M.A.D. Get Back To Nature

There's something very energising about getting back to nature.  The feel of the warm sunshine on your face, the wind in your hair - even the rain can be revitalising.

Image by . SantiMB . via FlickrWe spend so much time shielded from it in our cars and air-conditioned offices, walking along streets and pavements full of cars and people, surrounded by brick, concrete and metal that it's easy to lose track of the changing seasons.

Here in the UK the hedgerows are full of berries, the fields full of mushrooms and the colours are changing from Summer to Autumn.

Many of us could benefit from getting out into the fresh air and closer to nature more often.  Not only does the fresh air do us good but it has a calming effect if you're feeling stressed.  It can also have an uplifting effect on your mood.  It's hard to feel depressed when you're surrounded by beautiful scenery and wildlife.

- Take in the scenery on your way home.
- Get out to a local park in your lunch break.
- Go for a walk or cycle when you get home.
- Get out into the countryside at the weekend.

Even if you don’t think you have the time, make the time. It’s worth it for the physical and mental boost you’ll get.

Take up gardening it's a great way of getting outside on a regular basis and a perfect way to watch the changing seasons and keep things in perspective.

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• Eat your greens: September is foraging month and there's a way for city-dwellers to enjoy edible flora (independent.co.uk)

Put Yourself Out

Sometimes we feel too safe, comfortable and cosy in our comfort zone or go along in our usual day-to-day routine without venturing out into the 'wider world'

Often when we do something a little differently - something unexpected happens.  After all - if you keep doing what you've always done, you'll keep getting what you've always got - as the saying goes.  So - if you do something different, you might get something different!

Also think about those times when you're not sure if you've got the energy or motivation to get out there and do something - either in your personal or business life.  Make the effort and you might be surprised at the opportunities that pop up and the chain reaction that can occur from one apparently random contact or connection.

Do something a little different, try something new, go somewhere you wouldn't normally go. Put yourself out  there and see what happens.

10 Minutes At A Time

We often say we don't have time and there's always plenty that we don't get round to.  Even when we have a task to do, we often get distracted and end up wasting time.

So how would you like to do something different?  Set an alarm or timer for just 10 minutes.  Stay focused, you know the clock is ticking, so there's no time to waste and you'll be less inclined to waste time.

In just 10 minutes a day you could:

• Create your action list.
• Plan your day.
  
• Tidy a room.
• Do the laundry.
  
• Clear things away.
• Do some filing.
  
• Tidy the garden.
• Start a report.
• Skim read a magazine.
• Enjoy a cup of coffee.
• Do some paperwork.
  
• Go for a brisk walk.
• Meditate.
• Make a phone call.
• ...
  

The first two will make your whole day more productive, so definitely worth spending time on them if you don't already.  See how much you can do in 10 minutes.  You might not finish the task in 10 minutes but you'll be 10 minutes closer.

Set a goal you'd like to achieve and allocate just 10 minutes a day to it.  See what a difference you can make. You could even have more than one goal - two or three sets of 10 minutes throughout the day.

Let me know how you get on.

Right here, right now

We all have long-term goals of where we'd like to be in 3, 5 or 10 years time. Even if they're not written down, we have an aspiration of where we'd like to be or what we'd like to be doing.

But what would make a difference to your life right now ... today?

What can you take from your long-term goals, desires, aspirations and dreams and move a few steps closer to them today?

You might be able to make a few changes to your life and be able to have what you want right now and not in several years time.

• A different job - what can you change about your existing job to make things better?
• A new house - time for a repaint, declutter or a bit of DIY. You might not be able to buy your dream home today but make the most of where you are now.
• More holidays - plan to take regular breaks, more often.

If you want more freedom and flexibility to enjoy the things you like doing - how can you give yourself more time to do them?

Why wait - a few simple changes, a little thought and planning and you can have more of what you want today.

Refresh, Review, Revitalise

One of the things that's come out of the recent Time Audits is how useful it is to take a step back every now and then. The process of just answering the questions has helped identify a few blind spots.

Having the obvious held up in front of you can be enlightening. Even if you think you know it all - take a look in the mirror every now and then - literally or proverbially. Talk to someone else about what you're doing and see if they can shed some light or give you a new perspective or as someone once said to me - "shining a light in to the dark corners".

You may think life is ticking along but why not spend a few minutes taking stock. When you're back refreshed after your summer break is a good time to sit down with a friend or partner. Think about what's good, what's working, what's not. Write it down. What would you like to change?

You may be surprised what you come up with.

You can get your free copy of the Time Audit on my website.

