Today I felt inspired.
This isn't necessarily an unusual occurance. I am blessed to have inspirational parents, students I work with, clients, friends, fellow coaches, other associates and via varying networks as well as Twitter, a veritable plethora of amaaaazing (yes... amaaaazing) entrepreneurs of all ages who do incredible, inspirational work every day.
Today's inspiration however came from a group of 5 boys from Orlando - under the age of 18.
Yup, although not yet of voting age, the group known as "Limitless" (no relation!) has created their own version of a "Yes We Can" election video, in support of Barack Obama's 2012 campaign. These boys do not yet have the right to vote... but they are so throughly engaged with their country's political process and indeed their support for the current president, that they took the time to do their bit to let the world know it.
So is there an ulterior motive? The cynics in you will note that these boys are trying to raise money for band equipment and are selling Obama re-election t-shirts that they have designed but in my eyes, this is only to be applauded. Entrepreneurship should be encouraged at any time, and especially when the state of the economy means that unemployment figures have the potential to be more and more discouraging... and entrepreneurship in the name of something you passionately agree with deserves a standing ovation.
My verdict? Nothing but congratulations to Limitless from Orlando who not only will hopefully raise the money for their group / band as they initially aimed, but will also engage people, whatever their political inclination, young and old, in what is an important political year not just for the US but for us all globally. Even moreso, congratulations for being a real inspiration and motivator for not just your young peers... but also for those of us who are *ahem* probably twice your age.
Yes We Can!
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Credit where it's due: Thanks to MNI Alive, the global Caribbean Connection website for bringing the original article to my attention. Check it out...
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Resolutions vs. Promises
Within the last week or so, which of the following have you noticed?
It is not uncommon that even a mere 3 weeks into January, enthusiasm wanes and fervour for achieving fabulous New Year's resolutions ebb. The wanting remains but the correlating action becomes less and less frequent.
... and the naysayers love it! A large proportion of people profess not to make resolutions because they never work, and with that attitude, it's no wonder.
So... while I am not claiming that sticking to New Year's resolutions are easy... here are some tips to help you stay on track:
1. Change your vocabulary... immediately! As articles such as this one in the Herald Sun, this one in the Daily Mail and this (quite helpful one) in Forbes show... even people who still make resolutions often expect to break them before the end of the first month of the year. See the Forbes articles for some insightful solutions - but first take heed of this key piece of advice... do not use the word resolution again! It's tarnished. Scandalised... and even a little bit hopeless.
Instead, why don't you use the word "promise". Take a moment. Feel the power and the difference that makes. I bet you even let out a little sigh and dropped your shoulders a bit. A promise. Psychologically, that is a different thing entirely... a responsibility that you are less keen to let go casually.
2. Set yourself 'promises' that are within your control. For example, while it would be foolish of me to resolve that I will have my post wedding motivation coaching book published (through a traditional publisher) this year, I can promise that I will complete it within the first half of 2012 and actively search for an agent to represent me.
Another example would be to promise yourself that you will eat better (to be quantified, see #3) this year... in a bid to lose weight... or to leave the office by 6pm 3 times a week, unless there's a major project on.
3. Set SMART promises. You know the ones. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time Phased. Give your promises deadlines and remember, that you can make promises to yourself year round. January is not your only opportunity to tweak, set, establish, reconfirm and... okay, I'll say it... resolve to achieve your aims
While the above is no guarantee of success... the move to work on your promises to yourself (as opposed to resolutions, the latter being something it is socially accepted and expected that you will fail at) will make a big difference. Try it!
- The gym is getting slightly less crowded yet you have regularly heard the phrase "I really should be going to the gym today" from your colleagues
- There is less resistance to a glass of wine after work
- Your fridge contains one of your favourite desserts... and less salad / notably healthy food
- The word detox comes up less frequently in conversations
- The bus is again deemed appropriate for a short trip up the road
- Nights in the office are getting slightly later
- Calls to members of your family are becoming less of a priority
- Keenness to budget is waning slightly
It is not uncommon that even a mere 3 weeks into January, enthusiasm wanes and fervour for achieving fabulous New Year's resolutions ebb. The wanting remains but the correlating action becomes less and less frequent.
... and the naysayers love it! A large proportion of people profess not to make resolutions because they never work, and with that attitude, it's no wonder.
