Leeds Visit - The World In A Weekend

My sons live in Leeds.  They went to University there and like many others do, they stayed on. It only takes a couple of hours to commute to and with friends who have children as far away as Cambodia and Australia, I can hardly complain. And well, it is a fab city! You can read more about them at:
Foodandbiscuits.blogspot.com

http://www.youtube.com/davepilla
as I can tend to go on a bit!

So, it was that I found myself there for the weekend, staying with Joe and his lovely fiance, Jo, knowing that I would be well fed and looked after!  On the Saturday afternoon whilst Jo was preparing our Burn's Night feast and Joe and David were celebrating a great win - to do with football and somewhere called Manchester.............I decided to take a walk around the lake in Roundhay Park, which is right by where they live and is one of the largest parks in Europe - see www.roundhaypark.org.uk  

It was the late afternoon of a day that had been very sunny and this often provides good light for taking photos - which as regular readers know, I do - often! Hardly surprisingly, it was very busy and after a while I went off the path up to what is apparently a folly but I thought was the remains of a fortress, and had a good nose about before going through some enchanting woods, then reaching another lake, this time with a fountain. Whilst this was more of a stroll for me, I  very much enjoy walking.  This is because it is a good way, for me at least, to clear my head, chew over worries or generally think about love, life, ideas, dreams and schemes. 

On that day my thoughts turned to what was going on around me and I came to see that this busy park, if only at this moment in time, was representative of an ideal world.  Oh, and how did she reach that one then?!! Well, I reached it by seeing that it was full of:

• Different generations, from tiny tots on tops of shoulders, giggling groups of teenagers, to much older folk, some in wheelchairs and being pushed by friends or family 
• I heard different languages including Polish and French and a few unknowns, in addition to English, with a few different dialects too
• Leeds is a multi-cultural city and this diversity was very evident 
• Different types of families, some clearly 'well heeled' and some seemingly less so
• There were certainly many different breeds of dogs!
• There were walkers, bikers, rowers, joggers, skaters and some prepared for the muddy conditions and some not

It felt safe, ordered, genteel almost and I could sense the presence of people from years ago promenading along (you had to be there perhaps!). Everyone was out to enjoy the same things but maybe they weren't all pondering about them: 

• The beautiful cold, crisp day
• The park itself which even in winter displayed many colour variations through the trees, hills and general foliage
• Being connected to something bigger than ourselves
• The promise of things to come, due to the few early snowdrops and other shoots of crocuses
• Watching a child see different things for the first time, or trying to stay upright on their Christmas bike
• Quality time with family and friends having some fun together

Also during the two days away, we heard the exciting news of three healthy births which was so lovely.  Sadly though, we also had news of the death of a dear friend's mum.  She had reached what many would deem 'a good age'.  She had though, just had a successful knee operation so the manner and speed of her death has left the family devastated.

In just the couple of days I was away, I saw how great it can be when everyone comes together to enjoy the same things rather than become fractured and fight due to the differences. I felt and shared the deep joy or great pain which are also part of the cycle of life. Bizarrely, these lines from a song came into my head too.  They are from 'Nature Boy' written by Eden Ahbez in 1947, made famous by Nat King Cole and featured in the film 'The Boy With Green Hair' (which I have!).  They go like this:

        "The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is just to love and be loved in return"

That is certainly how I felt when I went away for a weekend ..........and saw the world.

Encouraging Creative Children 2

 I have already blogged about this topic but as I am currently designing and trying out new arts/crafts workshops for children, I thought it might be worthwhile updating it. I will do a few more over the coming months too.   Feel free to email me if you have good ideas of your own; want to share anything you currently do with your children; or if they already go to a great arts place then let us all know!  It could go on the blog too.                          

