During the week I was asked to talk to a group of professionals, and tell them "My Life Story" and a little about "who I am." I have recently joined a local Rotary group and this is a regular task asked of new members.
I have experience speaking to groups when I facillitate work/life balance workshops, over a day or even a weekend, so was surprised how nervous I was with this task when the day arrived! I was only required to talk for 15 minutes! I think my nervousness was because talking at length about yourself is something so uncommon for most people to do these days. Others I spoke to said they had felt just as nervous as I did and, like me, had made notes to refer to/ stay on track/speak for the required time.
Of course I "survived" and was made to feel very comfortable as I rattled on....
Afterwards I was talking with others in the group and the point was made that each of us felt quite grateful to have had this opportunity, at some time or other, because it gave a chance to formally think about "who you are." For that reason I can really recommend taking the time to make a few notes, and jot down your life story, so far. I know that will sound like such a waste of time to many people but it is so worthwhile.
We spend so much time looking outward and away from ourselves......often more able to speak about existence outside ourselves, than our own.
And when you're able to make time to think about "who you are", include topics like:
where you were born, and grew up.....
and your "early days"....... but also things like,
what you currently feel passionate about....
consider what you feel your strengths of character are......
and simple things like your favourite food..... colour... music... movie.....
what hobbies you enjoy...
experiences that have left a big impression on you.....
your hopes/dreams for the future......
what you love about your life right now.......
something that may surprise others about you.......
Then the next time someone says: "So tell me about yourself ?" you will have a really interesting answer.
And you will have a sense of what events/circumstances led you to where you are in your life right now.
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Taking Pride and Peace
I was talking today to a lovely fellow. He is a hard working man, someone who probably has weeks of "sick leave" that he will never use and happily works a little extra overtime because he is the manager and takes pride in doing a great job for his employer. But he was despairing that in Australia we have such a lot of unemployed people on benefits....he expressed that it seems "unfair" that some of us work so hard, pay lots of tax, experience stress daily in the workplace, while others collect unemployment benefits and have the government pay for them to attend courses in an effort to make them more employable. He said he wondered if he had done his own children a disservice in setting the example to work hard in their workplaces- that it might just lead them to feel stressed,as he often feels!
It got me thinking that I just couldn't agree with him on that because I think the best gift we can give our children is self respect. And taking pride in their acts(work, study, sport, any endeavour really) and encouraging them to do the best job they can, in whatever they do, is the best way a person can achieve that. So I think he's done a great job if he's achieved that! That way they will have pride in themselves, a strong sense of self respect, and happiness will follow. Sure, sometimes in the "striving" there might be some stress or struggle or even a lack of success; but just having the opportunity to have a goal gives one a purpose and I think people need that- more than ever these days. There should never be stress associated with doing your best or giving your best effort. Yet there often is.......so why?
In my own business, and with the clients I chat to, I've noticed some things regarding stress in workplaces and working groups. To start with it I think it helps to focus on what you are doing- and not what others aren't doing. Doing the latter is futile( and frustrating) because you've no actual control over the actions or inaction of another.
I think stress and anxiety are not so much related to what a person does but more to how they do it. Lead by example by actually focusing on your task, considering it as you work, deliberately taking your time, really noticing the steps along the way, and not rushing yourself, doing the task to the best of your ability, then looking back on the completed task for a few moments. This mindfulness process can be quite absorbing, even a little meditative. It's definitely productive because by noticing the process, rather than rushing yourself, you will make less mistakes . The few extra seconds it takes to work this way are so worthwhile because this method slows the hectic mind and you may be surprised to find it can leave you feeling quite clear headed and relaxed at the end! Also with a sense of fulfilment and pride at noticing what you've achieved. And more often than not a better result than working at a hectic pace and arriving at the outcome in a stressed, and sometimes unfriendly, state.
This applies whether you work as a doctor, personal assistant, actor, lawyer, lifeguard, teacher, shop assistant, gardener, labourer, massage therapist, stay-at-home-parent etc. And being around people who work this way is a lot more enjoyable. They are calming, and that draws people to them. So it's very much a useful business tool as well!
Try working this way in whatever you do and success (and happiness) will follow.....
It got me thinking that I just couldn't agree with him on that because I think the best gift we can give our children is self respect. And taking pride in their acts(work, study, sport, any endeavour really) and encouraging them to do the best job they can, in whatever they do, is the best way a person can achieve that. So I think he's done a great job if he's achieved that! That way they will have pride in themselves, a strong sense of self respect, and happiness will follow. Sure, sometimes in the "striving" there might be some stress or struggle or even a lack of success; but just having the opportunity to have a goal gives one a purpose and I think people need that- more than ever these days. There should never be stress associated with doing your best or giving your best effort. Yet there often is.......so why?
