Friday 16 December 2011
Thursday 15 December 2011
Create time through effective delegation
My 8 year old is keen to help less fortunate children in Africa (charities at the bottom) and I suggested he hold a cake and bracelet stall at his school. My aim was for him to own the event and do the leg work with my role to gently guide and to offer suggestions where appropriate. What a challenge! How tempting I found it to jump in and write the emails for him (much quicker), to design the posters for him (much more effective) and to do the baking for him (much more efficient). My delegation skills were tested to the limit and I don't mind admitting that I found it hard. But, through empowering him, he has gained skills, confidence and is proud of his achievement. It was an investment. I would like to share the lessons I learnt, some tips on delegating and I would encourage you to delegate as much as possible to people at home and at work. The more the load is shared, the more we can all enjoy the festive period.
Quick Quote
“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." ~ General George Smith Patton, Jr
What can your kids and colleagues do that are on your "to do list"? Start with your home life and then re-do it for work if it's relevant to you:
* Create a list of all the tasks you have to do (this is a useful thing to do anyway)
* Write down all the people you could delegate to. This list should include everyone over the age of 2 in your house (even 2/3 year olds can clean skirting boards with wet-wipes!)
* Allocate some of the tasks to each of the people. Tip - If you were taken ill and couldn't get out of your bed until Christmas, who would you delegate what to? You can direct from your bed but you can't do any of the tasks yourself. It may sound scary, but give the thought process a go.
* Ask people which tasks they would like to do (getting them to choose rather than dictating is likely to get more buy-in)
* Make sure they are clear what the task entails. They need to know what a successful outcome looks like? How will they know they have finished? When do they need to do it by? Giving people flexibility on timing allows them to fit it around how they feel and what they have going on (although you may need to be stricter with the under 5's!)
* Empower them by teaching them anything which will help them - skills, knowledge, tips.
* Check progress regularly - give feedback (some positive before the constructive feedback) and help solve problems but DON'T take over!
* Celebrate their achievements and show appreciation.
This point is on its own because it is key:
* Let people do things their own individual way. There is no right way to do things. Do not, under any circumstances re-do a job which someone has done because it is not perfect - you know what I mean! There are many ways to stack a dish-washer and I guarantee that your 5 year old won't stack it the most efficient way. Say thank you, close the door and put it on! And there is no perfect way to decorate a Christmas tree either. Celebrate everyone's creativity and go with the flow.
What do you find hard to delegate? Do you have any tips on delegating? Please share your ideas (and let me know if you have problems commenting below.
If you find any of the above steps hard, give me a ring on 07764 235394 and I will help you.
"Give up control even if it means the employees have to make some mistakes. - Frank Flores."
Quick Quote
“Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity." ~ General George Smith Patton, Jr
What can your kids and colleagues do that are on your "to do list"? Start with your home life and then re-do it for work if it's relevant to you:
* Create a list of all the tasks you have to do (this is a useful thing to do anyway)
* Write down all the people you could delegate to. This list should include everyone over the age of 2 in your house (even 2/3 year olds can clean skirting boards with wet-wipes!)
* Allocate some of the tasks to each of the people. Tip - If you were taken ill and couldn't get out of your bed until Christmas, who would you delegate what to? You can direct from your bed but you can't do any of the tasks yourself. It may sound scary, but give the thought process a go.
* Ask people which tasks they would like to do (getting them to choose rather than dictating is likely to get more buy-in)
* Make sure they are clear what the task entails. They need to know what a successful outcome looks like? How will they know they have finished? When do they need to do it by? Giving people flexibility on timing allows them to fit it around how they feel and what they have going on (although you may need to be stricter with the under 5's!)
* Empower them by teaching them anything which will help them - skills, knowledge, tips.
* Check progress regularly - give feedback (some positive before the constructive feedback) and help solve problems but DON'T take over!
* Celebrate their achievements and show appreciation.
This point is on its own because it is key:
* Let people do things their own individual way. There is no right way to do things. Do not, under any circumstances re-do a job which someone has done because it is not perfect - you know what I mean! There are many ways to stack a dish-washer and I guarantee that your 5 year old won't stack it the most efficient way. Say thank you, close the door and put it on! And there is no perfect way to decorate a Christmas tree either. Celebrate everyone's creativity and go with the flow.
