The Official Blog of TV Host and Life Coach Todd Newton

Everyone Is A Life Coach...NOT!

2012-01-19T13:48:00.001-08:00

Yes, I know. To end a sentence with a giant, capitalized NOT is very 1992 and reminds us all of a time when Pearl Jam was selling out arenas and Lethal Weapon movies were on the marquee of the local theater. But let’s face it, we all know what it means and, just like No Whammies Big Bucks (sorry, shameless plug), it may be a bit out of date but it will never lose its meaning.

I was inspired to write this article after a recent discussion with two of my colleagues in the personal development/health & wellness field. Both of these women possess a drive and an inner light that have quickly drawn me to them and I jumped at the opportunity to join them for a late dinner on a recent chilly night in New England.

As we sat around the candlelit table enjoying a bottle of red wine, the conversation naturally turned towards what got us all into doing what we did for a living. One of the women, lets call her Anne, had studied science and metaphysics and had developed a fascination with the way the universe, the planet and all people are connected. She pursued this interest by studying everything from yoga to meditation to massage and beyond. As I sat and listened to her plans to travel to Thailand in order to study further and eventually create an all natural resort that will benefit the locals as well as tourists, I fell in love with her passion and immediately became grateful for my newfound connection to her.

The other woman, we shall call her Elizabeth, is a massage therapist whom I had the pleasure of meeting through a meditation group. She is the mother of three and has one of the most radiant and permanent smiles I believe I have ever seen. And that means a lot coming from a game show host! I label her smile as beautiful not only because she has perfect teeth but because it is genuine. During her bodywork sessions she pays close attention to all aspects of the clients energy. Her mission during each therapeutic hour is not only to work out the kinks in your neck but to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

I loved hearing about the paths that had led them to where we all now sat. They shared a long friendship and it was a joy to watch them work off of each other in practice and in conversation. When it came to be my turn to talk about Todd Newton Life Strategies and how I got into personal development, I told the story that I have told many times in interviews, to clients and to colleagues. Its really nothing special. I never hit rock bottom. I never lost it all only to regain it. I’ve never been so moved by a guru that I felt the need to give back to my fellow man. I’ve simply always found great strength through speakers, authors and coaches and felt I had the beginnings of becoming one myself. My story is not nearly as sexy as other coaches will lead you to believe theirs to be. I love all aspects of my life and believe in the philosophies that have gotten me to where I am. Focus, family, hard work, integrity, compassion, self-reliance, mentorships and instincts are what I practice and what I preach. After reaching a point where I had concrete evidence of these beliefs providing positive outcomes in my life I felt compelled to offer them to others who might also find them to be of use.

Being a TV personality has given me a bit of a jump start over others in the world of personal development in that I had a built in platform. You see, when I decided I wanted to do this I knew I wanted to be the best. Most of us consider the same names to be the top of the heap with it comes to motivation and inspiration. Names like Tony Robbins, Jim Rohn, Wayne Dyer and countless others are the MVPs of this game. I’ve always been most moved by Tony. I first listened to his tapes and CDs in my early 20’s. I connected with him because we both spent a large portion of our bachelorhoods in Venice Beach, CA. I have great admiration for how he has turned motivation into an empire. He takes some heat for being “too commercial” but I think its that very packaging that has exposed millions of people to his work that otherwise may never have stumbled upon it. When I attended my first Tony Robbins seminar in Las Vegas, NV, I knew instantly that I was going to one day electrify stages in the same fashion. Now I do. Being on television certainly doesn’t hurt when it comes to booking speaking engagements and gathering Google hits.

Whatever Tony did I was going to do. I’m not copying him or imitating him...I’m modeling his process. When someone is doing something you want to do and doing it well it makes perfect sense to follow their patterns. Tony preaches this very tactic. Tony studied the framework and techniques of effective coaching. I became a certified coach and acquired those same skills. Tony is a Master NLP practitioner and utilizes its many aspects in his seminars. I am a Master NLP practitioner and have seen the benefits of anchoring and changing emotional states in more clients than I can count. Tony mixes in a little conversational hypnosis when on stage in front of a sold out arena crowd. I’m an advanced clinical hypnotherapist who is still waiting to get booked at Madison Square Garden-but I am working on it. Tony is a marketing genius who has positioned himself as the "The Man" in personal development. An assistant once jokingly referred to me as "America's Life Coach" as we walked off a stage in San Diego and jumped on a plane to speak on another in Denver so I bought the name and trademarked it. Most importantly, Tony cares and wants every man, woman and child to be a happy and productive human being. I think we all can come together on that one.

And that brings me to the point of this article. If you’re reading this then chances are you are a coach yourself. I’m sure you are passionate and more than qualified to assist your treasured clients on their journeys to greatness. I’m certain that you are continuously reading about new coaching techniques, attending seminars, building your brand, networking with other coaches and furthering our multi-million dollar industry in the most respectful and professional of ways. If this is you, then you are who I am writing TO. On the flip side, if you are someone who got a wild hair one day and decided that Tweeting quotes by Thoreau and Mother Theresa qualifies you to charge ambitious and passionate people hundreds of dollars a month just to chat with you on the phone then you are who I am writing ABOUT.

Don’t get me wrong. I love living in a country where we all have the liberty and luxury of pursuing any career we choose. Becoming a life coach is a noble calling and one that should be taken on with great respect and responsibility. A respect not only for the craft of coaching but also for those who will one day become clients that depend on us to know what we are doing.