Listen To Your Body

I've just returned from my weekly Tai Chi session. We've been practising outdoors for the last couple of weeks which is a different and more inspiring session, with the sounds and sights of nature all around us.

One of the things said tonight is that we spend too much time 'in our heads'. We do have a general tendency to think too much and we're constantly bombarded by audio and visual stimuli from a variety of different directions. A constant stream of conscious thought, babbling self-talk, sorting out the activities of the day, wondering whether you left the iron on, did you lock the door, turning over problems and all the other thoughts that go on.

Sometimes it's good to focus on what the rest of our body is telling us - not just what's going on in our head. I practice both yoga and Tai Chi on a fairly regular basis and have done for many years. It's a great way to switch off. To spend time getting back into our bodies. Feeling the tension in muscles, the imbalance between one side of the body and the other, aches and pains, the little niggles. Taking time to focus on breathing ... properly. Relaxing and really letting go - harder than it sounds when you spend most of the day in a state of tension.

It's good to get a balance between physical and mental exercise. Yoga, Tai Chi and meditation enable you to exercise both the body and mind. Find some time for quiet contemplation in your day. Listen to your body.

Ready, Set, Focus

Super charge your day and power-up your productivity. Set aside one day and make a list of all the things you need to get done. Whether you just want to clear the decks, finish off a project or just clear a few things off your action list, get rid of the distractions and get really focused. It's also a good way to get through those tasks you've been putting off for a while.

Set a date and time - it doesn't have to be a whole day. Team up with a friend, colleague, mentor or coach and check-in with each other, on the hour every hour (works well by phone). Spend a few minutes checking in with each other and agree what you're going to do in the following hour.

You'll be much less likely to get distracted when you know the clock is ticking and you'll be more motivated knowing that you're being held to account next time you check-in.

Share Your Passion

If you do something you're passionate about it's easy for other people to get caught up in your enthusiasm and they'll get more from the experience.

I was out last week with a group and I wanted people to get the most out of their experience, to learn and to enjoy what they'd come to be part of. Now nature is never predictable and you can't guarantee that it will turn up to perform but it's a case of make the most of what's there - enjoying the small moments and not just the spectacular ones.

I had a great evening and others did too and what really put the icing on the cake is that they took the time to say so. They appreciated the effort I'd gone to to make their evening memorable.

Apply the same enthusiasm and attitude to your work and your passion. Go the extra mile.

Take Time To Make Time

"The greatest saving of all is better utilisation of our time. This directly affects practically every phase of the business in terms of expense and profits" Leo Burnett

Two of the things that people always want more of is time and money, so if you save one you could get more of the other, if you use that saved time wisely.

When people are busy, rushed off their feet, too much to do - is exactly the time when they need to stop what they're doing and actually take stock but is often when they feel they can't afford to stop what they're doing. It will save time if

So, if you are really busy and it's become the 'norm', think about what it is that your doing. Are you focusing on the right things that are going to make a difference? Are you busy being busy with no real plan or purpose, wasting time on lower priority activities that won't give you the results you need or are you simply just doing too much?

If you want more time - take time to make time.


How good is your time management - compare your results with the quick and easy Time Management Audit.

Mums - Look After Yourself

I often find myself talking to Mum’s who are not only running their business but looking after a family and juggling their time around children and childcare, organising a home and never consider having time out for themselves. In fact, many of them actually feel guilty about doing anything just for themselves, so used are they for doing things for everyone else. They'll always consider everyone else and make sure they're fine before they think about themselves.

No wonder they’re tired, worn out and exhausted at the end of the day. So this week, if you’re a working wife and Mum, take some time out for yourself. Whether it’s just a break to meet up with a friend for coffee or lunch in a child-free zone, to put your feet up for a couple of hours or go to bed early with a good book, or relax in the bath with your favourite music.

If you’re partner to a working Mum, yes, I know you’re working hard too but how often does your partner get a total break just for herself. Having time to totally relax and unwind is important for all of us but this week – especially for Mum’s.

Giving To Others

This Friday was Red Nose Day, an annual event to raise money for worthy causes in both the UK and in Africa. Considering the current economic climate with people worried about their jobs, cutting back on spending and worrying about having enough money to pay the bills, it's heartening to see this year they've raised over £58M so far - more than last year.

Even when times are tough, there are always those who are worse off than ourselves. However much we're able to give, it can make a big difference to those who have less. Just a few pence can make a difference to someone in a different part of the world and isn't something that we're going to miss. The cost of a morning coffee - put to a worthy cause.

Whatever you do and I'm sure many of us do, whether you give your time or money, find a cause you believe in and support it.

