Transform your life through self mastery and journey to new heights with your personal and professional development. We are passionate about people and facilitating their transformation to becoming the best version of themselves, living authentic, happy and fulfilled lives. Here we share with you the world leaders in personal development.
Thursday, 30 July 2020
Tuesday, 28 July 2020
Managing Your Energy
At a time when the health and care system is facing huge challenges, it’s completely understandable and normal that the current situation can feel unsettling and overwhelming. But whatever your leadership role, fear, anxiety, panic and fatigue will disrupt your ability to focus on the right priorities, manage your relationships effectively, and make informed choices.
The practice of restorative self care among leaders is hugely important for sustaining energy and building resilience in the weeks and months ahead. When leaders can make time for self care, they also model it as a legitimate and important priority for others around them.
There is a leadership framework that can be useful here. Put simply it offers a way to think about how you manage your physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual energies. Leaders often assume effective time management is what underpins high performance, leading to a preoccupation with tasks and ‘doing’ that can and often does lead to burnout. But it is the effective management and intentional use of your energy that really matters because – unlike time – energy is renewable if you invest in it (Loehr and Schwartz 2003)1.
This idea seems especially important for leaders organizing the response to Covid-19, which may well feel huge and energy-sapping. Using the simple framework below, try to reflect honestly on what you do, don’t do, and could do to routinely renew and manage your energy.
The practice of restorative self care among leaders is hugely important for sustaining energy and building resilience in the weeks and months ahead. When leaders can make time for self care, they also model it as a legitimate and important priority for others around them.
There is a leadership framework that can be useful here. Put simply it offers a way to think about how you manage your physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual energies. Leaders often assume effective time management is what underpins high performance, leading to a preoccupation with tasks and ‘doing’ that can and often does lead to burnout. But it is the effective management and intentional use of your energy that really matters because – unlike time – energy is renewable if you invest in it (Loehr and Schwartz 2003)1.
This idea seems especially important for leaders organizing the response to Covid-19, which may well feel huge and energy-sapping. Using the simple framework below, try to reflect honestly on what you do, don’t do, and could do to routinely renew and manage your energy.
Physical energy
Good nutrition, exercise, sleep, and rest are the foundation of physical energy, but they are also vital for managing emotions and focusing attention. Is your body getting what it needs to properly restore itself each day?
Intellectual energy
This is about the mental ability for sustained concentration and attention; for data, for memory, and for speed, flexibility and creativity of thought. What do you do to relax that gives your mind the time and opportunity to recover throughout the day?
Emotional energy
Emotional energy is central to how effectively you understand and regulate your emotions, as well as how you connect with others. What coping mechanisms do you use to process your emotions and develop your self-awareness? Who or what in your life helps you experience positive emotions?
Spiritual energy
We all have and feel a connection to something bigger than ourselves. What that is will be deeply personal but could include things like values, connection to culture and community, the natural world, and/or to faith and our beliefs. Spiritual energy is ultimately about motivation; it ensures congruence between who we are and what we do (authenticity). What really matters to you?
Good nutrition, exercise, sleep, and rest are the foundation of physical energy, but they are also vital for managing emotions and focusing attention. Is your body getting what it needs to properly restore itself each day?
Intellectual energy
This is about the mental ability for sustained concentration and attention; for data, for memory, and for speed, flexibility and creativity of thought. What do you do to relax that gives your mind the time and opportunity to recover throughout the day?
Emotional energy
Emotional energy is central to how effectively you understand and regulate your emotions, as well as how you connect with others. What coping mechanisms do you use to process your emotions and develop your self-awareness? Who or what in your life helps you experience positive emotions?
Spiritual energy
We all have and feel a connection to something bigger than ourselves. What that is will be deeply personal but could include things like values, connection to culture and community, the natural world, and/or to faith and our beliefs. Spiritual energy is ultimately about motivation; it ensures congruence between who we are and what we do (authenticity). What really matters to you?
1.Loehr J, Schwartz T (2003). The power of full engagement.
Source: Simon Newitt https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/publications/managing-your-energy-covid19
Monday, 27 July 2020
6 Crucial Steps For A Powerful Personal Transformation
You possess the greatest gift known to mankind: the power of choice.
Is there something in your life that could be better? You have everything you need, right now, to change it.
You can't always control external people and events, but there's a secret: Everything changes when you change yourself.
Smart people know that we achieve our best life when we take time to look honestly at who we are and where we are and then make a change.
In other words, we can transform ourselves into someone completely new.
It's easier said than done, right?
It takes work, without a doubt, but it is possible. Here are six crucial steps you must implement to make sure your personal transformation is a successful one.