So... while I am not claiming that sticking to New Year's resolutions are easy... here are some tips to help you stay on track:
1. Change your vocabulary... immediately! As articles such as this one in the Herald Sun, this one in the Daily Mail and this (quite helpful one) in Forbes show... even people who still make resolutions often expect to break them before the end of the first month of the year. See the Forbes articles for some insightful solutions - but first take heed of this key piece of advice... do not use the word resolution again! It's tarnished. Scandalised... and even a little bit hopeless.
Instead, why don't you use the word "promise". Take a moment. Feel the power and the difference that makes. I bet you even let out a little sigh and dropped your shoulders a bit. A promise. Psychologically, that is a different thing entirely... a responsibility that you are less keen to let go casually.
2. Set yourself 'promises' that are within your control. For example, while it would be foolish of me to resolve that I will have my post wedding motivation coaching book published (through a traditional publisher) this year, I can promise that I will complete it within the first half of 2012 and actively search for an agent to represent me.
Another example would be to promise yourself that you will eat better (to be quantified, see #3) this year... in a bid to lose weight... or to leave the office by 6pm 3 times a week, unless there's a major project on.
3. Set SMART promises. You know the ones. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time Phased. Give your promises deadlines and remember, that you can make promises to yourself year round. January is not your only opportunity to tweak, set, establish, reconfirm and... okay, I'll say it... resolve to achieve your aims
While the above is no guarantee of success... the move to work on your promises to yourself (as opposed to resolutions, the latter being something it is socially accepted and expected that you will fail at) will make a big difference. Try it!
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Ain't nothin' but a number
My heart dropped recently when I recently heard a careers advisor speak to a room full of students. Not the act of speaking to the students - clearly careers advice in itself in an excellent and much needed practice so I am encouraged when careers professionals are deemed an integral part of student development, however, what got me down was what I took away as the lasting message.
After some perfectly adequate and relevant information delivery - the advisor said "and as you can see from the most recent unemployment statistics, there are over 1 million people out of work. It is hard to get a job."
What's the problem with that statement you ask? Valid question I suppose. After all, November ONS figures highlight that UK unemployment rose by 129,000 in the three months to September to 2.62 million, as youth unemployment rose above a million. As the BBC reported, the jobless total for 16 to 24-year-olds hit a record of 1.02 million in the quarter and female unemployment was at its highest for 23 years. The the jobless rate hit 8.3%.
While the facts speak for themselves, what made my heart sink was the fact that this information was presented as a foregone conclusion to the students in the room. The context of that statement was that it was presented in isolation. No following words of encouragement about why its therefore exceptionally important to focus on developing yourself etc. None. This approach unsettled me.
Yes these statistics are a verified reflection of the current climate - but they are not an indication of anyone's fate and should certainly not be seen by students as a reason or excuse for not achieving their own career potential.
I don't mean to suggest that getting a job is easy. It isn't. I appreciate that the job market is the toughest it has been for a generation. I know graduates who are having a hard time finding work and very qualified professionals who have been made redundant BUT this should not be the focus for any job seekers. There are jobs available in this market. You can take significant steps towards achieving your career goals. You can even start your own businesses if you have a passion you want to explore in a niche you think you can improve. Why should the overarching message from a careers expert be about how difficult things are... instead of a clear call to action for students to have faith in their abilities, work hard and realise that what is important these days is to embrace and highlight your assets. What can YOU bring to an organisation. Why should you be hired?
Far from being an empty rant (can you tell how disheartened I was about the approach described above?!) - I thought it useful to fill in the gaps a bit with some more subtance, in the form of some of the thoughts I would leave with a room of 16 year olds:
Top 5 Career Development Tips for Students
After some perfectly adequate and relevant information delivery - the advisor said "and as you can see from the most recent unemployment statistics, there are over 1 million people out of work. It is hard to get a job."
What's the problem with that statement you ask? Valid question I suppose. After all, November ONS figures highlight that UK unemployment rose by 129,000 in the three months to September to 2.62 million, as youth unemployment rose above a million. As the BBC reported, the jobless total for 16 to 24-year-olds hit a record of 1.02 million in the quarter and female unemployment was at its highest for 23 years. The the jobless rate hit 8.3%.
While the facts speak for themselves, what made my heart sink was the fact that this information was presented as a foregone conclusion to the students in the room. The context of that statement was that it was presented in isolation. No following words of encouragement about why its therefore exceptionally important to focus on developing yourself etc. None. This approach unsettled me.
Yes these statistics are a verified reflection of the current climate - but they are not an indication of anyone's fate and should certainly not be seen by students as a reason or excuse for not achieving their own career potential.
