Switching OFF/ON

This blog is dedicated to one of my newest clients, you know who you are!

In modern times it is getting more challenging to make a mental switch to turn off, as we find ourselves over stimulated with media, expectations and the voices in our heads. This button is nowhere to be found. We are bombarded with choice, with stimuli for everything you can think of. This ranges from the food in the supermarket, low fat, gluten free, GM, organic to what do we see on the television, that is why people just surf the tv stations and the net, it keeps us moving from one thing to another like little busy bees!

So our minds are overstimulated, yes we can all relate to that, and what about our jobs? if we are perfectionists, it is never good enough so we stay back and do it ourselves, we have not empowered others to take responsibility as only WE can do it. Thus we take work home, it impacts on our family life, (if you have one) if you are single then there is no clear distinction between work and home.

hay caramba!

So where is this OFF button you ask? It is located somewhere, we all have it. Mine is at the back of my shoulders, when I feel tense my shoulders give me the sign to switch off, and shut down happens... I am serious where is your switch off button? If we listen and feel our bodies you will get the answer. So basically having awareness that something needs to GIVE and letting go of what you are holding on too.. As I say if it serves no purpose get rid of it, ditch it, bury it, let it go. And focus on relaxing your mind.

Meditation is the way that I find is really calming and centering my energy. Once the switch button is off, I can meditate and just drift into space..

Less is More

Whilst I was talking to my client yesterday I heard myself talk about the concept of 'less is more' it is so easy to give all the details and to overwhelm someone with the micro level, especially if this is a new concept or paradigm.

We take away the curiosity factor and leave nothing to the imagination. Sometimes less is more, as this gives many 'blanks' so the other person can begin to digest the information at their own pace and more importantly they can see themselves embracing this new concept, idea, or opportunity. I have often heard that the person who manages the abstract controls the conversation, as they talk at a different level and as the recipient we just slot ourselves into what we interpet this to be. Which in reality can be so many things as we are prone to giving our own meaning into things.

So being in the 'grey' is a good thing and we give information gradually so they are ready for the next piece of information. We do not overwhelm or create confusion. We leave it to their imagination to fill in the blanks and thus they take ownership of their thoughts and decisions.

Which is ultimately what you want after all they are the creator of their thoughts and decisions, you are simply guiding them into the new...

So next time someone approaches you with an opportunity, enjoy the investigation process and see if this fits into your life and your values.

Committment To Your Dreams

When you are going towards your dreams and goals it is so important to stay committed and focused. I know many people including yours truly that they get an idea, get excited, create some action and then it fizzles out! Then we quickly move to the next thing in our line of vision.

You can sum this easily this way, we are good at getting ideas started and even getting some traction, however we do not stay long enough at the doing stage and most likely ignore the finishing stage.

How many can relate to that? Share your opinion and send us a comment if you like.

So now that we know what we are not good at, it is time to change it as we want to execute our ideas and keep that momentum.

What needs to happen is that you track your ideas, and the milestones, keep on top of it and also know what you need to do to say "its finished"completed and you can sign off on it. This way you finish what you start and get good at completing your tasks.

Stay committed to your dreams, they are worth it after all and when you hit success Celebrate and enjoy that feeling of knowing that you have done this. It is no good to cancel this step, if you don't celebrate then how do you know it is finished? If you say to yourself you are not worthy, or do a shrinking violet act, what are you really saying to the WORLD?

SO Celebrate, however you can, it doesn't have to be a fancy dinner, or expensive pair of shoes (would be nice though!) just bathe in your triumph and know that you can set your mind to something and complete it.

THE END

On The Move

It one of those things, moving house. We had already moved in May this year and here we are again on the midst of another upheaval. It is incredibly time consuming activity to say the least. Some may be of the opinion that moving so many times maybe a reflection that we are not settled. I guess in one way that is true, we do not have a fixed address.

And you know that is ok, as inside I'm settled and focused and motivated to succeed. So moving house is just a physical activity that needs to happen once in a while. Just in our case it is more often than your average family.

If I counted all the times I have moved in my lifetime thus far I am reaching my 23rd home. Seems like every couple of years this event takes place.

Some people, move jobs with this frequency, relationships, cars, new watches and that is ok, this means that life is constantly changing and you become less attached to your surroundings as where your heart is that is home.

It certainly the case for me, so even if my next home is a small one bedroom, it will be ok as I have my partner with me, my work and my passions.

So being on the move is a great thing, it means I am practising detachment and I get a chance to declutter my things with every move.

Be Present

How often do we live in the past or future? Thinking about someone, an event that made us go back to that moment. I must admit I still do this, frequently. Come Monday I replay the weekend in detail, and enjoy the memories and feel good. So when do I start being in the present?