Is there something in your life that could be better? You have everything you need, right now, to change it.
You can't always control external people and events, but there's a secret: Everything changes when you change yourself.
Smart people know that we achieve our best life when we take time to look honestly at who we are and where we are and then make a change.
In other words, we can transform ourselves into someone completely new.
It's easier said than done, right?
It takes work, without a doubt, but it is possible. Here are six crucial steps you must implement to make sure your personal transformation is a successful one.
1. Record the outcome
To get what you want, you must first know exactly what the final outcome will be. You won't get there if you don't understand exactly what you want.
1:02
Successful people send this message every day
Sit down and define your current problems or flaws, and decide what they will be like once you've transformed them. Don't just think about it, either. Make it concrete. Write it down.
Add a list of reasons why you want to make these changes. Write down all the great things that will happen once your transformation is complete. This will motivate you when you're tempted to fall back into your old habits.
To get what you want, you must first know exactly what the final outcome will be. You won't get there if you don't understand exactly what you want.
1:02
Successful people send this message every day
Sit down and define your current problems or flaws, and decide what they will be like once you've transformed them. Don't just think about it, either. Make it concrete. Write it down.
Add a list of reasons why you want to make these changes. Write down all the great things that will happen once your transformation is complete. This will motivate you when you're tempted to fall back into your old habits.
2. Take baby steps
Change is a gradual process, and most big changes are made by taking small steps every day over a long period of time.
Personal transformation takes time, and it's not linear. Sometimes you take three steps forward then two steps back. Other times, you'll make huge leaps in just a day or two.
Prepare yourself for this reality, and don't give up because change doesn't happen quick enough, or it feels like you're not making progress.
Change is a gradual process, and most big changes are made by taking small steps every day over a long period of time.
Personal transformation takes time, and it's not linear. Sometimes you take three steps forward then two steps back. Other times, you'll make huge leaps in just a day or two.
Prepare yourself for this reality, and don't give up because change doesn't happen quick enough, or it feels like you're not making progress.
3. Learn from others
Change always involves learning new things, but you can create your own shortcut.
Instead of starting from scratch, learn from the journeys and mistakes of others who have already taken the path you're embarking on. It can cut your learning phase in half!
Do some research and read personal stories, tips, and tricks of people who have created their own personal transformations. Avoid the mistakes they made, and adopt the habits that helped them achieve their goals.
At the very least, these stories will inspire you to keep going, day after day. They will let you know that what you're doing and where you're going is not only possible, but that it's possible for you.
Change always involves learning new things, but you can create your own shortcut.
Instead of starting from scratch, learn from the journeys and mistakes of others who have already taken the path you're embarking on. It can cut your learning phase in half!
Do some research and read personal stories, tips, and tricks of people who have created their own personal transformations. Avoid the mistakes they made, and adopt the habits that helped them achieve their goals.
At the very least, these stories will inspire you to keep going, day after day. They will let you know that what you're doing and where you're going is not only possible, but that it's possible for you.
4. Be the outcome
There's a popular cliché that says "Fake it til you make it", and there's validity to that statement.
1:31
How Marcus Lemonis helped this business transform unused hours into $650,000 per year
When you act as if an outcome has already occurred, it is much more likely to happen. Your brain can't distinguish between what you visualize and what's actually out there in the real world.
Studies conducted at Harvard University showed that people who simply imagined practicing the piano every day physically strengthened the muscles in their fingers. Other studies also found that your brain does not distinguish between imagination and reality.
Adopt the identity of yourself as someone who has already made the changes you aspire to, and your actions will be those of someone who already made the successful transformation. This, in turn, leads to results in the real world that simply confirm your new reality.
There's a popular cliché that says "Fake it til you make it", and there's validity to that statement.
1:31
How Marcus Lemonis helped this business transform unused hours into $650,000 per year
When you act as if an outcome has already occurred, it is much more likely to happen. Your brain can't distinguish between what you visualize and what's actually out there in the real world.
Studies conducted at Harvard University showed that people who simply imagined practicing the piano every day physically strengthened the muscles in their fingers. Other studies also found that your brain does not distinguish between imagination and reality.
Adopt the identity of yourself as someone who has already made the changes you aspire to, and your actions will be those of someone who already made the successful transformation. This, in turn, leads to results in the real world that simply confirm your new reality.
5. Be willing to be uncomfortable
Change is uncomfortable. Realize that fact, accept it, and embrace it.
People tend to cling to stability and comfort, but your personal transformation requires you to step into new environments, meet new people, and do things that you're not used to. And that is scary.