I don't mean to suggest that getting a job is easy. It isn't. I appreciate that the job market is the toughest it has been for a generation. I know graduates who are having a hard time finding work and very qualified professionals who have been made redundant BUT this should not be the focus for any job seekers. There are jobs available in this market. You can take significant steps towards achieving your career goals. You can even start your own businesses if you have a passion you want to explore in a niche you think you can improve. Why should the overarching message from a careers expert be about how difficult things are... instead of a clear call to action for students to have faith in their abilities, work hard and realise that what is important these days is to embrace and highlight your assets. What can YOU bring to an organisation. Why should you be hired?
Far from being an empty rant (can you tell how disheartened I was about the approach described above?!) - I thought it useful to fill in the gaps a bit with some more subtance, in the form of some of the thoughts I would leave with a room of 16 year olds:
Top 5 Career Development Tips for Students
- Remember that you are not a statistic - Since your pre-teen years, you have been aware of global economic challenges. It's a tough climate out there but this is NOT an excuse for you not to really work hard and endeavour to create opportunities for yourself.
- Make the most of your time in school / college / university- Educational institutions are a fantastic opportunity for discovering your areas of interest and gaining some experience before you enter the 'real' world. Start a student blog, get involved in team sports, write for the student paper, take up a mentoring role for younger students,learn a marshall art, join the students council / get involved with youth politics, participate in a play - and more. If at university, get involved with organising a society. These experiences will all add to your transferable skills and increase your confidence
- Gain some work experience - Yes, your primary aim at school / college / university is to get a good education, so don't lose that focus. However, in this competitive climate, it is especially important to build your experience. Find yourself a part time job or a volunteering opportunity. Businesses are increasingly realising the benefits of youth input - so either look into organisations involved in your areas of interest (e.g childrens charities or environmental organisations) or seek a source that can link you to available volunteering. In Hackney for example, students can go to Young Hackney Volunteers to find out more about what opportunities they have available for proactive students
- Start with the end in mind - While all interviews are different depending on what role you are going for, there are standard interview questions including "What is your greatest strength", "Are you a team player", "What is your experience in this field", "Explain how you would be an asset to this organisation", "Tell me about a time when you had to deal with a challenge and overcame it... and how", "Tell me about your ability to work under pressure" etc. Search for interview questions and review them... even a year before you may be considering applying for a job / a role. By familiarising yourself with what employers tend to ask, you can start building your experience and appreciating your current experiences - with these questions / your answers in mind. If you find there are areas you have no answer for... you know where you need to focus your energies!
- Network - Even in this climate, job websites are loaded with opportunities that you can compete for. You'll be placing yourself in an even better position however if you get into the habit of networking. Often, employers may have people in mind for opportunities - and if you have gone out of your way to meet people and have made a good impression, sometimes, you will find that opportunities come to you. In my case, after I was offered an opportunity to compete for a contract position after my Masters degree - and this was due to the fact that I had impressed, and made some good contacts the summer before when I did an internship. Likewise, I know a current student who networked effectively at a careers event, and was offered an incredible international opportunity which will greatly increase her experience and look incredible on her CV.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
No... thank YOU!
It's nuts isn't it. We all spend so much time working so hard in our respective careers and businesses... and lives in general... and it's so rare that we get off the life treadmill and take a breath. Not ideal, but often how it works in our busy lives!
One of the things that I always tell clients is that they need to take some time to celebrate their achievements. Not just the big end goals like achieving their job promotion, finding a new role or gaining their degree (though these are all FANTASTIC achievements)... but I am a huge advocate of celebrating the small achievements that lead us to those larger ones. Sticking to a study timetable... diligently researching job opportunities and doing 2 good applications a week... creating a newsletter for your clients - these are all smaller parts of wider goals and I encourage you to jumo off the treadmill - pause - and congratulate yourself on those achievements too.
To that end, I too took a step back and compiled some of the lovely feedback I've recently received from clients and created a little video which reflect the great experiences they have had with coaching. This video is just a snapshot of some of these testimonials and my way of taking a moment to jump off the 'to do' cycle... and realise that the hard work is paying off.
Have a look at the new Limitless Coaching testimonials video
Thank you for being part of the journey and for continuing to spread the word and for more information about coaching with me, visit the website.
One of the things that I always tell clients is that they need to take some time to celebrate their achievements. Not just the big end goals like achieving their job promotion, finding a new role or gaining their degree (though these are all FANTASTIC achievements)... but I am a huge advocate of celebrating the small achievements that lead us to those larger ones. Sticking to a study timetable... diligently researching job opportunities and doing 2 good applications a week... creating a newsletter for your clients - these are all smaller parts of wider goals and I encourage you to jumo off the treadmill - pause - and congratulate yourself on those achievements too.
