What are you focusing on?

With all the doom and gloom out there, I can't help but wonder what difference it would make if we heard some good news about what is working rather than what isn't. All is seems to do is to create a further downward spiral that keeps regenerating itself. What would it be like if when people asked us what was happening in our world, we told them the good things rather than our concerns? There is a different energy when we talk of positives compared to the negatives... and it has a flow on effect.
It is a challenge to not be influenced by what you hear and read - but wouldn't it be great if you could be the influencer in your attitude and make a positive difference to those around you? give it a go for the next hour and see how you go

The best discovery - you

There are some things you can do that others can't. But because we live with ourselves, we often don't realize what we can do that others find more difficult. So grab some paper and write the answers to these 3 questions - you may discover a few things about yourself and your untapped talents.
Question 1 : What do others tell you you're good at? What do they ask you to do because they find it difficult?
Question 2: What takes you into your own 'timeless capsule" where you lose sense of time and space?
Question 3 : What would you do with your time if you had all the material things you wanted?
The answer to these questions will give you insights into the gifted person you are. Listen out as others tell you what they notice are your strengths. Build on them and you will find each day fulfilling and energizing.
I'd love to hear about your 'timeless capsule' and what you'd do with your time if you had all the material things you wanted.

Do you like the trophy or the talk?

Last night I attended a dancing Eistedfodd in which my 17 year old daughter was competing.As the last dancer in her heat finished, I leant forward and asked my daughter who she thought would place and whether she thought she had won.

Her answer took me by surprise - she said she wasn't interested in the winning as that was only showing how she was against the other competitors. She was more interested in the adjudicator's comments, as she valued her opinion more than the trophy.
Contrast this to her twin sister who also competed in a piano eistedfodd the previous week. She wanted the trophy -the prize - she loved coming first. The comments of the adjudicator didn't really matter as much to her as winning did.
We are all different but at the end of the day - I believe acknowledgement plays an important role in our lives.
Whether it's a certificate, a trophy or a comment- we like to be acknowledged. What works for you? How do you like others to acknowledge your talent or contribution?

"Just Do It"

I have so many half and three quarter finished projects - why?? especially when I want to feel a sense of completion? It's this perfectionist streak that I used to think was an asset but am slowly coming to the realization that it is actually one of my biggest drawbacks.

Nike certainly encapsulated what we should do with their slogan - "Just do it"! Simple, effective and it gets the job done. I have to remind myself that no-one ever got it right the first time - they just got it going.

Those who are top in their field are the greatest examples of this - they often say they failed more times than others - they just tried more things and learnt more as a result.

So today, I'm posting this blog - 'having a go' in the Aussie vernacular, and then I'm going to finish those projects that won't be of any value to anyone unless I get them out there. How about you?

Do you matter?

Each Thursday morning I have a personal training session and then follow it up with a CardioBeat class at the gym. I always feel better for having done it but invariably beforehand I find myself coming up with reasons why I just can't make it that day. Generally it's because I see too many things to do and not enough time to do them all. The solution? Cut out something that isn't shouting at me - like the gym, and do it...... when I have more time.
But... there is always the same amount of time, every single day for every single person on the planet - so how do some people manage to do what matters and others do other things before the things that matter?
I read something yesterday that really clarified it for me. It was that if we choose not to look after ourselves we don't value ourselves. Our decisions are based on what we value so I've decided that physical exercise is a non-negotiable part of my day.
I feel better already and I DID go to the gym this morning :) How about you?

What are you doing it for??

Last night I had the opportunity to attend a wealth creation seminar. It meant travelling for 2 hours, being there for 4 hours and then travelling home again - 8 hours in total.
I was just about to scurry out the office door, when I asked myself - "what am I doing it for? Do I need more information? Will I act on it? What else could I be doing with that time?".

I stopped in my tracks. I wanted to create wealth so I could spend time with my family and do what I love to do. Yet, I had a perfect opportunity to experience both of these without having to travel anywhere. Instead of driving to the seminar - I drove home. It felt GREAT to walk inside, down my bag and catch up with my family.

I cooked dinner, caught up on things that I'd wanted to do for some time, and finished the night off with everyone sitting around sharing what was great about their day.

I went to bed a happy woman - and felt much richer as a result.