Time For A Spring Clean

Spring is most definitely in the air – we’re now into March and in the northern hemisphere at least, things are starting to change, as the days get longer and warmer. It’s a time for fresh starts and new beginnings in more ways than one, as nature comes out of it's winter dormancy.

• What new perspective could you take on things?
• Do you need to throw out the old and bring in the new?
• Have you been stuck with old habits that no longer serve you?

Look at the different aspects of your life, both personally and in business, internally and externally – what works, what doesn’t.

• What do you want to change?
• What do you want to do differently?

Assess where you are now by completing the Life Balance Wheel or taking the Time Audit and decide what you’re going to change and when. Think about the difference it would make to your life if you made these changes and then resolve to do something today – however big or small, to take you one step closer to making that change.

Sometimes just doing something is better than doing nothing at all and if you feel stuck, overwhelmed or lacking in energy, even a small thing can make a big difference.

Random Connections

Recently I’ve been spending time in the world of social media. As well as being the latest way to keep in touch and connect, it’s becoming a more accepted way of marketing your business – if you look at it as an additional tool for promoting your business and not just for social purposes. Although it can end up being just another distraction to an already busy day, it can also be another example of where random connections can make a difference in unexpected ways.

It doesn’t only happen online. Out in the real world, you don’t know where a conversation or chance remark might lead, or where talking to a stranger at a network meeting, in a queue, sitting next to someone might take you. I’m often coming across opportunities which seem to pop out of nowhere and as a result of random connections.

How many times have you had a chance meeting or conversation. which has then lead to something unexpected. Keep your eyes open for them.

Blue Monday

Well according to the general press - today is Blue Monday - the day of the year when the post-Christmas and New Year blues hit.

The bills from all the Christmas spending are landing on the doormat. Relationships already strained over the festive period may have reached breaking point. The days are still short, the weather (at least in the Northern hemisphere) isn't at it's best and the New Year resolutions are starting to slip. This year of course we have a global economic downturn to add to the mix.

But lets look on the bright side. Things could be a whole lot worse. The day's are getting longer as we head towards Spring. We can book a summer holiday to look forward to. We can take pleasure in the simple things in life that don't cost much or are free: spending time with family and friends, getting out for some fresh air and exercise - wrap up warm and wear appropriate clothing.

If those New Year resolutions are getting you down - don't think about what you're giving up but about what you're getting - a healthier, fitter body, a more stream-lined life, less stress, more time.

If things are getting you down - think about what you can do to change them and take one step towards making it happen.

Celebrate Your Success

I’m sure most of you are in holiday mode right now. I certainly am. Things are winding down for a few days over the holiday period, so I’ll keep it brief this week and probably next. Take the opportunity of having customers and clients on holiday to tidy up lose ends for the end of the year and put things in order for the beginning of the next. Or perhaps you’re as busy as ever in the last few days of the year.

Now is the time to take a look back at what you’ve achieved this year and what you’ve learned from your experiences – good and bad. Although it’s hard to think of it at the time – there’s no such thing as failure, merely an opportunity to learn from our mistakes.

So have a look at what you’ve learnt, how close did you get to meeting or exceeding your goals? What unexpected challenges presented themselves, what great opportunities did you take advantage of?

Give yourselves a pat on the back for what you’ve achieved, no matter how big or small. It doesn’t matter what anyone else has achieved – they’re not you and although it’s good to have something to aim for and to aim high, don’t beat yourself up if you’ve fallen short. Life happens. Perhaps with a little more support, knowledge or guidance you could have done more but what you’ve done is good enough.

Have a great holiday – wherever you are and whoever you’re with.

Take Time To Make Time

A lot of people think that when you’re busy you don’t have time to stop and start doing things differently. But when you are busy and rushed off your feet with too much to do is often the best time to stop and take a step back and look at what you’re doing.

Have you been doing the same thing, the way you’ve always done it and not surprisingly getting the same results i.e. working long hours, reacting to the demands of your clients or customers, always playing catch-up?

If you’re like most people, you probably are. You’re just happy to get through each day and hope that at some point things will slow down long enough for you to catch up. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. While it might seem hard, take time to make time. Find time to refocus and get motivated.

You’re probably busy right now getting things finished off in the last week before Christmas. Don’t wait until you’re no longer busy when you likely to forget how hectic things were and then fall into the same pattern when it happens again, do something about it now.

A problem shared is a problem halved – talk to someone and see if they can provide some insight and give you a different perspective so that you can find a solution quicker and actually save yourself time.

What You Really, Really Want

I’m in the process of reading Tim Feriss’s – 4 Day Work Week and one of the things that strikes a note is that we work so hard to have the things that if we just took time to look around, we’ve already got. This always reminds me of the tale about the fisherman. If you already know it, I apologise for repeating it here but it’s always worth being reminded.