In my own business, and with the clients I chat to, I've noticed some things regarding stress in workplaces and working groups. To start with it I think it helps to focus on what you are doing- and not what others aren't doing. Doing the latter is futile( and frustrating) because you've no actual control over the actions or inaction of another.
I think stress and anxiety are not so much related to what a person does but more to how they do it. Lead by example by actually focusing on your task, considering it as you work, deliberately taking your time, really noticing the steps along the way, and not rushing yourself, doing the task to the best of your ability, then looking back on the completed task for a few moments. This mindfulness process can be quite absorbing, even a little meditative. It's definitely productive because by noticing the process, rather than rushing yourself, you will make less mistakes . The few extra seconds it takes to work this way are so worthwhile because this method slows the hectic mind and you may be surprised to find it can leave you feeling quite clear headed and relaxed at the end! Also with a sense of fulfilment and pride at noticing what you've achieved. And more often than not a better result than working at a hectic pace and arriving at the outcome in a stressed, and sometimes unfriendly, state.
This applies whether you work as a doctor, personal assistant, actor, lawyer, lifeguard, teacher, shop assistant, gardener, labourer, massage therapist, stay-at-home-parent etc. And being around people who work this way is a lot more enjoyable. They are calming, and that draws people to them. So it's very much a useful business tool as well!
Try working this way in whatever you do and success (and happiness) will follow.....
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Manifesting
You can have anything you want in your life, if you just believe you can. Along with many others, the world over, I believe we are constantly creating our own reality. "Good" things that come our way do so because we believed they would(expected them to) and we acted in a way, and with a belief of certainty, that they would. This is an aspect of positive thinking and I think one day there will be a breakthrough in quantum physics that will prove this theory. As well as flesh, we are beings of energy- our bodies are powered by chemical and electrical reactions( any biological chemistry book says so.) I believe the energy created also transmits outward to the world, and the energy fields of others, around us. I think our thoughts are pure energy that drives the direction of our lives. So by constantly putting positive, formed, directed thoughts (energy) outwards from yourself into the surrounding environment you can create the changes these thoughts contain. I can't prove it with empirical data( there are people working on that), but I do use this awareness of creating what I want- it is termed manifesting- all the time.
When manifesting, the idea is to say( with as much conviction as you can) "I have" and not "I want/wish/ will have." This is because otherwise all you create with your thoughts is a wanting and not a having. I have also realised you can't maintain the momentum of passion required to manifest if you use the word "wish." I heard the best explanation for this the other day when I was listening to a youtube presentation with Abraham Hicks ( easy to find on any search engine) and the notion of manifesting was being discussed. The speaker said, " the field into which one manifests is literal." This explains it so well, because if the thought being put out into the world (the field) by someone hoping to manifest is "I want/wish/ will have...." then its literally just a wish or a want that goes out there. But using the words "I have" puts a "having" out there! And that creates energetic shifts towards a physical reality where the having is real, and the new reality manifests.
I began to explore the idea and process of manifesting about 10 years ago. I think the first I read of it was in one of Louise Hay's books. I began by writing down a few things I wanted to happen in my life. Then I made a voice recording that said I have these circumstances in my life, and listened to it every day. I would look in the mirror and tell my image that I have these things in my life. For me it was a new car, a 100% increase in business growth, and a home renovation. Of course I didn't have these things at that point, and at first I didn't believe I did( or probably ever would!) . But as I continued to say with certainty that I had these things, I did begin to believe and then expect them to happen. I think that I became more aware of possibilities for bringing these things into my life, the more I said the " I haves.."
Everything from that first recording has manifested for me and I continue to use the method- to manifest good health, happiness, balance in my life as well as certain material things. Recently I've begun working on global wellness. "The world around me is healthy and beautiful."
Some people might consider it "greedy" to work towards manifesting material gain. But I believe if there is no harm caused to any other individual and you feel you want something enough to maintain the passion when you say "I have......" processes will come into play, and it will manifest. Personally I have no "passion" to win the Lotto :) or have lots of money just for the sake of having lots of money, so that's never on my recording and I couldn't maintain the passion to manifest such- but to each his own.
When manifesting, the idea is to say( with as much conviction as you can) "I have" and not "I want/wish/ will have." This is because otherwise all you create with your thoughts is a wanting and not a having. I have also realised you can't maintain the momentum of passion required to manifest if you use the word "wish." I heard the best explanation for this the other day when I was listening to a youtube presentation with Abraham Hicks ( easy to find on any search engine) and the notion of manifesting was being discussed. The speaker said, " the field into which one manifests is literal." This explains it so well, because if the thought being put out into the world (the field) by someone hoping to manifest is "I want/wish/ will have...." then its literally just a wish or a want that goes out there. But using the words "I have" puts a "having" out there! And that creates energetic shifts towards a physical reality where the having is real, and the new reality manifests.
