Punctuate Your Day
Today is the winter solstice*, the day the sun stands still. From here on the days get longer and, though for those of us in the north it may appear to be a dark and gloomy part of the year, it is actually getting lighter. The origins of the word 'solstice' contain the notion of standing still, as in "I stand still". Whether you celebrate the solstice or not you might like to consider taking the opportunity to stop and stand still for a moment. It's a lost art. * ...
Time for a Personal Upgrade?
Maybe now is a good time to begin to prepare a New Year Personal Growth Plan. We, our relationships and our communities can all benefit from regular maintenance. Here is a list of suggestions for things you might like to consider. Take it easy, one at a time is best.
The Dance of Thought
Do you lead or are you led? Thinking may seem to have a mind of its own because much of the time our thoughts seem to run themselves. Taking charge is simple but not easy. You'll need to lead, not be led. Stick strictly to the right steps and you'll win.
The Logic of Anxiety: It’s Out to Get You
Anxiety is generally an ally that keeps us safe, but when it gets ideas beyond it's station and develops its own Logic the best course is to de-activate it. Remember HAL in 2001: A Space Oddyssey?
How Do You Feel About Emotion?
Nobody is born knowing how to manage their emotions. True, some seem more naturally disposed to being able to do it, but even the most gifted have to practice the skills.
Leadership is a Verb
Being a an effective leader means working at developing one's leadership skills. Whatever your position in the organisation, community or family, if you want to lead people you'll have to understand what the necessary skills are, then strengthen or develop them in yourself. In this video interview Daniel Goleman speaks about the place of Social Intelligence in Leadership, and describes how to be better at it.. http://youtu.be/7Qv0o1oh9f4
Why Our Goals Often Fail
We often fail to achieve the goals we set ourselves because they are not really 'goals' at all. Aspirations, hopes, dreams, wishes of just half-baked ideas are fine, but they usually won't get the job done, not soon, anyway.
Survivng the Rigours of Christmas
A few years ago while presenting webinars for a large international bank, I was asked to prepare on one entitled 'How to Survive Christmas.' It was well received by the staff and ran successfully for three years. The original lasted an hour, which seemed to me to be too long. I have now released a shorter version. It's free, and lasts about eight minutes. https://youtu.be/ZTBFLpvDg7I?si=az1sUV8jxi2cAdc4
Making Myself Redundant
As a therapist and coach I have always worked hard to ensure that clients no longer needed me as early as possible after we had started to work together. That’s how it is in Brief Therapy. As soon as possible the therapist steps out of the picture. At work, I believe that managers should be like that too, and its the same with parenting, though it can be tough to let go.