What do you find hard to delegate? Do you have any tips on delegating? Please share your ideas (and let me know if you have problems commenting below.
If you find any of the above steps hard, give me a ring on 07764 235394 and I will help you.
"Give up control even if it means the employees have to make some mistakes. - Frank Flores."
Wednesday 16 November 2011
A poignant poem by an old man
When an old man died in the geriatric ward of a nursing home, it was believed that he had nothing left of any value.
Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.
Crabby Old Man...
What do you see nurses? . . ... . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . When you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . .. . . . Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .... . . . . With faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . .. . And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice .. .. . .... . The things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . . . Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . .. . .. . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . .... . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . .. . You're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am. . . . .... . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . .. . As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .. . . .. With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . .. ... .. Who love one another.
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. With wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . ... A lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . .. My heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . That I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . .... . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other .. . . . . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons . . ... . . Have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . . . To see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children .. . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . Shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . .... . . . Young of their own.
And I think of the years .. . . .. . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . ..... And nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . Grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . Where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . . . . A young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . My battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . ... . Life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . . . ... Gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . .. . . That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . ... . Open and see.
Not a crabby old man . ... . . Look closer . .. . See ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.
We may all, one day, be there, too!
Later, when the nurses were going through his meager possessions, they found this poem. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and distributed to every nurse in the hospital. And this little old man, with nothing left to give to the world, is now the author of this 'anonymous' poem winging across the Internet.
Crabby Old Man...
What do you see nurses? . . ... . . What do you see?
What are you thinking . . . . . When you're looking at me?
A crabby old man . .. . . . Not very wise,
Uncertain of habit .... . . . . With faraway eyes?
Who dribbles his food . . . .. . And makes no reply.
When you say in a loud voice . . . . . 'I do wish you'd try!'
Who seems not to notice .. .. . .... . The things that you do.
And forever is losing . . . . . A sock or shoe?
Who, resisting or not . . . . . Lets you do as you will,
With bathing and feeding . .. . .. . The long day to fill?
Is that what you're thinking? . .... . . . Is that what you see?
Then open your eyes, nurse . . . .. . You're not looking at me.
I'll tell you who I am. . . . .... . As I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, . . . .. . As I eat at your will.
I'm a small child of Ten . .. . . .. With a father and mother,
Brothers and sisters . . .. ... .. Who love one another.
A young boy of Sixteen . . . .. With wings on his feet.
Dreaming that soon now . . . . ... A lover he'll meet.
A groom soon at Twenty . . . . .. My heart gives a leap.
Remembering, the vows . . . . . That I promised to keep.
At Twenty-Five, now . . . .... . I have young of my own.
Who need me to guide . . . . . And a secure happy home.
A man of Thirty . . . . . My young now grown fast,
Bound to each other .. . . . . With ties that should last.
At Forty, my young sons . . ... . . Have grown and are gone,
But my woman's beside me . . . . . To see I don't mourn.
At Fifty, once more, babies play 'round my knee,
Again, we know children .. . . . My loved one and me.
Dark days are upon me . . . . . My wife is now dead.
I look at the future . . . . . Shudder with dread.
For my young are all rearing . .... . . . Young of their own.
And I think of the years .. . . .. . And the love that I've known.
I'm now an old man . . . . ..... And nature is cruel.
Tis jest to make old age . . . . . Look like a fool.
The body, it crumbles . . . . . Grace and vigor, depart.
There is now a stone . . . . Where I once had a heart.
But inside this old carcass . . . . . A young guy still dwells,
And now and again . . . . . My battered heart swells.
I remember the joys . . . . . I remember the pain.
And I'm loving and living . . . ... . Life over again.
I think of the years, all too few . . . . ... Gone too fast.
And accept the stark fact . .. . . That nothing can last.
So open your eyes, people . . . ... . Open and see.
Not a crabby old man . ... . . Look closer . .. . See ME!!
Remember this poem when you next meet an older person who you might brush aside without looking at the young soul within.
We may all, one day, be there, too!