I began to explore the idea and process of manifesting about 10 years ago. I think the first I read of it was in one of Louise Hay's books. I began by writing down a few things I wanted to happen in my life. Then I made a voice recording that said I have these circumstances in my life, and listened to it every day. I would look in the mirror and tell my image that I have these things in my life. For me it was a new car, a 100% increase in business growth, and a home renovation. Of course I didn't have these things at that point, and at first I didn't believe I did( or probably ever would!) . But as I continued to say with certainty that I had these things, I did begin to believe and then expect them to happen. I think that I became more aware of possibilities for bringing these things into my life, the more I said the " I haves.."
Everything from that first recording has manifested for me and I continue to use the method- to manifest good health, happiness, balance in my life as well as certain material things. Recently I've begun working on global wellness. "The world around me is healthy and beautiful."
Some people might consider it "greedy" to work towards manifesting material gain. But I believe if there is no harm caused to any other individual and you feel you want something enough to maintain the passion when you say "I have......" processes will come into play, and it will manifest. Personally I have no "passion" to win the Lotto :) or have lots of money just for the sake of having lots of money, so that's never on my recording and I couldn't maintain the passion to manifest such- but to each his own.
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Mind the Stress
Because I work in an industry that assists people to relax their bodies to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and generally function more happily, I talk with my clients about the physical and mental stresses in their lives and how it contributes to unwellness in their bodies.
People don't know how bad long term stress can be for their health. I mean most of us know it isn't very nice to be feeling "stressed"- either physically with tension in our bodies that create pain and immobility, or mentally with a brain that feels overwhelmed, exhausted, not able to think clearly. But I have noticed that people don't realise how long term, untreated stress can make you very sick.
The stress response, often termed "Flight, Fight or Freeze" is that rush of adrenaline the human body produces and releases when faced with a sudden stressful situation. Adrenaline pumped into the bloodstream causes stored starch to be converted to glucose, which in turn is sent to the bloodstream. This causes a whole range of body responses that most effectively equip the body to best deal with the circumstance at hand.... blood sugar rises, metabolic rate increases, breathing rate increases, the heart beats faster to pump blood and oxygen to the brain (for most effective thinking) and all other body parts (for most effective action), the pupils in the eyes dilate ( all the better to see the "danger" with), and the production of blood clotting factor increases( in preparedness for any injury that may result). An example of this might be when we are driving along and a car "appears from nowhere!" or some other sudden life threatening situation. In a less frightening way this stress response is also at play while we watch our favourite sports team play a final("nail-biting " or "edge of the seat" feelings), or enter an exam, or job interview, or go out on a first date. In all these instances it is the "rush" of adrenaline, and the effects it has on the body, that best prepare us to most effectively address the situation towards the most positive outcome. Then, afterwards, the brain observes there is no more need for it, and the stress response ends.....and heart rate, breathing rate, metabolic rate, pupils, blood sugar, blood clotting factor all return to normal levels. The stress response is meant to be short, sharp, and efficient, and then OVER.....until the next "situation" occurs.
But, these times in which we live often create ongoing stress in lives. The body can even cope okay with a little ongoing stress. This is the stress that might include relationship problems, financial worry, unemployment, work deadlines- it is going to be in ones life for a little while. In cases like this the brain directs the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Cortisol causes the body to convert it's protein stores into glucose. Cortisol causes pretty much the same response throughout the body as adrenaline( see above), but because there is a lot more stored protein in the body cortisol can maintain that range of "performance enhancing symptoms" for a longer time than the instantaneous "rush" created by adrenaline. This system works well and can sustain physical or mental performance for days or even weeks. Interestingly, cortisol also has a natural anti-inflammatory effect and allows a person to focus on a stressful circumstance without being distracted by aches or pains of a minor nature.
But when people allow stress to dominate their lives for months at a time, without regular breaks to allow cortisol levels to return to base levels, health can become compromised.
Here is why:
If the increased metabolism continues there is the potential for health problems such as type 2 diabetes( from the maintained high blood sugar and the demand this places on the pancreas), panic attacks( from the increased-often shallow- breathing rate), Skin rashes( from the increased circulation to the skin), insomnia( the increased circulation to the brain), hypertension and compromised heart health( from the maintained increased heart rate), weight loss( not fat loss, but protein loss!), increased chance of thrombosis( from the production of blood clotting factor, and adrenal gland overload and eventual collapse.
As well as these concerns, the human body is not meant to be exposed to cortisol for extended periods of time because the anti-inflammatory property of cortisol suppresses the human immune system. Our immune systems produce antibodies and cells to fight disease and maintain fluid balance within the body. Ongoing stress over months will mean a person will more easily get sick, possibly be sicker than if there was not ongoing stress, and remain sick for longer, due to a compromised immune system.
