Posts tagged “Mindset”

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Fevers are not to be feared

Posted on 16th January 2019 at 08:30

It’s interesting how the mention of certain words is guaranteed to cause panic, particularly those of a medical bent. There are so many we could mention (!) but let’s just focus on the one we’d like to talk about today, fevers.

Turn back the clock a few decades and fevers weren’t viewed in the same way as they are today. They were seen as part and parcel of many illnesses, particularly the childhood – often spotty – ones. Chicken Pox, Mumps, Measles and the like.

Come back to today and the prevailing view is that they are “bad”, to be avoided at all costs. And, if you’re unlucky enough to have one, brought down as quickly as possible.

But is it really that simple? Let’s find out.

Inspiration versus perspiration

Posted on 9th January 2019 at 08:30

Not surprisingly, we often talk to clients about making changes in their lives, particularly at this time of year.

These range from the small and easily manageable to much larger and more radical. Some are voluntary. Others have been forced on them by circumstances. Or, perhaps, by others whether with the best of motivations or not (!). And, without digressing too far, we all know there is a very fine line between “help” and “interference”….

The question that always comes up is how to make changes more easily. Well, let’s be honest, as painless and quick as possible.

Well, there’s good news and bad news.

The good news is that there’s an easy answer to this question. The bad news is that it isn’t necessarily the one the client wants to hear.

Isn't it time for a new recipe for a stressfree family gathering?

Posted on 19th December 2018 at 07:45

Not surprisingly, the subject of Christmas – AHHHH!!! – has been coming up with clients over the last few weeks and we thought it was about time to suggest an alternative less stressful approach. And, while we’re focussing on the 25th December, it applies equally to any family gathering ...

Even though you probably don’t want to be reminded of it (!) let’s start with a quick reminder of the traditional recipe for Christmas:

It's ok to feel bad for no reason

Posted on 12th December 2018 at 07:30

Let’s face it, there are some days when we feel below par. Less than our usual – hopefully happy (!) – selves.

Perhaps we wake up with our own little black cloud firmly in place which stays with us for the day. Or, sometimes, a bit longer.

Other times, it’s much more transient. We’re fine one minute, a little down the next and then it’s gone. A small cloud that quickly disappears.

When we feel low – particularly at this time of year, when we’re meant to be full of seasonal cheer – it’s all too easy to go into over analysis mode. Looking for the “why”. But often there isn’t a simple – or obvious – answer for our change of mood. And we end up beating ourselves up for the lack of obvious answers. Talk about being counter productive. Making life more difficult for ourselves.

Choices, choices, choices...

Posted on 28th November 2018 at 08:00

Life is all about choices.

And, yes, we know this is something of a cliché (!) but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true...

Some are made consciously.

When we stop and look at all the options before deciding which one to choose. Weigh up the pro’s and con’s of each one. Make an informed – or conscious – decision.

Others are made by default.

Perhaps by turning a blind eye to whatever it is until the decision is made for us. Whether by someone else or events making the choice for us.

A little forgiveness goes a long way...

Posted on 14th November 2018 at 08:00

There are some words we all seem to have issues with and are guaranteed to hit a sensitive spot. Perhaps it’s the negative connotations they seem to have. Or, they’ve been a buzz word in school / work / media / government / fill in the blank so we’re heartily fed up with them (!).

In the case of the word we’re focussing on today, forgiveness, it’s more of a religious one. It’s seen as setting a standard that seems impossible for us, mere mortals, to attain.

Dig out the dictionary – or do an internet search – and it’s easy to see why this word invokes such feelings. Its definition includes words like “exoneration, purgation, pardon, pity, mercy, clemency” with even “tolerance, understanding, leniency” sounding like a pretty tall order.

So, today, we’d like to give a different perspective on forgiveness. One that makes it something we could actually achieve without super human efforts.

Happiness is always an inside job

Posted on 31st October 2018 at 08:30

We often hear people saying it’s hard to be happy. Even worse, that you can’t expect to be happy. And this is usually followed by a long list of whatever’s going on in their lives followed by what’s on the news.

While it’s true that there are always going to be things going on in our lives, we always seem to look for happiness in the wrong place. In the world around us, rather than within. If this sounds rather strange, bear with us, it’ll all make sense in a moment.

What's your most valuable asset?

Posted on 17th October 2018 at 08:00

We were asked this question the other day and it’s a great one to get you thinking about what you truly value in life.

So, before we go any further, why not take a couple of minutes to answer it for yourself?

And, for those of you who worry about getting the answer “wrong”, the good news is there isn’t a “right” answer. Phew, that takes the pressure off! It’s only about what matters to you and, you never know, you might learn something interesting about yourself in the process...

Having posed this question to various people, it quickly became clear that people tended to focus on tangible things when first answering it. Not surprisingly things like their home, car or granny’s engagement ring were popular initial answers. These were quickly followed by their “significant other”, parents or a much loved “four footed friend.”

If you don't know what to do, do something...

Posted on 3rd October 2018 at 08:30

We all have times when we just don’t know what to do.

Perhaps we’ve looked at things from every angle and allowed “analysis paralysis” to bring us to a complete standstill. Sometimes, if we’re completely honest, our heart just isn’t in whatever it is and so nothing gets done. Or we’re waiting for the “right time” which, ironically, never comes.

And not forgetting those times when we know exactly what needs to be done but have convinced ourselves – for whatever reason – that we can’t do it.

Asking for help

Posted on 19th September 2018 at 09:00

It seems to be a common human failing that we all find it difficult to ask for help at times.

Sometimes it’s because of a terrier like tendency not to let go until we’ve sorted whatever it is out. “I’ll do this if it’s the last thing I do.”

Or, perhaps, it’s down to embarrassment – or pride – that we think we’ll look stupid if we ask for help. “Everyone else can do it, why can’t I?”. “What will people think?”

While it may sound like a bit of a cliché, there’s nothing stupid about asking for help. In fact, exactly the reverse could be said to be true. Knowing that you need help but not asking for it, now that is stupid.

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