When I see what still needs to be done. My action list is there for a reason and I know I will feel more productive once I can cross a few things of my list. This keeps me present time conscious. It is so easy to think about what has happened and project what will become.

Especially when you have an upcoming holiday. You plan and get things organised so come the day you get on the plane it is all done and you can really relax. Some people live for this, to plan and organise what is coming up. They are future orientated, and are always looking ahead.

When you come back to now, it feels great, peaceful and focused on what you are doing, nothing else matters, so you can truly enjoy the moment and become that moment frozen in time. You see this quiet often when an artist is painting they are so absorbed in the task that nothing else matters. This focus is admirable and most of us seek this in one or more areas in our lives.

I want to master my native language for instance, and I have some reservations as I should be fluent in every respect, but I am not. So I placing myself in situations where this will come out more and I will gain more confidence. I am being present to my situtation and not feeling inadequate, because that is past based.

So in the now there are no problems or challenges, there is just that pure moment...

I know it is easy to drift to the past of future, the magic happens in the now, so take that deep breath and feel alert and inspired today.

Happy being in the Present

Emotions

Most women will agree with me on this one, that sometimes during the month we are more sensitive and prone to be more emotional!

Women need to express themselves and often times, tears will result. It is good to just let it out. I wonder how men cope? do they have an equivalent time. When they can just let it out, have a good scream, cry and feel better?

Maybe when Australia wins/looses at sport do we get this kind of male burst of emotion. In all seriousness now, men too need to be emotional. Have an outlet to be themselves and just release whatever is going on for them.

Perhaps this is not done as easily as for women as society doesn't really approve? Well that could be the thing or maybe our perception that we are being judged by others?

If you need to let emotions out, better out than in, I say. As we accumulate our feelings this does not serve a purpose, it just builds more resentment, anger, hurt. So find a way of expressing this, through sport, finding a good friend or a life coach.

Remember our bodies take this all in and this may lead to disease, indifference, complacency and it festers inside our bodies and our minds.

So next time you feel emotions coming up for you, think about what this really means and let it escape.

What are you waiting for?

I often see people waiting, waiting in the waiting room of life. Once they have X amount of money they will be happy.

When they get married they can get on with life, once she has a boyfriend she will feel love. Once you buy a house you'll be secure. I see people just like the queues of the delicatessen, waiting patiently for their number to come up.

...and I am the observer watching them just wait, for someone or something to happen to them so they can start breathing, living in pursuit of their dreams and aspirations..

Do you ever feel like you are in that waiting room?

I used be one of those people, til about 10 years ago, when I jumped the queue and decided that this was not good enough. I needed to create my day in all aspects!

I didn't want to stand out so I blended in, after all I didn't want to appear different. Yet all my life i felt different and out of the crowd, I was never in the 'in group' at school I was too shy and introverted to be bold and loud.

When I jumped the queue, I became more empowered and in control it was magical, all the learnings were mine to have, the good, the bad and the ugly. My mistakes, learnings my growth, my UNIQUENESS...

So what are you waiting for?

Expectations of Others

I had an interesting chat with a client who just wanted work on her resume, I assist in that department too, after all if you know you need to upgrade your skills and want a better job, or simply just start looking you need a Professional Looking Resume, so I fill this need with my career coaching. All part of the service. I include unlimited versions, plus a cover letter if required.

Getting back to the conversation, she mentioned about the expectations of others. This made her feel like she had to listen and conform. In one hand she could see that this was logical however in her heart it did not make sense. If we are looking for the external world to validate us then we are giving away our personal power. She was doing just that! People will want the best of us, and often times this will be what they judge the best course of action, because after all 'everybody' does this and why should you be any different? For some this becomes the way of thinking and operating to make others feel good and for the external world to see that you are just like everybody else.

Don't deviate. This is the unknown. For some people it is unthinkable to live independently and be without a man and be HAPPY. Oh my goodness, why do something silly like that?

Or how about downgrading your job, so you can have more free time with your family your hobbies and do more contribution? Doesn't make you very ambitious or employable in the eyes of a recruiter does it?

This is because you don't fit the mould, people have understanding and empathy however to want something different than what they want is not really the done thing is it?

Celebrate your uniqueness and your indivduality, there is no crime in having your cake and eating it too, it is not selfish merely self perservation and the fact that you value freedom and self expression.

After all you are coming from a place of excellence and abundance.

Celebrate Life

We take it for granted, that we are here on this planet, being part of this world. We just expect to wake up each morning and be here. Then we pick up our routines, our jobs, family, and what needs to happen that day..