Friday 4 November 2011
Don't let Marketa's life have been lost in vain
It is with a heavy heart that I write this as a lovely lady who I coached on her business and through her cancer and who became a friend, has passed away leaving a young daughter. During her final year (although she was positive about recovery) she was an inspiration. She had always wanted to play the piano, so she started learning. She loved yoga and made time to enjoy her yoga with the sunrise whenever possible. She spent time with horses as this gave her peace and strength. And as a means of staying in touch with many friends she wrote a blog with positive, inspiring thoughts. In one of her last photos, she is laughing with her daughter, enjoying precious time with her.
Imagine that you only had 1 year to live. What would you do over the next 12 months? What if you only had 1 month?
Obviously there are practical considerations given that, hopefully, you have a lot longer to live, but take action as a result of any insights you have had from these questions. If you find yourself making excuses, then give me a call – my clients will tell you - I will help you overcome them!
My friend no longer has the chance to fulfil any more dreams - but you do...
Quick Quote
“There are many wonderful things that will never be done if you do not do them" - Charles D Gill
Questions which could change your life
Questions which could change your life
Imagine that you only had 1 year to live. What would you do over the next 12 months? What if you only had 1 month?
- What would you stop doing? If you first instinct is your job, then the question is, could you do a different job that that would provide the same level of income? Alternatively maybe you don’t need as much income as you have – down-sizing has made many people happy as they focus on the important things and simplify their lives (whether they chose this route or circumstances forced it). Which chores are you doing that aren't essential (people who know me know I am on a mission to stop people ironing!)
- Who would you see or spend time talking to? Who are the important people in your life. How often do you see or speak to them? Do they know you love them?
- Do you have an unfulfilled dream? Somewhere you would like to go? A skill that you would like to learn? Maybe you could ask for vouchers for Christmas?
- When are you happiest? When do you feel most at peace, in the zone, free?
Obviously there are practical considerations given that, hopefully, you have a lot longer to live, but take action as a result of any insights you have had from these questions. If you find yourself making excuses, then give me a call – my clients will tell you - I will help you overcome them!
My friend no longer has the chance to fulfil any more dreams - but you do...
Friday 9 September 2011
Do you take the time to understand the other person's point of view?
This is a short story to illustrate a point.
Sand in the lounge.....
After cleaning up the sand (still in his work clothes) he went upstairs to change. He peered into his little girl's room to see that she had fallen asleep and, as he did this, his wife emerged from the bathroom and said " Sally said she was going to make you a special sandcastle - did you like it?".
Sand in the lounge.....
A Dad walked into the house after a stressful day at work to find a pile of sand in the middle of the lounge, brought in by his 6 year old daughter, while his wife had been in the shower. This was the last thing that he needed after the day that he had just had so he scolded her and sent her to bed crying.
After cleaning up the sand (still in his work clothes) he went upstairs to change. He peered into his little girl's room to see that she had fallen asleep and, as he did this, his wife emerged from the bathroom and said " Sally said she was going to make you a special sandcastle - did you like it?".
His wife obviously wasn't aware that their daugher had made it in the lounge and he hadn't taken the time to think about the positive intention behind the behaviour, or to listen to what his daughter had to say.....
When could you listen better, and take time to see the other person's point of view before making a judgement?
Friday 26 August 2011
Continue the holiday feeling
It is normal after a holiday to feel a little blue, but even if you haven't been on holiday recently, this is a fun exercise to do:
If you are finding it really hard to go back to work, maybe you need to re-think your job or career. It may seem idealistic to aim for a job which you enjoy but many people do achieve it. Some just tweak their existing job. Others take a big leap. If you are looking for a change, some career coaching could be the ticket to changing your life for the better: http://www.balancedmum.com/career-coaching/index.php. Give me a call on 07764 235394 and we can discuss how.
- Close your eyes for a few seconds, or allow yourself to think without distractions
- Take your mind back to your (last) holiday and feel how you felt, see the location, hear the sounds, taste what you ate and drank
- Identify what in particular it was about your holiday that you loved. Be as specific as you can
- Brainstorm ways in which you could replicate those feelings on a regular basis and be as creative as you can
- Pick one or two ideas which you can incorporate into your everyday life
- Sunshine - get outside at least once a day including a lunch break (however quick)
- Relaxation - for a few minutes a day, breathe properly, in through your nose so that your stomach extends, and look straight ahead but notice your peripheral vision (or close your eyes and visualise your holiday)
- Exercise - choose an exercise that you enjoy and incorporate it into your routine
- Nature - can you explore places near to where you live at the weekend
- Time with your loved ones - make regular time for the people who are important to you. Make them a priority.