We all agree that we are not therapists, consultants or counselors. What many who enter our field seem to be confused by is that we are also not meant to be advice givers. I once met a woman who decided she was going to add “life coach” to a resume that included image expert, entrepreneur and author. After getting to know her a little better, I came to realize that although she had started a couple of businesses she had lost them both due to poor management and a lack of entrepreneurial vision. Her experience as an image expert included little more than talking with her girlfriends about what she thought looked good in the latest issue of Vogue Magazine. And, as an author, she has yet to publish a single piece of work. Now, with time on her hands and a need for additional income, she had decided to...drumroll please... become a life coach!

There are countless outlets where one can receive coach training and certifications. They come in different ranges of tuition and offer different schedules to fit any lifestyle. Whether one is better than the other is a matter of opinion, of course, but I thoroughly enjoyed my training and pointed her in that direction. I also passed on a book title or two that I had found beneficial in building my practice. After several weeks I asked what type of training she planned on pursuing and was taken aback by her response.

“I’m not going to pay for training. Its pretty expensive. Besides, there’s no right or wrong way to coach,” she said.

That was it. Her mind was made up. She didn’t need any instruction. She had no desire to work with established coaches. She updated her website, started Tweeting the typical rah-rah quotes and fluffed her bio on the free listing sites with made up testimonials. Thus a new life coach was born.

I don’t fault this woman for taking this approach to life coaching. Again, last time I checked it was still a free country. As a matter of fact, a gig that you can do over the phone from your kitchen table in your pajamas probably sounds pretty darn good to just about anyone. But what about her clients? What about the young man or woman on a tight budget who just graduated from college and hires a coach in search of direction? What about the new parent who is struggling to find that precious balance between work and home? What about the employee who feels stuck? What about the manager who wants to improve his leadership capabilities? What about them? They deserve more than a coach who feels qualified to assist anyone who answers her ad because “she’s always been the one her friends came to for advice.”

In the wonderful book Talent Is Overrated, author Geoff Colvin stresses that no one is born great at anything. While some may have some obvious advantages over others, greatness is achieved through what he refers to as “deliberate practice.” This is what made Tiger Woods a great golfer. Its what made Beethoven a great composer. And it is what makes Tony Robbins a personal development superstar. Deliberate Practice is finding exactly what needs to be learned and also precisely how to work on it. Its not easy as it requires what every good coach speaks of and lives with...PASSION.

My goal with this article is to encourage all of my fellow coaches to revisit and reignite your passion for what we do NOW. Before your next coaching call or sample session, close your eyes and put yourself into that powerful state that you were in when you first said to yourself “Yes. This is something I was meant to do. I’m going to make a difference in lives of people I’ve never even met. I’m going to do this right!” Remember the rush you experienced the first time you heard a great speaker or the first time you had an “a-ha” moment with your own coach? That is passion and we must never lose it or take it for granted. It is that passion that sets us apart and serves as the key ingredient in those of us who dedicated a part of our lives to becoming Life Changers and Dream Makers.

I do not believe in the concept of perfection. I believe that there is always room for growth, improvement and learning and I invite you to join me in making a commitment today to always be the best coaches we can be. We are fortunate to work in an area where competition should not be present among each other but only within ourselves. Competition to be even better and more effective than we were on the last call. That gives us the gift of control.

Yes, I am proud and protective of our industry. I have shared those golden moments with clients and heard the magic of a shift in their voices. I do not rely on coaching as my main source of financial income. Not many do. A recent study of 3,000 coaches revealed that 70% of them earned less than $10,000 per year. I do, however, believe in the value of our services and have come to rely upon it as a source of emotional income.

No. Everyone is not a life coach. Nor is everyone a doctor, a landscaper or a dental hygienist. I mean to offend or insult no one with this article. Instead I mean to inspire those I am writing ABOUT find the passion to now become one that I am writing TO.

Until we meet again on the road to your greatness...

Turn Up The Heat...It's Game Time!

