Friday 22 December 2006

Secret #54 Put Off Procrastination



My teachers always told me I wouldn't amount to anything because I procrastinated so much.

I told them, "Just you wait."

Tuesday 12 December 2006

Amazingly Simple Home Remedies (Some humour!)

Amazingly Simple Home Remedies

A guy at work sent this to me today and I thought it was very appropriate for my blog. Laughter is great medicine!


1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto! The blockage will be almost instantly removed.

2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.

3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. About lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough.

7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget all about the toothache.

8. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are. You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and it does, use the duct tape.

9. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

10. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.


Thoughts for the day:

If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance.

Be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.

SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. THEY ARE NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT, THEY STILL BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN YOU PUSH THEM DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS.

Amazingly Simple Home Remedies (Some humour!)

Amazingly Simple Home Remedies

A guy at work sent this to me today and I thought it was very appropriate for my blog. Laughter is great medicine!


1. If you are choking on an ice cube, don't panic. Simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat and presto! The blockage will be almost instantly removed.

2. Clumsy? Avoid cutting yourself while slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold them while you chop away.

3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. About lifting the toilet seat by simply using the sink.

4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you will be afraid to cough.

7. Have a bad toothache? Smash your thumb with a hammer and you will forget all about the toothache.

8. Sometimes, we just need to remember what the rules of life really are. You only need two tools: WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and it does, use the duct tape.

9. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

10. Never pass up an opportunity to go to the bathroom.


Thoughts for the day:

If you woke up breathing, congratulations! You get another chance.

Be really nice to your family and friends; you never know when you might need them to empty your bedpan.

SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. THEY ARE NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT, THEY STILL BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN YOU PUSH THEM DOWN A FLIGHT OF STAIRS.

Wednesday 6 December 2006

Be The Change You Want To See in The World

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


"Be the change you want to see in the world" - Mohandas Gandhi.

I used to curse the world for being the way it is. Why can't people be more polite? Why is there so much talk of war and not so much talk about peace? Why can't the world be a better place?

That sort of thinking got me - nowhere! I would start to feel down, angry and disheartened. Not a great place to be. I still feel those things at times but now I feel I can at least do something about it. It may be a small thing but from small seeds large trees can grow. That is my hope anyway. What changed then?

Well I read the quote (above) from Mohandas Ghandi. "Be the change you want to see in the world!".

If you want the world to be more kind and compassionate then be more kind and compassionate.

If you want the world to talk more about peace and less about war then talk more about peace.

If you want people to be more forgiving then be more forgiving.

If you want people to be more friendly and caring at work then be more friendly and caring at work.

I have an example to illustrate the power of this technique. I usually commute to work by bus. The traffic can be crazy and the bus driver has to put up with a lot of stress while he ferries us to our jobs. I try and make it habbit of thanking the bus driver as I leave the bus. People don't always do this but an interesting thing happens. Sometimes those ahead of me in the line leaving the bus don't say anything as they exit until it comes to my turn. I turn to the bus driver and say "Thank you." and you know what happens? Everyone behind me in the line then says thank you to the bus driver as they leave the bus. Ive seen this happen so many times.

This is a small thing but I am sure the bus driver feels better and everyone who thanked him feels better too. These small actions can have a knock on effect where people will continue to be more open and friendly to others. That is what I hope anyway!

So no matter how small an impact you may think you have "being the change you want to see in the world" can indeed make the world a better place.

Give it a go!

Allen

Be The Change You Want To See in The World

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


"Be the change you want to see in the world" - Mohandas Gandhi.

I used to curse the world for being the way it is. Why can't people be more polite? Why is there so much talk of war and not so much talk about peace? Why can't the world be a better place?

That sort of thinking got me - nowhere! I would start to feel down, angry and disheartened. Not a great place to be. I still feel those things at times but now I feel I can at least do something about it. It may be a small thing but from small seeds large trees can grow. That is my hope anyway. What changed then?

Well I read the quote (above) from Mohandas Ghandi. "Be the change you want to see in the world!".

If you want the world to be more kind and compassionate then be more kind and compassionate.

If you want the world to talk more about peace and less about war then talk more about peace.

If you want people to be more forgiving then be more forgiving.

If you want people to be more friendly and caring at work then be more friendly and caring at work.

I have an example to illustrate the power of this technique. I usually commute to work by bus. The traffic can be crazy and the bus driver has to put up with a lot of stress while he ferries us to our jobs. I try and make it habbit of thanking the bus driver as I leave the bus. People don't always do this but an interesting thing happens. Sometimes those ahead of me in the line leaving the bus don't say anything as they exit until it comes to my turn. I turn to the bus driver and say "Thank you." and you know what happens? Everyone behind me in the line then says thank you to the bus driver as they leave the bus. Ive seen this happen so many times.

This is a small thing but I am sure the bus driver feels better and everyone who thanked him feels better too. These small actions can have a knock on effect where people will continue to be more open and friendly to others. That is what I hope anyway!

So no matter how small an impact you may think you have "being the change you want to see in the world" can indeed make the world a better place.

Give it a go!

Allen

Friday 1 December 2006

A Technique to Counter Road Rage

Hello there life hack peeps!

One of the commenters on this blog pointed out to me a great way to combat road rage. If someone gets mad at you or gives you the "the finger" etc. - instead of returning a similar gesture - wave and smile! It will totally throw them off and they will either calm down and smile back or they will think you are insane. Either way its much more positive than escalating any dispute into full blown road rage.

I'm going to give this a go so why don't you?

Allen

A Technique to Counter Road Rage

Hello there life hack peeps!

One of the commenters on this blog pointed out to me a great way to combat road rage. If someone gets mad at you or gives you the "the finger" etc. - instead of returning a similar gesture - wave and smile! It will totally throw them off and they will either calm down and smile back or they will think you are insane. Either way its much more positive than escalating any dispute into full blown road rage.

I'm going to give this a go so why don't you?

Allen

Thursday 30 November 2006

Popular Quotes on Believe

Popular Quotes on Believe

Life Hack For Your Lunch Restaurants part 2

Some time ago I wrote a life hack tip about what to do with your left over food at your lunch restaurant's.

Well I found out today that the company I work for in my day job, has agreed to ship the left over food to a local homeless shelter. I think that is great news and I hope that this may encourage you to suggest the same to your own firm or lunch restaurant.

Good Luck and let me know how you get on with this!

Allen

Life Hack For Your Lunch Restaurants part 2

Some time ago I wrote a life hack tip about what to do with your left over food at your lunch restaurant's.

Well I found out today that the company I work for in my day job, has agreed to ship the left over food to a local homeless shelter. I think that is great news and I hope that this may encourage you to suggest the same to your own firm or lunch restaurant.

Good Luck and let me know how you get on with this!

Allen

Tuesday 28 November 2006

4 Steps to Less Stress and Conflict in Everyday Life.

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


My wife and I were in the car this morning when we happened upon a parked truck. We started to overtake the truck when we met a speeding car traveling toward us in the opposite lane. This was a small by-road so my wife aborted the overtaking and as the car passed, the lady glared at us and clearly swore at us probably for causing her journey time to increase by two seconds. I started to react badly to the situation but I caught myself and shrugged the situation off and even felt sorry for the woman. What sort of life must she have that causes her to be so wound up over something so small.
It got me to thinking. The thing we do have control over in a situation is how we choose to react to it. This is something nobody can take from us. How does one improve our reaction to difficult situations? Well here are some tips.

1) Develop compassion for others.
The lady in the other car must have a troubled life. I'm not excusing her behavior but she certainly must be troubled to react so. Developing compassion will help you let go of he immediate anger of a situation.

2) Learn to forgive others.
Forgiving the person who wronged you well help you move on from the situation. Why let someone else's irrational behavior spoil your day? Goodness knows what is going on in their lives! Forgive and move on.

3) With compassion and forgiveness comes patience and tolerance.
One will flow from the other. Patience and tolerance is the foundation of living a calm life.

4) Take a moment to reflect.
Take a moment to reflect on the situation and see if there was a better way to handle or react to the difficulty.


