Lovely Lists

As far back as I can remember, I've been a list maker!  I remember having list shaped stationary when I was quite small and yes, I have been known to add items to a list just so I can cross them off!

I have come to understand that lists aren't always the most effective way of managing time.  It's easy not to put everything needed on the list, they're not usually prioritised, it takes time to re-order and carry things forward from one day to the next and this can seem really demoralising.

I've just been doing some research on list software to get as smooth as I can about capturing all the actions swimming about in my mind, make sure I remember them at the right time and stay focused on what I really want.  I've chosen Toodledo because...
- it works well on my laptop and iphone and syncronises on it own
- it allows me to link actions to their purpose through goals or folders
- there are 3 priority levels plus stars
- it enables me to sort them by location as well as importance and date (the free version allows sorting by 2 items and you need to upgrade to add 3)
- I can estimate time an eaction will take and then use the timer function to see how long it really takes - interesting and with motivational race possibilities!
- I can share lists with others I'm collaborating with
- I can repeat regular items very flexibly  

I've been going about a week on this (previously I used the lists that came with my phone plus handwritten ones!) and so far so good!

It frees up time for doing the real time management work- ensuring the actions I'm taking are moving me towards my goals and clearing any resistance to the actions that's holding me back.  Interestingly I've found less resistance since using the app as I can see actions already lined up for the date I'm tempted to postpone to and I'm reminded of the reason for the action.

I'd be interested to hear if you've experience of different apps you've found helpful for managing time.  But for now.....blog entry..... tick!


 

Chatting Over Breakfast

One of the reasons I thought it’d be good to set up my coaching business in Bangkok was the abundance of networking groups there.  They covered virtually all interests and were often key in helping newcomers feel at home.  Little did I know that, on returning to the UK, I’d find plentiful networking here too!

One of the first groups I came across was the Hastings Chamber of Commerce, at first it was held a 2 minute downhill walk from my home with a good breakfast so there was no excuse!  I’ve been attending for a while now, (different venues and breakfast styles) and it feels great to be part of the vibrant, inclusive Hastings business community.

At first I thought I’d be recruiting new clients and I had my elevator speech all worked out.  However his isn’t the place for in-depth or exposed conversations, many people already feel on edge at big events without someone asking about the changes they’d like to make to their lives!  So, whilst I still talk to people about coaching, I mainly go along to make and develop connections and to be nosy!

This morning we had a very comprehensive talk from Becky Shaw, Chief Executive, East Sussex County Council.  As well as learning a little more than I probably needed to about potholes, I had my eyes opened to grants that might be available for social enterprises, connected with a new business owner and got updates from existing contacts and previous Life Puzzle participants.  I came away feeling involved.

I hear people who’ve been put off of networking.  I wonder if they went to a particularly macho group of overeager business card collectors?  There’s such a range of group styles now- varying formality, structure, venue and participant profile- you just need to find the one for you.  Here are my networking tips….

1.  Explore a few groups to find the best fit for you
2.  Keep an open mind and positive attitude.  If you decide you won’t like it before you’ve arrived, the chances are you won’t like it once you’re there!   
3.  Be yourself.  If you feel uncomfortable promoting your business, those you’re promoting it to will feel uncomfortable too.  Better to be interested in others and enthusiastic about connecting. 
4.  If there’s an introduction or presentation you need to make, prepare and rehearse so you are confident and succinct.
5.  When you find your group, go consistently to build relationships and trust.  

And, if it's an early morning one, don't do as I did this morning - allow enough time so you're fully awake and present from the moment you arrive!
 

Mind Fog

It’s been a busy few days and I’m realising I’ve not really been here!  I mean I’ve been here in body but my mind’s been flitting about from past to future with only moments of present thrown in when essential.

This isn’t a good state for me.  I make mistakes, I injure myself, I don’t connect fully with people, I don’t take care of myself.  And then my mind spins off into possible reasons, all ‘out there’, avoiding any personal responsibility and perpetuating the foggy state.

I feel tired and it’s easy to blame lack of sleep but I think more telling is that my morning meditation, reflection and exercise routine has been disrupted and that seems to have more of an impact.  I’m increasingly aware when working with clients that morning meditation effects the day in so many immeasurable ways and that, when we ‘unavoidably’ miss a day, there’s usually some resistance at play.

I am lucky to have moments like this writing, client contact, an enquiring partner and 5 Rhythms dancing that prompt me to check-in and realise how I’m feeling.  I’ve the further good fortune of different tools and strategies at hand to clear the resistance and ‘bring me back’ to consciousness.  No excuses!  Yet I can still convince myself that missing my morning routine for one day won’t hurt.  Perhaps you’ve a solution to this one?  When I find it I’ll be sure to share!

In the mean time, if you’re in a mind-fog, here’s your wake-up call!  And, if you’d like help with tools and strategies for getting back on track, do get in touch!  

‘I don’t want to know about evil, I only want to know about love’

Emma Roberts lead a wonderful 5 Rhythms dance session in Hastings this evening and it ended with a song I heard for the first time ‘I don’t want to know about evil, I only want to know about love’.  Great advice for those who want to nurture more love in their lives.

  

Focusing on love rather than fear helps events to flow, makes us more generous with people and gives us happier experiences.  I believe we all have love as our essence but we may need encouragement open our hearts and celebrate it.

Being in love is a little like sharing a joke- we laugh and then our laughing sets off the other person and their laugh is funny and, just as we’re calming down, we see something else that’s funny and before long we just can’t stop!

It’s easier and more usual to ‘laugh at…’ or ‘be in love with…’ but quite possible to be in love with life, with the sunshine, with dancing or with nature.

Once we’re in love with one thing, or in one area of our lives, we can more easily transfer this feeling to other areas.  Being in love with someone else encourages us to love ourselves more, we may be more able to love and appreciate our work, to love money or to be more generous with people we don’t get on with.  It generally puts us in a better mood and why would we want to leave somewhere that feels so good to entertain fear?

Perhaps we should be informed about evil in the world, news that effect us and situations we might be able to influence, but maybe we could do that from a place of love and understanding rather than worry and fear?