Not with the relationships, Not with a great job, Not with money or wealth, Not with status, yours or the one you are connected to, But with YOU. — Mandy Hale
A major obstacle to success and happiness is what Paul Angone calls “Obsessive Comparison Disorder.” It’s our need to evaluate and decide if we are good enough by checking how we stack up next to others. Since it’s impossible to be the best at everything, this constant assessing is pointless, exhausting, and harmful to our self-esteem. A helpful perspective is to acknowledge that each of us has a unique set of strengths. Irene Caniano learned to appreciate this during her coach training. The instructor had them begin the sessions by describing ourselves. Every week, they started by announcing who they are. They’d each give their names and add a sentence describing ourselves with five positive adjectives.
One person might use this sentence after announcing her name. I am an enthusiastic, compassionate, creative, curious, adventurous person. Another might use this one to describe his strengths. I am a kind, funny, caring, brave, open-minded individual. The purpose of this ritual was to teach everyone to be aware of their strengths and let others know who they really are. From this, Irene learned that there’s no reason to feel inadequate if someone has a trait that she doesn’t. Her strengths are gifts to others.
Their strengths are gifts to her. She decided to use this “strengths introduction” exercise at the beginning of the workshops that she presents. Each time the participants finish their introductions, they find that various traits were mentioned. As a person who doesn’t have a great sense of humor, Irene no longer concern herself with this “deficit.” Invariably, at least one person in the audience mentions humor as a significant strength.
Valeria interviews Irene Caniano the author of Design Your Happiness: 9 Essential Elements to Create the Life You Want
We all deserve to be successful and happy. That’s what Irene Caniano was thinking when she decided to become a life coach. She wanted to help Millennials who were making a myriad of decisions that would impact their future. A strange thing happened during her training. She realized that the coaching principles were having a significant positive effect on every aspect of her life. Now Irene enthusiastically passes on what she learned because she believes everyone can benefit from coaching.
Before writing the book, she consulted with potential readers. They requested that she include stories, graphics, and activities that would make it easy to understand and apply the principles. Design Your Happiness is an inspirational and practical book that focuses on three areas: You, Your Relationships, and Your Choices.
Certified by the International Coach Federation, Irene specializes in productivity and happiness. She offers “Coaching Your Way.” The options include QuickStart/Customized Sessions, Unlock Your Potential, Your Best Self Video Course and Coaching for Individuals with ADHD.
Irene serves as the mentoring coordinator at Elmer A. Sperry Toastmasters and is a board member at Nassau CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Disorder). Each year, she plays a key role in organizing the Floral Park Lions Club Just 4 Women Expo. Irene’s joy comes from loving relationships, connection with others, harmony, learning, nature, and living her purpose.