I am convinced that if you follow the tips above. Your days will become calmer and you will feel a little happier.

Good Luck,
Allen

4 Steps to Less Stress and Conflict in Everyday Life.

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


My wife and I were in the car this morning when we happened upon a parked truck. We started to overtake the truck when we met a speeding car traveling toward us in the opposite lane. This was a small by-road so my wife aborted the overtaking and as the car passed, the lady glared at us and clearly swore at us probably for causing her journey time to increase by two seconds. I started to react badly to the situation but I caught myself and shrugged the situation off and even felt sorry for the woman. What sort of life must she have that causes her to be so wound up over something so small.
It got me to thinking. The thing we do have control over in a situation is how we choose to react to it. This is something nobody can take from us. How does one improve our reaction to difficult situations? Well here are some tips.

1) Develop compassion for others.
The lady in the other car must have a troubled life. I'm not excusing her behavior but she certainly must be troubled to react so. Developing compassion will help you let go of he immediate anger of a situation.

2) Learn to forgive others.
Forgiving the person who wronged you well help you move on from the situation. Why let someone else's irrational behavior spoil your day? Goodness knows what is going on in their lives! Forgive and move on.

3) With compassion and forgiveness comes patience and tolerance.
One will flow from the other. Patience and tolerance is the foundation of living a calm life.

4) Take a moment to reflect.
Take a moment to reflect on the situation and see if there was a better way to handle or react to the difficulty.


I am convinced that if you follow the tips above. Your days will become calmer and you will feel a little happier.

Good Luck,
Allen

Monday 27 November 2006

Tuesday 21 November 2006

6 Ways to Learn About Change from The New James Bond Movie - Casino Royale

There seems to me, that there is a pattern when change is being introduced. Especially when you are trying to change and develop yourself as a person. The new James Bond movie was released at the weekend to both critical and box office success. The producers decided to change the "Bond formula" and I think we can learn a lot about change when we look at what happened during the making of Casino Royale.

1) Change is difficult.
When Daniel Craig was announced as the new James Bond - the fans didn't like him. "A blonde James Bond? No way!" they cried. You see, people don't like change. They want to stick to what they know. Its "safe" for them. Change is difficult and people find it hard to accept change even if it is for the better. People can feel threatened but change is necessary.

2) Change is necessary.
The James Bond movies were becoming outdated. There were too many gimmicks, the stories were implausible and the characters were unrealistic. The producers saw that and recognized a change was necessary. They analyzed what wasn't working and got rid of it. They tried a new approach from a different perspective in order for the series to survive. They took risks.

3) Don't listen to the negative people.
It was as if people wanted this movie to fail. With the choice of actor not proving popular, the old formula for the James Bond movies was changed and there was more emphasis on character and less on gadgets. The film had plenty of negative comments as it was being made but the makers of the movie stuck to their guns! They believed in what they were doing and believed it was the right thing to do.

4) Do your best and success will follow.
Each member of the film crew pulled together and worked as a team to the best of their ability to make this movie a success! They even broke a world stunt record with the most flips made of a car in a movie!

5) Learn from your mistakes.
The movie makers could look back to what they did in the past and clearly see their mistakes. They learnt from these and made the necessary changes to make the movie a success.

6) Adapt to stay successful.
Despite the resistance to change and the negative comments from people not involved in the making of the movie -Casino Royale has become a critical and box-office success. The producers of the movie adapted to survive and they did survive and the series looks to continue for a long time to come.

I think we could all learn a lot about change and success from the making of the new James Bond movie!
Good Luck,
Allen

6 Ways to Learn About Change from The New James Bond Movie - Casino Royale

There seems to me, that there is a pattern when change is being introduced. Especially when you are trying to change and develop yourself as a person. The new James Bond movie was released at the weekend to both critical and box office success. The producers decided to change the "Bond formula" and I think we can learn a lot about change when we look at what happened during the making of Casino Royale.

1) Change is difficult.
When Daniel Craig was announced as the new James Bond - the fans didn't like him. "A blonde James Bond? No way!" they cried. You see, people don't like change. They want to stick to what they know. Its "safe" for them. Change is difficult and people find it hard to accept change even if it is for the better. People can feel threatened but change is necessary.

2) Change is necessary.
The James Bond movies were becoming outdated. There were too many gimmicks, the stories were implausible and the characters were unrealistic. The producers saw that and recognized a change was necessary. They analyzed what wasn't working and got rid of it. They tried a new approach from a different perspective in order for the series to survive. They took risks.

3) Don't listen to the negative people.
It was as if people wanted this movie to fail. With the choice of actor not proving popular, the old formula for the James Bond movies was changed and there was more emphasis on character and less on gadgets. The film had plenty of negative comments as it was being made but the makers of the movie stuck to their guns! They believed in what they were doing and believed it was the right thing to do.

4) Do your best and success will follow.
Each member of the film crew pulled together and worked as a team to the best of their ability to make this movie a success! They even broke a world stunt record with the most flips made of a car in a movie!

5) Learn from your mistakes.
The movie makers could look back to what they did in the past and clearly see their mistakes. They learnt from these and made the necessary changes to make the movie a success.

6) Adapt to stay successful.
Despite the resistance to change and the negative comments from people not involved in the making of the movie -Casino Royale has become a critical and box-office success. The producers of the movie adapted to survive and they did survive and the series looks to continue for a long time to come.

I think we could all learn a lot about change and success from the making of the new James Bond movie!
Good Luck,
Allen

Sunday 19 November 2006

Wednesday 15 November 2006

Have your own Sabbath

The fast pace of modern life! The rat race! We never have time to do X, Y and Z! These are all message we seem to get bombarded with everyday from various media sources. We never seem to have time for friends and family and we seem to work longer and longer hours. No wonder we all feel "frazzled"!

Well there is an ancient universal wisdom that says we should have a day off. Remember according to biblical creation tradition God even took a break on the seventh day.

Now if you start to argue which day should be a Sabbath - a Saturday or a Sunday - you're kinda missing the point. For many religious leaders Saturdays or Sundays are their busiest days. That's when they are gigging! No, a Sabbath day is a DAY OF REST.

We have mental energy as well as physical energy. During the week, we get "bits taken out of us". By some problem that needed to be dealt with at work or perhaps by some hurtful comment made by a co-worker or "friend". Each stressor takes a little bit more energy out of you - a little but more of ourselves is lost.

By the end of the week all those little bits that have been taken from us add up and are mind, body and spirit feel drained. This is why we need to be RE-CREATED (RECREATION!! - GET IT?). Good old R&R...

Take a rest day - schedule NOTHING in your diary. That's right! Write the word NOTHING in BIG CAPITALS in your diary. You don't need to be productive 24-7 ... That's what machines do - not human beings! Slow down and do NOTHING... Spend time with your loved ones - listen to their stories and tell some of your own. Go for leisurely walks and eat long leisurely meals. Spent some time in silence and allow yourself to be RE-CREATED. You will find this will make a HUGE difference to your life. You will start your week feeling invigorated and ready to ROCK! Give it a go and YOU WILL FEEL BETTER!

Good Luck,

Allen

Have your own Sabbath

The fast pace of modern life! The rat race! We never have time to do X, Y and Z! These are all message we seem to get bombarded with everyday from various media sources. We never seem to have time for friends and family and we seem to work longer and longer hours. No wonder we all feel "frazzled"!

Well there is an ancient universal wisdom that says we should have a day off. Remember according to biblical creation tradition God even took a break on the seventh day.

Now if you start to argue which day should be a Sabbath - a Saturday or a Sunday - you're kinda missing the point. For many religious leaders Saturdays or Sundays are their busiest days. That's when they are gigging! No, a Sabbath day is a DAY OF REST.

We have mental energy as well as physical energy. During the week, we get "bits taken out of us". By some problem that needed to be dealt with at work or perhaps by some hurtful comment made by a co-worker or "friend". Each stressor takes a little bit more energy out of you - a little but more of ourselves is lost.

