happynurses

What I do

This is my 'Inspiration zone' or 'Creativity corner' in my flat. In here I write, play my piano, and think of some of my great ideas, as well as gazing out of the window at Pittville Park. I am here now! Mmmmmmmmmmm!

Back to the blog! Today, I was 'blogtagged' by  Alison and asked to write the 5 things I do each day to help my success, so I thought I would also share them with you:

Here are my top tips for success
1. Write everything down. Each weekend I sit with my A5 spiral bound notebook and write actions for each area of my 'wheel of life' for that week, with a little box to tick when I have done it. I have achieved masses in the last 2 years by using this simple system.
So, each day I check what needs to be done, tick my actions off when complete and often read what I have achieved in the past months to see how far I have come, and to keep me going. Having a thrilling and inspiring dream certainly helps as well!

2. Music - I love it, and cannot go without it for more than a few hours. I have the radio on while I work (Radio 1!) and love to use music to get me buzzing. I love to sing too.

3. Sleep. I try to get as much as I need, and make the most of the days when I am not up at 5.45 for my day job. Drinking less alcohol certainly helps with sleep quality.

4. I use mentors. Real ones - my coaches, my friends and anyone I aspire to be like. I also use ones I have never met through their writing and other products. I read, read, read - two books a week of inspiring and motivational subjects, newsletters and blogs from those I admire. I listen to audio in the car - Nick Williams' CD's are great.

5. Laugh - having fun, and laughing are a big part of who I am and what I do. It reduces stress, can increase rapport, and makes me feel wonderful when I cheer someone up - a child, a parent, a friend, a Consultant, a client - I'm not fussy!

Be successful, happynurses

Ice skating vs life

I have been unwell this week, so have seen loads of TV. I usually don't watch a lot, especially avoiding the 'celebrity tries a new skill' programmes as they are often tone deaf C-listers I have never seen before, and never want to hear sing again!

However, I have been astounded by the skill, grace and sense of fun demonstrated by Kyran Bracken, in 'Dancing on Ice'.  The development of his skating has been described as a 'journey' by the judges, and coaches, alike. This can sound like a cliche, but to see a rugby player develop from a guy falling over, forgetting what he is doing, and getting frustrated, to the perfectly beautiful final performances was truly moving.

There are lessons in his development that can be incorporated into your life:

1. Challenge yourself. Always try new things and remember they will often seem difficult if you have never done them before.

2. Be persistant. Keep going through the difficult bits, bruises, and confusion - that is how you really develop a skill.

3. Find a coach or an expert to teach and guide you. Get support from others doing the same thing.

4. Have a goal in mind. I performed 'stand-up' comedy at two clubs in London last year, and it really helped to make sure I put the work in, rehearsed and turned up!

5. Be prepared to look foolish and make mistakes. This is the quickest way to learn what NOT to do, then do it differently next time.

6. Have fun, and be yourself.

I have failed countless times getting to this point in my life, but I use the failures to teach me what to do differently next time. In my improvisation and comedy classes I learned that 'if you have never done this before - why would you be good at it? Fail, make mistakes, but have fun, try new stuff, and always remember to give your partner a good time....'

How can you learn from your 'failures?'

What would you really love to do, or try?

Find an expert, a coach or a course to get you started.

To develop courage and confidence I highly recommend improvisation and comedy.....

Be brave, happynurses!