2011-09-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

A winner never slows down...no matter how late in the game it may be. A shot at the buzzer, a homerun in the bottom of the ninth inning or a field goal from the fifty yard line with only seconds remaining on the clock. Moments like these are when the true performers step forward and shine.
Many names come to mind. In 1998, Michael Jordan hitting a jumper over Russell with only 9 seconds left to give the Bulls the 87-86 win over the Utah Jazz and another NBA championship. Let's go back to the 1991 World Series between the Minnesota Twins and the Atlanta Braves. Game seven was in extra innings. The score is tied at zero and Twins pitcher Jack Morris shakes off a reliever and stays in the game through ten innings to lead his team to a championship and the series MVP title. Finally, what kind of Boston Bruins fan would I be if I didn't mention the great Bobby Orr. Now this tale isn't easy for me to tell because I was born and raised in St. Louis but a greater hockey story has never been lived. 1970 Stanley Cup Finals. Bruins vs. Blues. Forty seconds into overtime in game four of the playoffs, Orr takes a pass in the crease and sneaks it past Blues goaltender Glenn Hall to give the Bruins their first Stanley Cup in twenty nine years. After scoring the goal the stick of a Blues defenseman gets caught in Bobby's skate and he goes flying through the air...one of the most memorable hockey memories ever. The statue of that pose stands outside the TD Garden here in Boston to this day and is a Kodak moment for anyone who believes in miracles.
I give you these examples not to drive you over to YouTube to witness the wonder of these moments for yourself-though you should. I provide them as proof that great moments-great WINS-come to those who never give up and who believe it ain't over until the fat lady sings.
As we head into the fourth quarter of 2011, I encourage you to think back to late December. Remember how determined and motivated you were to make the new year something special? Do recall all of the changes you wanted to make and all of the things you wanted to do differently with your life? Please don't be discouraged or get down on yourself if not every resolution came true. Don't call it a failure if you missed your mark on a goal or two. As your coach I'm here to tell you that it's not too late!
Miracles happen at the sound of the buzzer and I'm putting you in the game NOW. The last few months of the year belong to YOU. Its time for you to hear the roar of the crowd so get healthy. Develop a new skill. Go out and meet someone special. Read the books you've been meaning to read. Buy the new car. Plan that vacation. Call your mom more often. Forget what you haven't done and focus on what you will do.
I'm sure that this is not the only personal development blog that you read. I certainly hope that it's not. Many of my good friends churn out some wonderful content that I hope you get the opportunity to absorb. But, on the other hand, many coaches will just tell you what you should hear. They talk the talk but barely crawl when it comes to the walk. I will be completely honest with you and tell you that I fell short on a resolution or two. I wanted to purchase a new home. I didn't. I wanted to create and deliver an inspirational workshop in South Africa. I didn't. I wanted to stop eating red meat. I definitely didn't. But, as it is just as important to credit as it is to criticize, I DID spend more time at home with my kids. I DID only work on projects that meant something to me. I DID reach and maintain my ideal weight. And yes, I DID call my mom more often. But the most beautiful aspect of it all is...there's still time left in the game.
So now you and I are going to tighten our laces, tuck in our jerseys, adjust our cups and give the fans what they came here to see. We're going to bring it in the final moments of 2011!
Personally, I am beyond excited to add a powerful new aspect to my coach training. In December I will join Charles Horton of FIREWALKING.COM and become a certified trainer in Firewalking. Am I a little nervous about placing my perfectly pedicured feet on red hot coals? You bet I am! But thats what firewalking is all about-doing what I never thought I could do. The knowledge I will take away from this experience will allow me to empower clients to achieve what they never thought possible and to expand the parameters of their imaginations. I'm honored to join the likes of Anthony Robbins, T. Harv Eker and countless others who have trained with Charles and his team because I know they will provide me with tools that will last a lifetime. Tools that I will share with you in one on one sessions and in the seminars that I am developing for 2012. This is my winning jumpshot.
I challenge you RIGHT NOW to set a goal for yourself. Something realistic and exciting. A goal that gets your blood flowing and, upon achieving it, will allow you to always look back on 2011 the same way Jack Morris looks back on 1991, MJ looks back on 1998 and Bobby Orr looks back on 1970.
You're already a winner. To your loved ones you're already the MVP. Now its time to bring home the trophy. You said that this was going to be YOUR year. Its time to get the victory that you are due. Afterall, as Vince Lombardi said "If winning isn't everything, why do they keep score?"

It Takes A Team

2011-08-27T20:12:00.000-07:00

You'll never reach the top all by yourself. It just can't happen. We've all seen it time and time again. Someone tries to go it alone and falls just short of the finish line. Why? Is it pride? Could it be that person has yet to learn the all too important lesson that it takes money to make money and is trying to pinch pennies and take the least expensive route to success?

I used to be that guy. I thought I had everything under control and wanted to oversee each and every detail of my business and of my personal life. Thankfully I finally realized that the sooner I started delegating and surrounding myself with competent colleagues who's strengths happen to be my weaknesses, the sooner I would see results.

It's not that I'm stubborn or bullheaded-though I am...I'm a Taurus. It's just that I'm confident. But once I opened my eyes and started paying attention, I started to see teams everywhere I looked.

The Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins, though loaded with all star players, is a championship TEAM. Apple changed the world with revolutionary technology and products conceived, developed, marketed and sold by TEAMS. Even Kim, the young lady who sold my son his first pet crab at PetSmart, was part of a TEAM of associates who each specialized in a different type of creatures.

Together they certainly reached heights much greater than those that would've been reached if Tim Thomas took the ice alone, Steve Jobs locked himself in a room with just an idea and a screwdriver and if Kim ran from puppy chew toys to reptiles for twelve hours each day.

I needed to do the same. It was my friend James Schramko who turned be on virtual assistants. Companies like Supreme Outsourcing http://www.supremeoutsourcing.com provide well trained individuals in the Philippines who are skilled in the areas of business that I am not. They offer web design assistance, research, social media services, scheduling, 24 hour customer service and much more. They lightened my load and allowed me more time to focus on the parts of my career that I loved the most. And all of this for an incredibly reasonable price.

Copyrighting. I consider myself quite the wordsmith. Which means I talk pretty good. :) I know, it's "talk pretty well" but I was being humorous. When it came time to rework my bio for my press kit I found it highly beneficial to bring on a freelance writer to tackle it from a fresh angle. I'd been writing it myself for over fifteen years but when I read the words provided by a complete stranger I thought as if I was reading about a true superstar!