By the end of the week all those little bits that have been taken from us add up and are mind, body and spirit feel drained. This is why we need to be RE-CREATED (RECREATION!! - GET IT?). Good old R&R...

Take a rest day - schedule NOTHING in your diary. That's right! Write the word NOTHING in BIG CAPITALS in your diary. You don't need to be productive 24-7 ... That's what machines do - not human beings! Slow down and do NOTHING... Spend time with your loved ones - listen to their stories and tell some of your own. Go for leisurely walks and eat long leisurely meals. Spent some time in silence and allow yourself to be RE-CREATED. You will find this will make a HUGE difference to your life. You will start your week feeling invigorated and ready to ROCK! Give it a go and YOU WILL FEEL BETTER!

Good Luck,

Allen

Tuesday 14 November 2006

Be Like James Bond - Never Go on a Mission Without The Right Tools

I am looking forward to the new James Bond movie and it got me to thinking. When Bond goes on a mission he usually pays a visit to "Q" to get some gadgets or tools to help him with his mission. I thought there could be some useful comparisons with our mission for personal development.

Like "Q" would say to Bond - you never know what you might be up against in your mission. You need the right tools to cover the unexpected and help out when the going gets tough. "Q" would then hand you:

- Mind Maps - To help you keep track of your goals, everyday tasks and memorize important data.

- To Do Lists - reflecting priorities and tasks helping you to remain focused on the job at hand.

- A decent notebook and pen to capture ideas and thoughts as they happen and to journal your progress.

- Reminders to post up in a visible place about why you are on this mission in the first place.

- The Self Help For Lazy People Post

Bond's chief "M" would brief him before sending him out on his challenging mission. "M" would say to us:

"Remember your mission. Stay focused and for goodness sake don't let your bad habits distract you from your goal."

"Remember - you are doing this to make the world a better place."

"This mission starts today so don't procrastinate and bother Miss Moneypenny on the way out!"


What other things would "M" say to you before sending you out on your mission? What gadgets would "Q" give you to help you achieve your goals?


Good Luck,
Allen

Be Like James Bond - Never Go on a Mission Without The Right Tools

I am looking forward to the new James Bond movie and it got me to thinking. When Bond goes on a mission he usually pays a visit to "Q" to get some gadgets or tools to help him with his mission. I thought there could be some useful comparisons with our mission for personal development.

Like "Q" would say to Bond - you never know what you might be up against in your mission. You need the right tools to cover the unexpected and help out when the going gets tough. "Q" would then hand you:

- Mind Maps - To help you keep track of your goals, everyday tasks and memorize important data.

- To Do Lists - reflecting priorities and tasks helping you to remain focused on the job at hand.

- A decent notebook and pen to capture ideas and thoughts as they happen and to journal your progress.

- Reminders to post up in a visible place about why you are on this mission in the first place.

- The Self Help For Lazy People Post

Bond's chief "M" would brief him before sending him out on his challenging mission. "M" would say to us:

"Remember your mission. Stay focused and for goodness sake don't let your bad habits distract you from your goal."

"Remember - you are doing this to make the world a better place."

"This mission starts today so don't procrastinate and bother Miss Moneypenny on the way out!"


What other things would "M" say to you before sending you out on your mission? What gadgets would "Q" give you to help you achieve your goals?


Good Luck,
Allen

Thursday 19 October 2006

This Blogger is Taking Care of His Health

I have hurt my wrists and unfortunately have to cut back on the typing. My blog is but a hobby and so I am putting it on hold for a couple of weeks. I WILL be back so please don’t go away.

Thanks for all your support!

Allen

This Blogger is Taking Care of His Health

I have hurt my wrists and unfortunately have to cut back on the typing. My blog is but a hobby and so I am putting it on hold for a couple of weeks. I WILL be back so please don’t go away.

Thanks for all your support!

Allen

Thursday 12 October 2006

50 Words and Concepts to Change the Workplace for the better

If we were to make the workplace a better place - what aspects of ourselves should we improve? Increasing the quality of life at work is a very important aspect of life. We spend so much of our time at our place of work it is in EVERYBODYS interest to make it a better place to be. To that end - and to get you all thinking - here are list of words and concepts that I feel could inspire us change the workplace for the better.

Patience
Tolerance
Compassion
Empathy
Understanding
Forgiveness
Purpose
Fulfillment
Listening
Balance
Self esteem
Fun
Laughter
Concentration
Commitment
Team building
People not machines
Learning
Charity
Priorities
Time management
Altruism
Socialize
Relationships
Goals
Calm
Environment
Health
Family
Challenging
Communication
Self aware
Impact
Flexible
Modest
Imperfect
Different
Independent thinking
Curiosity
Contemplation
Organize
Creativity
Commitment
Community
Focus
Generosity
Motivation
Morality
Rest
Respect

I hope this list inspires you to change your place of work. Can you think of any more that I have missed?

50 Words and Concepts to Change the Workplace for the better

If we were to make the workplace a better place - what aspects of ourselves should we improve? Increasing the quality of life at work is a very important aspect of life. We spend so much of our time at our place of work it is in EVERYBODYS interest to make it a better place to be. To that end - and to get you all thinking - here are list of words and concepts that I feel could inspire us change the workplace for the better.

Patience
Tolerance
Compassion
Empathy
Understanding
Forgiveness
Purpose
Fulfillment
Listening
Balance
Self esteem
Fun
Laughter
Concentration
Commitment
Team building
People not machines
Learning
Charity
Priorities
Time management
Altruism
Socialize
Relationships
Goals
Calm
Environment
Health
Family
Challenging
Communication
Self aware
Impact
Flexible
Modest
Imperfect
Different
Independent thinking
Curiosity
Contemplation
Organize
Creativity
Commitment
Community
Focus
Generosity
Motivation
Morality
Rest
Respect

I hope this list inspires you to change your place of work. Can you think of any more that I have missed?

Wednesday 11 October 2006

The Answer to the riddle ....

Ok the riddle last week was ..

It is greater than God
It is more evil than the devil
The rich cant have it
The poor dont want it
If humans eat it they die

What is it?

The answer is NOTHING

NOTHING is greater than God.
NOTHING is more evil than the devil.
The RICH cant have NOTHING
The poor dont want NOTHING
If Humans eat NOTHING they die.

The Answer to the riddle ....

Ok the riddle last week was ..

It is greater than God
It is more evil than the devil
The rich cant have it
The poor dont want it
If humans eat it they die

What is it?

The answer is NOTHING

NOTHING is greater than God.
NOTHING is more evil than the devil.
The RICH cant have NOTHING
The poor dont want NOTHING
If Humans eat NOTHING they die.

Monday 9 October 2006

How To Deal with Difficult People

There is no avoiding difficult people and this especially applies to the work environment. Here is a tip that I find works for me and I would be interested in your feedback on this.

When dealing with difficult people imagine how one of your role models or heroes would deal with them. At this stage I am hoping you have positive role models!

I could imagine how would Gandhi deal with this person? Or how would the Dalai Lama or Bishop Desmond Tutu deal with this person? If you are a spiritual person you could ask yourself how would Jesus, Buddha or Mohammed deal with this? You could even use fictional characters as role models. In my case I would use Jean Luc Picard or Palmer Joss (from Contact) or Shepherd Book(from Firefly).

Using positive role models is a useful way of gaining perspective and learning patience and tolerance. Have a go with this and let me know how you get on!

Bye for now,
Allen

How To Deal with Difficult People

There is no avoiding difficult people and this especially applies to the work environment. Here is a tip that I find works for me and I would be interested in your feedback on this.

When dealing with difficult people imagine how one of your role models or heroes would deal with them. At this stage I am hoping you have positive role models!

I could imagine how would Gandhi deal with this person? Or how would the Dalai Lama or Bishop Desmond Tutu deal with this person? If you are a spiritual person you could ask yourself how would Jesus, Buddha or Mohammed deal with this? You could even use fictional characters as role models. In my case I would use Jean Luc Picard or Palmer Joss (from Contact) or Shepherd Book(from Firefly).

Using positive role models is a useful way of gaining perspective and learning patience and tolerance. Have a go with this and let me know how you get on!