Our children come into the world with remarkable imaginations and an endless capacity to be creative. Can you remember how a chair became a pony, a cardboard box became a den or your ‘microphone’ was really a hairbrush? But creativity isn't just about being able to draw, it’s a thinking process; it’s looking at things in different and imaginative ways; being open-minded and able to ‘lose yourself’ in a task or project for a while.  And it’s fun!  When children create something, they feel a sense of achievement which in turn improves confidence and belief in their abilities.  It encourages them to be active, not passive about life and able to entertain themselves more.  The ability to sit quietly and work on something as simple as colouring or writing is very important. Television, computers and fancy toys are fantastic - but not for use all the time!

                                               

Creativity is like a muscle that has to be worked, so how can you help your children to ‘exercise’ it?

• How creative are you around them?  Perhaps you would like to pick up skills you haven’t used for a while or even learn some new ones.  It is good for them to see this as it will encourage their involvement.

• Make an effort to visit art galleries and museums with them, many of which have terrific workshops, ideas and activities for children which are generally free – a bonus! Merseyside has a wealth of museums so there’s no excuse.  Try the Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm in Bidston too, great fun and they have activity days (see below for details).
• Have materials at home – paints, pens, paper sketch books etc for them to experiment with.   Look in the library or on the internet for information and ideas for projects to do together. Let them be VERY messy and untidy sometimes - you too!
• Find ways to recycle items such as newspapers (great for easy papier mache) kitchen rolls etc.  Recycle old cards which they could then turn into little gift boxes, tags or new cards. Salt dough is cheap and easy material too.
• Encourage them to plant seeds and bulbs and watch their pleasure as they grow.  You could have a small nature table and maybe a place to display their art work. I always loved the nature table in school and wonder if this is still something that is still popular?                 
• Encourage them to make decorations, gifts and cards for special occasions.  It needn’t cost much at all, especially if you collect leaves, shells, recycle things etc. I know from my own family that these things will be cherished for years to come.
• Try not to judge, criticise or laugh at any work they produce, the effects can last a lifetime.  By all means suggest ways they can ‘improve’ things but if they want their elephant to be a green, striped one then why not?
• ‘Silly’ is okay too, in fact the sillier the better! Ask ‘what if’ to encourage them to come up with ideas.  There is no ‘right’ way, only a creative one.

Our children’s physical health is obviously very important, but a safe outlet for self expression is proven to be an important factor in our health too.  The capacity to be creative in different ways is a benefit which will last a lifetime. 

I will be doing 'drop in' craft workshops at the unique Tam O'Shanter Urban Farm in Bidston, on Saturday 11th Feb and full details will be on their website in a week or so.  Do drop by for some fun!  Other venues on the way soon. Now, go and get creative!

John Leslie's Day

Today is my late husband John's, birthday. It is also our wedding anniversary but I'm not going to be maudlin about it. John knew me better than anyone else and I miss his love for me and generally having him around.  I think he made me a stronger and possibly better person too.

Of course, many of you know that we shared some seriously bad times along the way but despite that and for the vast majority of the time, I really loved being married. Whilst I have no real complaints about my life now (it really is very full) I didn't expect to be without him.  But, if life gives you lemons then ......................you run off and find the gin. Only kidding, I prefer vodka!  

A big thank you to those of you who have taken the time to acknowledge today and perhaps at some point, you might raise a glass to John xx

Song to listen to................How We Love by Beth Nielson Chapman.

In Here..........I'm Sixteen. A message.

Firstly, my auntie Vera, who is now in her early eighties, is not in the best of health at present and feels old, miserable and a bit sad.  I've put this collage together to show how timelessly gorgeous she is.

So, my friend's mum is in hospital.  At almost ninety years of age she has just had a, thankfully successful, knee operation.  However, at the moment, despite requests from staff and family she has decided she won't eat. My friend is working on this and has taken nutritious home-made soup in today to try and coax her.  I know why she won't eat, you probably do too. Hospitals aren't the best places to retain your dignity, whatever your age and at ninety, you don't have a lot else to maintain. 