Financial. I love money. LOVE IT. LOVE IT. LOVE IT. Especially my own. I love your money too. As a matter of fact, I love your money so much I hope to one day make it MY money. But I also respect money and know that it is what makes the world go around. I have little faith in the government so I take it upon myself to make sure I'll have enough when I'm ready to retire at the age of one hundred two. Believe it or not, there are people who love my money even more than I do so I entrust them with my investment portfolio. They take my cash and make it grow into more cash. THAT is a good person to have on your team.

Image. I'm a pretty good dresser. I'll spend some money on some new threads. I especially love cowboy boots and nice suits...but they don't look very stylish when worn together. I'm a man and I will now do what many men won't do. I will admit I need help. So I listen closely to my wardrobe stylist, Joanne Lavin http://www.joannelavin.com. She is the best. She dressed me for Gameshow Marathon and the latest season of Family Game Night. Because of her I walk a little taller and know that I look gooooood.

The list is seemingly endless. Personal trainers, life coaches, attorneys, publicists, business managers...in order to perform you MUST have a team, a Mastermind Alliance, made up of talented individuals who share your vision.

This is one of the concepts we teach at the Restart Academy . After taking the profile and determining what your primary subconscious strength is, Jon Chase, myself and the rest of the Restart TEAM, encourage you to align yourself with individuals who favor the PSS's you may be weaker in. You'll realize, if you haven't already, that it's a simple case of covering all the bases.

That said, remember that your most important team is your family. Learn to be the teammate that your loved ones will turn to in a pinch and you will soon see that team getting stronger and stronger. At work, be the colleague that helps out and gets it done. You'll soon enjoy the benefits of more responsibility and greater reward.

The greatest "players" in the world do not wear jerseys or have their own rookie cards. You see them busting their tales everyday in offices, stores, construction sites, police forces and in the military. YOU are a great player...an MVP. Now do what your mother told you and go play well with others...and enjoy the win.

T-E-A-M: Together Everyone Achieves Magic

"Backstage Confessions of a Public Speaker"

2010-10-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

It was just a small area consisting of your typical hotel banquet table and three chairs. Against the wall was another table with my requested fruit plate, six pack of Diet Coke and a few bottles of water. Every time I make my snack request for a keynote presentation or appearance I feel as if I should be ordering hot tea. I know that's what other speakers do but I just really enjoy a cold diet soda before I go on.

Before me was a monitor showing what was happening onstage at the moment. The CEO of the company was acknowledging the many people who had worked so hard to make this night a success. They had really done a great job. They booked a window seat for me on the flight, the car service was waiting at baggage claim, they even scheduled an early check in so I could catch a workout and a nap before the event. Well done!

The only other person in the little area behind the stage was the stage manager. He was a friendly looking man of about fifty but he was clearly keeping his distance from me. It was obvious that he trying to decide whether to come over and shoot the breeze or give me my space to "get in the zone." Finally, I took the initiative and went over to introduce myself. He smiled and asked if I was ready to get mic'd up.

I like to wait until the last minute to put my microphone on. In my twenty year career I've seen too many instances where the sound tech gets a little overanxious and turns on the speaker's microphone before it's time. The last thing I want the audience to hear before I walk out is me clearing my throat or, worse yet, a giant Diet Coke burp. Not the ideal first impression.

Finally, he came over and gave me the sixty-second warning. I hesitate to use the word "warning" because it indicates the possibility of something bad happening but it is the standard industry term so I just roll with it. We got everything properly hooked up, sound levels had been checked earlier in the day. He led me up the ramp and positioned me behind the curtain as I awaited my introduction.

Those of us who make our livings as professional presenters are a fortunate group. There is nothing like the rush of hearing someone read your pre-approved introduction-especially if you wrote it yourself. The comes the applause. It is usually a mixture of polite, obligatory clapping and the screams of appreciation from those in attendance who have seen you before and are excited to see you again.

Notice, if you will, that I use the term presenter instead of speaker. Why do I do that? Simple. Because everyone who speaks can technically be called a speaker. But what we do different and significantly more entailed. We are presenting a speech that began with just an idea, was thoroughly researched, developed, rehearsed, rehearsed again, marketed, discussed by event coordinators, agreed upon, rehearsed some more, scheduled and is now being delivered to hundreds of people who are blessing us with the gift of their time and attention.

It is therefore our responsibility to give them what they came to see AND THEN SOME. In my new training course PRESENTATION EXCELLENCE I remind people that the audience is going to forget the majority of what we say within a day or two but they will never ever forget how we make them feel. An audience, whether they have paid to see you or they are a captive corporate group does not want to be bombarded with quotes and statistics. In fact, the more points you try to make the quicker they will check out and start thinking about the open bar or booking an earlier flight home. Instead, focus on making them feel wonderful from the moment you walk on stage.

It's also important to remember that a great speech does not have to be a L O N G speech. Abraham Lincoln made history with the Gettysburg Address and he did it using just 272 words. It took less than three minutes! In contrast, on a cold and wet Thursday morning in March of 1841, President William Henry Harrison (even his name drags on) delivered an inaugural address that was 8,445 words long. Due to the prolonged exposure to the climate while giving that speech he caught pneumonia and died as a result less than a month later.

Sometimes less really is more.