We just take it for granted that we will be here to grow old with our partner and see our children grow up. Only when we hear of someones' loss do we stop and think about how lucky we are. Naturally we feel sad and think about that person as we remember them. Then we think of all that they left behind, their legacy, their energy and their wisdom and love.

That is why we need to celebrate each day with those around us, tell those you LOVE and shout it out loud. Do courageous things as you just never know what is around the corner. Be bold and adventurous, then you can really feel the wind in your face and know the feelings of living THAT moment.

Ensure you don't put off what you always wanted to do, just GO FOR IT, life is a gift and that is why today is the PRESENT, so relish in that moment.

We are not here on this planet forever so make your time count and make it memorable.

Having Patience

Anybody that really knows me, can testify that I am not a very patient person. I guess that is my fire nature and my spontaneity kicking in, I know fully well I get this from my dad and my sun/moon sign.. Yes its fire alright!

This got me thinking, as this is a great quality to possess and practise on a daily basis. If you are running at 100kms per second can your truly be in the present moment?

Obviously not as you are speeding towards more activity and 'what is next' thinking.. I can admit that is where my head space was for a long time and from time to time I sip back into this method of operation, unconsciously. This gives me the action I need to get things going and be the powerhouse in my day. Other times I take a chill-pill (a breather/break) and see things in that moment, really focus on the detail, the texture the light. A moment to reflect.

Having fire in your belly is a great thing, this is your internal compass, we just need to remember to balance that with some 'me'time or some other relaxation.

Ha yes, now looking at my 'do to list' I can now feel lighter and more productive.. it is all about my balance and space.

So next time you find yourself thinking 'this is a waste of time' just chill and think about the wonderful moment that it is, it has made you s l o w d o w n...

Expanding Yourself

I was just thinking over breakfast this morning, of how I have really embraced diversity and new challenges. I am a reflection of my partner. He is so flexible in thinking and nurturing ideas, that I am too becoming like this.

When you expand yourself you allow new things to come into your existance, you then learn new ways of dealing with things and thus becoming more confident. Sure there is still an element of hesitancy and reservation. However you take more risks and allow the new experience to wash all over you.

Becoming a Success Coach is like this too, doing something new and breaking through your barriers and personal obstacles. That is a good thing, as you know you have momentum in your life and heading in the direction of your goals.

One step at a time, and keep that happy smiling face as you approach your personal obstacles, and before you know it you have come out at the other side, ready for the other obstacles as a consequence of the new you!

The sooner you hug those obstacles and embrace them, you can turn them around and have humble success. Because I believe that is what is on the other side, after some good work, perserverance and determination.

Success is Yours, so take it!

Your Environment

It is amazing to see sometimes that people who succeed in life doing what they are passionate about are surrounding themselves with others on a similar path, they are in a conducive environment to their success. Let me explain on the polar side of this. If you are a struggling musician/artist you are more likely to have friends that are in a similar situation, your world is about making it one day, getting a break. That is your environment. So if we want more out of life it is imperative to have a good look around you.

Do you?

Have friends that drag you down?

Have family that are not supporting your talents?

Fight to have your opinion heard ?

Feel like you are on the uphill battle?

Well if you are honest with yourself and find this is the case then you first need to change your environment, everything else will follow.

If you want a better relationship and yet stay in your current one, even though it is abusive, then change your environment.

If you want to grow your business and yet limit yourself my the constraints of your thinking too small, then you need to broaden your environment and model people doing what you want to be doing. Be bold in your actions

If you keep putting up with your current state of affairs, nothing will change, and time keeps on ticking and you will resent that situation or person for holding you back.

And the truth is you have held yourself back!

So what do you want your environment to be? move toward that!

Freedom

We were on a little mini-break in QLD, on the sunshine coast. It was magical and I could see why so many people flock to the area. It has EVERYTHING, sea, sun, sand, water activities, strawberry picking, markets, walks and even koalas! When we are close to nature we appreciate what is around us and breathe in the fresh air. It was complete freedom and I guess that is why we say, mini-break or a get away.

Freedom is not just a physical thing you experience it can also be Freedom of choice, freedom of opinion, freedom of lifestyle. Yes that resonates with me, freedom of lifestyle.. Being in a place that is conducive to your values, of nature, peace, calmness and beauty. This is a way of life and we found most people walking around with a fixed smile on their faces, saying hello and generally more outgoing..

a bit of a constrast to central business district in Sydney...

We can find freedom everywhere it just depends if this one of your filters one of your values, if you crave some freedom in your life, it is time to just take it. Life is too short to postpone your freedom, your peace of mind, your happiness.

Noosa was heavenly.. we will definitely be back..