 Old people weren't born old, some of us just find it hard to imagine them being young, and I wish more people in all sorts of settings (not just hospitals and care homes) would take the time to see the young person inside the old body especially as, with some luck, it will be you one day. I was close to my Nin and one of our many conversations was about age and how she felt about it. She said that when she looked in the mirror and saw an eighty year old face, she was often shocked because "In here (tapping her chest) I am sixteen."  This had a impact on me even then, in my twenties and I often think of it and the insight behind the words. I don't have a photo of her when she was very young but I love this one and always thought, no matter what her age, that she actually had a cute look about her!

The second photo is of another pal's gran, Minnie.  She lived until she was well into her nineties but I only remember her shuffling in for her Weetbix in the morning..........This is quite a risque photo for the time so I bet she was great fun and feisty.  Even having your hair down like this meant that you could only be, well, a  brazen hussy!!

I am what I would term 'young old' but with some luck and a few good genes, I hope to be 'old, old' and full of vim, vigour and a love for life.  I though, won't wait for anyone to find and show the photos of a younger me, I will be thrusting them in their faces!  I will remind whoever will look and listen that I too was once a sweet (sweet?) young thing...........and still sixteen in my heart, bless. Actually, I preferred about thirty seven - take me back now!

Self Employment - Is It For Me?

I have worked for big and small organisations and I have worked for myself, albeit on a small scale.  Self employment isn't for wimps and it can be challenging but for many, it suits them to perfection.  Perhaps the following will either encourage you to have a go or confirm that it just isn't for you, at least at the moment.  Whichever it is, I hope it gives you some food for thought.

WHY CONSIDER SELF EMPLOYMENT?

•  It puts you in charge of your destiny
• It could be a chance to do something completely different.  The internet age has opened up so many more opportunities for business.
• You can start small and built the business up.  Perhaps look at social enterprise too.
• There is financial help, support and advice to get you started 
• It will be challenging but it can also be fun and satisfying
• There are few barriers as to who can start a business
• You might have so much fun making your own money that you will never work for anyone else again
• You will know what you are capable of 

 WHERE MIGHT YOUR IDEAS COME FROM?

Business ideas are often thought to be found in instant ‘light bulb’ moments, or, in something worked on patiently for years but in reality there are a few basic types of ideas:

• Someone else’s – bought, borrowed, given a new twist, or (sadly) even stolen
• The personal – an idea based on what you know and what you have learned to do
• The inventive – a genuinely new concept or idea, often borne out of needing to find a creative solution to a problem.  I listened this week to someone who is currently promoting a tray which will carry food securely, without spilling.  This happened because the guy braked and the curry carry-out he had, then covered him and the car!  It is now evolving into lots of different areas of use.
• A response to a need, often a social one.  For example, support/care work with our elders.

My dad is an inventor (the mad kind!) but before he started working for himself in the late 50's, he had well over 20 jobs working for others. His ideas were mainly developed to solve problems, asking the key question - What if....?  

Good ideas need to fit a potential gap in the market and you need to ask yourself:

•  Can I do that better than anyone else? 
• What will be my USP(Unique Selling Point)?
• If I do X in another location, can I adapt it to make money for me?
• If I put A and B together, will I get a C that no-one has done before?

Everyone doesn't have the personality to run  their own business.  Can you sell yourself,  and your product or service because without customers there is no business!

  REMEMBER THAT:

•  Only a small minority of entrepreneurs will see a gap in the market instantly but everyone can look and learn from what is going on around them and note what the current trends or needs are
•  Whatever your idea, you must consider if it will suit you because you will be working with it day in, day out
•  Thinking  about your interests, skills and experiences can be a good starting place but do be honest with yourself

 NEXT STEPS:

•  Start to do a plan to come up with your possible favourite areas of business.  When you feel comfortable with the lists you come up with, see how you can then turn all the general points into a more specific business idea.  A SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) should be part of this.  Grab a big piece of paper, write it all down, stick it on the wall and leave to stew for a while!
• You will need to see how all your plans, thoughts and ideas look and ask if you will have enough motivation and enthusiasm to carry this through (it can be lonely) and most importantly, how will you make money from it?  Having an idea is fairly easy, the hard parts are sticking with the best one (because you believe in it!) developing, promoting and selling it.
•  If you are now raring to go, you should write up a business plan (a couple of pages of A4 will do to start with) and there is lots of support out there to assist you and templates, again, can be found on the internet.