Bye for now,
Allen

Wednesday 4 October 2006

Mind Mapping



Mind map notes taken during a class.
Image taken from www.wikipedia.org


One of the best tools or methodologies I have learnt recently is "mind mapping". I find it a great tool for brain storming and goal setting. Some of the literature around mind-mapping has made claims that one can find the perfect lover, combat bullying, persuade clients, develop intuitive powers, create global harmony, and tap the deeper levels of consciousness by using mind map techniques. I don't know about that but I find it a great learning aid as I find it taps into my minds natural aptitude to associate symbols with facts. Its utilizing the two halves of your brain.

There are certain rules to mind mapping but these are open to free interpretation by the individual:

- Start in the centre with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.

- Use images, symbols, codes and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.

- Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.

- Each word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line.

- The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.

- Make the lines the same length as the word/image.

- Use colors – your own code – throughout the Mind Map.

- Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.

- Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.

- Keep the Mind Map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.

(See: BUZAN, Tony. The Mind Map Book. Chapter "Mind Mapping Guidelines").

Check these links out to get yourself started :

Mind Mapping



Mind map notes taken during a class.
Image taken from www.wikipedia.org


One of the best tools or methodologies I have learnt recently is "mind mapping". I find it a great tool for brain storming and goal setting. Some of the literature around mind-mapping has made claims that one can find the perfect lover, combat bullying, persuade clients, develop intuitive powers, create global harmony, and tap the deeper levels of consciousness by using mind map techniques. I don't know about that but I find it a great learning aid as I find it taps into my minds natural aptitude to associate symbols with facts. Its utilizing the two halves of your brain.

There are certain rules to mind mapping but these are open to free interpretation by the individual:

- Start in the centre with an image of the topic, using at least 3 colors.

- Use images, symbols, codes and dimensions throughout your Mind Map.

- Select key words and print using upper or lower case letters.

- Each word/image must be alone and sitting on its own line.

- The lines must be connected, starting from the central image. The central lines are thicker, organic and flowing, becoming thinner as they radiate out from the centre.

- Make the lines the same length as the word/image.

- Use colors – your own code – throughout the Mind Map.

- Develop your own personal style of Mind Mapping.

- Use emphasis and show associations in your Mind Map.

- Keep the Mind Map clear by using radial hierarchy, numerical order or outlines to embrace your branches.

(See: BUZAN, Tony. The Mind Map Book. Chapter "Mind Mapping Guidelines").

Check these links out to get yourself started :

Tuesday 3 October 2006

Riddle Me This!

Its good to exercise the brain and with that in mind I am going to start posting the odd riddle or three here on my site.


So here is the first:

It is greater than God
It is more evil than the devil
The rich cant have it
The poor dont want it
If humans eat it they die

What is it?


Answer using the comments below. Prize: The knowledge that you are clever! :)

Riddle Me This!

Its good to exercise the brain and with that in mind I am going to start posting the odd riddle or three here on my site.


So here is the first:

It is greater than God
It is more evil than the devil
The rich cant have it
The poor dont want it
If humans eat it they die

What is it?


Answer using the comments below. Prize: The knowledge that you are clever! :)

Sunday 1 October 2006

10 Commandments for Everyday Life

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


Hi there!

Don't worry, I do not have a God complex. It was just I was thinking to myself if there could be Ten Commandments that one could have for everyday life. I am not saying that the original commandments are not relevant but I wondered if I could write ten very succinct points that I feel could help us all right now today. Most of us don’t kill people. Most of us don’t steel and hopefully I haven’t done much coveting for a while. So let us say that most of you out there follow the Ten Commandments or something like it. What other ten commandments would you feel could help you in your day to day life? Here is what I think Ten Commandments for everyday life could be.

1) Thou shall think for one’s self.

2) Thou shall develop compassion, patience, tolerance, love and forgiveness in all aspects of ones’ life.

3) Thou shall remember that life is a classroom and thou are the student.

4) Thou shall eat well and find a physical exercise that one will enjoy and practice regularly.

5) Thou shall remember there is more to life than work.

6) Thou shall practice a relaxation exercise daily.

7) Thou shall not worship material things and remember that they shall bring only short term peace.

8) Thou shall be the person one is meant to be not the person one thinks one should be.

9) Thou shall remember that thou are unique and have one’s own thoughts and feelings and have the right to be uniquely you.

10) Thou shall not forget about the Spirit. Thou are more than flesh and bone. Thou have a deep need to find meaning and a connection with a higher power. Find one’s own path to that higher power and do not necessarily follow the path one has inherited.

What Ten Commandments for everyday life would you have?

Good luck!
Allen

10 Commandments for Everyday Life

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


Hi there!

Don't worry, I do not have a God complex. It was just I was thinking to myself if there could be Ten Commandments that one could have for everyday life. I am not saying that the original commandments are not relevant but I wondered if I could write ten very succinct points that I feel could help us all right now today. Most of us don’t kill people. Most of us don’t steel and hopefully I haven’t done much coveting for a while. So let us say that most of you out there follow the Ten Commandments or something like it. What other ten commandments would you feel could help you in your day to day life? Here is what I think Ten Commandments for everyday life could be.

1) Thou shall think for one’s self.

2) Thou shall develop compassion, patience, tolerance, love and forgiveness in all aspects of ones’ life.

3) Thou shall remember that life is a classroom and thou are the student.

4) Thou shall eat well and find a physical exercise that one will enjoy and practice regularly.

5) Thou shall remember there is more to life than work.

6) Thou shall practice a relaxation exercise daily.

7) Thou shall not worship material things and remember that they shall bring only short term peace.

8) Thou shall be the person one is meant to be not the person one thinks one should be.

9) Thou shall remember that thou are unique and have one’s own thoughts and feelings and have the right to be uniquely you.

10) Thou shall not forget about the Spirit. Thou are more than flesh and bone. Thou have a deep need to find meaning and a connection with a higher power. Find one’s own path to that higher power and do not necessarily follow the path one has inherited.

What Ten Commandments for everyday life would you have?

Good luck!
Allen

Monday 25 September 2006

5 Ways To Avoid The Gym and Still Get Exercise

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


I realise a lot of my posts here ar just common sense but common sense is a very easy thing to forget. If everyone operated under common sense all of the time I wonder how our world would be? So the following tips are all common sense but I think a usefull reminder for all of us.

About a year ago I suffered a neck injury. Part of my rehab was to go to the gym and strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles and I still attend the gym to this day. I don't pay anything for the gym as my my day job provides this as a benefit. I was there the other day when I noticed a number of people walking on the treadmills and it got me to thinking. Why are these people walking here? Why don't they walk outside? Why do they have to come to the gym?

A lot of people pay hefty gym fees in order to do something they usually don't enjoy and because they don't enjoy it they usually give up on it. Exercise is very important and one thing that annoys me is how gym class in school is managed. Its all about competition, performance and criticism when you don’t measure up to a certain standard. It puts people off physical activity for life! What happened to doing exercises for the sake of it or just having fun!

There now follows five tips on how to get some exercise without having to go to the gym.


1) Learn to Walk again.

Walk in the nature and enjoy the environment. Walk with friends and enjoy their company. Instead of going to the canteen for a coffee on your work breaks - go for a walk around the block. Get other people involved! Make it fun! Get the bus to work and get off one stop early so you have to walk the rest. Get a dog and he/she will force you to walk everyday!!


2) Do chores without the labor saving devices.

Sweep your floors and if you have a carpet use a carpet sweeper instead of a vacuum cleaner! If you don’t know what a carpet sweeper is Google it..I find sweeping a great exercise! Polish, scrub, clean and work up a sweat. Work in the garden. Mow the lawn with a push lawn mower instead of an electric or petrol powered one. Do DIY around your house.

3) Change your habits.

Spend more time outdoors. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Be as active as you can. Cycle to work if possible! If you live in a warm climate go for a morning swim outdoors. As stated in point one, have walk breaks instead of coffee breaks.

