A Game Development

Reasons or Results

Many of us say we want to move ahead in our lives, we say want to create something new. “Saying” and actually “being ready and willing” to move in certain areas of our lives, are very different things. 



Moving and shaping our lives requires courage – courage to face our “gaps.” Not everyone is able to identify their own gap, let alone take it on. Often times we see what’s not ideal in our lives as just how things are, just how we are, the best things will get, good enough, or even worse, something we will get through.

We either have reasons or results.

While anyone could benefit from working with a coach, coaching is not for everyone. How do you know you are ready for a coach? You are actually in a place where you are more committed to the results you want in your life than your reasons you do not have them.

If you are not sure… here a few tell tale signs you may be invested in your reasons over your results

1. Believability. Your reasons seem completely plausible. They have been established over time and you believe them to be true. Yet you can see right through someone elses.

2. Consensus. Friends can validate your reasons. They completely buy into them. In the office setting, consensus grows and resignation permeates employees that “things will never change”. This can go viral, infecting each new hire’s hopes, dreams and aspirations.

3. Personality Traits. Over time we may begin to relate to ourselves as if we are a certain way. Like it is something ingrained in our personality… heaven forbid we have some formalized test that confirms what we thought we knew about ourselves. “I am an introvert so I….”, “I prefer logic over…”,“I am a blue…” “I have a slow metabolism so…”, “I am a type A personality so I…”



I have no intention to take anything away from testing and grouping. In fact I use it in my work. It provides tremendous insight and understanding. But in contrast to the notion that you “are” a certain way…it might be worth considering that you just picked up a bad habit. Over time habits can look like personalities, character traits… reasons we are how we are.



We can build evidence for any theory. We can use that evidence to inspire us in support of achieving results or in support of the reasons we don’t have them.



Where are reasons prevailing in your life? Do you have reasons or results in your business? With your family? With your spouse? Your lover? Your best friend? Your ex-best friend? Your school? Your playground? Your health? Your finances? 

And what about that idea you were so passionate about that it kept you up at night that you pretend no longer sounds like a good idea?

What is your “gap”? Bring it to our sample session and let’s find out.

Coaching is not for everyone. It is not for the faint of heart. It takes courage to look at your life and move in the direction of your passions. What are you waiting for? 



If not you then who? If not now then when?

Mini Workshops

11:30-12:00 Shelley Poovey – Your Internal Guidance System

12:15-12:45 Elizabeth Carpenter – Quantum Detox

1:00-1:30 Alice Petzold – Redefining & Attracting Relationships

1:45-2:15 Simone Burgois – Healthy Breasts

2:30-3:00 Krista Mitchell – Energy Clearing Crystal Meditation

3:30-4:00 Sandra Senior – How to Give a Massage

4:15-4:45 Alice Petzold – Redefining & Attracting Relationships

5:15-5:45 Elizabeth Carpenter – Quantum Detox

Mini Treatments

12:00-2:15 Krista Mitchell – Crystal Matrix Reiki

12:15-2:00 Shelley Poovey – Body Talk

1:00-6:00 Cynthia Ruse – Cranio-Sacral

1:45-4:00 Alice Petzold – Life & Executive Coaching

3:00-6:00 Kristen Mangione – Shiatsu

4:15-5:30 Sandra Senior – Chair Massage

I met a friend & former client for some holiday cheer.  So much to celebrate.  In the past year we have both launched our own businesses, developed extraordinary clients, committed random acts of kindness, given away lots of money, traveled the world, deepened our relationships with family… oh, and found love beyond our wildest dreams.  It’s been a good year.

We are deeply grateful for every thrill packed moment.

Make no mistake, it’s not for the faint of heart.  It takes commitment to amazing… and it’s completely possible.  Something tells me you might like it for yourself.  Or perhaps someone in your life.

Gratitude Designs Launch at Zero Minus Plus Fred Segal 2011

So what are you waiting for?  What if the only person between you and your deepest desires fulfilled is wearing your underwear right now?