The body is constantly replacing cells that die with new ones and throughout that process sometimes cells are produced "wrongly," some having the potential to become cancer cells. These cells are produced due to exposure to viruses, bacteria, chemicals, radiation, or toxins in our environment. It is the immune system that, on a daily basis, notices, removes, and destroys these cells before they can multiply into a problem. So, another reason its important to limit exposing the body to long term stress.
Here's an idea:
I certainly can't tell people to remove stress from their lives- short term "stressful" events make our lives interesting and provide challenges that allow our spirits to grow.
But if optimal health and wellness is to be achieved it is so important to allow cortisol levels, and all it's effects, to regularly return to minimal. Then the body, it's immune system, and the whole person can recover before undertaking the next challenge.
It's as simple as converting long term stress into short term "parcels." Beacuse our bodies can cope fine with short term stress. Once people know about the health risks of long term ongoing stress, it can be easier to put this kind of stress management in place.....
As stress levels get to a point of "making you feel mentally or physically sick"(preferably before) step away for a time ..... Plan a day trip away, have a massage, become immersed in a good book, meditate, exercise in an enjoyable way, spend time at a hobby you love, listen to some music, go dancing........Whatever you choose to do tell yourself that for this while you won't think about your regular stuff, it will always be there later, and you will be more effective when you're in optimal health. Then return to regular life, notice your stress levels increasing, and repeat the process....... With maybe an hour a day, or a couple of hours a week, or a few hours each month( whichever is best for your lifestyle) spent this way, you will be so much healthier.
People don't know how bad long term stress can be for their health. I mean most of us know it isn't very nice to be feeling "stressed"- either physically with tension in our bodies that create pain and immobility, or mentally with a brain that feels overwhelmed, exhausted, not able to think clearly. But I have noticed that people don't realise how long term, untreated stress can make you very sick.
The stress response, often termed "Flight, Fight or Freeze" is that rush of adrenaline the human body produces and releases when faced with a sudden stressful situation. Adrenaline pumped into the bloodstream causes stored starch to be converted to glucose, which in turn is sent to the bloodstream. This causes a whole range of body responses that most effectively equip the body to best deal with the circumstance at hand.... blood sugar rises, metabolic rate increases, breathing rate increases, the heart beats faster to pump blood and oxygen to the brain (for most effective thinking) and all other body parts (for most effective action), the pupils in the eyes dilate ( all the better to see the "danger" with), and the production of blood clotting factor increases( in preparedness for any injury that may result). An example of this might be when we are driving along and a car "appears from nowhere!" or some other sudden life threatening situation. In a less frightening way this stress response is also at play while we watch our favourite sports team play a final("nail-biting " or "edge of the seat" feelings), or enter an exam, or job interview, or go out on a first date. In all these instances it is the "rush" of adrenaline, and the effects it has on the body, that best prepare us to most effectively address the situation towards the most positive outcome. Then, afterwards, the brain observes there is no more need for it, and the stress response ends.....and heart rate, breathing rate, metabolic rate, pupils, blood sugar, blood clotting factor all return to normal levels. The stress response is meant to be short, sharp, and efficient, and then OVER.....until the next "situation" occurs.
But, these times in which we live often create ongoing stress in lives. The body can even cope okay with a little ongoing stress. This is the stress that might include relationship problems, financial worry, unemployment, work deadlines- it is going to be in ones life for a little while. In cases like this the brain directs the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Cortisol causes the body to convert it's protein stores into glucose. Cortisol causes pretty much the same response throughout the body as adrenaline( see above), but because there is a lot more stored protein in the body cortisol can maintain that range of "performance enhancing symptoms" for a longer time than the instantaneous "rush" created by adrenaline. This system works well and can sustain physical or mental performance for days or even weeks. Interestingly, cortisol also has a natural anti-inflammatory effect and allows a person to focus on a stressful circumstance without being distracted by aches or pains of a minor nature.
But when people allow stress to dominate their lives for months at a time, without regular breaks to allow cortisol levels to return to base levels, health can become compromised.
Here is why:
If the increased metabolism continues there is the potential for health problems such as type 2 diabetes( from the maintained high blood sugar and the demand this places on the pancreas), panic attacks( from the increased-often shallow- breathing rate), Skin rashes( from the increased circulation to the skin), insomnia( the increased circulation to the brain), hypertension and compromised heart health( from the maintained increased heart rate), weight loss( not fat loss, but protein loss!), increased chance of thrombosis( from the production of blood clotting factor, and adrenal gland overload and eventual collapse.
