This memory came up recently and I wanted to touch on the importance of reflection. Not to dwell on the past but as a reminder to congratulate yourself for a job well done. To acknowledge the benefits of self-development to get the best out of yourself and your life. Reflect | Inspire | Transform!

Inspiration!

This photo recognises a major milestone in my journey. Since my kids were young, we have been a really “close team”. We were a team of three for a long time, with lots of highs and lows along the way. We have always reflected on our journey, been inspired by each other at different times and that has brought about regular transformations as we have manoeuvred through life.

Transformation!

My kids are now grown up with families of their own. They both have amazing careers and are leaving a positive footprint on all they do. The key win for me is that my kids continue to support each other through thick and thin, being there for each other without judgment, always having each other’s back. Always rising to the challenge and “giving it a go”, cheering each other on. 

So with this special reminder captured in this photo, we got to celebrate and reflect together. For me, that is the essence of family, tribe, growth mindset and success. I am so grateful that they still make the effort to stay connected on all levels including having fun on our jet skis. 

The Tools!

Often we don’t realise the tools that we share with our family, friends, and colleagues play an important part in their transformation. Helping guide them on their journey, giving them permission to interpret these tools into a form that resonates with them to help them grow and transform in their unique way.

There is no right or wrong way to travel this road of life but by keeping an open mind and giving the people we love permission to translate our tools into a language that works for them is how our future will be transformed. Reflect | Inspire | Transform

3 tips that may be helpful?

1. Continue to reflect on your journey and make adjustments along the way so that you continue to grow and pivot as the world keeps transforming
2. Trust that you are doing the best that you can and supporting others with all your heart without judgment. We are all on this journey to learn and grow, all are equal
3. Consider every opportunity that comes along, it has come along for a reason to teach an important lesson. That is when we grow the most when we are pushed out of our comfort zone. It is time to get comfortable with being uncomfortable

Would love to hear who inspires you to keep challenging yourself?

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Disruption, fear, panic and chaos continues. COVID-19 continues to dominate the global economy and “our world”. The universe has provided a space to slow down. We have become so busy that we have neglected other areas of our life. Time to stop, reset, refocus and reenergise. Are you a human be-ing or a human do-ing?

Reasons!

Equally important, nothing happens by chance, everything happens for a reason? How many times have you heard this statement over the past few months in the grip of this debilitating virus?

Furthermore, the enormity of our global and local situation is extraordinary. However this situation has created many opportunities. It is time to be creative and test out different opportunities.

Disruption!

Imagine using this time of disruption in a positive way?  Using it as a time for to stop, take a breath, refocus, reset and reenergise.
As the world almost grinds to a halt. Now more that ever we need to be creative and “think outside of the box”!

Time to stay calm!

Recently the World Health Organised (WHO) declared stress as the health epidemic of the 21st Century, based on the perceived stress and effects on society. This pandemic will further contribute to the health epidemic if we do not all do our part to mitigate this.

In reality, mental illness is the leading cause of long term sickness absence in Australia costing approximately $12 billion in absenteeism, reduced productivity and compensation claims annually.

Facts!

45 % of Australians between 16 – 85 years will suffer a mental health condition in their lifetime. That is almost every second person! The impacts of COVID-19, self isolation, quarantine, ill health and other factors will no doubt add to the current global burden.

Looking at these statistics you would be right to think that this health epidemic was the tip of the iceberg! With statistics increasing every day it was heading on an upward trajectory that was unsustainable. Humans have become so busy, stress has increased and health and productivity has been severely impacted.

Research shows that mental health issues are compounded by many factors of this fast paced world that we live in. Our world has slowed down significantly so let’s take a breath and address some of our health problems. To start to reduce our health burden and start living a healthier life. Clarity will rise from under this veil of “busyness”.

Are you a human be-ing or a human do-ing?

Have you stopped to consider if you are just going through the motions? Ticking off your check-list, your to-do list without giving much thought to what is happening in your life and with those around you? 

Having become a nation that is so time poor we have put our health at risk by just being so busy.

Busyness!

Several years ago, I was travelling through London. We were changing tubes in the underground when I recognised a lady run past us. To my amazement it was an old friend from my university days. I shouted out to her and she stopped, recognised me and came running over.

We chatted frantically catching up on all our news and suddenly I remembered that she had been running across the train platform. I quickly said “oh you best get going so that you dont miss your train”. She replied “oh thats ok, I can catch the next train as I am not in any hurry”!!

That memory has stayed with me for many years and I often reflect on that day. Sometimes I believe that being busy can become such a habit because everyone else around us is busy. Or at times it may arise from being lonely or not wanting to be seen as different. Being busy has become the norm!