Physiologically, fear and excitement are nearly identical. Your heart races, you sweat, you shake, you cry. You naturally want to quit or run away.
When you start to feel fear, re-frame it and tell yourself that you're just excited. Embrace the feeling, and work through it. Don't let it stop you.
Change is uncomfortable. Realize that fact, accept it, and embrace it.
People tend to cling to stability and comfort, but your personal transformation requires you to step into new environments, meet new people, and do things that you're not used to. And that is scary.
Physiologically, fear and excitement are nearly identical. Your heart races, you sweat, you shake, you cry. You naturally want to quit or run away.
When you start to feel fear, re-frame it and tell yourself that you're just excited. Embrace the feeling, and work through it. Don't let it stop you.
6. Be your own cheerleader
When you change, the people around you will react. Some will support you, and some will work actively to resist you.
Build up your inner strength and realize that you don't need anyone's approval. If they give it to you, that's a gift. But if they don't, you know what you're doing and why, and you only need yourself as a cheerleader.
Most of the greatest thinkers and doers in history were ridiculed and chastised when they created change. When you better yourself, you should expect the same. That's just proof that you're on the right path.
When you change, the people around you will react. Some will support you, and some will work actively to resist you.
Build up your inner strength and realize that you don't need anyone's approval. If they give it to you, that's a gift. But if they don't, you know what you're doing and why, and you only need yourself as a cheerleader.
Most of the greatest thinkers and doers in history were ridiculed and chastised when they created change. When you better yourself, you should expect the same. That's just proof that you're on the right path.
Source: Rhett Power, Contributor
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/09/15/6-crucial-steps-for-a-powerful-personal-transformation.htmlFriday, 24 July 2020
Thursday, 23 July 2020
Wednesday, 22 July 2020
The 3 Most Valuable Things Entrepreneurs Can Be Doing for Their Team Right Now
No matter how your business has been impacted, your team needs its leader more than ever.
You may be worried about your business, but you aren’t the only one stressed out. Right now, your team members are worried about their careers, their families and their futures. No matter how much the current public health- and econimic-crisis has impacted you, your team needs its leader now more than ever.
Even if you've avoided eliminating positions in your business thus far, people are worried. Unemployment numbers have already hit record highs, and Gallup reports that a quarter of American employees fear they'll lose their jobs.
Workers and companies fortunate enough to stay open during quarantine orders still face unique challenges. Employees who have never worked from home now spend every hour indoors. People who loved to flaunt their extroverted selves on weekends now make do with videoconferences and virtual Netflix parties. In uncharted territory with a muddled future, entrepreneurs must not abandon their teams in their moment of greatest need.
Keep your team safe, supported and productive by acting as their most valuable ally. Here's a guide to getting started.
People who worry about their financial situations miss work more frequently than their financially secure peers. Concerns about financial stability also affect productivity on the job. Ironically, the people who need money the most are more likely to call in sick or fail to do their best work.
Give workers the leg up they need by empowering them to create some distance from the threat of financial hardship. Help employees access financial aid resources and save for the future by working with a small business 401(k) provider like Guideline. Look for a low-fee provider that makes it as easy as possible for employees to manage their retirement to show you care about their financial future.
Other perks, such as paid sick leave and competitive salaries, can help alleviate the stress of bills and security. New generations saddled with college debt also appreciate student loan repayment assistance. Take care of your employees, and they'll return the favor by bringing their best selves to work every day.
You may be worried about your business, but you aren’t the only one stressed out. Right now, your team members are worried about their careers, their families and their futures. No matter how much the current public health- and econimic-crisis has impacted you, your team needs its leader now more than ever.
Even if you've avoided eliminating positions in your business thus far, people are worried. Unemployment numbers have already hit record highs, and Gallup reports that a quarter of American employees fear they'll lose their jobs.
Workers and companies fortunate enough to stay open during quarantine orders still face unique challenges. Employees who have never worked from home now spend every hour indoors. People who loved to flaunt their extroverted selves on weekends now make do with videoconferences and virtual Netflix parties. In uncharted territory with a muddled future, entrepreneurs must not abandon their teams in their moment of greatest need.
Keep your team safe, supported and productive by acting as their most valuable ally. Here's a guide to getting started.
1. Help insulate them from financial hardship
People who worry about their financial situations miss work more frequently than their financially secure peers. Concerns about financial stability also affect productivity on the job. Ironically, the people who need money the most are more likely to call in sick or fail to do their best work.
