January is often considered one of the most difficult months. It is the longest month between paycheques, and often the coldest. It doesn’t exactly inspire many and when you make resolutions that you don’t stick to, it can have a detrimental effect on your self esteem and willpower.
So what can you learn about yourself and your habits from the last 31 days?
Let’s divide it into 4 different categories to help you learn more about yourself.
FINANCES SUPPORT WELLBEING COMFORT ZONE
Taking each category separately, answer the series of questions below to assist you to find out how you used your TIME AND ENERGY, for the month of January. The questions below will be often repeated over the next year, as a way to offer some focus.
Finances:
• How did you manage your finances over the last number of weeks?
• In what areas did you find your finances taking the biggest hit?
• How can you reduce this hit for the next month?
• What do you like or dislike about money?
Wellbeing:
• How often did you exercise or get out and about for the month?
• What type of foods gave you energy and what took away your energy?
• What type of interactions with others gave you a boost?
• When did you find yourself lacking in enthusiasm and will power?
Support:
• How do you define support?
• What type of support do you give to yourself?
• Where does your time go every day?
• If you had a team of supporters for the day, how would you use them?
Comfort zone:
• What challenges did you encounter during January?
• Can you outline any type of stress you dealt with this month?
• How was your most productive day spent during January?
• Where or When, did you find yourself out of your depth?
So, going into February, is there anything from your answers that might help you towards making it a better month?
If you can look back on 2011 as the year you broke some old patterns and bad habits, wouldn’t that be a successful year! Let’s aim to get each month working for you to make better use of the time and the energy that is currently available. Get to know yourself, be honest with your answers each month and trust in your ability to change.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, December 10, 2010
Being mindful
Over the last couple of weeks I have noticed an uneasy pattern forming. Watching the news and having weather disrupt the daily routine, seems to have been mostly negative in nature. The reports in this country for most of the time have been largely ones of doom and gloom about the economy, cutbacks, taxes and living in general.
I felt myself becoming hopeless, and found my mood down and my mind distracted with fearful thoughts. It fed into the whole situation and highlighted stress in other areas of my life. This frenzy of downward thinking continued until today.
For some time I've had this nagging feeling that meditation would be a good idea. Exercise and yoga would be a nice addition, but the whole act of meditating seemed to resonate quite loudly with me. So the internet helped in my research to fing out about some of the various forms of meditation and how to start it off.
What struck me having waded through many sites on it however, was this one aspect of mediation outlined in a lovely document on the site www.swarmij.com. I've taken a portion of it to give you an example, but recommend you visit the site to read it in its entirety.
"Once my Master said, “Stand there.” We were talking about destiny. I stood. He said, “Will you please lift one foot off the ground?” And I lifted my foot. He said, “Now lift both feet off the ground.” I said, “I’m sorry, I cannot do it.” He thus taught me that 50% of your destiny is in your hands and 50% is with Providence. Will you please play your part so that Providence helps you?"
The above story made me sit up and take notice, as I realised that the 50% that is in my hands is around my thoughts. These thoughts can focus on negative or positive, and as such actions can arise out of these thoughts that will help or hinder me and how I live.
In days like these, isn't it good to consider that we can be mindful and gain some peace from simply taking the time to be still and watch our thoughts?
I felt myself becoming hopeless, and found my mood down and my mind distracted with fearful thoughts. It fed into the whole situation and highlighted stress in other areas of my life. This frenzy of downward thinking continued until today.
For some time I've had this nagging feeling that meditation would be a good idea. Exercise and yoga would be a nice addition, but the whole act of meditating seemed to resonate quite loudly with me. So the internet helped in my research to fing out about some of the various forms of meditation and how to start it off.
What struck me having waded through many sites on it however, was this one aspect of mediation outlined in a lovely document on the site www.swarmij.com. I've taken a portion of it to give you an example, but recommend you visit the site to read it in its entirety.
"Once my Master said, “Stand there.” We were talking about destiny. I stood. He said, “Will you please lift one foot off the ground?” And I lifted my foot. He said, “Now lift both feet off the ground.” I said, “I’m sorry, I cannot do it.” He thus taught me that 50% of your destiny is in your hands and 50% is with Providence. Will you please play your part so that Providence helps you?"
The above story made me sit up and take notice, as I realised that the 50% that is in my hands is around my thoughts. These thoughts can focus on negative or positive, and as such actions can arise out of these thoughts that will help or hinder me and how I live.
In days like these, isn't it good to consider that we can be mindful and gain some peace from simply taking the time to be still and watch our thoughts?
Friday, November 12, 2010
What illness might you be creating?
An interesting book that raises some questions about how your emotions can manifest into illness, is the Louise Hay book, 'Heal your body'. In it, she outlines various emotional distresses that are linked to a variety of common ailments. She also lists a variety of relevant affirmations that can assist with you clearing out the emotional stress and thus create self healing in the body.
