It’s not uncommon for people to feel flustered when under pressure to answer a question in an important meeting. Even if we know the answer our minds can sometimes go blank and we get tongue tied. If you’re like most people who’ve experienced this you may even chastise yourself for getting so wound up. While there’s always something lying underneath this response (often it’s the flight, fight or freeze response kicking in) there are some simple steps we can take to better remain calm under fire. (more…)

This summer my wife and I had grand plans of getting the garden in shape and I found myself standing in the sweltering heat of a greenhouse in the local garden center. It was a busy day and there were lots of people wandering by outside checking out the fruit trees but unable to help themselves taking a little look in to see what I was up to. It dawned on me that this is exactly what it’s like working in a professional office environment…we go through our professional lives living in our own personal greenhouse. (more…)

I’m sure I wasn’t alone when I say that I found myself with a paintbrush in my hand over the Christmas holidays. Whenever I’m doing a spot of painting I like to put on an audio book to wile the time away so I thought I’d throw an oldie but a goodie – Jim Rohn. If you’ve ever listened to or read any of Jim Rohn’s work you’ll know what I’m talking about; his thoughts are full of timeless wisdom and they are always presented in such an amenable way you can’t help but get sucked into his message. (more…)

Some of us have breezed through our careers without ever missing an opportunity for advancement but for the rest us being passed up for a promotion can be a pretty tough experience. Sometimes the reason might be an obvious one but at other times it might be a little murky…

Allow me to ask you a question, have you ever had a certain feeling about someone, you’d never call their character into question (more…)

I’ve recently taken on more responsibility that has changed the dynamics of my life quite considerably and I’m very excited about the opportunity.  This has meant I haven’t had the time to focus on some of things that are important to me because “there are only so many hours in the day” and “I just don’t have time for everything”…and other excuses.  Sound familiar at all?  So I’ve decided to do something about it and make a few changes so I can continue to live life at high speed and enjoy it along the way. (more…)

Times were pretty tough at home and we were struggling to make ends meet.  We cut back as much as we could and ultimately the only thing that was draining the family resources were the children…they were an expense and we had to continue to make sacrifices if ever we were going to make it.  Besides, they weren’t doing all that well at school and would only continue to be a drain on us as a family so we told ourselves it was for the best.  Could you imagine the heart-ache and pain associated with giving up your own children? (more…)

If ever you’ve found yourself struggling at 3pm in the afternoon or you need that coffee to kick-start your day then read on.   Modern life is robbing us of our natural ability to perform at our very best throughout the day and to keep going well into the evening.  Here are some super quick tips for getting the most out of your body and your day. (more…)

Attending networking events is something that most of us dread doing and, if you’ve never been to one before, your first one can be quite intimidating.  Here are some simple tips to help you be more comfortable the next time you find yourself at a networking event or even amongst a group of people you don’t know. (more…)

I’m absolutely blessed that I can, from time to time, go along and see what my girls get up to in their after school activities.  Both of my girls study piano and watching their little fingers dance across the keys is amazing to me.  Sometimes, as you can imagine, when they are learning a new piece that requires both hands going in different directions it can get a little confusing.  I sat watching my daughter, Ciara, struggle (more…)

Imagine this scenario…you and I are out on a boat fishing in the harbour.  Not too far out, maybe 250 metres or so.  We’re not wearing life jackets but we’re having a great time laughing and joking when out of nowhere a freak wave appears and topples the boat.  We both go flying into the water and, almost at the same time, we reach the surface.  Now you’re a confident swimmer and you come up laughing and joking, “Where did that come from?” (more…)