Listening: Not for the Faint-Hearted
How good is your listening? Listening (as opposed to just hearing), is a dynamic activity, not a passive way to pass the time. It takes effort, focus and skill. It also means putting ourselves aside and fully paying attention to those we would listen to. Listening is not for the faint-heated, but the benefits are worth the effort.
I’m Wrong About Most Things, At Some Point
We shroud ourselves in beliefs that help us feel secure. One of these is that things tomorrow will be the same as they were yesterday. But the idea that things don't change is a delusion, that is all. Nothing wrong with that, but it is best to recognise it, and to keep an open mind about what will happen next. The greater our need to keep things the way they are, the greater the risk of disappointment and even neurosis. Trying to control the uncontrollable is unpleasant for us, and...
Beware of Your Dreams
I don't know if it is a popular saying, but "That which you focus on becomes your reality" is certainly popular with me. It ties in with how our expectations can become self-fulfilling predictions. The French say, "Beware of your dreams...", in English we say "Be careful what you wish for...". Both these point to the idea that we might unconsciously create our secretly held desires, but it works both ways. If our expectations are that everything will go pear-shaped, then we shouldn't be surprised or feel let down when ...
More Cake, Less Time to Eat It
There's much more cake out there than we can ever eat, and the more there is, it seems the less time we have to enjoy it.
Resilience – Key Ideas Download
This clear and simple guide is an indispensable starting point if you want to be more emotionally robust. There are nine simple steps that anyone can start with.
Giving bad news
I have had many requests recently for information and training on handling redundancy and giving bad news. In response I have prepared a handout to help those who must perform this unenviable task prepare for the job.
These Mindfulness Exercises Are an Antidote to Hurly-Burly
Here's a freebie to help you when demand is too much. This free download guidance on how to transform your daily routines into simple Mindfulness exercises. You may not become enlightened, but you can become much lighter. Use this download and take some time to focus your thinking.
“Could Do Better”, 6/10
There are times when we could all do better. In my case, that probably means quite a lot of the time, but I don't let it get in the way. Criticism works two ways. I don't know about you, but it generally doesn't spur ME on to do better. But when it is put into context with a little explanation, that's a different story.
It Doesn’t Have to Work to be Effective
Asking if something 'works' or is effective may not be the best way to make use of a new idea or innovation. 'Try it and see' is better advice.