I was really on my game this particular night. As we all know, not every speech is a winner but this one was. I was riding high. At the conclusion, I said my thank you's, shook hands with the host for the evening, gave one last thumbs up to the audience (I always hold the pose for a few seconds because it makes a great PR shot) and exited through the curtain to the backstage area where my stage manager buddy was waiting for me with a smile on his face.

As he removed my microphone he said with a chuckle, "Great job, Todd. I loved your closing remarks. I guess if you start strong and finish strong it doesn't really matter what you give them in between, does it?"

"Thanks, I think," I said. Then I grabbed the rest of the Diet Cokes and proudly strolled back to my hotel room.

Turning up the heat in Palm Springs

2010-08-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker at the annual Toastmasters International Convention in Palm Springs, CA. Toastmasters is a wonderful organization of over 250,000 in 106 countries...all of whom share the desire and the passion to be the best communicators and presenters possible.
Laura and I arrived yesterday morning and immediately began the weekly broadcast of LIFE Radio with our very special guest Colonel Buzz Aldrin. After a powerful and inspiring interview, in which he shared with us those rare and unique moments when he first stepped foot on the moon, I went straight to soundcheck and to prepare for the evenings presentation.
The crowd could not have been more receptive and attentive. Video phones were lit up throughout the convention hall and the Youtube postings were popping up minutes after I left the stage. I am so grateful for the kind words floating about on Twitter and Facebook. It was a great night. Actually, it was the kind of night every speaker dreams of.
I am grateful to Sally, Gary and the rest of the Toastmasters International team for allowing me to be a part of this great event and wish all members of Toastmasters continued success in the pursuit of their dreams.

Silently I Said...

2010-05-31T12:25:00.000-07:00

I have been off the road and at home with the lil Newtons for most of May. It's been amazing. In addition to lovin' up my kids, we created some unforgettable memories together. When I'm asked how I maintain such a crazy travel schedule I always respond by saying it's my quality time with my two children that recharges my batteries and keeps me reaching for new heights.
But now it's time for Daddy to get back to work. The stage of Las Vegas is calling my name. I left the house this morning and headed for the ferry that would carry me over to Logan airport for a westbound flight. As usual, I was people watching. Today, however, was a little different. Maybe my month off made me a little more observant than usual but I couldn't help but notice how different and special we all are in our own unique ways.
The dock was full of people anxious to board the boat. I had my Ray Bans on so I was basically free to stare...and stare I did! The first couple I noticed was a young man and woman approximately 21 years of age. They were holding hands and laughing. Truly enjoying each others company. I wondered how long they had been together and what, if any, challenges they had faced together. I wondered if they thought long term with one another and if they ever just shut out the world, looked into each others eyes and shared their dreams. I can remember being that age and it makes me think of the old adage "If I'd known then what I know now." But, then again, it's our early relationships that prepare us to be our best when "The One" comes along. I silently wished them much happiness together and was grateful I didn't all of the life lessons still ahead of me that they have ahead of them. They were the poster children for Summer Love.
Next, I tuned in to a couple that was a little further along. They were mid thirties with an infant in tow. It was clearly their first child as the baby's screaming had both of them a little frazzled. I can remember that phase, too. When you're a new parent and your baby is shattering glass with his crying you feel like the only person that has ever happened to. You just know that all eyes and ears are on you and your are raising the blood pressure of everyone within earshot. I'm here to tell you that it's not true. We've all been there, relax. Take care of your baby and enjoy the family time. The kids grow up to fast as it is. Don't ever wish for time to speed up. I silently suggested that they try and get a good burp out of 'em...always worked with my kids.
Just to the left was a group of special needs individuals who were taking a day trip into Boston. They were excited about getting out and enjoying this 80 degree New England day. The young woman who was in charge of the group was the leader for a reason. Within seconds her devotion to these wonderful people became apparent in all that she did. She encouraged them to apply sunscreen, had water bottles for everyone and reminded one woman to hold on as the ferry took off because she didn't want her to fall...all the while holding the hand of a blind man. This woman, probably 30-35, had decided at some point in her life to devote her career to caring for others. She did it well. It made my heart feel good to know that there are people in the world like her. She most likely will never read this blog, but I want her to know that a stranger noticed and silently said "Thank You" for all that you do.
Finally, I saw an older couple leaning against the rail. Like me, they were just taking it all in. Unlike me, however, they had experienced most of what they were seeing for themselves and had come out the other end just fine. I found great comfort in the way they were smiling. It made me realize that everything we experience at the different stages of our lives is all for a reason. It made me more confident than ever before that it will one day be me and Superwoman standing there, holding hands and enjoying the smiles and trials of others. Silently, we will salute them and say "Enjoy the ride. It flies by."

Providence Rocks!

2010-05-28T19:01:00.000-07:00

Last night I had the pleasure of hypnotizing some of Providence, RI's most wonderful citizens. Actually, I know firsthand that the town is full of great people but it would have been impossible to cram them all into the small hotel meeting room I reserved to conduct my TNLS hypnotherapy sessions. We began by getting to know one another, finding out why everyone was there and listening as people expressed what they hoped to take away from the event. Some had experienced hypnosis before while others had not but were certainly open to the idea.

Soon the lights went down and I began the induction. Slowly one head dropped...then two...three... and so on. The group was out like a light! This was one of the most receptive collections of folks I have ever encountered. When I brought them all back to the Now they were refreshed and feeling good about the power they now had over their own lifestyle choices.