Odds are you are either inspired or annoyed by this conversation. Or better yet, you have someone in mind who “needs fixing”.  You know that relative or colleague or spouse… that one.

I want you regardless. I want you.  I want your friends.  I want your colleagues. I want your family.  I want your big idea, you know the one that keeps you up at night.  I want something you used to want so badly it was all you thought about… and now you have almost forgotten about it completely. Or worse… you pretend it’s no longer important. I want someone you have given up on entirely.

Bring it to your sample session.  Schedule it today.  Email alice@72iz.com or call 917-363-8119.

What are you waiting for?

“I’m fine.”  ”It’s fine.”  ”Fine.”

You’ve said it.  You’ve heard it.  Do you use this adjective fine when the situation is anything but?  What would have you say what there is to say?

If not you then who?  If not now then when?

The sunrise on East 66th Street at the crossing of Third Avenue is sublime. Regrettably that same expansion of the double avenue between Second and Third that allows access to the glorious sunrise also produces a wind pattern that consistently dislodges boxes and any debris imaginable.  Our sanitation team doesn’t have a chance.

Someone should do something about that I noticed myself saying.  As a life and business coach, I work with people to create their lives powerfully.  I am a complain-free zone… future focused and forward moving.   My clients achieve their goals and live their dreams. Some of my favorite questions to ask my clients is if not you then who… and if not now then when?

Imagine how unpopular that makes me when someone wants to bellyache over their malaise, convince me they cannot have the life they want or make a difference in the world.  Myself included.

So, when I see something that needs to be done, I do it.  My latest… I pick up garbage.  Regardless of where I am going or what I am wearing or what neighborhood I am in.  Admittedly the task is easier during winter months… something about wearing gloves makes it easier.

Sometimes I am in a hurry or I am not in the mood or I am worried I will get dirty.   I say to myself I cannot possibly pick up every piece of garbage in Manhattan… and then I realize I can pick up this piece of garbage.

Sisu is a Finnish term, loosely translated to strength of will, determination, perseverance, or acting rationally in the face of adversity.  It’s integral to understanding Finnish culture and been equated with “having guts”, not momentary courage, but the ability to sustain in action against the odds. Deciding on a course of action and sticking to it regardless of failures.

When I hear myself saying someone should do something about that… and it seems like an impossible task… I am inspired by some of my heros, like Janne Kouri and Next Steps, like Janine Francolini and the Flawless Foundation, like Betsy Blankenbaker and the House of Loveness.

Sisu.  If not you then who?   If not now then when?

Do you know the degree to which I delight in honesty?   Uncensored proclamations of self-awareness are my favorite flavor.  I find them irresistible.  I revel in hearing people tell their truth regardless of whether or not it makes them “look good”.

For me, I have always enjoyed having a fuss made over me.  Blame my mother… or Miss Anthony, my first grade teacher, but the fact of the matter is I enjoy attention.  In “Committed” Elizabeth Gilbert references a full-disclosure conversation with Felipe before they were married.  She forewarned her future husband she requires an amount of attention that would make Marie Antoinette blush.   I dare say I may require an amount of attention that would make Elizabeth Gilbert blush.

As I went along with my life, I noticed how that rubbed some people the wrong way.  I decided it was “good” to be low maintenance.  I “should” be low maintenance.  So I pretended to be low maintenance.

Big mistake.

Imagine the likelihood of people buying into the idea I am low maintenance. Imagine the potential conflict in relationship if I think I should be low maintenance, and I am high maintenance.

I am not here to extoll the virtues of high maintenance or low maintenance.  I have no interest in suggesting you be one or the other.  I merely invite you to investigate what level of maintenance you require.

As a life and business coach, I partner with my clients to create their lives powerfully. Our work is future focused and forward moving.   My clients achieve their goals and live their dreams.

How do we do that?  Part of the process requires my clients’ identify what fuels them and honor that.  (If you are reading this thinking that your friend or your spouse or a family member needs to read this, I invite you to consider there may be something in it for you. I don’t have to be right.  Nonetheless I encourage you to look.)