To that end, I too took a step back and compiled some of the lovely feedback I've recently received from clients and created a little video which reflect the great experiences they have had with coaching. This video is just a snapshot of some of these testimonials and my way of taking a moment to jump off the 'to do' cycle... and realise that the hard work is paying off.
Have a look at the new Limitless Coaching testimonials video
Thank you for being part of the journey and for continuing to spread the word and for more information about coaching with me, visit the website.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Post-Wedding Motivation
Limitless Coaching is happy to confirm the introduction of post-wedding motivation coaching for newlyweds.
Following my own royal wedding (my husband and I got married on the same day as William and Kate… in Windsor of all places!) I am absolutely loving life as a newlywed…
Post our fantastic, regal wedding celebrations however; I did have a temporary dip in my usual levels of enthusiasm (for everything apart from my husband!) – and it was recognising this unusual slump in my normally enthusiastic, motivated personality that that led me to discuss this ‘inspiration dip’ with other new brides.
It quickly became apparent that this post wedding motivation slump is a common phenomenon among newlyweds and it is also undersresourced in terms of published information about it. So where do I come in? In a few ways:
Coaching:
By applying coaching techniques – I will help you avoid / surpass this feeling through a post wedding motivation strand of Limitless Coaching. If you want to break out of this temporary (and let's admit... extremely annoying!) slump - this is a great solution for you.
Blogging:
I am also blogging about finding and harnessing inspiration after your big day… on my own blog, and on the Wedding TV UK website (as one of their wedding experts)
Writing a book!
I am also currently researching and writing a book on the topic... and am looking for contributors. Follow me on Twitter @bridemotivation and email me on postweddingmotivation@gmail.com to find out more...
...and in the above, you can expect to see exclusive previews, including top tips on how to create the next best day of your life; articles on how to balance the excitement of your new life while still honouring the old you; real life stories of brides affected by the post wedding blues – who are now back to their fabulous best; advice on how to avoid the post wedding slump; turning potentially negative pressure into a positive; coaching tips to keep you enthused and on track with your life and career goals in the run up to and after your wedding and much more.
Keep an eye on royalweddingcountdown, my post wedding motivation blog and my guest blogs on the Wedding TV UK website!
Following my own royal wedding (my husband and I got married on the same day as William and Kate… in Windsor of all places!) I am absolutely loving life as a newlywed…
Post our fantastic, regal wedding celebrations however; I did have a temporary dip in my usual levels of enthusiasm (for everything apart from my husband!) – and it was recognising this unusual slump in my normally enthusiastic, motivated personality that that led me to discuss this ‘inspiration dip’ with other new brides.
It quickly became apparent that this post wedding motivation slump is a common phenomenon among newlyweds and it is also undersresourced in terms of published information about it. So where do I come in? In a few ways:
Coaching:
By applying coaching techniques – I will help you avoid / surpass this feeling through a post wedding motivation strand of Limitless Coaching. If you want to break out of this temporary (and let's admit... extremely annoying!) slump - this is a great solution for you.
Blogging:
I am also blogging about finding and harnessing inspiration after your big day… on my own blog, and on the Wedding TV UK website (as one of their wedding experts)
Writing a book!
I am also currently researching and writing a book on the topic... and am looking for contributors. Follow me on Twitter @bridemotivation and email me on postweddingmotivation@gmail.com to find out more...
...and in the above, you can expect to see exclusive previews, including top tips on how to create the next best day of your life; articles on how to balance the excitement of your new life while still honouring the old you; real life stories of brides affected by the post wedding blues – who are now back to their fabulous best; advice on how to avoid the post wedding slump; turning potentially negative pressure into a positive; coaching tips to keep you enthused and on track with your life and career goals in the run up to and after your wedding and much more.
Keep an eye on royalweddingcountdown, my post wedding motivation blog and my guest blogs on the Wedding TV UK website!
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Embrace the impossible
It may be the case that the long hours you work don't allow for much TV time (I can relate), but via my husband, I've become absorbed in a programme on UK TV channel Watch - Dynamo: Magician Impossible.
For those of you based in the UK, you may have also watched in awe while the Bradford-born magician enthralled stars such as Natalie Imbruglia, Trey Songs, Rio Ferdinand, Travis Barker and regular punters... as he disappeared under a solid glass wall, turned plastic butterflies into real ones, stopped his own pulse, inserted a coin into a block of ice (while in his hands), walked on water and more.