And finally, you never know what you are capable of until you try. Good luck!

Family Look-A -Likes!

When David and Joe were small,we often visited the beautiful Lleyn Peninsula. They loved the Dwyfor Rabbit Farm, near Porthmadog (which is also close to the wonderful Portmeirion Village) and that is where I took (as I do) lots of photos.  This is one of them.  Not long after, my husband's mum, Jane, sadly died and of course we then found lots of old family photos, including the small black and white one here which is of their dad, John.  We could not believe how identical Joe was to his dad, seemingly at around the same age, even the hair style is the same!  As you know, children can take on a look of a parent to different degrees at different times as they grow, so maybe a year later the likeness might not have been so strong.   I absolutely promise that Joe's was not a contrived, staged photo, so to me, this is quite amazing!

Anyway, I think it would be fun to see if others have similar sets of authentic photos they would like to share, so why not send then to me via Twitter or email and see what we can come up with?  It will be a laugh and a good excuse to have a sentimental stroll down your own memory lane.  See you there!

Tips On Securing The Work You Want

I thought that after the previous blogs around goals etc, it might be helpful to follow them with a couple of related ones.  If you are thinking that a change of career could be on the cards or a more concentrated effort needs to be made to actually find work, then hopefully  this blog will be useful.  I will do one about self employment later in the week.  I wrote most of the content ages ago when I did career guidance work but have updated it. Although we are in a recession (more for some than others) at some point things will improve, so you can even keep this to one side for then.

Over the years I have been an employee and self employed; worked both full and part-time; had jobs I loved and ones I hated.  I have worked for a bank, an investment company, a national charity.  I have been the worst barmaid ever at Yates Wine Lodge in Liverpool (don't ask!).  I've worked as a housekeeper for a multi-millionaire in Wilmslow which was (how can I say this?) surreal, bizarre, interesting, hysterical, scary and sometimes great fun.  It is worthy of a blog in itself - with all the names and dates changed of course!  Oh, and I have also worked as a gardener.  Self employment included catering which fitted nicely around the family.  However, the thread that has run through all of this  is a love of art/design/crafts and the skill that I have used to good effect in most roles is my creativity. And yet, it didn't occur to me when I was starting out that these skills could help me make living and that I should therefore use them, knowingly instead of accidentally. So, bearing the above it mind, here are a few guidelines for you:

Take a fresh look at your strengths

Look clearly at what you do best. When do you get 'lost in the flow'?  In which areas do you shine (and this is no time to be shy!)? Which aspect of your work is/was the most enjoyable? Do a personal SWOT analysis. This refers to your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (or barriers to progress).  Be creative and perhaps get together with someone you know and trust to do this.  They can add another dimension to the progress and show you that your strengths and talents could lead you into areas you hadn't considered before.  Get to know yourself and find out what makes you tick.

Create a job 'think tank'

For this you literally need to go on job hunting exercise.  The objective is to find the types of roles in which you could let your skills and strengths be displayed.  When I originally wrote this, I suggested that libraries and career guidance centres were the best sources for information, but of course now we can add the internet to the list.  See what others are doing, ask how they got the job etc. 

Go ahead and call

Depending on your personality, this might be difficult to do at first but making contact with people who are working in the industry and organisations which you are interested in, is a very useful thing to do.  Today, email is used too but if you can talk to the person, even better. Networking is really important now and it is through this (and volunteering) that I have secured work as an employee or good contacts for own (small) business.  Do not be deterred if you don't get the response you want in the first instance.  Most people are very helpful, provided you are polite and patient.  Unless you are one of the few exceptionally talented and lucky individuals (wherever they are!) the chances are that no one is going to knock on your door and beg you to work for them ................yet.