The reason I bring the book up, is because recently I noticed something odd. Going for an eye test, I noticed that there were quite a lot of other people waiting to get glasses or tested. The shop also promoted hearing tests, and there seemed to be a reasonable amount of people waiting for this too.
I've also noticed an increase in the amount of people that are suffering from ear problems, myself included. The weather and various other factors can always be taken into consideration. However, what struck me is the following. What if, in the last number of months, with the various projections for the coming budget and doom and gloom, we simply don't want to see or hear about it any more? What if, after prolonged exposure to it all, listening to the forecast for employment and seeing the effects it has had on various people or yourself, you just want to stop listening and stop having it in your life.
Could it be that after many months of dealing with it, we are now seeing the emotional stress of our countries situation manifesting in everyone? It was interesting that there seemed to be a lot more people on crutches last year for some reason...quite possibly due to feeling ungrounded perhaps?
Either way there is something to consider in all of this. The biggest thing being that if such outside circumstances can take its toll on your health in any way, isn't it best to take control and release the dis-stress associated with it. In case you read this and find it resonating with something inside you, perhaps Louises book might be the best investment for a present this year!
The reason I bring the book up, is because recently I noticed something odd. Going for an eye test, I noticed that there were quite a lot of other people waiting to get glasses or tested. The shop also promoted hearing tests, and there seemed to be a reasonable amount of people waiting for this too.
I've also noticed an increase in the amount of people that are suffering from ear problems, myself included. The weather and various other factors can always be taken into consideration. However, what struck me is the following. What if, in the last number of months, with the various projections for the coming budget and doom and gloom, we simply don't want to see or hear about it any more? What if, after prolonged exposure to it all, listening to the forecast for employment and seeing the effects it has had on various people or yourself, you just want to stop listening and stop having it in your life.
Could it be that after many months of dealing with it, we are now seeing the emotional stress of our countries situation manifesting in everyone? It was interesting that there seemed to be a lot more people on crutches last year for some reason...quite possibly due to feeling ungrounded perhaps?
Either way there is something to consider in all of this. The biggest thing being that if such outside circumstances can take its toll on your health in any way, isn't it best to take control and release the dis-stress associated with it. In case you read this and find it resonating with something inside you, perhaps Louises book might be the best investment for a present this year!
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Using the Internet to get clued in
The internet is a very distracting tool, if you are not specific about what you are searching for you can easily find yourself lost in a sea of information.
Sometimes however, this stumbling upon a website has its advantages. With only a little over 2 months away from the year, how about changing the focus to using internet more. There are various types of sites that can assist you to stay focused for the remainder of the year so you can achieve some goals and feel good.
Over the years I've come across some great sites, some require a subscription to a newsletter, others you can access when it works for you. The best one over the years has been www.simpleology.com
This site, once you join for free, gives you access to an excellent system to get you focused on targets and goals. This can be small to large goals from paying bills to flying a plane, whatever works for you!
The other one, and more recently updated, is www.innerexpansionblog.com, which gives you insights into the energy of the day and month. This has proved to be both helpful and mostly accurate! It provides you with another aspect to help you focus your attention, and can sometimes be very spot on with moods and feelings.
The internet can actually help you to set targets and become more tuned into your day...the difficulty will be in removing yourself from Facebook for long enough to find out all about it!! : )
Sometimes however, this stumbling upon a website has its advantages. With only a little over 2 months away from the year, how about changing the focus to using internet more. There are various types of sites that can assist you to stay focused for the remainder of the year so you can achieve some goals and feel good.
Over the years I've come across some great sites, some require a subscription to a newsletter, others you can access when it works for you. The best one over the years has been www.simpleology.com
This site, once you join for free, gives you access to an excellent system to get you focused on targets and goals. This can be small to large goals from paying bills to flying a plane, whatever works for you!
The other one, and more recently updated, is www.innerexpansionblog.com, which gives you insights into the energy of the day and month. This has proved to be both helpful and mostly accurate! It provides you with another aspect to help you focus your attention, and can sometimes be very spot on with moods and feelings.
The internet can actually help you to set targets and become more tuned into your day...the difficulty will be in removing yourself from Facebook for long enough to find out all about it!! : )
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Power of Words - SHOULD
Isn't it interesting how many various meanings there are for words that we use each day, with ourselves and with others?
For example, the word 'should', is often used as a way for someone to impart a suggestion with the option that you can choose to take this suggestion or discard it.
However, 'should' often gets over used and thus interpreted as an order or command without choice involved. This can develop into an internal dialogue of questioning your choices and decisions - Should I do this? Should I not do this?