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The Mexican replied, "only a little while."

The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish? The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs. The American then asked, "but what do you do with the rest of your time?" The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat with the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?" To which the American replied, "15-20 years." "But what then?" The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions." "Millions.. Then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

So, if you had more time – what would you fill your life with?

Just Relax ...

I’ve spoken before about having thinking time or needing to allow time for creativity but this is about having time to mentally switch off. Something busy people rarely have time for is to do nothing. When we’re busy and pressed for time there’s a tendency to always be on the go. Never stopping to rest from morning until night. Active and driven people will often feel guilty if they’re not doing something, they easily get bored and have a need to fill what they see as empty space and feel uncomfortable if there’s nothing going on.

However, working at full tilt isn’t always healthy or effective. It leads to a build up of stress and often results in mental and physical overload. Have you noticed that when you stop, you get ill?

Try and find a few minutes in each day when you can sit quietly. I know that’s easier said than done, especially if you feel you don’t have enough time as there is but there are benefits to switching off every now and then. One way to do this is to take up yoga, pilates or tai chi where you naturally have to slow down or to start simple breathing or meditation exercises. It doesn’t take a lot of time or space.

Deep Breathing – Sit comfortably, either in a chair or on the floor. Take a few deep breaths during the day when you're feeling tired, losing concentration or to calm yourself. Correct breathing is known to have beneficial effects on physical and emotional health - increasing energy levels and reducing stress and anxiety.

Breath Counting - Another easy meditation is to count your breath. Sit in a relaxed, comfortable position and count each inhale and exhale. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four or five and then exhale for a count of four or five. Practice breathing slowly, rhythmically and evenly and then include a pause between each in and out breathe. Breath in for a count of four, hold for four, breathe out for four, hold for four … repeat.

Breath Walking – count your breath (as above) but as you walk, matching the rhythm of your steps to your breathing.

Try one or two of these for a few minutes each day.

Invest Your Time In Others

Something that’s come up a few times in conversations over the last week, is how you can free up your time by delegating. Many people don't like to delegate tasks, as they think it's quicker to do it themselves but if they actually invest the time to hand over the task, spend a little time on training it will pay off in the end.
Think about how much an hour of your time is worth. Delegate the jobs that someone else could do cheaper, quicker and more efficiently than you.

At home: Pay a cleaner to clean and tidy your house for a couple of hours will be worth more than what you pay them. You’ll not only have a tidy house but more time with your family. Get a gardener to come in weekly or monthly to give you more time to enjoy your garden. Share the housework with your partner and children.

At work: If you work for yourself - pay someone to do your book keeping or accounts. What you'll pay them for a few hours of their time is probably less than you charge your clients. It gives you more time to spend earning money for your business and working with clients or just to work less. Use an admin assistant - they work for themselves and will work for as many hours as you need - often not even needing to be in the office - filing, emails, newsletters, sending out and chasing invoices can all be handled by someone else.

Don't expect perfection and just because they don't do it exactly the way you do, doesn't mean it's wrong. You might need to show them more than once but be patient - it's worth investing the time to get it right. Be specific, give them the information they need and a timeframe to work to. Don't delegate tasks that are confidential or sensitive in nature or core to your business.

Make sure you stay in control but don’t micro-manage.

P.S. There's a whole chapter in the book on delegating if you want more detail.

If I Had The Time I'd ...

As I was driving back from Manchester last week – a long drive, so I had plenty of thinking time. I was listening to Radio 4, as I often do, I find it easier to listen to on a long drive, and prompted by the conversation, I started to think of all those things that we’d like to do … if only we had the time. Now I’m not talking about all the "101 things To Do Before I Die" things – which was the topic of the show, swimming with dolphins seems to feature on most people’s lists but all those other things that we never quite get round to. Not on the grand scale of climbing Mount Everest or doing a round the world trip but on the smaller scale of putting up that set of shelves, learning a musical instrument or a new language, finding time to exercise regularly, getting home in time to read a bedtime story to your children.

Time is often a sticking point or an excuse when we don’t get round to doing something but it’s always about choice. We chose how to use our time. If we don’t have time for something it’s because we’ve chosen to do something else instead. Whether that’s answering our emails instead of chasing up overdue invoices or reading a book or watching TV instead of learning a new language. All those jobs, activities, hobbies that get put to one side. Is it a matter of delaying tactics for jobs you’d rather not do (we all have those) or is it about really not having the time?

So, have a think – what would you do … if only you had the time?

Why would you like to do it and what stops you … other than time?

Answers on a postcard or just add a comment here.