The entire process took a little over 90 minutes and then I was on my way back up I-95 toward Boston. I hope to make it to Providence again soon with a stop in your town along the way!

Go One On One with Todd

2010-05-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

First of all, a big THANK YOU to all of you who took the time to write in with your questions. As a certified life coach, I have the opportunity to talk with people one on one about issues in their lives. The topics range from things going on in the workplace to trying to decide what to serve the family for dinner. Coaching is about "being there" for the client. I don't offer advice and I rarely share my own experiences, instead I focus on asking questions that force my client to think in a different way than he/she is used to thinking. Together, we look for the answers to their life questions through open and honest dialogue, shifting perspectives and setting a course of action.

That said, there are many of you who may be facing something in your own life and have never worked with a personal life coach. May I say that YOU ARE MISSING OUT! But I'd like to take some time now to address some of the questions that came in. If yours is not one of those selected, or if there is something you would like to have addresses in the next blog, please email me at tnlifecoach@gmail.com.

Q: What are your thoughts on social networking? Is it a fad? Jason in San Jose, CA

A: Thanks for your question, Jason. NO! Individual sites may fade in and out of popularity but social networking is here to stay. I actually refer to these sites as online networking because it's not just about the "social" side of it anymore. There's a lot of business being done, as well. Think about it for a moment...how many people have you reconnected with because of Facebook? My guess is quite a few. A recent posting states that Facebook now has over 400 million subscribers. That is unbelievable! Linkedin allows business professionals to focus on the work at hand with like minded associates. Twitter is a great way to make acquaintances and share thoughts in an instant. The Internet has completely changed the way the world does business and opened up new lines of communication. It's no longer sufficient to just have an email address. Somewhere there is someone who wants to work with you or simply say "Hi! It's been too long." I encourage you to always use these sites wisely and practice online etiquette. Enjoy everything the world of technology has to offer and never miss an opportunity to network.

Q: I'm having a conflict with a co-worker. Any advice? Melanie in Fort Walton Beach, FL

A: Let me ask YOU a question, Melanie. How many people does it take to have a conflict? At least two, right? How are you contributing to the situation? What I would like to see you do tomorrow is walk in to your office with a smile on your face and, as Patrick Swayze said in Roadhouse, "Just be nice." It is virtually impossible for negativity to flourish when only one party is contributing to it. My guess is that you will begin to see a change. You two may not be running off to the corner bistro for lunch together but at least the tension will subside or perhaps even disappear altogether.

If this doesn't work and the situation persists there are boundaries and protocols set up in the workplace to address conflict among the employees. Please do not hesitate to see your supervisor if it gets to that point. Keep me posted!

Q: Todd, I heard you on a radio station talking about how you used to think you could handle everything yourself but now you know better. Could you expand on that? Justin in Burlington, VT.

A: Justin, I remember that radio segment. The host and I were discussing the importance of teamwork. I was explaining that, early on in my television career, I was under the misconception that I could handle all aspects of my work alone. Boy was I wrong! Success is never achieved alone...EVER!! I eventually learned (the hard way) that the more people you have on your team who share your vision the more successful you will be and the more fun you will have. Joining networking groups, researching potential employees carefully and creating what is referred to as Mastermind Alliance can take your business and your individual performance to greater heights.
Finally, I always say that if you want to be on a strong team then you have to be a strong team player. Good luck!

Thanks again for all of your questions. There were so many good ones to choose from and we'll post more of them in the next blog. Think about incorporating a life coach into your individual plan for success. Information is available at http://www.toddnewtonlive.com. If you have specific questions you can always contact me at tnlifecoach@gmail.com. Until we speak again, remember You Have The Power To Choose What Your Life Will Become.

TN

Viva Las Vegas!!

2010-03-27T21:55:00.000-07:00

For many, Las Vegas is somewhat of a mystical place. I'd bet (pun intended!) that there's not a person over the age of fifteen who hasn't at least seen pictures of Sin City all lit up at night. Those who are a bit older begin to hear the tales of all night partying, gambling and, of course, the showgirls.

For me, however, Las Vegas has been like a second home for almost five years. As the host of The Price Is Right Live at Ballys Casino, I have developed a sense of pride in my affilation with this legendary town. I along, with many other local performers, believe in giving back to the city that has given us so much and I am always moved by the outpouring of support that I see at charity functions, fundraisers and civic events. As a matter of fact, I am writing this blog post on Earth Day and every single light on The Strip has been turned off for an hour to encourage all of us to reduce our carbon footprint. If you've ever been on Las Vegas Blvd. at night then you know that this is a pretty impressive showing of support for our planet.

Everything you have read or heard about Las Vegas is probably true. No doubt there are things that happen there that probably are not very common where you live. I know in my hometown just outside of Boston I would never see people walking down the street in the middle of the night wearing their finest clothes and drinking a frozen margarita out of giant plastic electric guitar. I'm also not likely to hop in a taxi that is driven by a guy in an Elvis costume. These experiences are exclusive to Las Vegas. But there is so much more to the city than "What Happens in Las Vegas..."

The history of Las Vegas is incredibly fascinating. If you have a moment, please visit http://www.lasvegasnevada.gov/ and read about it's origin. You can also find countless books on the history of the mob, building of the casinos and more on http://www.amazon.com/.

