Year: 2016

No shopping for one month

I’ve read a number of articles where folks experimented how long they’d last not buying something. Often, shopping has a very calming effect. In the short-run, it gives you that pleasant feeling. Almost like a reward. You’ve made it through another tough day at work. Treat yourself to that nice handbag, that lipstick or that dress. You are worth it. It will make you feel so much better!

Yet, shortly afterwards, this positive feeling changes into guilty. Did I really need that handbag? How can I justify spending so much on a lipstick? Is that dress really looking that good on me?

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Clothes make the man

Have you ever tried out a new sport, all geared up to like the other athletes and yet, not having a clue what you needed to do? Did you look the part? Ready to participate, ready to play? It’s so easy to appear like the other sports people. Just buy the running shoes, the golf skirt or yoga pants and you’re in it.

But what happens when you know how to play but aren’t dressed accordingly? In certain sports, you may not be able to participate. Quickly put on the different gear in the changing room and off you go.

Yet, there are other areas in life, where you can’t quickly change.

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Be cool. Be grateful.

Simple MindsIt’s simple. I love my weekends and what better way to start it than by attending a concert with my friend? Simple Minds were playing at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Wow! The stadium was packed, the band put on a great show and we were just soaking up the fun surrounding us.

As I looked at the stars during one song, I realised again how lucky I am. It’s late January and we were outside (I admit the 21C/70F did feel cold though). It was a Thursday night, last day of our working week, and we were being entertained by a fabulous band from my childhood. I was spending the evening with one of my closest friends. I was simply grateful for what life gave me.

Gratitude which is defined as “being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen; taking time to express thanks.” can be such a cool thing. What are you grateful for?

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Do I need to develop myself?

“How do I find time for my own personal development?” That was a question a client asked me recently and it sparked an interesting conversation. Do you find time or do you make time?

Fed up by her company deciding on her next role, she wanted to take matters into her own hands. Her focus was her own career progression within the same organisation. She realised that there was no question about finding or making time. Making time was her only option if she wanted to determine her future herself.

Michael Moran, the CEO/Founder of 10Eighty, once suggested that we’d plan our careers like our holidays. It’s only January and my team and I had probably 12 chats about the places we wanted to visit this year. There weren’t 12 conversations about how we’d like to develop ourselves career-wise in 1, 2 or 5 years. Do you have these in your team?

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How to get the most out of your time

I was really excited to give a presentation on time management to Middlesex University Dubai students this week. Managing the reading assignments, course work and holding a full-time job is a true challenge. No wonder they wanted to learn how to maximise the 24 hours we all have available.

This presentation came at the righttime. My own week has been a crazy busy and crazy good week for me. My team at work is entering its hot period and there’s still so much to prepare. Sometimes, I wish I could work more but that’d be at the cost of my private life. And I love my private life.

Over the last few days, I helped my neighbour prepare for her job assessment. Hearing how well she did was a fabulous reward for the time we worked on various excel spreadsheets. A client is looking for some additional help on one of his organising projects and this morning, Tony Buzan presented his mind mapping methodology at a breakfast meeting. After tomorrow’s Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, well, 10k for us, I’ll call the spot on the couch to crash.

I’m sure you’ve jam packed weeks. Maybe not just once in a while but for you, it may have become a regular occurrence. How’re you coping with the constant adrenaline rush? And the feeling of stress? While I don’t believe you can have it all like SJP showed in the movie, how come some people seem to manage their maxed out calendars better than others.

They all are clear about what they want and what’s important to them.

What’s your goal?

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Track your time

I’m quite excited. This week, I’m giving a new workshop about time management to university students. It’s such a great initiative to support new students as they’re juggling new responsibilities: Attending class, submitting assignments on time, studying for finals, working their full-time job, raising a family and still having fun with their friends.

We all have 24 hours in the day and yet, some people just seem to be in better control of their time. What sets them apart? How do they just do it?

One activity will focus on how we’re spending our day. Did you ever review where your time goes? If not, do it for a typical week.

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Good-bye jet lag

SnowComing home after business travel is always great. New impressions can be shared and I generally can’t wait for my loved ones seeing their gifts. It’s normally some local food which we share. What better way to expand our horizon and let them be part of the trip.

My return flight from Boston yesterday followed this same pattern. I was glad the meetings were productive, and, as it snowed while I was there, I was also glad warmer temperatures were waiting for me. Sleeping through an entire flight of 12 hours (first time it ever happened!), I also got to meet “Mr. Jet Lag”.

If jet lag is visiting you, how can you say good-bye to it?

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