4) Learn something new.
Take lessons in a non-competitive activity e.g. Yoga, Pilates, dancing or even learn how to sail a boat! Going to classes is a great way to be active and learn something while you are doing it!

5) Make it Regular and Make it Fun!

If you make it fun you will return to it. If you keep returning it will become a regular habit. If you are into sports do something you enjoy and do it because you like it not because you keep winning. I used to play lots of Squash and lost on a regular basis but I loved it! I didn't notice how much exercise I was getting until the end of the game - I was having so much fun. There are lots of alternative sports to choose from! Have you tried Paintball or laser quest? Have you tried Frisbee golf? Just find something you enjoy and before you know it you will be fit, healthy and happier!

Good Luck,
Allen

5 Ways To Avoid The Gym and Still Get Exercise

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


I realise a lot of my posts here ar just common sense but common sense is a very easy thing to forget. If everyone operated under common sense all of the time I wonder how our world would be? So the following tips are all common sense but I think a usefull reminder for all of us.

About a year ago I suffered a neck injury. Part of my rehab was to go to the gym and strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles and I still attend the gym to this day. I don't pay anything for the gym as my my day job provides this as a benefit. I was there the other day when I noticed a number of people walking on the treadmills and it got me to thinking. Why are these people walking here? Why don't they walk outside? Why do they have to come to the gym?

A lot of people pay hefty gym fees in order to do something they usually don't enjoy and because they don't enjoy it they usually give up on it. Exercise is very important and one thing that annoys me is how gym class in school is managed. Its all about competition, performance and criticism when you don’t measure up to a certain standard. It puts people off physical activity for life! What happened to doing exercises for the sake of it or just having fun!

There now follows five tips on how to get some exercise without having to go to the gym.


1) Learn to Walk again.

Walk in the nature and enjoy the environment. Walk with friends and enjoy their company. Instead of going to the canteen for a coffee on your work breaks - go for a walk around the block. Get other people involved! Make it fun! Get the bus to work and get off one stop early so you have to walk the rest. Get a dog and he/she will force you to walk everyday!!


2) Do chores without the labor saving devices.

Sweep your floors and if you have a carpet use a carpet sweeper instead of a vacuum cleaner! If you don’t know what a carpet sweeper is Google it..I find sweeping a great exercise! Polish, scrub, clean and work up a sweat. Work in the garden. Mow the lawn with a push lawn mower instead of an electric or petrol powered one. Do DIY around your house.

3) Change your habits.

Spend more time outdoors. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Be as active as you can. Cycle to work if possible! If you live in a warm climate go for a morning swim outdoors. As stated in point one, have walk breaks instead of coffee breaks.

4) Learn something new.
Take lessons in a non-competitive activity e.g. Yoga, Pilates, dancing or even learn how to sail a boat! Going to classes is a great way to be active and learn something while you are doing it!

5) Make it Regular and Make it Fun!

If you make it fun you will return to it. If you keep returning it will become a regular habit. If you are into sports do something you enjoy and do it because you like it not because you keep winning. I used to play lots of Squash and lost on a regular basis but I loved it! I didn't notice how much exercise I was getting until the end of the game - I was having so much fun. There are lots of alternative sports to choose from! Have you tried Paintball or laser quest? Have you tried Frisbee golf? Just find something you enjoy and before you know it you will be fit, healthy and happier!

Good Luck,
Allen

Tuesday 19 September 2006

The Self Help Story So Far - A List of Help

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


Here is the self help story so far. A list of my lists and self help tips that I have published since I started providing Self Help and Personal Development for Lazy People. I hope you find this useful.

How to Make Meetings Fun
How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci
How to be Awake and have a Fully Conscious Day
5 Ways to Keep Things in Perspective
5 Tips on How To Treat Your Life like You are at School
10 Tips on How to Be Healthier At The Office
10 Tips on How to Think for Yourself
10 Ways to Excercise The Mind
5 Tips on Deep Relaxation and Anxiety Relief
10 Tips on Leading a Balanced Life
Foiled Terrorist Attacks and a Technique to Relieve Anxiety
First Steps to Being Assertive
Life Hack for your work Resteraunts
Change in Small Steps
50 Self Nuturing Activites for Lazy People
How to Stop Obsessive Worry
Meditation for Restless People - an easier way to meditate.

And last but not least

Self Help and Personal Development for Lazy People

Good Luck,


Allen

The Self Help Story So Far - A List of Help

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


Here is the self help story so far. A list of my lists and self help tips that I have published since I started providing Self Help and Personal Development for Lazy People. I hope you find this useful.

How to Make Meetings Fun
How to Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci
How to be Awake and have a Fully Conscious Day
5 Ways to Keep Things in Perspective
5 Tips on How To Treat Your Life like You are at School
10 Tips on How to Be Healthier At The Office
10 Tips on How to Think for Yourself
10 Ways to Excercise The Mind
5 Tips on Deep Relaxation and Anxiety Relief
10 Tips on Leading a Balanced Life
Foiled Terrorist Attacks and a Technique to Relieve Anxiety
First Steps to Being Assertive
Life Hack for your work Resteraunts
Change in Small Steps
50 Self Nuturing Activites for Lazy People
How to Stop Obsessive Worry
Meditation for Restless People - an easier way to meditate.

And last but not least

Self Help and Personal Development for Lazy People

Good Luck,


Allen

100th Post!

Hello Everyone!
Well this is my 100th post. Its been an interesting time, since I changed the direction of my blog to Selp Help For Lazy People. I wanted to reach people who did not normally consider the area of personal development and this seems to have struck a chord with you - the reader.

I just want to share some statistics with you not to brag by no no means but just to say thank you for making writing this blog worth while.

July - 50 unique visits.
August - 20,000 unique visits.
101 Blogline subscriptions.
Technorati ranking 19,555
Google Ranking 3.

So to those 20,000 new readers - I say thank you and I hope I have been of some help!

Good Luck,
Allen

100th Post!

Hello Everyone!
Well this is my 100th post. Its been an interesting time, since I changed the direction of my blog to Selp Help For Lazy People. I wanted to reach people who did not normally consider the area of personal development and this seems to have struck a chord with you - the reader.

I just want to share some statistics with you not to brag by no no means but just to say thank you for making writing this blog worth while.

July - 50 unique visits.
August - 20,000 unique visits.
101 Blogline subscriptions.
Technorati ranking 19,555
Google Ranking 3.

So to those 20,000 new readers - I say thank you and I hope I have been of some help!

Good Luck,
Allen

Friday 15 September 2006

How To Make Meetings Fun!

Hi there,
Since it is Friday I wanted to share this light hearted tip with you. Actually it is quite useful and can turn a boring work meeting into fun. What you do is you make a list of words before you go to a meeting. Say ten words for the sake of argument. During the meeting you have to include these words in the conversation you are having without people noticing anything unusal. Choose a theme for your list e.g. food related words. Say you have the words Tomato, butter and toast on your list. You could say things like "We don't want to butter the client up too much." Or "If we don't get this deal we are toast." or "We don't want to do anything that will give us red faces like a tomato."

You can play solo or you can play as a group - just try and refrain from jumping up and down and shouting YES!!!! when you get all the words on your list.

Have a nice weekend everyone!
Allen

How To Make Meetings Fun!

Hi there,
Since it is Friday I wanted to share this light hearted tip with you. Actually it is quite useful and can turn a boring work meeting into fun. What you do is you make a list of words before you go to a meeting. Say ten words for the sake of argument. During the meeting you have to include these words in the conversation you are having without people noticing anything unusal. Choose a theme for your list e.g. food related words. Say you have the words Tomato, butter and toast on your list. You could say things like "We don't want to butter the client up too much." Or "If we don't get this deal we are toast." or "We don't want to do anything that will give us red faces like a tomato."

You can play solo or you can play as a group - just try and refrain from jumping up and down and shouting YES!!!! when you get all the words on your list.

Have a nice weekend everyone!
Allen

Thursday 14 September 2006

Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci!

I just finished the book" How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci" by Michael J. Gelb. I loved it!

As you know I have a passion for living a balanced life and this book seemed to really write about this. I really cannot recommend this great book highly enough and I will write later on the seven life skills I learnt from it. Well done Michael J. Gelb!

