Archive for the ‘Purpose’ Category

23
Apr

7 Secrets to developing a Mindset for Business Success- Part 1

THE+CELEBRITY+START+OF+THE+2012+VIRGIN+LONDON+MARATHON

Watching the 32nd Marathon yesterday got me thinking about what contributes to success and the impact mindset has. There’s more to attaining success than simply hard work, it requires having a mindset that will drive and sustain you in the long run.

One of the celebrity marathon runner was Nell McAndrew and I was impressed. She was brilliant finishing in 2 hours 54 Minutes-  amazing! She demonstrated determination, commitment, desire to achieve her ‘under 3 hour’ goal.  But she also highlighted a key factor for developing a success mindset, that of

Knowing your why and having a reason for it… (more…)

13
Apr

Who do you think you are? Don’t be a chicken!

Chicken-Photos-20zhx0f

I was reminded of a past client, who wasn’t sure what she should be doing with her life.  She wasn’t clear on what her ‘passion’ was.  She shared she was just doing what she had to do in a 9-5  job she hated.

I was saddened by her story as she had spent so much of her life unhappy with her situation, but I was pleased by the fact she knew now something had to change…and the time was now.

One key thing for her was to figure out who she was ‘being’ and who she wanted to become.  Here’s a great story that helped her begin that process…The story of the chicken who wasn’t… (more…)

2
Jan

It’s What Successful People Do…

iStock_herogirlMedium

If you limit your choices only to what
seems possible or reasonable,
you disconnect yourself from what
you truly want, and all that is left is a compromise

(Robert Fritz)

As we begin another New Year, like many others you may be reflecting on 2011 and how successful a year it was?

Did you achieve the goals you set for yourself?  Was it a year with many challenges and frustrations?

Whatever, 2011 had for you, it’s now the time of year many of us look forward to the future…creating new plans and setting goals.

But, one essential factor we often miss is the mindset we have and take into the New Year…

“ Oh well let’s see how this year goes, can’t be worse than last year”.
“Let’s just go with the flow and see what life brings us…”
“There is nothing we can do, we are after all in a recession…”
“It’ll be another 10 years before I’m out of debt”
“I’ll not be getting my promotion this year.”

Well, that’s one approach.  But a negative one.  It’s easy to complain.  In fact, its almost a given in our society to complain and be happy with being discontented.  Are you really comfortable with being discontented?  Are you OK with not quite reaching your goals?

So how do you achieve the success you want?  How to you achieve great things in your business?  Until you want change enough and are desperate enough – you will remain comfortable in your discontent.  Change requires decision – a change in mindset.  Make up your mind to achieve your goals and be successful. First and foremost, you have to choose and believe you have the power to do it.  That’s mindset.

(more…)

20
Jun

10 Lessons Learned for Leadership Success

beach pebbles

From the pages of Harvard Business Review to the TV studios of The Apprentice, many people have a view of what is key to success for leaders based upon lesson they have learned.

Here are my top ten, gleaned from my coaching clients, friends and colleagues in leadership and my own experience.

    1. Success begins with a sense of PURPOSE
    2. Be ENTHUSIASTIC
    3. BELIEVE in you  – your skills, strengths and your dreams
    4. BE READY and accepting of change
    5. TAKE the step – Just do it
    6. STAND up and speak up
    7. BE TRUE to yourself
    8. Decide your DESTINATION but its all about the JOURNEY
    9. Create energy in your tool kit – ENERGY of mind, body and spirit.
    10. Have FAITH and EXPECT success.
13
May

Presence: How Emotionally Intelligent are you?

beach pebbles

Emotional intelligence is a crucial part of presence and charisma. Understanding yourself and seeking to understand others and the ability to sense how others feel enables you to communicate more effectively. It will inspire loyalty and confidence.

So begin, with self-awareness and understanding what make you tick. Awareness of emotions and the ability to manage moods are key skills for charismatic individuals. Take the time to explore your self-awareness and ultimately become more emotionally intelligent. The more self-aware you are, the more control you have over your life.  Take 20 minutes (each day if you can) in quiet contemplation and focus on you.

Ten questions to ask yourself:

  1. Who are you, who do you need to become and how do you want to develop?
  2. Do you feel capable of achieving anything you set you mind to?
  3. How did you feel and respond when you last received a compliment?  Pleased? Apologetic? Self-effacing?
  4. How competent do you feel about your skills and talents in business, work, career?
  5. How successful do you feel?
  6. Do you set yourself goals? Do you feel confident in achieving them?
  7. Are you living the way you want?
  8. Do you feel in control of you destiny?
  9. Do you feel good about yourself?
  10. In general are you happy?

Take Action: Look at yourself in the mirror.  Are you proud of what you see?  If the answer is no, write down what you would have to do or become in order to be proud of yourself.

‘Knowing others is intelligence.
Knowing yourself is true wisdom.
Mastering others is strength
Mastering yourself is true power.’

(Lao Tsu)

6
May

Presence: Have you got it?

HowtoPersuadeOthersUsingCharisma-main_Full

You get attention from the people around you without apparently trying.
Others respond with enthusiasm and passion.
Your views are often quoted.
People want to know what you think.
You are talked about though always with respect…

What have you got? …

Presence

I’m sure we can all name people with a certain presence and charisma whether they create a positive impact on people or not. Ghandi, Beyonce, Tony Blair (like it or not), Michelle Obama, Simon Cowell, Jose Marinhio (for the football followers) or Mr Tumble (for those of you with pre-schoolers) to name but a few.

Presence and is a connection that creates a strong powerful influence.  It’s an essential element of management and leadership for both men and women but needs to be authentic at the core. It cannot be faked, but it can be enhanced and developed. So how do you develop as a leader with presence and come out of the shadows. I’ve collated a series of tips, questions and actions to help you on your way to an authentic presence.

Tip 1: Dare to dream

Leaders with presence and charisma are individuals with a sense of purpose.  A purpose that drives them and is beyond their own gain. This purpose gives you focus and is the the one overarching goal you have at any one time, that will have the greatest impact enabling you to achieve more of your other goals.

Ask yourself this question and take action.

Question: What one thing would you dare to dream if you knew you could not fail?

This question helps you consider your why? And helps you to determine and connect to a higher purpose.

Action: Determine and write down your major definite purpose.  Your most important goal.  It needs to be clear, something you actually want, believable, achievable and congruent with your values, beliefs and your other goals can be aligned to it.

Do something every day that moves you at least one step towards your most important and definite goal.

“I am here for a purpose, and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand.  Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all, and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.” – Og Mandino