happynurses

Do something different 2

On June 16th I posted about doing things differently. Whenever I post on here it makes me reflect on my own life and what I am doing.

Yesterday I decided to do things differently and after my business brek I visited 3 venues where there were nurses - a hospice and two homes for the elderly.

It was great! I got a warm welcome in each one, a chance to introduce myself and happynurses to the matron/sister and one booking for a talk - fab!

I then had a mad afternoon at a business event meeting up with loads of my 4N buddies and doing 'speed networking' which gave me a chance to tell another 20 people what I do!

I will be doing much more if this and less time in 'the office'!

Do something diffferent today, happynurses!

I am also reviewing all the processes and teams associated with happynurses to see what is working and what isn't so there will be some big changes coming soon - watch this space!

Know what it is that you want!

The most amazing thing that will change your whole life is to know what you want!

This sounds like the most obvious thing to write but I often talk to, and coach, nurses who are baffled by the question 'What is it you want?'

They are so used to focussing on what is wrong in their lives and all the reasons/ excuses they haven't got anywhere that they aren't capable of seeing a new way to re-frame their experience and look to the future.

If you are reading this and unhappy with any element of your life then start to think - if I don't want this, then what do I want?

It can be as easy as making a list of everything you are not happy with and aiming for the opposite, or opening up your imagination to thinking about what would be the BEST possible thing to have for you?

Start to believe that you CAN have something you really want and a life you really love. It can be done!

What do you want, happynurses?

Making assumptions

I have been having some challenges this week, and when I focus on the causes of them it is a lot to do with making assumptions.

I assume that certain things are being done, when they are not. I am assuming that everyone who is involved with happynurses is as passionate about it as I am, when they are not.

I am assuming that people have the same drives/ buying habits and standards that I do.

I assume that if people say they will do something then it will happen.

These are not true and I have had to look at what the outcome of these assumptions has been for me -frustration, amazement that others are not like me, and lack of movement in the business in the way that I want.

The solution has been to recognise this, and then to look at what it is I really want - and therefore how to get it. If you are not getting the results you want then you need to look for solutions.

The next step is to make it clear to everyone involved exactly what it is you want, and what you expect. be specific and clear (I haven't been clear enough) and get a written plan if appropriate.

This can work in business, relationships, work, social and other areas.

What are you assuming is true, happynurses?

Do something different!

My tip for today and every day in fact is: do something different!

It is easy to get into a rut in any area of life - work, relationships, health or social and feel worn down by the ''groundhog day' feeling that nothing ever changes. Well, here's some amazing news just in - you can take steps to change it today!

Think of an area in life where you feel bored, fed up or over-stressed. Think about what it is you do out of habit now, and whether that is a good habit to have. Then think of 10 things you could do differently. Go to a new place to eat, wear some lovely clothes at home to make you feel better, walk for 20 minutes every morning, buy a small gift for your partner, read a different magazine or newspaper, ask for help, say 'no' to something your really don't want to do.

Small things can inspire new thoughts and ideas. Look at what has worked for you or others in the past.

Do one new thing today, happynurses!

Habits

How to change your life: Know what you want, get some help and start to change your habits. A lot of what we do in life are things we do without really thinking too much about them. We get into a rut in all sorts of areas of life.

I have now been diagnosed with coeliac disease which was not in my plans, but having my personal trainer has kept me motivated to train even when I have been feeling under par. I cut down what I did until I felt I could cope and have upped the amount I do again now.

I looked at what had worked before and put it into my plans. I am better exercising early or I talk myself out of it. I need some goals and motivation - so Carl comes over every week, and weighs and measures me to keep me on track.

I need variety so he does a different workout each time. I need some fun so he 'rabbits on' endlessly while I am working out(!)

What would help you to get fitter and more energetic? What has worked before for you? What sort of activities do you love - tennis, dancing, cycling, walks?

Do what you like in a way that suits you and don't try to follow anyone else's plans - what is right for others may not be right for you. Start a healthy habit and keep it going for 3 months. Then you will see real results!

Do something fun and active cos summer's here, happynurses!

Persistance and perseverance

The next tip I will pass on after last week's is - to keep going!

That's right - many people who have great idea, or want to try something new simply give up before the plan has had time to mature. It is easy to underestimate how hard something will be, and how long it will take. This leads to feelings of despondency and then to giving up.

Many people would be far more successful if they kept going. The secret is, however to review the results you are getting and make changes before continuing. For example, trying a new 'diet'. If the weight loss is not quick enough - and no, 4 days is not enough no matter what the magazines tell you! - then it is easier to abandon the whole thing, rather than look at how to improve your results by doing something differently.

I have been looking at how and what I do for happynurses and although the community is growing, I need to make changes to be more effective. I am looking at the 80/20 rule. Where do 80% of my leads come from? What actions of mine lead to clients signing up? How have I got coaching clients in the past?

Then I am doing them all more often, plus actions I am putting off cos they scare me.....yes - me too!

What are you putting off, happynurses?

Doing what we know

I went to a great marketing seminar yesterday and I learned some great tips for marketing my services to potential clients. It was a longer version of a topic I had heard a short presentation about before, so it was a quick refresh. The group was really lively and we had such fun!

So, if I knew this before, then why aren't I doing it?

We all know things we don't do! For example we all know how to lose weight and get fit but we don't necessarily take action to do it. I have a personal trainer and it is a great way to keep on track, as discussed in an earlier post. I also have a coach who I am accountable to for business and life issues.

Sometimes we can get held up in our life plans by not knowing what to do, but often it is a lack of action that is the crucial point.

Invest in a coach/ trainer/ mentor/ get a buddy, use an expert in whatever area you are wanting to grow in, attend a seminar to get support and link with a buddy who is doing the same thing, join a club, sign up for happynurses.....there are lots of ways to get going!

Take action to start real changes, happynurses

The joy of nursing

This weekend I went to work as a nurse for the first time in a while. It was great to feel I had some energy to do a full shift!

I had lovely weekend as I am not embroiled in the politics of the unit any more - there is still a lot for nurses to moan about. The problem is that none of them are looking for solutions or support through happynurses or other means, but go round in circles complaining as if it's someone else's job to do something.

The first principle of coaching is that you must take responsibility for your life - your job, happiness, health and relationships are all a reflection of what choices you have made and the action you have taken.

Things can always be different, but it means you have to DO something different. Look at new jobs, but be clear who you are and which one would make you happy.

Buy the e-book 'How to be Happier at Work' and do the exercises. No-one else cares as much about your life and happiness as YOU.

Get a coach and make rapid progress - call me or email me, happynurses!