“As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world,

that is the myth of the atomic age,

as in being able to remake ourselves”.

Mahatma Gandhi

Changes!

In summary, this current global pandemic has created a slowing down of life. Suddenly a time where we are being forced to slow down, refocus, reset and re-evaluate. A time where we can “remake” ourself.

Global leadership expert, writer and lawyer Robin Sharma talks about the importance of having a deep productivity protocol.  His thinking is very relevant in these current times when humans are being called upon to slow down, reset and refocus!

Sharma’s, key tips to slow down, be present are:-
– Stop saying yes to everyone
– Become a minimalist – using your energy to focus on your genius
– Simplify your life from complexity to simplicity
– Develop habits to create efficiencies
– Plan your week
– Stay positive and surround yourself with likeminded people

Time is Now!

During this period of enforced isolation and downturn, let’s search for the positives. In light of this, get comfortable with the stillness and the quiet in your mind. In addition, ask yourself what it really is that you are seeking. What is your genius? What fills you with joy and happiness?

Finally, start to explore opportunities that you were unable to consider before because of all the noise and business in your life and career. Decide if you are a human be-ing or a human do-ing?

In other words, what changes can you make to take control of your life, health and career that will create joy and happiness? Certainly, this is the perfect time to recalibrate and listen to your “inner voice” and follow your “WHY”. 

Tips to be kind to yourself in all this chaos:-
– Practice self care every day, even if it is reading your favourite book for 30mins
– Enjoy 10 minutes of fresh air and sunshine even if it is only in your garden
– Start listing all the things in your life that no longer serve you and get rid of them and replace with things that resonate in your heart.
– Be kind to yourself and others
– Create in your mind what your perfect day looks like and write it down. Project your thoughts to help create a better situation
– We all have choices!

Till next time, stay strong, healthy and keep a flexible mindset to change and explore different thinking..

Would love to hear your thoughts?

The post Are you a Human BE-ing or a Human DO-ing? appeared first on Joan McEwan.

These 7 habits are:-

1. Be proactive
2. Begin with the end in mind
3. Put first things first
4. Think win-win
5. Seek first to understand and then be understood
6. Synergise
7. Sharpen the saw

Covey’s 7 habits are classics and have stood the test of time having first been created in 1970. Having been a follower of Covey since my university days, I have followed these habits as I have travelled on my journey. As a result I have always found that my productivity increases when habits are created!

Back to Basics!

For many of you who know me, know that I prioritise the basics. I firmly believe that when you focus within and start to understand who you are and what your purpose is, that sets your foundation for habits. Consequently, this enables you to be clear on your message. It sets the scene to develop your fulfilment and happiness.

Also, I believe we all want to be inspiring in our own way whether it is professionally or personally.  To become inspiring we need to develop the ground rules. We need to truely understand who we are! As a result it builds momentum and amplifies energy to fuel inspiration.

My 3 main components to amplify energy and become inspirational are:-

1. Nurture: The Inspiring Leader must embrace self care strategies to be nurtured. Be courageous and demonstrate to colleagues that you can make a difference
2. Nutrition: The Inspiring Leader is 100% committed to nurturing their body and soul. They must be unstoppable and measure their goals regularly to ensure they are on their chosen trajectory to success
3. Capacity: Is evaluated and realigned with current needs and requirements. Capacity is measured by what you are currently taking on! Is this a realistic load? Does this load result in achievements, and the ability to inspire future leaders. They can do anything!

Interconnected!

Hence, during this journey your awareness becomes profound both on a mental, physical and emotional level. Acceptance occurs when you can measure your status and make clear and proactive choices. When you gain deeper insight into the linkage between the mental, physical and emotional realms, this deepens your self belief. 

Therefore, all these components are all interconnected. They all play a part to create the foundation for the Inspirational leader. Most noteworthy, they feed the soul. Amplifying energy to maintain and accelerate the motivation.

Exuding high energy levels is magnetic. Drawing others to you for different reasons. For some it may be to recharge themselves or to gain some inspiration or for others it may be to “be a clone” of you. Everyone wants a piece of your magnetism.

Finally, whatever the reason, when we come from a high energy state we contribute to making our world and our environment a better place. A happy and healthier place. 

2020 – A New Decade!

Hence, 2020 is the start of a new decade and this year is specifically around self care and health. It’s about living in the present moment and doing what feels right for you. About taking personal responsibility. Develop a plan and insert habits to maximise results.

This is the driver to fulfilment, happiness, success and sustainability in this rapid paced world we live in.