So how does he do it?! I must admit... I have NO idea. None. I've always been a sceptic where magic is concerned but this guy genuinely seems to have a gift.
... and while it may not be in as jaw-dropping a way... you do too.
Think about it. You're not [necessarily!] a master of illusion but you've had instances where you've managed to achieve something you may have once considered impossible. You know someone who surpassed every expectation... and created their own kind of magic by defying the odds to be successful. Before you moved onto your current challenge... you may have had doubts about your ability to complete the last one... but you did.
Dynamo is phenomenal. Certainly beyond my understanding... and while I know there must be some kind of inexplicable 'trick' / way of creating the illusion - it doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the spectacle he creates.
We can embrace the impossible on TV but why not apply that same abandon to our own lives. Be certain. Be positive. Surprise yourself and others. Be dynamic... and remember... you don't need to have all the answers. Who knows... You may create your own magic. Thanks for being today's inspiration Dynamo!
For those of you who haven't seen him yet, see just a sample above...
For those of you based in the UK, you may have also watched in awe while the Bradford-born magician enthralled stars such as Natalie Imbruglia, Trey Songs, Rio Ferdinand, Travis Barker and regular punters... as he disappeared under a solid glass wall, turned plastic butterflies into real ones, stopped his own pulse, inserted a coin into a block of ice (while in his hands), walked on water and more.
So how does he do it?! I must admit... I have NO idea. None. I've always been a sceptic where magic is concerned but this guy genuinely seems to have a gift.
... and while it may not be in as jaw-dropping a way... you do too.
Think about it. You're not [necessarily!] a master of illusion but you've had instances where you've managed to achieve something you may have once considered impossible. You know someone who surpassed every expectation... and created their own kind of magic by defying the odds to be successful. Before you moved onto your current challenge... you may have had doubts about your ability to complete the last one... but you did.
Dynamo is phenomenal. Certainly beyond my understanding... and while I know there must be some kind of inexplicable 'trick' / way of creating the illusion - it doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the spectacle he creates.
We can embrace the impossible on TV but why not apply that same abandon to our own lives. Be certain. Be positive. Surprise yourself and others. Be dynamic... and remember... you don't need to have all the answers. Who knows... You may create your own magic. Thanks for being today's inspiration Dynamo!
For those of you who haven't seen him yet, see just a sample above...
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Life is short - Seize the day
*Please read this blog bearing in mind the intended respect of the author for all mentioned below*
If you, like most of us, often procrastinate... saying that you will achieve your aim on a mythical 'tomorrow'; start your plan next week or maybe consider doing something next year... this weekend has been a quick, short, sharp and tragic reminder of how short life is.
If you, like most of us, often procrastinate... saying that you will achieve your aim on a mythical 'tomorrow'; start your plan next week or maybe consider doing something next year... this weekend has been a quick, short, sharp and tragic reminder of how short life is.
This weekend, we have been rocked by the death of those in Oslo and of the young people on Utøya island, the China rail crash, escalating emergency situation in Somalia... as well as the surprising (yet sadly, not so surprising) death of Amy Winehouse. These incidents were the result of very different factors... yet undoubtedly have a common message... that life is fleeting.
So, what does that mean? How will these sad reminders of our mortality affect us? The possibilities are endless:
Not at all
It may be sad... but what has happened to these people has nothing to with you, or how you live your life
Stop for a moment
You'll spend 48-72 hours reeling from this weekend's news... and get straight back to your daily routine. No one's claiming there's anything wrong with your daily routine... but when you think about it, it is amazing how we can often go from being so moved... so affected... yet soon suffer amnesia in respect to why we felt that immediate and powerful reaction
A more lasting impact
Make a decision to truly live each day to the full. Plan, set goals and act on them... start the process today.
This weekend... I choose to take a few moments to reflect on recent events and, while I didn't have the priviledge of knowing any of these young people - send my condolences to their friends, families and loved ones.
And tomorrow, I will respect their legacies... and take some actions towards creating my own.... a bid to avoid resonating with the words ''If I had my life to live over again."
This weekend... I choose to take a few moments to reflect on recent events and, while I didn't have the priviledge of knowing any of these young people - send my condolences to their friends, families and loved ones.
And tomorrow, I will respect their legacies... and take some actions towards creating my own.... a bid to avoid resonating with the words ''If I had my life to live over again."
Carpe Diem... Seize the day...
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