Just in case you hadn't noticed, Christmas is approaching! It is easy to get overwhelmed by the paraphernalia and feel exhausted just thinking about it. I have put together a few tips which you may not already do, to help smooth the path. And don't forget, now is about the right time to be making your Christmas cake if you plan to make your own!
Traditions
1. Create memorable family traditions - be creative. It is often these which make Christmas special. Ideas: Beforehand do something for charity with the kids, bake gifts for friends/neighbours or do some Christmassy art and crafts. Make Christmas eve special by reading books by candlelight or going to the cinema and on Christmas day have a hike after lunch or a Christmas family football or rounders match.
Food
2. Freeze warming meals ahead of guests arriving
3. Book a grocery delivery slot well in advance for pre-Christmas delivery
4. Give everyone responsibility for one aspect of Christmas dinner
Presents/cards
5. Write an electronic card list as printable address labels to re-use every year
6. If cash conscious, offer services e.g. baby-sitting or being their personal shopper
7. For people with too much “stuff” ask for/buy experiences, memberships or days out (for kids too)
8. Buy presents for kids online and get them sent straight to their parents to wrap (do the same for them) if they are not local. Otherwise order online and pick up in store
9. Buy spare chocolates in case you forget anyone!
10. Wrap presents as you buy them
On the day
11. Have pen/paper to record who presents are from
12. Enjoy...it’s about fun time together... and don’t seek perfection
If you have any tips you would like to share, just let me know here...
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Create more time by giving others responsibility
Give responsibility to others!
My 5 year old came down wearing one sock over the weekend. I sent him upstairs to find the other one. He returned with a different sock which didn't match. "It doesn't matter" he said...and he was right! In the grand scheme of things does it really matter if he is wearing odd socks? And is it worth crushing his fledgling independence to make him conform to my prior beliefs and expectations? I don't think so. Today I am going to ask how much responsibility you give when you delegate a task to your kids, partner, colleagues or friends.
Benefit from delegating
I'd like you to think about how often you delegate, both at home, and if relevant, at work. What are your aims?
Do you aim to:
My 5 year old came down wearing one sock over the weekend. I sent him upstairs to find the other one. He returned with a different sock which didn't match. "It doesn't matter" he said...and he was right! In the grand scheme of things does it really matter if he is wearing odd socks? And is it worth crushing his fledgling independence to make him conform to my prior beliefs and expectations? I don't think so. Today I am going to ask how much responsibility you give when you delegate a task to your kids, partner, colleagues or friends.
Quick Quote
"The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence" ~ Dennis Waitley
Benefit from delegating
I'd like you to think about how often you delegate, both at home, and if relevant, at work. What are your aims?
Do you aim to:
- get the job done to the highest standard
- receive the output you are expecting?
- get the job done to a "good enough" standard
- develop the person you are giving responsibility to
- learn from how the other person approaches the task?
- Work out how much it matters and what "good enough" is
- Assess the ability of the person you are delegating to and give them guidance in areas you think might help them
- Specify the things you are particular about so they get it right first time (but try to restrain yourself from specifying every last detail!).
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
A story which generates faith in humankind and the inspiration to be audacious
I had the privilege to be invited to the great hall in Edinburgh castle last week for an evening do. It was quite an experience and made me feel special even though I had only done the same as 111,000 other women across the UK - taken part in the Breakthrough Cancer study, which was initiated and led by Professor Anthony Swerdlow. I was able to talk directly to this amazing man, and it is his vision and determination, and what we can learn from it, which I would like to share with you today.
Quick Quote
“He whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious.” ~ Sun Tzu
A story which generates faith in humankind and the inspiration to be audacious
Professor Swerdlow's audacious vision:
•create a study of 100,000 women over 40 years to allow scientists to identify the factors which contribute to the development of breast cancer
His achievement after 10 years:
•111,000 women across the UK have contributed to the Breakthrough Generations study after 10 years and exciting new discoveries are already being unearthed
This has been possible both because of the individual leader and because of the united masses:
1. Professor Anthony Swerdlow was prepared to ask for funding for a 40 year project (the first response was that he was mad) and believed it was possible when others were doubtful.