Have you got your plan up and running to make 2020 your best year yet?

Would love to hear how your thoughts?

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Self approval and acceptance produce positive change for everyone who wants to make a difference and to leave a legacy. It first starts with knowing and understanding self. To nourish and feed the body, mind and soul creates balance, fulfilment and possibilities. 

What the Research tells us?

Science can now show that the link between our beliefs, emotions and memories influence our mental and physical health. Research is showing that emotions and thought patterns can attribute to imbalances in the body. Their are connections between what is going on in your head, heart and body. When their are imbalances it leads to dis-ease within the body.

Scientists now know that when emotions are suppressed, health is influenced and links to chronic disease. So it makes sense when we understand that the mind – body connection happens simultaneously on a physical and chemical level.

How we think!

A belief, attitude or an emotion will evoke a specific chemical in the body, which may affect systems in the body and this is how the body and mind communicate. These chemical messengers are known as neurotransmitters or hormones.

For example, people suffering form an anxiety episode will automatically release an increase of stress hormones in the body, which may in turn deplete the immune system. This weakens or creates an imbalance and a dis-ease in that organ. It becomes less efficient and may impact other organs as a result.

Similarly, the way we think and feel can contribute to the state of dis-ease in our body. Holding onto painful emotions can lead to anxiety and depression. This creates imbalance in the body and upsets the natural healing ability of the body.

Author Louise Hay stated “we are each 100% responsible for all our experiences… every thought we think is creating our future…. when we really love ourselves, everything in our life works”. Louise said ” Love is the answer to healing of any sort”.

Combine the science with the practicalities and it seems that as humans we can chose to create a successful life by having a healthy body and mind. Neglecting part of the equation causes the body and mind to become misaligned and dis-ease sets in. This impacts the way we think, act and function.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stress has been classified as the health epidemic of the 21^st century. This is an indication that society is not as balanced as it could be to bring about positive change to the degree required.

Whats the Point?

So the point is, it starts with you, understanding yourself!  If you nurture your, body, mind and spirit, you will function from a place of balance, clarity and abundance. Effortlessly with ease and flow. Having more energy and less dis-ease, creates more efficiencies.

To be the modern servant leader who leads with heart and mind. A mind, body and spirit connection is required that is integrated and balanced.

Inner work must be at the forefront of your vision. When you take care of yourself the rest of your plans just fall into place. Building a strong foundation is critical to gain the best results for you, your team, family and friends. 

Do you need to make changes? Some questions to ask yourself:-

1. Where are you at in your life at this moment in time?
2. How healthy are you – what is your health status?
3. Are your finances healthy?
4. How healthy are your relationships with friend, family, colleagues, wife, husband etc

A new Decade

As we arrive into 2020, this new decade! This year starts with a focus around your core values – health / wealth / finances / Career /Life. Time to operate from a more enlightened perspective. A time to dream your dream, believe in it and trust!

What is it that you need to change to start 2020 in the most positive expression yet? What do you need to do to integrate your body – mind connection to improve your health both mentally, emotionally and physically?

Ask yourself “do you want positive change in your life”? If you do then it starts with a shift in mindset as self approval and self acceptance produce positive change! Time to be present and reap the rewards..

 It’s the small steps that you take now that will make a huge difference to all aspects of your life.

Would love to hear your thoughts?

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Your body is your temple! Buddha once said “To keep the body in good health is a duty…..otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear”.

However, good health is about integrating body, mind and soul. Paying attention to each element to create balance and harmony. It is like a car engine that has just been serviced, it just hums! That is how our body should feel when we are on top of our game. Above all, Your body is your temple!

Self Care!

Self care is mandatory to nurture your “temple” if you expect your body and mind to delver on your gruelling work life.

Recently a client said to me “I am just too busy to do the self care stuff, I am doing ok, I am meeting my objectives, I feel ok”. That got me thinking! Yes I believe we can punish our bodies and minds for a period on the premise that we are just too busy with work. We trick our minds into thinking we have got this! We know what we are doing and we dont need to worry about self care.

Simple tell tale signs that our body is struggling: –

– Difficulty sleeping, erratic sleep or insomnia
– Poor appetite, living on high processed and high sugar diet
– Gastro-intestinal disturbances such as constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and reflux

Successful People!

When you look at successful people, most of them pay close attention to their diet, sleep patterns and exercise regimes. You cannot get maximum efficiencies from your body and mind without investing in the basics. We refer to this as holistic management of the body, mind and spirit.

Research demonstrates that when you balance these three components, your body’s vibrations increase, which allows the body to be healthier and less prone to illness and disease. When operating at this higher vibrational level, awareness is increased and endless possibilities present themselves.