Depending on your personal circumstances you could offer to do some work for free in a key organisation, something that can help in your trying to gain qualifications.  It gets harder I know, but worth a try.  You could involve yourself in local community or non-profit making organisations but remember that this is a two way thing and you must be prepared to contribute in positive ways.  However, if you choose carefully, it is amazing how many contacts you make in this way.  Success by taking this route could be affected by your age, current skills and how secure within their own role, the key person you deal with, is but people buy people so go out and sell yourself!

Be persistent and check your attitude

You may not agree but more than talent, intelligence or skills, determination and persistence are the key factors in making progress.  You can add having a good attitude to the list.  If you believe that the world owes you a living and everyone else is to blame for your situation, whilst this may well be true, such a negative attitude will get you absolutely nowhere.  Know what you want, learn all you can, consistently take action and gain the necessary experience.  Put all this together and, whilst there are no guarantees, you will be best placed to find he work you want and live the life you choose.  Good luck!

"There is no such thing as a career path, just crazy paving you  have to build yourself"

Career/Life Question

For many of us, returning to work in cold, dark January equals giving some thought to why we do what we do and how happy or unhappy that makes us.  A report by Monster at the end of last year found that almost half of workers regret not following their childhood dreams. Of course during a recession, we might also feel that we are lucky just to have a job (although someone, somewhere will seize the opportunities this brings) and whilst that's true, it doesn't mean you can't consider your future.  It is quite natural to regret what we didn't try to do but hindsight is a wonderful thing, and many decisions were based on information and resources we had at that time. I belong to the generation which, unless you were going to teach, do law or go into medicine, then you left school at 16 and got any job you could, handing over a part of your wage to parents for 'your keep'. If you didn't like the job, you could soon change it (how lucky were we) and then work your way onward and upwards if you chose to.   For most of us, there was certainly less pressure to take decisions about work so early on in life.  Oh happy days!

But times have changed and so maybe you can relate to this 'January' question and hopefully gain something from the suggestions which follow it:

Q. I am so bored and fed up with my job and my life right now.  It's as though I have little to look forward to and don't gain much satisfaction from anything.  I feel like I have worked at this for ages but not gotten very far, a bit like trying to walk through treacle!  How can I possibly re-direct and re-define my life for the better?

So, it sounds like your life is currently on hold, when you feel inside that you are ready for some change but not sure how to go about it and what to exchange it for.  Change comes in stages and the key to success is realising which stage you are at now. 

• The first stage is where you know you are unhappy about something (for example,  simply having to return to work) but not convinced about changing it. Maybe you are just cruising through life and it isn't suiting you to do so.  Maybe you think the feeling will pass. Ask yourself where would you like to be in five/ten years time?  It will be here sooner than you think.
• The second stage is where you spend more time contemplating the next stage (for example, you start looking at the job pages) knowing you want change but aren't quite ready to do it. This may be when you start to monitor your actions and thoughts and be more aware of what your triggers are, think about what's out there and the consequences of changing.   What new skills might you need to gain along the way?
• Stage three is about preparation, when you know you are ready to act.  It is worth noting that the above might take place over a long period of time for some or just a few weeks for others and can be where many people 'stay stuck'.  What's holding you back? 
• Next is the action stage itself when you start using the support and knowledge you have gained in the previous stages, to actually make the change. Are you ready to take the risk?

What stage might you be at now? Can you adapt or amend some areas of your life,rather than make sweeping changes?  For example, you could list what you do and don't like about your job.  What would make it better?  Could you play a part in improving things or are there organisational issues?  What would happen if nothing changed? 
Does anyone else involved or affected know about how you are feeling and thinking? Have you spoken to them?  If you neither ask nor discuss things with the 'relevant' others then you can't expect them to be mind readers!


Irrespective of age, the economy or your current situation, any re-direction begins with a focus, even a vague one at this stage, paying more attention to what your true self wants.  So, go back to the goals made after reading previous blogs and see what the first (even small) step could be to re-energise your life, discovering who you are and what suits you best.  If you allow the gap between where you are in your life and where you really want to be to grow, then you will, without doubt and at the very least, become resentful and stressed. 


And finally..........."Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives."  William James 1842 - 1910

Happy Birthday Joe!