Check out the book on amazon below!

Good Luck!
Allen

Think Like Leonardo Da Vinci!

I just finished the book" How to Think Like Leonardo da Vinci" by Michael J. Gelb. I loved it!

As you know I have a passion for living a balanced life and this book seemed to really write about this. I really cannot recommend this great book highly enough and I will write later on the seven life skills I learnt from it. Well done Michael J. Gelb!

Check out the book on amazon below!

Good Luck!
Allen

Wednesday 13 September 2006

5 Ways To Keep Things in Perspective

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


I am going to be honest with you now dear reader. I am no Tony Robbins. That’s right! I am just somebody who is interested in self improvement and I am sharing with you self help stuff that works for me.

I don't always apply these strategies and tips (my wife would not be shocked at all by this). I get caught up with the "everydayness" of life and I can sometimes loose perspective. That’s why I am always so interested in your own opinions on what I write. I usually list out some strategies that I have found helped me and ask "What strategies can you think of?". This is as much for my own education as to get your own creative juices flowing.

Let us take this example. As I get caught up in the "everyday-ness" of life I loose perspective. I start feeling stressed out over small silly things that don't really add up to much in the big scheme of things. Sometimes it takes a serious life event like illness or bereavement to give me a good kick up the back side and realize what a great life I have after all.

So I think to myself what can I do EVERYDAY that would help me keep a healthy perspective on things? Well, as is tradition on this site, here are 5 ways I feel that will help us all keep things in perspective.

1) Look at your worries from the future.

How would your worries today be viewed by yourself as you look back in 10 years time? How would the worries look from 20, 50 or 80 years in the future. My grandmother used to say "Try not to worry, you will be dead in 100 years time." Which is very true and this doesn’t half give you perspective on your problems.

2) Compare your problems and worries to others less fortunate than yourself.

How do your problems compare with people who live in war torn countries? How do your problems compare to people facing hunger, terminal illness and poverty. Reflect on these things and this should give you some perspective on your own problems.

3) What's the worse that can happen?

Look at the worse case scenario as scary as that might be. Is the problem your facing really as bad as you think it is? It may not be? If the worse does happen at least it may not come as much of shock? This strategy only really works with less serious problems that we have exaggerated in our own minds.

4) Talk to your friends and/or family or children?

There have been countless times that I have come home from my day job feeling like the whole world was on my shoulders. I then would have a good chat with my wife and she would more than most give me her sense of perspective on the issues of the day. It is often so good to talk to someone with a sympathetic ear who have a certain distance to one's own problems. Children have a really healthy perspective on life and really bring you back to earth. I remember the time that we had to move from the area where my wife's niece.
"Why do you have to move from here?", asked the niece.
"I have to go as I have to start a new job.", replied my wife.
"Why don't you just get a job near where I live then?, pointed out the six year old. :)

5) Spend time with your pet or go walking in the nature.

My little cat at home provides a daily does of perspective for me. After a stressful day at the office there is nothing like a furry cat wanting to play with you to bring perspective back and a smile to your face. Walking in the nature can also be a good way to remain grounded. There is a park near where we live and just seeing the different wild life going about their day with no worries at all really puts things into perspective for me.


I feel I have so much to learn in the ways of keeping perspective. What ways can you suggest to me, that would help us all keep perspective in our everyday lives.

Good Luck,
Allen

5 Ways To Keep Things in Perspective

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


I am going to be honest with you now dear reader. I am no Tony Robbins. That’s right! I am just somebody who is interested in self improvement and I am sharing with you self help stuff that works for me.

I don't always apply these strategies and tips (my wife would not be shocked at all by this). I get caught up with the "everydayness" of life and I can sometimes loose perspective. That’s why I am always so interested in your own opinions on what I write. I usually list out some strategies that I have found helped me and ask "What strategies can you think of?". This is as much for my own education as to get your own creative juices flowing.

Let us take this example. As I get caught up in the "everyday-ness" of life I loose perspective. I start feeling stressed out over small silly things that don't really add up to much in the big scheme of things. Sometimes it takes a serious life event like illness or bereavement to give me a good kick up the back side and realize what a great life I have after all.

So I think to myself what can I do EVERYDAY that would help me keep a healthy perspective on things? Well, as is tradition on this site, here are 5 ways I feel that will help us all keep things in perspective.

1) Look at your worries from the future.

How would your worries today be viewed by yourself as you look back in 10 years time? How would the worries look from 20, 50 or 80 years in the future. My grandmother used to say "Try not to worry, you will be dead in 100 years time." Which is very true and this doesn’t half give you perspective on your problems.

2) Compare your problems and worries to others less fortunate than yourself.

How do your problems compare with people who live in war torn countries? How do your problems compare to people facing hunger, terminal illness and poverty. Reflect on these things and this should give you some perspective on your own problems.

3) What's the worse that can happen?

Look at the worse case scenario as scary as that might be. Is the problem your facing really as bad as you think it is? It may not be? If the worse does happen at least it may not come as much of shock? This strategy only really works with less serious problems that we have exaggerated in our own minds.

4) Talk to your friends and/or family or children?

There have been countless times that I have come home from my day job feeling like the whole world was on my shoulders. I then would have a good chat with my wife and she would more than most give me her sense of perspective on the issues of the day. It is often so good to talk to someone with a sympathetic ear who have a certain distance to one's own problems. Children have a really healthy perspective on life and really bring you back to earth. I remember the time that we had to move from the area where my wife's niece.
"Why do you have to move from here?", asked the niece.
"I have to go as I have to start a new job.", replied my wife.
"Why don't you just get a job near where I live then?, pointed out the six year old. :)

5) Spend time with your pet or go walking in the nature.

My little cat at home provides a daily does of perspective for me. After a stressful day at the office there is nothing like a furry cat wanting to play with you to bring perspective back and a smile to your face. Walking in the nature can also be a good way to remain grounded. There is a park near where we live and just seeing the different wild life going about their day with no worries at all really puts things into perspective for me.


I feel I have so much to learn in the ways of keeping perspective. What ways can you suggest to me, that would help us all keep perspective in our everyday lives.

Good Luck,
Allen

Friday 8 September 2006

How To Be Awake and Have a Fully Conscious Day

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


A lot has been written about the pace of modern life. How we all run round at a hundred miles per hour trying to get things done in the shortest time possible. We all have bills to pay - mortgages, child care, school fees, medical bills you name it! It’s all worry, it’s all go and its all stress. I am guilty of doing the same and its really hard not to get caught up in todays rushed lifestyle.

We wander around with our ears plugged into our mp3 players, worrying about the future and regretting the past, as the world around us passes us by. We try and do too many things at the same time e.g. talking on the phone while typing an email and munching down a sandwich! We feel overwhelmed by our days and burnt out!

Well here is a technique that I learnt that helped me slow down and wake me up to the world around me and its all about being fully conscious. There now follows my suggestion on how to be fully conscious through out a typical working day. As an experiment, try it for one day and note how you feel. I think you will notice you will feel more relaxed, less hurried and generally happier.

1) Upon waking.
You wake up and slowly swing your legs out of bed. As your feet touch the floor, note what this feels like. Stretch and feel the stretch in your body. What muscles are stretching? Where are the tensions in your body? Walk to the window and note the weather. If it is sunny and your bedroom faces the right way, feel the warm sunlight on your face. When you have your shower, feel the warm water fall onto your body. How does it feel? If you were to describe it in a novel, how would you describe the feeling of the water? When drying yourself, take one body part at a time slowly noting each one as you dry it. Next you will be having breakfast. Use the technique described in point five to fully enjoy your breakfast.

2) Your journey to work.
If you drive to work, imagine that you are demonstrating to someone how it is to drive perfectly. Drive without the radio on and be fully immersed in the activity of driving. If you are “stuck in traffic” note this and do some stretches in the car. Note the potential to be stressed out in this situation and note how futile it would be as it will not change anything. Do some deep breathing and relax. If you walk to work, take note of the environment around you. If you see any trees, what color are the leaves? If you see any flowers, how do they smell or how would you imagine they smell? If you are walking in the city, take note of all the different types of people around you. How do you think they are feeling? What stories do you think they have to tell? If you take public transport to work, note the sound of the bus or train. Are there any people chatting? What kind of people are on the bus or train? Who do you think they are?