I am grateful for every day that I get to go to work on The Strip. It is obviously legendary and I consider it a highlight of my entertainment career to be featured on the same stretch of land where The Rat Pack, Elvis, Wayne Newton and countless other household names entertained the masses for decades. People save up all year long and use their vacation days just to spend a few days where I get to earn my paycheck. It doesn't matter what time of year it is...Las Vegas is always the place to be and it offers something for everyone.

Ballys Casino is right in the middle of The Strip. Across the street is the beautiful fountain show at Bellagio. Just down the block is the new City Center. Next door at Bill's Gambling' Hall is where I like to go in the afternoon to watch my friend Big Elvis (http://bigelvis.biz/) perform. Big E was just named one of TIME Magazines Top 10 Elvis Impersonators of All Time. He deserves it! And if I ever get the itch to ride a rollercoaster at eight in the morning then New York New York has just what I'm looking for. Where else can you find that kind of variety?

I must say that there are few things more exciting than driving down the strip at night and seeing your own face appear on the giant Jumbotron. What a thrill that is. I often think back to when I was a young boy and my grandmother would say "You're gonna see your name in lights one day, T." Well, I guess Nana knew what she was talking about.

After I park my car and enter the casino I make my way up to my dressing room. This gives me an opportunity to walk past the line of people waiting to get into the Jubilee Theater for our show. There's always a feeling of energy and optimism as the audience waits patiently for the doors to open...all with the famous yellow name tags plastered to their chests.

But it's not all fun and games. Take a stroll behind the scenes at any casino and you will see just how many people it takes to make the operation run smoothly. Security, management, food service, dealers, pool lifeguards, housekeeping staff, engineering, maintenance and of course, the entertainers. We all do our part to make sure you have a great time in Las Vegas. Here's a short clip of some of the folks you may see wandering a back hallway http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7M47-LSwbSE.

Fun times!

So, as summer approaches and you begin to make your vacation plans, I hope you'll consider coming to see us in Las Vegas. The tables are hot and the drinks are cold. As The King himself said "There's blackjack and poker and the roulette wheel. A fortune won and lost on every deal. All you need's a strong heart and nerves of steel. VIVA LAS VEGAS!"

That's My Boy!

2010-01-19T12:31:00.000-08:00

The only thing that remains a constant in our lives is change. Sometimes change can be exciting as it brings new experiences, new friendships, and new rewards. Other times change can be a bit daunting...sometimes downright frightening.
As a coach, I try to open my clients and seminar attendees up to the benefits of change. I never encourage fear and believe wholeheartedly in the "glass half full" mentality. Afterall, things are rarely as bad as we make them out to be. FDR hit the nail on the head in his 1933 inaugural address when he said "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
But these statements are made from an adult point of view. The confidence with which they are spoken comes from years of experience and countless lessons learned from good 'ol trial and error. Children have not learned what we've learned, seen what we've seen, nor felt what we've felt. Changes in routine or structure seem much larger to a child, so to face an unknown requires an even greater courage.
I make no secret of the fact that my children are my life. Everything I do is for them. They are a key factor in every decision I make...from remembering to buckle my seatbelt to the types of television projects I take on.
I am very privileged to share the raising of my children with a woman whom I consider to be the best mother a man could hope for his kids to have. Her love, attention and sacrifice are unparalleled. Simply put-she astounds me. When I am not with them I sleep soundly knowing that she is watching over them with the devotion of an angel. Though we are no longer man and wife we are joined by the most important common interest in life-raising our children to be happy, healthy and productive adults. I could ask for no greater partner.
Recently, we decided it would be in our childrens' best interest to change schools. Our youngest has yet to enter kindergarten but our son was in the middle of third grade.
Before the holidays, he said goodbye to the classmates he'd been with his entire academic career and prepared for his new life at a much larger school.
We spoke of it on occasion over the holidays and had an opportunity to visit his new classroom during their Christmas party. He met his new teacher, Mrs. Smith, and several of the students. I studied his face as we walked the hallways, toured the gymnasium and visited the cafeteria. Even to me this place was HUGE! My son took it all in. I could see him processing it. He was polite to our guide but was quiet and had few questions. He just absorbed.
Soon the first day of classes arrived. I met him and his mother at the front of the school and we walked in together. As she checked him in at the office, I pulled him aside. Though he seemed calm, I knew he had to be a bundle of nerves. I certainly was! Whether he realized it or not, this would be one of the most memorable days of his life. Who would he bond with? Would the new workload be too much at first? Would the other kids pick him to be on their kickball team in gym class?
He and I walked over to a corner of the office and I bent down so I was face to face with my little man. I wanted to say so much. I wanted to let him know everything was going to be fine...it always is. I wanted to tell him to pick healthy food in the cafeteria. Be nice to your new classmates and they'll (hopefully) be nice to you. Listen to your teacher. Learn all you can. All of these solid pieces of fatherly advice, for sure. I finally narrowed it down to one morsel of wisdom...
"Go in there and just be yourself."
Advice my own dad has given me in countless situations throughout my life.
I trust who my son is. Who we have raised him to be. I knew this was all he needed to hear. With a kiss and a hug from both of his parents, my boy left us to begin this new chapter of his life. It is just one of many new chapters I hope to be around to see. The pride his mother and I felt as we watched him walk tall and confidently down the hallway and into his classroom brought tears to our eyes.
If a child can face change with such bravery, can't we? Can we not stand tall and focus on what change offers us rather than what it can do to us? Find the good in change and it will become something you walk toward rather than run from.
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"This Can't Be Real"