- Excitement - why not take up a new hobby or challenge?
- Good food - try cooking some holiday dishes and experiment with new recipes
- New plans - if you came up with new ideas on holiday, put the next step in your diary and make it happen
- No emails - create a prioritised plan for your first week back and make sure you create time in the day when you don't check emails
- The grass is greener - Acknowledge and appreciate what you do have in your life (it's a good habit to think of this every evening - with your kids too).
If you are finding it really hard to go back to work, maybe you need to re-think your job or career. It may seem idealistic to aim for a job which you enjoy but many people do achieve it. Some just tweak their existing job. Others take a big leap. If you are looking for a change, some career coaching could be the ticket to changing your life for the better: http://www.balancedmum.com/career-coaching/index.php. Give me a call on 07764 235394 and we can discuss how.
Tuesday 2 August 2011
How old would you feel if you didn't know how old you were?
I celebrated my 40th birthday this week and I started thinking about age and the stigma it has in our society. I don't feel any older than I did in my twenties except that I am much wiser. If you awoke from a coma with no memory of your age and no mirror, how old would you feel? I think that is the most important thing, not the number derived from your birth certificate.
Quick Quote
"You are as young as you feel. If you begin to feel the warmth of your soul, there will be a youthfulness in you that no one will be able to take away from you." ~ John O'Donohue (Anam Cara: A book of celtic wisdom)
You are as young as you think
You may have heard the saying that you are as old as you feel. But how you feel is dependant on what you are thinking. So I believe that you are as young as you think. Age is a state of mind. You can choose to think the thoughts that you had 20 years ago, although you would probably choose to get rid of the more silly and negative thoughts!
Some tips on staying young:
"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter" ~ Mark Twain
What do you think?
"You are as young as you feel. If you begin to feel the warmth of your soul, there will be a youthfulness in you that no one will be able to take away from you." ~ John O'Donohue (Anam Cara: A book of celtic wisdom)
You may have heard the saying that you are as old as you feel. But how you feel is dependant on what you are thinking. So I believe that you are as young as you think. Age is a state of mind. You can choose to think the thoughts that you had 20 years ago, although you would probably choose to get rid of the more silly and negative thoughts!
- Keep up with the changing world
- Regularly interact with people younger than you
- Keep learning, including from your children and younger generations
- Stay open minded - I think people start appearing old when they have fixed views and can't see other perspectives
- Remain curious
- Exercise and relax regularly
- Wear clothes which make you feel younger (bright and fun)
"Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter" ~ Mark Twain
What do you think?
Monday 27 June 2011
A story about how your perception can change your version of reality
One day a rich father took his son on a trip to the countryside with the sole aim of showing him how poor people can be.
They spent a day and a night at the farm of a very poor family. When they got back from their trip the father asked his son, "How was the trip?"
"Very good Dad!"
"Did you see how poor people can be?" the father asked.
"Yes I did Dad!"
"Yes I did Dad!"
"What did you learn?"
The son answered, "I saw that we have a dog at home, and they have four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of the garden; they have a river that flows all the way to the sea. We have imported lamps in the garden; they have the stars. Our patio reaches to the front garden, they have a whole horizon."
When the little boy was describing what he saw, his father was speechless.
His son continued, "Thanks dad for showing me how poor we are!"
Isn't it true that it all depends on the way you look at things?
The moral of this story is: If you have love, friends, family, health, good humour and a positive attitude towards life, you've got everything. You can't buy any of these things. You can have all the material possessions you can imagine, provisions for the future, etc... but if you are poor of spirit, you have nothing.Isn't it true that it all depends on the way you look at things?
Thursday 19 May 2011
The secret to looking and feeling great
Are you one of the 22 million adults in Britain who say that they are unable to take as much exercise as they feel they should? You are not alone! In this post we will look at 7 steps to help you get fitter.