As a coach I often see how this internal dialogue and questioning with clients, has evolved into indecisiveness and a feeling of pressure to make the 'right' decision. All this from a simple word.
So if you were to replace this word, what would be the best one to use to help you out of this situation? How can you change your thinking by simply changing a single word? How can you communicate and get input without resorting to 'should' conversations? How can you develop a self talk with words that don't imply pressure?
Lots of questions above I realise. One possible alternative to 'should' is the word 'could'. It provides you with choice and options. It also provides you with a chance to engage with reality - 'I could do something about that, or I could leave it as it is which is what I am currently doing.'
This can then offer you the chance to take action or even enquire further into your situation. 'I could act now so that it isn't left as it is'. Even the question 'What could you act on?' from the above communication with yourself, is a more open form of enquiry which can assist you to find solutions for change at a pace that suits you. No pressure, just possible solutions and a chance to change your thinking.
For example, the word 'should', is often used as a way for someone to impart a suggestion with the option that you can choose to take this suggestion or discard it.
However, 'should' often gets over used and thus interpreted as an order or command without choice involved. This can develop into an internal dialogue of questioning your choices and decisions - Should I do this? Should I not do this?
As a coach I often see how this internal dialogue and questioning with clients, has evolved into indecisiveness and a feeling of pressure to make the 'right' decision. All this from a simple word.
So if you were to replace this word, what would be the best one to use to help you out of this situation? How can you change your thinking by simply changing a single word? How can you communicate and get input without resorting to 'should' conversations? How can you develop a self talk with words that don't imply pressure?
Lots of questions above I realise. One possible alternative to 'should' is the word 'could'. It provides you with choice and options. It also provides you with a chance to engage with reality - 'I could do something about that, or I could leave it as it is which is what I am currently doing.'
This can then offer you the chance to take action or even enquire further into your situation. 'I could act now so that it isn't left as it is'. Even the question 'What could you act on?' from the above communication with yourself, is a more open form of enquiry which can assist you to find solutions for change at a pace that suits you. No pressure, just possible solutions and a chance to change your thinking.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Fixed and Growth Mindsets
I've been reading a brilliant book for the second time this year, about Fixed and Growth Mindsets. One of the most fascinating things about it is how it explains the reasoning behind how children can actually be hindered by too much praise or being labelled as talented.
Professor Carol Dwecks book is highly recommended as a source for assisting you to take a fresh look at how we approach difficult tasks or learning new skills. She provides some great insights into how we can often drop something we loved to do, because we've encountered a mindeset that prevents us from moving forward. What is great about all this is that the Fixed thinking can be altered, if you are willing to put in the time and effort to do so. One particularly helpful aspect of the book is the research done on famous people considered to have natural talent. Michael Jordan is one such example provided, and we learn that his abilities evolved through continued effort, growth and learning. He wasn't naturally talented, he applied himself to the game and when he failed he observed, learned and moved on. His growth mindset provided him with the ability to continue doing this until his success became evident. Others don't seem to see the bigger picture in this instance, choosing to believe that he was a natural talent and born with the skills.
Overall, the study is amazing reading, and what sticks out most is that the focus is on giving a clear and positive message to people that they can change their approach to their thinking. More often than not, people will class someone as naturally talented in some aspect, be it sports, art or another ability. The problem is that when a person who believes this labelling, encounters failure or set backs, they can fall apart. This set back can be viewed as a direct negative reflection on them and draw out fears of exposure at being not good enough.
There are too many great examples to mention, but the blog http://keenkidsathome.wordpress.com/2010/03/26/growing-a-growth-mindset/ gives a great insight as to how parents can use this great bit of valuable information to encourage positive growth in their children.
The link to 'brainology' is also worth checking out!
Professor Carol Dwecks book is highly recommended as a source for assisting you to take a fresh look at how we approach difficult tasks or learning new skills. She provides some great insights into how we can often drop something we loved to do, because we've encountered a mindeset that prevents us from moving forward. What is great about all this is that the Fixed thinking can be altered, if you are willing to put in the time and effort to do so. One particularly helpful aspect of the book is the research done on famous people considered to have natural talent. Michael Jordan is one such example provided, and we learn that his abilities evolved through continued effort, growth and learning. He wasn't naturally talented, he applied himself to the game and when he failed he observed, learned and moved on. His growth mindset provided him with the ability to continue doing this until his success became evident. Others don't seem to see the bigger picture in this instance, choosing to believe that he was a natural talent and born with the skills.
Overall, the study is amazing reading, and what sticks out most is that the focus is on giving a clear and positive message to people that they can change their approach to their thinking. More often than not, people will class someone as naturally talented in some aspect, be it sports, art or another ability. The problem is that when a person who believes this labelling, encounters failure or set backs, they can fall apart. This set back can be viewed as a direct negative reflection on them and draw out fears of exposure at being not good enough.