Indulge me.

Complete this inventory exercise.  Imagine you are a researcher.  Put on a lab coat if that puts you in the mood.  Take a look at the last week of your life.  No judgement, no explanations.  You are merely a researcher, collecting data.  Use pen and paper or create a spreadsheet.

Review the data, in no particular order.   From a researchers perspective, was the “subject” sufficiently nurtured?  sufficiently rested with proper sleep? sufficiently fed?  sufficiently inspired?  sufficiently spiritual?  sufficiently generous with his or herself ?

Did the subject have the proper dose of exercise? entertainment? fun? romance? friends? laughter? adventure? music? art? literature? sport? XBox? Karaoke or whatever it is that has the subject feel alive.

How did these factors effect the subject’s performance?  Was the “subject” an effective leader? citizen? colleague? friend?  Did the “subject” sufficiently nurture his or her family?

A dear friend took me for a drive on Sunday in his new car, a high performance SUV.   A welcome change from jostling around in cabs.  Fine leather interior, surround sound system.  It’s a luxurious ride.  The manufacturer brand positioning boasts their “Audacity to reject compromise  …vision to consider every detail” among other attributes.

In his strong Austrian accent Kurt spoke of his love for his new car.  And then griped “und vood you believe der are only tree ztationz on all of Manhattan ver I kann get ze fuel for dis kaar?”

Yet he wouldn’t dream of putting anything else in it.

If you came with an owners manual with suggested maintenance…how would it read? Would you follow it?

If not you then who?  If not now then when?

Laughing out loud with tears streaming down my face I applaud Steve Levitan and Christopher Lloyd for bringing us “one big (straight, gay, multi-cultural, traditional) happy family”.   My most coveted DVR time, ABC’s Modern Family.

Characters deeply flawed, wired for struggle and worthy of love invite me to laugh at myself in the best and worst of times.  This week they remind me “people can surprise you”.   I’m tempted to tell you more, but discover for yourself. (http://www.hulu.com/watch/225297/modern-family-boys-night)

Talk to someone about their dreams and notice how they explain away abandoned hopes with limiting stories.  How they would… if only they had more time, more money, a different job, a different spouse, or lived in a different city.

In this model, circumstances are often in the way of fulfillment.  The economic down turn, the real estate market, the way men are, the way women are…

As a life and business coach, I work with people to create their lives powerfully.  I am a complain-free zone… future focused and forward moving.   My clients achieve their goals and live their dreams.  Imagine how unpopular that makes me when someone wants to bellyache over their malaise, convince me they cannot have the life they want or make a difference in the world.

Myself included.  Fast becoming that person who was forever talking about learning to surf, I posted it on my Facebook page, told everyone I met how I was going to learn to surf… if only I could find the time.  Summer of 2007, new CEO at work ordered lock down, no summer vacation.  Summer of 2008 week in Montauk scrapped, unsuitable accommodations prompted move to Bridgehampton.

Finally, August 2010 I stopped talking about learning to surf and embarked on my first surfing lesson.  Thank heavens my friend Geetha willingly came along.  It was a foggy morning in Laguna Beach.  As much as I wanted to try I was hopeful some peculiar weather condition might preclude us from our plan.

A strong swimmer, but not known for my grace or agility.   Ten years of yoga improved my balance, however at six feet tall and 155 pounds I by no means have catlike reflexes.  That coupled with the fact everyone I spoke with regaled stories of how difficult it was to learn to surf… I was terrified and excited.

Nonetheless, we wet-suited up and hit the beach with Kurt.  A former trader on the floor in Chicago turned professional surfer.  Despite my reputation as a shameless flirt, I lost my “mojo”.  I took him seriously and hung on his every word.  I felt like a six-year-old girl.  My heart in my chest, aching to learn something new and anxious I would fail miserably.

I paddled out and wobbled on my board.  Water splashing on my face sampling copious amounts of salt water.  The sound of the fog horn.  Kurt patiently preparing us for each wave and then shoving us off for failed attempt after failed attempt.  He insisted we try ten times each before giving up.