Quick Quote
“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” ~ Edward Stanley
Put exercise back into your routine
1. Create motivation - describe how you will benefit from exercise or enter an event. If you choose to exercise to fulfil a desire (to be lighter, able to run with the kids, healthier, clearer minded) rather than thinking you should do it, you are more likely to succeed. Doing a sponsored run, walk or other event is also extremely motivating
2. Decide what you enjoy doing. Many of my clients have started Zumba, dance, or a racquet sport. I am learning to ice-skate. Other clients have taken up yoga, walking, swimming or exercising with their kids (and don't just watch them!). Enjoyment is key to sustainability.
3. Find out where you can do this activity - do the research and find out what is available
Work out when you can do it.
4. Make sure it fits with your schedule - on the way to or from work for example. Many gyms give you cheap rates if your child is in a class. If you do it first thing in the morning you will feel great all day!
5. Put it in your diary for the next 2 months as a regular appointment so that it becomes a habit (if you can) - make it sacred time. If you can't make it, move the time, don't delete it.
6. Find someone else to do it with - you are more likely to keep it up if someone else is there to encourage you
7. Bonus exercise - walk instead of driving and run up the stairs instead of taking the lift - I know you've heard it before but...
By the way, don't aim for 7 times a week as you are likely to fail and may give up altogether. Start doing something once, twice or three times a week and build up.
If you can't find the time, give me a ring! I help people, both through coaching and through my time management courses, find the time for the important things - it is possible!
Why not share your new exercise by commenting below- there's nothing like telling everyone what you are doing to create accountability!
Quick Quote
“Those who think they have not time for bodily exercise will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” ~ Edward Stanley
Put exercise back into your routine
1. Create motivation - describe how you will benefit from exercise or enter an event. If you choose to exercise to fulfil a desire (to be lighter, able to run with the kids, healthier, clearer minded) rather than thinking you should do it, you are more likely to succeed. Doing a sponsored run, walk or other event is also extremely motivating
2. Decide what you enjoy doing. Many of my clients have started Zumba, dance, or a racquet sport. I am learning to ice-skate. Other clients have taken up yoga, walking, swimming or exercising with their kids (and don't just watch them!). Enjoyment is key to sustainability.
3. Find out where you can do this activity - do the research and find out what is available
Work out when you can do it.
4. Make sure it fits with your schedule - on the way to or from work for example. Many gyms give you cheap rates if your child is in a class. If you do it first thing in the morning you will feel great all day!
5. Put it in your diary for the next 2 months as a regular appointment so that it becomes a habit (if you can) - make it sacred time. If you can't make it, move the time, don't delete it.
6. Find someone else to do it with - you are more likely to keep it up if someone else is there to encourage you
7. Bonus exercise - walk instead of driving and run up the stairs instead of taking the lift - I know you've heard it before but...
By the way, don't aim for 7 times a week as you are likely to fail and may give up altogether. Start doing something once, twice or three times a week and build up.
If you can't find the time, give me a ring! I help people, both through coaching and through my time management courses, find the time for the important things - it is possible!
Why not share your new exercise by commenting below- there's nothing like telling everyone what you are doing to create accountability!
Thursday 7 April 2011
Are you missing a vital ingredient?
It's time for new beginnings...
Spring is in the air. The sun is shining and the daffodils are out. It's a time for new beginnings. This is reflected in an upsurge in clients asking for career coaching...People are deciding that they are fed up with their current situation but aren't sure what the "right answer" is. That's where I can help (http://www.balancedmum.com/career-coaching/index.php), but more of that later. Often dissatisfaction arises when the values which are important to you aren't being met. It needn't be so...
Quick Quote
"You've got a lot of choices. If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice." ~ Steven D. Woodhull
Which of your values are not being met?