Forbes says when you invest in yourself: –
– You become what you think
– Treat your body with care and nourish it with what it needs
– Listen to your body
– Observe your thoughts
– Choose yourself first

What are your 3 daily rituals that care for your body and soul?

Would love to hear how you support your “temple”?

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When people start discussing how to create opportunity when leveraging holistic principles I see people do the “eye roll”. However, today I thought it would be useful to expand on this. For instance, we all know that when we eat clean, healthy food and drink chemically free water we feel better. In addition, add in exercise, mindfulness or meditation to allow our body to reduce its stress and toxin load. This then creates a space to allow the body and mind to rejuvenate.

Create Opportunities through mindfulness

For instance current research by Yale describes mindfulness as a game changer for Leaders! In addition, they have identified that chronic stress can cause a loss of brain volume, after that leads to impairment both emotionally and functionally.  With this in mind lets get back to the basics. Lets look at a scenario where we are in a high stress job for a prolonged period of time. As a result we become fatigued, exhausted, health starts to suffer, poor sleep patterns emerge and we comfort eat. Finally we become anxious and begin to doubt our ability to perform adequately in our career or life!

Does this sound familiar?

Create Opportunities through Diet and Lifestyle

To break this self destructive cycle, you can start by reviewing your diet and lifestyle gradually. Begin with eating 3 nutritious meals a day with healthy snacking of nuts in between meals. Begin with removing the processed food from your diet. Drink at least 3 litres of filtered water a day (more if you are sweating excessively). Add in daily exercise even if it is only for 15 – 20 mins and a good belly laugh!

Create Opportunities through Mindfulness

This is the beginning but when you incorporate mindfulness into this new habit you go to the next Level. Simon Sinek refers to the process where great leaders or organisations, identifying their key purpose needs to start with their WHY! Simon believes that this inspires and motivates their teams. It encourages greater communication and explains their reason for why anyone should care. When this occurs, it instils a culture with “purpose driven work” that creates a continuous cycle of improvement.

Create Opportunities – The 5 Steps to get Ahead

Finally when we pull this all together, we find that there are 5 key steps to be more effective:- 
1. Conduct a Personal assessment
2. Development what is it that I am here to do / my purpose
3. Self Empowerment starts with decluttering what is not necessary in our head and remove all obstacles
4. Personal action and growth plan – a vision board
5. Live your purpose and start with the end in mind

Holistic Principles Assist in Success

In conclusion people who achieve great things in there life are more likely to apply holistic principles. Above all, it keeps you health both mentally and physically. In other words you have greater energy, clarity, motivation, drive confidence and belief in yourself. This is the basis to create a successful future. Read More

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How do we know when our perceptions are being detrimental to our growth? Our Perceptions can hold us back if we do not recognise them and look to align them to our values. Consider identifying your perceptions and align them to your values, this will let you identify areas you can improve on.

Recently I read an article in the Harvard Business Review . It talked about the unseen barriers to women rising in the corporate world. I identified “unseen barriers” as our perceptions.

In summary, they talked about it being all good and well to set aspirational goals for women in leadership roles! Develop training and mentoring programs to support them however management are frustrated at the lack of results gained from these programs. The question still remains how can perceptions be changed?

Perceptions can create confusion!

Becoming a leader involves more than obtaining a leadership role and acquiring more skills. Being a leader involves a shift in your identity which involves changing your perceptions. I related this to a recent situation when a friend invited me to join her at a Spiritual church event.

Initially I was hesitant. My perception was that it “wasn’t “my cup of tea”. Trying to find any excuse not to go, then I reminded myself of my commitment to myself this year! This year I have committed to trying new experiences to expanding my knowledge, mindset and life in general.

Experiences can change Perceptions

I was met with friendly, open and accepting people at the spiritual church, despite not knowing any of them they welcomed me. The event was full of interesting people, discussions and activities. As a thought leader it certainly allowed me to expand my thinking around the topics discussed.
Key observations from that evening were that no matter how different we think we are from others or how we perceive others to be we are all similar. We are all looking for ways to improve our life, health and wellbeing whether it be on a physical, emotional or mental level. That night my perception of these people changed and almost immediately I felt a shift in my thinking. 

Align personal values to your Perceptions

I believe these are the fundamental building blocks to build a successful and fulfilled life. You need to understand yourself and your values. Imperative that you respect yourself and others before you can truely be successful and fulfilled.

When you understand your own values, this can prevent your perceptions being distorted and being detrimental to your growth.. Learn more about how to create a change in your perceptions to Show Up and Lead through times of change.

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