You can also substitute a peer or your boss if they know you well to identify work-related strengths. I encourage you to take 2 minutes to do this exercise right now: What would someone who knows you well say are your TOP 2 SUPERPOWERS?

    It was truly awe-inspiring to witness the moment when individuals recognized their inner superhero waiting to be unleashed. Whether their superpowers were creativity, empathy, problem-solving or a myriad of other ones, the energy in the room was electrifying as everyone discovered their distinct superpowers and began to envision how they could use them to make a positive impact in their lives and in the world.

    The retreat was a resounding success, with participants leaving feeling inspired, empowered, and equipped with the tools to continue their personal journeys. I believe that each attendee discovered their unique superpowers and now possesses the confidence to embrace and utilize them in their daily lives. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of this incredible experience and witness these personal transformations. 

    If you have any questions or would like to discuss how we can bring this transformative workshop to your organization, please reach out.

    Warmly, 

    Bijal

    The intent of these emails is to provide different perspectives, ideas, and insights as you navigate the path forward for yourself, your team, your organization, and your family.

    Click here if you were forwarded this email and would like to sign up to receive my emails. You may unsubscribe at any time.

    Bijal Choksi, MA, CHPC, ACC

    bijal@huworkteam.com

    Follow HuWork on LinkedIn

  • Join me in September to recharge!

    Recently, my eye has been twitching. When I asked Dr. Google (dumb I know!), eye twitching might be caused by a lack of sleep (nope), too much stress (maybe), or a tumor (ummm…). Not sure about you, but throughout my adult life, when a medical situation arises, it prompts me to take a critical look at how I’m living my life, where I’m spending my time, and to question whether I’m falling prey to busyness versus having impact. 

    But we don’t need a medical crisis to prompt us to assess our lives and course correct. Sometimes we just need to take a step back from our daily rhythms to gain perspective on our life and career. There’s something about a “pattern-interrupt” that allows our minds to find creative solutions to situations that have plagued us and to hit the reset button on our nervous systems.  

    And if we layer in a structured retreat in a new location, I truly believe this is the best way to reconnect with our inner wise and insightful self. The one whose voice is softer and often gets lost when our to-do list is shouting at us, when our emails are overflowing, and when we have a deadline to meet.

    Join me this September in the gorgeous Appalachian mountains for a 5-day semi-structured retreat where you will have time to reconnect with your inner, wiser self.

    This Empowerment retreat is a 5-day immersive and experiential program September 1-5, 2023, held at Elohee Retreat Center in northern Georgia. Elohee sits in the midst of 220 acres of wild forest. This retreat is designed to help participants embody their capacities as humans and coaches and to reconnect with and strengthen their abilities for deep listening, powerful conversations and purposeful living. You don’t have to be a coach to attend! You do have to bring your curiosity and open mind to learn how to approach conversations with a coach-like mindset.

    Learn more here or join the next Learning Lab call on May 25th at 12pm ET. Click here to reserve your spot for the call. 

    The Empowerment Retreat is booking up quickly so sign up soon. As part of my community, you can  bring a friend for free. Reach out for details.

    And BTW, I finally made an appointment with my eye doctor for later this week, and will hopefully get to the bottom of this twitching.

    Warmly, 

    Bijal

    The intent of these emails is to provide different perspectives, ideas, and insights as you navigate the path forward for yourself, your team, your organization, and your family.

    Click here if you were forwarded this email and would like to sign up to receive my emails. You may unsubscribe at any time.

    Bijal Choksi, MA, CHPC, ACC

    bijal@huworkteam.com

    Follow HuWork on LinkedIn

  • Power of the employee panel discussion

    I was honored to represent #HuWork on a panel discussion centered on the “Power of the Employee”, at the #ACG 2022 Rocky Mountain Corporate Growth Conference.

    Two of the ideas discussed, along with my views about them were: 

    – HOW TO DEAL WITH THE GREAT RESIGNATION? Culture trumps compensation now. Be proactive with “stay” interviews to see what parts of the employee experience need some attention.

    – MANDATE 100% BACK TO THE OFFICE? Only if critical for their role. Shift from thinking about the office as a traditional workplace, to a hub for human connection. Team Leaders need to get employees excited to come back, not force them!

    I would love to hear your take on these topics and what your employer is doing right now.

    Warmly, 

    Bijal

    The intent of these emails is to provide different perspectives, ideas, and insights as you navigate the path forward for yourself, your team, your organization, and your family.

    Click here if you were forwarded this email and would like to sign up to receive my emails. You may unsubscribe at any time.