2. 111,000 women in Britain were united in the desire to give valuable time and blood samples because they believed their contribution could help, with no immediate personal gain. Only the first few women were asked directly by Breakthrough Generations to participate. Incredibly nearly everyone has taken part having been introduced to it by friends and family.
What are you afraid to try / ask for?
Is there anything which you would like to achieve or change but are afraid to try? Is there a bigger cause which you would like to stick your neck out for or is there something within your organisation, business or home which you would like to change? This could be anything from developing a new charity to asking to go part-time, implementing a new business idea or asking someone for help. Are you afraid of failing, being rejected or being told "no"? My advice:
•Create a clear vision of what you'd like to achieve or change (be audacious!)
•Have faith in human spirit - most people are helpful and understanding, and garner support wherever possible
•Just ask - you never know!
If you would like help clarifying your vision or overcoming the barriers to achieving your vision / making a particular change, coaching can really help you - if you just ask! It's amazing what you can achieve with support. Just email anna@balancedmum.com or ring 07764 235394 to discuss how I can help you or find more information on http://www.balancedmum.com/.
The aim of this newsletter is not to recruit more people for the study but if you are interested in finding out more, their website is http://www.breakthroughgenerations.org./uk
Quick Quote
“He whose ranks are united in purpose will be victorious.” ~ Sun Tzu
A story which generates faith in humankind and the inspiration to be audacious
Professor Swerdlow's audacious vision:
•create a study of 100,000 women over 40 years to allow scientists to identify the factors which contribute to the development of breast cancer
His achievement after 10 years:
•111,000 women across the UK have contributed to the Breakthrough Generations study after 10 years and exciting new discoveries are already being unearthed
This has been possible both because of the individual leader and because of the united masses:
1. Professor Anthony Swerdlow was prepared to ask for funding for a 40 year project (the first response was that he was mad) and believed it was possible when others were doubtful.
2. 111,000 women in Britain were united in the desire to give valuable time and blood samples because they believed their contribution could help, with no immediate personal gain. Only the first few women were asked directly by Breakthrough Generations to participate. Incredibly nearly everyone has taken part having been introduced to it by friends and family.
What are you afraid to try / ask for?
Is there anything which you would like to achieve or change but are afraid to try? Is there a bigger cause which you would like to stick your neck out for or is there something within your organisation, business or home which you would like to change? This could be anything from developing a new charity to asking to go part-time, implementing a new business idea or asking someone for help. Are you afraid of failing, being rejected or being told "no"? My advice:
•Create a clear vision of what you'd like to achieve or change (be audacious!)
•Have faith in human spirit - most people are helpful and understanding, and garner support wherever possible
•Just ask - you never know!
If you would like help clarifying your vision or overcoming the barriers to achieving your vision / making a particular change, coaching can really help you - if you just ask! It's amazing what you can achieve with support. Just email anna@balancedmum.com or ring 07764 235394 to discuss how I can help you or find more information on http://www.balancedmum.com/.
The aim of this newsletter is not to recruit more people for the study but if you are interested in finding out more, their website is http://www.breakthroughgenerations.org./uk
Wednesday, 30 June 2010
A technique to overcome procrastination
Quick Quote
"If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it." ~Olin Miller
A technique to overcome procrastination (1 hour of productive time)
1. Take 2 subjects/projects/areas of work which are very different, including one which you have been resisting. We will call them project A and B
2. Get a kitchen timer or stopwatch or use your mobile timer
3. Use the following sequence to work on your projects:
• Project A (5 minutes exactly)
• Project B (5 minutes exactly)
• Project A (10 minutes exactly)
• Project B (10 minutes exactly)
• Project A (15 minutes exactly)
• Project B (15 minutes exactly)
Tips to make this method work:
• Do not allow yourself to get distracted by anything else. If you do get distracted, just restart the timer from the time at the beginning of the distraction
• Be strict about stopping when the time is up - it is easier to restart something which is incomplete than to start something new
• Start the next project immediately without a gap
• Make sure the projects are quite distinct from each other
• Give yourself limited targets for each time burst (break your project down into bite-sized, manageable chunks)
• Be prepared to have unfinished work lying around. Use a plastic folder to keep it in if it's paperwork. This will give you an incentive to finish it!
PS I like having time to focus on one thing so I was seriously sceptical about this approach, but believe me, it works! Just give it a try...