There are too many great examples to mention, but the blog http://keenkidsathome.wordpress.com/2010/03/26/growing-a-growth-mindset/ gives a great insight as to how parents can use this great bit of valuable information to encourage positive growth in their children.
The link to 'brainology' is also worth checking out!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Interview No.1 - Living a Creative Life
Bob Byrne is a well respected Irish Comic book Artist, who has published a number of comics such as MBleh! and the highly acclaimed graphic novel Mr. Amperduke. He very kindly took some time out to answer a series of questions focused on living a life of non conformity and how his life experiences to date have hindered or helped him to this point. It makes for some interesting reading, and I hope that those out there can take something of value from it and be inspired in their own journey in some way.
NLLC - How does creativity contribute to your life?
BB - It's hard to separate them, for me it's the same thing, it's a creative life!
NLLC - What is your definition of conformity?
NLLC - What type of work were you in from your early teens?
BB - First job was in a pet shop, then I was a forklift driver for ages, then a baker until I got a typesetting job.
NLLC - How does that differ to the work you do now?
BB - I'm sitting at a desk. For years I was either putting a box on a pallet or taking one off. Having a desk allowed me to start drawing on the sly and with a computer I could get up to all manner of creative antics
NLLC - Were there any signs, subtle or obvious, during your normal period of work or non-work that indicated that this way of life wasn’t for you?
NLLC - Was there a time when you were not creative in any capacity?
Yes, when I was 16 I stopped drawing completely and just sat on a wall or in my mates shed smoking for nearly a year. Then again, when I was 21 I gave up drawing for about 4 months in favour of drinking. But other than that I've been busy my whole my life.
NLLC - What made you decide to follow your current career?
BB - I had no choice really. I've been doing the same thing since I was a baby. I mean I could still be working stacking boxes during the day or whatever until I retire but I know I'd still be creating at home in my free time. I have no interest in design but I'm fairly good at it so I'm happy to do that for a living.
NLLC - What type of resistance/obstacles did you encounter when moving into a creative career?
BB - I sort of wanted to go to college to study something but there was no money in the house and I was eager to move out as soon as I could so I suppose the harsh realities of money was a big obstacle. And working a 9-5 and trying to create in your free time leads to all manner of disruptions in your personal life. Trying to stay employed, keep working on your own stuff and still being social is hard. As cold as it sounds, money is the obstacle that stops people from a creative career.
NLLC - How did you overcome it/them?
BB - I had a serious girlfriend when I was 22 and having her in my life made me more disciplined, meaning that on the nights I didn't see her I worked much harder because I knew my time was limited. I became organized. Another big thing was ditching friends who were having a 'toxic' effect on my life. Hard to do but it was the best decision ever. They didn't understand that I wanted to spend time drawing instead of going to the pub or whatever, so I just cut them.
NLLC - Do you think location is important to your art and lifestyle? If yes, how so?
NLLC - How important are goals to you and how do you set them?
BB - I set deadlines for everything. Every day I set a list of goals. Filling out the answers to these questions was a goal today. Without a deadline people don't work. Sometimes I'll reward or punish myself for missing or hitting targets.
NLLC - How do you stay focused in your current career?
BB - My focus right now is a little wider than the laser-like concentration I had a few years ago, I moved country and gave up the day job so I'm toying with other things right now. For the set projects I'm working on for others I just think of delivering the best possible work as it always leads to more.
NLLC -What has been your biggest fear to date and how have you overcome it?
BB -Creativity wise? I suppose there were a few years were I was scared of languishing on a couch out of it somewhere saying that I could have made it and that pushed me along to overcome the lethargy. I met a lot of really talented people who never really pursued their dreams and that scared me. Life passes by so fast. Now I'm scared that if I have kids I won't have enough time to work on my own stuff.
NLLC - Is there a person that inspired you to live a life of non-conformity?
BB - My parents I suppose. My Mam was a writer and into all kinds of mystical stuff and my Da is a fantastic artist. They showed me you can still make a living by your own rules.
NLLC - What qualities/values do you possess, that assist you in your creative journey in life?
BB - I'm never happy! I get depressed when I'm not working on something so I always stay busy. Sounds weird but it keeps me working.
NLLC - What was it like to receive your first payment for your work?
BB - I got a bigger thrill out of being published than getting paid. I started selling illustrations around 18 but didn't get published until my early 20's. I can't remember what my first paying gig was.
NLLC - What keeps you going in this life of non-conformity?
BB - It's not a choice for me to be a non conformist, it is a choice to try make a living on creativity alone. I've met so many people who try to be different just for the sake of being different. Is a goth a non-conformist? I don't think so. The most genuine non-conformists I know are people who work a 9-5 but by night they get up to all kinds of things.
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