As well as these concerns, the human body is not meant to be exposed to cortisol for extended periods of time because the anti-inflammatory property of cortisol suppresses the human immune system. Our immune systems produce antibodies and cells to fight disease and maintain fluid balance within the body. Ongoing stress over months will mean a person will more easily get sick, possibly be sicker than if there was not ongoing stress, and remain sick for longer, due to a compromised immune system.
The body is constantly replacing cells that die with new ones and throughout that process sometimes cells are produced "wrongly," some having the potential to become cancer cells. These cells are produced due to exposure to viruses, bacteria, chemicals, radiation, or toxins in our environment. It is the immune system that, on a daily basis, notices, removes, and destroys these cells before they can multiply into a problem. So, another reason its important to limit exposing the body to long term stress.
Here's an idea:
I certainly can't tell people to remove stress from their lives- short term "stressful" events make our lives interesting and provide challenges that allow our spirits to grow.
But if optimal health and wellness is to be achieved it is so important to allow cortisol levels, and all it's effects, to regularly return to minimal. Then the body, it's immune system, and the whole person can recover before undertaking the next challenge.
It's as simple as converting long term stress into short term "parcels." Beacuse our bodies can cope fine with short term stress. Once people know about the health risks of long term ongoing stress, it can be easier to put this kind of stress management in place.....
As stress levels get to a point of "making you feel mentally or physically sick"(preferably before) step away for a time ..... Plan a day trip away, have a massage, become immersed in a good book, meditate, exercise in an enjoyable way, spend time at a hobby you love, listen to some music, go dancing........Whatever you choose to do tell yourself that for this while you won't think about your regular stuff, it will always be there later, and you will be more effective when you're in optimal health. Then return to regular life, notice your stress levels increasing, and repeat the process....... With maybe an hour a day, or a couple of hours a week, or a few hours each month( whichever is best for your lifestyle) spent this way, you will be so much healthier.
Friday, 20 July 2012
"People" Skills
Recently we spent a few days in Melbourne doing some training. This is a requirement in our profession to stay compliant with health fund regulations, if you are a provider. We spent 4 days with a great Instructor who was very inspiring. The experience at the workshop and another at a local Melbourne restaurant gave me cause to think about good business practices- which I think are just good people practices.
It's funny, because a week or so ago I was speaking with a friend and made the comment that I thought to be successful in the customer service industry these days, a business owner needs to remember that business is primarily about people and not money. I trully believe it is most important to be aware and attentive to the needs of customers, above all other business aspects. When I am a customer I think if I have a really great service experience, a lot of other aspects like price, surroundings, quality, quantity, etc can be just at an adequate level. Let me explain....
The workshop we attended cost us $1200 to attend, $600 for accomodation, and $400 for airfares. Plus, when you are self employed, the cost of 4 days without any income. But let me say the quality of the service, provided by the Instructor, lets me put those costs in perspective. He was totally attentive throughout, asked at the outset what each learner wanted to take away from the instruction, discussed how to use the learning in your business, constantly checked in with the class that everyone "got it", explained in another way when a learner didn't "get it", regularly allowed time for questions, and allowed regular short breaks to avoid the mental fatigue that can accompany 4 days of Anatomy and Physiology learning. My point is....quality of service justified the reasonable cost for me.
This also was really made clear to us when we ventured out for dinner at a restaurant I had heard about( on on a television cooking show, actually). I had a look on the internet and found you could not book a table unless it was for a group of 8 or more, and that there was likely to be a "bit of a wait for a table"...that just intrigued us : ) ! At least we were forewarned....
So we dressed up, took a tram into the city, and found the restaurant. Nothing too showy....just a door with the name of the place above it. When we entered we discovered we were at the end of a queue, at the bottom of a stairway and the restaurant was above. There were probably 30 people in front of us, and we were at the bottom of the stairs- just squeezed inside. It looked daunting, and we thought this was a crazy way to run a business! But a young man ( of a waiter nature) came down the stairs very quickly to tell us there was a 1 hour wait for a table, but that we would have a drink and something to "munch" on within 25 minutes. He asked if we were happy to wait under those circumstances. We were appreciative of the quick attention and thought we would wait for a while- but I have to say I was having doubts about the evening. We chatted with eachother, with the others on the stairs, and 20 minutes passed quite quickly. The queue moved upward and, as promised, we were ushered upstairs to the bar within 20 minutes( 5 minutes faster than expected). It was interesting how being 5 minutes-ahead-of-time impressed us! The bar options were extensive and the bar staff were amazing in their ability to patiently explain several pages of tequila derived alternatives, boutique beers, and white and red wines to help us decide on something that was similar to our usual preferred drinks. And they were absolutely "on the mark." We enjoyed sipping our drinks, looking around the crowded restaurant, nibbling some locally made corn chips, and wondered how they would keep track of us amongst all the other patrons at the bar. But within another 20 minutes we were taken to our table. The tables were really close together and normally I wouldn't like that, but the soft lighting and the busy atmosphere of the place, along with the great latino music muffled out the crowds! After asking if we had eaten there before, the waitress explained every item on the menu and, again, was attentive to us with our shared plates being taken from the table promptly but unobtrusively. We were a little unsure how much to order because of the sharing idea with the type of food, but her guidance was perfect. We learned a lot about the nature of the food ( regional mexican) as well as enjoying the flavours. There was no hurry at all to leave- but you know at 10:30 pm, as we left, there were another 30 people waiting on the stairs to be seated!