If you like this, then you will like my course: http://www.balancedmum.com/Time-To-Achieve.pdf
"If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it." ~Olin Miller
A technique to overcome procrastination (1 hour of productive time)
1. Take 2 subjects/projects/areas of work which are very different, including one which you have been resisting. We will call them project A and B
2. Get a kitchen timer or stopwatch or use your mobile timer
3. Use the following sequence to work on your projects:
• Project A (5 minutes exactly)
• Project B (5 minutes exactly)
• Project A (10 minutes exactly)
• Project B (10 minutes exactly)
• Project A (15 minutes exactly)
• Project B (15 minutes exactly)
Tips to make this method work:
• Do not allow yourself to get distracted by anything else. If you do get distracted, just restart the timer from the time at the beginning of the distraction
• Be strict about stopping when the time is up - it is easier to restart something which is incomplete than to start something new
• Start the next project immediately without a gap
• Make sure the projects are quite distinct from each other
• Give yourself limited targets for each time burst (break your project down into bite-sized, manageable chunks)
• Be prepared to have unfinished work lying around. Use a plastic folder to keep it in if it's paperwork. This will give you an incentive to finish it!
PS I like having time to focus on one thing so I was seriously sceptical about this approach, but believe me, it works! Just give it a try...
If you like this, then you will like my course: http://www.balancedmum.com/Time-To-Achieve.pdf
Holiday heaven....or hell?
“Those that say you can't take it with you never saw a car packed for a holiday trip” ~ unknown
Top ten tips for an enjoyable holiday
1. If possible, get your parents or other family to join you on holiday so that you can have some time off on your own and as a couple
2. In the week before you go away on holiday, don't put clothes away that you intend to take with you. Start piles for each member of the family which can then be quickly piled into suitcases
3. Use plastic bags as "drawers" when you pack to keep things organised, and have a light and dark washing bag to fill up during the holiday (extra tip - have dark and light washing bags in your washing basket so stuff gets sorted as it goes in!)
4. Create an electronic "to take" list for holidays with additional sub-lists for self catering or camping - just print it off each time and make any subtle changes required and similarly, create an electronic "to do" list as well which reminds you to take the bin out, sort out the pets, cancel the cleaner etc.
5. Buy a couple of new Cds, books or Dvds (or save from Christmas) for the journey and make sure you have a rainy day kit with a few fun things to bring out if necessary
6. For very young children, a drink is a good idea for flights at take off and descent, and for older children lollipops are always popular, as they can find it hard to swallow on demand
7. Book your kids into some activities (in your home town or when away) to buy yourself some "me time"
8. Discuss with all members of your family what they would like to get out of their holiday, and the key activity/visit they would like to do. Make sure everyone gets their number 1 request, assuming their request is practical (imaginations need to be tempered sometimes!)
9. Although the priority is to relax, kids especially still need some routine so make sure you still have enough structure to each day to keep things calm, even if it is only regular meal times.
10. Try and see the fun in every situation, relax and take loads of photos to keep you going through the winter months!
Thanks to Fiona from Manic Mums for the topic idea.
Do you have any tips which you would like to add? Please let us know so that others can benefit too...
Top ten tips for an enjoyable holiday
1. If possible, get your parents or other family to join you on holiday so that you can have some time off on your own and as a couple
2. In the week before you go away on holiday, don't put clothes away that you intend to take with you. Start piles for each member of the family which can then be quickly piled into suitcases
3. Use plastic bags as "drawers" when you pack to keep things organised, and have a light and dark washing bag to fill up during the holiday (extra tip - have dark and light washing bags in your washing basket so stuff gets sorted as it goes in!)
4. Create an electronic "to take" list for holidays with additional sub-lists for self catering or camping - just print it off each time and make any subtle changes required and similarly, create an electronic "to do" list as well which reminds you to take the bin out, sort out the pets, cancel the cleaner etc.
5. Buy a couple of new Cds, books or Dvds (or save from Christmas) for the journey and make sure you have a rainy day kit with a few fun things to bring out if necessary
6. For very young children, a drink is a good idea for flights at take off and descent, and for older children lollipops are always popular, as they can find it hard to swallow on demand
7. Book your kids into some activities (in your home town or when away) to buy yourself some "me time"
8. Discuss with all members of your family what they would like to get out of their holiday, and the key activity/visit they would like to do. Make sure everyone gets their number 1 request, assuming their request is practical (imaginations need to be tempered sometimes!)
