Are you selfish if you spend time on yourself?

I have many clients who have numerous responsibilities such as children, jobs, businesses, houses, cars, parents... They feel overwhelmed and often it is the "me time" which gets usurped. We can feel that we are being a "martyr" for giving so much - time, energy, compassion, and that some day we will be rewarded for our commitment and hard work. I like to think of myself as a Golden Goose, laying golden eggs. The eggs are the things I create, nurture, develop or support. Without a healthy Golden Goose, there are no golden eggs.

It is pertinent to note that when on an aircraft, we are told that if there is a shortage of oxygen to fit our own mask first. This then puts us in a strong position to help others including our children.

Quick Quote
“It’s hard to be selfish and it’s easy to self-sacrifice.” ~ Nathaniel Brandon

A fun exercise to better understand your priorities

1. Write down on a piece of paper, your top ten priorities in order (most important first) from the list below

      Housework       Career/business       Hobbies
      Sprituality       Personal Development       Friends
      Relatives       Children       Relaxation
      Health       Challenge       Dreams
      Fun       Me       Diet
      Exercise       Partner       Love
      Passion       Home       Environment
      Income       Travel       Material possesions

2. Circle those which promote the health, energy and motivation of the golden goose
3. Underline those which represent golden eggs

Questions to ask yourself:

• Do you have enough priorities which take care of the golden goose?
• Are you living according to those priorities on a daily basis?
• What changes could you make to move your time towards your priorities?

What is truly good for you, is truly good for everyone else.

If you would like to go through a more detailed version of this exercise with my support, or would like support in helping achieve some of your priorities, please ring me on 07764 235394.

Do you think it is selfish to have "me" as your top priority? Please give me your reactions and let me know your thoughts.

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!