    Bijal Choksi, MA, CHPC, ACC

    bijal@huworkteam.com

    Follow HuWork on LinkedIn

  • 3D’s for loving life, including work

    Lately, my clients have been lamenting about all the things they do not like about their jobs. Newsflash – no one likes every task required for their role. When we dig into what percentage of their day is filled with tasks they loathe, there’s a magic number I’m looking for. If we determine over 50% of their week is filled with tasks they dread, that’s a big red flag for me. That employee is on track to be disengaged and start looking for a new job.

    The 3D framework below will provide you with a cheat sheet for what to do with tasks you dislike.

    #1: DUMP IT: Can you eliminate the task? What will be the repercussions? Will anyone even notice? One client stopped scheduling an unproductive meeting, and no one questioned her.  Another client decreased her attendance at a recurring meeting by 50% and the only consequence was that her mood and productivity improved.

    #2: DELEGATE IT: Might someone else be the better person to do the task? Or perhaps just getting help from someone for a part of the task would help it seem less dreadful. With today’s apps, platforms, and AI, you may also be able to delegate some tasks to technology. Outsourcing to a virtual contractor can be another efficient and cost-effective option for tasks you loathe. 

    #3: DO IT DIFFERENTLY: How might you enjoy the task more? Can you leverage a strength of yours? How might you need to rethink your role to include these tasks? A manager I was coaching, just wanted to get his “work” done, and not deal with the people-side of managing a team. Expanding his idea of a manager’s responsibilities, that his main function was to enable his team to succeed by helping each team member with obstacles, planning, or whatever else was needed, was the “aha” moment he needed to look at those people-tasks differently. Another client “batched” the tasks, setting a regular time when low energy tasks get done; such as on the first Monday of each month, 3 hours will be spent on xyz set of tasks. By doing this, those tasks aren’t hanging over you the rest of the month.

    Take time to notice the tasks that always get pushed to the bottom of your list. These are the tasks to focus on first. To tackle the tasks you put off, think of the 3D’s. Can you DUMP IT, DELEGATE IT, OR DO IT DIFFERENTLY? If so, you may be able to re-engage, focus more on the tasks you enjoy at work and, in turn, find joy once again in your job.

    Click here to download The 3D’s cheat sheet.

    Warmly, 

    Bijal

    The intent of these emails is to provide different perspectives, ideas, and insights as you navigate the path forward for yourself, your team, your organization, and your family.

    Click here if you were forwarded this email and would like to sign up to receive my emails. You may unsubscribe at any time.

    Bijal Choksi, MA, CHPC, ACC

    bijal@huworkteam.com

    Follow HuWork on LinkedIn

  • Love your workplace

    One theme I’ve noticed during my years of coaching and consulting is that workplaces are generally not seen as a good thing. If we were giving people’s relationship to work a grade, it would be C+ at best. Who reading this would be happy with a C+? 

    I recently attended a webinar hosted by Harvard Business Review featuring Marcus Buckingham, an expert on workplace happiness and founder of the StandOut strengths assessment. He said something that resonated with my observations: People don’t feel nourished at work.

    That is what has led to “The Great Resignation” in our society, or more accurately, according to Marcus, “THE GREAT REASSESSMENT.” People are asking themselves, “What is work doing for me psychologically?”

    So what can you do about this if you are worried about losing people on your team? Or if you yourself are considering leaving, and want to enjoy work more? In both instances, the work to turn it around really begins with YOU. If you can LOVE at least 20% of your time at work, you will be more engaged. When the number tips below 20%, even slightly, people start to become disengaged. But at least some of this is IN YOUR CONTROL. How can you put a different spin on things or change your mindset so the uninteresting and routine tasks become more interesting and engaging? 

    Additionally, leaders, whether for teams, departments, or companies, need to ask themselves, “Why do we deserve really good employees?” And then use those answers to recalibrate efforts.

    With remote working, alternating days in the office, and virtual meetings becoming the “norm”, it’s a great time to reassess what’s working and not working for you. I challenge you to come up with:

    • Three things you LOVE about your workplace. The view from your office, the difference you are making with clients, the flexibility, etc. 

    • Three things you would like to CHANGE. Shorter commute, fewer interruptions from colleagues, getting out of your cubicle, etc.

    • Three ways you can make your routine tasks more ENGAGING. Meet a colleague for coffee while you each respond to emails, plan walking meetings, set aside a specific time each day/week for the least desirable tasks, etc.

    Warmly, 

    Bijal

    The intent of these emails is to provide different perspectives, ideas, and insights as you navigate the path forward for yourself, your team, your organization, and your family.

    Click here if you were forwarded this email and would like to sign up to receive my emails. You may unsubscribe at any time.

    Bijal Choksi, MA, CHPC, ACC

    bijal@huworkteam.com

    Follow HuWork on LinkedIn