Focus For Change 2020

EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM As the title suggests, the best time to activate energy systems, focus the mind and strengthen the body for whatever the day may bring, is a period shortly after waking, early in the morning. Robin Sharma's  5am Club  was first introduced to me back in 2014. It was discovered at a pivotal moment in time, when the effects of burning a candle at both ends were becoming increasingly apparent, with diminished energy levels, failing health and reduced mental acuity. Up until that moment, the relied upon adage 'work hard - play hard' system, had been the favoured mantra repeated throughout 20's and 30's. Evidently, moving past 40, the 'bounce back' wasn't proving to be quite as effective any more, so it was definitely the right time for lifestyle and mindset changes. This step, propelled me onwards, to a  a year of dedicated mindfulness , is the seat of my newfound knowledge and reason both my partner and I are developing along an...

BALANCE: MANAGEMENT & MAINTAINANCE On birth, we are handled the most sophisticated equipment, which which to navigate life. A finely tuned, balanced bit of kit, which has the capabilities to bring great rewards of achievement, happiness and a long, prosperous, rewarding life. If we were lucky enough to be handed the keys to a classic Ferrari, the fun we could have driving the car would be dependent on the fuel we put in it. We’d need to be wary of where we drove the car, because if we drove this machine on gravel, pot-holed roads and exposed it to corrosive sea air or damp conditions, the beautiful machine would show signs of premature wear and tear. And if we never changed the oil and filters, the fun-time would soon be outweighed by the not-so-fun time (and costs), of repairing the car.  If we wish to continue enjoying life’s many varied experiences, then it stands to reason that the vessel we are given, will constantly need to be monitored and maintained. For optimum p...

READING THE SIGNS Life is a magical mystery tour with many twists and turns along the way. Our greatest wisdom, can be attained through learning  which paths lead us  towards the most successful outcomes.  First, as the ancient greek philosophers pointed out (literally written in stone), we need to 'know thyself' – which in itself, is the most difficult quest of all. Our passions, our preferences and general outlook on life, are constantly changing. How can we truly 'know' the person in the mirror? Firstly, we have to break the chains of self deceipt.  Dr Robert Trivers  has worked diligently over 40 years, attempting to understand the logic and role of deceipt in human life. Just 14 minutes in to  this video , Robert's research concludes that the 'truth' is in our subconscious mind. Increasingly often, it's the lies we display consciously, protected via our 'Ego, in order to avoid detection by an observer and potential rival. So adapt have we becom...

THE HUMBLE WARRIOR The warrior's path, is one littered with many trials and tribulations. As the warrior journeys onwards through a life fulfilled by an attainment of spiritual integrity, his greatest risks will be reflected more in the actions of retreat than in battle. The formidable warrior is one that accepts their vulnerability with grace and bravely struggles on with this knowledge. Men and the male archetype, are predominantly seen as the aggressor, dominator and driving force behind many violent manifestations in the world past and present. This warrior spirit will be the result of misspent energies arising from those who have not learned to direct a warrior's spirit towards the good , positive change and champion the right action in themselves and others. Female warriors are as much to blame for adopting this hardened, cold and emotionless approach to leadership, resulting in corruption, trauma, misery and suffering in the world. The warrior is defined by the...

NEGOTIATING ADVANTAGE The best negotiators, are the ones who come prepared. But often, the key moments for negotiation, will arise from unexpected situations, when there's been no opportunity to first assess the situation. It's at times such as these, that a learned negotiator will have mentally prepared themselves to respond in the right way to take the advantage in any given situation. Negotiations are always charged with emotions. Excitement, fear of the unknown and significance to the negotiator about the desired outcome, can manifest in  anxiety . Anxiety is the achilles heel in the negotiator's armour. Emotionally charged responses will lead negotiations and how we adapt to confrontational situations determines if we emerge as the winner or loser. When we enter into negotiations in an anxious mental state, the brain's responses will be coloured by emotions stemming from our ill-fated fight or flight responses. Our fear of the unknown, can create a state ...

LOCKED-IN SYNDROME We are all prisoners of perceptions. Plato's Allegory of the Cave , highlights to us how we can grasp, think and talk about the concept of our observations, but how concepts differ from what the reality of the concept actually is. And as our perceptions are purely constructs of the mind, it follows that our perceptions are unique to us and to us alone. If the above statement takes you around in circles, the statement has served its purpose: to push you the reader, to 'think'. Not merely 'thinking' as we loosely believe the term to be used, ie. referencing 'pre-learned' memorised information, recalling the information as a confirmed acknowledgement that we've already covered this topic, then quickly moving on, – but actual 'thinking' with reasoning and cross-examination of the information we seek to understand, as in the Socratic method . It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accep...