Give workers the leg up they need by empowering them to create some distance from the threat of financial hardship. Help employees access financial aid resources and save for the future by working with a small business 401(k) provider like Guideline. Look for a low-fee provider that makes it as easy as possible for employees to manage their retirement to show you care about their financial future.
Other perks, such as paid sick leave and competitive salaries, can help alleviate the stress of bills and security. New generations saddled with college debt also appreciate student loan repayment assistance. Take care of your employees, and they'll return the favor by bringing their best selves to work every day.
2. Get proactive about checking in
Open-door policies force employees to instigate. Someone who has a problem doesn’t want to barge in and ruin your day, especially if you’re as busy as most small business owners. You may believe that making yourself available is enough, but that mindset could lead your best employees to leave for greener pastures if they don’t feel heard.
Rather than take a passive role in your team’s well-being, take it upon yourself to bring up potential issues before they drive your best workers away. Schedule regular one-on-one talks to discuss topics not related to current projects. What would your employees like to see changed? Which challenges have stuck with them over the past few weeks? Do they get along with their peers? You don’t have to act on every small complaint, but by offering a sympathetic ear, you can at least keep small issues from growing into big problems.
When you check in with your team, keep it visual. Remote team members appreciate videoconferences when they can’t make it into the office. In permanent work-from-home situations, fly employees in at least twice a year to maintain personal connections.
Open-door policies force employees to instigate. Someone who has a problem doesn’t want to barge in and ruin your day, especially if you’re as busy as most small business owners. You may believe that making yourself available is enough, but that mindset could lead your best employees to leave for greener pastures if they don’t feel heard.
Rather than take a passive role in your team’s well-being, take it upon yourself to bring up potential issues before they drive your best workers away. Schedule regular one-on-one talks to discuss topics not related to current projects. What would your employees like to see changed? Which challenges have stuck with them over the past few weeks? Do they get along with their peers? You don’t have to act on every small complaint, but by offering a sympathetic ear, you can at least keep small issues from growing into big problems.
When you check in with your team, keep it visual. Remote team members appreciate videoconferences when they can’t make it into the office. In permanent work-from-home situations, fly employees in at least twice a year to maintain personal connections.
3. Relax or eliminate excessive rules
Cut the bloat from your employee handbook and role descriptions. As businesses grow, isolated incidents lead founders to create companywide rules that may not facilitate productivity as much as they hinder workers's ability to do their jobs. By slashing your guidelines to the bare minimum, you demonstrate to employees that you trust their good judgment.
A display of trust proves to employees that you believe in their honesty and productivity without the need for frivolous guidelines. Your workers have enough to deal with outside of the (home) office; don’t add to their misery by piling on new remote work regulations. If anyone abuses the freedom, have a serious conversation or find someone new who doesn’t. A person who wants to slack will find a way, rules or no rules, but a dedicated worker doesn’t need rules to flourish.
Monitor performance metrics in this new normal, and set expectations based on that reality. You may discover that productivity spikes in certain areas and craters in others. Let employees work how and when they can, then play the evaluator once you have a more defined plan.
Your workers look to you as both a leader and as an example of how to handle tough situations. Give them an example worth following by investing in their happiness and encouraging a sense of community at work. When you show your employees that you care, they'll internalize that lesson and treat their colleagues with the same respect.
Rashan Dixon
ENTREPRENEUR LEADERSHIP NETWORK WRITER
Co-founder of Techincon and Senior Business Consultant for Microsoft
Cut the bloat from your employee handbook and role descriptions. As businesses grow, isolated incidents lead founders to create companywide rules that may not facilitate productivity as much as they hinder workers's ability to do their jobs. By slashing your guidelines to the bare minimum, you demonstrate to employees that you trust their good judgment.
A display of trust proves to employees that you believe in their honesty and productivity without the need for frivolous guidelines. Your workers have enough to deal with outside of the (home) office; don’t add to their misery by piling on new remote work regulations. If anyone abuses the freedom, have a serious conversation or find someone new who doesn’t. A person who wants to slack will find a way, rules or no rules, but a dedicated worker doesn’t need rules to flourish.
Monitor performance metrics in this new normal, and set expectations based on that reality. You may discover that productivity spikes in certain areas and craters in others. Let employees work how and when they can, then play the evaluator once you have a more defined plan.
Your workers look to you as both a leader and as an example of how to handle tough situations. Give them an example worth following by investing in their happiness and encouraging a sense of community at work. When you show your employees that you care, they'll internalize that lesson and treat their colleagues with the same respect.
Rashan Dixon
ENTREPRENEUR LEADERSHIP NETWORK WRITER
Co-founder of Techincon and Senior Business Consultant for Microsoft
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