So I will say the food was great( but not AMAZING by technical standards), the cost was average( $120 for the 2 of us ), the wait to sit originally seemed crazy, but on a scale of 1-10 with regard to customer service I would rate it a 15- every step of the way! And that's what made it so memorable, and why I will tell others, and why I would go again if I lived in Melbourne( and certainly will if I return). So in regard to the "eating out" experience, this time it was again amazing customer service that far outweighed, what would normally have been, a ridiculously long time to wait for a table.
For me these 2 really different experiences demonstrated that customer service is the most important aspect of any business. I will continue to treat it as such, and I hope others in business will also. It seems to be what customers mention they crave the most. Maybe, in these tougher economic times, the customer will benefit beacuse of this.
It's funny, because a week or so ago I was speaking with a friend and made the comment that I thought to be successful in the customer service industry these days, a business owner needs to remember that business is primarily about people and not money. I trully believe it is most important to be aware and attentive to the needs of customers, above all other business aspects. When I am a customer I think if I have a really great service experience, a lot of other aspects like price, surroundings, quality, quantity, etc can be just at an adequate level. Let me explain....
The workshop we attended cost us $1200 to attend, $600 for accomodation, and $400 for airfares. Plus, when you are self employed, the cost of 4 days without any income. But let me say the quality of the service, provided by the Instructor, lets me put those costs in perspective. He was totally attentive throughout, asked at the outset what each learner wanted to take away from the instruction, discussed how to use the learning in your business, constantly checked in with the class that everyone "got it", explained in another way when a learner didn't "get it", regularly allowed time for questions, and allowed regular short breaks to avoid the mental fatigue that can accompany 4 days of Anatomy and Physiology learning. My point is....quality of service justified the reasonable cost for me.
This also was really made clear to us when we ventured out for dinner at a restaurant I had heard about( on on a television cooking show, actually). I had a look on the internet and found you could not book a table unless it was for a group of 8 or more, and that there was likely to be a "bit of a wait for a table"...that just intrigued us : ) ! At least we were forewarned....
So we dressed up, took a tram into the city, and found the restaurant. Nothing too showy....just a door with the name of the place above it. When we entered we discovered we were at the end of a queue, at the bottom of a stairway and the restaurant was above. There were probably 30 people in front of us, and we were at the bottom of the stairs- just squeezed inside. It looked daunting, and we thought this was a crazy way to run a business! But a young man ( of a waiter nature) came down the stairs very quickly to tell us there was a 1 hour wait for a table, but that we would have a drink and something to "munch" on within 25 minutes. He asked if we were happy to wait under those circumstances. We were appreciative of the quick attention and thought we would wait for a while- but I have to say I was having doubts about the evening. We chatted with eachother, with the others on the stairs, and 20 minutes passed quite quickly. The queue moved upward and, as promised, we were ushered upstairs to the bar within 20 minutes( 5 minutes faster than expected). It was interesting how being 5 minutes-ahead-of-time impressed us! The bar options were extensive and the bar staff were amazing in their ability to patiently explain several pages of tequila derived alternatives, boutique beers, and white and red wines to help us decide on something that was similar to our usual preferred drinks. And they were absolutely "on the mark." We enjoyed sipping our drinks, looking around the crowded restaurant, nibbling some locally made corn chips, and wondered how they would keep track of us amongst all the other patrons at the bar. But within another 20 minutes we were taken to our table. The tables were really close together and normally I wouldn't like that, but the soft lighting and the busy atmosphere of the place, along with the great latino music muffled out the crowds! After asking if we had eaten there before, the waitress explained every item on the menu and, again, was attentive to us with our shared plates being taken from the table promptly but unobtrusively. We were a little unsure how much to order because of the sharing idea with the type of food, but her guidance was perfect. We learned a lot about the nature of the food ( regional mexican) as well as enjoying the flavours. There was no hurry at all to leave- but you know at 10:30 pm, as we left, there were another 30 people waiting on the stairs to be seated!
