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!