3) Your day at work.
Spend your work day doing one thing at a time. If you have an email to write, just do that! If your phone rings and you feel you must answer it. Stop writing the email and give the phone call 100% of your attention. When someone talks to you, give them 100% of your attention. Listen carefully to what they are saying to you. If you are in a meeting, have your attention be 100% in that meeting. Pretend that you are going to be quizzed on the meeting afterwards and try and understand and comprehend as much as you can within the meeting. Try and do your work the best you can delivering the best work you have ever delivered.

4) Non – coffee, coffee breaks.
Instead of going to the office canteen to have a coffee, go for a walk around the block. Note your breathing and on every slow exhale imagine saying “Relax” yourself. Note the quality of the air. How does your breath feel on inhale as compared to your exhale? Feel the difference in temperature of your breath as you slowly inhale and exhale. Feel the pressure on the soles of your feet as they step on the pavement. Look around you and take in the environment, taking in as much detail as possible. Be fully aware of your surroundings.

5) Your meals.
Eat slowly, savoring every mouthful of the food. How does it taste? If you were writing a restaurant review, how would you describe the experience? What textures can you feel as eat? If someone is talking to you, stop and listen to what they are saying. How many times do you chew your food? Are you gulping it down? What sort of food are you eating? Do you feel it is healthy? How do you feel after you have finished your meal? How does it compare to when you ate something healthier or less healthy? How do you feel throughout the day and how does it relate to what you have eaten?

I am sure there are more ways to be fully conscious. What ways can you think of that will focus your attention, calm your mind and make you become more aware of the world you live in?

Good Luck!
Allen

How To Be Awake and Have a Fully Conscious Day

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


A lot has been written about the pace of modern life. How we all run round at a hundred miles per hour trying to get things done in the shortest time possible. We all have bills to pay - mortgages, child care, school fees, medical bills you name it! It’s all worry, it’s all go and its all stress. I am guilty of doing the same and its really hard not to get caught up in todays rushed lifestyle.

We wander around with our ears plugged into our mp3 players, worrying about the future and regretting the past, as the world around us passes us by. We try and do too many things at the same time e.g. talking on the phone while typing an email and munching down a sandwich! We feel overwhelmed by our days and burnt out!

Well here is a technique that I learnt that helped me slow down and wake me up to the world around me and its all about being fully conscious. There now follows my suggestion on how to be fully conscious through out a typical working day. As an experiment, try it for one day and note how you feel. I think you will notice you will feel more relaxed, less hurried and generally happier.

1) Upon waking.
You wake up and slowly swing your legs out of bed. As your feet touch the floor, note what this feels like. Stretch and feel the stretch in your body. What muscles are stretching? Where are the tensions in your body? Walk to the window and note the weather. If it is sunny and your bedroom faces the right way, feel the warm sunlight on your face. When you have your shower, feel the warm water fall onto your body. How does it feel? If you were to describe it in a novel, how would you describe the feeling of the water? When drying yourself, take one body part at a time slowly noting each one as you dry it. Next you will be having breakfast. Use the technique described in point five to fully enjoy your breakfast.

2) Your journey to work.
If you drive to work, imagine that you are demonstrating to someone how it is to drive perfectly. Drive without the radio on and be fully immersed in the activity of driving. If you are “stuck in traffic” note this and do some stretches in the car. Note the potential to be stressed out in this situation and note how futile it would be as it will not change anything. Do some deep breathing and relax. If you walk to work, take note of the environment around you. If you see any trees, what color are the leaves? If you see any flowers, how do they smell or how would you imagine they smell? If you are walking in the city, take note of all the different types of people around you. How do you think they are feeling? What stories do you think they have to tell? If you take public transport to work, note the sound of the bus or train. Are there any people chatting? What kind of people are on the bus or train? Who do you think they are?

3) Your day at work.
Spend your work day doing one thing at a time. If you have an email to write, just do that! If your phone rings and you feel you must answer it. Stop writing the email and give the phone call 100% of your attention. When someone talks to you, give them 100% of your attention. Listen carefully to what they are saying to you. If you are in a meeting, have your attention be 100% in that meeting. Pretend that you are going to be quizzed on the meeting afterwards and try and understand and comprehend as much as you can within the meeting. Try and do your work the best you can delivering the best work you have ever delivered.

4) Non – coffee, coffee breaks.
Instead of going to the office canteen to have a coffee, go for a walk around the block. Note your breathing and on every slow exhale imagine saying “Relax” yourself. Note the quality of the air. How does your breath feel on inhale as compared to your exhale? Feel the difference in temperature of your breath as you slowly inhale and exhale. Feel the pressure on the soles of your feet as they step on the pavement. Look around you and take in the environment, taking in as much detail as possible. Be fully aware of your surroundings.

5) Your meals.
Eat slowly, savoring every mouthful of the food. How does it taste? If you were writing a restaurant review, how would you describe the experience? What textures can you feel as eat? If someone is talking to you, stop and listen to what they are saying. How many times do you chew your food? Are you gulping it down? What sort of food are you eating? Do you feel it is healthy? How do you feel after you have finished your meal? How does it compare to when you ate something healthier or less healthy? How do you feel throughout the day and how does it relate to what you have eaten?

I am sure there are more ways to be fully conscious. What ways can you think of that will focus your attention, calm your mind and make you become more aware of the world you live in?

Good Luck!
Allen

Monday 4 September 2006

10 Things To Write in your Notebook.

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


I have been a long time fan of using a notebook as a tool for self-improvement, as a journal or just as a place where I can do some brainstorming. I am a proud Hipster PDA and Moleskine user and with that in mind here are 10 different things I like to write in them.

1) New words that I have learnt that day.

2) Mind maps of my goals for the week, month, year.

3) Creative writing such as poems and short stories.

4) Mental stresses and tensions that I notice I feel during the day, the thoughts I felt that caused those stresses and alternative more positive thoughts in order to reduce those stresses for the future.

5) Sketches to exercise the right side of the brain.

6) Reviews of movies, music or television etc.

7) Books I want to read in the future, movies I wish to see and music I wish to listen to etc.

8) General “dear diary” prose including my observations, thoughts and feelings relating to the day.

9) Any physical tensions and what may have caused them.

10)Ideas for my blog.

What do you write in your notebook?

10 Things To Write in your Notebook.

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


I have been a long time fan of using a notebook as a tool for self-improvement, as a journal or just as a place where I can do some brainstorming. I am a proud Hipster PDA and Moleskine user and with that in mind here are 10 different things I like to write in them.

1) New words that I have learnt that day.

2) Mind maps of my goals for the week, month, year.

3) Creative writing such as poems and short stories.

4) Mental stresses and tensions that I notice I feel during the day, the thoughts I felt that caused those stresses and alternative more positive thoughts in order to reduce those stresses for the future.

5) Sketches to exercise the right side of the brain.

6) Reviews of movies, music or television etc.

7) Books I want to read in the future, movies I wish to see and music I wish to listen to etc.

8) General “dear diary” prose including my observations, thoughts and feelings relating to the day.

9) Any physical tensions and what may have caused them.

10)Ideas for my blog.

What do you write in your notebook?

Thursday 31 August 2006

5 Tips on how to treat your life like you are still at school!

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


I like to think back to my days at school and ponder how, in a way, the system got it right. Let me explain.

Remember how we all used to have different classes? We had science, history, English literature, religious studies, French, geography, art, music and physical education to name but a few. It got me to thinking how varied and broad the education we got was and how the varied subjects kept it interesting. You utilized different parts of your brain and lived a balanced life.

As we got older we became more and more specialized. Some of us went on to study law or medicine. Some studied engineering or science and others trained in trades such as carpentry or plumbing. We lost the balanced approach to our learning and our lives. Some of us let the physical exercise go by the road side, others stopped reading for pleasure and others even stopped learning all together.