So I will say the food was great( but not AMAZING by technical standards), the cost was average( $120 for the 2 of us ), the wait to sit originally seemed crazy, but on a scale of 1-10 with regard to customer service I would rate it a 15- every step of the way! And that's what made it so memorable, and why I will tell others, and why I would go again if I lived in Melbourne( and certainly will if I return). So in regard to the "eating out" experience, this time it was again amazing customer service that far outweighed, what would normally have been, a ridiculously long time to wait for a table.
For me these 2 really different experiences demonstrated that customer service is the most important aspect of any business. I will continue to treat it as such, and I hope others in business will also. It seems to be what customers mention they crave the most. Maybe, in these tougher economic times, the customer will benefit beacuse of this.
Friday, 29 June 2012
Living Simply
I just purchased a new mortar and pestle..... and it makes me so happy!
I should have known it really would because its been in my mind to buy one for a long time....but for one reason and another I just haven't made the time to buy one before now. And that's mad because ordinarily I would have acted on a thought that continued to enter my head- because I think that's my soul guiding me through life! And listening to my soul, and allowing it to guide me, always leads me to happiness : )
I am by no means an expert cook, but I do enjoy making food from original ingredients- partly for health and partly for that simple purity of flavour. So with this new purchase I can create my own pastes, tapenades, spice blends- combinations of original flavour. And I think the aspect that gives me the greatest joy is the physical process of picking fresh herbs from the garden( or dried from the pantry ) and then the slow motions in the mortar and pestle- working them into a blend.....perhaps slowly adding some moisture or oil.....then using them to enhance the flavour of simple food. I find it really grounding.... no pun intended.
Thinking about why I am so happy with the mortar and pestle has given me a little more insight into myself.....
I think what I call "Simple Living" really works well for me. By this term I mean limiting the amount of appliances, gadgets, machines in my world. Getting back to basics.
Towards this end we grow lots of our own vegetables and fruit- not self sufficient by any means, but a great enhancement to our diets. It also regularly puts me in touch with the earth and her cycles. It gives me the chance to watch plants go to seed, spreading those seeds and watching the same plants regrow the next season. Watching our fruit trees and vines have good (and sometimes dissapointing) yeilds. Returning plant waste back to the earth via the compost heap. For me it's probably the "being in touch with the earth" aspect I like the most.
Cooking simply, but from basic ingredients rather than prepared sauces or flavourings, also appeals to me for that reason. And it gives me that sense of appreciation for the Farmer's efforts. In that vain I swap some therapy work for real free range eggs. It raises my sense of appreciation for the produce by directly working for it.
I try and limit my "footprint" on the earth by running only one car in the household. After 25 years of family life that way, we did inherit a second car- but old habits remain because there is still only one car in use at a time (and the trusty pushbike!) By habit and default we seem to have become environmentally aware. : )
We don't own a dishwasher or microwave oven- they are convenient for many folks I know, but it just feels like too much technology in my simple kitchen! ( I actually did a report about microwave ovens- their use, leakage and food impact- when I was at University in the early 1980's and I have never felt brave enough to own one since!) Nor do we have home airconditioning. Blankets are great to keep warm in the winter and we're lucky enough to live in a "Queenslander" with lots of windows to catch Summer breezes. Again I like to be in touch with the planet and I think less technology and more aknowledgement of the weather helps me do that.
I certinly buy new clothes, but I also do a lot of "Opshopping"- taking shop bought but no longer used clothes in for them to recycle. For me it feels like less waste.
I know technology and convenience in food and living are appealing, and I certainly enjoy the entertainment and comfort they provide on many levels. But for me sometimes they speed life up so much that it zooms by and I feel like I'm missing it. Taking a breath and living simply helps me keep my feet on the ground, and notice the life I am living.
I should have known it really would because its been in my mind to buy one for a long time....but for one reason and another I just haven't made the time to buy one before now. And that's mad because ordinarily I would have acted on a thought that continued to enter my head- because I think that's my soul guiding me through life! And listening to my soul, and allowing it to guide me, always leads me to happiness : )
I am by no means an expert cook, but I do enjoy making food from original ingredients- partly for health and partly for that simple purity of flavour. So with this new purchase I can create my own pastes, tapenades, spice blends- combinations of original flavour. And I think the aspect that gives me the greatest joy is the physical process of picking fresh herbs from the garden( or dried from the pantry ) and then the slow motions in the mortar and pestle- working them into a blend.....perhaps slowly adding some moisture or oil.....then using them to enhance the flavour of simple food. I find it really grounding.... no pun intended.
Thinking about why I am so happy with the mortar and pestle has given me a little more insight into myself.....
I think what I call "Simple Living" really works well for me. By this term I mean limiting the amount of appliances, gadgets, machines in my world. Getting back to basics.