Our values change throughout our life and often change considerably after significant events such as becoming a parent, losing a loved one, health issues or being made redundant. Below are a list of typical values. Try this exercise:
1.Write down all the values from the list below which are very important to you
2.Circle those very important values which are not currently being fully met. It is likely that these are your pain points
3.Write down the changes to your current occupation/situation which would help you fulfil those values (you may find this difficult)
Skills & Knowledge: Knowlegeable, New frontiers, Skillful, Complexity, Self development, Intellectual stimulation, Challenge
Creativity: Communicate ideas, express uniqueness, create beauty, create ideas
Control: Freedom, security, clarity, predictability, responsibility, precision work, take risks
Purpose: Achievement, helping individuals, helping society, making a difference, working towards common goals, see results, excitement, enjoyment
Status: High living standard, power & authority, command respect, promotion opportunities, influential, receive recognition, adequate remuneration
Environment: Public contact, fast pace, physical, outdoors, manual, ideal location, acceptable commute, variety
Culture: High morals and ethics, close relationships, supportive, competitive
Need help to work out how to fulfil more of your values? Contact me on 07764 235394
Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Spring is in the air. The sun is shining and the daffodils are out. It's a time for new beginnings. This is reflected in an upsurge in clients asking for career coaching...People are deciding that they are fed up with their current situation but aren't sure what the "right answer" is. That's where I can help (http://www.balancedmum.com/career-coaching/index.php), but more of that later. Often dissatisfaction arises when the values which are important to you aren't being met. It needn't be so...
Quick Quote
"You've got a lot of choices. If getting out of bed in the morning is a chore and you're not smiling on a regular basis, try another choice." ~ Steven D. Woodhull
Which of your values are not being met?
Our values change throughout our life and often change considerably after significant events such as becoming a parent, losing a loved one, health issues or being made redundant. Below are a list of typical values. Try this exercise:
1.Write down all the values from the list below which are very important to you
2.Circle those very important values which are not currently being fully met. It is likely that these are your pain points
3.Write down the changes to your current occupation/situation which would help you fulfil those values (you may find this difficult)
Skills & Knowledge: Knowlegeable, New frontiers, Skillful, Complexity, Self development, Intellectual stimulation, Challenge
Creativity: Communicate ideas, express uniqueness, create beauty, create ideas
Control: Freedom, security, clarity, predictability, responsibility, precision work, take risks
Purpose: Achievement, helping individuals, helping society, making a difference, working towards common goals, see results, excitement, enjoyment
Status: High living standard, power & authority, command respect, promotion opportunities, influential, receive recognition, adequate remuneration
Environment: Public contact, fast pace, physical, outdoors, manual, ideal location, acceptable commute, variety
Culture: High morals and ethics, close relationships, supportive, competitive
Need help to work out how to fulfil more of your values? Contact me on 07764 235394
Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
Monday 14 March 2011
How to spot a stroke
I hope you'll never need this, but you never know...you may be able to save someone's life:
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(e.g. It is sunny out today.)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.
Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
S *Ask the individual to SMILE.
T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE (Coherently)
(e.g. It is sunny out today.)
R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.
New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your Tongue
NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke.
Wednesday 9 March 2011
Seeing the funny side of things can make you a better parent, manager and employee
Can you see the funny side?
I have been extremely busy over the last couple of weeks, coaching, training and following up marketing opportunities. It is easy when we're under pressure to take things too seriously and to forget to smile. It would have been easy for me to feel discouraged that 2 people dropped out of my course the night before it ran as they suddenly had to go to hospital. The other way to look at it (once I knew they were ok), was "I'm amazed at the lengths people will go to to avoid my courses!" (maybe just my sense of humour but it made me smile!)
Quick Quote
“You can't really be strong until you can see a funny side to things” ~ Ken Kesey
A bit of fun
When things are a little stressed at work or at home or if your kids have done something annoying:
1.Take a deep breath and stand back
2.See if you can see the funny side
3.Smile (even if you can't see a funny side) - it makes you feel more attractive, confident and positive
4.Share your funny thoughts with others so they can smile too
5.Also, think of activities and people who make you smile and schedule some time in your diary (if you find this hard, my Time to Achieve course will help you enormously)
I challenge you not to smile at this clip. It is hilarious:Baby video. The Dad is tearing up his rejection letter and making his baby laugh so much you wonder if he can actually take a breath - an amazing lesson into how to turn adversity to hilarity.
Have you got any examples of when you've seen the funny side that you would like to share?
