CategoriesActionObserveReframe your thoughts

You Can’t Force People

Well, it is very hard to force people to do something against their will. At least, not without significant threat that is meaningful to them (not just a threat that you would respond to).

Ever try to get your children to do their homework against their will? How far do you have to take it? Do they do it on their own? Or with threat of detention at school? Perhaps you take away their phone for awhile or threaten to cancel desired play dates with friends.

What if they still won’t do it? Do you need to beg, plead and appeal to their sympathetic nature? Will bribes of candy, money, activities or other future benefits come into the frame?

This is the same for adults. If people don’t want to do something on their own, they will resist it in countless ways. Then, if you go the route of force, not friendliness, you may resort to imposing actions which could result in financial ruin, jail time, family distress, mental terror or even death.

You attract more flies with honey than vinegar. It’s an odd phrase but there seems to be sense behind it. #bekind

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CategoriesActionObserveReframe your thoughts

What If I Offend Someone?

Well, with 7.8 billion people on the planet, chances are there will be at least one person offended by anything you say.

That doesn’t mean don’t say it though. Even if your intent is good and honourable, you can’t please everyone. And if they can’t see your good intent, that is not something you can change.

Think a little more before speaking. Choose your words and their order with more care. Keep away from generalisations like everyone, always, they and never. Be mindful of your biases. You don’t have to place them in people’s faces, like a red rag to a bull.

Is it a friend you want, or a fight? Can you live with your differences, or must you force them to your point of view? Remember, force rarely works.

People say things all the time without full awareness of its impact. That’s ok. Maybe they’ll try to be more mindful next time. But until then, and even if they don’t, we can pause and respond in a pleasant way. As often as required. We can control our actions and words.

Life’s too short to be offended often. Be kind. Be patient. Be compassionate. Maybe they’re hurting. Maybe they’ll learn from you.

Good luck with being the change you want to see.

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CategoriesGratitudeHealth & FitnessObserveProgressReframe your thoughtsTime

Canadian Truckers and The UK

As a Canadian, I am pleased to see the trucker protest in Ottawa and elsewhere being held, generally, in a good natured, peaceful way. These are unlikely protestors and there would be few, if any, professional activists among their cohort.

Of course, with any large gathering, there will be a few things that go sideways and a few people who do things that both sides would prefer didn’t happen. But rather than look at the sample size of one, or two, lets look at the vast majority and the positives.

It’s peaceful. It’s almost joyous in its nature. There are lots of smiles and hugs, dances and good manners and even well spoken leaders calling for continued calm. Bear in mind it is mid-winter in Ottawa and temperatures sink to -20C (-4F) at night and might only climb to -6C (21F) during the day.

There doesn’t seem to be looting, rioting or arson, which makes it a much better experience for all affected. They are on point. They are there to be heard.

The UK has dropped the mask requirements, along with a growing number of other OECD nations. Serious Covid infections are now about 0.1% of all cases, despite cases being almost 5 times higher than this time last year. This is all good news going forward.

According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS) in the UK, Covid deaths here are starting to approximate those of the flu and pneumonia. If we could live with their annual deaths and challenges for decades, perhaps it is time to make this a win for the people over Covid everywhere.

I entered a shop without a mask this past weekend. It felt so natural and so good. And those that wanted to wear a mask did. And we all shopped and went on our way. No issues. But having that choice felt so good, after two long years. I missed that great, natural feeling. It’s so good to have it back.

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CategoriesGratitudeObserveReframe your thoughts

You Are A Champion!

Never forget how good you could be. Feel like a champion everyday. Wake up and declare ‘I am a champion.’

If you aren’t the champion of you, who will be? if you don’t promote you, who will? You need to shift toward being comfortable in your own skin and promoting yourself and cheering for you.

Sure, there is always fine tuning you can do. But you’re pretty awesome as it stands right now. Enjoy that, and confidently let the world know in a pleasant way.

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CategoriesObserveTime

Too Many Comms Channels

Ever feel like you’re playing wack-a-mole with your communications? I do. Especially these last few weeks. There are so many ways people can contact you, or me at least.

Several emails, DM’s, Messenger, WhatsApp, iMessage, replies on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, etc. And comms can be written, voice or video. It can get a little confusing around who sent what when and where.

I’m coping but I hope it gets easier as the network grows. ?

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CategoriesActionObserveReframe your thoughtsTime

Repeat Or Improve

Your choice. Groundhog Day or something more interesting or exciting? If your days have become monotonous and a bit boring, it may be time to search for something more interesting to add to your days.

What would you like your life to look like? What amazing plans would you have set for you? If you could achieve anything your heart desires, what would you be working towards every day?

Now go take the first step to make that happen!

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CategoriesActionObserve

Watch Your Metrics

Keep an eye on the metrics that count in your life. Is it your weight, calories, income, spending, clients, sales calls, views, likes, comments, unit sales or something else?

Review, monitor and track these key metrics every day. This is critical. Success in your life depends on it.

Know your most important metrics that matter, not just the vanity metrics.

Course-correct as you need to in order to stay on course for your desired outcomes and your ultimate success.

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CategoriesHealth & FitnessObserveReframe your thoughtsTime

Feeling A Little Behind

It’s ok to be behind schedule sometimes. There are many different reasons why that can happen. Occasionally we take on too much. Other times events conspire against us. Still other situations involve more learning than expected, which takes time.

I’m feeling about a month behind on my book launch and a few other things. Despite many very long days, I’m still adding more to the list each day than I remove. But at least I’m moving forward in many fronts.

I know it’s a blip. Sometimes unique events warrant exceptional effort. This is one of those times for me. We all have these at some point. The week before going on holiday is a great example.

So, if I’ve not replied or I’ve gone quiet, it’s just a matter of a crazy number of things to get done and not enough me’s or hours in a day to address all of them satisfactorily.

I’ll keep aiming to get on top of things into February. When you’re feeling a little behind, keep pressing forward but give yourself some slack. Rest. Just don’t stop.

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