Towards this end we grow lots of our own vegetables and fruit- not self sufficient by any means, but a great enhancement to our diets. It also regularly puts me in touch with the earth and her cycles. It gives me the chance to watch plants go to seed, spreading those seeds and watching the same plants regrow the next season. Watching our fruit trees and vines have good (and sometimes dissapointing) yeilds. Returning plant waste back to the earth via the compost heap. For me it's probably the "being in touch with the earth" aspect I like the most.
Cooking simply, but from basic ingredients rather than prepared sauces or flavourings, also appeals to me for that reason. And it gives me that sense of appreciation for the Farmer's efforts. In that vain I swap some therapy work for real free range eggs. It raises my sense of appreciation for the produce by directly working for it.
I try and limit my "footprint" on the earth by running only one car in the household. After 25 years of family life that way, we did inherit a second car- but old habits remain because there is still only one car in use at a time (and the trusty pushbike!) By habit and default we seem to have become environmentally aware. : )
We don't own a dishwasher or microwave oven- they are convenient for many folks I know, but it just feels like too much technology in my simple kitchen! ( I actually did a report about microwave ovens- their use, leakage and food impact- when I was at University in the early 1980's and I have never felt brave enough to own one since!) Nor do we have home airconditioning. Blankets are great to keep warm in the winter and we're lucky enough to live in a "Queenslander" with lots of windows to catch Summer breezes. Again I like to be in touch with the planet and I think less technology and more aknowledgement of the weather helps me do that.
I certinly buy new clothes, but I also do a lot of "Opshopping"- taking shop bought but no longer used clothes in for them to recycle. For me it feels like less waste.
I know technology and convenience in food and living are appealing, and I certainly enjoy the entertainment and comfort they provide on many levels. But for me sometimes they speed life up so much that it zooms by and I feel like I'm missing it. Taking a breath and living simply helps me keep my feet on the ground, and notice the life I am living.
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
The Power of Positive
We often say we need to have a positive attitude to create positive outcomes. But how do we do that? How do we generate a positive attitude and what do we do when there are challenges to our positive attitude?
Several years ago, at a Women’s’ Retreat, we spent a session brainstorming about “How to live Your Life with a Positive Attitude.” Participants were a diverse group of (18) women aged from 20-60 years in age. I thought you might find it interesting to see what we came up with by the end of that session…..
- The features of a positive attitude:
- constructive thing
- creative thinking
- expecting success
- optimism
- looking at the bright side of life
- motivation to achieve goals
- being inspired
- happiness
- looking at failure and problems as blessings in disguise
- believing in yourself and in your abilities
- self-esteem and confidence
- noticing opportunities
There are 2 aspects to a Positive attitude:
1. Presenting a Positive Appearance: we thought some or all the following….
§ Neat, tidy, “I’ve made an effort” appearance
§ Make Eye contact
§ Smiling
§ Open body language
§ Positive responses to communications
2. Having a Positive Mental Process by:
For Yourself
- Always remind yourself you are not less or more than another. But beautifully unique!
- Each day remind yourself of those things you are really good at- your strengths- we called it your “Superpower”.
- In any situation when you find yourself feeling inferior, choose one of your strengths and think to yourself “ I am .....” to raise confidence.
With Others
- Avoid making negative assumptions about how others will be/act/respond.
- You can do this by realising and telling yourself this:
Assumptions are based on how you would be in that situation- based on your life experiences. How can you know how another person will think, be, act, because you don’t know their life experiences.
- Try just asking someone how they feel and be clear before assuming.
- Expect the best from other people- give them the chance to rise to your expectations!
In Situations
- Always expect good things in life and you’ll open the doors to many opportunities that would otherwise be overlooked.
-And when “unexpected”(maybe undesired) outcomes occur look for the opportunities they may present to learn or live a little differently.
- Practise “Manifesting” positive outcomes:
1. When you really want an outcome in your life say in your mind “I will have….”Or “… will happen” -every day
2. Daily, visualise the changes this outcome will bring in your life.
3. Consider making an audio cassette and listen to what you “will have.”
4. Pay attention for the things that happen in your life that may bring your desired outcome to pass.
5. Pay attention for any life events/ opportunities that may allow it to happen.
And while working on practising positive thinking we had these ideas:
§ As a negative thought enters your mind notice it and then stop it from fully forming
§ As a negative thought enters your mind notice it and replace it with a positive, more proactive, one.
The benefits of positive thinking ?
-Happiness,
-Wellness,
-Success,
- Fewer difficulties noticed
-Wealth of soul,
- The ability to rise above obstacles
-Positive thinkers are nice to be with……….so others are drawn to them and, perhaps, will bring opportunities their way.
Not to suggest any of this is easy (especially on this planet at this time) but with practise positive attitude/thinking has that potential to make your life everything it can be-rather than more limited.
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