I have been extremely busy over the last couple of weeks, coaching, training and following up marketing opportunities. It is easy when we're under pressure to take things too seriously and to forget to smile. It would have been easy for me to feel discouraged that 2 people dropped out of my course the night before it ran as they suddenly had to go to hospital. The other way to look at it (once I knew they were ok), was "I'm amazed at the lengths people will go to to avoid my courses!" (maybe just my sense of humour but it made me smile!)
Quick Quote
“You can't really be strong until you can see a funny side to things” ~ Ken Kesey
A bit of fun
When things are a little stressed at work or at home or if your kids have done something annoying:
1.Take a deep breath and stand back
2.See if you can see the funny side
3.Smile (even if you can't see a funny side) - it makes you feel more attractive, confident and positive
4.Share your funny thoughts with others so they can smile too
5.Also, think of activities and people who make you smile and schedule some time in your diary (if you find this hard, my Time to Achieve course will help you enormously)
I challenge you not to smile at this clip. It is hilarious:Baby video. The Dad is tearing up his rejection letter and making his baby laugh so much you wonder if he can actually take a breath - an amazing lesson into how to turn adversity to hilarity.
Have you got any examples of when you've seen the funny side that you would like to share?
Thursday 10 February 2011
Focus on the people you love
One of my clients is very lucky to be alive having just been in a horrific car crash. With her permission, she is allowing me to share one of her responses to this accident - "I feel lucky to be here with my family and friends and want to let them know how much they mean to me." She has decided to send them cards with heartfelt wishes in them. Valentines day is a commercial day when we often feel obliged to buy things for our other half or feel bad if we don't have one. I think a better idea is to focus regularly on the people who are important to you, through communicating more with them and/or spending more time with them. I have a quick exercise to help you.
Quick Quote
“The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being.” ~ Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lamat
Are you spending enough time with the people who are important to you?
1.Write down, in the middle of a page, the people who mean the most to you and draw a circle round them (imagine you had a day to live. These are the people you'd like to be with). This is your closest circle.
2.Around that, write down the people who are important in your life, but not in your closest circle and draw a circle around them.
3.Finally, write down the people you interact with regularly but who you wouldn't regard as being close to
4.In a different colour, next to each person's name, write how much time you have spent with each person over the last month (on the phone or in person)
5.Highlight those people you would like to be spending more time with, and those you would like to spend less with
6.Decide how you can make that happen (if you are struggling, my time management course will help!)
7.To take it one step further, communicate more deeply with the people in your closest circle, in writing (as my client is doing), by phone, or in person
What would your response have been to surviving a car crash? Share your thoughts
Quick Quote
“The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our own sense of well-being.” ~ Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lamat
Are you spending enough time with the people who are important to you?
1.Write down, in the middle of a page, the people who mean the most to you and draw a circle round them (imagine you had a day to live. These are the people you'd like to be with). This is your closest circle.
2.Around that, write down the people who are important in your life, but not in your closest circle and draw a circle around them.
3.Finally, write down the people you interact with regularly but who you wouldn't regard as being close to
4.In a different colour, next to each person's name, write how much time you have spent with each person over the last month (on the phone or in person)
5.Highlight those people you would like to be spending more time with, and those you would like to spend less with
6.Decide how you can make that happen (if you are struggling, my time management course will help!)
7.To take it one step further, communicate more deeply with the people in your closest circle, in writing (as my client is doing), by phone, or in person
What would your response have been to surviving a car crash? Share your thoughts
Thursday 13 January 2011
Create Magic Moments in 2011
Quick Quote
"A moment lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever" ~ Unknown
What were your magical moments?
Here is a different way to look at things:
1. What were your most magical moments last year?
2. Which memories were created last year which you would like to keep?
3. Which events would you like to repeat or increase in 2011?
4. At the end of 2011, when you are looking back, which new magical moments would you like to be able to reflect on?
5. What steps do you need to take to ensure your reflections of 2011 will be magical?
"A moment lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever" ~ Unknown
What were your magical moments?
Here is a different way to look at things:
1. What were your most magical moments last year?
2. Which memories were created last year which you would like to keep?
3. Which events would you like to repeat or increase in 2011?
4. At the end of 2011, when you are looking back, which new magical moments would you like to be able to reflect on?
5. What steps do you need to take to ensure your reflections of 2011 will be magical?
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