In my humble opinion, if we model our lives on the structure of how we were educated as children, our lives would be a lot more balanced. We would constantly be learning. We would try new things and learn a wide range of skills. We would appreciate literature, music, science and history - even more now than when we were kids. We would have our own phys. ed. classes were we wouldn't have to feel like we are competing with everyone else - it would be enough just to BE active. Here are some of my tips on how we would re-capture that spark of life that was learning and being educated.

1) Create your own time table for the week.

Make time for learning. Schedule in some time for learning or reading something new. Schedule in some time for exercise or listening to some music you wouldn’t normally listen to. If you actually make the effort to schedule like your school used to do for you - you might actually find the time to learn.

2) Make your own physical education class.

Some of the sports we were made to do - I hated! I also hated gym class as I was never very good compared to my classmates. Well you know what? Now that you are an adult you don't have to compare yourself to others. You can pick physical activities and sports that you enjoy and that you might actually stick with!

3) Make your own art or music class.

Again you don't need to worry what other people think of your painting, sketching or drawing. Do it for you and let your creativity flow. We all have it! Learn any musical instrument you want. I have started learning guitar again and it doesn’t matter that I can only play a few chords. I can play Johnny Cash’s “A boy named Sue” as is only three chords!

4) Make up your own syllabus.

You are the school principal. You are the head coach, the English, history or science teacher. You make up a learning time table that suits you. It can be as heavy or light a schedule as you want. Imaging the fun you could have had if you could do that in school!

5) Keep it varied and keep it balanced.

Keep your new school time table varied and balanced. Leave time for physical exercise and relaxation. Keep the subjects you choose varied so you use different parts of your brain i.e. the logical part or the artistic part for example. Most of all have fun with it!


I hope this helps to inspire you to begin a path of life long learning. I really believe if you live your life this way you will start living your life to the full!

Good Luck,
Allen

5 Tips on how to treat your life like you are still at school!

Photo By N. Ireland Wallpapers / Desktop Backgrounds


I like to think back to my days at school and ponder how, in a way, the system got it right. Let me explain.

Remember how we all used to have different classes? We had science, history, English literature, religious studies, French, geography, art, music and physical education to name but a few. It got me to thinking how varied and broad the education we got was and how the varied subjects kept it interesting. You utilized different parts of your brain and lived a balanced life.

As we got older we became more and more specialized. Some of us went on to study law or medicine. Some studied engineering or science and others trained in trades such as carpentry or plumbing. We lost the balanced approach to our learning and our lives. Some of us let the physical exercise go by the road side, others stopped reading for pleasure and others even stopped learning all together.

In my humble opinion, if we model our lives on the structure of how we were educated as children, our lives would be a lot more balanced. We would constantly be learning. We would try new things and learn a wide range of skills. We would appreciate literature, music, science and history - even more now than when we were kids. We would have our own phys. ed. classes were we wouldn't have to feel like we are competing with everyone else - it would be enough just to BE active. Here are some of my tips on how we would re-capture that spark of life that was learning and being educated.

1) Create your own time table for the week.

Make time for learning. Schedule in some time for learning or reading something new. Schedule in some time for exercise or listening to some music you wouldn’t normally listen to. If you actually make the effort to schedule like your school used to do for you - you might actually find the time to learn.

2) Make your own physical education class.

Some of the sports we were made to do - I hated! I also hated gym class as I was never very good compared to my classmates. Well you know what? Now that you are an adult you don't have to compare yourself to others. You can pick physical activities and sports that you enjoy and that you might actually stick with!

3) Make your own art or music class.

Again you don't need to worry what other people think of your painting, sketching or drawing. Do it for you and let your creativity flow. We all have it! Learn any musical instrument you want. I have started learning guitar again and it doesn’t matter that I can only play a few chords. I can play Johnny Cash’s “A boy named Sue” as is only three chords!

4) Make up your own syllabus.

You are the school principal. You are the head coach, the English, history or science teacher. You make up a learning time table that suits you. It can be as heavy or light a schedule as you want. Imaging the fun you could have had if you could do that in school!

5) Keep it varied and keep it balanced.

Keep your new school time table varied and balanced. Leave time for physical exercise and relaxation. Keep the subjects you choose varied so you use different parts of your brain i.e. the logical part or the artistic part for example. Most of all have fun with it!


I hope this helps to inspire you to begin a path of life long learning. I really believe if you live your life this way you will start living your life to the full!

Good Luck,
Allen

Tuesday 29 August 2006

10 Tips On How To Be Healthier at The Office

10 Tips On How To Be Healthier at The Office
A lot of us now earn our livings by working in an office environment. This may seem like an environment that would be safe and perhaps an environment that would not damage your health, but if you learn the wrong habits it can be exactly that! I have suffered from an injury associated with bad posture and as my physiotherapist said “One has to have a fit body to be able to sit all day!” Other adverse health related issues from working in the office can range from over work and stress to bad nutrition and exhaustion.

With the right strategies, potential dangers to your health can be avoided and the following list is for my own benefit as much as any of the readers of Life is a Journal.

1) Take your breaks.

You do need to take a break for both your mental and your physical well being. Try doing healthier things during your breaks too. Don’t just get up and go for a coffee – go for a walk around the block instead. Try and recruit other people into your walking breaks and make it social thing.

2) Sit properly i.e. good posture.

There are lots of links on the web that will show you how to sit correctly at a desk or workstation. It’s very important to sit correctly to avoid repetitive stress injury (RSI) and neck and shoulder tension. Your health and safety officer at your work might have some information on good posture too.

3) Drink water.

It is important to keep yourself hydrated in the dry air conditioned environment that is the modern workplace. Keep a filled water bottle at your desk and sip it during the day. I noticed a big difference in how I felt with less headaches and tiredness when I adopted this habit. To give you an idea on how little water people drink – current medical advice suggests that you should be drinking about two liters a day although this includes all fluids from food too!

4) Eat healthy.

Bring in your own lunch – that way you have control of what is going into your mouth at lunch time. Substitute snacking on junk food to snacking on nuts, dried fruit or fresh fruit. I know we all need a little pick me up in the afternoon so I won’t recommend not snacking at all! What I will say though is reducing refined sugar based products also reduces the “crash and burn” affect as I like to call it. This comes when the sugar and caffeine effects wear off and you feel a hundred times worse than you did before you went for the sugar fix.

5) Reduce Caffeine Intake.

Coffee and tea can not only set your nerves a jittering but it can dehydrate you too. Again instead, of stopping totally – slowly reduce your intake and substitute something in its place such a herbal teas, red bush tea, fruit juice or even water!

6) Arrive to work early.

A lot of jobs these days allow for flexible working hours. As tempting as it is to lie in bed that bit longer it comes back to bite you at the end of the day when you have to make up the balance at the other end. It is important to have a balanced life so come in early, work when you are fresh and go home on time (with the exceptions of some emergencies of course!)

7) Stretch.

This could go into the point about taking a break but when you are busy, going for a walk round the block isn’t always an option (although you should make time for one of those breaks!!). Stretching at your desk to release tension in your shoulders and neck is very important. Again there are many resources on the web that will show the best exercises to do

8) Go for a lunch time work out.

Instead of sitting in the canteen and then plodding back to your desk, take some time to go work out in a gym or play a sport you like. If you are not a sporty person – try going for a brisk walk. The idea is to counter the inactivity of office work with activity!

9) Work when you are at work.

Don’t surf. Try and be efficient. Do you really need to check your email every five minutes? Or write in a blog that is not work related! J

10) Plan your day.

This can reduce stress, keep you focused on what is important, help with time management and help you get out that office door on time. Work out your long term, medium term and short term goals. Construct a task list that helps you achieve your goals and review the list regularly. Do your goals fit with your organization? Do the goals fit with you as a person? Are they achievable? Do this and your days will run much more smoothly and you will have time to implement all the rest of my tips one through to nine.

What tips can you think of that would help you survive a day at the office? If you think of any, please leave a comment below