I was exhausted after five runs… but the six year old within me was convincing. The next wave would be the one.  She was right.  I caught a wave just long enough to realize it before I lost my balance and toppled over again.

After ten runs we retired to the beach.  I woke up hours later face down, the taste of salt water and sleep in my mouth, the flavor of sheer exhaustion over my body and a scorching sunburn across my back.  I kept thinking I should reapply sunscreen or at least pull down my t-shirt but my body was too tired to comply.

It was as hard as everyone said.  I was worse than I imagined.  Against our better judgment we went back out that afternoon and tried again.

I surprised myself that week.  Perhaps what surprised me most was the degree to which I enjoyed myself without necessarily being good.  The warmth of the sun on my back, the sound of the surf on my board, the smell of the ocean air, the challenge of keeping my balance in anticipation of a wave.  Hoping I would pick the right wave and then just going for it… regardless of the wave.

When was the last time you surprised yourself?

When was the last time you tried something that made you nervous and excited?

Can you awaken the spirit of your six year old who tried something new and then wore her mother or father out pleading to try it “Again!  Again!” regardless of whether or not you were even good at it?

Can you remember that big idea you had for the world?  It was all you could think about until someone convinced you it was implausible, or you got too busy and now you’ve almost forgotten about it completely.

What if the only person in the way of you and that dream for yourself, your family, your company or the world is wearing your underwear right now?

The US government estimates the value of a human life to determine the amount required to prevent a single death.  The latest valuation is between $6-9 million.  Would you live differently if you had to pay for it?

Would you live more?

Would you laugh more?

Would you give more?

Would you love more?

Surprise me.  Surprise you.

Alice Petzold, the Principal of A Game Development, works with high performing executives and entrepreneurs providing forward moving and future focused coaching.   Strengthening leaders, revitalizing teams and aligning organizations.

Petzold uses a variety of techniques to provoke and inspire individuals and organizations to action.  Expanding the capacity for leaders to build high performing teams, achieve strategic goals and visions and transform organizations.

Much like one of my favorite mentors Regena Thomashauer I often wonder if I should come with a warning label.

Last night in the midst of succulent seared scallops, juniper berries and a glass of wine with one of my dearest friends on the planet, she leaned into me and said. “Your response to my email… not what I was looking for.”

Oh dear.   As a life and business coach I work with people every day to create their lives powerfully.  I am a complain free zone… future focused, and forward moving.  When my email went unanswered I had a feeling perhaps my comments did not go over well.

I apologized profusely.   We made an agreement to be clear when she is looking for a friend and when she is looking for a coach.  In light of the exchange I am reminded why its a bad idea to coach friends and the importance of understanding what someone is asking for.  Because I consider my life to be my experiment and my world to be my laboratory… I am reminded of the importance for me to be clear about what I am asking for.

The more clearly we ask for what we want the greater our chances of actually getting it.  Makes perfect sense in theory… then in practice we come across what we might interpret as awkward timing, dueling priorities or heaven forbid signs that this is not the “right” time to ask for something… so we hold off.  We wait for the perfect time… the perfect moment.

What if now is the perfect moment?

What would have you ask for the business, the office, the raise, the front row seat, the lobster, the date, the kiss… whatever “it” is for you?  The same way you would order your no whip double shot latte from your neighborhood barista.  What if the only person in the way of you having what you want for yourself and your life is wearing your underwear right now?

So what do I want?

I want you.  I want your friends, I want your families, I want your bosses, I want your colleagues I want your neighbors (you get the idea).   I want your big idea, you know the one that keeps you up at night.  I want someone you have given up on entirely. I want something you used to want so badly it was all you thought about… and now you have almost forgotten about it completely. Bring it to your sample session.

Schedule it today.  Email alice@72iz.com.

And for those of you who are reading this right now thinking of all the people in your life who need this… I want you most of all.  What are you waiting for?

Alice Petzold is a Life and Business Coach and the Principal of A Game Development providing transformational leadership training for individuals and organizations.