2009-11-24T11:35:00.000-08:00

I just spent an amazing weekend in Arizona with my kiddos. Of all the places that I have been priviledged enough to visit in this great world of ours, the Grand Canyon has always been a destination that has escaped me. Oh sure, I've seen it countless times from the window of an airplane but now it was time to cross it off my "must see" list once and for all.
We flew to Flagstaff, AZ and knew instantly that we were no longer in L.A.. Nothing against my SoCal neighbors, but I have never had someone offer to carry my bags from the plane to the rental car counter at LAX. The Flagstaff folks were a dream and made us feel welcome right away.
We hopped in our car and cranked up Disney Radio as we headed north on Highway 17 towards the little town of Williams. I'd done a little research and learned that Williams was named after an explorer who fell in love with the land and often wrote about it in his diary. His body was discovered after an unfortunate altercation with a Native American tribe and his description of this undiscovered territory grabbed the attention of the hunters who had stumbled upon him. Soon after, the town of Williams was born. Downtown Williams is straight out of an old Clint Eastwood western. The twenty four room Grand Canyon Hotel still stands on Route 66 and the old train station will still deliver you right to the south rim of the Canyon. Legend has it that the Red Garter, once a saloon and brothel, is haunted by the ghosts of the ladies of the night who once inhabited the second floor. We never saw any ghosts, but my kids say the hot cocoa they serve in the bakery downstairs tastes just like melted chocolate bars.
After a good nights sleep we packed up the car and made our way to the Grand Canyon. I'm an early riser so we arrived at the front gates of the park by 8am. I asked the first park ranger we encountered which overlook had the most spectacular view.
"None of them are unspectacular." he replied. Boy, was he right.
The kids and I held hands and talked about the homemade chocolate pie we'd enjoyed the night before as we made our way up the 900 foot trail. The fresh air filled our lungs as we worked off a little of the aforemetioned pie. At the top of the hill...we just stopped.
Other than the first time I layed my eyes upon my children I cannot recall a sight so spectacular.
If you have never seen the Grand Canyon, close your eyes and imagine the most wonderous rocky landscape you possibly can. Add vibrant shades of orange, red and brown set perfectly against the baby blue sky. A depth that cannot be described with words.
The three of us just stood there. After a solid minute of stunned silence my son finally said "This can't be real."
I couldn't have summed it up any better. It looked like a giant Hollywood movie set...a masterpiece. It was almost too much to comprehend.
Many times in life we catch ourselves feeling like life can't be real. We say things like "This is too good to be true" or "This can't be happening."
The Grand Canyon is proof that the Universe is much more powerful than we realize. It delivers wonders, surprises, disappointments, laughs, tears, victories and setbacks. We, as intellectual beings, can either take in the beauty or fear the depths.
Take time today to appreciate all the beauty that is around you. The sky, your family, your favorite sweater and the image of YOU in the mirror. When you focus your thoughts on all that is right with the world, you too may think that there is no way "this can be real." But it is your reality, you deserve it and you must own it.
Cherish the wonder, power and magic that is your life!

Who Are You Supposed To Be?

2009-11-07T22:20:00.000-08:00

The weather has finally started turning cool in Los Angeles. As far as the changing of the seasons goes...this is about as good as it gets for us. I grew up in the midwest so a chilly night is nothing new to me, but these southern California kids were all bundled up on this Halloween night.
My kiddos and I were all decked out. My son was a SWAT Team member and my daughter was a native American princess. What was I, you ask? Paul Stanley from KISS, of course! They looked adorable. As you can see from the photo I just looked creepy. Nonetheless, I was excited to be out on the town with them with camera and video recorder in hand.
We crossed over Ventura Boulevard to meet up with some friends. When we finally searched them out from all of the Spongebobs, Ariels and Transformers, my son asked a question of one of the young girls which I knew HAD to become the title of my next blog.
"Who are you supposed to be?"
She responded by saying that she was a punk rocker and we got down to the candy gathering business.
That question, however, made me stop for a moment and ponder on how, on this one night, all of mankind is allowed to dress up and act like someone (or something) that they are not.
I'm quite sure the kids' father (and my good friend) Sean does not secretely desire to be the The Joker, but I certainly wouldn't mind being able to play the guitar like Paul and sell out arenas around the world for over 30 years!
On October 31 we are permitted to act and dress however we please and it is accepted and believed by everyone.
Take a moment to apply this to yourself and who YOU are "supposed to be."
How would you act if you wanted to be a better parent, more productive employee or more respected member of your community?
What if your doorbell rang and you answered it only to find someone acting as you? If I opened my door to find a "Todd" was standing there with his bag open, I certainly hope I would approve of the costume. I hope others would want to be around him. And I hope he shares his peanut butter cups with those who are less fortunate.
I encourage you to take a moment and think about the costume you choose to wear at work and at play. If changes need to be made-make them. Carry a bit of that Halloween magic with you each day. Dress up to be what you know you can be. Act the way your heart tells you to act.
Take time to share the "treats" of honesty, loyalty, compassion and love with all you come into contact with. Afterall, these treats last much, much longer than chocolate and they won't melt in your hands!