9. Although the priority is to relax, kids especially still need some routine so make sure you still have enough structure to each day to keep things calm, even if it is only regular meal times.
10. Try and see the fun in every situation, relax and take loads of photos to keep you going through the winter months!
Thanks to Fiona from Manic Mums for the topic idea.
Do you have any tips which you would like to add? Please let us know so that others can benefit too...
New course for you - Time to Achieve!
o Feel that you need more hours in your day
o Wish that you were more organised
o Have a list of “mustn’t forgets” and “should be doings” whizzing round your head
o Waste time searching for everyday items or documents
o Find yourself bogged down by everyday trivia
o Wish you had more balance in your life
o Have things in your life that you’d like to achieve but don’t get around to?
Would you like to:
o Understand how you currently spend your time
o Decide what your priorities are and what you’d like to achieve
o Develop systems to organise your “stuff” and become free of clutter
o Learn techniques to organise your time and get things under control
o Discover how to overcome procrastination and get things done?
Achieve all this and more by booking onto the next Edinburgh course over 3 Sunday evenings 6:30pm – 9pm: September 5th, 12th & 26th for just £127 (including a FREE 31 day document diary)
Don’t procrastinate! Book now whilst there are still spaces left, by emailing anna@balancedMum.com or phoning 07764 235394
For more details visit http://www.balancedmum.com/Time-To-Achieve.pdf . Also check out the free “stuff” on www.BalancedMum.com
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Create holiday times every week
I hope you all managed to have a break over Easter and enjoyed a change of pace. I thoroughly enjoyed a family break in Lancashire. I had some quality time with the kids and some lovely evenings with my husband, Andrew. Some of the time that I enjoyed with my family wasn't location specific - for example, we played games instead of watching tv. It got me thinking, what is it about holidays that we enjoy, and how can we translate that into our everyday lives?
“Holiday is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer”
Tips to get that holiday feeling
First, think of what it is you enjoy about your holidays and write them down. Here are some thoughts which may resonate with you, but I'm sure you will have your own personal favourites:
Quick Quote
“Holiday is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer”
Tips to get that holiday feeling
First, think of what it is you enjoy about your holidays and write them down. Here are some thoughts which may resonate with you, but I'm sure you will have your own personal favourites:
- time away from work (if you have a job)
- less domestic chores - washing, cooking, cleaning
- quality time with people you love
- opportunities to relax
- good food & wine
- sunshine & time outdoors
- fun activities and experiences
- new places to see
- Use the deadline effect to create free time - have you ever noticed how much you achieve just before you go on holiday? Why is this? It is partly because you have a real deadline and you become very efficient, doing only those jobs which absolutely need doing. How can you create this effect every week? Can you create a deadline every Friday, for example which allows you to leave work a little earlier, or stop doing household chores?
- Do less domestic chores - wouldn't that be lovely I hear you cry? Could you lower your standards, and do less ironing for example? As my son said to me "I don't want clean clothes, I want time with you, Mummy"
- Schedule time for things which are important to you - if you don't prioritise them, and you don't put them on the family calendar, or in your diary, they are much less likely to happen. Schedule time for you - a class, exercise, time to relax (Wednesdays is pilates for me) and time for friends and family that you want to see. Why not make friday evenings a special family meal and Sunday afternoons, family activity time, for example?
- Create an evening out at home - ok, so it would be lovely to be sipping wine Al fresco with a waiter delivering fine food, but why not treat yourself at home? Switch off the tv, set the table with a tablecloth and candles, dress up as though you are going out, open a bottle of wine, put your taste of music on, and spend some time doing a delicious meal (there are plenty of shops willing to help us out with ready made dinners for two if you don't enjoy cooking!). If your kids are slightly older they may enjoy being waiters for you! See where the evening takes you...
- Get out whilst the sun shines - I'd love to be a magician and create hot sunshine in Edinburgh in April (its currently 2 degrees - brrrr), but I do try and get out to enjoy the sun when it shines.
- Explore areas close to home - if you like new activities and places to explore, try looking close to home. Many people have not done the "tourist" activities in their home town, or done all the day trips.
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