The same holds true for life. Life happens and we get the best out of it by choosing how we respond to all of its situations.  You will be most succesful with the most flexible responses.  When the traffic grinds to a halt in a big jam on the motorway I choose to see it as an opportunity to wind up the in-car disco, slam some cool tunes on the stereo and dance in my seat (with the handbrake on of course).  That cheers up me (and everyone in the cars around me!).

There is always a different way to be.  Choose your reaction.  Choose positivity.

The post The sun is shining!! first appeared on develomenta.

Its a very plucky thing to do, just keep trying.  Well I say that never mind new resolutions, just recycle the ones that you already have.  How’s that for a revolution!  Well its easy really.  How many times last year did you say to yourself “I really must stop doing that” or maybe “I must remember that when I do X I need to do it that way” or maybe “I really should do X or Y this week”.

So my new year revolution is to advise you to just recycle all of those everyday resolutions that you made at any time last year.  These are only small things and they can make a big difference to your life.  Achieving success in these small things, rather than just trying, will make you feel good about yourself and will spur you on to greater challenges.  And because they are small things they are not intimidating or difficult to achieve.

So get out all those tired old resolutions, dust them off and get cracking!!

The post New Year Revolutions first appeared on develomenta.

• Life is now very simple – all they have to do each day is search the internet for work and send off applications
• Its a great opportunity to review their life/career choices and do something different
• They could go somewhere different as they are no longer tied to a workplace
• They have time to upskill and do more learning
• There are some people that they are now glad not to see every day
• By going everywhere by pushbike or walking they are getting fitter and saving the planet
• They have more time for all those things that have been waiting for “when I have time…”
• They get to listen to daytime radio
• Spending decisions are really easy – the answer is No
• They can choose how to spend their time and can go out for a long walk in the middle of the day!

Even in the most challenging situations there will be some positives. What are the silver linings in your current tough times?

The post Silver linings first appeared on develomenta.

At that moment I had no idea where that extra work might come from.  I was not waiting for clients to call back to confirm dates or anything like that.

Then within 24 hours I had a call from a client who wanted to run a Fresh Steps course – that’s 4 days work.  This was completely unexpected.  I also then took another call to be offered some really interesting work on a project for the British Council.  So bingo more work than was lost has now been replaced. I really need to dig out his email address and let him know…

All you need to do is be clear on what you want and send out the intention.  The universe will do the rest.  What do you want for your future?  Just ask and hold it lightly in your awareness.

The post Believe it will happen first appeared on develomenta.

It’s true that “you never have a second chance to make a first impression”.  And given what I do it is essential that I embody everything about that in my “pitch”.

In this case, going against all normal advice, I didn’t prepare anything. It was important to show that my offering was directly relevant to the way the client works and their needs.  Therefore I planned to listen to their briefing on the day and respond directly to that.  I am completely used to adapting material to the immediate needs of participants. So I was therefore able to stand up and respond appropriately to what I  had learned during their briefing.

When do you have to make a first impression?  Or when do you have only a very limited time to make an impression?  What will you do to make that count? What is the best way for you to make it a fabulous first impression?  Do you need to prepare?  What do you need to prepare? How will you do that?

The post First Impressions first appeared on develomenta.

These were put together by Erika Schwartz, MD, a general internist, an authority on preventive health, and a patient advocate.  She suggests these 12 easy, fun and effective ways to help improve Dad’s overall health and outlook on life, just in time for Father’s day.

Start a new tradition on Father’s Day – help Dad get and stay healthier.  There’s no better gift than health.

P    Take him for a morning walk after a healthy Father’s day breakfast (egg whites, berry smoothie, chicken sausage and Green tea).

P    Get him a set of 20 pound weights to use every day before dinner or at work, if that is feasible.

P    Get him a 5 pound bag of apples or other fruit and nuts he likes as snack basket he can enjoy every day for the next week.

P    Get him a six-pack of soda water to replace colas, other caffeinated drinks and beer.

P    Get him a muscle vibrator that will help relax his shoulders (a better after-work stress reliever than a beer or glass of wine)

P    Buy him golf lessons or a month’s membership at a gym

P    Find a walking or cycling group and join together (or just get him a bike)

P    Clear his work materials from his bedroom so he can get a better night’s sleep.

P    Get him a video on good nutrition

P    Go away for a weekend together on an activity trip (walking, boating, camping)

P    Line up his father or brother to engage in family-designated physical activity days.

And finally remember to….

Give him hugs

With these positive gifts you can help your Dad to stay with you longer.

The post Fathers Day Tips first appeared on develomenta.

What a waste of talent. And how unfair after you’ve worked hard to get to where you are. Does it incentive you to do well?  Ultimately is it the best thing for those you work with?

This is exactly the situation that women priests were in around 10 years ago when it seemed they might finally be allowed to be Bishops. The vote to accept the ordination of women as Bishops finally happened in 2013 in the General Synod of the Church of England and Libby Lane was appointed Bishop of Stockport the following year.

What a long journey; women first became deacons in 1985! If you’re stuck in a system that feels like this, what can you do to move forwards or sideways, increase your experience and feel fulfilled?  How can you influence the system toward positive change?

The post The long journey to senior management first appeared on develomenta.

I remember a time when there was about 4 inches of snow outside. I knew that the journey would be tricky, slippery and steep in parts, but a big A road finally which would be clear. However none of it was really difficult or dangerous. Yes I slithered around a bit, but the roads were quiet it wasn’t an issue. Yes I had difficulty getting the last 10 yards back to the house. But that was right here and the neighbours could have pushed if needs be.

So I’m very glad that I made the effort to get out for work and didn’t give up even before I’d started. Having that attitude of  “I’ll just have a go, see what happens, I’m sure I’ll cope” really helps. It’s all too easy to sit on the sidelines believing you can’t achieve things. That attitude will not even take you outside your front door, let alone onto the promotion, fantastic new job, brilliant new life that you have always wanted.

What are you believing you can’t achieve? What might happen if you just had a go? What’s the worst hat can happen? Whats the best that can happen?

The post Snow bound first appeared on develomenta.

It seems that I’ve lost some of my spring too. A friend I saw recently said I wasn’t my normal bouncy self. I hadn’t noticed this, but on reflection he was right. Its a result travelling, doing too many things at the last minute and getting bogged down with admin.

So I’m taking better care of myself.  I have a few weeks without any travel and have got some help with the admin. I can also plan more easily for the next busy time.

How do you know how much spring you have (or need)? What will you do if you run out of spring? Who or what helps you regain your spring?

The post Have you lost your spring? first appeared on develomenta.