Today is Joe's (foodandbiscuits.blogspot.com) 33rd birthday. I just want to say that I am proud to be his mum.  On the photo collage you can see him displaying the same determination to squeeze through a fence and find earwigs, as he shows now with everything he does. This includes training for the Edinburgh Marathon, working, running the blog/organising the wedding with Jo and generally enjoying life! He is called Joe because it's a good, solid name and because I heard a song by Peggy Lee called "Happiness Is Just A Thing Called Joe."  I think we made a good choice!  Happy Birthday Joe xxx

Next sibling birthdays coming up in February - Nick, then David - watch out!! Sally's safe until October!

SMART GOALS for 2012

Good morning everyone!  Have you managed to grab some time to consider what you want for 2012 and beyond yet?  Even as I was writing about this topic I realised that I too need to pay more attention to some of the plans I have - to alter, tweak or scrap all together in one instance.  Just one of the (typically post festivities) statements I made was about not drinking at all in January.  Why would I do that, I like a drink!  However, rather than have a slurp (or two) of red most evening, I will change to white (lighter) and then mainly at weekends. I didn't even start to drink red wine until I was about 40 and then only occasionally, but now it's a habit I need to break - along with a few others I think. The older I get, the fitter I want and need to be, so if something isn't life enhancing for me then it's out!  Could I just say though, that if anyone sees me in the Plasterers with a glass of red, feel free to remind me about this blog - ha!

Remember that your goals, plans and ambitions may need to be re-assessed from time to time and adjusted accordingly.  They should reflect your life and be SMART.  That is:

SPECIFIC -       Defined as a clear, defined outcome, not a vague general intention

MEASURABLE - You will be able to see a clear, noticeable change

ACHIEVABLE -  They are possible, at least in theory, for you to do

REALISTIC -     Be confident that you  have the commitment to see things  through

TIMED -          A built in completion date, a time scale to work to

There is also a need to bear in mind any present or future likely demands in your life which might have an influence.  This may sound obvious but best to consider at the outset.

And so what about me?  I don't want to share all my stuff with you (sorry!) but generally, I will continue to:

• Fling myself into life, but remember to sit now and then to reflect a little
• Never squander being alive
• Be open to new people, connections and ideas. Maybe I will say 'yes' to the odd date in 2012 - but please, don't quote me on this!
• Get fitter (again!).  Walking really is the best way for me, so much more of that.
• Be as forgiving with myself as I generally am with others 
• Oh, and the biggie is to renovate a (small) neglected, stately home and gardens with  a smart, attractive .......(??) which will then be open to the public! Not that I have a stately home, the money to buy one or anyone in mind yet to do this with me but hey, "You've got to have a dream, if you don't have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true!"

Blogs coming up this week include goals/questions which are more career orientated and one about Oxton. Next one up by Wednesday. See you soon x

Setting Goals and Achieving Your Ambitions

Some people can go through life quite contentedly without much ambition or the desire to set goals, be they personal or professional and that's great for them.  For others (myself included) having goals, even simple ones such taking up a hobby of some sort, provide something to aim for. They also offer us the chance to grow, learn and find new opportunities and experiences.  I know that sometimes it's just enough to survive each year, what with all the stresses, strains and time restraints but if you can find time and have the inclination, then make a brew, sit yourself down and do a spot of 'navel gazing' as you consider setting new goals. And please, don't wait until you have a mid-life crisis before you take time to decide how you want to live your life.  Think about it from time to time and consider what's important to you, try to alter or re-adjust the things (or possibly your attitude) which bother you, and in that way you will have fewer resentments and more fun. Ask yourself what you want and need in order to feel fulfilled.  Try not to view 'success' only in material terms but about how you also feel inside. 

