Posts tagged “Mindset”

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Why do we see making mistakes as bad thing?

Posted on 4th May 2016 at 07:45

It’s always struck us as ironic that so many things we consider to be bad are really good things in disguise.

Perhaps it’s because we can’t immediately see the benefits and so classify them as “bad” without looking any further.

Or maybe it’s down to our old friend, peer pressure, which says that we should all do things in a certain way regardless of how well it works for us.

We call it “backwards thinking” and a great example of this is our attitude to making mistakes, which are automatically seen as a bad thing. As though having things not turn out in quite the way we expected – or wanted – is wrong. Something to be avoided at all costs. And certainly not to be admitted to publically. Unless, that is, we want to look stupid.

How to be happy in an instant

Posted on 20th April 2016 at 07:45

Looking back over the 80 – or more (!) – posts we’ve made in the last couple of years, one subject has come up more than any other. And this reflects how popular a topic it is with clients.

It concerns an emotion – or state of mind, if you prefer – and comes up in many different guises. It also remains one of the most elusive. And well as being priceless.

So what are we talking about?

Happiness.

Have you been seduced by the "one eyed monster"?

Posted on 6th April 2016 at 08:45

As many of our clients already know, and readers of this blog may have guessed (!), we’re not great fans of mainstream media. And by mainstream media we mean television, cinema and papers.

There are many reasons for this, not least the huge amount of time that can be “lost” to them every day. However our primary concern is the very misleading and negative picture they often portray of this world of ours and the part we each play in it.

While we could talk about mainstream media in general, today we’d like to focus on the “one eyed monster” in the corner of the living room. And now in many other rooms as well. Not to mention on all your favourite electronic gizmos. Phone. Desk top. Lap top. I pad. Tablet.

Are you your own best friend - or worst enemy?

Posted on 23rd March 2016 at 07:45

In this blog we often talk about the monster we all seem to have living in our heads. You know the one we mean.

The one with a very loud, insistent voice. Giving its opinion on whatever is happening in our lives at that particular moment.

More often than not, focussing on the negatives. Downplaying the positives. Magnifying our own unique insecurities, fears and anxieties.

In many ways it’s like having our own personal radio station broadcasting 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

It’s little wonder that life can seem such a struggle at times.

Do you actually notice what's going on around you?

Posted on 9th March 2016 at 07:45

We love people watching – doesn’t everyone (!) – and never cease to be amazed at how much we can learn about a person before even speaking to them. Their posture, facial expression, clothes they wear, way they move. Oh and David can spot a dodgy hip, back, neck or knee at 50 paces (!).

We all do it subconsciously but, sadly, this usually takes the form of a knee jerk judgement. “I don’t like the look of him / her.” “How can they wear those clothes / go out looking like that.”

The sad thing is that once the call has been made, any chance of observing that person from a neutral place instantly evaporates. Getting to know what they’re really like. Of enjoying life’s rich tapestry.

Instead we automatically focus on anything that confirms our initial judgement and ignore everything else. And so a valuable opportunity is lost.

Have you got the February blues?

Posted on 24th February 2016 at 07:45

Are you feeling bored? Unmotivated? Wanting to throw the alarm clock out of the window and snuggle down for a little extra uninterrupted “duvet time”?

If so, you may have a case of the February blues!

Traditionally January is the month when Doctors expect to see more cases of “the blues”. What with all the chickens coming home to roost after Christmas (!), not to mention credit card bills and short winter days.

However, in our experience, February is the month when we tend to see more of “the blues.” And this year, with the added joys of the ever changing weather and grey days, our phones have been unusually busy.

Does feeling sorry for someone actually help them?

Posted on 10th February 2016 at 07:45

It’s something we all do automatically – well most people do (!) – but have you ever stopped to wonder whether it’s actually helping the person concerned? Let alone you.

Confused?

Or wondering whether we’ve suddenly lost the plot and are about to start telling people to “pull themselves together”?!? The famous English stiff upper lip and all that.

Well, you’ll be relieved to know, neither is the case.

It’s simply time for a different perspective on something that most people do without a second thought.

Ready? Ok, here we go.

Which wolf do you feed?

Posted on 27th January 2016 at 07:45

You may well have heard this story before, but it’s a great one to be reminded of from time to time, particularly at the start of a new year.

An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life.

“A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy.

“It is a terrible fight and is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.”

He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

Get your day off to a great start

Posted on 13th January 2016 at 07:45

Now, before you panic, this isn’t a follow on from our last post about New Year’s resolutions... We’re not going to advocate a 5 mile run followed by a bracing cold shower and finished off with carrot sticks for breakfast (!). That’s unless you want to, of course!?!

So what are we going to talk about?

Well, in fact, almost the opposite. A gentler start to the day. One which sees you leaving home feeling calm, relaxed and ready for the day; rather than frazzled and, probably, bad tempered too.

Ditch your new year's resolutions and do something much more powerful instead

Posted on 6th January 2016 at 07:45

It’s that time of year – again (!) – so time for a different perspective on the dreaded New Year’s resolutions.

Last year we suggested a kinder – and gentler – way to start the year. Ditching the big life changing resolutions, which rarely make it past twelfth night and are so negative.

Focussing on the things you’re not going to do this year, rather than those you are. NOT drinking. NOT smoking. NOT vegetating on the sofa. NOT ……………………….. (fill in the blank).

Is it any wonder that so many people start the New Year feeling miserable?

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