Before writing about setting goals for 2012, what about 2011?  Start by asking yourself:

• What did I accomplish last year, both personally and professionally? This isn't necessarily about the 'big' world changing stuff, just what was important to you. 
• What were the disappointments? If there were any, maybe ask what you could have done differently? What did you learn from them?
• Did I try something new, something which energised me? Again, we aren't necessarily talking about sky diving here but maybe you don't like public speaking and did it anyway.
• Did I limit myself by my own actions and behaviour and if so, how can I stop doing it in the future?  This could, for example, be about confidence issues and there is plenty of help around for this if you think it would be beneficial to you..
• If something or someone made me unhappy, worried or anxious, did I address it?  If you didn't then try and start the year off well and deal with it/them if you can.
• Did you have some fun, relax, spend time with friends and family, take some time out just for you?  

Key Questions:

• What are your goals?  What do you really want/think?  If several, are they alike in some way, is there a common denominator?
• Ask yourself what has stopped you from achieving your goals?  Can you be bothered  (or brave enough) to move out of your comfort zone?
• What skills and resources do you already have to help you to reach them? Consider this - research - take necessary action.
• What are you currently doing to achieve those goals and ambitions you dream about?  If nothing then why?
• Are you aware of a goal within the goal?  By this I mean that if your goal is to 'have lots of money' you should ask yourself why.  Your true aims could be for respect or a feeling of self worth and money will not necessarily help in achieving this, at least in the short term.  Knowing your true reasons will provide more scope for success.
• How will you know when you have achieved your goals and ambitions?  What will be different?
• If success were guaranteed, what would you decide to do?  This is an important question because often the things which stop 'success' come down to confidence and belief in our own abilities and that can be worked on!  Don't wait to be given 'the power', take it for yourself.
• Finally, you may be clever, talented and creative but natural talent is rarely enough. It is self belief together with persistence and determination which will get you to where you want to be in life. Go For It!

I do hope at least some of this is useful for you. More on goals will be up on Sunday, including how to make them SMART.  

It's A New Year!

 

It's a new year and because I am too much of a wimp to be walking across the Wirral with the camera in the wind, rain and cold (even for you!) I thought that over the next few weeks I might include some personal development (couldn't find a better phrase!) stuff - setting goals, communication, motivation, work/career issues etc.  

Most of you will be back at work today. Some of you might be pleased, others not so pleased (depressed even!) but  this month is probably as good a time as any to give a bit of thought to what you want to be/to do/to have or not to have in your life in the future.  As a 'old bird' there isn't much I haven't experienced, fretted about, decided to change or even ignore (not recommended). I have tried to work through my own insecurities and anxieties (some more successfully than others!) so maybe some of the blogs will be useful to you - I hope so. I am keeping today's blog quite short and then the next couple will include some key questions and practical steps for you.  2011, particularly the second half, was a good one for me and I intend to keep the momentum going.  I am one of those people who rather like change and am a bit of a maverick These days I find these traits are valuable to have.  The maverick bit wasn't a good trait to have in a larger organisation but now it is because it's all down to me! The future goals and choices you made will be specific to you but I think the following are ones that everyone should aspire to:

• Laugh more, including at yourself.  Honestly, laughter is the best medicine.  It diffuses difficult situations and puts many things into perspective. Get together with friends, go to a film, watch comedies at home, you won't be sorry. It may not always be appropriate to do out loud (as in work) but do it internally instead.
• Try not to bear grudges and resentments.  Chances are, the people these are directed at don't waste their energies and time thinking about you.  It takes real effort to carry this stuff around and it is you it will damage most. 
• Where possible and appropriate, work at being yourself and not who others expect you to be. Of course you need to learn about who you are; know what motivates and inspires you; be aware of your values etc and hopefully then, you will.
• Be nicer to people, including 'the invisibles'.  By that I mean the road sweepers, waiters, ticket collectors, Big Issue sellers, in fact all the the people who bustle around us cleaning up, serving, sorting etc.  I always say that you can tell so much about a person by the way they treat a waiter.  Try it and see.
• Finally, if something happens which offends, upsets or appalls you, don't whinge about it, do something.  Write to your MP, investigate, try to change it in some small way because it all makes a difference and our apathy allows bad stuff to happen and carry on happening. Equally, if something pleases you then offer praise.  

I do hope you will come back to read the next blog which will be ready and up by Friday. See you then!